Let There Be Order, Not Chaos Part II

Which leads us to order and membership in churches. I have never said that a person should not go to church, nor have I given any indication that anyone should disrupt the peace and charity of a church or it's congregation. (see my previous post on Go To Church)

Personally, I do favour the principles revealed in the D&C for establishing churches, but all have their agency and are free to create/attend whatever kind of organization that they want.

As a general rule, almost all Mormon churches are established on the tradition of a well defined hierarchy.  (I, of course, acknowledge that several readers may not be from a Mormon background and may attend churches that do not operate this way.)  Now, just because a person visits with the Saviour face to face, doesn't mean that that person should, or has any right to take over leadership of that church, or has a higher authority of the established hierarchy of that church, within that church. Instead that person should use any insights they may have to repent and improve themselves, to serve others, to serve their church, to serve their community at large, to serve their country and their fellow man.  So there really is no reason for a Bishop/Minister to be afraid or intimidated that a member of his congregation has a spiritual gift, instead he should rejoice.

A wise Minister/Bishop would utilize those members of his congregation with spiritual gifts, not cast them out and preach against them, after all, the Lord sent those members to him to help him strengthen the Saints and advance the work of God in his area.

For example: If a foreign visitor arrives at your Ward and does not speak your language very well, and there is someone in your ward who has the gift of tongues, is it such a stretch of protocol to believe that the Bishop could ask the member with the gift of tongues to translate for him?  Or is the Bishop so filled with pride that he would deny the visitor the good news of the gospel just because he is not the one with the gift of tongues?

Is the Bishop/Minister so insecure that Heavenly Father didn't make him the special one, give him the gift, that he is not the best, the top, the only one with the gifts of God?  Is the Bishop/Minister going to throw his little temper tantrum and speak out against anyone but himself using the gifts of God?  Or perhaps teach his congregation that God is a respecter of persons and would only give people of high status His gifts?  Of course this would be impossible, even unthinkable, for mormons without denying the Book of Mormon.  Yet how often this tragedy actually occurs today. 

"And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.  For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the spirit of God.  To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby." 
~ D&C 46:10-12 

So let's get down to it. Beware of pride. Heavenly Father gives gifts to all of His children, and no child is better than another because of it.

Just because one person has a gift of the Spirit doesn't mean that person has the right to rule over others.  And just because a member of your congregation has a gift of the Spirit doesn't mean that you are diminished in the eyes of God.

The Bishop/Minister is chosen to be the caretaker of all those within his jurisdiction.  It is his job to find those with various gifts, such as tongues, prophecy, revelation, healing, miracles, dreams, visions, etc., and get them working together for the betterment of the congregation, and then the community at large.

The exact same principle that would be used if someone needed a house built. The Contractor would acquire the appropriate permits, find a foundation specialist, framers, roofers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers etc., all specialists in their field, and would get them all working together to build the house.  This should be the same with spiritual gifts and building up the household of God in your stewardship.

How foolish would the Contractor look if he refused to hire a carpenter just because that guy was a better carpenter than he was?  Would it be silly for the Contractor to cast out a master electrician, or to utilize him?  Bishops, or Ministers, or Contractors who do such a thing are soon fired and replaced. 

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 

But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 
~ Matthew 24:45-51 

By the Bishop/Minister taking the same role as the contractor he can utilize the members with various gifts and organize them so that the household of God may be built up. The children of God may be fed and led back into the presence of their Saviour.
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Let There Be Order, Not Chaos

It has come to my attention that the concept of 'everyone getting into the presence of the Saviour' is scary to the various churches, groups, communities, united orders, study groups, gatherings, etc., though if they confess Christ then they must accept this call from Him. 

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
~ John 14:23

Joseph Smith taught that the Second Comforter is no more or less than the personal visitation of the Saviour Himself. 

"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; …when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions-Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the First Born" 
~ TPJS, pgs 150-51 

It is a foundational doctrine that all must make their Calling and Election sure, that all must pierce the veil and stand in the very presence of God while in this mortality. So why then are the leaders of the various churches, groups, communities, etc. concerned and upset at this doctrine of all talking directly with the Saviour?

Of course the question is rhetorical. The answer is all too obvious. Although, there certainly could be a genuine concern for the members of a flock, that they are not led astray. Yet, this concern is easily offset by teaching correct principles and how to discern the things of God from the things of this world. 

"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; therefore, even things which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God and to serve him, is inspired of God."
~ Moroni 7:13 

One concern that has been expressed is that if everyone is talking to God then there will be utter chaos, that nothing will get done, that everyone will be receiving various revelations and there will be no order. Of course this concern presupposes that the various participants are filled with pride (and therefore really have nothing to worry about because they are not going to make a celestial glory anyway). 

Also, for this concern to be valid many of the participants must be lying or receiving visitations from sources other than God.

But if each person is talking to God Himself then they will all be united. There is no chaos because each person sees and hears the exact same Saviour giving the same instructions, so then how can there be chaos???  Things would get done exceptionally well, and the instructions or revelations are complimentary, not contradictory. 

This brings us back to pride as the main cause of their fear, vanity; who is the highest, who is the most special. Those who fight against the Saviour are always threatened by a loss of their special-ness, a loss of their supposed authority.  Fear of losing their worldly status, power, authority is their reason for fighting against God.

There is absolutely no chaos, only perfect order, when all people follow directions received in the very presence of God. 

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Women's Role

Jesus enumerated a few of the blessings that follow them that believe.  (Remember, He also said, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also,” indicating clearly that if we truly believe we may also do the marvellous works He did.)  In no place do we find the Master or any of His prophets limiting these signs to men alone, excluding women.  Instead, the Lord through the prophet Micah listed a woman among the three greatest persons in Israel: 

For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron and Miriam.  (Micah 6:4) 

And now, regarding the exercise of faith, the following quotation recorded by my sister, Olive, is taken from the teachings of Lorin C. Woolley: 

Women can pray for others, especially their children.  They can use oil, can lay on hands with their husbands when other priesthood members are not present, for administering in their own families.  They can through faithfulness obtain any or all the gifts of the Holy Ghost, such as prophecy, healing, visions, gift of tongues, etc.  Prophecy is the greatest gift; gift of tongues the least of the gifts.  No one will receive the gift of tongues unless there be an interpreter also provided.  If you have a dream in symbol form and it is from God, rest assured He will also provide the interpretation – otherwise, forget it.  Don’t worry about it.  (Reminiscences of J. & L. Woolley, Vol.4, p.4) 

Because there is so much darkness and misunderstanding both in the orthodox (Mormon) Church and among her outcasts, and because this series will again and again contain narrations of women being the instruments of God in His performing so-called miracles of many kinds, I now shall go into more detail using the scriptures or words of the prophets to prove the following bold assertion that in all of the “signs” or miracles promised by the Christ to his humble followers, in no case are women prohibited from the exercise of the powers directly resulting from a pure life, a humble spirit and faith. 

We turn to Joseph Smith and his explanations among which we find the words of the Savior repeated.  Joseph Smith was speaking to the sisters of the women’s Relief Society which he had but recently organized.  Some of the sisters also recorded Joseph’s remarks on this subject made at that and other times in their private journals.  In the following quotes the underlines are mine and are used for emphasis. 

He said the reason of these remarks being made was, that some little foolish things were circulating in the society, against some sisters not doing right in laying hands on the sick.  Said that if the people had common sympathies they would rejoice that the sick could be healed; that the time had not been before that these things could be in their proper order; that the Church is not fully organized, in its proper order, and cannot be, until the Temple is completed, where places will be provided for the administration of the ordinances of the Priesthood. 

President Smith continued the subject, by quoting the commission given to the ancient Apostles in Mark, 16th chapter, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th verses, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believed not shall be damned.  And these signs shall follow them that believe:  In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” 

No matter who believeth, these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, &c., should follow all that believe, whether male or female.  He asked the Society if they could not see by this sweeping promise, that wherein they are ordained, it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority, which is conferred on them; and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let everything roll on. … 

Respecting females administering for the healing of the sick, he further remarked, there could be no devil in it, if God gave His sanction by healing; that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on and praying for the sick, than in wetting the face with water; it is no sin for anybody to administer that has faith, or if the sick have faith to be healed by their administration. 

He reproved those that were disposed to find fault with the management of the concerns of the Church, saying God had called him to lead the Church, and he would lead it right; those that undertake to interfere will be ashamed when their own folly is made manifest; that he calculates to organise the Church in its proper order as soon as the Temple is completed. 

