The Christmas Orange

At this time of year, Christmas, we often get little reminder stories about the real reason for this season. I love it because it focuses me back on our Saviour, Jesus Christ, when sometimes I'm wrapped up in other non-essentials things.

I really like this story so I thought I'd share it with those who don't have it already and again with those who do. I know there are many different versions out there but this is the one I like.

THE CHRISTMAS ORANGE

Orphanages of the early 19^th Century England were bleak and lonely places. Only very underprivileged children were sent there. Orphans were children for whom nobody cared. Children with no place to turn. Children like Sarah.

The orphanage where Sarah lived was squat, brick building with high windows and cold, stone floors. She shared a bed with seven other girls who were as destitute as she. Every day was spent working. The children tended the garden and sewed and cooked for wealthy families. They arose at dawn and worked until dark with only two sparse meals to mark the passage of the day.

Like the other girls, Sarah had nothing to call her own. Once, she had taken a discarded rag and tied a knot in the end to form a head for a makeshift doll. She carried it with her for days until it came to the attention of the orphanage master. He was a harsh man who was slow to understand and quick to anger.

Now, Sarah and the others had nothing. Christmas Day was the one time of the year when their tasks were fewer and each child received a gift. The gift was a tradition and of great worth, given by a generous and unknown benefactor. The girls could not have prized their gifts more if they had been made of gold. Each kept hers for days and sometimes weeks, protecting it, touching it and savoring it all they could. This precious, aromatic gift was and orange.

As the holiday season approached, the eager children would share in whispers their plans for their special prize. One would say, “I will keep mine the longest! I might never eat it, so I will have it forever!” Another would shake her head and say, “I will eat mine right away so it will be at its best and I won’t lose a single drop!”

Their talk was filled with how large last year’s fruit had been and how carefully they had cared for it. Sarah had slept with her orange, cradling it tenderly and securely so as not to bruise it. She could not have put her feelings into words, but she somehow felt the orange was her connection to the world beyond the walls of her gray existence.

With the orange to her cheek, she would dream of children all over the world smelling the sweet aroma of citrus and this would fill her heart with comfort and hope. It had been a long year and her dreams were faded and dim. How good it would be to have the precious gift again!

Christmas Day dawned clear and cold. The anxious children crowded into the dining hall, hoping to be among the first to reach into the orange barrel. In the excitement, Sarah was jostled by an older boy and fell into a younger child, causing the tot to cry, more in surprise than hurt.

“SARAH!” boomed the master’s voice. “I see that you have no common courtesy to wait your turn. Leave the room at once!” The muscles in Sarah’s throat tightened into a fist as she turned quickly and sped from the hall before the hot tears began. She went at once to her little corner to be alone in her anguish. A little orange is only as much as you make of it, but to Sarah it represented all she longed for and didn’t have – security, comfort, and hope for the future. How would she ever make it another whole year without the dreams?

The minutes stretched into hours before Sarah heard the soft steps of rag-clad feet returning to the dormitory. She turned her tear stained cheeks to the wall to avoid lessening the joy her friends must feel in their gifts. She would not spoil the one special day for them.

To her surprise, the girls entered silently, and Sarah turned reluctantly at the touch of a timid hand upon her shoulder. There stood little Elizabeth, her tangled hair falling over one eye, her grubby hand extended and in her palm a single section of orange. Sarah shook her head, overwhelmed at the offering, but Elizabeth pressed it into her hand then slid quickly back into the circle of girls.

Next Mary stepped forward and with an awkward hug, added a section of her orange to the one in Sarah’s trembling hand. One by one, each of the girls came forward and offered to their friend a portion of her own gift. It was all they had in the world to give, and they gave it freely – shyly at first, but with ever increasing confidence and joy.

At last, Sarah looked down into her hand through tears of a different sort- at the whole, perfect orange that the girls had made for her. Though the orange itself lasted her but a brief time that Christmas, the love it represented lasted her the rest of her life!

One might want to reread John 3:16-17 again after reading this story. Last Sunday we watched a DVD entitled "To This End Was I Born" (click on Video Recordings and then DVD) and then read Luke 2: 1-20. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. This is a great Family Home Evening and a great DVD to share with your friends and neighbors.

We have much to be thankful for, but most of all is the life of Jesus Christ who gave His for us.

The Spiritual Aspect of Political Freedom

Written by Kevin B. of "The Title of Liberty"

I have always been intrigued by the prevalence of warfare and
political content in the Book of Mormon, despite it's claim to being a spiritual rather than a historical record. When one considers the perspective of the record's primary compiler, Mormon, as a military commander, this content is not altogether surprising. However, we are told repeatedly throughout the text that the intended audience of the record is the people of our day. Further, we know that engraving space on the metal record was limited and that the contributors to the records compiled by Mormon were commanded to only write that which pertained to spiritual matters.

