By Alan on Sep 15 in Blog tagged America, Ann Romney, businessman, Christian, Family, Father, future President, hard work, husband, leader, Mitt Romney, needs, patriot, real american, The Family, wise | 3 Comments

See The Mitt We Know!

A REAL AMERICAN

HUSBAND,

FATHER,

FAMILY,

BUSINESSMAN,

LEADER,

PATRIOT,

CHRISTIAN,

AND FUTURE PRESIDENT!

For The Family

By Alan on Aug 09 in Blog tagged great vision, see danger from afar, soar like an eagle, the eagle has great vision, the way of an eagle, wise | Comments Off

Eagles are among the most amazing creatures that God has created.

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea four which I know not: the way of an eagle in the air. …” (Prov. 30:18–19)

.

The higher the eagle soar, the higher it flies. We can soar like an eagle. …

Dare to think like an eagle and soar above the storms of life.

Or, just think that you could never be like him. And so the changeling eagle never gave it another thought. And he died thinking he was a turkey.

Eagles are wise — they are careful to avoid danger. Eagles have been noted as symbols of strength, bravery and courage — and proud independence — from the earliest of times.

The eagle is noted for its great vision. But what about you and I? Are we like the eagle in being able to “behold afar off” in the distance? Do we have spiritual “vision”?  Solomon wrote, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, HAPPY is he” (Prov. 29: 18).   He also wrote, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Prov. 22: 3).

This lesson is so important, that God had it recorded twice for our reflection, meditation, and instruction. We read again:

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on” — go on their way, merrily and blithely unaware of the danger and peril that is rushing upon them — “and are punished” (Prov. 27: 12).

The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.

Eagle Scouts have an Oath and Promise:

“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

May this be our Promise, also.

“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” Ps. 55: 6

Chuck Tate
For The Family

By Alan on Jan 30 in Blog tagged beware, dark, drugs, eyes, happiness, Jesus, light, sheep, warning, wise, wolf | Comments Off

Beware of the Evil behind the Smiling Eyes

As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We will then see evil for what it is.

(Adapted from a great talk by Neil L. Anderson)

Families,

Across the world we see your goodness. I pray that you will feel that my words are personally for you, children of God, working hard to do what’s right.

I’d like to tell you of an experience of a faithful Latter-day Saint who is a good friend of mine. I’ll refer to him only as “my friend” for reasons you will understand.

Working as a special agent for the FBI, my friend investigated organized crime groups transporting illegal drugs into the United States.

On one occasion, he and another agent approached an apartment where they believed a known drug dealer was distributing cocaine. My friend describes what happened:

“We knocked on the door of the drug dealer. The suspect opened the door, and upon seeing us, tried to block our view. But it was too late; we could see the cocaine on his table.

“A man and a woman who were at the table immediately began removing the cocaine. We had to prevent them from destroying the evidence, so I quickly pushed the drug suspect who was blocking the door to the side. As I pushed him, my eyes met his. Strangely, he did not appear angry or afraid. He was smiling at me.

“His eyes and disarming smile gave me the impression that he was harmless, so I quickly left him and started to move toward the table. The suspect was now behind me. At that instant, I had the distinct, powerful impression come into my mind: ‘Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes.’

“I immediately turned back toward the suspect. His hand was in his large front pocket. Instinctively I grabbed his hand and pulled it from his pocket. Only then did I see, clutched in his hand, the semiautomatic pistol ready to fire. A flurry of activity followed, and I disarmed the man.”

Later, in another case, the drug dealer was convicted of murder and boasted that he would have also killed my friend had he not turned around at that very moment.

I have often thought of the communication that came into his mind: “Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes.” This is what I want to talk to you about tonight.

Let’s begin with what we know. Good comes from God; evil comes from the devil. They are not, however, equal forces that are fighting each other in the universe. At the head of all that is good is the Christ—He who is the Only Begotten of the Father, who created our world and numerous others. Our Redeemer is a resurrected and perfect being. I know He lives.

The devil, on the other hand, “persuadeth men to do evil.” “He [has] fallen from heaven, … [has] become miserable forever,” and now works “that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” He is a liar and a loser.

The power of the Savior and the power of the devil are not truly comparable. On this planet, however, evil has been allowed a position of influence to give us the chance to choose between good and evil. The scripture says: “God gave unto man that he should act for himself. [And] man could not act for himself … [unless] he was enticed by … one or the other.”

The choice between good and evil is at the very heart of our experience on earth. In the final review of our lives, it will not really matter if we were rich or poor, if we were athletic or not, if we had friends or were often forgotten.

We can work, study, laugh and have fun, dance, sing, and enjoy many different experiences. These are a wonderful part of life, but they are not central to why we are here. The opportunity to choose good over evil is precisely why we are here. ^{2 Nephi 10:23}

Not one of us would say, “I want to choose evil.” We all want to choose the right. However, the choice of good over evil is not always easy, because evil frequently lurks behind smiling eyes. Listen to these warnings:

“Take heed … that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God.”

“Ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you.”

“Satan hath sought to deceive you, that he might overthrow you.”

The message is: Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes!

I have known a few young men who began with every intention to stay firm in their loyalty to the Savior but who slipped from the path because they did not see the evil behind eyes that appeared quite harmless. They saw the fun, the pleasure, the acceptance, but they did not see the other consequences.

How, then, can we discern the evil behind something that doesn’t appear evil?

You already know the answers, but here are a few thoughts:

First, talk to your parents. Does that sound like a revolutionary idea? We fathers know we are far from perfect, but we love you, and along with your mothers, have a deep interest in your choosing the right.

Next, follow the prophet. These 15 men we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators are given divine power to see what we sometimes do not see. President Hinckley has given us clear and specific counsel about the evil behind the smiling eyes. And you have the inspired guidance in the booklet For the Strength of Youth. As you apply President Hinckley’s counsel, the Lord has promised that He “will disperse the powers of darkness from before you.” You will see the evil behind the smiling eyes, and its appeal will leave you.

Very importantly, let the Holy Ghost be your guide. The Lord has promised us that as we live righteously, the still, small voice will come into our mind and into our heart. You have felt this influence. You know this voice.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is a spiritual gift. It is sensitive and will not be associated with unworthiness. You cannot offend or ignore it one day and expect it to strengthen you the next day. But as you heed its promptings and remain righteous, it will grow stronger within you. The Holy Ghost warned my friend of physical danger; the Holy Ghost will also warn you of spiritual danger.

Finally, gain your own testimony of the Savior. Pray passionately. Read the Book of Mormon when no one is watching. Take time alone to think about who Jesus really is and how His life and sacrifice are important to you.

Remember the example of the young Joseph Smith. When he lit the candle at night to read the Bible, it was because he wanted to. When he went into the grove to pray, he went alone.

As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We then will see evil for what it is.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. Words cannot describe His greatness and glory, His majesty and magnificence. He appeared with His Father to the Prophet Joseph Smith. President Gordon B. Hinckley is the prophet of God today. Brethren, we hold His holy priesthood. As we remain worthy, we will be blessed to see the evil behind the smiling eyes. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

... and Turn the World Around!

. . .  Become a Zion People!

.

Kirk Matsen
For The Family

By Alan on Jan 14 in Blog tagged achievements, bumps, death, experience, fears, feel, health, Jesus, jobs, laughter, life, lonliness, pain, pleasure, scars, share, sickness, success, tears, wise, years | 2 Comments

Life teaches a person many things that gives one experiences to make him wise.  What he or she goes throughout life with it’s many years of pleasures, pains, loneliness, success, failures, bumps, sickness, health, achievements, scars, tears, laughter, faith, fears, and death.

I have been a child, a teenager, a young adult, a soldier, a husband, an employee, an employer, a writer, a singer and performer, a businessman, a church leader, a missionary, an ordinance worker, a plumber and an electrician, and adult, a grandpa, disabled, broke, sued, hurt, lied to, kicked, laughed at, a veteran, I’ve received promotions, salary hikes, standing ovations, gold records, I’ve had M.S., sleep apnea, dreams, inspirations, embarrassments, police tickets, stitches, hiccups, nightmares, death threats, applause, heart stents, the best and worst of life.

So when a child, my wife, a son, a brother, a friend, or loved one, a student, a stranger, a phone call, a letter, a judge, a president, a celebrity or a tramp, a waiter, a hunter, the press, but especially a little grandchild comes to me and tells me how he or she feels . . . I can say…”I Know”.

By Alan on Jan 11 in Blog tagged act, action, agency, belief, care, choice, choose, common sense, decision, education, Freedom, happiness, heart, judge, judgment, life, money, risk, self, the way, think, values, wisdom, wise | Comments Off

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

O be wise; what can I say more?  Jacob 6: 12

Agency:

Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves. Agency is essential in the plan of salvation. Without it, we would not be able to learn or progress or follow the Savior. With it, we are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27).

God’s children have power to choose; they had this ability even before they were born.

In this life, people continue to have agency; even if their personal freedoms are restricted or taken away, they can choose how to feel and react. Their use of their agency determines their happiness or misery in this life and in the life to come. People are free to choose and act but are not free to choose the consequences of their actions. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow. Choices of good and righteousness lead to happiness, peace, and eternal life, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to heartache and misery.

Choices:

“The choices we make in media can be symbolic of the choices we make in life. Choosing the trendy, the titillating, the tawdry in the TV programs or movies we watch can cause us to end up, if we’re not careful, choosing the same things in the lives we live.

”If we do not make good choices in life and the media we choose, our decisions can devastate our families and pull our children away from the narrow gospel path. In the virtual reality and the perceived reality of large and small screens, family-destructive viewpoints and behavior are regularly portrayed as pleasurable, as stylish, as exciting, and as normal. Often media’s most devastating attacks on family are not direct or frontal or openly immoral. Intelligent evil is too cunning for that, knowing that most people still profess belief in family and in traditional values. Rather the attacks are subtle and amoral—issues of right and wrong don’t even come up. Immorality and sexual innuendo are everywhere, causing some to believe that because everyone is doing it, it must be all right. This pernicious evil is not out in the street somewhere; it is coming right into our homes, right into the heart of our families. . . .

