Day 23

I have been one of those blind people who could not see the miracles surrounding me. I posted last time that we were waiting for a miracle, and what happens if it didn't happen. Then, when I paused and looked around me, I saw many miracles surrounding me. I was blind to the miracles of God, of my loving Father in Heaven.

Because of the miracles I desired at the time, I was oblivious to those that were happening all around me. I would assume that Father was not too well pleased with me.

Last Sunday, we heard Elder Eyring suggest that we must all be about building the Kingdom, and "all these things" will be added unto us when it was right in His schedule. So, I need to ponder more, see what I can do more about building the Kingdom. Every time I go to the temple, my soul vibrates when we get to the point where I can again promise to give all I have to build the Kingdom AND establish Zion.

I know that is the title, that is the main reason I started writing on this blog, about the privilege many of us will have to build the Kingdom, and establish the Zion that will greet the inhabitants of Enoch's city when they return.

So often pressing matters, or in other words, other things like bills, kid problems, employment challenges, neighbors, other responsibilities get in the way of considering how we can build the Kingdom daily, as well as having the goal of Zion in our hearts, and thus at least thinking about what a wonderful time that will be.

I need to watch for, recognize, and give thanks for each miracle that comes into my life daily, for I know there are many each day, most of which I ignore, or accept without giving thanks.

Mosiah teaches that even the air that we breath is a gift from God. Do I act that way? Much to do in my own personal life of late. Better repent and become better, huh?

Day 22

As we mentioned in day 20, we were waiting for a miracle. What is it when that miracle fails to materialize? A nightmare? An undigested potato?

So often in life we analyze things, events, happenings, and inspirations? that just seem to go away, that don't mean anything. Then we pause to consider reasoning. We are left with nothing, wondering the why's of things. We better learn lessons, but when there doesn't seem to be any to learn?

I am reminded of the old testament scripture that says that we don't see as Father sees. We judge, try to understand, but with imperfect sight, and then we give up, again asking that three letter word, why?

When I pause to try and understand or learn lessons that events are trying to teach me, and come up wanting, then I must recall 2 Nephi 2:24 which says that all things have been done in His wisdom. If that is true, then since I don't see as He does, and since I don't know where to turn, I better rest on the Eternal Truth that He does truly love me as His son and He won't let me go through anything that is NOT for my benefit.

In the LDS play My Turn on Earth, there were often times when little telegrams, or little notes of direction from our Father would come floating down from the heavens. I guess I am looking for one of those right now. How can I pursue when I don't know where nor what to pursue?

Oh well, isn't life wonderful?

Day 21

It is interesting as we await miracles to happen in our life together. I have been "told" by Him who knows all, that lessons are being taught, learned, and there are struggles that are delaying it. I know Father knows what is best for all involved.

So many times in my short life :) I have witnessed the desire to do good, or our struggles with patience, or there are a myriad of other things that we don't totally appreciate, which get in the way of Eternal Lessons that Father is teaching. In my opinion, that is why He does not bless us, often, with things we THINK we need, because we would dash out and destroy lessons He is teaching to our family, to loved ones, etc.

So as we wait, learn lessons, try to exercise faith in His control of all things, try to understand the reasoning behind some things that do happen and some things that do not happen, He is teaching, loving, and showing that love if we can only recognize it, feel it and know it to be there.

Miracles happen all the time. We just have to "see" them, through the tangled mess that Satan puts in front of us.

Day 20

Bonnie and I are waiting for the conclusion of a miracle. It has half happened, but the final leg of it is yet to be decided, or secured, or whatever.

We were told of an individual going to the temple and sharing with a temple worker that he was just laid off and was unemployed. The temple worker said, "Congratulations. Now you will be so excited to see what Father has in store for you. Aren't you just overjoyed?"

That is not usually the way one treats unemployment. Hope and excitement is not how one comes home from work and shares with his wife about being let go. Instead of bringing home the steak to celebrate, he comes home with a lower lip dragging on the floor, wondering what is going to happen next, wondering if they will have enough money to pay their bills, wondering how they can get work when no one else is getting hired.

Unemployment is such a challenge. It is a challenge between spouses in communication, in different roles, and in "discussion" about it. It is a challenge of having sufficient faith to get through the difficult moments when all seems to be lost. It is a struggle to wonder what Father will have us go through before we are counted worthy for that miracle where we can find work and be gainfully employed again. It is a trial of faith, joy, hope, and patience.

Bonnie and I are waiting for either an extension of our blessing of unemployment and the trial of paying our bills, or a temporary relief of at least two months, and perhaps for a LONG time.

