College Football Picks Week 8 Results

1. Tammy -18 tiebreaker 59
2. Clint -20 tiebreaker 58
3. Rex -21 tiebreaker 54
4. Lisa -22 tiebreaker 57

actual tiebreaker 42

Sunday School Lesson – Jeremiah

Yesterday we taught our Sunday School lesson on the book of Jeremiah.  I'm not going to post all my notes but here are a few highlights.  The prophets Jeremiah and Lehi were contemporaries preaching repentance to the people in Jerusalem in the early 600s BC.  

Lehi was commanded to leave Jerusalem with his family and sail across to the Americas (around 600 BC).  Their story is contained in The Book of Mormon.  Jeremiah was to remain in Jerusalem and continued preaching repentance to the people.  Jeremiah is the only prophet who was in Jerusalem before, during, and after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC.

Some of the doctrines that Jeremiah taught that we talked about in our lesson yesterday include: pre-mortal existence (Jeremiah 1:5), foreordination, Jesus being living waters, trust in the Lord, the gathering of Israel (missionary work, bringing people to Christ), Sabbath day, potters clay (being clay in the Lord's hands), fire in the bones (desires to serve God).

Our handout was a succulent plant with quotes from Jeremiah.

double-sided handout:

College Football Picks Week 7 Results

1. Clint -17 tiebreaker 63
2. Rex -19 tiebreaker 70
3. Tammy -19 tiebreaker 61
4. Lisa -24 tiebreaker 47

actual tiebreaker 85

College Football Picks Week 6 Results

1. Clint -16 tiebreaker 58
2. Tammy -18 tiebreaker 57
3. Lisa -19 tiebreaker 59
4. Rex -19 tiebreaker 57

actual tiebreaker 74

Childhood Dogs Prevent Schizophrenia

I just read an interesting article about a research study done regarding growing up with a dog being a protection against developing schizophrenia.

From the article:

"In this study, the researchers used health data from 396 adults diagnosed with schizophrenia and 381 adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They also included 594 adults with no mental health disorders to serve as the control group. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 65, were in good health and had no history of drug use. All were asked to detail their personal history with childhood pets. 

"When the researchers analyzed the data, they were surprised to find a statistically significant connection between the presence of a family dog in early childhood and a decrease in the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life. They did not find the same link in study participants with bipolar disorder or among those whose childhood pet was a cat."

I found the results very interesting.  I also find them very believable.  I remember my childhood dog, Tiger, being a great therapist.  Whenever I was sad, I would always go talk to Tiger.  I always felt better after pouring my heart out to Tiger.  

I do believe that having a childhood dog is a great asset and positive influence on people's mental health.  It seems logical that growing up with a dog would help in developing mental stability in adults.  I believe that having a dog at any time during your life is good for your health.  After all, dogs are man's best friend.

I had to chuckle that having a cat as a pet did not help in preventing development of neither schizophrenia nor bipolar disorder in this study.  I've never been a fan of cats as pets.  There's just something weird about cat people.

It is interesting though, in this study, that the statistics were only significant in preventing schizophrenia and not bipolar disorder.  Perhaps more research needs to be done to also include various other mental disorders.  We know that dogs help people heal physically.  That's why there are various programs where people take dogs to hospitals.  So it's not a stretch to think that dogs can help heal people mentally as well.

So, get your kids a dog.  It's good for their mental health.

That's my two cents. 

58%!

A few days ago I read a shocking statistic in the Deseret News.  Not much shocks me anymore but this certainly did.

At first, I read that 72% of Utahns believe that same-sex marriage should be the law of the land.  I thought that number was pretty high for a state with a majority of members of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints.  But I know the percentage of members has dwindled in Utah.  So I thought I would look at the demographics of Utah after I read the article.  To try to get an idea of how many members of the church feel that same-sex marriage should be legal.  But I didn't have to.  The statistic was in the article.  This was the shocking number to me.

Before we get to that number though, I'm going to post part of the article for you.  This was an article in the Deseret News on September 29, 2022, "Do Utahns support same-sex marriage?":

 "The new Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics survey found 72% of residents agree that marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages. The poll shows 23% disagree, while 5% don’t know.

“For a state that less than 20 years ago passed laws and a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, there has been a seismic shift in opinion,” said Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah.

"When same-sex marriage became recognized in Utah in 2014 — a year ahead of the Supreme Court decision — it had support from less than half of Utahns. A January 2014 Deseret News/KSL poll amid the legal battle and contentious public debate over the issue found a majority of Utahns (57%) opposed same-sex marriage." 

Going from 20 years ago passing a law to prohibit same-sex marriage to 20 years later nearly 3/4 of people supporting same-sex marriage is drastic.  And even just eight years ago the majority of Utahns – 57% – still opposed same-sex marriage.  It really is a seismic shift in a very short amount of time.