Therefore,cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.  2 Ne. 10: 23

Education:

We should always work to educate our minds and our hands so we can succeed in our chosen fields. Our education should be an influence for good and our use of it should distinguish us as people of integrity. A good education will prepare us for opportunities as they come and will help us be an asset to our families, the Church, and our communities.

Wisdom:

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; with equality of being wise.• the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of such experience, knowledge, and good judgment

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; with equality of being wise.  It is the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of such experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. He also promised health, protection, knowledge, and wisdom to those who obey the Word of Wisdom.

Become Self-Reliant:

The responsibility for our social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and economic well-being rests first on ourselves, second on our family, and third on the Church. Under the inspiration of the Lord and through our own labors, we should supply ourselves and our family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life.

Good Judgment

Judgment is an important use of our agency and requires great care, especially when we make judgments about other people. All our judgments must be guided by righteous standards. Only God, who knows each individual’s heart, can make final judgments of individuals.

Debt:

One of the great dangers of debt is the interest that accompanies it. When it is necessary to incur debt, such as a reasonable amount to purchase a modest home or to complete one’s education, the debt should be repaid as quickly as possible.

”Look to the condition of your finances. Discipline yourself in your purchases, avoiding debt to the extent you can. In most cases, you can avoid debt by managing your resources wisely. If you do incur debt, such as a reasonable amount in order to purchase a modest home or complete your education, work to repay it as quickly as possible and free yourself from bondage. When you have paid your debts and accumulated some savings, you will be prepared for financial storms that may come your way. You will have shelter for your family and peace in your heart“.

Risk / Gambling:

Those who participate in risk or gambling soon discover the deception in the idea that they can give little or nothing and receive something of value in return. They find that they give up large amounts of money, their own honor, and the respect of family members and friends. Deceived and addicted, they often gamble with funds they should use for other purposes, such as meeting the basic needs of their families. Gamblers sometimes become so enslaved and so desperate to pay gambling debts that they turn to stealing, giving up their own good name.

By Alan on Jan 01 in Blog tagged advice, Be, caution, More, suggestion, think, wise | Comments Off

…..http://obwise.com

Be Who You Are!

Don’t matter  if  you’re a farmer or a super Star
What matters in life is that you be who you are.
With real eyes, realize from whence you came and
Stop seeking for riches with power name and fame.

Everybody pants goes on a leg at a time
You can take what’s yours but don’t you touch what’s mine
Take time and listen to others who need to say. . .and
Give thanks to the man when you pray

Life is for livin’ and you can take . .  if you give
But Don’t forget what you learn is what you keep
You gotta love so give your heart some time to see who’s out there
Marry the one that makes you dream when you sleep

Look for the good if you can see what you’re doin’ and never
Go back cause that’s where you’ve been . . you need to
Keep on the fire  . . your heart’s greatest desire and
Create a world for you’re next of kin.
“O be wise; what can I say more?”  Jacob 6: 12

By: Alan Osmond
Copyright (c) 2011
For The Family

By Alan on Nov 18 in Blog tagged experience, learning, truth, wisdom, wise, words | Comments Off

• My uncle Blaine sent me these.  As a Master Gardener I especially liked the first one.
• Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
• The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
• Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
• If I agreed with you we’d both be wrong.
• Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.
• A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
• You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
• Hospitality:  making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish they were.
• Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
• I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.hen tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
• You’re never too old to learn something stupid.
• Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.
• A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
• If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
• Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
• I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

Dennis

REAL Word of Wisdom:

In the Word of Wisdom, the Lord revealed that the following substances are harmful:

• Alcoholic drinks (see D&C 89:5–7).
• Tobacco (see D&C 89:8).
• Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets have taught that the term “hot drinks,” as written in this verse, refers to tea and coffee).

When people purposefully take anything harmful into their bodies, they are not living in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. Illegal drugs can especially destroy those who use them. The abuse of prescription drugs is also destructive spiritually and physically.

The Lord also declared in the Word of Wisdom that the following foods are good:

• Vegetables and fruits, which should be used “with prudence and thanksgiving” (see D&C 89:10–11).
• The flesh “of beasts and of the fowls of the air,” which is “to be used sparingly” (see D&C 89:12–13).
• Grains such as wheat, rice, and oats, which are “the staff of life” (see D&C 89:14–17).

To those who keep the Word of Wisdom, the Lord promised:

“All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

“And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

“And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them” (D&C 89:18–21).

The best course is to completely avoid the substances that the Lord prohibits in the Word of Wisdom. Those who have engaged in addictive behaviors can stop and become free from addiction. Through personal effort, strength from the Lord, help from family members and friends, and guidance from Church leaders, anyone can overcome addiction.