Elder M. Russell Ballard Explains

LDS Public Affairs, the Public Affairs department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a series of YouTube videos answering seven questions. Elder M. Russell Ballard, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ addresses each of these questions which have become more frequently asked since Mitt Romney tossed his hat in the presidential ring:

1. Do Mormons worship Jesus Christ in their services?



2. How are Mormon beliefs similar to other Christians?



3. Is there scientific proof authenticating the Book of Mormon?



4. Are Mormons Christian?



5. Why do people say Mormonism is a cult?



6. How do Mormon beliefs differ from other Christians?



7. Does the Church support political candidates?



What a wonderful thing to live in this day of technology. To have a living Apostle of the Lord answer questions so that the world may see what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is all about. I love being alive!

Update on Alvin: His surgery ended up being 6 1/2 hours long. 3 1/2 hours longer than it was supposed to be. But they managed to get every portion of all three parathyroid glands and shave the fourth down to a normal level. His calcium levels, after a couple of tries finally reduced to normal. Hallelujah! It was a long scary day, but he's doing well. He's in IMC (Intermediate Care) right now, but hopefully will be moved to a normal floor today. Fingers crossed.

Chocolate of the Gods ∙ Xoçai

So many people have asked me about the healthy chocolate that I eat daily and speak about on occasion, I thought I'd post about it today so that I can answer everyone's questions at once.

First, let me say this is a home business opportunity and one that I enjoy thoroughly. I first heard about these chocolates from Marie Osmond. I believe the conversation went something like this:

"Candace? Marie. You've got to check this out. These are chocolates you can eat all day long and not gain an ounce."

Okay, I will sheepishly admit I blew her off. Alvin had just completed a very scary six week hospital stay and I was in no condition to look at anything.

Several months later I was in Branson, Missouri working on a book with Merrill Osmond. He brought the chocolates up too and that's when I first took notice.

1. Manna from heaven, I swear. I adore dark chocolate and the Xoçai chocolate nuggets are incredibly delicious. I eat three or four a day. They also have a chocolate drink, chocolate power squares, chocolate protein bars and a chocolate omega bar. My favorite? The nuggets, hands down.

2. Healthwise, I did some serious research and was startled to find cold-pressed (which Xoçai is) chocolate has an abundance of health benefits, not the least of which is weight loss. I'll outline several more in a minute. Now, I have to admit, these chocolates (for weight loss) do not stand up to a serious Mountain Dew habit. I sabotaged myself pretty seriously there. But when I stay off the soda, the weight does start to melt off. This chocolate is free of fats, waxes, preservatives and fillers to top it all off.

3. Money-wise, it's been a pretty steady earner for me. Within the first two weeks I received a paycheck and they've been relatively steady since then. Since life threw a few emergencies at me over the last couple of years I've kind of let it slack off, but I'm picking it up again and the checks are starting to come in again.

Here are the health benefits courtesy of Healthy Chocolate Tools.

22 Reasons to Eat and Drink Dark Chocolate and Açai
22 Ways to Build, Strengthen, Repair and Protect Your Body's 75,000,000,000,000 (Trillion) Cells
(This pamphlet can be purchased at www.healthychocolatetools.com)

Aging successfully. We all want results. If you are concerned about aging successfully, this product delivers. The term "aging successfully" could mean a lot of things, but for simplicity we define it here as: (1) providing nutrients to the cells for proper functioning, (2) helping the immune system (especially the liver) operate efficiently, (3) providing ample antioxidants to fight free radicals, (4) strengthening the cardiovascular system, (5) aiding the brain and nervous system, (6) providing energy (food as fuel), and (7) giving the body and mind a sense of well-being. A TALL ORDER FOR ANY FOOD -- YES, BUT WELL WORTH THE EFFORT.

Note: Most nutrients in dark chocolate, the açai berry and blueberry cannot be manufactured nor stored in the body. For optimum health, they should be ingested daily. A dark chocolate and açai complex taken regularly can help your body age successfully -- here are 22 exciting ways how.

1. MORE NUTRITIOUS. Unprocessed dark chocolate manufactured (standardized) for potency and purity is an excellent replacement for other candies (including white and milk chocolate).

2. CONTAINS FIBER. Fiber aids the body's digestive system, carrying proper nutrients and eliminating wastes. Also, this chocolate has "no trans-fatty acids."

3. LOWERS CHOLESTEROL. Quality dark chocolate may help balance good and bad cholesterol. Xoçai nuggets have no cholesterol.

4. CONTRIBUTES TO WEIGHT LOSS. A recent study found that chocolate suppresses appetite. It also helps prevent the body from taking the fat in our diets and putting it in fatty cells. We have also found because of its mood elevation chemicals, people feel better so they can exercise better and hence they continue to lose weight.

