The Lost Ten Tribes

Sarah asked me a question last night concerning the Lost Ten Tribes. She had attended a Fireside by Elder Rasband, in which he referred to a brother who had been told he was of the lineage of Dan. Dan is one of the lost ten tribes. So, how is this so, since the ten tribes are considered lost.

First a clarification needs to be made concerning member's declared lineage. Even though a person is declared to be of a certain lineage, doesn't necessarily mean that they are a literal descendant of that tribe. Just as we are of the tribe of Ephraim, doesn't mean we are literal descendants. We are, however, adopted into this lineage, and our blood goes through a transformation, as if we were direct blood descendants.

We talked about the Lost Ten Tribes, and discussed their possible locations. The fact that they are called the "Lost" Ten Tribes, indicates that they are lost to us, but not the Lord. So what do we know about the Lost Ten Tribes?

Room in this short blog does not permit to make an extensive evaluation of the topic, but let me summarize what we do know, and quote some scriptures and prophets and apostles concerning them. If this wets your curiosity, I would encourage you to do your own personal study on the topic. I do give this counsel, however, that it may not be that important to spend too much time on the topic, much like it is not appropriate use of time to speculate the exact timing of the Second Coming. In both cases, we are told that no man knows the day or the time, only God knows.

I'm not saying don't study this, but don't spend extensive time on it, as we really don't know a lot of the specifics.

Okay, here are some things we do know:

In the division of the Israelites after the death of Solomon ten tribes established themselves as an independent kingdom. This, the kingdom of Israel, was terminated as far as history is concerned by the Assyrian captivity, 721 B. C. The people were led into Assyria and later disappeared so completely that they have been called the Lost Tribes. They seem to have departed from Assyria and while we lack definite information as to their final destination, and present location, there is abundant evidence that their journey was toward the north. The Lord's word through Jeremiah promises that the people shall be brought back "from the land of the north," and a similar declaration has been made through divine revelation in the present dispensation. (Elder James E. Talmage)

The resurrected Christ, while ministering among the Nephites on this hemisphere, specifically mentioned `the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land;' and again He referred to them as "other sheep which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem; neither in any parts of that land around about whither I have been to minister." Christ announced a commandment of the Father that He should reveal Himself to them. The present location of the Lost Tribes has not been revealed. (Articles of Faith, pp. 325-26.)

"And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.

"And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.

"Their enemies shall become a prey unto them,

"And in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land.

"And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants.

"And the boundaries of the everlasting hills shall tremble at their presence.

"And there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim.

"And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy.

"Behold, this is the blessing of the everlasting God upon the tribes of Israel, and the richer blessing upon the head of Ephraim and his fellows." (D&C 133:26-34.)

The Book of Mormon gives many references to the lost tribes, some from the words of the Lord personally.

When the prophet Nephi told of the various groups of Israel, he spoke of them writing a record and said: "And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews." (2 Ne. 29:13.)

Here it seems that the tribes are separate and will write the word of God as it was given to them.

While the Savior was among the Nephites, he said:

"Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph.

"And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you.

"And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem.

"Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land.

"This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:

"That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

"And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them.

"But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you.

"And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them.

"And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

"And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.

"And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost.

"But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me." (3 Ne. 15:12-24.)

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, in his day, that John the Revelator was at that time among the Ten Tribes preparing them for their return.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:

"We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes." (A of F 10.) This inspired language leaves the clear impression that the gathering of Israel is one thing and the restoration of the Ten Tribes is another. Why this distinction? Are not theTen Tribes a part of Israel? And if Israel is to be gathered, surely in the very nature of things this would include the gathering of the major portion of that ancient and favored people.

An immortal Moses, appearing in resurrected glory on the 3rd day of April, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple, committed unto his mortal fellowservants, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, "the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north." (D&C 110:11.) Again there is a distinction between Israel as a whole and the Ten Tribes who are the dominant portion of Jacob's seed. All scripture comes by the power of the Holy Ghost and is verily true. When special and unusual language is used, there is a reason. Holy writ is not idle chatter; it is the mind and will of the Lord; it says what he wants said. And so it now behooves us to learn why it is one thing to gather Israel from the four parts of the earth and yet another to lead the Ten Tribes from the land of the north.

So, there is a lot of information on the Ten Tribes, yet on the other hand, there is much we don't know. It appears that they are, or could be in one location. However, it is also possible that some of the lost tribes are scattered amongst the nations of the world.

Either way, as with all the signs of the Lord's coming, there will be great signs in the heavens and the earth. For us, it is important to know the signs. To watch and be ready. We are told that the righteous will know when the season is nigh. 

Two questions I will asked each of you to think about: 

"Is this the season?"

"And, if this is the season, are you ready?"

Love, Dad

"Heavenly Father, Are You Really There?"

"Heavenly Father, are you really there?"

I am sure that all of us have asked this question many, many times in our life. During difficult times, when we want our Heavenly Father to fix things for us, our prayers are increasing intense. Our hearts are poured out to Him. There may be times when we feel He simply is not listening, because our problems are still there, and sometimes even get worst. I have found that when we are praying for something good, many times, through the efforts of Satan, things do get worst. Brigham Young made a similar comment when he said "You can always know you are on the right tract, because things get worst, just before they get better."

