Lenny's Blogs & Things

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:16:00 +0000

From Glenn Beck's email sent to me entitled "What's Glenn doing on December 3rd?" is this quote expressing some of my beliefs about today's political/spiritual environment today. With Major Hassan's viscous attack on his "fellow" soldiers we see that there is still a terror attack against America and Americans. He and many others are taking cover in our schools, churches, political parties, government offices and employment places. Is there any hope to escape more attacks from these Gadianton Robbers? Not without the repentance that Jesus Christ offers to all mankind.

Despite the fact he's building an underground bunker to prepare for the inevitable economic collapse (kidding, but not by much) he's also the most hopeful man on the planet. Why? Because of redemption. It's the greatest gift of all, and it's available to all.

Simple Guidance

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:53:00 +0000

2Nephi 31:4-12
"4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world.
5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.
9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.
10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?
11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.
12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do."

The Gospel proclaims how we can rise above man's weakness and perversions that are all around us. The Gospel is easy to understand if you are truly tired of wickedness and want to follow Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost guides us in our endeavors if they do not lead to wickedness and He will warn us to stay away from wrong choices if we will pray and listen and obey. The Founding Fathers followed this simple principle in their endeavors to give us a near perfect Constitution. We need to practice this path in all aspects of our life. I may be clumsy and preachy with my words but I am called to speak as best I can for our improvement as a people, and my improvement as an individual.

The Enemy Attacks from Within

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:53:00 +0000

"When we hang the capitalists, they will sell us the rope.” – Joseph Stalin

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev made the bold statement “We will bury you without firing a shot"

Communist and Totalitarian leaders made these claims numerous times. We have a President of America who gives money to foreign countries for abortions and says he does not advocate federal dollars to support abortions, in the promotion of a very unpopular social medical takeover by government. His wife, Michele Obama, said just after her husbands election; that she was never proud to be American until Barack was elected President. The President himself apologizes for centuries of American history, rewritten for this extreme and destructive agenda.

The White House is full of radical, socialist, communist, tyrannical advisers and heads of departments, many of who advocate a break from the US Constitution to a more elitist centralized control of America's population. We are being attacked regularly by extreme groups and individuals who want a violent take over of America. Congress is passing unconstitutional bills regularly, taxing heavily and retroactively making laws to punish political enemies. Emergencies are created and taken advantage, of to pass emergency legislation that government never gives up powers stolen to accomplish the destruction of the US Constitution.

Satan and wickedness are rampant in the hearts of many and look no farther than the unwillingness of many Americans to live God's Laws as advocated by most Founding Fathers. We can all blame others for the destruction going on around us. Better, we need to repent and realign ourselves with the Ten Commandments and original intent of the US Constitution as written in the Federalist Papers and other writings of the Founding Fathers.

Living in the Fulness of Times

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Living in the Fulness of Times,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 4

We have seen only the foreshadowing of the mighty force for good that this Church will become. And yet I marvel at what has been accomplished.

Our membership has grown. I believe it has grown in faithfulness. We lose too many, but the faithful are so strong. Those who observe us say that we are moving into the mainstream of religion. We are not changing. The world’s perception of us is changing. We teach the same doctrine. We have the same organization. We labor to perform the same good works. But the old hatred is disappearing, the old persecution is dying. People are better informed. They are coming to realize what we stand for and what we do.

But wonderful as this time is, it is fraught with peril. Evil is all about us. It is attractive and tempting and in so many cases successful. Paul declared:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

“Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

“Having a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:1–5).

We see today all of these evils, more commonly and generally, than they have ever been seen before, as we have so recently been reminded by what has occurred in New York City, Washington, and Pennsylvania, of which I shall speak tomorrow morning. We live in a season when fierce men do terrible and despicable things. We live in a season of war. We live in a season of arrogance. We live in a season of wickedness, pornography, immorality. All of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah haunt our society. Our young people have never faced a greater challenge. We have never seen more clearly the lecherous face of evil.

And so, my brothers and sisters, we are met together in this great conference to fortify and strengthen one another, to help and lift one another, to give encouragement and build faith, to reflect on the wonderful things the Lord has made available to us, and to strengthen our resolve to oppose evil in whatever form it may take.

We have become as a great army. We are now a people of consequence. Our voice is heard when we speak up. We have demonstrated our strength in meeting adversity. Our strength is our faith in the Almighty. No cause under the heavens can stop the work of God. Adversity may raise its ugly head. The world may be troubled with wars and rumors of wars, but this cause will go forward.

You are familiar with these great words written by the Prophet Joseph: “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

The Lord has given us the goal toward which we work. That goal is to build His kingdom, which is a mighty cause of great numbers of men and women of faith, of integrity, of love and concern for mankind, marching forward to create a better society, bringing blessings upon ourselves and upon the heads of others.

As we recognize our place and our goal, we cannot become arrogant. We cannot become self-righteous. We cannot become smug or egotistical. We must reach out to all mankind. They are all sons and daughters of God our Eternal Father, and He will hold us accountable for what we do concerning them. May the Lord bless us. May He make us strong and mighty in good works. May our faith shine forth as the sunlight of the morning. May we walk in obedience to His divine commandments. May He smile with favor upon us. And as we go forward, may we bless humanity with an outreach to all, lifting those who are downtrodden and oppressed, feeding and clothing the hungry and the needy, extending love and neighborliness to those about us who may not be part of this Church. The Lord has shown us the way. He has given us His word, His counsel, His guidance, yea, His commandments. We have done well. We have much to be grateful for and much to be proud of. But we can do better, so much better.