5. CHOCK-FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS. Chocolate, açai berry and blueberry are loaded with free radical scavengers---or antioxidants. A Xoçai (sho-sigh) nugget or square has an impressive ORAC (Oxygen Reactive Antioxidant Complex) reading of 3,120. Açai contains ten times the antioxidants of grapes.

If you want health grade chocolates, look for a product that is at least 60% cocoa solids by weight." ~James O'Keefe MD, The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle

Most store-bought chocolate has been stripped of flavonols and phytonutrients and loaded with chemical additives. Only unprocessed, healthy dark chocolate (more than 70% cacao by mass) yields these marked health benefits. The Xoçai line of chocolates weighs in at 70% cacao.

6. BUILDS CELLS. This blend is loaded with protein and amino acids, blended with and carried by plant fibers for maximum absorbency.

If you have high blood pressure, a daily bar-sized serving of flavonol-rich dark chocolate might lower your blood pressure and improve insulin resistance, researchers report in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

7. REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE. In the same study, participants enjoyed a 12-point reduction in systolic (top) blood pressure.

"[A recent study found that] those with high blood pressure who ate a 3.5 ounce dark chocolate bar daily for fifteen days were rewarded with lower blood pressure, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve sugar metabolism." CNN

8. LOWERS CHOLESTEROL.The study also showed an average 13% drop in the LDL (bad) cholesterol level.

9. STRENGTHENS BLOOD VESSELS. Dark chocolate improved the health of blood vessels in the study participants by making arteries more relaxed and responsive.

10. IMPROVE INSULIN LEVELS. The measurement of sensitivity (predisposition to diabetes) was also improved in patients.

"These benefits were attributed to the presence of high levels of beneficial antiaging flavonoids in dark chocolate." ~Ibid O'Keefe

11. SUPPLIES THE BODY WITH CRUCIAL MINERALS. Magnesium is essential in over 300 biological reactions in the body, and important for energy production. Heart, nerves, muscle functions, bone health, and blood clotting are dependent upon adequate magnesium.

"A high magnesium intake lowers blood pressure and reduces risk of heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and osteoporosis." ~Ibid O'Keefe

12. SCAVENGES FREE RADICALS. Free radicals are unbalanced atoms or molecules--missing an electron. They go on a rampage and destroy anything they touch. Free radicals, especially quality phytonutrients like flavonoids found in the açai berry, attack as free radical scavengers. They aid the body in millions of ways.

"Mother nature has provided us with some very impressive defense compounds called antioxidants, which have the capability to protect us from the perils of oxidants or free radicals as they are so called." ~Paul Barney, MD

13. RESTORES ANTIOXIDANT POWER. Many antioxidants become weakened or are destroyed, BUT powerful antioxidants found in dark chocolate repair and strengthen the whole antioxidant network. In order for an antioxidant to be considered "powerful" or "super" they must meet the following criteria: a) stop oxidative chain reactions--even in small dosages; b) repair other weakened antioxidants; and c) restore these antioxidants without becoming weakened themselves.

14. FIGHTS BACK. As pathogens, antigens, mutagens and carcinogens enter the body or are created by the body's own metabolism, they wreak havoc on cell membranes, and mitochondrial DNA (15 times more susceptible to DNA damage than the nucleus DNA). Açai phytonutrients fight back, slowing down or eliminating oxidative stress.

15. RICH IN FIBER AND IRON. Açai berries are very rich in iron and fiber and are strongly recommended for elderly people with digestive problems.

16. CLEANSES AND DETOXIFIES. The açai berry has been used for centuries in folk medicine as a way of cleansing and detoxifying the body.

17. HELPS FIGHT CANCER. The phyto-chemicals in the flavonoids (polyphenols) of the açai berry and blueberry are anti-mutagenic, first by fighting off cancerous causing attacks; second, by strengthening the immune system. Other potential physiological effects of anthocyamins include radiation protection, chemo-protection, vaso-protection and anti-inflammatory agents.

"Antioxidants in chocolate may help protect against cancer, dark chocolate has been found to moderate blood pressure, and other ingredients elevate mood." TIME Magazine

18. FIGHTS CELLULAR MUTATION. The powerful antioxidants (water soluble) enter the cell and float in the liquid, attacking the free radicals and other pollutants, including parasitic waste. They protect both the nucleic DNA and the Mitochondrial DNA.

19. STRENGTHENS MEMORY. A long list of diseases are now associated with free radicals, none more insidious than those that cause Dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, etc. Good cells die from lack of proper nutrition. Cells mutate from free radical attacks. The grouping of phytonutrients helps this battle. It also help with mental clarity and cognition.

