Quote by unknow author:
"Intelligence is inherent, education is acquired."
From an Eternal Perspective, how true this may be to our Heavenly Parents
"Intelligence is inherent, education is acquired."
From an Eternal Perspective, how true this may be to our Heavenly Parents
In my conversation with Trissta this morning, we got around to talking about me being depressed and discouraged, and me going into hibernation as a sign of that depression and feeling like a failure. So, I thought I'd address a little glimpse of my feelings with all of you.
When I was young, probably 8 years old, I was wetting the bed at night. I struggled with it and Mom tried several things to help me stop, I was so embarrassed and my older brothers were terrible to me, because I couldn't control myself when I was asleep. Anyway, I won't try to analyze it, but it was really a tough time for me and I felt like a real failure, because I could not control what I wanted. Well, I finally got really serious about praying for help, and asking the Lord to help me. I was prompted to listen to my dreams, and listen for a que to help me wake up. Well, I started to concentrate more on my dreams and I noticed that when I dreamed, I needed to go pee or something similar, if I woke myself up immediately, I could go to the bathroom and would not have an accident in the bed. I practiced and it worked, even to this day, if I get to dreaming about something similar, if I wake up immediately, I usually need to go to the bathroom. Now the reason I tell you this story is because it seems like much of my life has been failures from my understanding and estimation. However, in the Lord's perspective, he may be seeing me so much differently, he may be seeing it as a success through experience, not a failure from my not achieving what I thought was minimal expectation. I'm sure Mom saw it as a success for me, where I just saw it as just barely meeting minimal standards, and I believe the Lord saw it as success because I learned to rely on him for answers to prayers. I have noticed it in life in general, it seems that all you hear in life is, how you are not meeting minimal standards and you should do better. From losing horses, farms, not finishing houses, failing marriages, failing health and life style, but from the Lords perspective you may be learning from experience exactly what he needs you to learn. He wants you to rely on him and listen to his council. I often think back on the Mormon Pioneers, how they were pushed from place to place and how they must have felt "not good enough or not meeting minimal standards". Was it for their good or was God punishing them. I hope because of all my failures, I am becoming more of what Heavenly Parents desire of me, rather than becoming what I want or expect myself to be, in spite of my Loving Parents. I hope all my failures are leading me to better paths and greater possibilities, rather than keeping me up with other's minimal expectations. I hope as I talk to you and describe my feelings as a failure, I am not depressed. I hope in using the word failure that you understand I am simply using my earthly measuring stick, not viewing myself through eternal glasses, which are the true measure of one's worth and value. I hope all these struggles are getting me somewhere far beyond any earthly prosperity.
When I was young, probably 8 years old, I was wetting the bed at night. I struggled with it and Mom tried several things to help me stop, I was so embarrassed and my older brothers were terrible to me, because I couldn't control myself when I was asleep. Anyway, I won't try to analyze it, but it was really a tough time for me and I felt like a real failure, because I could not control what I wanted. Well, I finally got really serious about praying for help, and asking the Lord to help me. I was prompted to listen to my dreams, and listen for a que to help me wake up. Well, I started to concentrate more on my dreams and I noticed that when I dreamed, I needed to go pee or something similar, if I woke myself up immediately, I could go to the bathroom and would not have an accident in the bed. I practiced and it worked, even to this day, if I get to dreaming about something similar, if I wake up immediately, I usually need to go to the bathroom. Now the reason I tell you this story is because it seems like much of my life has been failures from my understanding and estimation. However, in the Lord's perspective, he may be seeing me so much differently, he may be seeing it as a success through experience, not a failure from my not achieving what I thought was minimal expectation. I'm sure Mom saw it as a success for me, where I just saw it as just barely meeting minimal standards, and I believe the Lord saw it as success because I learned to rely on him for answers to prayers. I have noticed it in life in general, it seems that all you hear in life is, how you are not meeting minimal standards and you should do better. From losing horses, farms, not finishing houses, failing marriages, failing health and life style, but from the Lords perspective you may be learning from experience exactly what he needs you to learn. He wants you to rely on him and listen to his council. I often think back on the Mormon Pioneers, how they were pushed from place to place and how they must have felt "not good enough or not meeting minimal standards". Was it for their good or was God punishing them. I hope because of all my failures, I am becoming more of what Heavenly Parents desire of me, rather than becoming what I want or expect myself to be, in spite of my Loving Parents. I hope all my failures are leading me to better paths and greater possibilities, rather than keeping me up with other's minimal expectations. I hope as I talk to you and describe my feelings as a failure, I am not depressed. I hope in using the word failure that you understand I am simply using my earthly measuring stick, not viewing myself through eternal glasses, which are the true measure of one's worth and value. I hope all these struggles are getting me somewhere far beyond any earthly prosperity.
I have watched as History is rewritten, by time, to blur the past, I am impressed to share a poem with you.
“WITNESSES”
I stood in the corner in the back of the room,
The feelings of those present were of solemn and gloom.
The man standing at the table was so considerate there,
Looking on sternly, with an exalted authoritative air.
He was patiently looking onward and listening you see,
To the man standing in front of all the others and me.
Not saying a word, with a tear glistening in his eye,
Quietly standing and listening to another one’s cry.
It could be the man’s mother or his wife with despair
Who was begging and pleading as we all waited there.
Not saying a word, we listened to her with intent,
As she talked of the plan, “we all needed to repent”.
She spoke of the good things; he had done for another,
He served in high callings; he was there for his brother.
He had lived a good life; we all have our own faults,
He had served in the true church, not one of the cults.
For fame and great glory, he would never have aspired,
He helped out his neighbors, when everyone else had retired.
He has been called to positions of great notice and fame,
Just look into the books and you will see his great name.
He stood quietly solemnly, with head humbly bowed,
Behind him he had numbered, in that quiet little crowd.
The ones he had slandered and took advantage of somehow,
How could he face them, how could he look at them now.
He reflected how he’d sought, for glory and honor of men,
Now at the judgment, “what had happened back then”?
It started quite innocently, with words of praise from another,
Next thing he remembered, was his condemning words to a brother.
As you kneel in the temple, and the officiator stands there,
Making solemn covenants as you raise your arm to the square.
You promise, you promise, you commit when you say,
Before God, Angles and these Witnesses “I covenant to obey”.
As you think of the temple covenants you are making within,
When you learn right from wrong and you commit not to sin.
The Witnesses they refer to, may not be in that ceremony,
They may be right beside you, with their own weak testimony.
Waiting and watching, for your kind warm loving hand,
To lift them, they need you to help them make their own stand.
Remember as you hurt one of these little ones, so dear to the Lord,
It may come back to bite you, as you’re not able to speak a word.
Despite the begging and crying of all your love ones so true,
The decision to enter God’s kingdom, will be left up to you.
You can fool all the neighbors, and your family close to you here,
But you can’t lie to the Lord, with all his witnesses so near.
Witnesses are special calling, for many who have come to the earth,
Who struggle, are humble, who are often stricken from their birth.
But these humble ones, who are often criticized and offended,
May stand in your judgment room, when your life has ended.
They may be brother a sister, in your home, like a son or daughter
Your husband or wife, or a neighbor who you think has taken your water,
Your boss, or an attorney, a teacher or it may even be your own Dad,
They are there watching us choose, whether it’s good things or bad.
So look around often, and remember the covenants you’ve made,
For the pleasures of eternal progression, there is a price to be paid.
You may not always see them, or be aware of their being around,
They might come in an emotional moment and leave without sound.
But when this life is over and the time for Judgment is here,
You can bet your eternal life, they’ll be standing quite near.
With a word never spoken, emotions held without judgment,
Hoping you’ve lived and chosen correctly, the place you’ll be sent.
