"Constitution to Hang by a Thread"

We live in interesting times. We are living in the last days of this earth's existence. We are experiencing the signs of the times being fulfilled right before our eyes. If we are not careful, its subtle changes may not seem like much of a warning sign.

All throughout the Book of Mormon it indicates that this land is a land of promise, that our nation will be a leader to all other nations. There is a condition attached to this promise, that we must be a righteous nation.

As we approach this upcoming Presidential Election, I can't help but think that this could be a pivotal time in our nation's history, to fulfill a prophecy that many heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say. Brigham Young said, "Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, 'The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction.' It will be so."

This prophecy, which has been heard and quoted by several early church apostles and prophets, does have it's critics. There are no current church statements indicating that it is official church doctrine, but, there are also no statements indicating otherwise. I just state that, so that you can be aware that this prophecy does have some controversial sediments. None the less, I think it gives one to wonder and ponder.

Recently, there have been LDS political leaders who have used the phrase "the constitution is hanging by a thread." Senator Orrin Hatch, in a interview with Glenn Beck used this statement.

Here is an excellent article published in the June 1976 Ensign, by D. Michael Stewart of the BYU Dept of History:

The documents show that Joseph Smith did prophesy a number of times that the United States and the Constitution would be imperiled and that the elders would have a hand in saving them. The first known record of the prophecy dates to July 19, 1840, in Nauvoo, when the prophet spoke about the redemption of Zion. Using Doctrine & Covenants 101 as a text, he said, “Even this nation will be on the verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the Constitution is on the brink of ruin this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.” (Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Historical Archives, Box 1, March 10, 1844.)

There are also other documents in Church History files that show that five different early Saints recorded some remarks by the Prophet Joseph Smith on this same prophecy, perhaps voiced by the Prophet a number of times in a number of ways after 1840. Parley P. Pratt wrote in 1841 that the prophet said, “The government is fallen and needs redeeming. It is guilty of Blood and cannot stand as it now is but will come so near desolation as to hang as it were by a single hair!!!!! Then the servants goes [sic] to the nations of the earth, and gathers the strength of the Lord’s house! A mighty army!!!!!! And this is the redemption of Zion when the saints shall have redeemed that government and reinstated it in all its purity and glory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (George A. Smith Papers, Church Archives, Box 7, Folder 5, January 21, 1841.)

James Burgess related that the Prophet, while addressing the Nauvoo Legion several miles east of Nauvoo in May 1843, said that “the time would come when the constitution and government would hang by a brittle thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this people the latter-day saints will step forth and save it.” (James Burgess Journal, 1818–1904, Church Archives, vol. 1—found among loose sermons.)

Orson Hyde recalled that the Prophet predicted that “the time would come that the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow and said he, if the constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. I believe this is about the language as nearly as I can recollect it.” (JD, 6:150.)

In a Pioneer Day celebration in Ogden in 1871, Eliza R. Snow said, “I heard the prophet say, ‘The time will come when the government of these United States will be so nearly overthrown through its corruption, that the Constitution will hang as it were by a single hair, and the Latter-day Saints—the Elders of Israel—will step forward to its rescue and save it.” (Journal History, MSF 143 #28, July 24, 1871.)

Jedediah M. Grant, during the dark days of threatened invasion of Utah by a federal army, referred to the Prophet’s utterance as he addressed a Mormon Battalion gathering in Salt Lake City, February 6, 1855.

“What did the Prophet Joseph say? When the Constitution shall be tottering we shall be the people to save it from the hand of the foe.” (Deseret News Weekly, January 19, 1870.)

On various occasions, Joseph Smith referred to the Constitution, the country, and destiny of the nation; and there is clear evidence that he anticipated future peril. Furthermore, he pronounced the prophecy at various times and places. Perhaps he himself interchanged the simile “on the brink of ruin,” “hang by a brittle thread,” “hang by a single hair,” etc., to describe the anticipated crisis. It is also clear that the redeemers or rescuers of the Constitution were to be either the Saints generally or priesthood officers specifically.

Since no particular time was given for fulfilling this prophecy, members of the Church have often wondered about its timing. The prophecy clearly indicates a single, identifiable episode yet to come. However, it is helpful for us to constantly be on guard against threats to the central elements of the Constitution. It is not wise to sit by and think that the protection of the Constitution is the problem of someone else at some other time.

In support of this view of “constant vigilance,” it is most instructive to note that Church leaders have seen the Constitution imperiled a number of times. Brigham Young, reflecting on the prophecy of 1868, expressed: “It would not be many years before these words come to pass.” (JD, 12:204.) President John Taylor in 1884 declared: “It may be nearer … than some of us think.” (JD, 25:350.) President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., warned in 1942: “Whether it [the Constitution] shall live or die is now in the balance.” (Conference Report, October 1942, p. 58.)