20. FILLED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS. Oils are an array of incredibly small particles which bind with other nutrients and transport them through membranes. Our bodies would not work without them. They not only transport, but contain phytochemicals themselves.

21. STRENGTHENS THE HEART AND INHIBITS PLATELET FORMATION. Many of these phytoceuticals strengthen the heart muscles, strengthen blood vessel walls, and inhibit platelet formation (atherosclerosis) helping prevent edema, strokes and heart failure. The strong polyphenols clean and clear the arteries.

22. BOOSTS SENSE OF WELL BEING. Xanthines found in chocolate create a sense of well-being. Theobromine opens the lungs and increases flow in blood vessels. It calms nerves and has a little stimulatory effect to give some additional energy without the addictive and negative stimulatory effects of caffeine.

The University of Utah is currently conducting a study on benefits of Xoçai on the brain. It is expected these results will be published within a six to twelve month time period.

So that's it, in a nutshell. This is the healthy chocolate I talk about, love to eat and enjoy the heck out of the fact that one nugget has an ORAC (anti-oxidant level) of 3,120. Eating a couple of these babies equals my RDA of veggies. Have I mentioned that I really hate veggies?

The FDA actually allows MXI to call their chocolates healthy because of the lack of fats, waxes, preservatives and fillers. Pretty rockin' don't you think? Tastes heavenly and it's good for you. How rare does that occurrence come along in a life time? You can learn more at my chocolate website. But for now, I hope this answers almost everyone's questions that have been emailed to me over the last few months.

11:08 a.m. -- Alvin in surgery. Everything is progressing well.

1:07 p.m. -- Still waiting for the surgery to finish.

3:37 p.m. -- Alvin is still in surgery. Man it's taking a long time! They keep telling me everything is okay.

Isn't technology amazing. Me and my trusty laptop in the surgery waiting room. It's sure helping to pass the time.

Establishing a Religion Library

If you know anything about me now you know that I love my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, heart and soul. You know that I am deep studier of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I devour the words of prophets, apostles and trusted theologians like children plowing through their trick-or-treat bags on Halloween.

As I was looking at building upon my Freedom Library I noticed the large number of religious texts I have as well. I remembered, at that very moment, how many people call or email me with questions about the gospel and events in Church History. I then realized I was well on my way to having a serious Religious Library too. As much I sincerely believe we need a Freedom Library, I also believe we need a Religious Library.

Here are a few of the books I have in my religious library:



I am have many, many more but these are a good place to start. Make sure you a good set of the scriptures, large book size are my favorite. A subscription to the Ensign magazine will also provide you a solid collection of the writings of the prophets and apostles since the magazine's inception. More than affordable, you'll love the knowledge it brings into your home.

On a side note: Alvin goes into the hospital tomorrow morning for surgery. He will be in the hospital three to five days. So I probably won't be blogging much or checking in until he comes home. Everyone have a wonderful week and I'll catch ya on the flip side. (Oh yeah, that dates me.)

World - Stop Whining!

The other day I had a chat with a friend of mine who grew up in Algeria but now lives in France. He is Muslim, a physician, and someone I have really come to respect although we have a couple of HUGE differences. I am a Christian and am an American, a proud and fierce defender of both.

We have discussed Jesus Christ vs. Allah (although my uncle, who is also Muslim, says Allah is Jehovah of the Old Testament . . . hate to tell you this - but Jesus Christ IS Jehovah,) the United States vs. the World and a lot more. Usually we find our commonality in "a lot more," because we are polar opposites in those other two subjects.

He made a statement the other day, "the whole world hates Americans, you know." To put it in context, we were discussing Islam and its goals, purposes and desires to rule the world. I had asked him three questions:

1. If peace-loving Muslims do not agree with the Jihadist terrorists, why don't peace-loving Muslims stand up to them and regulate their own?

2. Can peace-loving Muslims live side by side with those of other faiths without instigating "conversion by the sword" or wanting to install Sharia law?

-- and --

3. Why don't peace-loving Muslims join the fight against the terrorists trying to destroy the world?

I sincerely want to know the answer to these questions, that's why I asked him. We are told over and over that Islam is a religion of peace. But in no nation that is ruled by Islam is peace, by any means, the watch word. Subjugation, domination, torture, unspeakable acts against humanity and so much more. Before I asked him my questions I made it clear I wasn't trying to pick a fight, be offensive in any way shape or form and I didn't want him to think I was attacking his religion, because I wasn't. I really, really wanted to know the answers to these questions.

