Peace from Within

I have found a way to restore my personal peace whenever I am injured or in danger of doubt. The first time I did this, it took longer to feel every feeling, and absorb every sensation internally. After that, it only took about 5 seconds. FIRST: I am in a very hot desert with no water for days. My mouth is so dry I cannot swallow. An infant in my arms is crying. I find a teaspoon of water in a plant and give it to the infant, then try to comfort the child. Eventually the child goes to sleep in my arms. I feel compassionate. SECOND: The most important thing about me as a person, is that I am a good person; I am kind and smart. I try to always think the best of people, and always give the benefit of the doubt. I feel self-assured. THIRD: I think of the people I love: husband smiling at me, children when just born, grandchildren running into my arms, other family and friends... I feel companionship. FOURTH: I remember my connection to the spiritual. I think of my Savior. I run to him and bow at his feet, bathing his feet with my tears. He pulls me up and embraces me with strong arms of everlasting forgiveness, grace and love. I also think of the time when the Lord showed me the beauty of a chandelier. I was able to see every possible color from every possible surface at once. "This is how I see you. You are beautiful to Me." I feel so completely loved. FIFTH: I remember the day when I saw a Tiger-Swallowtail butterfly which had just emerged from its cocoon. It's heavy wet wings were limp and large. I watched as it pumped blood into the beautiful yellow and black striped wings, fanning them until they were finally fully formed and dry. Then, the creature with long black legs suddenly flittered away... off to a new life. I remember the day when I stood 10 feet from a buck with his antlers in velvet and fire in the sky behind him as the sun was setting behind the scene. There had been fires in the mountain, so the smoke in the air caught all of the colors available. He just stood there looking at me, waiting for me to take a picture... but my phone was dead. :) I think of a wild thunderstorm with the wind blowing my hair violently. I feel the electricity in the air just before a large thunderclap. I remember standing on a mountain in Durango, CO on the 4th of July and hearing the fireworks boom move through the mountain range, through every cell of my body, then continuing on past me down the canyon. I smile as I imagine putting my feet into the ocean, feeling the sand escape beneath my feet as the water recedes, smelling the salty air and hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I feel invigorated and new. SIXTH: I remember making the Native American flutes out of wood, playing them, recording their haunting sounds... and the joy of connecting with my Cherokee ancestry. I feel whole. SEVENTH: I remember a few of the people I have helped... made an impact upon in ways that makes a real difference. I feel useful. Now, whenever someone says something condescending, unkind, or thoughtless... whenever someone I love ignores me or is hurtful... I am unscathed. I have a forcefield around me that protects me from harm. Funny, how such simple things can have such power.