Students of history and the Constitution know that the Constitution has been imperiled a number of times in its history and has been saved a number of times both by vigorous political action and by vocal public opinion.

Thus, rather than simply wait for the one time when the Constitution shall hang by a thread, Latter-day Saints must continually be vigilant. Our commission to save the Constitution is, like salvation, a continuing task, and Church leaders have pointed out the tools available: analysis of constitutional principles, personal study of the history of our nation, reading the Constitution to children at home and in schools, teaching them self-sacrifice—the principle that makes freedom possible—teaching them their obligations as mature citizens, recognizing and resisting ideologies that threaten constitutional principles, and developing loyalty to principle rather than to men or parties.

Politicians and statesmen must grapple with tough questions, painstakingly familiarize themselves with vital issues, and be decisive; but finally, an antidote to abusive government, to corruption, and to constitutional peril lies in private character. Humble people in prayerful homes will contribute immeasurably to a lasting constitutional government. And it should be apparent that consistent efforts in these areas will prepare us both to continually protect the Constitution and to prepare us for possibly a yet future rendezvous with our Constitution’s destiny.

So, I ask the question, with the upcoming election, is this the time that the Prophet Joseph Smith was referring to.

Something to ponder about.

Love, Dad

Why I believe

Next year I will turn 60 years of age. When I think of that age, I think of what my parents looked like when they were 60 years old. They looked old. But for some reason, 60 does not seem that old to me.

Over the course of my 60 years, I have experienced many things, good and bad. I have waded through great challenges. I have been blessed with unbelievable experiences, many of which I have shared with you.

With the witness of the births of each of my children, I marveled at the miracle of creation. At each birth I felt a spiritual handoff from the heavens to the Stone family, with many unseen relatives in the delivery room. I don't understand how an atheist, after witnessing the miracle of birth, can say there is no God.

I don't think I can ever remember a time when I doubted and not believed in the Church. I have always believed it. My earliest recollection of my Church experiences was in the Long Beach 5th Ward. I grew up in this Ward until I was 12, when we moved from Long Beach to Bellflower. I can remember my excitement, as a young primary kid in Long Beach, as I learned about the Prophet Joseph Smith, his vision of the Father and the Son. I believed that story with all my heart. Even at this early age, I can remember something strange going on inside my chest as I heard about Joseph Smith for the first time. I knew it was true then, and I know it is true now.

A few years ago, I had an opportunity of a lifetime, to climb upon my trusty iron horse and journey back through church history, and walk where Joseph walked. In the sacred grove, on the streets of Nauvoo, on the banks of the Susquehanna River, I had confirmation after confirmation of the truth of the Prophet Joseph Smith and this great gospel work. These confirmations came, and they came strong. There were times that I was so overcome by the spirit that I found it difficult to breathe. It reconfirmed that feeling I felt in my childhood primary class.

During this trip I developed a close kinship with Joseph Smith. I felt like I had known him all my life, and even before this life. As I relived his experiences in Palmyra, Kirtland, Nauvoo and Carthage, my endearence to him grew all the greater.

He is the greatest of all the prophets who ever lived upon this earth. All the prophets throughout history, saw Joseph Smith of the latter days. They saw our day. They saw you and Me. They realized how important our day was. The fullness of the Gospel was to be restored.

I know Joseph Smith is a prophet. I know he saw God and His Son. I know he brought forth the Book of Mormon, which is true. I know we have the true church, along with the priesthood authority to perform all the ordinances of salvation. Why do I know these things? Because I have seen and I have felt God throughout my life, at various times and in various places, revealing these truths. I have seen him in the creations around us, in the sun, the moon and the stars. In the 88 section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verses 45 - 47 it says, The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings int their glory, in the midst of the power of God. Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand? Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.

I hope that each of you will work towards building your testimony and belief about these things. For I feel that events and situations will come in your life that will challenge those beliefs. If you are not built upon a strong foundation, you could falter.

Love, Dad

Family - The Melting Pot of Goodness

I just spent this past week with some of you at Lake Powell. I did miss others, who had other commitments. But the time I did spend with those that could make it, it helped me to realize just how great and important families are.

Aside from an occasional flying mouse and some bare naked bathers, I enjoyed the time I spent with family. Don't get me wrong, I felt the bats and the full moons added to the experience, but it was the time spent with the ones I love that meant the most.

It caused me to reflect upon the importance of family, and helped me to decide on my blog topic for this week. We are told that the family unit is the most important unit on earth. It is our mini "kingdom," with us as parents, as Gods in embreo or training, over our families. As parents, it is giving us the opportunity, on a much smaller scale, to practice, develop and grow our experience for the big event, when we will have billions of spirit children.