President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to surmount ever since the commencement of the work, in consequence of aspiring men.  “Great big Elders,” as he called them, who had caused him much trouble; (Hist. of Ch., Vol.4, pp. 603-604). 

In that great and memorable sermon Joseph gave priceless instructions to the sisters and also predicted that he would not be with them much longer.  It will be well for every reader to procure this volume (4) of Church History and study it. 

Note Joseph Smith’s introduction to Eliza R. Snow’s synopsis.  Her notes are a re-affirmation of Joseph’s explanation. 

At two o’clock I met the members of the “Female Relief Society,” and after presiding at the admission of many new members, gave a lecture on the Priesthood, showing how the sisters would come in possession of the privileges, blessings and gifts of the Priesthood, and that the signs should follow them, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, &c., and that they might attain unto these blessings by a virtuous life, and conversation, and diligence in keeping all the commandments; a synopsis of which was reported by Elilsa R. Snow, as follows: (History of the Church, Volume 4, P.602) 

Carol Lynn Pearson’s book, Daughters of Light, contains numerous references to miracles performed through the instrumentality of women.  Let it be clearly understood that women do not perform miracles; neither do men perform miracles.  God performs the miracles through the instrumentality of men and women who believe (i.e.  do the works of righteousness). 

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 128 – 131.

This is probably the last post that I will make quoting from the volumes of Voices Of Women, by Rhea Kunz.  They are a fantastic read and are really packed full of experience after experience that reveal a life-time of exceedingly great faith.

I hope that these posts are sufficient to set the background for my next posts on this topic by which it is my intent to progress even further into this topic, and hopefully, it will draw people into the light.  In order for faith to exist, we need to have a correct understanding of our Heavenly Father and His ways.  Then, with that correct understanding, the heavens are opened and we stand before God, the great judge of all, in person, for real, not figuratively.

Doubt not, but be believing! 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood. 

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Dedicating The Prison Cell

Among the attacks on the people of Short Creek there was a time when women were imprisoned as well as the men.  During one of these times Rhea Kunz was imprisoned with several of her sisters.  She was a great boost to the moral of the ladies though, and soon she and another sister were moved into a different cell.  Her account is quite thorough and I would love to post it all, but as this series on women in the priesthood I should probably keep my posts a little shorter, accordingly I will try to focus on just the pertinent events of the story. 

“So passed possibly another hour, when the matron came in to announce that she was taking Marie and me into the other jail room, where there was room for us.  We gathered up our belongings and followed her.  This poor vindictive woman could not wait until the door was closed to inform me that her prediction was fulfilled.  She was now installing me in “       ’s room.”  She did not have her next obvious wish, for I was neither argumentative nor resentful.  Surely the Spirit prompted me to cherish patience as one of the rarest gems that a saint can possess. 

… 

Upon examining the bathroom I found that it was in no better condition than the one we had left.  Alone in that room, I closed and locked the door and then while Marie was busy at other things in the main room, I rebuked evil powers in the name of Jesus Christ.  While still there, I dedicated the prison room and the bathroom for Marie’s and my sojourn and then rededicated myself to the Lord and His service; for I remembered Lorin C. Wooley’s advice in such particulars.  In this situation where we were deprived of the presence and leadership of any of the brethren, I acted with full assurance that God would hear and validate my petition.” 

Footnote 1
If more clarification is needed, we cite the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“I met the members of the Female Relief Society, and after presiding at the admission of many new members, gave a lecture on the priesthood, showing how the sisters would come in possession of the privileges, blessings, and gifts of the priesthood, and that the signs should follow them, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, etc., and that they might attain unto these blessings by a virtuous life, and conversation, and diligence in keeping all the commandments.” 
~ Documentary History of the Church 4:602 

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 412 - 413. 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Fullness Of The Gospel/Priesthood

No doubt, I have often addressed this subject time and time again in my talks as well as in my writings.  In fact, everything I write on this blog is a part of, and leads to, this subject. 

The "Fullness of the Gospel"  and the "Fullness of the Priesthood" are terms which are often used as a craft to control the minds of the populace and to subject them to slavery. 

I find that a clever person can gather and quote scripture after scripture to "prove" (seemingly) any ridiculous doctrine no matter how false or how wicked.  Similarly, a defense can be constructed in like manner.  The two parties being at a standstill where none are edified.  This is the main reason that I am not fond of quoting a plethora of scripture in an attempt to convince anyone.  Those who do not already know their scriptures, in my opinion, really have no reason to ask these questions.  The answers are often not understood, let alone the question, without a basic working knowledge of the scriptures. 

Therefore, it is not my intent to quote several scriptures and to write a great theological debate clarifying the reasons for my belief, nor to sway by argument anyone's point of view.  It is my intent only to share those things that I have personally experienced, and hopefully someone will be able to glean a pearl, from which they may approach the Lord and receive line upon line, precept upon precept. 

Unfortunately, once again, some of my friends seem to be getting caught up in the hype of skillful scriptorians, who are able to sway the minds of those who have never bothered to study the scriptures for themselves.  And this particular argument is very persuasive, striving to convince people of a false doctrine often used to justify sin, and lead people captive into the bonds of the Luciferian One-Man doctrine. 

The false doctrine to which I am referring is plainly this: that the term Fullness of the Priesthood is said to be when one mortal man confers a certain level of the priesthood upon another.  This is of course false!  The fullness of the priesthood is only conferred by God Himself and is not realized until the person upon whom it was conferred by God actually acts in that capacity. 

Likewise, the Fullness of the Gospel is that which is a fullness of truth, which again can only be found in the actual presence of the Father.  There is no other way.  In other words, to be very blunt, those who are not standing in the very presence of the Father, neither have, nor comprehend, the fullness, indeed neither can they. 

The Fullness is no more nor less than the actual presence of the Father.  

No amount of arguing scripture, or claiming whatever special line of "authority" or "keys" will grant the fullness. (I should probably make a short post on what Keys actually are.)   No one mortal can confer the fullness of the gospel, nor the priesthood upon another.  It is true that a mortal who is in possession of a certain portion of the priesthood/gospel can confer it upon another, but that is it's limitation.  For how can a person confer that which they do not themselves possess? 

When reading the scriptures, minutes from early priesthood or lodge meetings, the Joseph Smith Papers, the early portion of the Council of Fifty minutes, remember that the fullness refers to the actual presence of the Saviour and then the Father.  The early saints lost the Fullness when they defiled the Kirtland temple, and they, as a group, refused to obey the directions of the Lord to complete the Nauvoo temple, and of course rejected the Lord and the Fullness when they delivered the Prophet and the Patriarch over to the 'Romans.'  It is easy to see that the Fullness was lost at that time.  Thus came the apostasy and the great task of the various factions to feign possession of the Fullness by changing revealed doctrine, changing the definition of the fullness in order to lead astray those who were faithful, although unread.  

In conclusion, those who claim that they have the Fullness of the Gospel, or Fullness of the Priesthood, if they are not walking and talking with the Lord in person, neither have been ordained by God Himself in person, they are ignorant or lying.  The way you can tell is to look at the fruit, look at their children, look at members of their congregation.  A true tree will always bear good fruit.  In other words, they will be bringing others, the highest and the lowest, into the presence of the Saviour.  And the fruits of the Spirit will be commonplace among them.  If the gifts of the Spirit are not present liberally, if only the leaders claim to have stood in the presence of the Saviour, then they are false!  A simple test is to follow whatever good pattern they say, and if it is of God, then He will manifest it to you.  You will not need to guess, the fruits will be plainly manifest, to which the Lord will also provide a second witness. 

Trust not in the arm of flesh.  Instead go directly to God and He will answer you.  He talks to all those who fully repent of all their sins and humble themselves before Him, being completely contrite and prepared to believe and follow all things. 

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Brucellosis, Faithful, and Faith

As time went on, Rhea had a purebred Jersey cow that contracted Brucellosis. The family, however, was unaware of the presence of the disease and continued to use the milk. At this time John, the same who had been cured of blindness as a small boy, was 14 and became seriously ill from the disease. It is a horrible disease that causes severe pain to the slightest touch. The doctors reported that John’s heart had been severely affected, and that this is often fatal.