Freedom Calls for Repentance

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:41:00 +0000

I love Glenn Beck. He digs up a lot of truth about people and government and where we are today. I do not think he is the only voice for freedom, but is blessed with a very large and high profile stage to proclaim what he thinks is important. So far I have seen him add humor to some tragic stories of decadence and corruption. I can see what is going on (I already was seeing but had little confirmation from such high profile media), and I can see hope as he does not proclaim "woe is me" or any such hopeless message.

There is hope and we all have a guide book in the scriptures on how to correct any human error with repentance. The Bible certainly has some guidance to repentance, but the Book of Mormon shows us in context of a corrupt government how to correct things best. I also find gems of gospel teachings from the Founding Fathers, and include a quote Glenn gave on TV by Samuel Adams.

Revelations 2: 5, 16
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
• • •
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

3 Ne. 7: 16, 23-26
16 Therefore, being agrieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
• • •
23 Thus passed away the *thirty and second year also. And Nephi did cry unto the people in the commencement of the thirty and third year; and he did preach unto them repentance and remission of sins.
24 Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water.
25 Therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this ministry, that all such as should come unto them should be baptized with water, and this as a witness and a testimony before God, and unto the people, that they had repented and received a remission of their sins.
26 And there were many in the commencement of this year that were baptized unto repentance; and thus the more part of the year did pass away

Samuel Adams "Is it not high time for the people of this country explicity to declare, whether they will be free men or slaves? It is an important question which ought to be decided. It concerns us more than anything in this life. The salvation of our souls is interested in the event. For wherever tyranny is established, immoralityof every kind comes in like a torrent. It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in any country where virtue and knowledge prevail. The religion and public liberty of a people are intimately connected; their interests are interwoven, they cannot subsist separately; and therefore they rise and fall together. For this reason, it is always observable, that those who are combined to destroy the peoples liberties, practice every art to poison their morals. How greatly does it concern us, at all events, to put a stop to the progress of tyranny."

Is the President a better Golfer than Leader

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:11:00 +0000

President Barack Obama has only been in office for just over nine months, but he's already hit the links as much as President Bush did in over two years.

CBS' Mark Knoller — an unofficial documentarian and statistician of all things White House-related — wrote on his Twitter feed that, "Today - Obama ties Pres. Bush in the number of rounds of golf played in office: 24.

Took Bush 2 yrs & 10 months."

This news comes on the heels of today's news that Obama played golf with a woman — chief domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes — for the first time since taking office. President Obama has already hit the links as much as President Bush did in over two years.

President Barack Hussein Obama is an uncertain military leader. He is a failure as a representative of the America our Founding Fathers developed for him to have a free country to lead. He is a bully and mafia style leader, in a position that calls for dignity and grace as well as obedience to principles given by God to all men. No the President definitely fits the shallow level of a sports personality except that he fails there in my estimate. I want a sports figure with more integrity and principles than he has to inspire me and my family. Ezra Taft Benson said, in "Our Duty as Citizens" "...because character is the one thing we make in this world and take with us into the next. It must never be sacrificed for expediency." Our President does anything expedient to get to his goals and they are generally not the ones we are led to believe he is following.

A Communist Agenda

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:47:00 +0000

I am embarrassed by a President and his administration that have such a transparent and evil agenda. Freedom of press, speech, to bear arms, to own property, and most if not all of our liberties are being trashed as is the US Constitution by the power brokers of Washington DC. Our troops are being sacrificed as a reluctant and unsure POTUS fails to be responsible to his first and sacred duty of defending America and supporting the troops he has sent to war. Is it really our place to force anybody to be governed as we say they should? We should get out of other peoples business or at least fight a war to end the fighting not a perpetual conflict as a police action. America will suffer the same with other nations troops telling us what to do soon. That appears to be the treasonous plan of the current administration. What do you expect when we are in debt to our enemies and our convoluted alliances are not at all reasonable? You better do your job Mr President and quit posturing and crying about Fox News who does have your number and is reporting about your Communist agenda.

Beware of Pride

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:11:00 +0000

The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness. (See Alma 7:23.) It is the broken heart and contrite spirit. (See 3 Ne. 9:20; 3 Ne. 12:19; D&C 20:37; D&C 59:8; Ps. 34:18; Isa. 57:15; Isa. 66:2.) As Rudyard Kipling put it so well:

The tumult and the shouting dies;
The captains and the kings depart.
Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
(Hymns, 1985, no. 80.)

God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. Alma said, “Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.” (Alma 32:16.)

Beware of Pride, an Ensign Article
by President Ezra Taft Benson

Cleansing the Inner Vessel

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:03:00 +0000

This is a wonderful example of a Prophet's call to repentance. I have taken this call personally and for my family and at Church, and I believe that it fits our nation and it's current desperate need to be better than we are. We are a decadent and proud nation. The humble people of this world want to be pure and close to God. America needs to take it's place as a leader back to righteousness and a purity that allows a closeness and guidance that comes from God. The Gospel is pure and simple and is understandable by most people today. The Holy Spirit will guide us, but will not stay in a dirty vessel.

"As I have sought direction from the Lord, I have had reaffirmed in my mind and heart the declaration of the Lord to “say nothing but repentance unto this generation.” (D&C 6:9; D&C 11:9.) This has been a theme of every latter-day prophet, along with their testimony that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God."