We can therefore conclude that the warfare and political content of the Book of Mormon have specific spiritual importance to our time.

Political Structure as a Spiritual Issue

When I first conceived the topic of my contribution to the Straight and Narrow blog symposium, the premise I had in mind was to show how political freedom had an important role on the the spirituality of citizens. However, after re-examining the lessons taught by the text, it became clear that I had it exactly opposite: The spirituality of individuals and a nation as a whole has an important role in their political freedom, and their political structure tends to be directly or indirectly determined by their spiritual integrity. In preparation for this article, I skimmed the Book of Mormon for political content and skimming to sort spiritual and political content made the correlation more obvious to me than previous times I have read the book. (See Appendix A & B below for a summary of Book of Mormon political structures and an incomplete summary of Book of Mormon political, legal and military references.)

Readers of the Book of Mormon will be well acquainted with the oft-repeated promise of prosperity and liberty to those who keep the commandments of God, and the promise of destruction to those who do not. (This promise applies specifically to the Americas, which I explore further below.) We see this concept early in 1st Nephi and throughout the text, Mormon frequently interjected his own commentary ("And thus we see that...") within the record he was abridging to reinforce this message.

Time after time, we see individuals who first rebel against the church and gospel of Christ, then second rebel against the socio-political order, either by seeking to overthrow the government to their own advantage, or by joining the Lamanite nation and inciting them to war against the Nephite nation. Always, it was the spiritual rebellion (whether on the part of a group of dissenters or a leader already in a position of power) that preceded the political rebellion and oppression.

Characteristics of Righteous Leadership

There are many examples of good political leadership offered by the Book of Mormon, listed below:

- Servants of the people

The first King Mosiah, followed by King Benjamin and his son, the second King Mosiah gives us a good example of "servant leadership."All 3 of these kings relied on their own efforts to provide for their living, not by taxation. They served as moral examples. They consulted "men of God" in political and military matters. They served on the front lines of battle when war was necessary.

- Religious liberty

Under the Reign of the Judges in the books of Mosiah, Alma, and Helaman, we see a repeated insistence of the law that there should be no religious persecution, and that men cannot be judged by the law based on his beliefs, except where his beliefs threaten the liberty of the people. We also see among the Lamanites following the conversion to Christianity of Lamoni's father, that he establishes a decree of religious liberty (and prohibition of religious persecution) to all Lamanites.

- Taxation

In contrast to the excellent example of King Benjamin, we have the example of King Noah, who taxes his people one fifth (20%) of all they produce to support himself, his wives, concubines and priests; and builds up elegant buildings and throne for himself and priests. This is noted in context of the description of Noah as a wicked king. We also have the example of the people of Limhi, who return to the original land of Lehi-Nephi and request whether the Lamanites will give them land to occupy. As a trap, the king of the Lamanites vacate some land for Limhi's people. The Lamanites impose a tax of half of all they produce, or take their lives: “a tax which is grievous to be borne . . . And is not this, our affliction great? Now behold, how great reason we have to mourn.”

(For perspective, a comparison to the current American tax system: “Tax Freedom Day,” the day of the year in which American’s earnings are their own after taxes, is April 26 for 2006, or 31.6% average tax burden, based on Federal and State income tax only. This does not include sales-based taxes, gasoline taxes, so-called "vice taxes" on cigarettes, alcohol, etc. , or government administered lotteries-- which I consider to be voluntary taxation for the stupid.)

- Slavery

Mentioned specifically as being against the law under the Reign of the Judges, and under the 200 years of peace and equality following the visitation of Christ to the Americas.

- Power and War

There are many shining examples of appropriate use of power and war (Captain Moroni, wielder of the Title of Liberty comes to mind) but I find it best expressed by Pahoran, the Chief Judge of Captain Moroni's time:

"I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in which God hath made us free.

And now, behold, we will resist wickedness even unto bloodshed. We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites if they would stay in their own land.

We would not shed the blood of our brethren if they would not rise in rebellion and take the sword against us . . . therefore . . . let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God.” (Alma 61: 9-14)

- Representative Government

Described as ideal in a world where “just men” (righteous kings after Christ’s model of servant leadership) cannot be guaranteed. This was hinted upon when the original Nephi was reluctant to become king ("...I was desirous that they should have no king,” 2 Nephi 5:18) and was reiterated by the second Mosiah, having learned from the example of King Noah:

“Therefore, if it were possible that you could have just men to be your kings, who would establish the laws of God and judge this people according to his commandments, yea, if ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you. (Mosiah 29:13)

“Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.”(Mosiah 29:16)

“And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood.” (Mosiah 29:21)

“For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God;” (Mosiah 29:22)

“And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness.”