I treated miracles in this blog once before. I asked if it was correct to ask for a miracle. Since there is a dearth of anyone commenting on my comments, I just imagine what anyone else would say. And of course, I must imagine that everyone agrees with me, since I am so enlightened and wise.

I pace around the house waiting to see what comes next. Today, or at least by tomorrow we shall have either that miracle, or we shall have to run around and start over to find employment, income sufficient for our needs and paying our bills.

So tonight is a 'hurry up and wait' time in our lives. The kids have been praying, fasting, and pleading. But only Father knows, at least right now.

Am I up to another period of trial. Tough question, since I felt I was directed at this one. Now what? Was it just for trials to teach?

I love my Father, no matter what He sends our way. We shall cope, learn, and grow.

Day 19

What does "Giving all that we have" for the purpose of building up the kingdom mean? I have often thought of that. If I pause to count the blessings I have, if I start to list all the things I have been blessed with, if I view each item that I have been given as a blessing, will I give it all up? If I look at my house, which I do not own, but some banks owns, would I give that up if it were required of me for the purpose of building the Kingdom?

In the early days of this dispensation, many gave up their lives for the Kingdom. Many gave up homes for the Kingdom. Many gave up loved ones and all possessions for the Kingdom.

What are we to give up in todays life for the Kingdom?

I sort of figure that there is not much required of us to give up. But perhaps "giving up" things is not what is means. The word used is "consecration." Concentration is much different than giving up something.

Does concentration mean dedication? If I concentrate my home to the Kingdom, or to esbalishing Zion, what does that mean? Or are we to do that? Am I grasping at straws?

If I concentrate my time to the Kingdom, what does that mean? If I concentrate my money to the Kingdom, what does that mean?

The Law of Concentration is where we "give up" or present to the bishop all that we have, receive back from him according to our needs, and whatever is left over is "given" to someone else who may need it.

We are not required to live this law, but eventually we will be, right?

This blog today is to get your mind working, thinking, and commenting. I seek answers, not arguments. If you have a comment, or 2 cents worth, so state.

Day 18

One dear friend said that when Enoch comes with his city to greet those still on earth, they will fall on our necks, according to the scriptures, and it will be too late to START preparing to live in a society of Zion, as they do every day.

I agree. I feel that there needs to be preparation to be ready. Don't know what, where, and when, but that is what I feel.

Building Zion involves doing what the Spirit whispers to us through our hearts. Building Zion involves seeking out opportunities to build others, serve others, strengthening our families. It involves serving with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. It involves knowing that there is more than just obedience to the laws and commandments. It is going further, stepping beyond the "required" and letting the Spirit be our guide.

For I KNOW that there is a place beyond obedience, where the Spirit takes control of our mental, and directs us in Father's ways, doing more than what is expected of us.

I ponder of many brothers and sisters I have met throughout my long life who fit this definition. They are examples to me, of what I want to become. I must take more time to analyze why they are as they are, or better yet, why they influence me as they do.

Confession: Since my life is so up in the air, my ramblings here are what SHOULD be done, not what I am doing, since I am just trying to make it from day to day until I know His will about our future. Is that an excuse? Yes, I guess it is. No matter what the circumstances in our lives, we should be seeking out "building" and "establishing", at least in my opinion.

Thanks to the dear friend who commented on the post I place about some people wanting more and seeking more than just obedience. I agree, so I seek. Will let you know when I find it.

Again, thanks for reading and commenting, for that is how we learn from each other.

Day 17

I was told that one person requests that anyone who comments to me, should comment on this blog, thus inciting discussion. When I am holding a discussion by myself, it gets sort of boring. But I continue.

As I my future, these days, is up in the air, and what I will be doing with my time is not set, nor decided, as we offer ourselves, our talents, and our testimonies to the Lord, as we pursue everything trying to decide what HIS will in on our lives, I can't help but imagine how wonderful it would be to serve FULL TIME in His service. We have the desires, but it is up to His desires for us.

We know that He is teaching us, preparing us and permitting us to experience many things to Celestialize us while in mortality, or at least make a few brush strokes in our character for OUR BENEFIT, I must be patient.

My older sister told me once that everything we do in this life is working for the Kingdom, or the Church. Everything we do, everything say and serve, is building the Kingdom. Thus, whatever He puts in our path, whatever we do, go, or be is totally up to Him if we listen correctly and follow those divine whispers.

So, again, we are in a holding pattern. We plead, pray, and try to listen to His direction, thus bringing to pass His will in our lives.

No matter what, where, we will be building the Kingdom in our own little way, according to His plans. Right?