"Repentance was the cry of our late and great prophet, Spencer W. Kimball. This theme permeated his talks and the pages of his writings, such as his marvelous book The Miracle of Forgiveness. And it must be our cry today, both to member and to nonmember alike—repent."

"Watchmen—what of the night? We must respond by saying that all is not well in Zion. As Moroni counseled, we must cleanse the inner vessel (see Alma 60:23), beginning first with ourselves, then with our families, and finally with the Church."

"A prophet of God stated, “Ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow … until the good shall overcome the bad.” (Jacob 5:66.) It takes a Zion people to make a Zion society, and we must prepare for that."...............

"With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings. For example, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.” (D&C 112:10.) The humble will “be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge.” (D&C 1:28.) The Lord is “merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts.” (D&C 61:2.) Humility can turn away God’s anger. (See Hel. 11:11.)"

Cleansing the Inner Vessel, an Ensign Article
by President Ezra Taft Benson

Louis Stradling, a Man of God and a Patriot

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:49:00 +0000

I met a son of one of the great patriots I have known. I met this son at the Mesa Arizona Temple, serving as a true Patriot would. Louis Stradling is the Father, and I met him when I was inspired to study the US Constitution. Louis and Earl Taylor were teaching in the upstairs classroom at the Stradling's Cabinetry Shop. I seem to remember a supply of food storage things in that classroom also.

Louis is a man of great vision who understands that finances do count and need to be used conservatively and wisely. Wisely and conservatively could mean balancing the budget and not incurring debt. Since his leaving the Mesa, Arizona city council, I do not believe the books have truly balanced since he left, and yet while he served Mesa citizens the books did balance and there were no expenditures without money to cover the expenses. You can read some of his wisdom in this article about the United Nations Charter compared to the US Constitution. I am happy to know such great men have lived and many sons and daughters are carrying on their parent's great traditions.

God Governs In The Affairs Of Men

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:22:00 +0000

"And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this Truth, that God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a Sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?"

-- Benjamin Franklin (Motion for Prayers in the Constitutional Convention, 28 June 1787)

Sunday Activities

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:22:00 +0000

Sunday is a chance to serve in my calling at Church and renew my covenants with the Lord. I can enjoy Prayer, Sacrament, the Scriptures and Music. Music especially is refreshing and I can be rejuvenated by listening the right songs and artists. I grew up listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and they have continued to offer the very best in uplifting music. Fasting can be a wonderful part of the day and can add focus to problems as well as requesting and receiving added power from the Holy Ghost. Today being the first Sunday after General Conference I certainly feel blessed to have the time and tools I have to share with others of my many blessings.

An Orchestrared Collapse is Here

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Are the administration all idiots & stupid or do they really want America to loose wars and value to its currency till it collapses? I am pretty sure they were giving hints that they do in fact want a collapse and restructure outside the US Constitution to Communism. A New World Order does mean just that, a new way of ruling the masses and heavy taxation of all to support an elite ruling body. Many don't want to believe what they actually see and understand for FEAR. Not believing will not change enslavement to our accepted fate. We really do have ways to fight and improve our chances to survive and it involves repentance and change, study and work.

I have had to overcome addictions at several times in my life. Life is full of challenges and traps and I am prone to get trapped. Always the way out for me has been 1) Prayer for strength, courage and knowledge, 2) Repentance and change away from destructive behaviors, 3) Knowledge and study about options and solutions to my problems, 4) Working through the newly found courage repentance gives and knowledge that prayer and study gives.

I believe that America has become addicted to bad and destructive ways. Greed and selfishness has led us to follow the promises of the dishonest and evil usurpers. We cannot follow bad means to a good end. We must stop, change and work out of the mess we are in. The mess is moral, spiritual, financial, and physical, and leads us to destruction. It is prophesied in the Scriptures and by the Prophets. We are really fortunate to be the ones chosen to come forward at this time to help solve the mess. We have the tools and courage if we tap into God and the Natural Laws he gives us to follow.

Presidential Responsibilities/Letter

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:47:00 +0000

Honorable Mr. President Obama,

I pray for you to be inspired to do the job of a President of the United States of America. You claim to be a student and teacher of Constitutional Law. You are so clearly going against the US Constitution that IF the special knowledge is true , you certainly learned it to destroy the country you promised and swore to defend and protect. Your first responsibility as the nation's leader and commander in chief is to handle the Military matters in a professional and safe manner. You should not make public the arguments you are having with your chosen leaders of a police action that should be called the war in Afghanistan; if the congress would do it's job.

Congress has given up it's power and authority so please just show some leadership and ask all to follow the Constitution and YOU need to study and follow it for sure. As you know the authority you take from others makes you responsible and you sir are not qualified for many responsibilities you are usurping. Your actions to take my personal freedoms as well as from all people of America, makes the least sense. In this you sin against God and Nature's Laws that you claim to honor. Please repent and stop in this murderous misuse of the office you have borrowed from the people of this United States of America.

We are not the worlds police so need to extricate ourselves from all such actions and call any other justified action as a War, with Congress being the only legal branch of US government to proclaim a war. I am sure as a former soldier serving in Germany and America, that we are not acting in a reasonable way with reguard to all our posts worldwide with more money and personnel than we can support spread over everyone else's land and business. This has been going on for all my life and several generations longer.