On to the selection of leaders and laws by the people:

“Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore, this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.

And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction…” (Mosiah 29:26-27)

Book of Mormon perspective on American liberty

We know from repeated instances in the Book of Mormon that the Americas are declared by God to be a "land of promise."

We know from Nephi’s vision (1 Nephi 13) some 2000 plus years before the Declaration of Independence, that America in our time was specifically discovered and established by God-- we learn that the spirit of God wrought upon Columbus and other gentiles; “and they went forth out of captivity.” (1 Nephi 13:13)

“16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity [American colonists] did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.

17 And I beheld that their mother Gentiles [England] were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them [the War of Independence].

18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle.

19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations .”

We see these concepts came to be echoed later in America's founding documents-- such as the proclamation that God, not government, is the source of our "inalienable rights."

Lehi prophesies the New World to be a land of liberty (2 Nephi 1:6-11) – Keeping in mind Nephi's encouragement to "liken the scriptures unto us," does this not apply equally to the current inhabitants (us) as it did to the descendants of Lehi?

6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

8 And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations; for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance.

9 Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever.

10 But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them.

11 Yea, he will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten." (emphasis mine)

Secular humanism and political freedom

In chapter 30 of the book of Alma, we are introduced to an Anti-Christ named Korihor. The interesting thing to me about the encounter with Korihor is the parallels between his rhetoric and the arguments made by secular humanists. At this time, the coming of Christ had been prophesied but had not taken place.

-In Alma 30: 13 & 15, Korihor argues for Impiricism, stating that prophets could not know of anything which is to come, and that one cannot know of things they cannot see.

-In verse 14, he dismisses belief in the coming Messiah as "foolish traditions of your fathers."

-In verse 16, he characterizes religion as a crutch for the mentally weak ("it is the effect of a frenzied mind")

-In verse 17, Korihor argues for a "might makes right" system (essentially social Darwinism) which leads neatly into situational ethics: "whatsoever a man did was no crime"

-In verse 18, he promotes hedonism, rationalizing that immoral acts had no consequence, as he claimed there is nothing after death.

-Further, in verse 23, he claims that religion is a mechanism to keep the people in ignorance and usurp power and authority over them. He follows this in verse 24 with the claim that religion is a form of bondage, that keeps people from free thought.

The people rejected his rhetoric and turned him over to the law. When presented to Alma, the Chief Judge of the time, he attempted to argue that this integration of church and state was a form of oppression on the people. Alma rebutted to Korihor with the reminder that both the judges and the priests earned their own livings, independently of their church or civil service.

Korihor's rhetoric would be echoed later by others who conspired to overthrow the government.

Again, the interesting thing to me about this encounter is how closely the rhetoric of Korihor the Anti-Christ matches the rhetoric of today's rabidly vocal minority, the secular humanist left.

Secret combinations then and now

Political, religious and economic conspiracies are referred to in the Book of Mormon as "secret combinations," and this is the 4th most frequent topic in the text, behind only the topics of Christ, missionary work, and warfare. This should be an indicator of the importance of being aware of them and keeping them out of our society.

We learn in Mormon chapter 8 that the Book of Mormon would come in a time “when there shall be great [spiritual] pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. . . Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.” Mormon 8:31,32

Moroni has our time shown unto him and “knows [our] doing;” he condemns those who “build up . . . secret abominations to get gain” warns that “the sword of vengeance hangs over you.” (Mormon 8:35, 40, 41)

Moroni, speaking directly to our time, warns us again in Ether 8:

"...[W]hatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people." (Ether 8: 22-25)

The remedy for political malady

Thus far we have established that, according to the lessons of the Books of Mormon, that political freedom is tied to the spiritual integrity of the peoples of a nation and their leaders. We have seen some qualities of good political leadership. We have explored the divine preparation for the establishment of American independence and the spiritual conditions required for the preservation of liberty. We have seen the introduction of secular humanist thought which produces dissent from righteous leadership and threatens liberty. We have seen the dangerous influence of political, economic and religious conspiracy and the direct warnings to watch out for and avoid them in our time, at the risk of our own destruction.

Seeing the parallels to all of these issues in our own time, one then might ask what can be done to offset these dangerous influences?

