CONTRAST: Yin and Yang. Light and Dark. Good and Evil. Half Full or Half Empty

Just took this photo five minutes ago at 7:30 PM on October 14, 2010
Yin is characterized as slow, soft, yielding, diffuse, cold, wet, or tranquil; and is associated with water, earth, the moon, femininity and nighttime

Yang, by contrast, is fast, hard, solid, focused, hot, dry, or aggressive; and is associated with fire, sky, the sun, masculinity and daytime.

I will write more shortly.

Ascension: Lessons from a Helium Balloon

Last of the pictures from last Saturday's fishing trip.. taken on October 9, 2010

"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High."

2 Nephi 24: 14

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Ascend: To move upwards, to proceed from an inferior to a superior degree.

Helium gas is lighter than the oxygen (air), and when a balloon is filled with the helium.. the balloon with rise and ascend. Using the balloon as a metaphor for us.. what can we fill ourselves that will help us rise and ascent higher from this fallen world in which we live?. Is it possible to rise above this "sin-sick world" (a term used by Spencer W. Kimball). If so, how?

Stretching our wings

Photo taken on our fishing trip in Midway, UT on October 9, 2010

"Ah, Lord, God! behold, thou hast make the heaven and the earth

by thy great power and stretched out arm,

and there is nothing too hard for thee."

Jeremiah 32: 17

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The word "Stretch" defined: to draw out to greater length.

I have had the impression lately that is is important for us to all be stretched spiritually. Many of us are already being stretched in all other areas of our life (financially, pressures, time),...but probably not with things in a spirtual nature... which is probably the most important type of stretching. The physical/financial/worldly stretching sometimes hinder our spiritual stretching. We have been taught and conditioned to rely on our leaders and look to them for revelation.. not stretch ourselves..."our wings".... and fly higher like the stretched wings of birds. Many of us don't even attempt to fly at all.

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Commentary of the photo:

In glancing at the photo..one might quickly see only 5 geese... wait.. oh, 6 geese. But, on closer examination.. there are actually 7 geese. Look hard and you will see. I particularly like the goose in the middle on the left side. His wings are high, stretched, and soaring.. and his neck seems to be pushing forward with all his might. Canadian Geese are known for being loyal to their mate. They always return back to the same place to raise their offspring in the spring. Now is the season for them to fly south for the winter, as a protection from the coming storms and the cold of winter.

Personal Revelation: A Line of Communication

Photo taken over Heber Valley on Saturday October 9, 2010."This personal line of communication with our Heavenly Father

through His Holy Spirit is the source of our testimony of truth,

of our knowledge, and of our personal guidance from a loving Heavenly Father.

It is an essential feature of His marvelous gospel plan,

which allows each one of His children to receive a personal witness of its truth."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, October 2010 Conference.

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I took my daughter fishing on Saturday. Driving up to the lake, my daughter looked out the window and said, "Look Dad, it looks like Jesus is coming down". I pulled over and luckily had my camera with me and took this picture.

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Communication is defined as the act of imparting, conferring, or delivering, from one to another knowledge, opinions or facts. The best form of communication is face to face, but we also use other forms like the writing, phones calls ... and now days "texting" each other. All with the goal to "communicate" with each other.

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Back in the day a fun experiment was to take two cans connected with a string. One person would speak into the can, the other would hold the can to their ear. The vibrations send along the string would transmit the voice. In order for this too work, the string needed to be a direct line, completely straight and tight... If there were knots or other interferences with the string, the message could not be understood.

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In this photo... Dark clouds cover the entire sky. The sun is not visible except in one place. One can see the direct beam of light descending down from heaven. One must be perfectly aligned with heaven in order to be able to see the sun directly over head.

Mercy versus Justice: Parable of the Bed

Photograph taken this morning of my oldest daughters bed after

her younger sisters made it for her.

"What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice?
I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God."
Alma 42: 25

It has been a busy week for me...with very little time to post anything. However, I needed to quickly share an teaching experience that happened this morning. At the beginning of the school year, we created a rule in our family that the girls needed to make their beds prior to leaving for school. If their bed was not made.. then they would receive a strike. If they got three strikes.. then dad would come to school, get them out of class and bring them back home to make their bed. The rule has been set, and everyone knew the consequences. Many of my daughters friends also know about our family rule.. and look forward to the day when the third strike happens and witness my daughter getting pulled out of class..(by then, maybe the whole school will know what is happening when a dad comes looking for one of his daughters.)