Rhea turned to the Lord. Calling all her older children about her and explaining the situation, together they united in prayer. Then came the time to tell John, who responded adamantly about not going to the hospital, and instead desired healing from the Lord. The family fasted and prayed. For weeks they fasted in varying degrees, the older ones fasting more in abstinence, and Rhea resolved to touch nothing but water until she had an answer for her son who was in such agony that he could not move or be moved without screaming in pain.

Then finally an answer came:

About mid-morning, the Spirit of the Lord gave understanding and wisdom to my mind and I knew that there was a reason that my son had fallen prey to this sickness which was brought about by the powers of evil. I knew that the Lord was not pleased with him and one of the other children because of their indifference to instruction in the gospel when I had frequently called my family together to teach them the words of truth and life. Their restlessness and desire to be off playing somewhere, when they should have participated in spirit and mind, was displeasing to the Lord. I knew that I must tell both sons these things and that the Lord was now ready to forgive and heal John if he would covenant to study the gospel seriously and cease his indifference and wanderlust of mind.

Rhea went and told her son the things which had been made known to her. John wept and confessed. His heart was broken and his spirit contrite. The boy who lay there suffering had indeed turned his heart to the Lord. …

I, a weak mortal, put my hands upon his head, but the power of a great Being was actuated in and through me. I felt the power go out through me hands as I blessed John and rebuked the demons of evil and the sickness, commanding them to depart. I told John again, as I had several years prior when he was small and suffering from his eye injury and infection, that from that moment God would begin to heal his body.

At that instant, the Spirit told me to open my eyes and look at John. I did, and I testify before God and angels that I saw the sickly, saffron color of his face and neck change to a rosy hue as the glow of healthy, life-ghiving blood came back into his skin. It was one of the most wonderful sights that I ever beheld. From that moment, I experienced inexpressible joy and gratitude mingled with the mighty power of God.

With my hands still upon John’s tousled light brown head, I told him, “The Lord has forgiven you. You will be restored to complete and vigorous health. From this moment on, you will experience the change.”

After I had finished, John looked gratefully into my eyes and said with the joy of realization, “Mama! I feel lots better!”

“Yes, dear, give the Lord all the credit. He did it. … Now, let me help you fulfill your part of the covenant. What would you like to study or talk about?”

“I wish you would read to me from the Book of Mormon.”

…

And the story continues with John’s full recovery.

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 390 – 395.

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Poem for Eliza

O my Eliza, why leavest me? When kindred spirit found in thee. What once was hope has turned to pain, His gentle heart's been ripped in twain. I watch him cry a midnight tear, Tremble and quake in silent fear. For she who's heart was meant to fly Has turned away, has passed us by.

O my Eliza, I pray you'll see The plan that's laid in front of thee, Revealed before thine Angeled eyes By glories stream across the skies. Remembrance of a promise made, A path once started, now delayed. O please Eliza, turn around, Return to where your Joy be found! 

~ the Priestess

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Stay True To The Lord

Stay true to what the Lord has revealed and all will work out to your greatest joy! 

Remember the devil tempts us by the worldly things that we want, and he deceives us into believing that those things are blessings from God.  But only those things that God has said will last forever. 

As you may be aware, I was raised in an abusive home, and was always looking for an escape.  One time I met a lady who taught traditional martial arts and I was soon enrolled in her class.  The lessons consisted a great deal with respect, consideration, kindness, helpfulness, etc.  After a while, as a direct result of the ideals of Traditional Martial Arts of creating a well rounded person, more concerned with developing good character than physical skills, I was able to overcome much of the fear and pain of my abusive childhood.  I knew that God had answered my tears and had provided a surrogate family to teach me good principles. 

It was not long before I had developed skills in the Martial Arts and wanted to open my own school so that I could help others who had been through abuse.  I wanted to serve the Lord and I knew that I could help a lot of people and bring them the gospel at the same time.  Then the time came for me to go on a mission. 

I went to the Lord to gain a testimony so that I would not be preaching on borrowed light, and the Lord did give me that testimony.  I knew that I was to serve the Lord.  Then, wouldn’t you know it, my Sensei offered me the Dojo at an amazing price and that he would stay on and continue to teach me.  This was an amazing opportunity.  It was what I had dreamed of.  It seemed like a great blessing from the Lord.  But it was not from the Lord.  It was the temptation of Satan.  As Jesus was offered a crown to bring peace to all the world, so I was offered a school to help people and spread the gospel.  Yet, I knew the Lord wanted me to serve a mission. 

It is an interesting principle, that after every prompting, inspiration, revelation, or manifestation of the Spirit, the Lord allows for agency, permitting the powers of darkness to test our resolve to the same degree as the manifestation of the Spirit.  At these times quite often the Spirit will also withdraw for a short time, to allow us full agency, as it did with the Saviour on the cross.  Then while in that state, the devil makes his counterfeit offer, dressed in “white”, presented as a better choice, a better blessing from God.  Oh, how many times have I fallen for this counterfeit offer!  Oh, how many times have I lost out on the blessings of my Saviour, the blessings of Eternity, the blessings that might have been mine??? 

This time I chose the Lord’s way.  And after the choice was made, and I followed through and had more than just begun my labours with full commitment, the second witness came.  I knew then that I had indeed made the right choice.  How often it is that the blessing doesn’t come until after the trial of our faith.  Until after we take that leap of Faith.  Until after we actually do what the Lord requests that we do. 

Serving a mission was not easy, nor did it seem as productive as running a school, but it was what the Lord wanted.  The lessons that I learned and the experiences that I had were amazing!  How could I have progressed that far by running a school? 

I know it can be difficult at times to know which blessings are being offered by the Lord, and which are being offered by satan, because satan offers everything we’ve always wanted and packages it to look like a blessing from God. 

Choose the Lord’s way. 

It is not easy, nor is it always what we want, but it will always give us the greatest opportunity for joy in the end. 

Trust in the Lord. 

Trust in the Lord though He slay you. 

Though He slay me, Yet will I trust in Him! 

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Instant Healing

The next day, Olive was up and able to be out of bed most of the day, but the heavy tasks and strain day and night with the sick baby, was taking its toll on me.  My tight, hard cough continued.  Every breath was a struggle.  In the afternoon, I asked Morris if he and Olive would administer to me – I could not give up and go to bed.  I had to keep going. 

I sat on a chair in the front room, Morris anointed me, and then he and Olive put their hands on my head while he voiced an appeal.  I felt the power pass down through my head and into my body. 

When they finished and removed their hands, I went to draw another breath and to my great surprise the air went right down into my lungs and to the very tips of the air passages.  I jumped up and cried aloud.  “I am healed!  I am healed!  The Lord has healed me!” – and I just stood there, drawing deep, pain-free breaths! 

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 174 – 175. 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood. 

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Visitor From Beyond The Veil

Dear Olive became sick and had to take to her bed.  I organized the little children in their play and in their help.  Arlene and even little Donna did so much to help. Sick as I was, I managed to clean up the house, mix bread and nurse our little sick Charlotte.  On a particular afternoon, while the babies were sleeping, I went to my bedroom for a much needed rest, leaving dependable little Arlene in charge.  I was soon in a deep and profound sleep in spite of my hard coughing.  Of a sudden, a woman’s familiar voice called me, “Rhea!  Rhea!” twice.

Instantly I knew I had heard that voice before, - long, long before.  But there was no time to speculate.  Something was wrong.  I knew by the urgency of the tone.  I checked the babies, fixed little Roger’s bottle, and Arlene took over with him.  Poor, thin little Charlotte was still sleeping.  I went and once to Olive’s bedroom and found her moaning and tossing.  I took hold of her and called her by name.  She was in a delirium of pain.  Her face was flushed, and she only tossed and moaned.  I fell upon my knees and appealed “Oh!  God, what shall I do for her?  Help her!  Spare her life!”

Immediately I was shown what to do, but with her tossing and moaning it was impossible to do the simple, natural things I needed to do.

I went to the other room, called Arlene, Donna and Myra, told them of Olive’s condition, and said, “Come, we must pray for Auntie.”

There in the kitchen, adjoining Olive’s room, we fell on our knees and Oh! how anxiously we did pray!  I had remembered Uncle Dan Bateman’s story of how he prayed in an exigency for help “seen or unseen,” and I prayed in substance, “Oh, Father, Olive cannot live and go on this way, - or she may lose her baby.  Oh!  Father send someone holding thy Priesthood, seen or unseen.  Remember her faithfulness, remember her sweetness, and her great sacrifices in order to live this holy law.”