So I was curious as to what the national statistics are.  Surprisingly, they are almost identical.

"The Deseret News/Hinckley poll shows Utahns are aligned with the nation as a whole on the issue. A Gallup poll in May found 71% of Americans say they support legal same-sex marriage, a new high."shows in general terms that Utahns believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by the law the same as marriages between a man and a woman."

Not surprisingly, Democrats are far more likely to support same-sex marriage that Republicans. 

"A high percentage of poll respondents who identified themselves as Democrats are of that mind (94%), though a majority of Republicans (61%) also agree."

Even though the Republican number is much lower than the Democrats, it is still much too high. Though, interestingly, it is still lower (61%) than the number of Utahns (72%) as a whole.   

"Among those who identified themselves as “very conservative,” 42% say all marriages should be treated the same, while the number jumps to 69% among “somewhat conservative” voters. More than 95% of “very liberal” and “somewhat liberal” Utahns say the law should recognize same-sex marriages with the same rights as traditional marriages."

The aforementioned statistics seem more reasonable.  42% of "very conservative" respondents supporting same-sex marriage while over 95% of liberal Utahns supporting legalized same-sex marriages.  Although, even 42% seems too high for me for those claiming to be very conservative. 

But here's the kicker – and the statistic that shocked me the most.

"A majority of Utahns who identified as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the survey favor legal same-sex marriage.

"The poll found 58% of those who consider themselves “very active” in the church agree that marriages between same-sex couples should be recognized by the law as valid, with same rights as traditional marriages. The number rose to 76% among “somewhat” and “not active” Latter-day Saints."

A whopping 58% of "very active" members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints support legalized same-sex marriages!  That's the overwhelming majority and nearly 2/3 of very active members supporting something the Church and the Lord vehemently oppose!  That number should be 0%!

It is stunning.  And, the number goes from 58% to 76% when you include all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  That's higher than the national average of 71%!  Unfathomable.

The Church is very clear in its opposition to same-sex marriage.  Same-sex marriages are not performed in the Church.  Not in temples, not even in churches.  Church clergy does not officiate in same-sex marriages.  "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" clearly states that marriage is between a man and a woman.

"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

"… We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."  – The Family: A Proclamation to the World, 1995

So why are 58% of very active – supposedly faithful – Latter-day Saints so wrong?

How can you be a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, understand the doctrine, yet still support same-sex marriage?  It makes no sense.

I suppose it is because they are brainwashed and confused by worldly teachings and philosophies.  But this is precisely why we are admonished to be in the world but not of the world.

John 17:11, 14-15

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Despite this admonition from our Savior, many Latter-day Saints – including very active members of the Church – are very worldly.  In fact, the prophet Isaiah prophesied of the worldliness of members of the Church in the last days.

Isaiah 3:16

"Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:"

Isaiah is not the easiest prophet to understand but he's basically prophesying that, in the last days, the daughters of Zion – members of the Church – will be worldly and vain. 

We are certainly living in the last days and Isaiah's prophecy has come true.

I fear that way too many Latter-day Saints are far more concerned with what the world and society thinks of them than they are with staying on the covenant path and with what the Lord thinks.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Week 5 Results

1. Clint -16 tiebreaker 62
2. Rex -18 tiebreaker 0
3. Tammy -23 tiebreaker 63
4. Lisa -24 tiebreaker 72 

actual tiebreaker 64

Done Got Out of Hand

Waylon Jennings had a song out many years ago called, "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand".  Referring to himself, Willie and the boys being called outlaws in country music.  Because they didn't conform to the way things were done in Nashville, and did it their own way.

I'd like to put a spin on old Waylon's song by changing one word in the title.  Don't you think this racism bit's done got out of hand?

I've noticed that white people are glaringly absent in commercials nowadays.  And when they are present it's usually more of the southern European Caucasians with the darker complexions.  I don't know when the last time was that I saw a blonde haired blue-eyed person in a commercial.  It's a rare occurrence now.

Out of curiosity, I just looked up the demographics of the United States population according to the 2020 U.S. Census.  Here is the breakdown:

White alone, percent 75.8%

Black or African American alone, percent 13.6%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent 1.3%

Asian alone, percent 6.1%

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone, percent 0.3%

Two or More Races, percent 2.9%

Hispanic or Latino, percent 18.9%

White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent  59.3%

I'm not sure how accurate these numbers are but they certainly don't represent what I see in commercials.  According to the U.S. Census demographics, white people still make up the majority of this country.  There is a big push to over represent, as they say now in woke terms, "people of color".

I have no problem with people of color – after all, we are all just children of God.  But I do have a problem with what's going on now with racism against whites.  The woke mob and liberals are trying to make white people disappear.  Racism has now turned against white people while people of color are elevated.  Nobody should be discriminated against.  But that's what's happening.  Racism is now okay if it's directed at white people.