The Chief Judge Alma faced this same dilemma in Alma 31, when faced with the imminent dissent of the people calling themselves Zoramites, whom Alma feared would join with the Lamanite nation and incite them to war against the Nephite nation again.

His resolution? Missionary work: "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."

Is it really that simple? Unjust political conflict resolved by a little preaching? Obviously, it can't always work. There are cases where evil men simply refuse to conform to the principles of peace and liberty because those principles prevent them from obtaining the power they seek. We see repeated instances later in the book of Alma where Captain Moroni would force captured enemy combatants to choose between taking an oath to preserve peace and liberty, or death. (This solution is obviously only workable under righteous leadership.

While we may not be able to offset all evil by "the preaching of the word," it should be apparent that any hope of maintaining our political liberties is fruitless unless we can maintain a standard of spiritual integrity throughout the people in general. Our Founding Fathers recognized the Source of human liberty-- it should follow that a nation will cease to honor that liberty if it ceases to recognize that Source.

False and Foolish Democratic Promises

I just received this very concise and extremely articulate document from my father-in-law, Terry Rapp. He is a die hard conservative with an autographed photo of Ronald Reagan on the wall in his study. He felt it captures my sentiments regarding the liberal media and Democrats who are calling for conservatives to jump on their bandwagon.

I'm not sure where it came from so I can't give credit where credit is due. So if someone knows who wrote, please let me know and I will credit the author.

The Democrats new promise: "A New Direction For America - Vote Democratic"

The stock market is at a new all-time high and America 'S 401K's are back.
A new direction from there means, what?

Unemployment is at 25 year low.
A new direction from there means, what?

Oil prices are plummeting.
A new direction from there means, what?

Taxes are at 20 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?

Federal tax revenues are at all-time highs.
A new direction from there means, what?

The Federal deficit is down almost 50%, just as predicted over last year.
A new direction from there means. What?

Home valuations are up 200% over the past 3.5 years.
A new direction from there means, what?

Inflation is in check, hovering at 20 year lows.
A new direction from there means, what?

Not a single terrorist attack on US soil since 9/11/01.
A new direction from there means, what?

Osama bin Laden is living under a rock in a dark cave, having not surfaced in years, if he's alive at all, while 95% of Al Queda's top dogs are either dead or in custody, cooperating with US Intel.
A new direction from there means, what?

Several major terrorist attacks already thwarted by US and British Intel, including the recent planned attack involving 10 Jumbo Jets being exploded in mid-air over major US cities in order to celebrate the anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks.
A new direction from there means, what?

Just as President Bush foretold us on a number of occasions, Iraq was to be made "ground zero" for the war on terrorism -- and just as President Bush said they would, terrorist cells from all over the region are arriving from the shadows of their hiding places and flooding into Iraq in order to get their faces blown off by US Marines rather than boarding planes and heading to the United States to wage war on us here.
A new direction from there means, what?

Now let me see, do I have this right? I can expect:

The economy to go South
Illegals to go North
Taxes to go Up
Employment to go Down
Terrorism to come In
Tax breaks to go Out
Social Security to go away
Health Care to go the same way gas prices have gone

But what the heck !

I can gain comfort by knowing that Nancy P, Hillary C, John K, Edward K, Howard D, Harry R and Obama have worked hard to create a comprehensive National Security Plan, Health Care Plan, Immigration Reform Plan, Gay Rights Plan, Same Sex Marriage Plan, Abortion On Demand Plan, Tolerance of Everyone and Everything Plan, How to Return all Troops to the U.S. In The Next Six Months Plan, A Get Tough Plan, adapted from the French Plan by the same name and a How Everyone Can Become as Wealthy as We Are Plan. I forgot the No More Katrina Storm Plan.

A Tribute to Cyclone

On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor was innocently and mercilessly attacked by the Japanese. Here is a little update of the man people call "Cyclone". He is a wonderful man, full of life and stories. I've had the opportunity to hear many of them over the past couple of years.

Please take a moment and read this article. It doesn't, and frankly can't, do justice to the men and women like Cyclone. He is a true patriot.

Best wishes Cyclone!

Glenn Beck's Christmas Story

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to go to Beck's show at Kingsbury Hall up at the U. I really didn't know what to expect as I hadn't paid too much attention to the advertising.

Let me just say that the show was fantastic! Beck was funny, articulate, informative and inspiring. I really can't believe that he was wearing a velvet suit, though. If you have ever had one on, you definitely do not want to get hot in it.