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My oldest daugther has had 2 strikes against her for a couple of weeks now. This morning.. she recieved the third strike. Her Bed was not made. Justice needed to be served. However.. not wanting the unthinkable to happen to their sister.. my two younger daughters made their older sister's bed ...fulfulling the demands of Justice. They played the role of a Savior , balanced the scales with Mercy. My oldest daugther is now indebted to her younger sisters without having to pay the penalty of Dad embarrassing her at school.

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In a simple ordinary experience of making a bed, the atonement is taught to my daughters. Grateful for our Savior's life of mercy for me that justice was fulfilled and all He asked of me is to repent and follow Him.

Contrasts: Telestial verses Celestial

I will write more shortly.

General Conference Weekend

Photos of the LDS Conference Center inside and out taken on October 1, 2010

Behold, we have built sanctuaries,
and we do assemble ourselves together to worship God.
We do believe that God will save all men.
Alma 21:6.

You will notice in both of these photographs that not a single person is visible.. however starting tomorrow this place will be packed and swarming with people. Humans are social creatures.. we like to gather. Assembly Halls or Conference Centers are sometimes referred to as sanctuaries. A sanctuary is defined as a house consecrated to the worship of God, a place where divine service is performed. This weekend is the LDS Worldwide General Conference. This building will be filled to capacity.. with over 21,000 people. Amazing.

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Just a sidenote...a recently took a tour of the Conference Center, the host/tour guide called the building the 8th wonder of the world. He also mentioned that is was paid for by private donations and revenue/profits from the church's owned businesses before it was finished . For some reason...I was under the impression that tithing money was used. Despite the possibility that the Saints/members didn't contribute/sacrificed to have this built.. It truly is a beautiful and fine sanctuary. In reading the Book of Mormon again recently..I have always wondered if Nephi is only referring to the Catholic church or others denominations when talking about sanctuaries that will be built up in the last days. We have a tendency to think that Nephi is never referring to us when he is giving warnings. If so, we would be wise to not be boastful of the structures we build.. and always be mindful and more concerned about feeding the poor, and helping the homeless. With all of the billions of dollars we have used in renovating and building up downtown Salt Lake around the temple, I hope we are also helping to build the "kingdom" by helping those who are less fortunate.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: The 3 Patriarchs

Guest Photographer: Neil Christenson (my dad)

He took this picture with his Iphone on his recent trip to Zions National Park.

"That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers,
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,
hath appeared unto thee."
Exodus 4:5

My dad just recently returned home from a trip to Zion's National Park. He showed me the pictures he took and I asked him if I could post this photo. We live in a beautiful state. Zion is an amazing place. A Methodist minister, Frederick Fisher, who was exploring Zion in 1916 named these 3 peaks, the Three Patriarches: Abraham (6990'), Isaac (6825') and Jacob (6831'). Many of the other landmarks in Zion's have spiritual/gospel/Biblical names as well like Angels' Landing, Cathedral Mountain, West Temple, Altar of Sacrifice, Great White Throne of God, the Organ, and Mount Moroni.

We know that Abraham, the first Patriarch is the father of many nations. His name was changed from Abram.. to Abraham. (meaning father of a multitude). , Isaac was his son to be sacrificed. Isaac had 2 sons and the blessings where passed onto Jacob (later named Israel) who had 12 sons.. better known as the 12 tribes of Israel.

I find it interesting to compare these 3 Patriarchs.... with the Father, the Sacrificed Son, and the Holy Ghost. Just like in the photo of the 3 distinct peaks. they are distinct, separate, yet they are unified, connected and one in purpose.

Always following the Sun/Son: The Sunflower

Photo taken on my Fall Equinox hike on September 23, 2010.

"unless a man shall endure to the end,

in following the example of the Son of the living God,

he cannot be saved.

2 Nephi 31: 16

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This photo was taken on the same hike that I climbed on the Fall Equinox. In an earlier post, I talked about this hike and how all the flowers had died, and almost everything was dried up and dying.. with the exception of the SUNFLOWER. It has endured. From the picture you can see that the sunflower is somewhat tattered, the petals are not perfect, and it appears alone in a hillside of dried weeds.
The sunflower is known for the unique characteristic of always facing the sun. From sunrise to sunset the "face" of the flower follows the movement of the sun in the sky. We could learn a powerful lesson from this enduring, sun follower, sunflower.

