1 penny
It seems terrible logic to believe carbon dating if you do not believe in the big bang. Then, they used carbon dating to "date" the Shroud of Turin.
Another penny
Moses called the elders to dispense information quickly to the Children of Israel. This is still a duty of the Aaronic priesthood.
When governments or factions get obsessed with new ideas they think their new idea is new and thus better for everyone. And, when they meet resistance to the new, improved solution, oftimes, even smart and believable leaders peddle genecide of the systematic removal of any who oppose, rather than address why they oppose. Hitler's German army might have agreed with Judaism on many key points, but only one mattered.
I will delve later. I am sorta busy atm.
This needs some scrutiny:
A teacher once called attention to the fiasco of Abraham and Sariah when they had to pretend to be cousins for the sake of Abraham's life, due to Sariah being so desirable to look upon. Now, typically, teachers dwell on the significance of telling a lie to save a life, which is very interesting...but, this teacher pointed out the significance of long pauses in such grand places and the amount of learning and wisdom that could not be gotten anywhere else and how significant this understanding would become to his later life.
I am often fascinated by that little literary magic trick or diversion of an audiences attention so that heroes can develop in a way that makes a plot twist possible.
I was thinking about how this applied to my apparent "spinning of wheels" or "going no where" when actually it is allowing me to develop. Particularly, this can be seen in my tatting progress. Right now, I can barely do even basic things, so I spend a great deal of time not accomplishing anything of value to others, but I am increasing my abilities to the point where such basic things will not require my attention, like basic math. I bet without thinking, you know what 2 plus 2 is. Whereas my children consider it magical that I just KNOW it without counting fingers. :)
I am I'm washing the dishes right now so I cannot write what I was going to write and I will write it when I finish I wanted to write something about litmus paper test we took in high school and how only some people can taste it.
I wanted to say something about this experiment because it was Monumental to me it could inform you on my mind thought I'd had for a long time which is a prevailing global standpoint on it that everyone perceives things the exact same way, like if we say something is blue that's what color it is. The reason why I'm thinking about this probably is because I've been watching the movie "The Giver". In the movie a person says that I they have a feeling that they see things differently. This struck a chord with me because I've always thought that I didn't see things the same way or sonething. In the movie it's a good thing because this perception is needed to translate the things that others don't understand.
Okay. The test. We were in small groups given pieces of paper to taste and scientifically to record exactly what we experience so I could be looked at scientifically within our small groups. I was the first one to taste the paper and I made a terrible face. Almost no one would taste it subsequently. However it turned out that I was the only one in the group that could actually taste anything. It was then that I realized if I had been chosen by the group to represent our interests I would have been totally against using the paper for anything because it was so horrible to me but that wouldn't necessarily represent the group.
In my government class we were also learning about how those chosen as leaders and in particular group are generally those who possess an attribute that is needed. So I also knew that people were all there for everyone is different and yet we all wear one size.
There are standards for measuring things it's something people have agreed on for instance Europeans use the metric system we however use what is called the English measurement system of yards inches, feet etc. I've also noticed that there is a huge problem in computer parts when people try to use parts that are proprietary. Mothers might notice us with bottles if nipples were not all made the same in the same size we would have to purchase specific nipples for each bottle that is not the case. Fortunately, one computer port is identical to another, as well as sodtware languages so that they can communicate one with another and the internet is a great explanation or example Maybe of how we are stronger in numbers computers when combined have a greater capacity to perform my previous example is always been the Hebrew slaves who created all the Egyptian monuments no single person could have done that but with a large group of people things could be accomplished that would otherwise be impossible. This is how I used to describe or explain how With God all things are possible. Using the model of religion if a given religion is made up of a whole lot of people one person in particular just not hold an attribute however when you have a large group probably every attribute is God a representative I think there was an Epistle of Paul where he likened the church to a body and that's basically what I'm doing Each part of the body has a specific ability. It might not seem important but on its own but if you combine them nothing would be impossible.
Since I'm talking about religion and yes that's where I was headed with all this I feel out of my element because people will talk about things and it feels like "The Emperor's New Clothes". I recently saw a scishow YouTube video about sounds that make you feel something. Often people talk about how tangible the spirit seems, and I do not doubt it, but I simply do not feel it. I do no think my difference makes me lesser or greater, it makes it obvious to me that I am not there for the same reason. And further, when I learn the same things, that knowledge will be different, too. The same thing that would disturb others of prove effective in manipulating others will not work for me. But, it is just because I am different, not better or worse.
I am done for now.
It seems to me that the ideals man creates are so motivating. We believe and hope so much that when we finaly reach our destination, then what?
Commonly, comes the diwnward spiral. Disillusionment, when we realize how far the world is from what we hoped it was.
This mirning, though it really struck me how that is the point where our dreamers proved they had the stuff to make it to the core and it is then that they can really be part of making reality better for us all.