Jack N. Lyman
“WITNESSES”
I stood in the corner in the back of the room,
The feelings of those present were of solemn and gloom.
The man standing at the table was so considerate there,
Looking on sternly, with an exalted authoritative air.
He was patiently looking onward and listening you see,
To the man standing in front of all the others and me.
Not saying a word, with a tear glistening in his eye,
Quietly standing and listening to another one’s cry.
It could be the man’s mother or his wife with despair
Who was begging and pleading as we all waited there.
Not saying a word, we listened to her with intent,
As she talked of the plan, “we all needed to repent”.
She spoke of the good things; he had done for another,
He served in high callings; he was there for his brother.
He had lived a good life; we all have our own faults,
He had served in the true church, not one of the cults.
For fame and great glory, he would never have aspired,
He helped out his neighbors, when everyone else had retired.
He has been called to positions of great notice and fame,
Just look into the books and you will see his great name.
He stood quietly solemnly, with head humbly bowed,
Behind him he had numbered, in that quiet little crowd.
The ones he had slandered and took advantage of somehow,
How could he face them, how could he look at them now.
He reflected how he’d sought, for glory and honor of men,
Now at the judgment, “what had happened back then”?
It started quite innocently, with words of praise from another,
Next thing he remembered, was his condemning words to a brother.
As you kneel in the temple, and the officiator stands there,
Making solemn covenants as you raise your arm to the square.
You promise, you promise, you commit when you say,
Before God, Angles and these Witnesses “I covenant to obey”.
As you think of the temple covenants you are making within,
When you learn right from wrong and you commit not to sin.
The Witnesses they refer to, may not be in that ceremony,
They may be right beside you, with their own weak testimony.
Waiting and watching, for your kind warm loving hand,
To lift them, they need you to help them make their own stand.
Remember as you hurt one of these little ones, so dear to the Lord,
It may come back to bite you, as you’re not able to speak a word.
Despite the begging and crying of all your love ones so true,
The decision to enter God’s kingdom, will be left up to you.
You can fool all the neighbors, and your family close to you here,
But you can’t lie to the Lord, with all his witnesses so near.
Witnesses are special calling, for many who have come to the earth,
Who struggle, are humble, who are often stricken from their birth.
But these humble ones, who are often criticized and offended,
May stand in your judgment room, when your life has ended.
They may be brother a sister, in your home, like a son or daughter
Your husband or wife, or a neighbor who you think has taken your water,
Your boss, or an attorney, a teacher or it may even be your own Dad,
They are there watching us choose, whether it’s good things or bad.
So look around often, and remember the covenants you’ve made,
For the pleasures of eternal progression, there is a price to be paid.
You may not always see them, or be aware of their being around,
They might come in an emotional moment and leave without sound.
But when this life is over and the time for Judgment is here,
You can bet your eternal life, they’ll be standing quite near.
With a word never spoken, emotions held without judgment,
Hoping you’ve lived and chosen correctly, the place you’ll be sent.
Jack N. Lyman
Feb 9, 2025
I was sitting in church again today and was reminded how we as children continue to fall back on the old sales pitch of Satan. We have been talking much about Brigham Young and Joseph Smith and their weaknesses and committing sin. Often we call out Polygamy, treatment of Blacks, Indians and Mountain Meadow, we hear of Temple Ordinances that have changed dramatically. Both Joseph and Brigham have on several occasions admitted to faults and imperfections. As my mind pondered on it, I was impressed by a better understanding:
HOW WE OFTEN FIND COMFORT BY RELYING ON TEACHINGS FROM THE PAST:
We talk much about Predestination and Foreordination, but often get the two of them entangled and overlapping in our minds. If we think back on the Plan presented by Satan, we remember that he wanted all of Father’s children to be directed and influenced, to live sin free lives. To have no choice, but be kept in order and in line, much like herding cattle or sheep, no one is to be lost. If we analyze the plan to live in such a way, is to give up our agency and follow a leader, someone in charge. In this case, Satan wanted to be that leader. In that plan “Predestination” would be the plan of progression, as each step would need to be calculated, as to not have anyone stray or be misled.
The Savior’s plan was to have each of us choose to do right and experience, by making mistakes. Not having everything planned or coordinated, but reacting to conditions or changes as we moved forward in progression. This plan required that we learn or gain information through knowledgeable or inspired individuals, as they would pass their understanding on to us through word of mouth, then we would be allowed to act or react to those instructions as we felt necessary. This plan was based on “Foreordination” because even those who we relied on and looked up to, would need to be free to choose and experience for themselves. Each individual able to learn and progress for themselves. I guess what I am trying to say is that, if we are truly living the Savior’s Plan then Joseph, Brigham, President Nelson and even the Savior would have been Foreordained to callings and not predestined to act or react in specific ways.
I have been asked if I believe Brigham was a prophet, because he excommunicated Amasa, and I feel Amasa was truly an Apostle. I do believe that Joseph, Brigham and President Nelson are Prophets of God and are called to lead the Church, I do believe if any had or have committed serious mistakes, leading the Church astray, they would have been taken from their calling and another would have been put in their place. The Lord’s plan will not be frustrated, but is often readjusted to meet the needs and progression of the Kingdom of God on Earth. We need to remember to place our faith in the plan and not in the people, for as soon as we start following people, we again choose the desires and plan of Satan.
I was sitting in church again today and was reminded how we as children continue to fall back on the old sales pitch of Satan. We have been talking much about Brigham Young and Joseph Smith and their weaknesses and committing sin. Often we call out Polygamy, treatment of Blacks, Indians and Mountain Meadow, we hear of Temple Ordinances that have changed dramatically. Both Joseph and Brigham have on several occasions admitted to faults and imperfections. As my mind pondered on it, I was impressed by a better understanding:
HOW WE OFTEN FIND COMFORT BY RELYING ON TEACHINGS FROM THE PAST:
We talk much about Predestination and Foreordination, but often get the two of them entangled and overlapping in our minds. If we think back on the Plan presented by Satan, we remember that he wanted all of Father’s children to be directed and influenced, to live sin free lives. To have no choice, but be kept in order and in line, much like herding cattle or sheep, no one is to be lost. If we analyze the plan to live in such a way, is to give up our agency and follow a leader, someone in charge. In this case, Satan wanted to be that leader. In that plan “Predestination” would be the plan of progression, as each step would need to be calculated, as to not have anyone stray or be misled.
The Savior’s plan was to have each of us choose to do right and experience, by making mistakes. Not having everything planned or coordinated, but reacting to conditions or changes as we moved forward in progression. This plan required that we learn or gain information through knowledgeable or inspired individuals, as they would pass their understanding on to us through word of mouth, then we would be allowed to act or react to those instructions as we felt necessary. This plan was based on “Foreordination” because even those who we relied on and looked up to, would need to be free to choose and experience for themselves. Each individual able to learn and progress for themselves. I guess what I am trying to say is that, if we are truly living the Savior’s Plan then Joseph, Brigham, President Nelson and even the Savior would have been Foreordained to callings and not predestined to act or react in specific ways.
I have been asked if I believe Brigham was a prophet, because he excommunicated Amasa, and I feel Amasa was truly an Apostle. I do believe that Joseph, Brigham and President Nelson are Prophets of God and are called to lead the Church, I do believe if any had or have committed serious mistakes, leading the Church astray, they would have been taken from their calling and another would have been put in their place. The Lord’s plan will not be frustrated, but is often readjusted to meet the needs and progression of the Kingdom of God on Earth. We need to remember to place our faith in the plan and not in the people, for as soon as we start following people, we again choose the desires and plan of Satan.