I arose, checked the two babies and their needs, looked after the fire and the baking bread and peered outside.  Still our husband had not returned. - He had been gone since morning and it was now late afternoon.

I went quickly to Olive, and taking the holy oil, as prompted, anointed her head.  Placing my hands on her head as she still moaned and tossed, I plead with the Lord for her.  The tears flowed down my cheeks freely.  Only God knew how I loved her.

I returned to the kitchen and took the puffy white buns out of the oven, attended the children, and listened for the to sound of a car in the yard. - As surely as I knew there is a God, I knew He would send help, seen or unseen.  My activities occupied ten minutes or more.

Upon re-entering Olive’s room, my first observation was that she was quiet and has ceased moaning.  I went to her.  Her face was its natural color.  Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing evenly.  I spoke and touched her, “Oh!  Olive dear, you are better.”

She just turned and looked at me. “Oh! Rhea, I have just seen a beautiful angel, Oh! such a beautiful angel!”  

“How wonderful!”  I almost whispered.  “But you were sick, very, very sick, - and I – we – prayed for help. … And you are all right now.”

“Yes, I’m all right.”  She turned still more toward me, and holding my hands, continued, “O, Rhea, that angel was so beautiful and white – and such peace. – When my time comes to die, I hope that angel comes for me.”  She looked at her own hands and arms.  “So dark, so dark, everything here is so dark.”  - Her lovely, fair skin, so dark?  I half laughed, and we cried together – for joy.

“But tell me, dear, tell me all about it.  The children are all right.  Arlene is tending them.”

I arranged her pillow under her head and straightened her covers.  Then she began.  – We go back in the narration just one paragraph as it is related in her journal, giving more details:

I was conscious when Rhea returned again.  I was free from all pain or distress!  I had had a most glorious visitation or vision!  I was given strength to relate the following to her:

I thought I was in the most beautiful meadow dotted with thousands of gorgeous flowers, shrubbery and crystal streams.  I could not begin to describe it accurately, so beautiful was the place!  I was very ill and called on the Lord for help.  I received no answer.  In anguish I called again but to no avail.  My supplications seemed unheard.  A third time I cried to God.  I told Him I’d gladly die if He wished, but if I were to live, He must come to my aid, for I could bear it no longer.

I found that I was lying on a snow white bed.  The walls and ceiling of my room had faded away.  A pure, radiant, white light shone all about and upon me, glorious beyond description.  A heavenly, snow-white angel with long wavy hair, shoulder length, and with dark brown eyes, descended to my bed.  I think he was about five foot seven inches tall.  He had brought something with him, yet I didn’t know what it was.  I only knew I was given strength by the spirit he brought, or new life which seemed to emanate from him, and all the world seemed changed. … (We concluded it was a man since his face appeared masculine and Rhea had prayed for someone to be sent who held the Priesthood.)  [His being] shown with a radiance and glory that could not be described!  His face was smooth and sweet as though he’d never known a sorrow or a pain.  I thought he had come to take me to the other side, beyond the shadows of death.  I looked at my hands and arms.  They appeared so dark compared to the heavenly beings before me.  To be like him would be more wonderful than anything I could imagine!  He wore no ornaments or jewelry.  He needed none.  His dazzling glory and the white flowing robe covering his personage were his adornments.

He only stayed a few seconds and then ascended upward until he went from view.  As he went from my view, far above me, I saw spirals of beautiful, pure white buildings, which I believed to be heavenly mansions.

As soon as this marvelous vision was closed, a shadow seemed to cover the whole world.  The very atmosphere was different, and the walls and ceiling of my room had again taken their proper places in my sight.  I wept in disappointment.  How dreary and dark our world was compared to the pure, white, lightness of what I had just beheld!  Now, I knew I was to remain on earth longer, though I had no fear of death, but looked forward to the time when I shall complete my mission here.  Now, I felt we would all rejoice, instead of grieve at the passing of a loved one if we only knew the brightness of the other side.
(J of OAKN, pp.58-59)

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 169 - 172.  

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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In My Name Shall They Cast Out Devils

A relative, who had been experimenting with black magic, showed up at Rio’s door at about 4:00 one morning he was dishevelled, injured, and very disoriented.

“I called my sister Olive.  She dressed, and in moments she was beside me.

Throughout my efforts to help this young relative, he was completely in a daze of indecision and confusion.  I motioned for Olive to come with me out of the room while I went for a wash-basin of warm Lysol water.  Quickly, we both observed, as if at once, that he was possessed of evil spirits, and both of us agreed that we must get rid of them.  We found it very hard to minister to his urgent physical needs because of his fears and uncertainty. 

Knowing the true order, Olive had signaled her desire for me to take the lead. 

More than once, the young man muttered, “I have sinned. I have sinned, and there is no hope for me. I’ll be damned forever” - and words to this effect. 

“That is not so,” I said emphatically. “You have sand, but you have not committed the unpardonable sin. – You have never robbed a maiden of that which is dearer than life - her virtue. You are within the saving mercy of our kind and loving Savior.  He made the atonement for sinners, and your sins can be forgiven with repentance and with turning entirely away from all these things that are wrong.”  I explained that despondency and hopelessness are of evil - not from God and his holy angels.  Their influence is peace and love and joyful hope.  Meanwhile he looked appealingly at me, then passed both of us, and then fearfully back to Olive and me. 

Calling him sharply by name, I said, “_____!  Look at me.  Look right into my eyes!  Now don’t listen to them or look at them.  Listen to me.  Do you want us to rebuke those devils and send them away?” 

At the words “devils” he started and his eyes wavered. 

“Look at me,” I insisted, “Look at me!” 

When I had his eye, I repeated the question, “Do you want us to pray for you and rebuke those devils?” 

“Y-e-e-e-s,” he uttered with great effort. 

Olive and I kept close to him as if by a higher instinct, and we touched him as we talked, - his hands, a shoulder. 

Immediately upon his request, faint though it was, we both placed our hands upon his head. Together, we stood in front of him and insisted upon keeping his gaze every moment, warning him not to look at the devils but right into my eyes. 

If ever in our lives Olive and I poured out our very souls to God, we did then, realizing full well the awful vindictiveness of the devils who strove for possession of him, mind and body, and who tried to thwart us - to destroy us if possible. 

With me as voice, Olive and I rebuked those evil spirits in the name of Jesus Christ and commanded them to be gone from the house and premises and to go back to their own place.  We had to constantly remind him to listen to us and not let his eyes wander, or we prevented his wavering by repeating many facts told him just minutes before. The Spirit of God was telling us in our minds what to do step by step.  The awful power ceased its hold on him, and the spirit of heavenly peace descended. 

We fed him and bathed his face, neck, arms and legs up to the knees and put him to bed.  Meanwhile one of us was with him constantly, touching him so he could remain assured that we were mortals and not unembodied spirits, for he understood as we reminded him of the three grand keys of detection or discernment revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith. 

Fed and refreshed, but too tired to talk, he soon lapsed into sleep – blessed sleep over which we watched with silent prayers of praise and concern.  For more than eight hours he slept profoundly.  When he awoke he was refreshed and perfectly sane. 

For some cause, Olive had to go way for a few hours while I was alone with our young relative.  He narrated the following:

He said that he must have hypnotized himself, and that he started wandering in the hills.  He said that he did not know for how long he wandered, but when he awoke he was holding a live rattlesnake, grasping it just behind the head so it couldn’t bite him, and was wandering in an unknown place in the hills.  It was late afternoon or evening. He was finally able to get his bearing by the position of the constellations and started homeward. When he reached the Boise River coursing downward, he followed it back to Boise.  He said that he had been walking all night but did not know at what point he lost the heel of his shoe. Nor did he know where he was when he found himself at our back door.  We believed that surely his ever-merciful guardian angels had caused him to come to us."

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 133-135.   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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A Beautiful Eulogy

I was just going to quote the second paragraph following, but the whole eulogy is so sweet and imparts such good qualities that I just had to include it all.  These are Nephi Alfred Clark’s words eulogizing his mother Mary Catrena Clark. 

“MY MOTHER.  Words are so inadequate to describe her and what she means to me.  She was just the grandest person I have ever known.  She was never “too busy” to answer any questions, or help solve any problem I brought her.  Yet she was always busy; she never just sat and rested; she knitted, crocheted, and darned.  She must have knit thousands of socks and mittens for us.  Her judgement was so excellent; her sympathy and love inexhaustible.  She nursed me through illnesses, cheered me through disappointments; encouraged my worthwile efforts.  She worked with us, but never lost her status as our sweet, gentle Mother.  She made such good bread.  And I think each of us boys learned to mix bread if we needed to.  Also, each of us pieced a quilt top – which she later quilted or helped us quilt, and presented to us when we married. 