Beck went through various aspects of what people think Christmas is all about; Shopping, Snow, Family, etc. He had shared numerous stories about his own family and their nuances. I must say, Beck sure lived in a 'nutty' house growing up, especially with his step-mother and her quacky antics. (She cut part of a new sofa off because it got in the way of her laying on the couch watching TV. Don't bother to move the TV or couch!)

He then went on to describe the meaning of Christmas to him; which is Redemption. He shared a powerful testimony of his thoughts on the Savior. He focused his comments on the death of Jesus Christ and what that meant to the world.

After this presentation, he went and changed into jeans and a shirt. Beck then proceeded to share his conversion story to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's an interesting and moving story, one that he should put into a small book. I know others would draw strength and determination from the efforts he went through in denying what was before him.

The whole stage show was full of colorful lighting, music and a nice ambiance. I highly recommend attendance if the chance arises!

Thanks Glenn Beck!

Thanksgiving

May we all be grateful and be thankful for the bounteous blessings we all are able to enjoy each day!

THE THANKSGIVING STORY

The Pilgrims who sailed to this country aboard the Mayflower were originally members of the English Separatist Church (a Puritan sect). They had earlier fled their home in England and sailed to Holland (The Netherlands) to escape religious persecution. There they enjoyed more religious tolerance, but they eventually became disenchanted with the Dutch way of life, thinking it ungodly. Seeking a better life, the Separatists negotiated with a London stock company to finance a pilgrimage to America.

Most of those making the trip aboard the Mayflower were non-Separatists, but were hired to protect the company's interests. Only about one-third of the original colonists were Separatists.

The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. At the beginning of the following fall, they had Lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower. But the harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one. And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast--including 91 Indians who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year. The feast was more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true "thanksgiving" observance. It lasted 3 days.

Governor William Bradford sent "four men fowling" after wild ducks and geese. It is not certain that wild turkey was part of their feast. However, it is certain that they had venison. The term "turkey" was used by the Pilgrims to mean any sort of wild fowl.

Another modern staple at almost every Thanksgiving table is pumpkin pie. But it is unlikely that the first feast included that treat. The supply of flour had been long diminished, so there was no bread or pastries of any kind. However, they did eat boiled pumpkin, and they produced a type of fried bread from their corn crop. There was also no milk, cider, potatoes, or butter. There was not domestic cattle for dairy products, and the newly-discovered potato was still considered by many Europeans to be poisonous. But the feast did include fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, venison and plums.

This "thanksgiving" feast was not repeated the following year. But in 1623, during a severe drought, the pilgrims gathered in a prayer service, praying for rain. When a long, steady rain followed the very next day, Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of Thanksgiving, again inviting their Indian friends. It wasn't until June of 1676 that another Day of Thanksgiving was proclaimed.

On June 20, 1676, the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving.

October of 1777 marked the first time that all 13 colonies joined in a thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one-time affair. George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few Pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the idea of having a day of thanksgiving.

It was Sara Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book.

Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale's obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November
as a national day of Thanksgiving.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.
I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next-to-last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later.

And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

Updated - Liberal media lies and distortions

Update: The Salt Lake Tribune decided after 4 weeks to publish my editorial. I've added a link to it.

I'm tired of the liberal media controlling what is said on TV and published in newspapers. More often than not, they spin the story to make Republicans look bad and Democrats look good. In conversing with a few reporters from The Salt Lake Tribune, I am even more convinced that they don't recognize their bias in their own thinking, let alone their reporting. (more on my conversations with Holly Mullen in another post)

I'm posting a piece I submitted to The Tribune for publication, because I am fairly confident that since it goes against the stated and inferred positions of the editorial board at Utah's Independent Voice newspaper, it will never see the light of day.

Here is my editorial:

Since the election, there have been many opinions and editorials published detailing how Utah was left behind because those who voted chose to stay with many Republicans and did not convert to the Democratic way of life. The Salt Lake Tribune tries to denigrate those who chose to stay true to their convictions and principles with this rejoinder, "“Utah voters stuck with those that brung 'em."

Where are the compelling and coherent arguments to '‘throw the bums out'’ just because they are Republicans? Those who acquiesce to the position of The Tribune and the national media have failed in their attempts to show one plausible reason for a needed change of party affiliation. What else do the Democrats have to say besides bring the troops home? It surely isn'’t speaking the truth regarding stem cell research in their political ads this year.

Republicans and Democrats alike have character flaws. However, Democrats look the other way and actually rally the troops when any of their own casts a long shadow over their morals. (See Mel Reynolds, Barney Frank, Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton as examples). Republicans throw their disgraceful occupants of Congress out on their backsides and seek for improved candidates to replace them. Having been a delegate this year, I saw firsthand the many character flaws that exist in my party and the much needed cleansing that needs to take place from within. That still doesn'’t mean I'’m going to change party affiliation just because people think there is an imbalance in this nation and state.