I feel obligated to again share my thoughts and feelings about this website: It is not my intent to criticize the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints or Brigham Young for the events that lead to Amasa's excommunication. I firmly believe that the Lord inspires and communicates with man on earth, The Church and the Prophets are the way he has chosen to give us those things we need for our eternal progression and growth. He also communicates through Apostles and other leaders, to help inspire and encourage us. I believe Amasa was an Apostle, and when he spoke under inspiration he did so as a representative of the Lord. I also believe, as Leaders these individuals get a glimpse of heaven, and often the picture they perceive is not the whole picture, and in communicating that image, by words, to us, they are not always "translated correctly". I strongly believe when Amasa spoke words, that would get him excommunicated, he clearly saw the picture of what he was saying, confusion only came when others looked at the words and saw a different picture. I also believe the teachings of the Church today more clearly follows what Amasa was teaching, than the members of the Church believed at the time he was dismissed. We as members of the Church have changed, progressed and been refined, we are different from when the Church first began. I believe it has advanced because of many faithful individuals who were eventually discarded, but we owe an eternal gratitude to, many such as Emma, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, the Whitmers. I hope we don't allow pride, to make us forget all those who have given so much for us to get so far. We are who we are, because we stand on the shoulders of great men that have established the foundations of our past.
That is why I have dedicated this website to remembering Amasa and his family.
That is why I have dedicated this website to remembering Amasa and his family.
I have been ask by many why I am doing all this stuff about Amasa, I was reminded today and hope you may feel as we do:
Heleman 5:6-7
... I have given you the name of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.
7. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them
Heleman 5:6-7
... I have given you the name of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.
7. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them
WHAT AT-ONE-MENT?
We talk of the Atonement and think of the cross,
the life he gave freely, oh what a great loss.
But was there more, that we don’t understand,
did he do something more, in making his stand.
Of Adam and Eve, we understand it quite clear.
They partook of the fruit that brought us all here.
They made the decision, they chose to taste death.
They accepted the challenge and took a deep breath.
Cheribum and the flaming sword being placed in the path,
of the tree of life, and all that the Father hath.
But what does it mean, to be kept from the Tree,
of life and happiness and all that we wanted to be.
The Cheribum were white birds placed to cover the Arch,
a veil so to speak, to keep it separate and apart.
A symbol of separation, from Father and Mother,
to touch them to feel them, to rely on another.
The flaming sword is easy to see,
it’s death itself, that keeps us from the tree.
The tree of life, with fruit so sweet and good,
death keeps us from it, to taste if we could.
But what did Christ do, that day on the cross.
That saved us from death, and made up for the loss.
He raised from the dead, it’s there for us all to see.
He overcame death, then shared it with you and me.
But process the feeling, about things he has done,
is that what we need, to follow him, to “be one”.
He certainly hasn’t asked us, to die on a cross,
to give our lives freely, would it be a waisted loss.
When he died on the cross, was it the blood that he spilt.
No!! wait he didn’t, it was bodily fluid that they felt.
Was it then, that the burden was to heavy to bear,
or the loss of his friends, because no one was there.
Think back on the pain, when he was in the Garden,
when Judas was jealous, and there was no pardon.
Was Ciaphas and Pilot predestined to kill,
if they had repented, would it have defeated God’s will.
It can’t be the cross or his death, that’s predestined to be,
or what’s the purpose of choice, and the chance to be free.
When I think of the Atonement and want clearly to see,
there must be more to it, something left for us to be.
If he’s already done it, and we are all one with the Father,
then what is the purpose, why even bother.
It must be the experience, not just a single event,
the reason we’re here, and why the Savior was sent.
Was there more in the Garden, it must be more than the tree,
that made Jesus suffer, and carry that burden for me.
Was it something to do with Cheribum or the Veil,
that lead him to bleed and go through a living hell.
Was it a death that he suffered, in the Garden to know,
the path we must take, and the way we Should go.
Did he learn from Angels, though the veil was he sent.
learning the way we must follow, is that what he meant
Is it that pathway, that he was sent here to find,
that opened the heavens, to those who followed behind.
Was it simply the knowledge, that man couldn’t see,
that Jesus our Savior discovered, and was sent here to be.
We are often confused, with this single event,
why Jesus came here, and why he was sent.
Was it to die or be killed , it can’t really be,
for many have died for our God, before he.
Was it punishment or to suffer, was that what he come for,
was it death, or to stop evil or to “open a door”.
We think of the Savior, and his life without sin,
but was it his death, or life, that would let us all in.
To think, if Jesus was only sent to die on the cross,
would all of his good works, be to us a great loss.
The Atonement must be more than just that tree,
that brings the new life for you and for me.
The cross is important, for the things that were done,
but when it comes to his directive, becoming as one.
We must do more, than just give up our own life,
there’s more to conquering, in this world full of strife.
The Atonement is more, than a snapshot we take,
it is living our best, it’s the memories we make.
It must be more suffering in the garden, that’s done,
than the minutes on the cross, that can make us as one.
The Savior’s Atonement is not just a moment sublime,
It’s a lifelong process, doing your best all the time.
The Savior’s life was not wasted, or given in vain,
but it’s the life that he lives, that we need to retain.
The Atonement is not limited to death on the cross,
but extends through all time, to make up for our loss.
It began with a son’s proposal, a simple made plan,
that we may be like Them, “the eternal progress of man”.
It happened back then, when we all answered the call,
we chose to go through life, that began at the Fall.
The Atonement will continue from that day it begun,
to the time of judgment, when we can become one.
Each day he has been there, each day he will cry,
continue, press forward, it don’t end when you die.
You can make it, keep trying your destiny’s divine,
just keep pushing forward, it’s only a matter of time.
The Savior has commanded for us to become one
with the Father and him, the only begotten son.
For this is the Atonement, to be one with the Father,
overcome evil, and be united with our Elder Brother.
Jack N. Lyman
We talk of the Atonement and think of the cross,
the life he gave freely, oh what a great loss.
But was there more, that we don’t understand,
did he do something more, in making his stand.
Of Adam and Eve, we understand it quite clear.
They partook of the fruit that brought us all here.
They made the decision, they chose to taste death.
They accepted the challenge and took a deep breath.
Cheribum and the flaming sword being placed in the path,
of the tree of life, and all that the Father hath.
But what does it mean, to be kept from the Tree,
of life and happiness and all that we wanted to be.
The Cheribum were white birds placed to cover the Arch,
a veil so to speak, to keep it separate and apart.
A symbol of separation, from Father and Mother,
to touch them to feel them, to rely on another.
The flaming sword is easy to see,
it’s death itself, that keeps us from the tree.
The tree of life, with fruit so sweet and good,
death keeps us from it, to taste if we could.
But what did Christ do, that day on the cross.
That saved us from death, and made up for the loss.
He raised from the dead, it’s there for us all to see.
He overcame death, then shared it with you and me.
But process the feeling, about things he has done,
is that what we need, to follow him, to “be one”.
He certainly hasn’t asked us, to die on a cross,
to give our lives freely, would it be a waisted loss.
When he died on the cross, was it the blood that he spilt.
No!! wait he didn’t, it was bodily fluid that they felt.
Was it then, that the burden was to heavy to bear,
or the loss of his friends, because no one was there.
Think back on the pain, when he was in the Garden,
when Judas was jealous, and there was no pardon.
Was Ciaphas and Pilot predestined to kill,
if they had repented, would it have defeated God’s will.
It can’t be the cross or his death, that’s predestined to be,
or what’s the purpose of choice, and the chance to be free.
When I think of the Atonement and want clearly to see,
there must be more to it, something left for us to be.
If he’s already done it, and we are all one with the Father,
then what is the purpose, why even bother.
