Mormon Lives Matter

This is going to be a painful memory to write about. On a rainy day we were playing pickleball in the church. Previously I had nudged Jocelyns phone out of the way when we were playing volleyball so it wouldn't get stepped on and broken. She freaked out and snapped at me to not touch my phone. Another day I was playing music with my phone and Laurel grapped it was going to change the music, I asked for my phone and she wouldn't give it back. The Clarke family culture doesn't respect phone privacy. For me it's inappropriate to grab someone's phone w/out permission and scroll etc. I also didn't want my SA guys to text or call and they see it because it's anonymous. Devon changed my music the day of and it severely escalated. I was so upset that they didn't understand my point of view. Devon and I were yelling at each other. Jocelyn yelled that I don't respect other people's property. I went outside and went to fix the van flat tire. I felt sick to ...

1 Chronicles 29:1-5 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God: David gave all he gave because he loved the house of God. We naturally give to and support that which we love. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

Fruit that remains  Elder Matthew L. Carpenter  When fully matured peaches are picked, they last two to four days before they spoil. If properly prepared and heated, the fruit is preserved until the seal is broken. John 15: 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and2 ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. This is like Step 12: You share, you show up and support your fellow recovering addicts. 

Protect the private times. Elder Steve Bangerter He began by telling me he loved me. He asked me what my goals were in life. I thought, “Well, that’s easy.” I knew two things for sure: I wanted to be taller, and I wanted to go camping more often. I was a simple soul. He smiled, paused for a moment, and said:“Steve, I’d like to share something with you that’s very important to me. I’ve prayed that our Heavenly Father will cause what I say now to be indelibly imprinted in your mind and on your soul so that you’ll never forget.” My father had my full attention in that moment. He turned and looked at me in the eyes and said, “Son, protect the private times of your life.” There was a long pause as he let the meaning sink deep into my heart. He then continued, “You know, those times when you’re the only one around and no one else knows what you’re doing? Those times when you think, ‘Whatever I do now doesn’t affect anyone else, only me’?” Then he said, “More than any other time in your life,...

1 chronicles 29:9 Know the God of your father : David’s exhortation to Solomon begins with the most important aspect – emphasizing a genuine commitment to a real relationship with the living God. David essentially told Solomon, “The secret of my success has been my relationship with God. You need to pursue the same relationship.” Serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind: David also exhorted Solomon to serve God with both his heart and mind. Some people are all heart and no mind in their service to God; others are all mind and no heart. Both of these are important to truly serve Him. i. We notice that the command to know came before the command to serve. “If you know  God you potentially serve him even better because you catch his vision. failure in service is the loss of vision of God & distancing ourselves from Him.

The small as well as the great : 1 Chronicles 26:13 King David had families cast lots; in this way the LORD decided the gatekeepers to the temple. Organized these offices, and didn't let prestige or position affect it.  We don't cast lots, but seek the direct guidance of the Spirit. Choosing men for offices for the church of God isn't about privilege or appearance. We are concerned with the temple of the heart. We are the gatekeeper. Others will try to pour both light and dark, love and evil thoughts into our soul. In the history of the inner life there is so much going and coming; pour into the shrine of the soul, and pour out. And OFTEN, disloyal and evil thoughts intrude, which, before we know it, introduce a sense of distance and alienation from God.

In 2 Chronicles 25:1 it talks about prophesying with music. Specifically King David and the Captains of the army selecting and organizing musicians and worship leaders for Israel and the temple. A connection between the security of the kingdom and honoring God through music. For me beautiful worshipful music has brought the holy spirit like a revelation. I can FEEL God's love through music. Is this not God prophesying that He loves us? I've felt the same way when I've sung to a congregation. Connection and love. Continued: 4/21/24 Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the LORD : Jeduthun’s music ministry was so inspired by the Spirit of God that it could be said that he  prophesied with a harp .  What is the spirit of prophesy? With beautiful music we can be directed by God. We are put in a place to receive relevation.