He didn't answer my questions. He told me I didn't know anything about Islam and he wanted to know what were my specific problems with Islam?

I replied:

I don't like the way Muslims treat women.

I don't like honor killings, I find them reprehensible, deplorable and criminal in action and in fact, the ultimate betray of familial relations. Inhumane and evil, honor killings are a crime against the women of the world.

I don't like the "convert by the Sword" mantra of the nation of Islam.

I don't like their methods of governing their people.

I don't like the law which requires the killing of anyone, as well as their family, who leaves the religion of Islam. There's a reason LDS missionaries don't proselyte in Muslim communities. The far-reaching consequences to family members still in Islamic-ruled nations is unacceptable to all human beings, except Muslims.

I don't like the dictatorships which seem to accompany Islam nations.

I don't like Sharia law.

I don't like the "holy war" or jihadist creed.

I don't like the complete lack of respect of our God-given rights to worship according to the dictates of our own consciences.

Does any of this ring a bell? Forced conversion, forced adherence to law, forced behavior according to the dictates of a few unjust and unrighteous men. . .war in heaven, anyone? Didn't we already fight this battle?

Anyway, the things listed above were just a few of the things that I told him. He sidestepped all those with "the whole world hates Americans, you know."

I learned what I know about Islam from the Quran (really don't like that book, gives me a creepy feeling) and the book Islam by Isma'il Al Faruqi, Ph.D., which was given to my uncle by his Imam to help me feel better about his conversion to Islam.

Let me just quote a little from Chapter 6 of this book (which, by the way, scared the hell out of me and didn't make me feel better at all:)

Chapter 6
The Islamic World Order

By affirming the brotherhood of all peoples, Islam denies the concept of ethnocentrism and the doctrine of election. As a universal religion, it aspires to include all nations within the Islamic state. This chapter explores Islam's universalism, the comprehensive nature of the Islamic state, and the Muslims' vision of establishing a world order that encompasses all of humanity. (Islam, Isma'il Al Faruqi, 1988 59)

Oh yeah, that made me feel better. The people who kill their daughters and sisters when they are raped, because they've dishonored the family while being victimized, yeah . . . those are the folks I want in charge. This book was so scary in its matter of factness . . . there's a reason I will fight to my last breath before allowing Islam, communism or socialism to take over this nation. Anyway, this is where my knowledge came from.

He's my friend, so I tried to not get a little hot under the collar, but it's me . . . you know what I mean? When I say I am a fierce patriot and defender of America, I ain't just whistlin' Dixie.

My response went something like this:

Well, if the world hates America then they need to quit come crying to us every time something goes wrong. It was American blood that was shed to end World War I. It was American blood shed to end World War II (400,000 American men and women lost to Hitler.) It was American blood shed to protect South Korea. It was American soldiers who forced Saddam out of Kuwait. It is to America the world cries and whines when genocide, tsunamis, hurricanes, cyclones and earthquakes occur. "Why aren't you here? Why weren't you here before it happened? Why didn't you predict this tragedy would occur and stop it?"

George W. Bush is the leader of the free world, and America is the last great superpower. We are a nation of protectors, not attackers. We are a nation that promotes freedom and democracy across the globe. We are a nation that answers that cry for help. We are a nation that believes in basic God-given freedoms that are inviolate. Are we perfect? No. But we're the best thing this world has going.

And what do we get for our trouble? We hate you!

Okay, what is the world? Three?!!!!!

And by the way, I still don't have the answers to my questions.

Written at LDSBlogs.com today:

Knowledge is Power
How to Learn More About Mormons

Establishing a Freedom Library

Driving to and from Idaho yesterday gave me a lot of time to think -- and -- to listen to talk radio. Turns out I ended up listening to Glenn Beck off and on for the bulk of the trip coming going (although I did get a little Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly as well.) Believe me when I say, these shows not only help to make the time pass but inform me as well. No downside, as far as I can tell.

Glenn suggested a marvelous idea that I think is something every single American family should participate in . . . establishing a Freedom Library.

Our nation is rife with people determined to destroy the reputation of our founding fathers, wanting to re-write or completely toss out the U.S. Constitution, toss our republic way of government out the window and usher in socialism or communism and so much more. I could literally go on for hours about what is going on in this nation.

But Glenn suggested we start collecting books about our Founding Father and the establishment of America. I would strongly suggest not purchasing any written by a decidedly left-wing liberal. Anything written and published by the Department of Education prior to the Clinton era. In case you didn't know, the Clinton's ordered a re-write of American history to show the "true" America. A lot of falsehood were then perpetuated as truth and have now been taught to a generation of Americans as truth.