Water Droplets

Photo of water droplets on our shower glass door on September 28, 2010

..Remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Helaman 5: 12

Water has always been fascinating to watch. Waterfalls, streams, the ocean... even waterdroplets falling down on a window pane or shower door. Gravity is constantly pulling water down. If you watch on a window pane, as the water droplet gets bigger, the weight will eventually cause it to stream/fall down a path of least resistance. Once the droplet falls.. it usually will collide and combine with other droplets... causing the fall to be faster.

In gospel terms using the above scripture, Satan desires for us all to be dragged down to the gulf of endless misery. How then can we avoid falling when the pull of the world seems to be stronger than we have strength? I have never seen water defy gravity and flow upstream. However, only by changing it's nature can water ascend instead of descend.. it is through vaporization. By increasing the temperature, water will become a gas and will rise. It is no wonder that we are taught to build our foundation on Christ, our Redeemer and become a new creature in Him.

Sealing Power: The Process of being Preserved

Photos taken yesterday after canning peaches on September 26, 2010

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Many of us are familiar with Elder David Bednar's conference talk on the "pickles". It is worth a second read. It is entitled "Ye Must Be Born Again". He talked about 5 steps: Preparing, Cleansing, Immersing, Saturating and then Sealing. Here is the link: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-8,00.html

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I wanted to briefly share a couple of more insights on the process of becoming purified/preserved and then "sealed" that I learned from canning peaches.

The process to preserving the peach begins long before the very last step of "canning". For example: A seed was planted, a tree grew and through consistent nourishment, light from the sun, living water and fertile ground, the tree was ready to bear fruit....Then over the spring to fall growing cycle... a peach grew and ripened. Unfortunately, due to the storms, winds, and bird/ insects... many of the peaches fell to the ground, bruised, rotten and unusable. Thus, a process of selection was necessary to bring the right peaches to the canning process... a division had occured and not all of the peaches which had the potential to be preserved... can or will be sealed.

Continuing on, the chosen peach is washed, immersed in hot boiling water in order for the outer layer to be removed exposing the inner. The peach then looks like a "new creature". The peach is then cut in half (symbolic of a covenant meaning to "to cut"). In this cutting process, areas of the peach that were bruised, or blemished were cut away by gentle the hands of "the Master". This was a "messy" and more difficult part. The peaches are then placed in a purified/santitized vessel and then a preserving liquid mixture is then pour over them. (similar to an annointing). A lid is then placed on top of the bottle in preparation for it to be sealed so no air or other contaminating element can enter. The vessels are then placed warm water not yet boiling to make sure the bottle does not crack. Water is then brought to a boil and which changes from a liquid to a "gas".. when it begins to steam. Purification and Refining leads to the vessel being sealed.

"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." Helaman 3:35

Spring Equinox vs Fall Equinox

This year I felt impressed to take a hike during my lunch break on both the spring equinox and on the fall equinox. Same hike, but 6 months apart. I really didn't want to hike with camera, but knew that it was important to document what I saw. I learned recently if you want to learn more about our Father in Heaven.. just step outside your front door and become as little child... open, humble, teachable, meek and submissive. All things testify of Him.. we just need to develop the eyes to see Him. Here is a few observations that I have learned about the cycles of life and which part of the cycle we are in right now in the history of the world.

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See the collection of photos below:

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What I saw on the spring equinox: Everything was green and growing. Many bees pollinating the flowers. I saw butterflies that had begun as a new creature from being a caterpillar. I saw birds. I saw beautiful wildflowers like the sego lily and indian paintbrush flower.

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What I saw a couple of days ago on the fall equinox: Almost everything was dried up, all the beautiful flowers that I saw in the spring were gone, Instead of bees.. I saw flies. I saw thousands of crickets eating what was left of anything that was still alive. I saw a couple "dragonlike" reptile toads. I saw dead snake skin.

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Hiking up this same path in the fall was not as beautiful as in the spring. I actually had a sick feeling of decay and death. Things were either dead or in the process of dying. This is the natural cycle of things.

A season of birth folllowed by a season of growing, then a season of decay and then ultimately the final season of death before a life begins again. One eternal round. We are now in the harvest season as the earth and living things begin to fall and decay.

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Fall Equinox

photos taken on a hike above the SL Valley onSeptember 23rd

Spring Equinox

photos taken on the same hike on the Spring Equinox on March 19th, 2010

Clouds of Glory

Photo taken on the beginning day of Fall, September 22, 2010

I took this picture the same day on the Fall Equinox. (See earlier post). I love watching clouds. My daughters and I like to lay on our backs and watch the clouds and point out animals or other objects that the clouds remind us of. In this above photo...rising above the dark color of the clouds below is the light and majesty of the clouds shining with the sun. It is the silver lining.. in the storms of life. The hope of a better day to come.