Yeah, most of us are miserable failures, but we have such dreams!
I remember being taught that if our (LDS) religion was so marvelous it would naturally produce marvelous things, where is the evidence of that. I came to terms with what happens on that end years ago, but it really does make me think that if mankind can create such an ideal that consumes and motivates it ought to have created an incredible government or something. I mean, if we know how things really are and we are a blessed people then it makes perfect sense that we would use our gift to create something to benefit and teach everyone we love, which is basically everyone, right?
I just seem so many bright eyed and talented superstars start out bright and cheery, but end up depressed and resentful. And it seems that if a thing is less than ideal, make it better, but maybe they try and that is why they feel dispondant...
I think this is like the third week of doing my situp routine and there has been absolutely no evidence of any kind, still I persevere and probably will as long as I remember it. This is my same approach to life.
Giving up isn't my thing, but it has been known to happen.
I do not want to default back to the idea that life could be so wonderful, and things that seem to bother me wouldn't even have a chance to form into thoughts. So, I am going to take a nap.
I had been considering two things together. 1) C.S. Lewis giving easy answers to difficult questions and 2) Joseph Smith giving an easy way to determine an essential thing. It got me thinking on a new direction. I have lots of difficult questions and I always quickly accept what answer I get as being truth, usually, it feels true and can be doctrinally proven, which means if you accept a doctrine as true then, anything that comes with it is true, plain and simple. It is like choosing a friend like C.S.Lewis and then just accepting what he says. For example, one time in a class a woman explained that she loved the Church so much because ot made all of her choices were already made for her. It troubled me a bit, to the point that I was troubled enough to understand what she meant.
I marveled at the revelation Joseph Smith recieved in discerning a spirit whether or not it is God sent. My conclusion is that this was a revelation of so much more. It taught us how to discern anything was true from God himself.
It was said in the movie Shadowlands, "you already have the answer, so what is it?" I thought, we have a way to tell if a person is a truthful person because They are unaware of there being a test, right? It is much like asking a handshake of a messenger. You ask a difficult question that you already have an answer for to see how they answer and in that manner you can know how to judge an answer to a question that you do not know.
So what we have is a metjod of discerning, not as much a solution that can not be known and worked around by a cunning, knowledgeable adversary.
Alright, that was a blatent plagerism. I want to reiterate that idea and call it mine.
Super quick, I hate it when I have a crush on someone , but then realize they have been ruined, by being well known. But, the irony is, I wouldn't even know of them unless they were in the spotlight, or would I? (Dramatic music)
Ha ha, I wasn't even thinking about the song by Nickelback, I was trying to think of what I would call a subset of men which included royalty and ecclesiastical leaders.
Might be my shortest thought. I fear acknowledgement the way most fear public speaking, only I do not know how you overcome that sense of responsibility. Mormon leaders seem less powerful than, say, a king. But more lives hung on the balance by means of consequence of a choice a Mormon leader makes opposed to one made by a Ruler of the nation.
Plus, I think of how Jesus Christ asked what was of more consequence, to heal a physical infirmity or cleanse a sin.
EI am easier to understand through the use of mathmatical terms. I am an identity. In math we understand two identities easily. 0 is the additive identity and 1 is the multiplicative identity. I teach my children math this way. I ask them things like 0 plus a pile of leaves is what? Or a bunch of grapes times one equals? And pause for them to shout out the answer. This way they did algebra equations as they were teething.
I realized this is how I am and have always been. I was always better when I surrounded myself with better peers. I assume caracteristics of those I admire. I just assumed it was the way others just were. Or that seeing the potential encouraged me to try. Then in college we studied it as one of the romantic era's themes. For instance, a bird in a cage never escapes because they cannot imagine anything greater than what they have.
But, I was feeling so stuck in a rut and not happy at all with what I am, but no real aim or dream or better put, no purpose. Then I realized why I always end up turning to outerspace and ailens. I need a new pattern, or something awe-inspiring to be working towards. I get upset because those around me aren't becoming what I wanted to become, and a good friend explained the failure I percieve in others is not a failure but just a miscalculation on my part. Because, I personally aspire for greater things than them they only encourage as long as they are progressing, and that right there is a fatal step in finding a true companion. Where I look at what they can be, one ought to be looking at what they are.
For example, if one guy knows so much more is possible, but has not done anything towards that end, it is foolish to allogn ones self with that potential ignoring on the other had one with less potential but definite acts or fruit to show for what he has believed.
I thought I underdstood this perfectly well, and felt full to blame for not changing to fit the piece that fits. That is when I realized that it is not that easy. I already am formed and need to find where I fit not mold myself to fit where I am, and it is because I pondered my own identity I realized that I am sort of a changling. I am different things to everyone, I am almost always the submissive gene always allowing others to be expressed, but then never being content with what was expressed. Maybe I ought to stop settling for things only slightly better than myself. It is like buying shoes for my kids! You know they are going to grow alot in a few month's time so you buy shoes much larger than their foot instead of one the correct size. What I have done is buy only slightly larger, and then get angry at my inability to make a growing foot stop growing to fit the shoe I already bought. Isn't it so much clearer now in a metaphorical hindsight what the mistake was.