It must be the experience, not just a single event,
the reason we’re here, and why the Savior was sent.
Was there more in the Garden, it must be more than the tree,
that made Jesus suffer, and carry that burden for me.
Was it something to do with Cheribum or the Veil,
that lead him to bleed and go through a living hell.
Was it a death that he suffered, in the Garden to know,
the path we must take, and the way we Should go.
Did he learn from Angels, though the veil was he sent.
learning the way we must follow, is that what he meant
Is it that pathway, that he was sent here to find,
that opened the heavens, to those who followed behind.
Was it simply the knowledge, that man couldn’t see,
that Jesus our Savior discovered, and was sent here to be.
We are often confused, with this single event,
why Jesus came here, and why he was sent.
Was it to die or be killed , it can’t really be,
for many have died for our God, before he.
Was it punishment or to suffer, was that what he come for,
was it death, or to stop evil or to “open a door”.
We think of the Savior, and his life without sin,
but was it his death, or life, that would let us all in.
To think, if Jesus was only sent to die on the cross,
would all of his good works, be to us a great loss.
The Atonement must be more than just that tree,
that brings the new life for you and for me.
The cross is important, for the things that were done,
but when it comes to his directive, becoming as one.
We must do more, than just give up our own life,
there’s more to conquering, in this world full of strife.
The Atonement is more, than a snapshot we take,
it is living our best, it’s the memories we make.
It must be more suffering in the garden, that’s done,
than the minutes on the cross, that can make us as one.
The Savior’s Atonement is not just a moment sublime,
It’s a lifelong process, doing your best all the time.
The Savior’s life was not wasted, or given in vain,
but it’s the life that he lives, that we need to retain.
The Atonement is not limited to death on the cross,
but extends through all time, to make up for our loss.
It began with a son’s proposal, a simple made plan,
that we may be like Them, “the eternal progress of man”.
It happened back then, when we all answered the call,
we chose to go through life, that began at the Fall.
The Atonement will continue from that day it begun,
to the time of judgment, when we can become one.
Each day he has been there, each day he will cry,
continue, press forward, it don’t end when you die.
You can make it, keep trying your destiny’s divine,
just keep pushing forward, it’s only a matter of time.
The Savior has commanded for us to become one
with the Father and him, the only begotten son.
For this is the Atonement, to be one with the Father,
overcome evil, and be united with our Elder Brother.
Jack N. Lyman
COME, COME TO ME
Many talk of the atonement, of the Savior’s grace
but being saved is not an end, it’s not just a place
It is escaping this prison, from sin and despair
but it’s not all there is, when you get over there
The heavens are filled, with those who confess
but with their salvation, they stop their progress
They acknowledge to others, that I am their Lord
But their simple confession, is all they can afford
They brag and confess, of this great thing they did
often related to a symbol, they made as a kid
However they act, as if it is their ultimate goal
while their complacency, will take a great tole
For it’s not only the emotion, that gets through the gate
that prepares you for heaven, all that can possibly await
For just as a child, who has been born on this earth
the man you become, isn’t brought in your birth
It is the steps you take, after hitting the ground
The learning and progression you make with each sound
by running and playing, you begin to learn and enjoy
This life is made up of living, using every new toy
You can enter this life, and stand back in the crowd
Or become a great player, being anxious and loud
You can become very active, in playing from the start
That’s where joy comes, from your become a part
Eternal life and exaltation, are not getting there
It’s overcoming, struggles and learning to care
Its movement and action, that influences the head
not the sitting and waiting, as though you were dead
The Atonement only gives us, the things we need
providing the opportunity, to move forward and succeed
To reach for the possibility, to learn and to grow
giving us the ability, to learn the things we don’t know
To open other gates, that we can walk through
to learn from Heavenly Parents, the things we can do
It opens the Heavens, so we can peak in
and learn what it’s like to become more like them
Life is a pathway, that leads us somewhere
not a destination, that gets us, all over there
We walk the pathway, and like an old farmer’s son
we learn how to plant, and become more like one
It leads to possibilities, beyond our imagination
Peace and true joy, treasures beyond comprehension
Where we can enjoy life, and live as families together
everlasting life that comes, from progression forever
Jack N. Lyman
Many talk of the atonement, of the Savior’s grace
but being saved is not an end, it’s not just a place
It is escaping this prison, from sin and despair
but it’s not all there is, when you get over there
The heavens are filled, with those who confess
but with their salvation, they stop their progress
They acknowledge to others, that I am their Lord
But their simple confession, is all they can afford
They brag and confess, of this great thing they did
often related to a symbol, they made as a kid
However they act, as if it is their ultimate goal
while their complacency, will take a great tole
For it’s not only the emotion, that gets through the gate
that prepares you for heaven, all that can possibly await
For just as a child, who has been born on this earth
the man you become, isn’t brought in your birth
It is the steps you take, after hitting the ground
The learning and progression you make with each sound
by running and playing, you begin to learn and enjoy
This life is made up of living, using every new toy
You can enter this life, and stand back in the crowd
Or become a great player, being anxious and loud
You can become very active, in playing from the start
That’s where joy comes, from your become a part
Eternal life and exaltation, are not getting there
It’s overcoming, struggles and learning to care
Its movement and action, that influences the head
not the sitting and waiting, as though you were dead
The Atonement only gives us, the things we need
providing the opportunity, to move forward and succeed
To reach for the possibility, to learn and to grow
giving us the ability, to learn the things we don’t know
To open other gates, that we can walk through
to learn from Heavenly Parents, the things we can do
It opens the Heavens, so we can peak in
and learn what it’s like to become more like them
Life is a pathway, that leads us somewhere
not a destination, that gets us, all over there
We walk the pathway, and like an old farmer’s son
we learn how to plant, and become more like one
It leads to possibilities, beyond our imagination
Peace and true joy, treasures beyond comprehension
Where we can enjoy life, and live as families together
everlasting life that comes, from progression forever
Jack N. Lyman
Prodigal Son
I have reflected a lot lately, about the prodigal son
how the story was over, when it had only begun
How the older brother, was upset and confused
the younger had returned, and the fatted calf was used
Why after all he had done, was he then pushed aside
while his brother returned, and was treated with pride
saying “look at all he has done, when I stood by your side
While he frolicked and played, taking you for a ride
I watched over you, protected, working both day and night
I labored and struggled, and tried to make your day bright
while he was frivolous, spent the money, blew it all away
I would have done anything, to make you happy each day
You’re cheering and cooking, feasting on the best calf
hugging and kissing, everyone’s having a great laugh
while I’m out here working, until way after dark
you want me to leave chores, come and play in the park
The story wasn’t finished, and will be forever be untold
What of the man and his sons, as he continued to grow old
Was the young son brought back, did he win back his place
Did the older loose out, as they continued running the race
As brothers in this life, we often look and compare
As we struggle and fight, is anything equal or fair
We are here working for salvation, day after day
When we look at the others, who party and play
Then they come home, after they have played it all away
they step up to the plate, as if they have been there all day
What happens to those, who are rebellious and repent in the end
They come back, are honored, everyone welcomes the lost friend
Working here day after day, wondering what can it all be for
Why didn’t I just stop working, and run out the door
I could easily come home, after I had my great fun
Enjoying the blessings, from the work someone else had done
I often thought and pondered, then one day I realized
it wasn’t really the farm, that the old man had prized
It is what the old man wanted, for his children to be
It’s value, not volume, that makes a man’s worth don’t you see
If he lost all he had, the older son could build it again
With knowledge and wisdom, the knowledge within him
What he had was, not in what he could hold in his hand
But the ability to make it, it was what made him a man
Not the soil or possession, but with his power he could win
Through work and dedication, He could do it all over again
We often think of our lives as things we have acquired.
but it is what we gained getting there, that is ultimately desired
It’s the knowledge and understanding, the patience we endure.