While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them, and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my Beloved Son: hear him. Luke 9:34-35

As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven. D&C 45: 44

Moon setting as the Sun is rising Simultaneously

MOONSET at SUNRISE

Photos of the moon "setting" as the sun is "rising"

on September 23, 2010 looking west over Oquirrah Mountains

Moon about to set in the west before the sun rises in the east

That you many be equal in the bonds of heavenly things,

yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavely things.

For if ye are not equal in earthly things

ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things.
Doctrine and Covenants 78: 5-6

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Today is a day of balance in the heavens, it is the Fall Equinox. As I have mentioned in an earlier post today is when the skies above, the light and dark, the day and night are "equal". I have tried to document this through photographs of the importance of this day. This morning I woke up not knowing that I would be impressed to take more photos of the moon. I think my family is starting to think I am crazy.. or possibly some kind of "werewolf" since I am always looking at the moon. :)

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Despite my unusual behavior, I was once again taught this morning of things that that I couldn't quite see before and my understanding was opened.

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As I took the picture of the moon "setting" over the mountain..I noticed that the sun simultaneously was "rising". You can see the sun starting to shine on the tops of the Oquirrah mountains in the top picture. It is complete Balance. Moon light fades as sun light brightens... at the exact time. So, enjoy this day of balance. We live in a world completely out of balance. In fact everything is reversed. Good is now evil.. and evil is now called good. After today. darkness starts to take over in the skies and the balances scales of light and dark are unequal.

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It is important to note that as we approach the Winter Soltice of this year... the darkest day of the year.. that is will also coincide with a Total Lunar Eclipse on December 21, 2010... meaning we will not have any moonlight as well. So, For a moment in time..we will experience little to no light from the sun or moon on the darkest day of the year. It is during these total lunar eclipse that the moon appears red.

The Sunrise on the Beginning of Fall

Photos taken this morning at sunrise on September 22, 2010.

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,

and thine health shall spring forth speedily;

and thy righteousness shall go before thee,

the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward."

Isaiah 58:8

This was an amazing morning. The signs in the heavens this past couple of days have been beautiful. Light breaking forth out of Darkness of the night. Words can't describe the feelings that I felt I as experienced this sunrise. The best two words would be Eternal Hope and Redeeming Love.

The Fall Equinox and Full Moon Simultaneously

All 3 of these photos were taken last night on September 21, 2010

I took the photo below when it was dark, but with a longer shutter speed and larger aperature...it looks like day. Just like a camera.. the more light can enters in when we open up ourselves up to receive it.

All this photo is missing is Elliott and ET riding on a bicycle.

The Fall Equinox begins today, on September 22, 2010 starting at 9:09 PM. An Equinox lasts for a 24 hour period and occurs twice a year (Spring and Fall). It is on these two days that there is equal day hours and night hours.. ((light and dark are in balance). After today there will be gradually more darkness than sunlight. It is also interesting to note that it is also a full moon tonight. After tonight the moon will start to wane (diminish in phase or intensity) or less full and giving off less light. This is significant that these two events are happening at the same time. The number nine is also significant. (9th month at 9:09 PM). It is also the last number in the completion before we start back at 0. As the old cycle dies a new one is born again. Nine means judgement and finality. It also is being what we call FALL, we are entering into a harvest season.

Chiasmus: The Symmetry and Focal Point

Photo taken in the Cinque Terre city of Vernazza in Italy in May 2009

"and the WINDOWS OF HEAVEN WERE OPENED"

Genesis 7:11

"Resurrection" by Karl Bloch

Last Saturday, I attended an all day conference "Discoveries in Chiasmus". Chiasmus is a pattern in all things. Each presenter from various fields and disciplines showed this pattern in the scriptures as well as in art, literature, architecture, science, biology, and music. One of the paintings that was used to show this form was this painting by Karl Bloch. (I usually only post photographs that I have taken with the exception of this and the other Bloch painting that I posted at the beginning of my blog.)

When looking to find a photo to post today, I came across the photo of these windows which is very similiar to the Karl Bloch painting. Two shutters on either side (Two angels) of the main subject. Flowers in the lower middle of the image. A painted archway= a dooway, main subject is the windows... main focus is Christ.

I learned that the world is full of revelation. The Lord is shouting to us all around. Unfortunately many of us are too deaf and blind to see and hear. Do we open our windows of our soul to open up and see the beautiful 'flower's just outside.. or do we keep our shutters closed?