Mother had a rare gift of healing.  Many, many people testify that they owed their lives to her ministrations.  When our son Dewain was old enough to walk, but had made no effort to try because of a crippled leg, Mother went out and, although it was winter and snow covered the ground, she managed to get a large pan of dirt.  She warmed it in the oven.  Then she put the pan on the floor and sat Dewain in it.  She said, “There is strength in the soil.”  We humoured her, though we had little faith in the idea.  A short time later, coming to the house after milking one evening, Elsie and I were puzzled to hear a thumping, sliding sound.  When we opened the door, we were simply amazed to see Dewain scooting around the kitchen floor.  Mother smiled her triumph. 

When Dewain was born, Mother literally pulled him back from the Valley of Death.  She was determined that he should live.  All life was precious to her.  As he grew older, Dewain enjoyed spending a few days visiting his Grandma, and her word was law to him.  When she told him he should call me “Papa,” instead of Nephi, he promptly informed everyone in the family that they too should call me Papa. 

Mother was not just a “believer.”  She lived the Gospel every day of her life.  Each of us was taught early to pray, and to take our turn in family prayers.  She had many rich spiritual experiences, and shared them with us.  Her whole-hearted devotion to the Church was a testimony in itself to us.  We all attended the meetings of the Church regularly, and participated wherever we were asked.  The Church was the hub of our existence.  We knew it was true, and that it was led by men called of God.  We gave freely of our time and means in His service.  I believe our family truly tried to “keep His commandments” to the best of our abilities.” 

Book of Remembrance of Arthur Benjamin Clark and Descendants p. 438-439

Voices Of Women, Volume 2, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 51, 52.   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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God’s Deliverance From Forest Fire And Windstorm

This post isn’t really a direct use of priesthood, but it is a great story of faith and deliverance. 

“Twice while we were in Canada, forest fires menaced our lives and home.  I shall relate one of these conditions.  Mother, Olive, Otho, and the younger children were the only ones home.  The fire came sweeping across the west quarter-section.  Mother and the children tried to backfire against it using wet gunny sacks to keep their counteracting blaze under control.  The season was autumn when the fire was great, and fierce, and hot.  The smoke was intense and suffocating as the flames neared the creek.  The faces of our loved ones were blistered as before a burning sun.  Their lashes and hair were scorched.  Our home and outbuildings were within a few feet of the creek.  They tried vainly to keep the flames from crossing the creek.  Grass and leaves at the distance of several yards will ignite under such intense heat.  Then the fire crossed the creek. 

Otho had been sent to Bodaly’s for help.  His smoke seared lungs were in no condition for the ordeal of his running.  He reached the neighbors, mumbled something about a fire and collapsed.  Mr.  Bodaly saw that Otho’s hair, brows, and lashes were burned.  He guessed the rest.  Loading Otho on the hayrack, he hurried with all possible speed to our home. 

In the meantime, Mother fell to the ground exhausted as she cried, “Oh! God, in the name of Jesus Christ spare my children and home.  The children collapsed too, with their faces flat on the ground for breath. 

Instantly, a strong wind came from the North sending the flames  back over the ground already covered, where the fire roared and raged like a caged beast until it had spent itself. 

For some time, Mother and the children lay on their faces, sobbing out their thanksgiving and enjoying the fresh, smoke-free air. 

Mr. Bodaly arrived and helped them into the house one at a time.  He believed their story in the face of many strong evidences and went home to ponder. 

Another time, when Mother, Rulon, two or three of the other children and I were returning home from Sahlstrum’s farm in the white-top buggy, a severe wind and rain storm suddenly descended upon us.  The forest surrounding us was dense and tall.  Many dead trees fell with a crash or heavy thud.  As we proceeded, Mother led us in prayer.  Then she told us that she had the faith that we’d get home safely.  We were of the same mind.  We frequently saw a huge tree crash just a little way before or behind us.  We had to drive out around some fallen trees, lift the buggy, front wheels first, then the rear wheels, over dead trees.  Using an axe, we moved some smaller ones away.  The buggy, horses, and ourselves all returned unscathed.  It is remarkable how one can feel faith as an enveloping power in time of great danger.  We didn’t fail to give the Lord the praise.  In fact, when we reached the cleared and open road, we sang and praised God as we drove along on that unfrequented road all the rest of the way home.  Sometimes the heart is too full for silence.” 

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 436-437 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Byron Healed

“July 17    We commenced early pulling stumps but at about 10 A.M. I met with what might have proven a very serious accident.  We had placed a long white poplar pole in the anchor cable after twisting or wrapping it about the anchor stump for the purpose of holding the anchor cable.  I neglected to fasten the end to prevent it’s swinging and thoughtlessly stepped in front of this suspended pole.  When the horses pulled hard on the sweep, the pole swung around with such velocity that it could hardly be seen.  Yet I saw it coming through the air and jumped up to avoid it, but it struck my legs just below the knees with such force that I was landed on my head and shoulders with much force, rendering me almost unconscious for a few minutes.  For some time I feared both my legs were broken and we all earnestly prayed the Lord that my injury might not prove serious.  In a short time I was able to move so that we could determine that not more than one leg was broken and perhaps not that.  The children quickly attached the team to the carriage and with dear Evelyn’s and their help, I was placed in it and hauled to the house and onto the bed.  The pain in my neck and shoulders was very bad, so that Evelyn rubbed me with consecrated oil and prayed earnestly for my relief and comfort.  In an instant, all pain left my shoulders and neck and we carefully examined my leg, to find that there were no bones we could discover broken.  Our hearts were indeed filled with gratitude to God for His wonderful blessings in either saving, or so nearly healing me, for it seemed almost impossible that I should be struck such an awful blow without breaking both my legs, and it appeared at first that they were both really broken and now both are sound, except the severe bruise and body is quite free from pain and I now suffer only from soreness and bruises.  I remained on my bed the balance of the day.  In the P.M. the children grubbed brush. 

July 18     I am very sore and lame, yet in the P.M. I was able to be about and cut some tamarack logs for the building of a dam in the creek.  These the three children with horses, dragged from the grove to the hill near the creek.”  
History of the Life and Acts of Byron Harvey Allred Jr., pp. 279-280

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 428-429   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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And The Blind Shall See

Here is and excerpt of a strong faith promoting story of the time when Rhea Kuntz lost her sight, then was healed after administration from her grandmother and step-mother. 

“With my impaired vision, it became necessary for Grandmother to spoon-feed me.  As time seemed to drag slowly on, there were the long days and dark night of endless pain.  Day and night, Grandmother kept warm green tea packs over my eyes.  One morning while Grandmother was making the periodic change, I became much concerned when I discovered that to me Grandmother was nothing but a shadow.  Through the day, my condition worsened.  I had an agonizing night, moaning with pain.  Grandmother kept a fire and frequently changed my packs – and prayed in her quiet way while others of the family slept in the same room.  When morning came, the family began to stir.  Grandmother fixed the fire and spoke to me as she removed the pack.  I opened my eyes – but could see nothing!  Everything was black! – the blackest black one could ever imagine!  I cried out and screamed with sudden and awful fear – the fear of never being able to see again, “Oh!  Grandma, I can’t see!  I can’t see – anything!” 

Suddenly her hands held me sternly by the shoulders, and at the same moment, she commanded, “Rhea, be quiet!” – and I was quiet, although I trembled with the awful and heretofore unknown fear of blindness. 

She was on the floor beside me still holding me, and mother Evelyn (Auntie) was there too.  They conferred a moment.  Few words were spoken.  They must have communicated partly by signs. 

Grandmother then inquired, “Rhea, don’t you believe there is a God who made you?”  

“Why, of course, Grandma,” I answered, trying to endure the pain in my eyes and head. 

“Then if He made you, don’t you think He made your eyes?” 

Although my eyes were sightless, my mind was never more clear, for the Spirit of the Lord was with these two faithful women, who knew only too well that sympathy was not in order when faith was in the balance. 

“Yes, Ma’am, He made my eyes.”  It was all very reasonable.  I am sure that the Spirit of the Lord touched my mind and gave this deep and peaceful understanding. 