The value of the man, not the possessions, that make him secure.
It’s not beauty, talent or great strength, we are naturally blessed
It’s the touching, feeling, experience, it’s how we’ve progressed
The Prodigal son’s returning, will be celebrated, and greatly blessed
With open arms, a loving family and place for his rest
But what he has abandoned from years of neglect and misuse
Precious treasures of knowledge, man can’t afford to lose
While the faithful brother, will continue on down his path
Gaining greater knowledge and understanding, all his Father hath
Moving further and higher, with each day he’ll continue to grow
Becoming better, more efficient, the greater wisdom he’ll know
Jack N. Lyman
I have reflected a lot lately, about the prodigal son
how the story was over, when it had only begun
How the older brother, was upset and confused
the younger had returned, and the fatted calf was used
Why after all he had done, was he then pushed aside
while his brother returned, and was treated with pride
saying “look at all he has done, when I stood by your side
While he frolicked and played, taking you for a ride
I watched over you, protected, working both day and night
I labored and struggled, and tried to make your day bright
while he was frivolous, spent the money, blew it all away
I would have done anything, to make you happy each day
You’re cheering and cooking, feasting on the best calf
hugging and kissing, everyone’s having a great laugh
while I’m out here working, until way after dark
you want me to leave chores, come and play in the park
The story wasn’t finished, and will be forever be untold
What of the man and his sons, as he continued to grow old
Was the young son brought back, did he win back his place
Did the older loose out, as they continued running the race
As brothers in this life, we often look and compare
As we struggle and fight, is anything equal or fair
We are here working for salvation, day after day
When we look at the others, who party and play
Then they come home, after they have played it all away
they step up to the plate, as if they have been there all day
What happens to those, who are rebellious and repent in the end
They come back, are honored, everyone welcomes the lost friend
Working here day after day, wondering what can it all be for
Why didn’t I just stop working, and run out the door
I could easily come home, after I had my great fun
Enjoying the blessings, from the work someone else had done
I often thought and pondered, then one day I realized
it wasn’t really the farm, that the old man had prized
It is what the old man wanted, for his children to be
It’s value, not volume, that makes a man’s worth don’t you see
If he lost all he had, the older son could build it again
With knowledge and wisdom, the knowledge within him
What he had was, not in what he could hold in his hand
But the ability to make it, it was what made him a man
Not the soil or possession, but with his power he could win
Through work and dedication, He could do it all over again
We often think of our lives as things we have acquired.
but it is what we gained getting there, that is ultimately desired
It’s the knowledge and understanding, the patience we endure.
The value of the man, not the possessions, that make him secure.
It’s not beauty, talent or great strength, we are naturally blessed
It’s the touching, feeling, experience, it’s how we’ve progressed
The Prodigal son’s returning, will be celebrated, and greatly blessed
With open arms, a loving family and place for his rest
But what he has abandoned from years of neglect and misuse
Precious treasures of knowledge, man can’t afford to lose
While the faithful brother, will continue on down his path
Gaining greater knowledge and understanding, all his Father hath
Moving further and higher, with each day he’ll continue to grow
Becoming better, more efficient, the greater wisdom he’ll know
Jack N. Lyman
| mydadjacklyman.pdf |
| interview_with_ivanlyman.pdf |
My own personal feelings and thoughts
Thank you all very much who supported the Amasa Mason Lyman Reunion in Fillmore. It was great to participate and listen. What a great family we have.
My mind was wandering on the way home and I realized that for the last 15 years I have been going to the reunion, expecting to hear the Church make some statement about how the Church has forgiven Amasa, for what they saw as Apostacy. Then a feeling came to mind that Amasa is not looking for forgivness from the Church, as it has little relevance in the eternal perspective, he is only looking for our forgivness and respect. His love is focused on us as his children. Ultimately you are all he ever really cared about and he only wanted you to have the best he could offer in that eternal perspective. "Not as great Church leader, but a man like unto God"
My mind was wandering on the way home and I realized that for the last 15 years I have been going to the reunion, expecting to hear the Church make some statement about how the Church has forgiven Amasa, for what they saw as Apostacy. Then a feeling came to mind that Amasa is not looking for forgivness from the Church, as it has little relevance in the eternal perspective, he is only looking for our forgivness and respect. His love is focused on us as his children. Ultimately you are all he ever really cared about and he only wanted you to have the best he could offer in that eternal perspective. "Not as great Church leader, but a man like unto God"
Jack's ramblings:
I have often thought as I have studied Amasa's words, "Is the total of the Lord's Plan, for our Eternal Exaltation, dependent upon Satan's success here on the earth."
As we talk of:
1. Adam and Eve, were driven out of the garden, because Satan won in his influence, and beguiling them to choose wrong.
2. We teach that the whole world was destroyed during Noah's time because Satan succeeded.
3. We even learn that in modern times the LDS were driven from Missouri and Illinois because Satan won.
4. We are taught that we are "SAVED" because Satan won in his influence over Judas, the Jewish rulers, Potiphar, and the Roman Legions, "Christ was crucified" because Satan succeeded.
I really hope when it comes to the end of our lives, we are not on the wrong side of the fence in our perspectives. Does our eternal progression really depend on "Satan's Success". I don't believe it I never will, I have always looked for the successes behind these failures and not on Satan's winning. There is far more than the "cross" to the savior's success and we need to look beyond the moment. Did he save us all, or just open the gate, and it is up to us to walk through. Are we walking or are we still watching and waiting on the wrong side of the fence.
I have often thought as I have studied Amasa's words, "Is the total of the Lord's Plan, for our Eternal Exaltation, dependent upon Satan's success here on the earth."
As we talk of:
1. Adam and Eve, were driven out of the garden, because Satan won in his influence, and beguiling them to choose wrong.
2. We teach that the whole world was destroyed during Noah's time because Satan succeeded.
3. We even learn that in modern times the LDS were driven from Missouri and Illinois because Satan won.
4. We are taught that we are "SAVED" because Satan won in his influence over Judas, the Jewish rulers, Potiphar, and the Roman Legions, "Christ was crucified" because Satan succeeded.
I really hope when it comes to the end of our lives, we are not on the wrong side of the fence in our perspectives. Does our eternal progression really depend on "Satan's Success". I don't believe it I never will, I have always looked for the successes behind these failures and not on Satan's winning. There is far more than the "cross" to the savior's success and we need to look beyond the moment. Did he save us all, or just open the gate, and it is up to us to walk through. Are we walking or are we still watching and waiting on the wrong side of the fence.
| reflectionsofamasajnl.pdf |
| dates.doc |
| thelivingchrist.doc |
| aml01atonement.pdf |
| amasa-atonement.pdf |
| recipebook_all_2010printing3.doc |
| jacknlymanhistory2013.doc |
| visionsbookjnl(poems).pdf |
| youth.doc |
| tlk2018.docx |
| talk_may_2021.docx |
FROM THE SON (John 15)
The scriptures are filled, with what others say about me.
But often you read over, what I really want you to be.
Some say I was predestined, to complete this great task.
To do what was required, the things Father had asked.
But I want you to know, as you think about me,
It’s not about things, its what I want you to be.
Some say it was blood, as I hung from the cross,
others believe it was life, the sacrifice, the loss.
Yet others look at the garden, the pain that I bore.
The suffering I experienced, as I bled from every pore.
The blood I spilt, that your sins might be forgiven.
The life I laid down, so you could continue living.
It’s not things that matter, it’s why they are done.
It’s not about things, it’s all about loving someone.