You cannot and should not force people to be good, kind, or any specific way politically. God gave Cain the choice to live as he liked and to pay for his sins when he chose to be a murderous bully. How are we greater than God in forcing our weak and feeble perceptions of fairness and justice on others? Americans cannot agree on what is right so the ruling party needs to stop forcing their pet projects and theories on everybody else.

GG'Z Notes: Salt

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:44:00 +0000

SALT

Len, just the first stuff I've written about salt. I'm working on a book review of the book with that title. Excuse the underlines, and other editing stuff. GG (LennyHarp has a Mom)

In Matt 5:13 Jesus tells his followers, "Ye are the salt of the earth: if the salt has lost its savor, it is worth nothing but to be cast out." I sense this nation founded upon Christian principles has lost this special savor.

In religion

According to Strong's Concordance, there are forty-one verses which reference salt in the English translation of the King James Bible, the earliest being the story of Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobediently looked back at the wicked cities of Sodom (Genesis 19:26). When King Abimelech destroyed the city of Shechem he is said to have "sowed salt on it;" a phrase expressing the completeness of its ruin. (Judges 9:45.) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus referred to his followers as the "salt of the earth". The apostle Paul also encouraged Christians to "let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6).

Despite what modern education and the media tell us, the United States was founded upon Christian principles. We learn that people disobeyed rules from the very earliest times (Cain and Abel) and the Pilgrims had to construct their public places where law-breakers were punished – then we built jails. Even the criminals realized there were consequences for breaking the law. But that basic premise has changed and more concern is shown for the criminals than for the victims. Salt can lose its saltiness (its flavor) if it is left out in the air as was done before air-tight containers were used to store it. I'm concerned the United States has lost its savor – its Christian saltiness.

Not very many of us shun unChrist-like behavior. We loudly proclaim we are Christians, and attend our worship services faithfully. But we accept behavior that no Christ follower would participate in; we accept it in the name of letting everyone "do his own thing." We tell ourselves that is the "tolerant" thing to do. There is a big difference between acceptance and tolerance but a short distance in our use of the terms.

We can learn from the OT that when the Israelites' behavior became so decadent and corrupted because they accepted behavior of the society around them, God left them to their own devices. In Judges 21:25 ". . . there was no king (leader) and every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (our modern phrase "Do your own thing") They constantly fluctuated back and forth to and from God.

I recently began to ponder the properties and history of salt. I am amazed at what I have found. A great book to read is Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlasky. Salt was the basis of the world economy until into the 20th Century when oil became more important to the world. They were drilling through a salt dome in Texas when this sticky black stuff came out and someone decided to store it – this was oil from Spindletop the largest oil find in the US!

Salt was the original reason for the trade routes we now call the Silk Road. We've all seen the pictures of camels loaded with merchandise. They first carried salt and still do in the Sahara along the mountain routes; in the 1960s caravans transported some 15,000 tons of salt. The harvest of salt from the earth's surface dates back to China at least to 6,000 BC, making it one of the oldest verifiable saltworks. Many cities are named because of their nearness to the saltworks. Salzburg in Austria, Galicia in Spain, English towns that end with the suffix 'wich,' and many more in all countries.

From about 2800 BC, the Egyptians began exporting salt fish to the Phoeicians in return for Lebanon Cedar, glass, and dye; the Phoenicians traded Egyptian salt fish and salt from North Africa throughout their Mediterranean trade empire. Those trade routes have been named “The Silk Road” because they began to carry the other needed products and then the luxury items such as silk, spices, wines, and other precious commodities.

Salt has caused wars throughout history, much as oil has in our time. History is full of examples of governments imposing taxes on salt resulting in rebellions – Gandhi's famous revolt against Britain which lead to independence for India, the French Revolution, European wars, the American Revolution, our Civil War, and more. Opposing armies always tried to interrupt the delivery of salt to troops.

Properties of salt: Preserves and flavors. The preservation of meat we call jerkey has been used for millennia. Humans learned to can and freeze food only in the last 200 years but in all of history salt was the best preservative.

Our bodies need salt – note the hospitals giving a saline solution to balance the body's system, often before they even know the results of lab reports. In my chemo treatments they give a saline solution between the different chemicals – the chemo “cocktail” only becomes a cocktail when it mixes in my bloodstream. In cooking most recipies require salt – even candies and deserts. When we say “a man is worth his salt” we mean he is worth his pay. The Romans used to pay their soldiers enough so they could buy salt for their families needed. In ancient times, a perfect gift for a host was a package of salt – rather than a bouquet of flowers, bottle of wine or a plate of baked goods as is customary now.

It is interesting to ask can there be too much salt? Ever put too much salt on a baked potato? Or in a stew? A favorite recipe? Of course we have. We use brine to make pickles but our main diet is not composed of this extreme item – or it shouldn't be.

I think of the Zealots of Christ's day. We can become too much like these troublesome groups and the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees who preached but didn't live by their own rules. It has been interesting to study the history of how these groups began in Israelite history and how they evolved into the groups Christ specifically condemned.

I often wonder about the prominent and popular mega-churches. In the past year I did a “study” on those 3 groups Christ pronounced “Woe unto you” as in Matt 5. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians to let their conversations be full of grace seasoned with salt.

In history the “Dark Ages” came after the Popes began to control governments, even to choosing the leaders and the way people ate, dressed and everything in their lives. Much the same way extreme groups have done throughout history.