Here is a write up in the newspaper about the conference:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700066633/Chiasmus-everywhere-everywhere-chiasmus.html

LIGHT

Photo taken at the Parowan Gap on September 6, 2010

It has been awhile since I have posted anything new. It has been a busy week. I wanted to at least post a photo. This has significance. I will write more shortly.

September 11th: A historical day of tragedies

Photo taken at the Mountain Meadow massacre site on September 6th, 2010

"And is shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord,

because of the secret combinations and the works of darkness."

Mormon 8:27

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Tomorrow we remember the tragic events that took place in our country. It happened 9 years ago. There is another tragic event that happened on September 11th, 1857 which ended in the murder of innocent men, women and children. We don't talk about this very much within the church. It is what we refer to as the Mountain Meadow Massacre. The above picture is taken of the grave memorial site that my family visited a couple of days ago.
I will write more shortly.

Ancient Writings: Parawon Gap Part 2

Photo taken at the Parowan Gap on September 6, 2010

Here are a couple of inscriptions we found on the inner rock walls of the Parawon Gap. Above is an inscription of a spiral iris eye. The "all seeing eye" is a symbol that has been used for centuries. The eye is a universal symbol representing spiritual sight, inner vision, and higher knowledge. The circle is an ancient symbol for unity, wholeness, infinity, sacred space, heaven, the sun. (And is also a symbol for female..while the square is the symbol for male) The spiral is linked to the circle but is more closely related to the universe, creation, and progression.

These inscriptions are naturally split into quadrants by the rock crevices. I have been reading a book by V. Garth Norman about the Parawon Gap. From what I have gathered, the above inscriptions that looks like alligator teeth is symbolic of the gap and waving lines are souls ascending and rising above and out of the jaws that want to engulf us. I will write more about this later.

Ancient Writings: Parowan Gap Part 1

Photo taken of road leading to the Parowan Gap on September 6, 2010.

"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us from the Love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8: 39

On our way home from St. George we stopped at the Parowan Gap. The road to the Parowan Gap follows an ancient trail used by Native Americans. In the narrow gap where the two mountain come together is a sacred site. In is one these rock walls that these ancients Indians inscribed petroglyphs with extreme skill and geometric precisions. These writings are called petroglyphs (not heiroglyphys).

Definition of the word "gap": separation in space, an incomplete or deficient area,

ALL YE THAT LABOUR: Labor Day Weekend

Photo taken of a tortoise in Snow Canyon, UT on Sept. 4, 2010.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11: 28

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We just returned home from a trip to St. George with our friends, the Carlstons. On an early morning run, my wife came upon a male and female tortoise. (we called them turtles, but a tortoise is a land-dwelling turtle.. a turtle lives in or near the water)

Tortoises (Land turtles) generally have lifespans comparable with human beings. Some have been known to live longer than 150 years. Turtles have very symbolic meaning in many cultures. In the Far East, the shell is a symbol of heaven, and the square underside is a symbol of earth. The turtle unites both heaven and earth. They are aslo symbolic of fertility, immortality and dwelling places for souls making their way through progression.

The reason for posting the photo that I took was first I think it was cool to see a tortoise in the wild and natural environment instead of in a zoo. And second. I have also viewed the turtle to look burdened and heavy laden. The turtle is born with its' shell. How similiar the turtle is to us. Many of us feel weighed down with heavy loads.. I am mindful of mothers with their children. Because of these burdens we often move slow.

Christ repeats over and over that He will lift our burdens and make them light. All we need to do is Come unto Him and He will give us rest.

LIVING...FLOWING WATER

Photo taken at the Salt Lake City Main Library in August 2010

But unto him that keepeth my commandments,
I will give the mysteries of my kingdom,
and the same shall be in him a well of living water
springing up unto everlasting life.
Doctrine and Covenants 63:23

Cascade: A succession of stages, processes, operations, or units. In this photo we see a succession of steps with a cascade flowing with "living water". The photo is cut in half diagonally. The upper right diagonal has living water flowing over the steps. The lower left does not.

We read in Jeremiah 17:13 ...who was prophesying about the destruction of Jerusalem

"O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters."

Do we have living water following in our lives? Are we receiving personal revelation and learning the mysteries of the kingdom? Or are we like the steps on the bottom left without living water?

FREEDOM: Without Restraint or Control

Photo taken on August 26, 2010 of the view of the SLC Main Library

with the flag on top of County Building in the background.

" 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."