What I did, wasn’t as important, as purpose you see.
It is the reason, I have done them, it’s not about me.
The Garden was agonizing, as I knelt by the tree,
as I thought of my own grief, I struggled you see.
I prayed to the Father, and shook with such fear,
then I thought about you, and it all became clear.
I thought about family, you, my loved ones so dear.
It took only a minute, and all became quite clear.
I forgot all the suffering, and my own miserable pain,
If I had to choose over, I do it all over again.
It is often forgotten, with the cross and the pain.
The purpose for my life, the real reason I came.
It’s not about things, that have freely been given.
It’s what you do with them, its all about you living.
Salvation truly was given, when I hung on that tree,
as I struggled and suffered, in that pain and agony.
It’s not the things that I did, that matters most, don’t you see.
It’s the reason I did them, it was not about me.
It was you that I dreamed of, as I knelt under the tree.
How I wanted you to become like, our Father and me.
It is you that I thought of, as I struggled in prayer,
You that I yearned for, to come follow me there.
As you drive down life’s highway, and look into the mirror,
The purpose of your life, I hope you see so much clearer.
As you see all you’ve been given, to get you this far,
Remember now, your driving and controlling this car.
It’s nice to give praise, for all you received from above,
But remember it’s not things, it’s all about Love.
The things I have done, gave a road and a vehicle for you,
To get you where your going, to do what you need to do.
But it’s you now doing the driving, and controlling the car.
You determine what you need, and where you really are.
I’ve given you the path, and opportunity don’t you see,
To be like Heavenly Parents, and to come and live with me.
Jack N. Lyman
The scriptures are filled, with what others say about me.
But often you read over, what I really want you to be.
Some say I was predestined, to complete this great task.
To do what was required, the things Father had asked.
But I want you to know, as you think about me,
It’s not about things, its what I want you to be.
Some say it was blood, as I hung from the cross,
others believe it was life, the sacrifice, the loss.
Yet others look at the garden, the pain that I bore.
The suffering I experienced, as I bled from every pore.
The blood I spilt, that your sins might be forgiven.
The life I laid down, so you could continue living.
It’s not things that matter, it’s why they are done.
It’s not about things, it’s all about loving someone.
What I did, wasn’t as important, as purpose you see.
It is the reason, I have done them, it’s not about me.
The Garden was agonizing, as I knelt by the tree,
as I thought of my own grief, I struggled you see.
I prayed to the Father, and shook with such fear,
then I thought about you, and it all became clear.
I thought about family, you, my loved ones so dear.
It took only a minute, and all became quite clear.
I forgot all the suffering, and my own miserable pain,
If I had to choose over, I do it all over again.
It is often forgotten, with the cross and the pain.
The purpose for my life, the real reason I came.
It’s not about things, that have freely been given.
It’s what you do with them, its all about you living.
Salvation truly was given, when I hung on that tree,
as I struggled and suffered, in that pain and agony.
It’s not the things that I did, that matters most, don’t you see.
It’s the reason I did them, it was not about me.
It was you that I dreamed of, as I knelt under the tree.
How I wanted you to become like, our Father and me.
It is you that I thought of, as I struggled in prayer,
You that I yearned for, to come follow me there.
As you drive down life’s highway, and look into the mirror,
The purpose of your life, I hope you see so much clearer.
As you see all you’ve been given, to get you this far,
Remember now, your driving and controlling this car.
It’s nice to give praise, for all you received from above,
But remember it’s not things, it’s all about Love.
The things I have done, gave a road and a vehicle for you,
To get you where your going, to do what you need to do.
But it’s you now doing the driving, and controlling the car.
You determine what you need, and where you really are.
I’ve given you the path, and opportunity don’t you see,
To be like Heavenly Parents, and to come and live with me.
Jack N. Lyman
Mother, (JNL doctrine, only to inspire not to define thought.)
I said would write a little about Mother in Heaven and my understanding of the way it was and why she has been removed from our memory. In the Pre-existence Mother was our “God” in charge and she was responsible for preparing us for this earth life and giving us the tools necessary for our survival here. So I will do the best I can to formalize what I feel happened in the Pre-existence from the beginning.
Father and Mother progressed to a point where they wanted to share their world and environment with others. (children) They looked at the possibilities and opportunities to see what would be the best environment to provide for their children to progress to the state they had obtained. As they reviewed their progression and the traits necessary for their children to progress they realized that mercy without justice cannot exist neither can justice without mercy exist. Growth as an Eternal Being is dependant upon our ability to choose good over evil, to have virtue without vice, to measure out justice using perfectness of mercy. To attain perfect knowledge and apply perfect judgement requires that the Laws of Mercy be extended all cases and all people. Therefore their plan must include the use and understanding of both mercy and justice to their fullest. They also understood that to be a leader and a supreme power one must know and follow laws and nature and be subservient to all those we created. Given these challenges it was determined that Mother would take the leadership role in the first estate (Pre-existence) and that she would teach principles of mercy to these children.
It was determined that intelligences that existed were capable of progression and growth and the ability to become like their parents or creators. However receiving a physical body immediately upon birth into life was impossible for these intelligences to handle. The knowledge and power to control the elements of water and dust must come over a period of time not all at once. Just the same as putting a newborn baby behind the wheel of a car and expecting him to be able to drive. Progression must be based upon natural principle of progression, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little until we come to a perfect knowledge. If to much was given at a time failure would be inevitable, there must be organization and logic to growth.
Unlike dust and natural elements, Intelligences were different, unique and had some ability to understand and adapt. Like simple animals and plants on earth adapt and blend into the environment they are placed in, these intelligences are the very basic of life forms. They had the ability to adapt and to change with there environment, but their ability to learn and retain seemed limited. They could mold, mimic, act and react out of natural instinct, but to grow and develop unique traits was impossible. It was realized by our Parents, that they had the ability to organize and develop an environment where these intelligence could begin to memorize, retain knowledge, understand and act. Not react and conform but act independently, not being tied to a host but as an individual entity. This environment was a spirit body, in which an intelligence could reside and exist independently and remove themselves from domination by their environment. By creating a spirit for these intelligence to reside in, they had the ability to make the spirit act for itself and the intelligence began to move and act independent from the other intelligences.
This process of creating a spirit body for an intelligence was somewhat similar to our earthly birth as it is necessary for the intelligence to dwell in an environment inside Mother long enough for the intelligence to adapt, mimic and cling to the host spirit. This process of birth caused the intelligence to unite with the new spirit body and adapt to its environment forming a bond that could not be broken. However some intelligence like spirits were not strong enough to hold to the new spirits bodies created for man and were adapted to spirit bodies of lesser power and influence. These intelligence were allowed to fill the spirit bodies of lesser animals and plants, but were allowed to fill the most advanced spirits that they were capable of handling. However the most advanced intelligence were used to fill the spirit bodies created by our Heavenly Parents.
These bodies were created by using very basic elements of nature however they were elements created in a perfected environment, where corruption and disease didn’t exist. These spirit bodies were created, much like our physical bodies, with dust and water particles to make it fluid. These bodies were physical, but fine and pure, more of a mist type form. This fluidness was necessary for transporting nutrition to the individual cells and the mobility of the cells as a unit.
Inside our Mother the intelligence clung to the spirit and the spirit grew around the intelligence and they became as one unit, inseparable and homogeneous with mother. As the spirit child developed the intelligence began to control the spirit through their own brain and nervous system. By using the brain, the intelligence began to retain memory and store facts about its environment. Soon it was able to mimic and follow activities of the host mother and soon it began to act on its own, and began to be a living spirit. Inside Mother this living spirit learned to make the body circulation and nutrition systems work. The spirit began to take shape and form and as it developed it learned to feed and nourish its cells giving them food and substance to form new cells. By following patterns learned from Mother this spirit learned to split cells and produce different cells that were capable of preforming different kinds of work. Control was impossible at first, it was impossible to make things work like Mother, everything seemed difficult to power, and out of control. But by feeding the spirit with food for energy and following the pattern of Mother’s movements and influence, this spirit soon began to gain control.