“Then don’t you think He can heal your eyes if He made them?” 

“Yes, Ma’am, I know He could!” 

“Then how do you think you can use faith if you cry like that?”  

Although silent with shame, I knew she was right. As never before, I needed the firmness of Grandmother and Mother Evelyn, two great souls who had known adversity, who had grappled with the destroyer many times before – and had won. 

“Then would you like us to pray for you?” 

“Oh, yes ma’am!” 

The children who had gathered around knelt nearby.  I could hear their quiet preparations.  While of necessity my kind and loving father and big brothers were away with their farm and mercantile work, those two faithful mothers knelt beside me.  I only remember they used the consecrated oil and put their hands on my head while they prayed for me.  Grandmother, in that prayer, promised me that I would again receive my sight. …

Grandmother continued to care for me as before, assuring me that the Lord knew what He was doing and would heal me in His own way and time.  Her very presence gave me assurance and taught me to begin “to wait upon the Lord.”  The day wore on.  She spoon-fed me as before.  Somehow she knew how to prepare my food just right.  It was never too hot or too cold, and it was always good, so good.  The children were called to my bedside as usual for evening prayer, and bedtime preparations proceeded as usual. 

That night passed with less pain and headache than the awful night before.  Grandma kept the packs warm by frequent changes.  Again in the morning, I heard Mother Evelyn and Grandmother resuming their activities.  Soon Grandma came and spoke to me as she removed the packs.  I opened my eyes – and there, wonder of wonders!  I could see a little shining thread, a broken silver thread of light!  It seemed supported diagonally in the air.  That was all I saw amidst the blackness.  Although I could not yet see Grandmother, I had seen a never-to-be-forgotten thread of light – blessed light!  “Oh, Grandma, I can see!  I can see!”   

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 407-409

Of course Rhea continues to heal very quickly until her sight is restored in full.  I don't want to give away the entire story for the sake of those who would like to read it themselves :)    

In this story we learn that the women not only used consecrated oil, but put their hands upon the child’s head and made promises to her that the Lord honoured. 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

Raising The Dead

This is quoted from Byron’s account of his wife Evelyn, and can be found in History of The Life and Acts of Byron Harvey Allred Jr.  pp. 92-93. 

“We had commenced digging a large cellar for potatoes and the storing of apples.  We were now, or the boys were doing the main part of the work on it and the farm while I was working in the store, plowing and scraping the first part of the excavation in the side hill for this large cellar.  They had just gone with their team to scrape the loose dirt out, a heavy electric storm came up and when they reached the cellar and were in the act of preparation to hook onto the scraper, a heavy bolt of lightning struck them.  Lothair was standing at the horses hips with his hands resting on them.  Elwood and Thatcher were a few feet farther back.  The lightning struck all three of them and passing through Lothair’s body and hands went through his gloves into both horses, killing them both.  Lothair was apparently dead.  Elwood, too was knocked unconscious and to every appearance was dead.  Thatcher was knocked down and for a moment turned to his brothers, with the thought that they were both dead.  His legs and feet were badly burned and he could not walk.  The shoes were blown off his feet.  He began to crawl toward the house to give the alarm.  Evelyn, while working in the kitchen had witnessed the heavy bolt of lightning and not seeing the boys in sight after it struck, feared they were injured and at once began running toward the cellar.  She met Thatcher crawling toward the house.  He told in a few words what happened.  Then Evelyn ran on to the other boys.  When she reached them they were to all appearances, dead.  She laid her hands first on Elwood’s head and prayed with all her soul for his life.  While her hands were on him he breathed and came slightly to himself so he could speak a little.  She then turned to Lothair whom both she and Elwood thought was dead and taking him in her arms as earnestly prayed God to spare his life.  He soon manifest signs of life.  She ran for help and in great difficulty obtained assistance of Brother Miles and other kind neighbors and the boys were brought to the house.  The two were more dead than alilve.  Thatcher was now able to stand on his feet a little with help.  Word was sent to me at the store.  Brother Davis prepared a horse and carriage before he let me know of the accident, then called me.  I went as fast as the horse could go, and found my two boys at death’s door.  We worked and prayed over them with the assistance of kind friends and neighbors.  While this very sore and trying scene was going on Orville, my brother, sat in one part of the room giving what help he could.  He raised his eyes to one corner of the room in which we all were and there he saw dear wife, Lottie, as distinctly as he ever saw her while in life.  She was watching earnestly over the work being carried on.  He says she was plainly visible for some time.  Time sufficient for him to think and realize that it was Lottie as easily recognized as ever in her life.  Then she disappeared from his vision.  He did not tell me of this for some time.  He was so overcome and felt very strange about it.  But I know that he tells the truth.  No man could tell that experience and feel it as he tells and fells [sic] it if it was a deception in some way practised on him, or was the imagination of an excited mind. 

    While Lothair was lying as dead, he thought his spirit left his body and he saw his Aunt Evelyn leaning and crying over him.  He also thought there was present with him some attendant, which he felt was his dear mother.  I will always believe that his spirit did leave his body but through the mercy of God he was spared to us and permitted to return to life for some unfinished work. 

    The lightning had struck Lothair in the back and chest and passed round his body and mainly out at his arms into the horses.  I can but believe that if the horses had not been there to conduct it he would most certainly have been killed outright.  The bolt struck Elwood in the center of the chest burning great patches of flesh and a streak down his legs and off at the bottom of his feet.  His back too was badly burned.  Thatcher was burned mostly from his hips down.  The flesh on all of them was cooked at though over a fire of great heat. 

    They slowly recovered from the deadly effects and became conscious, but it was a long time before they were well and fully recovered.  The smell of lightning in their clothes and hair was something shocking.  This smell was perceptible to them for a long time after the accident.  I will ever feel that God spared my boys to me.  I think for a good service that they yet will do.  I hope and pray it may be.” 

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pgs. 397-399   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Years Of Service

Harriet Betsy Cook Teeples was quite an amazing woman and there is no way that I can do her life of service justice in this post, but I will post just a small quote from her life to keep with the subject of women in the priesthood.  I highly recommend, all who are interested, to find her story in Our Pioneer Heritage Volume 19. 

“Our people were glad to have us back and we were very glad and thankful to be with them.  We lived with Mother for a while then one of our good friends offered me a two-room log house for the winter which we very thankfully accepted.  My brothers brought me flour and provisions and one of them lived with us and kept us in wood and etc.  We were very comfortable.  At the first Y.L.M.A. conference held there in October 1884, I was very much surprised to hear my name called as secretary of that association, which office I held for nineteen years.  I was also called to teach a class in Sunday School which I did for fourteen years.  Also took care of sacrament for three years. I was appointed postmaster in October 1887 and held the position for ten years, then was released.”   

Our Pioneer Heritage 19:362

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 242   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

Phineas’ Faithful Wives

“Relief from the evils of the times, including tyrant employers, did not come at once.  Phineas was tried, discouraged, and somewhat bitter.  The Lord has his own ways of subduing the sometimes tumultous feelings of his children’s hearts and of implanting in us an awareness of our own weaknesses.  So He did with Phineas.  Once humbled to the dust, he was ready for and did  receive personal instructions from the Spirit of the Lord in which, after the chastisement, came the blessing.  (Note also, dear reader, that again we have the ordinance of administration with a blessing, promised through women living a Higher Law.) :

I returned late in the evening completely over done with the days trip.  The next day I was confined to my bed.  I had chills and fever and had a pain in my finger which proved to be the eyeresypelas.  It was full of inflammation and great pain.  I asked the Lord to heal me, and it was manifest to me that I had done wrong for finding fault with bro Brigham, and I must repent or I had forfeited my right to live.  I promised to do better in future, and as soon as circumstances would permit, I would go and see him and make it right.  It was then manifested to me to call my three wives to lay hands on me and pray for me that I might be healed, which I did, the oldest being mouth for the others.  I soon felt better.  We had nothing in the house to eat but a little boiled wheat that I had laid up for seed.  Ellen Green, daughter of William Camp, heard of our situation and had the kindness to lend us 15 lbs of flour and a little tea and sugar, for which may God bless her forever.  