Not only is it okay, it is celebrated.  I read an article a week or two ago about a large company laying off something like 1500 workers.  I don't remember the exact numbers.  But what stuck out to me was that the company made the point that they would take race into consideration – meaning they would lay off the white people.  As their way of showing antiracism.  Seriously?  That is the definition of racism!  Whatever happened to laying people off according to seniority or skill level?  Not by the lack of melanin in their skin.

The left has been pushing the racism agenda quite hard lately.  So much so that people are making up racism where there is none.  To paraphrase a quote I heard the other day, "the demand for racism far exceeds the supply".  This is evidenced by the Duke volleyball player who accused a BYU fan of spewing the N-word every time she served the ball.  Come to find out, after an extensive investigation, the story was fabricated – it never happened.  Jussie Smollett – same thing with is made up racism hate crime hoax.  And I'm sure there are many more stories like this.

In fact, people nowadays are hypersensitive to anything that might look like racism.  And avoid it like the plague.  In fact, the N-word is so taboo now that anyone who uses it is ruined.  They lose their job, they're ostracized, they are canceled.

But, using profanities – including graphic sexual profanity and blasphemous profanity – is totally acceptable by most in our society.  There's something very wrong with that.  You all know how averse I am to all profanity.

It's never okay to use any type of profanity.  It is offensive.  It is not acceptable.  And should not be acceptable in polite society.  But for profane racial slurs to be considered taboo while sexual and blasphemous profanity is accepted by society is nonsensical.

Critical Race Theory, white privilege, all of this garbage that is being taught is insane.  White people are being taught that they are bad for being white.  White people are being blamed for the sins of their ancestors.  No one is responsible for someone else's actions.  That is ridiculous.  Yes, racism in this country has historically been white against black.  And yes, many bad things have been done historically to black people.  And there is no excuse for that.  But that doesn't justify white racism.  As the saying goes, two wrongs don't make a right.  Man should be punished for his own sins and not for someone else's transgressions or wrongs.  

There are many people now turning the tables on white people to punish us for things our ancestors did.  Most notably Oprah and Obama are two classic examples of racism against whites.  And pretty much every woke liberal leftist has jumped on the bandwagon of racism against whites.

How about we all just follow the Golden rule and treat others as we would like to be treated?  Skin color has nothing to do with our status as children of God.  Even the Scriptures emphasize that we are all God's children.

2 Nephi 26:33

" … and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (emphasis added)

It would sure be nice if everybody took that scripture to heart and saw their fellow man as the children of God that they are.

Unfortunately, antiracism has gotten way out of hand.  It has turned into more racism – against white people.  So much so that it's hard to find Caucasians represented in commercials anymore.  Really, it's hard to find white people represented on TV and in any form of media.  The media certainly doesn't  represent people according to U.S. Census demographics.  The woke liberal mob is out to cancel white people.  

So while racism against whites is increasing and is acceptable in society, the demand for racism against Blacks or people of color is higher than the supply.  That's why there are so many people making up stories of racism against Blacks where it doesn't exist and creating hate crime hoaxes.

The liberal left loves their racism.

Don't you think this racism bit's done got out of hand?  I certainly do.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Week 4 Results

1. Clint -14 tiebreaker 58
2. Lisa -16 tiebreaker 47
3. Tammy -17 tiebreaker 63
4. Rex -17 tiebreaker 41

actual tiebreaker 85

20 Years Ago

20 years ago today my life changed drastically.  Not forever, but for the rest of mortality.  The last 20 years have certainly been difficult and challenging.  Especially for me because I'm so independent.  

So, what has gotten me through these last 20 years and through all the difficulties of life?  The Gift of the Holy Ghost – to help guide and comfort me; the gospel of Jesus Christ – to bring me peace and happiness; and the knowledge of The Plan of Salvation – to remind me that the difficult challenges of mortality are temporary.

One day, because of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His atonement, we will all be resurrected with perfect bodies.  This is a gift to all men who've ever come to earth and received a body.  I am so looking forward to this day!

And, believe it or not, we can find happiness and joy in life, despite our trials and challenges we face in mortality.  Yes, we all get sad, but true happiness and joy are found in living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Despite the constant difficulties I've endured over the past 20 years, I can truly say that I've had a happy life.  I know there are many people who are miserable in their trials and life because they don't know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or choose not to follow it.

Most people aren't aware of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  And many who are, take it for granted or choose not to live worthy of receiving his guidance and comfort.  The Gift of the Holy Ghost is truly a sacred treasure.  We receive The Gift of the Holy Ghost when we are baptized and confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Those who choose to receive The Gift of the Holy Ghost are entitled to his constant companionship to guide and comfort us as we navigate through mortality.  The Holy Ghost has helped me make good decisions, get out of dangerous situations, and has comforted me in times of sorrow.