Why I Love Being LDS

I came across this posting and felt to share it here because it says EXACTLY how I feel, but more eloquently. Why I Love Being LDS Kelly Bingham January 29, 2007 This testimony rant is based on conversations I had on a Protestant Blog. When I would ask the Born-again Christians on the Blog questions about Protestantism, all they would do was bash my church in response. They wouldn't tell me anything about what they believed, just why they didn't believe in my Faith. I found that fascinating, that they were defining themselves by who they weren't, so I wrote this essay in response. I hope it helps someone. I have to correct something. LDS beliefs may be contrary to Protestant theology, but our beliefs are not contrary to the Bible. It doesn't bother me that our beliefs differ from Protestantism, just like it doesn't bother Protestants that their beliefs differ from Catholicism. I love being LDS because the church defines itself by what it believes, not by what it doesn't believe. I love that we reinforce our beliefs by teaching what we believe, not by trying to prove others wrong. I love being LDS because we don't refer to Jesus Christ independently of the church; He is synonymous with the church. It's His church. You can't have the church without Jesus. I love being LDS because if all the Bibles, Books of Mormon and scriptures were all taken away, the church would still go on because it's a living church, built upon a rock foundation of continuing revelation from Jesus Christ to living prophets. I love being LDS because it was the first denomination to include Jesus Christ in the name of the church. I love that I can refer to myself as a Latter-day Saint, instead of just the generic Christian. I'm not ashamed and don't want to hide my denomination. I love being LDS because the Church cooperates with other faiths. Members don't picket out in front of others' services or people's funerals. I love being LDS because since I was married in the temple, statistically I have an 80% chance of marital success. I love that my life expectancy is longer because of my obedience to the Word of Wisdom and my lifestyle. I love that you can pick an active LDS member out of a crowd because of the light in their countenance. I love being LDS because my tithing donations contribute to the church's welfare and humanitarian program that is held as a standard by governments and other charitable agencies. I love that the church funds local Christian charities and donates to the Red Cross. The church has donated 45,247 tons of food, 5,943 tons of medical equipment, 57,227 tons of surplus clothing and 5,011 tons of educational supplies to 154 countries, to people regardless of denomination, over the last 20 years. The church members are always among the first respondents in a disaster. I love being LDS because 27,000 people from 39 impoverished nations have received college educations, because of President Hinckley's revelation for the Perpetual Education Fund. I love that the world is better place because the church is here. I love being LDS because my concept of God came from a prophet, who saw Them. I love that Stephen the Martyr confirmed my belief when he looked into heaven and saw Jesus, standing next to Heavenly Father. I love that it didn't come from a group of politicians, theologians, scholars and philosophers who argued for weeks and voted over what the nature of god should be. I love being LDS because the church teaches that God believes in eternal families, not eternal divorce. I love that what God hath joined together, He won't tear asunder. I love that if any of my kids, heaven forbid, were to die they won't be lost to me. I love knowing that if they die, they automatically go to live with their Father in Heaven, and that they will always be my children. I love that if I bump into my mom or dad in the next life, it won't be like bumping into a stranger on the street. I love being LDS because my church listens to the continuing words of God and doesn't tell Him to shut up, just because we think we've had enough. I love that I have the gift of the Holy Ghost to continually guide and advise me. If you don't feel it, maybe you don't have it. I love being LDS because I am a child of God and was literally created in my Heavenly Father's image, not just metaphorically. I love being LDS because this church is organized just how Christ organized His church in the New Testament, with Apostles, Prophets, Elders, Seventies, etc. I love that I got to shake the hand of an Apostle of The Lord, Jesus Christ, today. I love that Jesus is at the head of this church. I love that every prophet, every apostle, or every bishop is chosen by Jesus through revelation, and not through campaigning. I love that we're lead by revelation so "that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine,..." Ephesians 4:14 I love being LDS because there is no politicking for leadership offices in my church. I love that there are no career ambitions in the church. I love that the Apostles only do things in one accord, as was done in the New Testament church. Everything is done unanimously by the brethren, or it isn't done. I love being LDS because the church can answer important questions other church's struggle with. Answers for "why" not just "what". Questions like: "Why did God love us enough to send his only begotten son?" "Why did Jesus love us enough to suffer and die for us?" "Why did God create this earth and place us on it?" "Why did God create us?" "What happens to people who died that never heard of or had a chance to accept or reject the gospel of Jesus Christ?" and "Who was Jesus praying to in the garden, and what happened to His body after the resurrection?" I love being LDS because the church doesn't have to shy away from verses like 1 Corinthians 15: 29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" OR 1 Peter 3:18-19 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;" and other Bible verses that teach about salvation for the dead. I love being LDS because I can go to an LDS church meeting in any state, or country and hear the same teachings and doctrines. I don't have to pastor shop or church shop for one that fits what I want to hear. I love being LDS because the church has high standards. The church holds me accountable for my actions so I don't get complacent or comfortable with my sins and shortcomings. I love that the church provides programs, support systems and ways for me to overcome my issues and help me to be a better person. And I'm humbled that when I do fall short (which I always do) that Jesus will forgive me if I'll repent and forsake the sin and keep moving forward. I love being LDS because Joseph Smith's prophetic calling was consistent with all other biblical prophets. He was young, simple, and obedient like Samuel and Jeremiah. In the Bible, when the church was straying, God never sent a scholar or theologian to restore things, He sent a prophet. Why would God be different this time? God sent prophets to prepare the people for Christ's first coming, (even though they already had the scriptures from other prophets), Jesus called prophets during His mortal ministry, and now He's called prophets to prepare the people for the Second Coming. Amos 3: 7 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." I love being LDS because I have the Book of Mormon as a second witness that Jesus is the Christ. I love that I have a testimony of The Bible and the Book of Mormon based on a witness from the Holy Ghost. Like Jesus said, "Blessed art thou, Simon: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." And "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." And I will never deny my testimony because "whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." (Mathew 12:32) I love being LDS because when I die, and I kneel at the feet of The Savior, I will be able to report that I took His name upon me, that I was baptized and confirmed in His name, that I kept His commandments, that I didn't pollute the body He blessed me with using drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, that I didn't "honoureth him with my lips, but have my heart far from him"(Matthew 15: 8), and that I repented constantly and accepted His atoning sacrifice on my behalf. --Kelly Bingham