Doctrine and Covenants 134: 4-5

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The above photo is divided in half. On the left is the limitless sky.. free from any contraint. It also shows on this side, the symbol of freedom, the American Flag. On the right side is a glass building... reflecting the sky. The enviroment is contained, controlled.. and safe. We as humans like to feel safe. We like security. We have fear of the unknown, we don't like not having control. We believe that we have freedom in the United States... but we are slowing losing this freedom from those in power positions that want more control, more security. You can not have freedom and control at the same time. As soon as you give someone control.. you lose freedom. Do we want to stay in the safe, glass building? or do we want true freedom?

The Day Dawn is Breaking

Photo taken this morning of the sunrise over Mount Olympus

as it peaks out behind the clouds on August 30, 2010.

The Day Dawn is Breaking

The day dawn is breaking, the world is awaking,

The clouds of night’s darkness are fleeing away.

The worldwide commotion, from ocean to ocean,

Now heralds the time of the beautiful day.

Hymn No 52.

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I woke up early this morning to thunder and lightning. A powerful storm including hail passed through the Salt Lake valley. As the storm was passing, I watched the sunrise. It was a beautiful sky including the unusual low hanging clouds in the valley. In the above photo, you can see the peaks of Mount Olympus. Also, you can see a patch of blue sky. In this one photo you can see the mountain peaks to climb, the stormy skies to weather.. counterbalanced with the glory of sun coming out and blue skies of hope visible.

Then and Now

Photo composited of two photos:

The replica city of Jerusalem at the Israeli Museum

and the City of Jerusalem taken from the Mount of Olives on May 2010

Photo of the Dome of the Rock taken from the Mount of Olives on May 2010


"Then Solomon began to build the House of the Lord at Jerusalem in mount Moriah,

where the Lord appeared unto David his father."

2 Chronicles 3: 1

The best known temple mentioned in the Bible is the one built by Solomon in Jerusalem. It was destroyed in 600 B.C. by the Babylonians and was restored by Zerubbabel almost a hundred years later. Part of this temple was burned in 37 B.C., and Herod the Great later rebuilt it.

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The above photo is a replica of the Herod's Temple that existed at the time of Christ. The temple was destroyed by the Romans and never rebuilt again by the Jews. It was replaced by the Muslim shrines in the 8th Century AD which still stand there today, with the Golden Dome of the Rock - the city's symbol.

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The rock is in the center of the shrine, and according to Jewish tradition was the place where Abraham came to sacrifice his son Isaac. According to Muslim tradition, prophet Muhammad ascended to the heaven from this rock. Jews believe that it was on this rock that Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, and this stone may have once stood in Solomon's Temple.

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On the walls of the Dome of the Rock is an inscription in a mosaic frieze that includes the following words; “Such was Jesus son of Mary and peace upon him on the day of birth and on the day of death and on the day he is raised up again. It is a word of truth in which they doubt. It is not for God to take a son. Glory be to him when he decrees a thing he only says be, and it is."

Supporting Circles get smaller as you reach the pinnacle

Photo taken in August 2010 of the Salt Lake Capital Building

"Thus of divine necessity, the supporting circles around Jesus

gets smaller and smaller and smaller."

from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland talk, "None were with Him."

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The Capital Dome or Rotunda is the tallest part of the Capital and has been described as it's "symbolic and physical heart." Domes have been called the perfect architectural shape: it is a circle, symbol of heaven, executed in three dimension (width, length, and height). In religious architecture domes proclaim the glory of God. The word "dome" comes for Latin "domus" meaning... a house. In Italian, the word for dome, "duomo," meaning a house of God.

The oculus or eye of the dome is considered the Gateway of the Sun. From this gateway at the top of the dome rises the world axis (a sphere) or link between heaven and earth. Domes, therefore are considered thresholds or gateways to the spiritual world.

Personally when I see the dome, I am reminded of Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands talk when he said that as the Lord approached His final mission, the Atonement, the circles of support (His friends, disciples and family) grew smaller and smaller and smaller. It became a solitary event.. truly an "at one ment". or "at one moment". So to as we aspire upward, circles get smaller, less distraction,.. we too have that "at one moment" when we recieve our Savior.. the pinnacle and moment when heaven meets earth.. the link.

A Tale of Two Cities

Photo taken from Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City,Utah on August 10, 2010

Photo taken on May 18, 2009 from Buckingham Fountain in Chicago, Illinois

With the exception of my mission, I have only lived in two states, Utah and Illinois. I have been fortunate to live in the suburbs of each state's major city.. Salt Lake City and Chicago. Both cities have a prominent landmark building. Chicago has the tallest building in the United States, formerly called the Sears Tower, and now called the Willis Tower (the black building seen in the above photo). The most recognized/prominent building in Salt Lake City is the LDS Temple.