Ok, time to go...
We are closer in being like our own parents than we are becoming like our God, who we call our Heavenly Father.
It makes perfect sense to us that parents learn by being a parent. For example, I was thinking about the countless things that I did wrong, but did the best I knew. So, that lead me to consider how the things I do might seem insane to someone without the same perspective, which lead to the thought about if God is "learning and becoming", too or if that is just a mortal thing.
As children, it seems like our parents know everything, until we are in their place. One of my favorite comments was when a woman was explaining how children come to understand sex. At first. It wasn't hid from them, but just kept back because it was neither relevant or necessary, but at a certain developmental stage a child becomes both willing and able to understand things that although, new to them have been aroind as long as people have.
My dad used to say, and I was not sure it wasn't a threat, that as we are he once was, and as he is we will become. Pretty vague, huh? That is the beauty of it all. Sure I will never be a man, and I used to think, noooo way! Cause I was never going to become over weight...I already am. Uh oh. But, instead of being upset, it makes me wonder "what next" surely there is something that God is aspiring to.
I wonder if I can help. First thought is pray, uh, but that is asking God for help, so that won't do... him, I guess, as a parent, my kids would help most by obeying me, so I conclude to help a Heavenly Father most I ought to obey him.
Playing catch up is why I never sleep, even when my body rests my mind keeps generating ideas. I have years still to catch up on, but one idea piqued my interest.
In the morning I sift through the thoughts that seemed related, but aren't. Like sun it yellow in that painting, it is hot. Do not touch dandelions, or you might get burned. Rosseau called this reflection, naturally it comes after sensation, or in this case protects us from supposed sensations, and it could save our life, if Dandelions were really as hot as the sun.
But, I toss that notion and feel good because later I learn that the color is likely a result of the atom is is fusing due to high levels of gravity. Dandelions do not fuse atoms, as least that I am aware of.
On to my point, someone said, "I only know what I like." Funny how tiny little things people say stick with us and sort of snowball into a big thing after beeing applied to so much. Anyway, this is one of those funny little things my brain paired it with. Others like the same thing, and if enough like it. You will be successful. If you like it and others like it, then if you like you, so will others. Why wouldn't they, afterall? Before I tossed it, I mulled it over. What a peculiar notion. I read that the most becoming thing a woman can wear is self confidence is that related, too? Ok, true or false time, enough clinging to partial truths, they are like diet drinks, fascinating notion with no substance.
It always seems, at least for me, the closer I get to actually knowing God, the more of a conspiracy everything seems. I seem to doubt everything, because of the ways we have been taught to search out truth. But, if one accepts Mormonism, then with that comes the freedom to just accept things you cannot know like others thoughts.
A thing I do not have and exact references for, but the scene plays out in my mind where a prophet of God is being questioned by a king, and the king thinks something but does not say it, and the prophet "percieves his thoughts". That is what I would look up cause I can remember those exact words.
Almost constantly I am picking up on patterns, and it is only natural to try to make sense out of things, sometimes, my mind even forms associations and conclusions without me, but when I later try to understand why a thing is, my only explination ends up being a fantastic story. You know, I think that is where writers get incredible ideas, even Greek mythology is pretty fascinating.
Whomever I am mentally fixed on becomes the hero of my ever evolving plot, but to seriously make some sense out of a bigger picture the impossible figures or heroes could only be described as a God. I knew there was alot of power involved, but naturally, I figured that power was money.
Seriously, I cannot even count the times I have wondered how Lucifer was banished and is repelled by... WHAT? With my own kids I do not even have the ability to force them to do a thing, although my legitimacy comes from encouraging them to do go and them seeing that when they do what I say they get the results they want.
Power interests me. There is a movie that I simply adore. The movie is called "Anonymous". It has a scene where several Earls discuss the power that words have. The one explains how having one's ideas shared in thousands of minds is power, referring to plays. The one says that no war was ever won with words so he chooses might or his sword.
(Like the end of "The Mission" where the missionary dexlares that if might is right than love has no place in this world."
LDS beliefs are that we existed in a premortal existence (world) where there was a counsel and a "war". But, what sort or war was it?
Anyway, I think of another movie "Contact" where what one experiences as real is not believed by others to the point that it was all explained as the work of one very powerful man. It is funny to mearn that who people are is so fluid. We base so much value on our ability to perceive but, what if you perceive differently that someone else?
I need to "work in" another line I love from Disney's "The Incredibles" a lady who is employed by the villain is asked why they chose to live in a volcano, I think. Anyhow the character's name is Mirage (mom and dad's band's name) and she says, "I am drawn to power."