At birth we were so excited about new life and power we would try to control these new found spirits, as Mother did, but control seemed more impossible. We did mimic and remember, we could feel our Mothers influence and power, we wanted so much to be like her. It was difficult, discouraging, and trying, but Mother’s calm, loving, patient, sweet spirit continued to prompt us along. Control of these new spirits was slow, it seemed forever, but over time we began to hear, to see, and to control the movements of these spirit bodies. As we learned and remembered, it became easier to remember and to learn more. We learned to control, and control became easier. Our spirits matured and we grew in knowledge and understanding, yet we were still just mimicking and copying, we were not like Mother. She acted for herself, choosing and making decisions, her actions were based on emotions tempered by understanding and wisdom. She acted as a result of emotions such as joy, excitement, humility, tenderness, and love, which seemed to intensify those feelings within her. Her joy seemed to increase as she shared joy, her love seemed to increase as she participated in bringing new spirit children to life. We could see her increase in light and excitement as she watched us grow and progress.
It was at this time that Father and Mother’s Plan for our continued progression was implemented. Mother in her role as the predominant leader in the Pre-existence began to teach us of mercy, emotions, service and feelings of tenderness and love. They taught us of uniformity and organization and to help us learn and grow they organized a society to teach and instruct us. Power was given to many of the valiant spirits, to lead and instruct in this environment, much like our school system on earth. As I understand it this earth life is patterned after what we know of the eternal worlds and we have tried to make this earth follow that pattern, based on the principle that as we learn truth, no matter where it is from, the Holy Ghost will bear record of its truthfulness. As we look at our own experiences on earth we must have been much that way with Mother. We spend so much time with parents in a home environment then we progress on to a state where we go to Elementary school then to Jr. High then on to High School. Then we progress to a state where we are on our own to raise our own family with only phone contact and visits with parents.
In the family and home environment we listened and learned of emotions, love, kindness, service, humility and respect. In the school environment we were taught of life and our reason for being and what the possibilities were. We were taught of powers, influence and priesthoods that were used to create and build worlds. We were also instructed of knowledge, intelligence and wisdom necessary to make decisions that empower intelligences like ourselves. We were taught that to obtain and control these powers we must overcome the influence of sin and evil so that our influence would be perfect. To prove ourselves we must develop traits, characteristics, and knowledge necessary to fulfil the divine position of godhood. The first step in this progression was to learn of emotions such as love, kindness, friendship, duty, peace and service. Mother would teach us of these as the laws of mercy, and that these laws as well as the laws of justice were eternal and must be obeyed or consequences must be paid. That mercy had some power over justice, the natural laws and influence on its consequences. Mercy is the power of pure love, the power to temper natural laws and the laws of justice. And pure love being the ultimate influence by which life and all power are created.
As spirits we learned of this great power and influence of pure love and how it created and sustained life. We learned of influence, encouragement, the strength of love, by its power we learned to move and act for ourselves. It was as we reached a state of understanding of these principles and laws that our Father came to us and proposed a plan for our continued progression. He explained the laws, both natural and spiritual, that governed our progression and that we must think of ways to satisfy these laws. We must apply the laws of justice to answer the punishments for disobedience, in doing so we must also apply the laws of mercy in their fullest to preserve our ability to progress. Our eternal progression was dependant upon how we answered these laws. It was at this time that Lucifer proposed his plan to save all our Parents children, but his proposal fell short of the requirements of the Law of Mercy that allows all a choice of state of being, where we are and where we want to be. The Savior then proposed a plan that allowed all man to choose for themselves the state of their eternal souls. This plan provided that Jesus would come to earth live the life of a mortal and die as a mortal. His plan provided that he alone would suffer the pain of death without release, that he actually forced the blood (necessary for earth life) out of his body and force it to stand on its own. The answer to the Laws of Justice and Mercy would be answered with Jesus taking upon himself the sins of all those who chose to repent and chose good over evil. For them he would make it possible for them to follow his pattern and again take up their physical bodies in a perfected form. His plan was accepted by our Parents and most of us as well. It was at this time that Lucifer became jealous and stirred up followers to take power from Jesus. In his rage for power he broke the Laws of Mercy by which the Pre-existence was ruled, those of love and compassion. This disobedience resulted in punishment, the punishment was his own. His desire to lead spirits, not giving them the freedom to choose, and him having ultimate power over them. He was given power to make them act and them without the ability to make their own decisions. He was ultimately banished with his followers to darkness, meaning no more light and knowledge from heaven and they were left on their own to progress without light. In Revelations 12 it talks of us protecting our Mother by taking her from our memories and records to protect her from the buffeting of Satan, through her own children abusing her with foul language and abuse. It also talks of her as Wisdom in Proverbs 8 & 9 and how she felt.
I know these things are not discussed in the church or shared among the members. I have shared them with you, and I ask that you learn from what I have said and not share them publicly, but keep them close to your heart. These comments are made to help understand our Mother and are not intended to be revelation or doctrine. It is only for our betterment and growth, as we can learn from all things and are not limited to those things taught by scripture or doctrine within the walls of the church. Mysteries are open to those who seek after truth and will be taught to you as you prepare yourselves to receive them. Please remember as you read this that the spirit will bear record of truth, and if your heart is open then the truth will be made known to you. Everything I have said above may not be completely correct and the spirit will not testify of its truthfulness, but it is my intent to teach principle not intricate detail.
I said would write a little about Mother in Heaven and my understanding of the way it was and why she has been removed from our memory. In the Pre-existence Mother was our “God” in charge and she was responsible for preparing us for this earth life and giving us the tools necessary for our survival here. So I will do the best I can to formalize what I feel happened in the Pre-existence from the beginning.
Father and Mother progressed to a point where they wanted to share their world and environment with others. (children) They looked at the possibilities and opportunities to see what would be the best environment to provide for their children to progress to the state they had obtained. As they reviewed their progression and the traits necessary for their children to progress they realized that mercy without justice cannot exist neither can justice without mercy exist. Growth as an Eternal Being is dependant upon our ability to choose good over evil, to have virtue without vice, to measure out justice using perfectness of mercy. To attain perfect knowledge and apply perfect judgement requires that the Laws of Mercy be extended all cases and all people. Therefore their plan must include the use and understanding of both mercy and justice to their fullest. They also understood that to be a leader and a supreme power one must know and follow laws and nature and be subservient to all those we created. Given these challenges it was determined that Mother would take the leadership role in the first estate (Pre-existence) and that she would teach principles of mercy to these children.
It was determined that intelligences that existed were capable of progression and growth and the ability to become like their parents or creators. However receiving a physical body immediately upon birth into life was impossible for these intelligences to handle. The knowledge and power to control the elements of water and dust must come over a period of time not all at once. Just the same as putting a newborn baby behind the wheel of a car and expecting him to be able to drive. Progression must be based upon natural principle of progression, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little until we come to a perfect knowledge. If to much was given at a time failure would be inevitable, there must be organization and logic to growth.