The economy is rolling right along, setting all-time highs on the NYSE. Unemployment is at an all-time low. New jobs are being created every day. Middle income families did get a tax break under President Bush. Gas prices are lowering each day; except in Utah!

Now with '‘the mandate'’, as those in the liberal press like to label it, we will have the opportunity to see what the Democrats will actually bring to the table besides their spiteful remarks and unwillingness to move off their mast which belongs to the likes of Michael Moore, Mr. Olbermann, Mr. Matthews and Ms. Streisand. Democrats will also need to disassociate themselves with fundamentally bankrupt organizations such as the ACLU, NARAL and NOW.

My guess is we will have our taxes raised to pay for all of the socialist programs that the Democrats favor; which I am still unable to find any reference to in the Constitution. We will have endless inquiries into President Bush and his administration just because the Democrats do not like the man who was elected as President. We will have continued and relentless attacks on the unborn children through the mysterious right of an abortion and we will have the endless homosexual agenda crammed down our throats. What really is the definition of safe, legal and rare? Is it over 1 million abortions a year since 1973?

Lastly, we will have unintelligible persecutions against those who believe this great and magnanimous nation we call The United States of America was established by the hand of the Almighty.

The call for change from The Tribune and others, just for the sake of change, is nothing more than drivel and an unimpressive complaint. The core of the liberal Democratic principles and values are not congruent with my principles. If the Democrats want to make inroads in Utah and other conservative places, then they will need to do a better job of convincing me that their positions are more in line with mine regarding the purpose of government and the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Dear Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

How I wish I knew who you are. It's disappointing that you roam the internet, as if you were a ghost, reading what others have to say about their beliefs and what they feel about the current environment of the land and summarily make outlandish comments about their blog. Obviously you will find sites you agree with and those with whom you disagree. That is only logical.

However, while wearing the mask of Casper, you send comments like the following,
"Utah needs more sanctimonious blogs like this. Keep up the good work. Utah has a shortage of people who are sanctimonious and full of themselves. "

I'm quite comfortable that you don't agree with my postings, as I know many won't agree with the scriptures. However, your comments have no meaning or relevance. What is so sanctimonious about them? Are the blogs who agree with your stance sanctimonious as well? That's an argument for another day.

Now I'm not sure what Anonymous is referring to as I feel my posts are fairly straightforward and True2TheFaith. Maybe Anonymous is one of those people who doesn't have a backbone and can't have a coherent discussion about eternal truths. Maybe Anonymous is one of those who used to be a believer and now has found the intelligent side of his brain and follows the philosophies of men. I don't know.

What I do know is that I will never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings therein.

So Anonymous, please step forward and reveal yourself. Don't be Casper all of your life. Step out from behind the curtain so we will all know who you are. If you are confident in your positions, you shouldn't feel the need to stand behind Anonymous.

Anonymous is for people who have no true convictions and prefer to denigrate those with whom they disagree.

Woe unto them....

There seems to be so much confusion these days about what is right and what is wrong. I watched a movie the other day when the two characters were arguing about "right and wrong" or "black and white". It was interesting how one character was trying to tell the other one that the world is gray, not black and white. And the character who was in the right corrected him by saying that it is right versus wrong, not black versus white. I couldn't agree more with that analagy.

Way back in the good ol' Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah had this insightful prophecy concerning right/wrong; black/white,

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:20-21

Could there be any truer words about today's social calamities? People are running here and there saying the sky is falling. People are completely polarized regarding issues because one man named George W. Bush is in office. They can't even see straight because of their hatred towards him.

In today's world, one doesn't even have to speak the truth. Only opinion matters and is presented as fact. Just look at all of the negative editorials, op-ed's, blogs, TV commentators etc. that denigrate Pres. Bush. They hate him with all their being and set out daily to try to destroy what is good. Just look at one days news cycle and you will know what I am writing about.

The crowds at NBC, CNN, CBS and ABC are all seeking to destroy Pres. Bush and all that is good in the country. There isn't enough space to detail all of their preposterous arguments and formidable fairy tales spread each day. In news circles it is called "spin". And the spin that they put on the truth to try to make their arguments seem real is just down right falsehoods.

Those who walk the hallowed halls of the Capitol each day are not statesmen, but just a bunch of people who are out the support the special interest groups. When is the last time you can say that you are pleased with the actions of Congress, especially your own Senator or Representative? When is the last time you felt they represented your beliefs and opinions. I know that Senator Hatch and Senator Bennett are just out for themselves and not for the people. When did it become all about being re-elected and not what was in the best interest of the republic in which we live?