A few books I would recommend to start with would be:



Let me explain why I believe this is such a good idea. Education, first and primarily, should take place in the home. Here is why:

Yesterday, a college student called the Glenn Beck Show and explained about a Sociology class he was being forced to take before he graduated. The professor is a socialist and proud of it! Her lessons revolved around comments like, "We must move away from capitalism and toward . . ." she went on to describe socialism with actually calling it such.

What is socialism you ask? In socialism God is taken out of the human equation and is replaced by the state. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines it as:

1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state

3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

That's right, Karl Marx is the father of socialism. Hitler's party was the National Socialists Party. Need I say more? The Democrat-lead Congress of this nation is pushing us toward a socialist society . . . education of the American people is the antidote to that.

One of my favorite quotes by Joseph Smith is this: "Knowledge does away with darkness, suspense, and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is . . . In knowledge there is power."

And lest you think I am over-reacting, let me share the 45 Rules of American Communism, defined as,

1 a: a theory advocating elimination of private property b: a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed

2 capitalized a: a doctrine based on revolutionary Marxian socialism and Marxism-Leninism that was the official ideology of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics b: a totalitarian system of government in which a single authoritarian party controls state-owned means of production c: a final stage of society in Marxist theory in which the state has withered away and economic goods are distributed equitably d: communist systems collectively

Hmmm, sounds familiar. Here are the 45 Goals of American Communism.

1st Goal ∙ U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. Check!

2nd Goal ∙ U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. Check!

3rd Goal ∙ Develop the illusion that total disarmament by the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. Check!

4th Goal ∙ Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. Check!

5th Goal ∙ Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet Satellites. Check!

6th Goal ∙ Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. Check!

7th Goal ∙ Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. Check!

8th Goal ∙ Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the Germany question by free elections under supervision of the U.N.

9th Goal ∙ Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the U.S. has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. Check!

10th Goal ∙ Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. [page 260] Check!

11th Goal ∙ Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.)

12th Goal ∙ Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. Check!

13th Goal ∙ Do away with all loyalty oaths.

14th Goal ∙ Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent office. Check!

15th Goal ∙ Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. (This is me: Have you listened to Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama and John Edwards lately? Have you listened to Harry Reid and the rest of the Democrat party. They can consider their butts well and truly captured! Mission Accomplished!)

16th Goal ∙ Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. Check! Check! Check!

17th Goal ∙ Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. Check! Check! Check! (When was the last time you sat down with your children and really listened to what they are being taught? Have you read their textbooks? Do you visit the classroom on a regular basis? Do you attend all parent/teacher conferences? Do you attend school board meetings?)

18th Goal ∙ Gain control of all student newspapers. Oh, freakin' done! Excuse me, Check!

19th Goal ∙ Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. Check!

20th Goal ∙ Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions. Don't even get me started. CHECK!

21st Goal ∙ Gain control of key positions in radio, TV and motion pictures. CHECK!

22nd Goal ∙ Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." Check!

23rd Goal ∙ Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive meaningless art." Check! But seriously, why?

24th Goal ∙ Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling [page 261] them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. Check! i.e. Hustler, Playboy, etc.

25th Goal ∙ Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio and TV. Check!

26th Goal ∙ Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." Check!

27th Goal ∙ Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." Seriously making all efforts to accomplish this.

28th Goal ∙ Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." Check!

29th Goal ∙ Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a world-wide basis. Check!

30th Goal ∙ Discredit the American founding fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." Check!

31st Goal ∙ Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of "the big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. Check!

32th Goal ∙ Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture -- education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. Check!

33rd Goal ∙ Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. In the process of-

34th Goal ∙ Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Check!

35th Goal ∙ Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. In progress.

36th Goal ∙ Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. Check!

37th Goal ∙ Infiltrate and gain control of big business. Serious inroads.

38th Goal ∙ Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police [page 262] to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand or treat. Check!

39th Goal ∙ Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. Check!

40th Goal ∙ Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. Check!

41st Goal ∙ Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. Check!

42nd Goal ∙ Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use "united force" to solve economic, political or social problems. Check! (Oh yeah, if you don't remember the 70's, now's the time to do some reading.)

43rd Goal ∙ Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. Check!

44th Goal ∙ Internationalize the Panama Canal.

45th Goal ∙ Repeal the Connally Reservation so the U.S. cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over domestic problems. Give the World Court jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. Trying for everything they are worth i.e., Law of the Sea Treaty.

Source: "The Naked Communist", pp 259-262, Author W. Cleon Skousen, Nov. 1961.

I am astonished at the completion of all these goals. I've known the Constitution and American way of life was under attack. I've known that Christianity was under attack. I've known that our freedoms and Constitutional rights are being eroded. I've known that the Left desires the complete destruction of the America our Founding Fathers set up under divine inspiration.