We need a few good leaders who live their Christianity. Personally, I am to live my life in such a way that I transmit God's love and care for all of us – not by just talking about my “Christianity.” Christianity has to permeate my being so that I do not have to tell others I am a Christian. It is sort of like enjoying a good baked potato or stew rather than just telling how to produce a tasty recipe. Even a fudge cake or an apple pie has to have some salt in it! But do we ever hear anyone say “There's just enough salt in this”? An imperceptable chemical change occurs and that is what should happen to us – we can't explain it – a “miracle” just happens.

Jacqueline

Pro-Life Amendments Defeated. Help Us Fight.

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:41:00 +0000

I received this email today from Americans United for Life, and ask you to join me in fighting for the unborn lives that are being murdered wholesale by an immoral and wicked society:

AUL_Action

Dear Friend,

On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee’s vote of 10-13 to defeat the Hatch Amendment proved the pro-life community correct: The talk from the White House and the Congressional leadership of avoiding funding of abortions in health care is just that -- talk.

The amendment sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) would have explicitly prohibited federal funding and coverage of abortions. Also defeated by the committee was another amendment by Sen. Hatch that would have prevented discrimination against any individual or organization who refused to provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.

So what does this mean? Since the start of the health care debate, including at our White House meeting last month, Americans United for Life Action has argued consistently that rhetorical assurances that abortion funding will not be included in health care reform are not enough. Rhetoric must be matched with action, with the addition in the bills of specific language prohibiting abortion. Since all five committees have rejected pro-life amendments which would ban abortion funding and coverage in health care, it is clear that we MUST keep questioning the gap between reality and the rhetorical assurances we are hearing from President Obama, Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi.

The AUL legal team has documented for you the facts behind their myth that the Hyde Amendment would adequately prevent federal funding and coverage of abortion in health care reform. We want you to have the facts to make it easy to speak up.

Now that committee consideration of health care reform is over, the “behind the scenes” negotiations begin. At this crucial stage, the Congressional leadership is going to be negotiating backroom deals with your legislators. Be aware that the next page in the pro-abortion playbook will be that Pelosi and Reid are going to try to make a deal like the anti-life Capps Amendment approach, which we oppose. The anti-life Capps Amendment approach is not acceptable because for the first time in history, the federal government will require that there be a health insurance plan that covers abortion in every area. Furthermore, the anti-life Capps Amendment permits federal money to go to insurance plans that cover abortion.

I assure you, we are hearing that the “deals” being discussed by Congressional Leadership on Capitol Hill are merely anti-life initiatives in the guise of ‘compromise,’ such as the Capps Amendment approach, and this will NOT protect pro-lifers from subsidizing abortion in health care reform.

This is where you come in.

YOU need to tell your congressman and senator that you will ONLY accept health care reform that includes an explicit prohibition on federal funding and coverage of abortion, much like the pro-life Stupak-Pitts and Hatch amendments that were defeated in Committees.

Thank you for all your support during this extremely busy time as we work to show Congress and all Americans that “Real Health Care Respects Life”!

For Life,
Charmaine Yoest Charmaine
Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
President & CEO

P.S. Please help us continue fighting through supporting our efforts to protect and defend life by following this link to a secure donation page.

P.S.S. Let me know what you think! You can follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and follow AUL on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. We're also reachable by e-mail at info@aul.org.

Truth Eternal

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:12:00 +0000

"Yes, say what is truth? 'Tis the brightest prize
To which mortals or Gods can aspire.
Go search in the depths where it glittering lies,
Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies:
'Tis an aim for the noblest desire...

Than say, what is truth? 'Tis the last and the first,
For the limits of time it steps o'er.
Tho the heavens depart and the earth's fountains burst,
Truth, the sum of existence, will weather the worst,
Eternal, unchanged, evermore."

John Jaques, "Oh Say, What Is Truth?" Hymns #272

Why focus and repeat the same ideas and topics?

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:59:00 +0000

To make a point about why I repeat myself so often and in similar words and phrases, I repeat the words from my article written 15 years ago for Lenny's Bikes & Things. Truth does not change, but as we discover new truths they fit with all other truths. Truths are not theories that we all use to work with the unknown and creative moments in life. Theories serve a purpose for us to discover more truths and develop ideas, but are not truths. People often value theories as if they were truths and this is where we can go terribly wrong.

What would have happened if Thomas Edison did not continue experimenting several thousand times with different theories, while discovering the incandescent light bulb? We cannot say for sure, but if he stopped with earlier theories before he got to true scientific principles we would have used candles for a few more years of our history. In other words TRUTH takes a lot of prayer, study and investigation before knowing we have arrived at truth. Once discovered truth does not change, but more truths can be added as is the case with the many other types of light bulbs that have been added to our store of useful lighting devices. Not one of these added light bulbs changes the scientific principles that Edison discovered and used to produce the first successful incandescent light bulbs.

Here is my example that was taught to me and I was able to write and post on the Internet during the mid 1990's. These truths have not changed and so I need to repeat them often. Repetition is necessary because many lies are being repeated so often and by much more famous people than I. I have learned and added to the truths I have in my brain and experience, and ask for corrections of my thoughts and writings so they may align more closely to truth:

"These pages, links, articles, and stories are designed to bring about a patriotism and love of people that comes from living and being as Jesus Christ taught us to be. He came once as a savior of men and lived a perfect life, being misunderstood by many because of misinformation spread by enemies of God's plan he was crucified. Many felt this ended Jesus reign on earth. His reign is yet to come and it is up to me to help ready this, my house for his return. The battle goes on and people are choosing sides now with their actions. My side is chosen and spoken of with the work I do here to bring to light what many would hide."