Our family units should be our highest priority. With my volunteer work, over the years, working for upholding the sanctity of the family unit on the grand world stage, I came to realize how the strength of the family, strengthens a community. As the family goes, so goes the country. Countries with deteriorating families, had deteriorating morals in government and general community standards.

We have seen in the world today the decay of standards and morals. The family today, is not the same moral family we had decades ago. Gone are the days of the "Leave it to Beaver" type family structure, being replaced by the undisciplined, do what you want, type family structures. Our children, even though being raised in a "bubble type" area like Utah, are challenged with many bad influences today; music, TV, movies, Internet, etc.

With these many evils about us, how are we to survive and come out with a family founded on high ideals. President Spencer W. Kimball said, "The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us. That time is now!"

I feel that Mom and I raised  some pretty remarkable children. You in turn, are raising some pretty remarkable grandchildren. We have often reflected upon why each of you have turned out so well. I don't feel that Mom and I had any magic formulas, or are considered highly talented parents.

I do think, however,  it can be narrowed down to a few distinctive characteristics.

• You each came into this family with a good spirit, one that had been nurtured and properly developed before this life. 
• Although not perfect, you were raised in a household that taught you the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of making the right choices. 
• We were faithful in holding Family Home Evening each and every week. I think we made FHE fun and exciting, and it seemed that you always looked forward to it. 
• We loved you, and you knew that we loved you, and would do anything for you. 
• We made it easy for you to talk with us. I know that you always loved talking with your mother. And I enjoyed our casual PPI's.

We are not the perfect family, but we are closer to perfection, I think, than most  families out there.

I hope you, my children, will continue to carry on the legacy of the Stone children. Continue  what you are doing. You are doing a great work with your children. Mom and I see it. We see the love you have for each of your children.

We are proud of you and the work you are doing with your families. Continue on in this important responsibility. The blessings will come!

Love, Dad

Overwhelmed?

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, our standard are set high. We know who we are and what we can accomplish. But, sometimes... no, most of the time, we take on way too much. We consider ourselves as a super person. After all, we are as God once was, and if we are to become like God, then we have to do amazing things.

President Gordon B Hinckley said, "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time rail journey…. delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."

We are blessed with many talents, opportunities to develop additional talents and bless others with our talents. The problem is, all of these options can make us feel like we don’t have enough time to do everything. We need to remember that we usually have time to do the essential things.

King Benjamin warned his people about doing too much. He said, “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27). Setting priorities will help you do your activities in “wisdom and order.”

When you set priorities, you set time aside for the most important things before you schedule in less-important activities. Think of it like this: if someone gave you rocks, pebbles, and sand to fit into a jar, how would you go about it? If you put the sand and pebbles in first, you’d probably realize there’s hardly room left for the rocks. But if you put the rocks in first, they’d all fit. Then you could add the pebbles and sand. These fill in the cracks between the rocks.

Our busy days are like that jar. In order to get everything done, we need to plan the most important things—the rocks—first. Then we can plan the less-important activities—the pebbles and the sand—around them.

How can we identify the rocks in our lives? President Ezra Taft Benson said: “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love for the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (“The Greatest Commandment—Love the Lord,”Ensign, May 1988, 4). Some important rocks in your life are daily prayer and scripture study, fulfilling your Church duties, and serving others. Other rocks include learning and spending time with your family.

Many people forget the rocks of exercise, balanced meals, and getting enough rest. Rest is more than just sleep. You also need time to unwind and think about where your life is going. It is the quiet times that the Spirit speaks to us in a still small voice. If we don't have many quiet times, we may miss some very important discussions.

What about running, golf, basketball road biking, and other worthy activities? These are like the pebbles and sand. They help develop your skills and talents, but if you feel overwhelmed, you might be doing too much. A more balanced life may require letting some less-important activities go. The peace of mind you gain will be worth the sacrifice.

Pray for help in deciding which activities are most important. Talk with your spouse or siblings to help you make wise choices. Heavenly Father wants you to be happy and successful. He will help you find the activities that will bring you the most joy without making you feel overwhelmed. All you have to do is ask, then listen.

You are a good person, blessed to be born into this incredible family. You personally add a special element that others don't add. If you think about it, you'll know what talents you are good at. Share these talents with your family and others. As you do so, the Lord will give you more talents, until over time (And you have to be careful with this) you'll come to realize how gifted and blessed you really are. You can realize this in a humble way, not being boastful or prideful.

So take each day at a time. Don't fill your plate too full. Take time to smell the roses and enjoy the journey. Remember, it is our relationships (With God and others) that matter most. 

Love, Dad