What I did know? How far they'd gotten. Educate your children and your families. Educate yourselves. Become active in your communities. Research all candidates and issues and vote in every election.

Do you wonder how this situation in America came to be? Apathy. It's time to shake it off and do something or this beautiful country you grew up in will be non-existent by the time your children are adults.

There is only one thing standing between America and those who wish to destroy her . . . you and me. I'm in, are you?

Marie Through the Weeks of Dancing

Week 1


When Marie and I talked about whether she do this show or not, I encouraged her do it. It really is one of my favorite shows and I was so happy to see her up there -- and doing well! And to get Jonathan as her partner! Oh yeah, Marie lucked out there.

Week 2


Getting better every week!

Week 3


Wow! Go Marie!

Week 4


Go Marie! You looked ravishing, ethereal and beautiful. Quite a triple threat!

Week 5


I was worried when Marie fainted. But she seems to be doing well. Please keep her in your prayers. I'm so proud of you, Marie. Keep it goin' girl! You're a rock star!

I'm headed off to Idaho for the day. Will return this evening, but won't have time to write new blogs for LDSBlogs.com until late tonight. Thought I'd share, in case you didn't get to read them yesterday.

Written at LDSBlogs yesterday:

My Lord and Savior
Understanding Truth From Error
Filling the Well Within
St. Arnold - A Really Interesting Ancestor
Where Do We Go From Here?
Brigham Young: Lion of the Lord
What is Mortality About?
Where Did I Come From?
Man Is Not Saved By Faith Alone
Elias - Bringer of Joy
Spencer W. Kimball (1895 to 1985) - The Mission Years
Adam - The First of Us All
Spencer W. Kimball (1895 to 1985) - The Early Years
All Worthy Men

Second Verse, Same as the First

The Democrats in the Senate are trying to push through the Dream Act once again. It came up for a cloture vote on Wednesday. Fortunately, it was rejected. This Congress continues to ignore the American people and our wishes. The Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, who is as crooked as the day is long, continues to try and shove this bill through. And he'll keep doing it until he succeeds or is voted out of office.

The Republicans MUST take the next election. If this does not occur, this nation will take such a monumental hit we may never survive.

On top of trying to force the Dream Act through, we are also facing a threat to our sovreignty in the Law of the Sea Treaty, which they are trying to push through. There are huge problems with this treaty and Ronald Reagan had major problems with it. The Heritage Foundation better explains it than I ever could:

April 2, 2004

The Law of the Sea Treaty

by Carrie E. Donovan

WebMemo #470

The Law of the Sea Treaty ("Treaty") was conceived in 1982 by the United Nations (U.N.) as a method for governing activities on, over, and beneath the ocean's surface. It focuses primarily on navigational and transit issues. The Treaty also contains provisions on the regulation of deep-sea mining and the redistribution of wealth to underdeveloped countries--as well as sections regarding marine trade, pollution, research, and dispute resolution. The Bush Administration has expressed interest in joining the International Seabed Authority and has urged the U.S. Senate to ratify the Treaty. However, many of former President Ronald Reagan's original objections to the Treaty--while modified--still hold true today, and many of the possible national security advantages are already in place.

National Security Issues

Under the Treaty, a 12-mile territorial sea limit and a 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are established. This sets a definitive limit on the oceanic area over which a country may claim jurisdiction. However, innocent passage--including non-wartime activities of military ships--is protected. Even without the Treaty, these boundaries, and the precedent of safe passage, are protected under multiple independent treaties, as well as traditional international maritime law. Additionally, given the United States' naval superiority, few countries would attempt to deny safe passage. However, under the Treaty, intelligence and submarine maneuvers in territorial waters would be restricted and regulated.

Environmental and Economic Issues

Former President Reagan refused to sign the Treaty in 1982 due to its innate conflict with basic free-market principles (e.g., private property, free enterprise, and competition). Twelve years later, the Clinton Administration submitted to the U.S. Senate a revised version of the Treaty. This revised version allegedly corrected many of the original objections to the Treaty, but still failed to receive Senate ratification: Therefore, the United States' provisional participation expired in 1998. The Treaty still requires adherence to policies that regulate deep-sea mining, as well as forcing participants to adopt laws and regulations to control and prevent marine pollution. Additionally, under the Treaty, a corporation cannot bring suit, but must rely upon its country of origin to address the corporation's concerns before the U.N. agency.