The Bible...

I have enjoyed the new series on the History Channel: The Bible. It is well done, and truly delightful! The settings are authentic, the casting and acting is magnifiscent, the special effects are dazzling, and a valiant effort to stay true to the text has been made. The fact that it is a tremendous hit gives me hope that there are many good people in this country; people who hunger and thirst after righteousness. While political anarchy rages, henous crimes increase, societal moral decay ferments, and economic ruin looms; a bright moment shines, offering the hope of possibility. I have learned for myself by the Holy Spirit of God and do testify that Jesus is the Christ... He descended below all things that He might be able to reach all people... He lives! In this truth I exercise my faith and my hope. In this truth I dedicate and consecrate my life. Note: Make sure tissues are handy when watching this series... especially the final segment.

Response To Who is God...

The following is a discussion about my beliefs about God...

Son,
You have picked up on one of the beautiful truths of the temple and have misunderstood it to mean something else. 
That's okay, though. I can see where a couple of scriptures, taken out of context, can appear to say what you interpret them to.
With limited resources and your current mind-set, it is totally understandable.
By denying the words of the Lord said in other times and places, looking with our mortal eyes we see through the glass darkly.
It is only with the Spirit that we can see rightly.
Nevertheless, I will attempt to clarify even though my hands are tied behind my back since I cannot use all of Christ's words.

God is my Father and I am His child

(Malachi 2:10) "Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us?"

• "Father" is a word used to describe someone who is a founder or creator. The "Founding Fathers" of our nation for example. Elohim is our "Father" in many ways. The scriptures are deliciously replete with examples of synonyms, types, parables and many layers of meaning. He is the "Father" of our spirits. He is the "Father" of our mortal existence. He is the "Father" of our eternal destiny. All we have, all we are, and all we ever hope to be is because of Him. 
• When His children attempt to strip Him of His Parentage, it does not make it so. Nothing is changed. Truth is truth forever.
• His very nature of nurturing patience, reward and punishment, and perfect love are evidence of that relationship.

(Hebrews 12:19) "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the
Father of spirits, and live?"

• Elohim is specifically called the "Father" of our spirits. TBhe relationship between our earthly fathers being compared directly to Him and our relationship with Him. There is no mistaking it.
• You seem to believe that He is only the Father of "some" spirits. Whose who join the Jesus club. That belief does not match this explicit truth. 

(Matthew 5:48) Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

• The commandment directly from the Lord to be perfect seems an impossibility. However, the Greek word for perfect is actually whole or complete. We are commanded to DO all that is necessary to reach that perfection that our Father has; to become as He is.
• The Lord Jesus points the way to His Father and our Father as the ultimate "Be-ing;" be-ing finished.
• True, He was speaking to believers. That does not exclude the true nature of our Father being the father of our souls. I see no conflict here.

(Matthew 6:9) Jesus prayed, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

• Again, although Jesus was speaking to believers, it does not mean His words are only specific to their relationship with their Father, and exclusionary to all non-believers.

(1 Corinthians 8:5-6) "For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."

• Yes, though there are many gods and lords, we are to be concerned only with our Father, who is THE GOD, and also with our one LORD, Jesus Christ, because it is through him all things exist. This scripture could not be more plain.
• This scripture makes no distinction or condition about God being our Father.