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While the Willis building towers 108 stories above in the sky, and can been from miles away... The Salt Lake Temple is more difficult to see now with the high rise buildings being constructed around the temple block. While possibly blocked from visibility from areas in the city, the temple is visible and is a prominent place for those on the other side of the veil.

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As a sidenote: Illinois and Utah are significant states in LDS church history.

Illinois is the final resting place for the prophet Joseph Smith.

Utah the state where Brigham Young came for the continuation of the Church that Joseph Smith restored.

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It would be interesting to hear what both Joseph and Brigham (whose primary goal was to build Zion in their day) would say about these two modern cities. Are we any closer now than we were then to building Zion?

City set on a hill cannot be hid.

Photo taken of the Italian coastal city, Riomassiore in May of 2009.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

Matthew 5:14

In the ancient world, a city on a hill would have signified strength and protection. It was for the purpose of self-defense that cities were built on hills—it was easier to defend a city when attackers had to come up to you, than if you were in the middle of a wide open plain. It gave you a valuable tactical advantage.

For the first hearers of the Sermon on the Mount—his disciples—the phrase a “city on a hill” would likely have had a fairly specific connotation. Jerusalem. For a Jew, Jerusalem was the city on a hill that represented the hopes and aspirations of Israel, as God’s chosen nation through whom the nations would be blessed.

The above "city" in this photo is not only pictoresque , it is an example of a city set on a hill, with homes built on foundation of rock.

Feeding the Hungry

Taken from our bedroom window in July 2010

"And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—

that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day,

that ye may walk guiltless before God—

I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor,

every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry,

clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief,

both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants."

Mosiah 4:26

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The above scripture is from King Benjamin's farewell address to the people gathered at the temple. It is a scripture that makes me uncomfortable, it calls me to repentance... How many of us walk guiltless before God? Do we impart enough of our substance? How much of our substance do we keep for ourselves for our "needs" before we impart to the poor?

Last Saturday, I was asked to help down at St. Vincent DePaul, a "soup kitchen" where those who are hungry and homeless can come get a hot meal. I had helped before about 6 months ago. Most of the people that came in 6 months ago where mostly middle aged men who lived on the streets of Salt Lake. To my surprise this Saturday, it wasn't just men who came to eat... but families, women with babies and small children. The small dining area now has 8-10 high chairs to accommodate the growning number of infants coming in with their mothers and/or fathers.

The economic downturn does not look good. I am not sure these trends will reverse any time soon. Foreclosures, Lay-offs, Bankruptcy, Debt, and Divorce are all rising. It is one thing to see adults go hungry, but like these helpless little birds in this photo waiting for their mother to bring them something to eat.. unfortunately there are a rising number of children in our own backyard who also are going hungry.

Sending our children into the world

Photo taken today of my oldest daughter

going to her first day of Junior High. (photo courtesy of my wife)

"And then the Lord said: Let us go down. And they went down at the beginning."

Abraham 4: 1

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Junior High. The Beginning of seventh grade. I have been a worried father for years that I would evidently have to send my daughter to junior high. For many, it is one of the hardest years in our life, but it can be the most exciting. We are no longer in the safe enviroment of the one room class in Elementary school with loving teachers for 7 years (K -6). Instead, we have a whole new school to go to where we don't know anything about or what to expect. Multiple classes, multiple teachers. We walk the halls amongst a sea of other students. We hear and see things that we have never been exposed to before: Profanity, Obsensities, Crudeness, Immodesty. To top it all off, we are experiencing changes to our bodies which makes us somewhat unsure of ourselves.