Reagan's Objections

1. Former President Reagan's first objection to the Treaty was the Principle of the "Common Heritage of Mankind," which dictates that oceanic resources should be shared among all mankind and cannot be claimed by any one nation or people. In order to achieve this goal, the Treaty creates the International Seabed Authority ("Authority") to regulate and exploit mineral resources. It requires a company to submit an application fee of $500,000 (now $250,000), as well as a bonus site for the Authority to utilize for its own mining efforts. Additionally, the corporation must pay an annual fee of $1 million, as well as a percentage of its profits (increasing annually up to 7%), and must agree to share mining and navigational technology--thereby ensuring that opportunities aren't restricted to more technologically advanced countries. The decision to grant or to withhold mining permits is decided by the Authority, which consists disproportionately of underdeveloped countries. Technology-sharing is no longer mandatory, however, there are remaining "principles" to guide its use and distribution. Additionally, the Council has been restructured so that the United States has a permanent seat, and developed countries can create a blocking vote.
2. Secondly, former President Reagan believed that the Treaty would restrict the world's supply of minerals. The Treaty was originally designed to limit the exploitation of heavy minerals in order to protect the mineral sales of land-locked, developing nations. This is no longer a severe limitation, because production limits to preserve land-based mining have been removed.
3. The third--and still valid--objection is that mandatory dispute resolution restricts autonomy. Either a U.N. court or tribunal must mandate maritime issues involving fisheries, marine environmental protection, and preservation, research, and navigation. A country may opt out if the dispute involves maritime boundaries, military, or limited law enforcement activities. Submitting to external jurisdiction creates an uncomfortable precedent. Furthermore, it weakens the U.S. argument of autonomy when it refuses to submit to the International Criminal Court. Additionally, a country must petition to be excluded from mandatory jurisdiction requirements.

Carrie E. Donovan is Production and Operations Coordinator in the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies at The Heritage Foundation.

Selected Studies

Marjorie Ann Browne, "The Law of the Sea Convention and U.S. Policy," Congressional Research Service Issue Brief for Congress No. IB95010, updated January 15, 2004.

John Luddy, "The Law of the Sea Treaty: Unwise and Unnecessary," Heritage Foundation Executive Memorandum No. 386, August 10, 1994.

Roger A Brooks, "The Law of the Sea Treaty: Can the U.S. Afford to Sign?" Heritage Foundation Backgrounder No. 188, June 7, 1982.

Guy M. Hicks, "The Law of the Sea Treaty: A Review of the Issues," Heritage Foundation Backgrounder No. 138, April 28, 1981.

It's obvious that this Democrat led Congress wishes to sell us down the proverbial river. How can we stop it? We vote them out of office. We stop them before they can get started. It's time to get back on the phone and start calling these folks in Washington D.C. and remind them who they work for . . . WE THE PEOPLE!

The founders of this nation said America would last as long as the people stayed actively involved and cared about their sovereignty. Are you really ready to give up all the freedoms and privileges we enjoy as Americans for a dictatorship? Are you really ready to toss this divinely inspired Constitution out and welcome in a monarchy? NO! We will not tolerate this. Congress better start listening to the American people or they can start packing up their offices.

Now is the time to stand and be heard. The Dream Act must be killed. America must NEVER sign the Law of the Sea Treaty -- why would we give up our sovereignty and turn it over to those baboons at the United Nations? I beg each of you, stand and be counted. Now is the time to be heard.

Contact your Senators here.
Contact your Congressman here.

Written at LDSBlogs today:

My Lord and Savior
Understanding Truth From Error
Filling the Well Within
St. Arnold - A Really Interesting Ancestor
Where Do We Go From Here?
Brigham Young: Lion of the Lord
What is Mortality About?
Where Did I Come From?
Man Is Not Saved By Faith Alone
Elias - Bringer of Joy
Spencer W. Kimball (1895 to 1985) - The Mission Years
Adam - The First of Us All
Spencer W. Kimball (1895 to 1985) - The Early Years
All Worthy Men

Marie is Fine

As everyone saw on Monday night, Marie passed out as she was awaiting the comments from the Dancing With the Stars judges. Then, of course, it was played over and over on every station. Just to let everyone know, she's doing fine.

I've faithfully watched the show every week to support my dear friend. I've been so pleased at the level of skill she is gaining on a weekly basis. I couldn't be prouder of her. I've loved watching her dance and excel at something she is working so hard at.

According to Reuters:

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Marie Osmond, a member of the singing Osmond family, was "feeling fine" on Tuesday after fainting the night before during an appearance on the ABC television show "Dancing with the Stars," her spokeswoman said.

I haven't spoken with her but know she's doing great. Knowing her as I do, I'm certain she has driven herself beyond her capabilities and is burning strictly on energy. It's just the way she is . . . a fierce competitor, allowing nothing to stand in the way of the prize. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best for her.