John 1:12 But as many as ^areceived him, to them gave he ^bpower to become the ^csons of God, even to them that believe on his ^dname: 13 Which were ^aborn, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

• Through faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, becoming a new creature, totally changed and born again, we are given the ability or power to become one with Him. There are several scriptures you no longer accept as the word of God that say essentially the same thing. Yes, adoption is part of it, but not all.
• There is an essential truth taught in the temple sealing ceremony that helps clarify this, but I doubt anything I could say on the subject would be of any import to you, so I will leave it at that.

Rom. 8:14 For as many as are ^aled by the ^bSpirit of God, they are the^csons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of ^abondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of ^badoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth ^awitness with our ^bspirit, that we are the ^cchildren of God:  17 And if children, then heirs; ^aheirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we ^bsuffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

• This is one of my favorite scriptures. It testifies of the love of Father, and the glorious blessings He has in store for us. He will reward those who are let by His Spirit, who recognize His as their Father, who suffer with Christ, carry their cross, follow Him, and are loyal to Him. To these, he will glorify as a "joint-heir with Christ.

Gal. 3:26 For ye are all the ^achildren of God by ^bfaith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been ^abaptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

• This beautiful layer of truth is both symbolic and real. We are bound to our Father through the loving ties born of our faith in His Son, and Christ's perfect love for us. By taking upon us His name, and bearing all that follows that action, we show our loyalty to the Lord and our commitment to our Father. 
• You understand part of the principle of adoption into the house of Israel. This is indeed part of it, but not all. The blessings associated with the covenant between God and Abraham and his seed becomes more real.

Gal. 4: 5 To ^aredeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the ^badoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a ^aservant, but a ^bson; and if a son, then an ^cheir of God through Christ.

• Indeed, another example of the amazing gifts the Father has in store for us! To be an "heir of God" as His children -- through Christ's Atonement and Resurrection. To share the personal "Abba" cry in our hearts with the King of Kings is truly amazing.

Eph. 1: 4 According as he hath ^achosen us in him ^bbefore the foundation of the world, that we should be ^choly and without blame before him in love: 5 Having ^apredestinated us unto the ^badoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

• This is a great scripture that talks about the pre-existence and choices made before the world was created. It clearly says that we were chosen to be adopted into the family of Christ because He willed it that way. And this, "that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love." That is such a powerful testament of the power of Christ to save! His ability to make us holy is incomprehensible to the mortal mind, yet it is true!

1 John 1:12: 1 Behold, what manner of ^alove the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the ^bsons of God: therefore the ^cworld knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the ^asons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall ^bappear, we shall be ^clike him; for we shall ^dsee him as he is.

• This is a very humble expression of the recognition of the magnitude of the gift and love of God. It rightly says that we can be like the Savior.

1 Pet. 2:9 “But ye are a ^achosen generation, a ^broyal ^cpriesthood, an ^dholy^enation, a ^fpeculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of ^gdarkness into his marvellous^hlight: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy”

• Clearly, before we come to Christ, we are not considered His people. This does not mean that we are not spirit brothers and sisters. It means that we are not on His side in the battle against evil; that we are loyal to Him.
• Also, this poetically describes the kingly ministry, sanctified and uncommon; all through the mercy and love of the Lord.
• Nothing here precludes the truth that we are spirit children of an amazingly loving Father who offers every opportunity for His children to become like Him, to be joint-heirs with Christ, to become a holy and royal priesthood. It actually supports these truths.

Lurlynn L. Potter

"Life is lovely when you look at it that way." 

Who is God?

The question is, "Who is God?"


Regardless of what I think or anyone else, God (Elohim) is my Father. He knows me personally. He loves me individually and perfectly.
My personal relationship with Him is through His Son, Jesus the Christ. He also knows me personally, loves me individually and perfectly.
Intellectual study only verifies my personal experiences which I will never deny.

God is my Father and I am His child

(Malachi 2:10) "Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us?"

(Hebrews 12:19) "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"

(Matthew 5:48) Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

(Matthew 6:9) Jesus prayed, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."