(Life and History of Phineas Wolcott Cook, p. 98) 

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 154   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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E. A. W. High Priestess

“In the Spring the work of giving endowments commenced and President Young called Sister E. A. Whitney and myself to officiate in the ordinances of the House of the Lord.  The position seemed as natural to me, as if I had always been accustomed to it.  We both enjoyed the labor very much for we loved the work and the Lord blest us with His Spirit.  We seemed to live above everything earthly or trivial while engaged in those spiritual duties, and we had many comforting dreams as well as other manifestations that the Lord approved of our ministrations.  O, it is heavenly to be thus employed; angels seemed to watch over us, for had we not made every sacrifice willingly that we might serve our Father in heaven and keep His Holy commandments?  Sister Whitney was abundantly blest with gifts and graces in spiritual things, and I loved her as my mother, a mother in Israel to all the daughters in Zion, especially those who had entered into the new and everlasting covenant. …” 
(Woman’s Exponent, Volume 12, p. 67) 

“Mother Whitney … was designated by the prophet Joseph Smith as ‘the sweet songstress of Zion.’  She was among the first members of the Church to receive the gift of tongues, which she always exercised in singing.  The Prophet said that the language was the pure Adamic tongue, the same that was used in the garden of Eden, and he promised that if she kept the faith, the gift would never leave her.  It never did, and many who heard her sing never forgot the sweet and holy influence that accompanied her exercise of this heavenly gift.  The last time she sang in tongues was on the day she was 81 years old. … At a meeting held in the Kirtland Temple, Sister Whitney sang in tongues and Parley P. Pratt interpreted, the result being a beautiful hymn descriptive of the different dispensations from Adam to the present age.  She is said to be the second of her sex to receive the endowments, being a High Priestess in the House of the Lord, in which capacity she served until a short time before her death, or until she was obliged to relinquish her labors on account of ill health.  In that position it became her privilege to bless hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the daughters of Zion.” 
(L.D.S. Biographical Encyclopedia 3:563-564) 

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 114 & 115   

It is getting increasingly difficult to deny that the women in the early church did indeed hold the priestesshood. 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Administering To The Sick And Casting Out Devils

Of Dr. Willard Richards, was written, “He was an Apostle, holding the holy priesthood, with power to administer in all the ordinances of the same, and he was not only willing but anxious to help forward all who desired to become acquainted with the principles he so well understood.  He realized that the gift of healing was a power, especially when combined with works adapted to the circumstances of the case, and he felt that it was quite necessary that those who officiated among the sick, especially midwives ought to have all the blessings that could be conferred upon them by those holding the keys of the priesthood of God upon the earth. 

Accordingly he laid his hands upon the heads of a number of the sisters who had prepared themselves to act as midwives and also administering to the sick and afflicted and set them apart for this very office and calling, and blest them with power to officiate in that capacity as handmaids of the Lord.  Among the number set apart at that time Sister Presendia was one who received the blessing, and from that day to this she has realized the power and influence it conferred in her daily administerings, not only when she has been called upon to act as a midwife, but when washing and anointing and blessing the sisters. 

There were other sisters set apart and blest at the same time, among whom were Sisters Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Laura Pitkin Kimball, who were set apart to administer to the sick.  They appreciated this blessing for they had implicit faith in the power of the priesthood. …”  
(Woman’s Exponent, Volume 12, p. 75) 


“Not many days after the circumstance just mentioned a meeting was held at the house of Christine and Frances Swan Kimball where the evil power was again apparent; so strong was the influence that the spirits were seen and heard, and they tried to destroy those in the room by choking them.  Sister Laura Kimball and I laid our hands upon five of those so affected, and rebuked the destroyer in the name of Jesus.  This is one of the instances wherein the words of the Prophet were fulfilled, when he said at the time of the organization of the Relief Society of Nauvoo, ‘That the Sisters should have power to cast out devils, rebuke the powers of darkness and do many wonderful things.’  The Sisters felt themselves much humbled in spirit…” 
(Woman’s Exponent, Volume 12, p. 11) 

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 113 & 114   

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood. 

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Zina Diantha Huntington Smith Young

"For many years, Zina taught the children of Brigham Young and others, too, in the family school.  She became the third General President of the Relief Society, having served many years as Eliza’s first counsellor.  Among women’s movements, she became both a state and a national figure, being a speaker of rare ability.  Often she had united her faith with such great women as Eliza R. Snow, Lucy Bigalow Young and Bathsheba W. Smith in behalf of the sick.  Great healings were obtained by their faith coupled, of course, with the faith of the afflicted sisters and children who sought their help.  A woman of many abilities, Zina studied and practiced obstetrics with success stemming from both skill and living faith.  From Our Pioneer Heritage 6:408, we quote the following:  “Zina served as midwife at the birth of nearly all of the children of Brigham Young’s other wives.  She was inherently fitted for this work and brought into the world hundreds of babies as well as performing the endless duties of a nurse.”"

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 110 

Those familiar with these early leaders may recall the stories of healings at their hands, great healings as Rhea puts it. 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Marvelous Healing

"... when we got to the City, Adaline's eyes were very bad.  I tried one or two Doctors again but to no effect.  Of course I had called in the Elders, but did not seeme to do much, so one day I met Elder Pratt, and asked him what more I could do.  He thought for a moment, and then said for me to give him her name in full and he would take it to the Prayer Circle where the Twelve Apostles and Presidency met, and for me to take her to Uncle John Smith the Patriarch, Joseph's uncle, and have him Administer to her, as he lived on the same Block.  I took her and told him what I wanted.  He told his wife to annoint her eyes, which she did, and then he laid his hands on her head, and Prayed for, and Blessed her, and when we started home, I was leading her by the hand, and she looked up in my face, and said,  "Father my eyes are nearly well.  And I now Bear my testamony that her eyes were well in a few days, and we did not have to keep her in a dark room any more.  Soon after this on her Birthday Dec. 20th, 1852, I cut a hole in the ice in City Creek, when it was 8 or 10 inches thick, and baptized her."

Voices Of Women, Rhea Kunz, pg. 17
(Journal of William Moore Allred, pp.15-16)

It is interesting to note that the Patriarch's wife was an active participant in the priesthood ordinance.  This of course is no surprise to those who understand the Patriarchal Priesthood that is conferred at the Second Annointing.  

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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Women And The Priesthood

I have been putting this topic off for a long time to the point where it is weighing on me not only spiritually, but physically as well.  It is a topic that is very dear to my heart, but unfortunately it is a topic that gets the wicked very riled.  Instead of jumping right in, I have decided to first share a few stories from others who have had experience in this area, then, God willing, I will share some of my very own experiences.  I will tag each post that has to do with Priestess’ and women in the priesthood, so that they will be easier to find and cross-reference.  Although there may be many sources, several of these stories I will reference from the book, Voices Of Women, volumes one and two, by Rhea Kunz. 

It is my hope that the true order of the Priesthood will be revealed to those who are willing to receive it.  The Priesthood is not the authority to rule over anyone, including ruling over women and children.  It is a wicked society that even suggests or permits such a horrible crime.  The Priesthood of God is to be a servant, an employee.  It is not to rule, be the boss, the leader, or any such thing.  Priesthood is not even the authority to lead in righteousness.  Priesthood, if a person is accepted by God, means that person, who is accepted by God, is now on staff.  The priesthood holder is an employee, and it is their job to do the work that they are instructed to do by God himself.  Those who overstep their bounds, and say that God has commanded them to do it when He has not, are taking the Lord’s name in vain, and will be fired. 

Hopefully, this series of posts will reveal a spirit of service and true priesthood. 

This post is part of a series of posts on Women in the Priesthood.

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A Question About Faith

A question was posed about the subject of faith, and I was having a difficult time wording an answer.  Because we each come from different backgrounds, and have different life experiences, and because questions are asked from those perspectives, accordingly there are various ways to express an answer.  This was a large question, and there were various nuances in the email, so there may be parts of this answer that may seem elusive at first.  Please keep in mind that this email was for a specific person and a specific set of circumstances, and I am posting it here (with permission, and slightly edited) in the hopes that it may provide a different perspective and perhaps be of eternal use to others as well. 

My experiences with Faith: 

I hope that I can give you some ideas that will be useful to you. And in that regard, I would rather not address what I think, but instead share with you what has actually worked with me.

Faith is the moving cause of action. Faith is not a belief. Faith is not a magical/mystical power. Faith is following a course of action that produces the desired result. In fact, faith is loyally following that course of action, without deviation. Not the least deviation! 

What do you think of when you hear the phrases: a faithful dog; a faithful companion; a faithful spouse; faithfully sticking to his diet; etc? Those phrases describe faith. That is what faith is! 