My other favorite on the show is Jane Seymour. Wow, she is grace and elegance personified. I absolutely love watching her dance. I fear the winner of the show will be the Cheetah Girl, Sabrina. I can't say I care much for her, there's just something about her that rubs me the wrong way. But even I have to admit the girl can dance. Another celebrity I'm pulling for is Jenny Garth - I love the routines Derek's been coming up with and Jenny just sparkles.

Thats the thing that amazes me, week after week, is the originality of every routine the professional dancers come up with. To choreograph something different is quite astounding in its level of difficulty and beauty. Then to have to teach it to celebrities who haven't spent a lifetime mastering ballroom skills . . . I admit it, I love this show.

I'm headed back to bed because I've got a terrible cold. In the meantime, keep tuning in to Dancing with the Stars and voting for my friend . . .

Have a great day!

Whitney Awards Committee Announces Large Cash Awards

PROVO, UT—OCTOBER 23, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHITNEY AWARDS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES LARGE CASH AWARDS

The Whitney Awards Committee announced today that they will be offering seven large cash awards to be presented at the upcoming Whitney Awards banquet in March 2008. These cash prizes are due to the generosity of the Whitney Awards' marquis sponsor, ExclusivelyLDS.com.

Founded earlier this year, the Whitney Awards program is a non-profit organization dedicated to rewarding excellence among LDS authors.

With the new sponsorship of ExclusivelyLDS.com, winning authors will receive up to $1000 along with their trophy.

The Whitneys offer a total of seven awards. The five genre awards (Best Romance/Women's Fiction, Best Mystery/Suspense, Best YA/Children's, Best Speculative Fiction, Best Historical) will each be accompanied by a $500 cash prize. The two overall winners, Best Novel by a New Author and Best Novel of the Year, will each receive $1000.

"We're very excited about the sponsorship with ExclusivelyLDS.com," Robison Wells, president of the Whitney Awards Committee, explains. "There is enormous talent among LDS authors, and every year seems to produce better and better novels. This is an exciting time to be part of the LDS fiction industry. Our hope is that these awards will raise awareness about the high quality fiction available from LDS authors, and to draw in new readers."

Over a hundred years ago, Latter-Day Saint Apostle Orson F. Whitney declared "We shall yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. . . . In God's name and by His help we will build up a literature whose tops will touch the heaven, though its foundation may now be low on the earth."

Anyone can nominate a novel published during the previous calendar year in any of seven categories, and a final academy of industry professionals will vote on the final ballot. Nominations are being taken for books published in 2007 by LDS authors at the Whitney Awards website: www.whitneyawards.com

###

CONTACT:
Robison Wells
Whitney Awards President
robisonwells@msn.com
www.whitneyawards.com
(801) 691-9115

Whitney Awards Committee
13 West Center
Oak City, UT 84649

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Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) - The Early Years
All Worthy Men
Where Did I Come From?
Man Is Not Saved By Faith Alone
Adam - The First of Us All

No Fireside in Vegas Today

As Tristi and I drove home from Elsinore yesterday, I was struggling with trying to have the energy to stay up and recreate my Emma Smith: Elect Lady So Misunderstood fireside. I'd lost my notes and so figured I'd have to stay up until well after midnight reading Emma and Joseph: Their Divine Mission and Emma and Lucy. I was dreading the experience and sad because I was so tired I wasn't in the proper frame of mind. I had been praying since Friday night that I would have the energy, stamina and strength in order meet all of my obligations with a cheerful smile and for the ability to still hear the Spirit as I tried to share my knowledge and testimony of Emma Smith as an "elect lady."

I so adore Joseph and Emma and really looked forward to immersing myself in their lives again, but I was so disturbed by the time constraints.

Elsinore was a little dismal for me, only sold $30 worth of books -- which is close to an all-time low for me. So I was already a little disheartened and dreading the drive to Las Vegas this morning. Halfway through the trip home, through the rain and snow (no, this is not a picture of the road I drive -- just here so you get my point,) my phone rang. It was Sheila from Las Vegas telling me the fireside was going to have to be postponed. She felt terrible about it, but I assured her that it was fine and all she had to do was get me a new date and we'd take it from there. After we hung up, it was as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was so excited, I could hardly wait to get home and climb into my bed and pass out.

So, when I get home from church today I'm going to take a nap, a really LONG nap, and then I'm going to curl up and simply enjoy those two books. I can scarcely wait!

Everyone have a wonderful Sabbath and enjoy reading my blogs on LDSBlogs.com.

Blogs written by me on LDSBlogs.com:

Happiness is . . .
Creation

A review on Forged in The Refiner's Fire -- Click Here.