(1 Corinthians 8:5-6) "For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."

(Hebrews 12:9) "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"

Character and Nature of God

God has a body... therefore, if I am in His image, I value and will take care of my body.

(Genesis 1:26) "God said, let us make man in our own image, after our likeness." Later, (Genesis 5:3) "And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth." This is the verbage used by the same writer to express a similarity between fathers and their sons.

(Genesis 5:1) "God created man, in the likeness of God made he him."

(Genesis 9:6) "In the image of God made he man."

(Acts 7:56) Stephen saw "the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."

(James 3:9) "men, which are made after the similitude of God."

And many others.

God is Omniscient... therefore, I can trust His judgement and His timing.

(Isaiah 66:18, 88) He "knoweth their works and their thoughts... knoweth the secrets of the heart."

(Matthew 10:29) Jesus said, "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of."

(Matthew 10:29) Jesus also said, "sparrows … shall not fall on the ground without your Father."

(Acts 15:18) "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning."

(Acts 17:26) He "hath determined the times before appointed."

God is Omnipotent... therefore, He has power to do anything He desires. He has power to help me become like Him.

(Genesis 17:1) "I am the Almighty God"

(Genesis 18:14) "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

(Jeremiah 51:15) "He hath made the earth by his power."

(Malachi 3:11) "I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes."

(Matthew 19:26) "With God all things are possible."

(Matthew 28:18) The Resurrected Lord states that he now has power given Him directly from the Father. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

(John 1:3) "All things were made by him."

(Romans 4:17) "God, who quickeneth the dead."

(Revelations 4:8) "Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."

(Revelations 19:6) "Lord God omnipotent reigneth."


God is Love... This is His defining characteristic. His love for me is boundless and in my childlikeness, I love Him with all my heart!

(Deuteronomy 5:10) Mercy is a reward of His love. "Shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me."

(Deuteronomy 6:5) We are commanded to feel and act on that feeling. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

(Jeremiah 31:3) "I have loved thee with an everlasting love."

(John 3:16) Father was willing to sacrifice His special Son for the rest of us. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son."

(John 14:21) Father rewards those who love Jesus with his love. "He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father."

(John 14:23) Father rewards obedience with love and His presence. "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

(John 15:9) Jesus loves us the same way the Father does. "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you."

(2 Corinthians 13:11) Father grants us His presencense when we live in peace. "Live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

(1 John 4:7) Love is something that comes from God. "Let us love one another: for love is of God.


God is Spirit... So am I.

(John 4:24) "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

So am I. I am a spirit being with a mortal body at this time. To say that I am a spiritual being having mortal experiences in no way changes the character of my very being.

Father's body, however, is perfect or complete, glorious, refined, radiant, and eternal.

The early Christians understood this scripture, but it was later used to mean that God is "only" a spirit. That does not change the truth, however.


God is a devouring fire to the wicked, and the fullness of joy for the righteous

(1 Chronacles 16:27) "Glory and honour are in his presence."

(Psalms 16:11) "In thy presence is fulness of joy."

(Psalms 68:2) Disobedient behaviour is punished. "Let the wicked perish at the presence of God."

(Psalms 140:13) God's presence is reward for obedience. "The upright shall dwell in thy presence."

(Matthew 5:8) Jesus said the Father will reward the pure in heart with His presence. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

(Hebrews 3:11) Wickedness is punished by blessings being withheld. "I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest."

(James 4:8) Father rewards some actions with the blessing of His presence. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

I could go on and on!
God is my Father, I am His child. Imagine that! The Glorious God of all is my Father! That makes me daughter to the King of all Kings. That makes me a royal princess!
He has a personal interest in me and wants the best for me. There are so many scriptures that tell me this, but my testimony of His divine love and individual involvement in the details of my life are personal manifestations. Each sacred communication and expression of love fills my soul beyond the boundaries of my mortal body. Additionally, whenever He asks me to be His instrument, and I do it, He imprints part of Himself on me and I become more like Him. I know what I know about Him through these experiences, enhanced by the holy scriptures.



That's who God is.