I honestly don't know how people get through life without the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost, without the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and happiness it brings, or without the knowledge of Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation.

Life would be much more difficult if I wasn't blessed with The Gospel and all that it entails.  Life is hard enough with it, I can't imagine my life without it.  I have truly been blessed beyond measure!

That's my two cents.

Sunday School Lesson – Isaiah

Today's Sunday School lesson was on Isaiah.  This is the handout we gave the kids along with a blue-ribbon that said winner. 

It is easy to see the wickedness in the world

and sometimes feel that Satan is winning.

But Satan is not winning (Isaiah 14:12-16).

Satan has never won. And Satan will not win.

 

Isaiah has taught that all that is scattered will be gathered. (Isaiah 13-14)

All that is broken will be restored. (Isaiah 24-28, 30)

 

Isaiah's teachings always turn us to the Savior, Jesus Christ. 

In fact, Isaiah's name means, "The Lord is salvation."

Even his name testifies of Jesus Christ.

 

President Nelson has said, "Using a baseball analogy, we are in the

last half of the ninth inning.  Heavenly Father and His Son chose you

to be on Their team - when the game is on the line. This means

They know you, They trust you, and will help you..." (Aug. 17, 2021)

 

Remember we have access to priesthood power -- the power of God –

through covenant keeping.  Know your power!  Know your glory! 

Because of Jesus Christ and His atoning grace--we WIN!

Isaiah spoke a lot about the Second Coming of our Savior.  President Nelson said we are in the bottom of the ninth inning of the last days before the Savior comes again.  I would venture to guess that we are in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.

Isaiah also spoke a lot of our Savior and prophesied of his first and second coming.  Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ was born.  In fact, the writings of Isaiah prophesying of Christ are so important that the prophet Nephi quoted much of Isaiah in The Book of Mormon.  It's no coincidence that Lehi and his family left Jerusalem (600 BC) just 100 years after Isaiah lived and prophesied.  And were able to take the writings of Isaiah with them.

Isaiah wrote of the scattering and gathering of Israel.  President Nelson said a few years ago that the gathering of Israel is the most important work we are doing in these last days leading up to the Savior's Second Coming.  The gathering of Israel being bringing people to Christ and His Church.

Another part of the lesson that we touched on was when Isaiah mentioned Satan and how we will be astonished at what a pansy he is and how he was able to deceive so many people.

Isaiah has always been stigmatized as hard to understand.  But, even though Isaiah lived and wrote 2700 years ago, his words are written for us in these last days to help bring us closer to Christ.  I believe Isaiah is the most oft quoted ancient prophet.  With even Jesus Christ himself quoting Isaiah.  It would be wise of us to study Isaiah's teachings.

That's my two cents.

College Football Picks Week 3 Results

1. Lisa -12 tiebreaker 51
2. Clint -12 tiebreaker 52
3. Rex -12 tiebreaker 55
4. Tammy -15 tiebreaker 53

actual tiebreaker 42

College Football Picks Week 2 Results

1. Clint -14 tiebreaker 54
2. Tammy -15 tiebreaker 43
3. Rex -15 tiebreaker 66
4. Lisa -19 tiebreaker 51

actual tiebreaker 46

College Football Picks Week 1 Results

1. Rex -12 tiebreaker 42
2. Clint -13 tiebreaker 48
3. Tammy -16 tiebreaker 37
4. Lisa -19 tiebreaker 48

Actual Tiebreaker 55

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes Lesson

Our lesson this week is on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  Lisa had the fun idea to put Proverbs in fortune cookies to have the kids crack open and read them and discuss them.  But then we realized it was Fast Sunday so she made fortune cookies out of paper instead.

So it will be a fun, different lesson with each kid getting to open their "fortune cookie" to read and discuss.  Hopefully it will encourage more participation.  We are also getting new people in our ward with boundary changes last week.  So we may have more kids in our class.

Here's a list of the Scriptures we put in each fortune cookie.  And I will include pictures at the end.

Proverbs 1:7  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:12. "For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth..."

Proverbs 4:18. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

Proverbs 20:1. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

Proverbs 30:5. "Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him."

Proverbs 15:1. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Proverbs 31:10. "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."

Proverbs 31:25-26 "Strength and honor are her clothing...she openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

Ecclesiastes 9:10. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..."

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Proverbs 17:22. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine-"

Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart deviseth his way; But the Lord directeth His steps."

Proverbs 6:20-23 "My son, keep thy father's commandments and forsake not the law of thy mother. Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.  When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou wakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light..."

Proverbs 8: 32-35 "Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways, Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my door. For whoso findeth me findeth life..."

Handouts and fortune cookies ready to go for the lesson on Sunday.

Paper fortune cookies with Proverbs inside.

Back of hand out with Kind bar attached.

Handouts in the basket

This is the handout I designed as per Lisa's instruction.