Abortion is accepted and tolerated by certain entities because we are told that the embryo isn't a human and can't live outside the womb. Well, what do you think the embryo becomes? Third trimester abortions are protected because of the life of the mother. What baby can't be delivered another few inches and be spared the murderous act being committed on it. Needless to say, I have yet to read about an OBGYN doctor who says this practice is needed to save the life and health of the mother. Maybe there is one, but the overwhelming evidence shows no need for this deplorable act.

Homosexuals are trying to make us believe that their behavior is normal and should be accepted. The saddest part of all of this is that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been duped into all the hysteria surrounding this issue under the umbrella of "acceptance and tolerance". I've read many articles where people have made comments completely contrary to the doctrines of the church and still profess to be "active" members who support the prophet. I wonder if they actually know what it means to sustain the prophet of God. Is it only on positions that we agree with? Is it on all positions? Should the prophet stay out of issues that are considered political? How will one justify actions taken against the counsel of the prophet? We all have issues but to be so blunt and outspoken against the prophet's counsel is a course I'd rather not follow. Nothing good can come from me thinking that I am smarter and wiser than the Lord's mouthpiece on the earth.

There are a whole host of other issues that society is trying to show as being good when it is pure evil. They are also trying to defeat and demean all those who are doing good in the world. Just look at a typical newscast and what do you witness for the first 10-15 minutes - everything that is wrong with the world today. How many good and uplifting stories are shown? If we are lucky, there might be one at the end of the broadcast.

Isaiah got it right when he saw our day and what a mess it would be. However, just because it is messy doesn't mean we sit on the sidelines and let those who want to be the squeaky wheel have free reign. We must stand up and ensure that good prevails. We shouted for joy at that opportunity. How are you doing in standing up for righteousness in all places and at all times? I know I can do better and will continue to strive to move the Lord's work forward, notwithstanding the strong winds of opposition.

Truth in Politics = Accountability

Early this year, I was fortunate enough to be selected as a Salt Lake County Delegate for the Republican Party. I have mingled in politics a little over the years, but nothing substantial at all. I've written and called all of my representatives, including President Bush.

I have been extremely frustrated with my party because of their lack of response to the citizens who elected them and to their having placed all common sense on the side of the road. Locally, it was a thrill to go to the Republican Convention and vote for people to represent our party.

From the night I was elected as a delegate, my phone started ringing off the hook by those who were seeking the nomination for Senate District 9. Apparently the current senator was retiring. Good thing since no one that I knew had ever received any communication from him or even knew he was our senator. (Sherrie Swensen, SL County Clerk, redrew the lines which are completely unintelligible and have no common sense to them.)

I had a couple of the people in the race come up to the house and discuss some of the issues. One kept promising that he would be coming over but never quite made it. I received a lot of literature on their stances over the next few weeks.

I sat down with Wayne Niederhauser and Bryson Garbett and discussed their politics and stances. Wayne was heavy in his slogan of Accountability. He felt that the legislature should start with a zero based budget and that the departments should have to explain the need for their expenditures. I actually think that is a great idea because I truly believe that spending is out of control and those who are in office don't know how to restrain themselves. (Notice that Congress is trying to pass a line-item veto for the President. Only those who enjoy spending others money need someone else to keep them in line)

I spoke with Bryson about his previous experience as a House Representative and how that would be effective in the senate. He also indicated that we needed to pay teachers more in order to attract the best qualified. I agree with that wholeheartedly. He also talked about the state's natural resources and how the severance tax on them was extremely low and hadn't been reviewed in years. He felt that an increase on these resources, as they left the state, would be a great way to pour more money into the schools.

Well, the convention came and went. We had 2 votes in our district to see if one of the nominees could come up with 60% of the votes, thereby foregoing a primary election. Bryson and Wayne wound up as the two who would go to the primary, with Bryson falling 2 votes shy of the 60% threshold. It was really interesting after the voting was done, when I overheard two party political hacks questioning the audacity of those in Senate District 9 and why they couldn't come up with someone getting the nomination so there wouldn't be a primary. I guess they should have sent their memo to everyone BEFORE the votes so we could vote them out.

After more research and investigation, I decided I would support Bryson at the convention and in the primary, if there was one. There was. I walked the neighborhood with Bryson one night, introducing him to my neighbors. Many said they would vote for him and a few said he could put up a sign in their yard. I thought that was cool. I even took him to meet Mike Jerman who is with the Taxpayers Association. I knew this would be a long visit because Mike really likes to talk. It was a long visit and Mike asked Bryson about his severance tax idea. Bryson explained it and Mike indicated he thought it was a pretty good idea.