"Quoting Ezra Taft Benson in An Enemy Hath Done This "I am not here to tickle your ears to entertain you. I will talk to you frankly and honestly as one who loves his country. The message I bring is not a happy one, but it is the truth, and time is always on the side of truth. A great German once said, Truth must be repeated again and again because error is constantly being preached round about us." (Goethe, 1749-1832, quoted in The Freeman, July, 1958"."

"Truth cannot be hidden any more for many know the truth. We, those who are given much, will repeat what we know and The Lord will give more truth as people accept, use, and need the truth. Truth has always been the enemy of wrong and can only help a caring person to make decisions. All science is based on fact and once discovered fact or truth does not change."

Returning to Ezra Taft Benson's writing and speeches is always a good way to discover more truth. I recently purchased a 1995 edition of The Proper Role of Government, that includes The Improper Role of Government, by H. Verlan Andersen. I am just finished with Ezra Taft Benson's part of the small book, and here share a few more quotes which to me are further truths I am discovering as I study God's Natural Laws of Liberty. After quoting Thomas Paine, in a paragraph that includes these words, "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.", President Benson says:

"I intend to Keep fighting. My personal attitude is one of resolution--not resignation."

"I have faith in the American people. I pray that we will never do anything that will jeopardize in any manner our priceless heritage. If we live and work so as to enjoy the approbation of a Divine Providence, we cannot fail. Without that help we cannot long endure."

"So I urge all Americans to put their courage to the test. Be firm in our conviction that our cause is just. Reaffirm our faith in all things for which true Americans have always stood."

"I urge all Americans to arouse themselves and stay aroused. We must not make any further concessions to communism at home or abroad. We do not need to. We should oppose communism from our position of strength for we are not weak."

"There is much to be done. The time is short. Let us begin--in earnest--now, and may God bless our efforts, I humbly pray."

The date of these words is mid 1960's, and we did not heed the warning of this Prophet of God. Even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who proclaim him as a Prophet and the President of the Church at that time, did not heed his warnings. We have just listened to our current US President, Barack Hussein Obama, promise many of our liberties and separateness or sovereignty as America to the United Nations gathering of 20-22 September 2009. He promised Americas obedience to world courts. He continually apologizes for America's actions in standing against world tyranny, and communist actions.

What would have probably pained Elder Benson most, is the retraction of America's promised missile protection of Poland on the 70Th anniversary of the Russian invasion of Poland. Elder Benson had served for a year in war torn and still occupied Europe just after World War II in the service of the Church. He loved any oppressed and struggled against the oppressors all his life. Socialists/Communists were the great oppressors of the 20Th century. Their "Progressive" ways, teachings, lies and theories are still central to genocide world wide and many oppressive Oligarchies and dictatorships. That the United Nations is the forum used to further these evil plans is appropriate as they are never the solution to genocide but the perpetrators of it.

We who still have a semblance of Liberty and affluence not seen anywhere else must return to Natural Laws and the way things should be. God favored this country in the Past with greatness and freedom. There is a place of prominence that is our destiny and with or without us this country and continent will rise to it's proper place of righteous service. America has shown glimmers of it's potential and it is our duty to follow the Lord and help America rise above any greatness experienced previously to new and Godly heights of excellence.

Be of Good Cheer

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

"I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith." Thomas S. Monson

Government Serves Man NOT the Other Way Around

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:37:00 +0000

D&C 134:1-5
1 We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.
2 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.
3 We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.
4 We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.
5 We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience

"Since God created men with certain unalienable rights, and man, in turn, created government to help secure and safeguard those rights, it follows that man is superior to the creature which he created. Man is superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around. Even the non-believer can appreciate the logic of this relationship."Ezra Taft Benson in The Proper Role of Government.

The Way to Happiness is Obedience

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:08:00 +0000

2 Nephi 10:23-25

23 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.
24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

The Proper Role of Government

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:01:00 +0000

Ezra Taft Benson wrote in "The Proper Role of Government" this powerful explanation of the real meaning of the separation of Church and State:

I support the doctrine of separation of church and state as traditionally interpreted to prohibit the establishment of an official national religion. But I am opposed to the doctrine of separation of church and state as currently interpreted to divorce government from any formal recognition of God. The current trend strikes a potentially fatal blow at the concept of the divine origin of our rights, and unlocks the door for an easy entry of future tyranny. If Americans should ever come to believe that their rights and freedoms are instituted among men by politicians and bureaucrats, then they will no longer carry the proud inheritance of their forefathers, but will grovel before their masters seeking favors and dispensations--a throwback to the Feudal Systems of the Dark Ages. We must ever keep in mind the inspired words of Thomas Jefferson, as found in the Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Since God created men with certain unalienable rights, man, in turn, created government to help secure and safeguard those rights, it follows that man is superior to the creature which he created. Man is superior to government and should remain master over it, not the other way around. Even the non-believer can appreciate the logic of this relationship.

Sharing Sundays Most Inspiring Scriptures

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Ephesians 6:12-18;

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:12-18 or even to end of chapter and Docterine and Covenants 134:1-3 both deal with the government and the abuse of power it can and usually is. There are protections against that great power and includes a profile of the kind of leaders to be elected into power. The scriptures have all answers to our problems today and always. Enjoy daily scripture reading and prayer which will give you a head start to the challenges of any and every day.

Docterine and Covenants 134:1-3

1 We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.
2 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.
3 We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign.