Day 16

A friend of mine commented that I should change my statement about a Zion society being established on earth before Christ comes. I appreciate his comments, however, I remain in my statement. If Enoch and his city comes and falls upon our necks and we upon theirs, we must be able to live the same state, the same Terrestrial condition they live with, we must have a people ready to receive them, understand them, and live with them in the same "state."

I don't pretend to want to create a Enoch's city, I do feel that there needs to be much work done in the hearts of members of this church to prepare them for that coming bliss with Enoch does return.

Just as tithing, fast offering, etc, prepares us to rid ourselves of the love of money, prepares us to live the law of consecration, where we will give all we have to the Lord, not just 10% and not just what we feel we can to Fast Offering, the same way there needs to be things done, and probably most often things done within the walls of our own heart to prepare ourselves to be ready for Enoch's return.

Yes, I believe my good friend is right, but I feel strongly that I am too. We must think about, prepare for, and question how each of us can improve to be ready when Enoch returns. Perhaps I am wrong to try and think that this is something that I can do anything about, but time will tell, Spirit still whispers to my soul that this is a good cause, a good goal, and if it is just for me to get better, closer to that situation, so be it.

I feel there are many "card carrying" members who attend the temple, do all they feel they need to do, magnify their callings, meet all the covenants they have made, yet feel there is MORE. They are the ones that Father is calling in their silent times, in their inspiration times that they need to help prepare for Enoch's return.

Anyway, that is my vision. There are hundreds, thousands, many, many who feel that way, and do all they can do within their own location of residence, but want more. What is that more? I told you my thoughts, now you think in your mind what are yours?

If one was to ask Father what more they could do in the Kingdom than they are doing, what would He say? Is there a point where we are doing all we can, should do? Consider the Three Nephites, and even John. They wanted to do more than the others. There is always more to do in the Kingdom of God and part of that is thinking about and trying to become close to that state.

I guess I have expressed my thoughts enough on that subject.

Day 15

I have been taking this time to review my thoughts and feelings about the counsel from the General Conference we just completed. What a wonderful source of inspiration from His disciples. What a wonderful day we live in, where we can get inspiration from our leaders constantly. I wonder how often the saints of yesteryear enjoyed counsel and direction from their prophets?

I remember one of the brethren telling us that at dinner table each night (please remember that I am old and am paraphrasing and probably doing that not quite perfectly) they discussed who they served that day. It was a challenge to serve someone different each day.

I thought what a wonderful idea. If we had a daily time when we were to report, or be held accountable to goals we have set, it would motivate us to make sure we did it. When we report our home teaching each month, (or visiting teaching) we know that by the end of the month we shall be held accountable. I wonder how much of it would not get done if we didn't have that time deadline to report. (The principle of reporting is another topic that could be treated, commented on in this place, but we shall see later...)

Back to my train of thought. What is we paused each day at dinner (and that is assuming that we pause each day to eat at a dinner table) and report how we built up the Kingdom today? I would propose that serving someone is building the Kingdom. It builds he whom you serve as well as the server.

Just for this blog's purposes, let us have a definition for a moment.

Kingdom Of God: According to Bruce R. McConkie, and that is the definition I am using, the Kingdom of God is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints today.

Zion: Zion, at least in MY blog, is the condition that existed during the days of Enoch. Sure it is the pure in heart, but it also defines the condition of the City of Enoch, which I feel strongly will be established on earth before Christ returns.

So, since this is my blog, I assume these two definitions of these two goals, dreams, visions I have and that is the purpose of this blog.

Now to conclude for today, I think if I set a time each day when I report, at least to my Father in Heaven, if no one else, what effort I have made to build the Kingdom, thus building me, that would be a good goal to honor. No?

One additional item. I have a dear sister who often reads this blog, but does not feel comfortable adding comments. Please dear friend, do not feel embarrassed or worried that your words will not be received and accepted. I am just an individual using this medium to share thoughts and learn. The more who share their thoughts and ideas, the more I learn and progress toward these two goals, visions.

Thanks again for reading, I shall continue...

Day 14

Reviewing the conference messages, I pause and try to commune with the infinite. I know there are lessons I need to learn, how to become more servicable, how to serve more, and how to build the Kingdom. I know there are lessons He is teaching me even as I type my feelings on this page.

Bonnie and I have discussed how challenging it is not to know our future. Throughout life, most people have an idea what is coming tomorrow, next week, next month, and so on. It is good to plan, save, and prepare for the future. But right now, we have no idea what will be coming into our lives.