The day before the election, I received a letter from Howard Stephenson, a senator from the neighboring district and used to be our senator until the redistricting mentioned above. I have had exactly 1 conversation with Howard and let's just say I wasn't impressed with his answers to my questions. In the letter that Howard sent, he noted that he was supporting Wayne. He also lambasted Bryson's idea on the severance tax. He wrote that "the economic impact of the Garbett tax increase would be devastating. Not only would it increase the already record-high fuel prices for our cars and homes, but it would hurt our competitiveness, drive up the cost of extracting Utah's natural resources and force job cuts throughout the state." He went on to say that this increase would slow our economy.

Well, needless to say, I was completely unimpressed with Howard's letter and assertions. But more importantly, I was disappointed in the politics that were going on. Howard sent his letter the Saturday before the vote; it arrived the day before the vote which allowed no time for Bryson to refute the erroneous assertions by Howard. I called Howard that night, left a message. I called again in the morning seeking a response from him. Again, I left a message. Come to find out later when Howard called me at 6:47am, under the guise of returning my call and wanting to discuss the letter, he was out of town for the past week. Howard must have put all of the letters in the mail and then boogied from the state.

Since I couldn't reach Howard, I called Wayne to see what his take was on it. He indicated that he knew about the letter and agreed with its content. He stated that our gas prices would go up with a severance tax on the state's natural resources.

Bryson lost the election which was disappointing to me. Bryson ran a clean, honest race. I also thought that Wayne was doing the same until the letter was received. At that point in time, I knew that truth in politics in our senate district was a one way street. I don't look on slamming the other guy with fondness. If you can't run on your own platform, then your platform might not be good enough and you need to make changes. (Reminds me of many days sitting in meetings at work where people couldn't make their own arguments but had to degrade someone else just to try to make themselves look good.)

So I wrote Howard and Wayne letters indicating my distaste for their politics. An interesting note is that everyone I have spoken with thus far who received the letter, thought the exact same thing as I did regarding the purpose of the letter and lack of political acumen regarding Howard and Wayne.

So far, no response from Howard. I'm sure I will never receive one knowing the kind of politician he is. Howard is a big fan of gifts from lobbyists saying that there is nothing wrong with them and that the media is to blame for the public distrusting politicians. Seems to me that there is no need for a gift from anyone to a politician unless it is to buy access or votes.

Wayne apparently left a message yesterday and wanted to talk. I'll be interested in hearing his take.

I say truth in politics is long gone, but is something that must be demanded back from the people. Too many incumbents win reelection and they have horrible voting track records. They don't respond to constituents once elected and have their ears bent by special interests. Case in point, Senator Bennett disregarded the voters of Utah and voted for the Senate's immigration bill. Senator McCain did the same thing. Calls into their offices asked them to vote no on the bill, yet they still did because that's their point of view. Senator Bennett went so far to say about his vote on the flag burning amendment, that if the state didn't like his vote they could make a change. Well, he knows that is highly unlikely, being the incumbent.

However, apathy in our great state and nation are at all-time highs. Out of 3 precincts voting where I do, only 126 people came out to vote. That's horrible and downright ridiculous.

As I said in my letter to Wayne, your slogan was Accountability, and I'm holding you accountable for those who send letters on your behalf. I don't like your politics of personal destruction and distortion. You owe Bryson and those who received the letter an apology and an explanation!

Here I Am

Well, this is a first. I've never posted anything like this before except our family web page years ago. I've had some interesting experiences over the past few months and will be addressing them individually in the near future.

A dear friend of mine has posted her poetry online to help her in her recoveries of depression and as an outlet to let others know what she is feeling. After reading a few of her publishings (Dina Gardner) and having other concerns with happenings in the world, I thought that I would create my own publishing spot and hopefully provide food for thought.

I chose the name True2TheFaith because it appears that so many people seem to be losing their way in life and straying from the straight and narrow path. The Great Deceiver is doing a wonderful job of confusing people and helping in the fulfilment of the prophesy of Isaiah where he indicated right would be called wrong and wrong would be taken for right. (Isaiah 5:20-21)

The fight between good and evil is real and is increasing in intensity each and every day. Sitting on the fence and hoping that others will do the fighting is no longer an acceptable response. Too much is at risk. This nation will only be sustained as long as those who inhabit it are true and obedient to the commandments of God.

It truly is time to stand up and be accounted for and to help others and ourselves stay True 2 The Faith!