Another Letter to President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0000

My dear Mr President,
and/or Aids reading this for him,

I am concerned about the rumors I am hearing about the presidents involvement with ACORN and SEIU. He has surrounded himself with groups that are not living by any legal or moral standard I believe in. My Mother was harassed in the 1960's by a Communist Party Member from Reed College in Portland Oregon. He got students to help him harass and watch Mom and her crew of waitresses at RinkSide Cafe. A few years later he showed up in Los Angeles California at the Sears store where Mom worked at that time. Fortunately God protected Mom because she chose to stand by God.

I do believe that Communists still exist and are not friends of a Constitutional America. Fortunately Van Jones one of the more obvious Communist members in this administration has gone over to a less high profile job a little more removed from the President. But that leaves those Thug groups of ACORN and SEIU that do so much for our Country to live in fear and loose so much money for immoral purposes. Did I mention I have worse memories in our family of Union Thugs beating up my Grandfather back in the 1930's to force his joining the Dairyman's Union.

So I am very concerned about an arrogant President who does not want my input to fix things in America. Actually I suggest that you and he start praying for God to help us. I do that because we have been sold to our enemies and they are waiting to collect on our overdue payments for our excesses, while thugs and lawyers and politicians profit and scare Americans.

Well I am sure you are bored but I am serious about the Prayer thing. Glenn Beck is also. You can repent of personal and national sins that you have committed and get on the side that really does defend and protect the wonderful Constitution that should govern your actions and Congress' actions and those of the Supreme court. You better use those agencies to investigate the theft of America before you get caught for that and loose your chance at making a difference in this world for good.

Thanks for your time whoever might read this,
Lenny Henderson
This is a letter I just sent to the WhiteHouse.gov Contact form. They need more from amybody who cares

A Bunch of Quotes Defining America

noreply@blogger.com (LennyHarp) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:28:00 +0000

Gordon B. Hinckley on the Constitution: the Keystone of Our Nation

" is the keystone of our nation. It is the guarantee of our liberty. That original document, with the Bill of Rights, constitutes the charter of our freedom. Through all of the years that have followed we have had some ambitious men who have sought to subvert the great principles of the Constitution, but somehow we have endured one crisis after another. We have been involved in terrible wars during this, the bloodiest of all centuries in the history of man. All of this is part of the miracle that is America, the struggle, the travail, the bitterness, the jealousies, the cynicism, and the criticism. But beyond and above it all is the wonder of a nation that for more than two centuries has remained free and independent and strong, the envy of the world, the hope of the world, the protection of free men everywhere, the manifestation of the power of the Almighty.
("Keep Faith with America", commencement address given at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah on 6 May 1999.)

* * *
Ezra Taft Benson on Our Responsibility to Freedom and the Constitution

"So, today, I would like to throw out a challenge to the elders of Israel, my brethren of the priesthood, that we put forth an effort to prepare ourselves for statesmanlike work. The Prophet Joseph, as you will recall, had something to say regarding the important part which the elders of Israel would play in the safeguarding, if not the saving, of the Constitution of this land.

"It is my conviction that only in this land, under this God-inspired Constitution, under an environment of freedom, could it have been possible to have established the Church and kingdom of God and restored the gospel in its fulness. It is our responsibility, my brethren and sisters, to see that this freedom is maintained, so that the Church can flourish in the future." ("Our Duty as Citizens" 920, 922)

* * *
Spencer W. Kimball on Constitution Week Commemoration

"President Ronald Reagan has proclaimed the week beginning Sept. 17 (the 195th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of Sept. 17, 1787) as Constitution Week and has urged all Americans to observe that week by stressing the importance of the Constitution to our individual freedoms and form of government.

"In view of this proclamation and because of the high esteem in which the Constitution has been held by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, we encourage leaders and members of the Church in the United States to heed President Reagan’s proclamation and during this week to remember with appreciation before the Lord the great blessings of liberty and opportunity which are guaranteed to the citizens of the United States. The First Presidency." (”First Presidency Urges Support of Constitution Week” 4)

* * *
Harold B. Lee on Defense of the Constitution

"Patriotism and loyalty in defense of the Constitution of the United States is constantly enjoined upon us. President McKay again this morning has made reference to the cause of liberty in his remarks. To be effective in such teaching, we must begin by inspiring in each heart the faith that the Constitution of the United States was written by inspired men whom God raised up for that very purpose.
It was Joseph Smith who has been quoted as having said that the time would come when then Constitution would hang as by a thread, and at that time when it was thus in jeopardy, the elders of this Church would step forth and save it from destruction.

"Why the elders of this Church? Would it be sacrilegious to paraphrase the words of the Apostle Peter, and say that the Constitution of the United States could be saved by the elders of this Church because this Church and this Church alone has the words of eternal life? We alone know by revelation as to how the Constitution came into being, and we, alone, know by revelation the destiny of this nation. The preservation of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” can be guaranteed upon no other basis than upon a sincere faith and testimony of the divinity of these teachings." (”Faith—An Effective Weapon Against Wickedness in Men and Nations” 912-13)

* * *
Joseph Fielding Smith on Our Duty to the Lord and to the Constitution

"Our duty is to keep the commandments of the Lord, to walk uprightly, to defend every principle of truth, to sustain and uphold the Constitution of this great country, to remember the Declaration of Independence, for, as we heard this morning from our President, upon these principles our country was based." (Take Heed to Yourselves! 164)

* * *
David O. McKay on Teachings Contrary to the Constitution and the Church

"Teachings and ideologies subversive to the fundamental principles of this great Republic, which are contrary to the Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be condemned, whether advocated by Republicans or Democrats." (”Closing Address” 952)

"There are some fundamental principles of this Republic which, like eternal truths, never get out of date, and which are applicable at all times to liberty-loving peoples. Such are the underlying principles of the Constitution, a document framed by patriotic, freedom-loving men. . . .