In thinking all about this, I couldn't help be think of the similiarities of when we left our pre-mortal experience to come into this terestial world. The scripture in Abraham refers to going DOWN.... not UP. We read: they WENT DOWN. It is a lower, base existence. No longer are we in the presence of a loving father and mother in heaven. We come down and see/hear some of the evil and corruption the world. We have multiple choices and experiences to choose from. We exercise our agency to choose between the good and evil. We experienced a change in our bodies.
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Many things in this photo of my daughter is symbolic. She looks happy, but I sense a slight nervousness in her eyes and smile. Possibly the same emotions we had as we left to come down here to earth. She is holding in her hand her class schedule. This could represent our life assignments/our life mission that we need to fulfill. We have been preordained to come down here to accomplish certain tasks. She has a backpack on, symbolic of all the knowledge and information/intelligence that we gained prior to coming to earth. The tools and information will help us have advantage here . (D&C 130: 19)

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In this photo, the sun is being blocked by dark over hanging tree. symbolic of the veil we had to pass through. The sun is still there, but blocked from our veiw. She is innocent... all of us born as children pure, not stained yet. She is looking back over her shoulder, possibly saying goodbye one last time.. of our remembrance of our Heavenly Home. There are others who are walking in front of her that she is following. We choose who we follow. Others will try to mislead us. We have only one we should follow in this life.. our elder brother, Jesus Christ.

Sacrifice brings forth life.

Photo taken in Israel in May of 2010.

Christ's Life of sacrifice culminated with the sacrifice of His life.

"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things

never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvaton".

Joseph Smith, "Lectures on Faith"

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The word sacrifice comes from the Latin words "sacer" meaning sacred and "facere" meaning to make. So sacrifice means "to make sacred." We mostly think the sacrifice to be a negative, as something hard, painful, or having to give up something we don't want to. We focus on what we will lose out on.... doing without something, or giving up something. The more correct way of looking at sacrifice in our own life, is that it is the process of making our lives sacred. We will gain, not lose... but need to "lose" our life, to gain.

Happy Anniversary

Taken on the Fourth of July, 2010 at Disneyland waiting for the fireworks to start.

"Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart,

and shalt cleave unto her and none else."

D&C 42: 22

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Happy Anniversary... Number 16!

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Even though we have been married for only 16 years. I have known my wife since 8th grade. That would make 28 years since we have meet.

I read this quote last night from the Journal of Discourses (JD 19:270) that I thought was beautiful about the relationship of the husband and wife.

"There can be no God except he is composed of the man and woman united, and there is not in all the eternities that exist, nor ever will be a God in any other way. I have another description: There never was a God, and there never will be in all eternities, except they are made of these two component parts; a man and a woman; the male and the female. Not only is the female God equal with the male, but neither would be God without the other."

I LOVE YOU!

Powers of darkness will prevail upon the earth.

Photo taken in Jerusalem in May 2010.

" For all flesh is corrupted before me;

and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth."

Doctrine and Covenants 38:11.

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By posting this photo of this priest under my headline, someone reading this might think I am suggesting that this "man in cloth" and/or the Catholic Church are the powers of darkness.

However, I am not passing judgement, but use this photo to illustrate something that stood out to me as symbolic. The priest is walking under a dark tree. I think that is significant and possibly could represent each of us... of our clouded understanding of truth, our disconnect with the heavens above, our unbelief, our inundation with philosophies of men, our pride and arrogance, and our unwillingness to seek and call upon the powers of heaven for personal revelation.

Let's read the scripture again... For the scripture states that ALL FLESH is corrupted... not just those in the Catholic church. We live in a time that the powers of darkness does prevail upon the earth. What does "ALL" mean? Does that include me?

How about the word "PREVAIL" mean? Definitions include: more powerful than opposing forces, widespread , to be greater in strength or influence.. TRUIMPH.

WOW! For those of us who prefer light, we have our work cut out for us. So, are we doing anything about it? What do we do in our lives to bring about more light in this world? Or do we find that we are "adjusting" our eyes to the prevailing darkness, and become complacent by accepting and thinking that All is well. Just because our eyes have dialated in the darkness does not mean that the room has gotten any lighter.. it just means that we have become accustomed to the darkness and accepted it.

Searching the scriptures

Photos taken of Catholic Priest and Jewish Woman in Jerusalem in May 2010

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:

and they are they which testify of me."

John 5: 39

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In addition to taking pictures of the sites and locations in Israel, I tried to take pictures of the people. Not easy to do without feeling that you are invading their privacy and without asking for their permission. Jerusalem is a sacred city for the 3 dominant religions in the world. Christianity, Muslim, and Judiasm. All 3 religions have their individual scriptures: The Bible, The Torah, and Quran.

Most of us upon this earth are searching for truth, many do not know where to find it. Many feel that they have God's word and don't need anymore.. the very idea that God can or has spoken .. (and will) to others is disturbing. It requires us to learn more, and may require us to change. But new information from God should always be welcomed. It should be exciting.. even if it requires to change.

We as Latter Day Saints have the Book of Mormon. Many of us still don't fully understand this additional testament of Christ. Should other scripture come forth.. how will we react?