We want to serve a mission, but Father must sanction that decision. However there are things that have to happen to permit that, and if He decides that now is not the time, then I must figure out what is next for us.

I seek a miracle. Is that bad? I could write you the scene, the happening of this miracle. I could tell you how it will happen. I could envision how everything will work out the way I want it to. But, that is now how it is to be done.

I guess, throughout my life, Father has tried and tried again to teach me patience, faith, and endurance. Guess this is another time to work on learning these Eternal Principles.

Yes, I still want to be involved in Building the Kingdom as well as Establishing Zion. But my daily live, as well as the expectations of life and others must be established and set.

Anyone who reads this blog will know that I am just sort of floating, unsettled, and awaiting direction. Sorry about that.

Sorry about straying from my main purpose of writing in this blog about Zion and the Kingdom. My life will be settled within the next few millenia, I promise.

Day 13

I was totally impressed with the talks with the brethren, as well as those wonderful sisters in conference. I noted three main subject in conference. ONE: The incomprehensible, all powerful love our Father has for each of us. TWO: The undeniable fact that many of us are going through difficult trials currently, but shall all overcome in His due time. THREE: Service is often the best way ALL of us can work on building the Kingdom no matter where we are, what we are doing, what we are struggling with, no matter what.

I don't know if I will ever forget the powerful moments listening to Elder Jeffry Holland about the truthfullness of the Book of Mormon, his desire to attach his name next to Joseph's and Hyrum's and everyone needs to know he feels the same way about that wonderful book.

Of course the teachings of the Prophet are always near and dear to my heart. His daughter, who is always smiling gave a wonderful challenge to use safety equipment throughout our lives, no matter even if we don't feel it is necessary.

I can't wait to re read their talks, feel the same feelings I felt as I heard their testimonies, and again search for evidences of counsel to build the Kingdom, and even to establish a Zion today.

This morning Bonnie and I went for a walk and "processed" our feelings, our insights, and it was a joy to hear her thoughts, combined with mine. What a special thing to do after conference between husband and wife.

I am filled with many ways to pursue the dreams and visions I have been given, especially in building the Kingdom.

If any want to add their thoughts about conference, please feel free to do so.

Day 12

What a joyous day, when we are privileged to hear apostles and prophets direct us as to Our Savior's will, wishes, and how we should live our lives through the next six months. I hope everyone listens and learns, and follows direction and our leaders and hears the blessings we will receive. (Those who have ears do not hear?) Is that us?

Day 11

The most important, strongest felt vision and dream I have had, and still hold dear is to help in building up the Kingdom of God, and helping to establish the conditions in everyone's heart to be capable, and desirous of living in a Zion, just like Enoch's City. I understand that I must first build up myself, be prepared, and be ready. But I feel there is so much more for me to do in these two goals.

For the last five and one half years, Bonnie and I have been building up the Kingdom in a different, unique way. We were "called" to Brigham City to improve, clean-up, and present to the community a place where the local residents could create wholesome recreational family activities. We have learned many lessons in doing so. But it is time to pursue our next "mission" assignment from our Father.

We have felt strongly that it was time to prepare, and offer our willingness to go anywhere, serve anywhere, and do whatever the Master desires of us. As of today, October 1, we are through with our assignment in Brigham City. Now what? (this is in and of itself a miracle, to put us into a position where we are available to our Father to do whatever He dictates)

We feel strongly the principles we sing in "I'll go where you want me to go..." We have listed our home for sale. We have no source of income. We are putting ourselves in His hands to direct us wherever He would like us to go, do whatever He wants us to do, and of course say whatever He desires that we say.

No matter where we go, what we are called to do, HOW we do it should be building up the Kingdom. Creating what we did in Brigham was a unique way to build the Kingdom. I wonder where, and what will be our next call to build the Kingdom. As long as we are ready and willing to go anywhere, do anything, I am sure Father will dictate where we can best serve Him, and how we can best serve Him. Are we prepared? I hope so.

So, now, today, as we ponder, it is difficult to prepare for our next stewardship because it could be anywhere, even another bowling alley to clean up.

We continually express to our Father we are willing. I know that he can direct us, and even prepare the way so we can serve in another way to build the Kingdom.

Side note: Those at the bowling alley who have assumed our position, they are telling everyone that we have retired. I wonder if it is possible to retire without having any money to live on? I guess if it is in His will, we are retired, broke, but retired. Perhaps we are tired, not retired. Or perhaps we are retarded, not retired, but certainly tired.

Guess time will tell what becomes of us in the future. Stay tuned, for I am still going to express my goals, visions of building the Kingdom and establishing a Zion. Thanks for reading...