Unlike dust and natural elements, Intelligences were different, unique and had some ability to understand and adapt. Like simple animals and plants on earth adapt and blend into the environment they are placed in, these intelligences are the very basic of life forms. They had the ability to adapt and to change with there environment, but their ability to learn and retain seemed limited. They could mold, mimic, act and react out of natural instinct, but to grow and develop unique traits was impossible. It was realized by our Parents, that they had the ability to organize and develop an environment where these intelligence could begin to memorize, retain knowledge, understand and act. Not react and conform but act independently, not being tied to a host but as an individual entity. This environment was a spirit body, in which an intelligence could reside and exist independently and remove themselves from domination by their environment. By creating a spirit for these intelligence to reside in, they had the ability to make the spirit act for itself and the intelligence began to move and act independent from the other intelligences.
This process of creating a spirit body for an intelligence was somewhat similar to our earthly birth as it is necessary for the intelligence to dwell in an environment inside Mother long enough for the intelligence to adapt, mimic and cling to the host spirit. This process of birth caused the intelligence to unite with the new spirit body and adapt to its environment forming a bond that could not be broken. However some intelligence like spirits were not strong enough to hold to the new spirits bodies created for man and were adapted to spirit bodies of lesser power and influence. These intelligence were allowed to fill the spirit bodies of lesser animals and plants, but were allowed to fill the most advanced spirits that they were capable of handling. However the most advanced intelligence were used to fill the spirit bodies created by our Heavenly Parents.
These bodies were created by using very basic elements of nature however they were elements created in a perfected environment, where corruption and disease didn’t exist. These spirit bodies were created, much like our physical bodies, with dust and water particles to make it fluid. These bodies were physical, but fine and pure, more of a mist type form. This fluidness was necessary for transporting nutrition to the individual cells and the mobility of the cells as a unit.
Inside our Mother the intelligence clung to the spirit and the spirit grew around the intelligence and they became as one unit, inseparable and homogeneous with mother. As the spirit child developed the intelligence began to control the spirit through their own brain and nervous system. By using the brain, the intelligence began to retain memory and store facts about its environment. Soon it was able to mimic and follow activities of the host mother and soon it began to act on its own, and began to be a living spirit. Inside Mother this living spirit learned to make the body circulation and nutrition systems work. The spirit began to take shape and form and as it developed it learned to feed and nourish its cells giving them food and substance to form new cells. By following patterns learned from Mother this spirit learned to split cells and produce different cells that were capable of preforming different kinds of work. Control was impossible at first, it was impossible to make things work like Mother, everything seemed difficult to power, and out of control. But by feeding the spirit with food for energy and following the pattern of Mother’s movements and influence, this spirit soon began to gain control.
At birth we were so excited about new life and power we would try to control these new found spirits, as Mother did, but control seemed more impossible. We did mimic and remember, we could feel our Mothers influence and power, we wanted so much to be like her. It was difficult, discouraging, and trying, but Mother’s calm, loving, patient, sweet spirit continued to prompt us along. Control of these new spirits was slow, it seemed forever, but over time we began to hear, to see, and to control the movements of these spirit bodies. As we learned and remembered, it became easier to remember and to learn more. We learned to control, and control became easier. Our spirits matured and we grew in knowledge and understanding, yet we were still just mimicking and copying, we were not like Mother. She acted for herself, choosing and making decisions, her actions were based on emotions tempered by understanding and wisdom. She acted as a result of emotions such as joy, excitement, humility, tenderness, and love, which seemed to intensify those feelings within her. Her joy seemed to increase as she shared joy, her love seemed to increase as she participated in bringing new spirit children to life. We could see her increase in light and excitement as she watched us grow and progress.
It was at this time that Father and Mother’s Plan for our continued progression was implemented. Mother in her role as the predominant leader in the Pre-existence began to teach us of mercy, emotions, service and feelings of tenderness and love. They taught us of uniformity and organization and to help us learn and grow they organized a society to teach and instruct us. Power was given to many of the valiant spirits, to lead and instruct in this environment, much like our school system on earth. As I understand it this earth life is patterned after what we know of the eternal worlds and we have tried to make this earth follow that pattern, based on the principle that as we learn truth, no matter where it is from, the Holy Ghost will bear record of its truthfulness. As we look at our own experiences on earth we must have been much that way with Mother. We spend so much time with parents in a home environment then we progress on to a state where we go to Elementary school then to Jr. High then on to High School. Then we progress to a state where we are on our own to raise our own family with only phone contact and visits with parents.
In the family and home environment we listened and learned of emotions, love, kindness, service, humility and respect. In the school environment we were taught of life and our reason for being and what the possibilities were. We were taught of powers, influence and priesthoods that were used to create and build worlds. We were also instructed of knowledge, intelligence and wisdom necessary to make decisions that empower intelligences like ourselves. We were taught that to obtain and control these powers we must overcome the influence of sin and evil so that our influence would be perfect. To prove ourselves we must develop traits, characteristics, and knowledge necessary to fulfil the divine position of godhood. The first step in this progression was to learn of emotions such as love, kindness, friendship, duty, peace and service. Mother would teach us of these as the laws of mercy, and that these laws as well as the laws of justice were eternal and must be obeyed or consequences must be paid. That mercy had some power over justice, the natural laws and influence on its consequences. Mercy is the power of pure love, the power to temper natural laws and the laws of justice. And pure love being the ultimate influence by which life and all power are created.
As spirits we learned of this great power and influence of pure love and how it created and sustained life. We learned of influence, encouragement, the strength of love, by its power we learned to move and act for ourselves. It was as we reached a state of understanding of these principles and laws that our Father came to us and proposed a plan for our continued progression. He explained the laws, both natural and spiritual, that governed our progression and that we must think of ways to satisfy these laws. We must apply the laws of justice to answer the punishments for disobedience, in doing so we must also apply the laws of mercy in their fullest to preserve our ability to progress. Our eternal progression was dependant upon how we answered these laws. It was at this time that Lucifer proposed his plan to save all our Parents children, but his proposal fell short of the requirements of the Law of Mercy that allows all a choice of state of being, where we are and where we want to be. The Savior then proposed a plan that allowed all man to choose for themselves the state of their eternal souls. This plan provided that Jesus would come to earth live the life of a mortal and die as a mortal. His plan provided that he alone would suffer the pain of death without release, that he actually forced the blood (necessary for earth life) out of his body and force it to stand on its own. The answer to the Laws of Justice and Mercy would be answered with Jesus taking upon himself the sins of all those who chose to repent and chose good over evil. For them he would make it possible for them to follow his pattern and again take up their physical bodies in a perfected form. His plan was accepted by our Parents and most of us as well. It was at this time that Lucifer became jealous and stirred up followers to take power from Jesus. In his rage for power he broke the Laws of Mercy by which the Pre-existence was ruled, those of love and compassion. This disobedience resulted in punishment, the punishment was his own. His desire to lead spirits, not giving them the freedom to choose, and him having ultimate power over them. He was given power to make them act and them without the ability to make their own decisions. He was ultimately banished with his followers to darkness, meaning no more light and knowledge from heaven and they were left on their own to progress without light. In Revelations 12 it talks of us protecting our Mother by taking her from our memories and records to protect her from the buffeting of Satan, through her own children abusing her with foul language and abuse. It also talks of her as Wisdom in Proverbs 8 & 9 and how she felt.
I know these things are not discussed in the church or shared among the members. I have shared them with you, and I ask that you learn from what I have said and not share them publicly, but keep them close to your heart. These comments are made to help understand our Mother and are not intended to be revelation or doctrine. It is only for our betterment and growth, as we can learn from all things and are not limited to those things taught by scripture or doctrine within the walls of the church. Mysteries are open to those who seek after truth and will be taught to you as you prepare yourselves to receive them. Please remember as you read this that the spirit will bear record of truth, and if your heart is open then the truth will be made known to you. Everything I have said above may not be completely correct and the spirit will not testify of its truthfulness, but it is my intent to teach principle not intricate detail.