Faith is a gift from God, granted to those who are faithful. 

As we pray for an increase in faith, the Lord will give us more instructions that we must follow faithfully. As we follow faithfully, we have faith. But it is still the heart that our Heavenly Father looks upon. Are we only following to have faith, or do we enjoy following? Do we enjoy being faithful even if there were never to be any reward? That is the heart of it. 

Joseph Smith was fore-ordained to do what he did, and he did exercise great faith, and yes greater faith than most of us, although you have it in you to exercise the same faith as Joseph Smith did.

You are absolutely correct when you say; "Perhaps technically speaking faith is only manifest when we ask for that which is right, or in the mind of God, so on that account, Joseph Smith had faith, because it was in the mind of God to appear to him."

Faith must be based in a correct principle and must be according to the will of God for it to bear fruit, or it is not faith. 

The Lord has His hand upon you and He will lead you through a specific course, designed specifically for you, to bring you before His face. He has already revealed that.

Comparing ourselves against others does not often work. I went through a programme designed specifically for me. I was faithful through some very horrendous sufferings that were very long lasting. Some of which are still ongoing. It is a very bitter cup.

We all have our agency, and as long as you haven't done any horrendous crimes, you are still capable of going before God in person in this lifetime. He has already revealed this to you when I was there. So take heart. You can continue to push forward in faith, you are not pressing forward in vain. 

Some of the things you need to correct are your beliefs about God, and He is already leading you through experiences designed to correct those beliefs. 

I hope this helps.  Do not lose heart; you are on the right path.  Keep seeking Christ.  Keep seeking the face of God! 

Yours in Christ,
Joseph 

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The Servants Of God Must Unite For Zion To Come

When will Zion come??

This always seems to be a popular topic.  And everyone has their own speculation.  Some of the 'servants' of God are shown little bits and pieces of the answer to this, then they, rather unfortunately, speculate the rest.  There is no need to speculate.  The Lord already answered this question and it has been clearly recorded in holy writ. 

This post is directed toward the servants of God. 

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

 4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

.Contrary to popular belief, Zion will not come when enough people are converted to the church or to any specific group.  It will not come when the One Mighty and Strong comes to set the churches in order.  Zion will only come when the ‘servants’ of God see eye to eye, and start getting along.  The ‘servants’ of God are the ones who need to be united. 

[Unfortunately, there is exceedingly great pride among the ‘servants’ of God, and many of them seem to think that since God communes with them in some way, or has communed with them in some way, that this makes them special.  And now because they think they are special, they think that they have some kind of rights or authority that others do not have.  Some of these ‘servants’ even start churches, often setting themselves up (or others setting them up) for a light.  All too often there is the belief that when enough people join this new church, the second coming will occur.  This of course is false!] 

This does not mean that everyone should shun the churches/groups, nor that everyone needs to gather to the various churches/groups started by one of the Lord’s “servants”, or convert to their group, church, or way of thinking.  It means that everyone needs to convert to the Lord.  It means that all the ‘servants’ of the Lord must live what the Lord taught.  They must accept each other, and accept that the Lord never gives all revelations, prophecies, and gifts to just one servant or one set of servants, but He is very cautious to ensure that each ‘servant’ has a unique gift or set of gifts.  Zion must have all those gifts, and they can only be had in unison when all the ‘servants’ are united and accept that they are not the special one.  Zion will only be established when those ‘servants’, those priests in white, are clothed in light.  THEY MUST GET ALONG!  And one ‘servant’ must not think that they are any more valuable to the work than another. 

The Prophets, Prophetesses, and Servants of God must unite for Zion to come.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 

17  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

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That All May Be Profited Thereby

D&C 46:11,12,19,20
For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
…
And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;
And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

About a day and a half ago, I was quite sick and in a lot of pain.  I prayed for relief from the pain and to be delivered from the sickness, but I did not see any immediate effect.  I thought perhaps my faith was lacking, and so I prayed more earnestly.  Then something wonderful happened.  My 10 year old daughter came over and sat beside me, prayed and administered to me.  I could feel her incredible faith healing me.  The pain was leaving so fast I could feel it.  Within a couple of hours the pain was gone, and I was able to fall asleep.  When I woke in the morning, I was significantly better and on the mend.  In about 24 hours I was completely cured. 

I feel so blessed to receive a blessing through one of the Lords own servants! 

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Further Light And Knowledge

Does it make any sense to pray for an experienced coach, then when the Lord sends one, to not listen to the coach or follow his proven method???? 

Recently, I saw this very thing.  A young lad, with a great deal of talent, had been praying for a coach to train him so that he could win at his track meets.  The Lord provided the boy with a chance (nothing is chance) encounter with a coach who had trained champions. The meeting went well, and the coach agreed to re-arrange his schedule and take on the lad. 

The boy started with a great deal of enthusiasm, but his enthusiasm quickly turned to begrudgement.  The coach demanded that the boy actually follow instructions and train hard, and to cross train in ways that the boy could not see the benefit.  So, it did not take long for the lad to leave his new coach.  Because of his natural talent, the boy thought he was special, and that his way was the right way, after all, it had gotten him this far.  But he didn’t realize that the coach trains all sorts of prodigy’s who all have tremendous amounts of natural talent.  The young lad quit without even realizing the value of the opportunities that the Lord placed before him. 

The coach continues to accept new clients and to train champions.  And the boy returned to his old training methods and is struggling along, praying for further light and knowledge. 

Does it make any sense to pray for an experienced coach, then when the Lord sends one, to not listen to the coach or follow his proven method???? 

May we all have the wisdom to recognize and accept the help the Lord sends our way. 

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Signs In The Heavens

This dragon appeared in the sky above the village a little over a week ago.
 





And under the Dragon's mouth was this branch being burned.

When interpreting signs it is best not to jump to any conclusions, but to take it to the Lord in prayer, and inquire of Him for the interpretation. .

Some Thoughts Gleaned From The Story Of Mosiah’s Sons

All may turn away from the world,
All may turn toward Christ,
All may repent,
All may receive forgiveness according to their repentance,
All may repair damage as much as possible,
All may work hard to serve the Lord,
All may progress,
All may find hope in the Lord.

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The Direction Of Travel

Our standing before God is not determined by how far we are along the path of Godhood, but by what direction we are traveling. 

There were two 16 year old boys in our branch that both seem very similar on the surface.  One boy was raised in the church, and the other had only recently found the gospel.  The first boy had been raised in the church and been taught right from wrong from a very early age.  The other was raised in an abusive family and taught to steal and lie, and was punished when he did not do as taught.  The first boy was in a time of rebellion, often found among teenagers, and so befriended the second boy because of his crass speech and low brow behaviour.  The second boy had recently found the gospel and had been ostracized by his family because of his desire to draw near to God and seek out a better life. 

Interestingly, the congregation looked upon the first boy with compassion and understanding, while at the same time judging the second boy to be a bad influence and leading the first boy astray.  This, of course, is a wicked judgment.  I have watched the second boy struggle to learn new social skills, overcome foul language, speak with kindness, voraciously study the gospel, learn to pray, perform priesthood duties with great power, give blessings by the Holy Spirit of God, completely turn away from his old life and seek for a new life in Christ. 

While, sadly, I have seen the opposite in the life of the first boy.  He was turning away from the gospel, looking toward the enticements of the world.  His love of the gospel waned, and he seemed to work very hard at ridding himself of his conscience. 

From the outside, these boys looked very similar, and a person who was unfamiliar with them would perhaps think they were both equally rebellious.  It is just that one was going toward the world, and the other was going toward God.  The boy who was going toward God is experiencing all sorts of miracles and spiritual experiences, while the boy that was moving away from God was experiencing the withdrawl of the Holy Spirit. 

Even though these two boys were in a very similar state of behaviour on the surface, one was accepted of God, and the other was not, as is witnessed by the presence of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of God. 

For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do
D&C 46:9 

Does this mean that we have to be absolutely perfect in order to be accepted of God?  No, we just need to be traveling in the right direction, striving with all our hearts to reach Him. 

Our standing before God is not determined by how far we are along the path, but by what direction we are traveling. 

All those who move toward God, who move toward humility and meekness, correcting themselves and bringing themselves into alignment with what Jesus taught, are acceptable to God. 

Let us all repent of all our sins and approach our Heavenly Father in perfect faith, for He is there waiting to throw His arms around us and welcome us back! 

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