"True Americans should have nothing to do with secret combinations and groups antagonistic to the Constitutional law of the land." (Secrets of a Happy Life 72-73)

* * *
George Albert Smith on Sustaining the Constitution

"When the Constitution of our country is assailed, openly or subtly, by those who have no understanding of the purpose of God regarding this great country, it behooves those who do understand to consider seriously and faithfully the benefits that will flow to us by honoring and sustaining the principles of government that were divinely established. . . .

"There is only one way whereby we may enjoy peace and happiness, and that is by observing the law of our land, and by sustaining the principles embodied in the Constitution which was inspired by our Heavenly Father at the inception of this great government. So, as Latter-day Saints, we may know that no man is a faithful member of this Church who lends himself in any way to break down that organized system of laws that has been prepared for the good of all mankind. . . .

"I say to you: Sustain the Constitution of the United States, and let not our voices be heard among those that deride or would violate the Constitution that is so important for us and for all men.

"I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for his advice to us that we support the Constitution of the United States and maintain the liberty that we enjoy under it." (”Perpetuating Liberty” 93-94)

* * *
Heber J. Grant Warning of the Constant Threat Against Our Inspired Constitution

"We again warn our people in America of the constantly increasing threat against our inspired Constitution and our free institutions set up under it. The same political tenets and philosophies that have brought war and terror in other parts of the world are at work amongst us in America. The proponents thereof are seeking to undermine our own form of government and to set up instead one of the forms of dictatorships now flourishing in other lands. . . .

" . . Communism and all other similar isms bear no relationship whatever to the United Order. They are merely the clumsy counterfeits which Satan always devises of the gospel plan. . . . Latter-day Saints cannot be true to their faith and lend aid, encouragement, or sympathy to any of these false philosophies. They will prove snares to their feet. (Grant and McKay 273, 343)

* * *
Joseph F. Smith - Constitution Prepared the Way for the Kingdom of God on the Earth

"The Lord Almighty has prepared the way for the coming forth of the kingdom of God in this dispensation by establishing the republican government of the United States; a government affording the widest liberty and the greatest freedom to man that has ever been known to exist among men, outside of those governed by the direct communication of heaven. It was part of the design of the Almighty when He influenced our fathers to leave the old world and come to this continent; He had a hand in the establishment of this government; He inspired the framers of the Constitution and the fathers of this nation to contend for their liberties; and he did this upon natural principles, that the way might be prepared, and that it might be possible for Him to establish His kingdom upon the earth, no more to be thrown down." (JD 22:44-45)

* * *
Lorenzo Snow on the Inspired Founding Fathers

"We trace the hand of the Almighty in framing the constitution of our land, and believe that the Lord raised up men purposely for the accomplishment of this object, raised them up and inspired them to frame the constitution of the United States." (JD 14:301; also in Brown 359)

* * *
Wilford Woodruff - Principles of the Constitution to be Maintained

"We live in a government raised up by the God of heaven. We have a constitution that was given by inspiration from God to man. I believe it is the best human form of government that was ever given to the human family. Now, I say if our rulers and governors become corrupt and attempt to trample those principles under their feet; though the nation itself might go to pieces, yet it is beyond the power of man to destroy the principles of the constitution. They may destroy one another, yet the principles contained in that instrument will live, and the God of heaven will maintain them until Jesus Christ comes in the clouds of heaven to set up His throne in Jerusalem, and to reign on the earth a thousand years." (JD 22:346)

* * *
John Taylor on Our Political and Religious Duty

As we have progressed the mist has been removed, and in relation to these matters, the Elders of Israel begin to understand that they have something to do with the world politically as well as religiously, that it is as much their duty to study correct political principles as well as religious, and to seek to know and comprehend the social and political interests of man, and to learn and be able to teach that which would be best calculated to promote the interests of the world. (JD 9:340)

* * *
Brigham Young on Government Corruption

"Is the form of the Government ruined? Has its form become evil? No; but the administrators of the Government are evil. As we have said many times, it is the best form of human government man ever lived under; but it has as corrupt a set to administer it as God ever permitted to disgrace his footstool." (JD 8:321)

* * *
Joseph Smith on the Saving of the Constitution

"Even this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to peices and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff up which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction." (WJS 416)

"This people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.—Then shall the Lord say: Go tell my servants who are the strength of mine house, my young men and middleaged, etc., Come to the land of my vineyard and fight the battle of the Lord. Then the Kings and Queens shall come, yea the foreign saints shall come to fight for the land of my vineyard, for in this thing shall be their safety and they will have no power to choose but will come as a man fleeth from a sudden destruction. I know these things by the visions of the Almighty." (Joseph Smith Collection; from an address given 19 Jul 1840)

I got this list from Brian who is sharing the message of Patriotism and concerns about it to the world at http://LatterdayConservative.com I think he has a great forum as well as an historical site with lots of great quotes and complete speeches, generally by Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

LatterdayConservative.com. Brian Mecham. PO Box 618, LEHI, UT 84043.