But know, that Heavenly Father is always there. He answers our prayers according to what He knows is best for us, helping us to learn and grow. When we are in the middle of a trial, instead of asking Him to make it all better, we should be asking, "what do you want me to learn from this experience?"

Listen to the words of this primary song, "A Child's Prayer."

Heavenly Father, are you really there?

And do you hear and answer ev'ry child's prayer?

Some say that heaven is far away,

But I feel it close around me as I pray.
Pray, he is there;Speak, 

he is list'ning.

You are his child;

His love now surrounds you.

He hears your prayer;He loves the children.

Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav'n.

A couple of principles I want to emphasize from this song:

• He is there.
• He is listening
• He hears your prayer
• It (Heaven) is close around me
• His love now surrounds you

For 60 years I have been trying to master the process of prayer, and the more I try, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. Learning to pray properly and effectively is a life-long pursuit. It is an ongoing process.

Over the years, at times I have felt my prayers were really awesome and intense, while during other times, they seemed empty and shallow. I had to work hard, by living the commandments and having the right attitude and spirit, to be on a good level with my prayers.

I've learned a few things about the process of prayer that I'd like to share with you, keeping in mind that I am still learning how to draw upon the powers of heaven through prayer.

Here are some principles that I have learned, in no particular order:

• Who can pray - You don't have to be worthy to pray. Anyone can pray, member and non-member alike. I remember the feeling I felt in an obscure village in Nepal, as I listened to a sweet, elderly Nepalese woman as she prayed over her food. I didn't understand her words, but I felt her spirit, and the Lord's spirit. He loves all his children all over the world.
• Faith - This is probably the most important principle. You must believe that God lives and will hear and answer your prayer. It was a 14 year old boy, who, after reading a scripture in the Book of James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him," had the faith that God would hear and answer his prayer. He ended up having one of the most incredible answers to prayer ever recorded.
• Converse - Have a sincere conversation with Heavenly Father. Break out of the daily repetitions of prayer, and just talk to Him. Share your heart-felt feelings. Talk about the events of the day.
• Be Grateful - We have been given so much from the Father. I don't think we can fully comprehend all that we have been given, until the veil is taken from our mind and we see things clearly. So give thanks to Him. There are many daily occurrences we should be thankful for; The air we breathe, the safety in our travels, the companionship of loved ones, the help from others beyond the veil, the comforts of life, and so on.
• Listen - Do we ever take the time to remain on our knees after we have closed our prayer, and listen to the spirit. It is very subtle and sweet, and takes experience to learn its language, its promptings. Sometimes answers come immediately. And sometimes it comes later. Heavenly Father has his own time table, and knows what timing is best for us.
•  Act - I've learned that the Father doesn't do things for us that we should do ourselves. He expects us to do all in our power to "make things happen." For example, if we pray for a better job, we should be doing all in our power to develop our skill set and explore job opportunities. If we pray for a better relationship with a spouse or friend, then He expects us to do all in our power to improve that relationship.
• Pray Always - We can have some amazing conversations throughout the day with our Father, as we talk to Him, heart to heart, mind to mind. I don't think I can number the times that I have asked the Father for protection on my motorcycle trips and have received protection. (Of course my deer whistles have also helped) We should be praying at work, at home, at school, at church, at the grocery store, always. The scriptures are full of this "pray always" counsel.
• How the Spirit Speaks - Most prayers are answered very subtly, and can be overlooked unless we are paying attention. Learn to listen to that "still small voice." And remember that you'll not be able to hear it if you mind is cluttered with stuff. Clear your mind and find some quiet moments when the spirit can whisper to you. The spirit can communicate through many different avenues. Pay attention when a person close to you shares a thought or impression. The spirit can and will work through indirect avenues.
• The Scriptures Speak - Answers to prayers will come through the scriptures. If you are not reading them on a regular basis, you'll miss those answers. Most answers to prayers have already been given and recorded in the scriptures by the Lord's messengers. There are also encrypted answers in the scriptures that are only revealed to you at certain times. This happens when a verse of scripture takes on a new meaning you had not seen before.
• Be Patient - Know that the Lord has reasons, that we may never know in this life, for delaying an answer to your prayer. He may also be helping you to learn patience. Answers, at times, can be immediate. But I have found that most answers come over time, sometimes months or years.
• Understand Agency - Remember that we, as well as everyone else, have our agency. The Father cannot force someone to do something. So if you are praying for a person to be changed, that person has to make a choice to change. They can be influenced by heavenly powers to change, but they cannot be forced. This is important to remember.
• Conflicting Requests - It is also good to remember that Heavenly Father is hearing requests from all His children, and will have conflicting requests. While you are praying for rain, someone else may be praying for sunny skies. He'll grant what is best for the over all situation. And sometimes he allows things to happen. "...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for they good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all, Art thou greater than he?" (D&C 122:7, 8)
• Acceptance - Be willing to accept the answer, yes or no, good or bad. Our will is not always God's will. His answers are ALWAYS for our good in the long run.

This list is not all-inclusive, but are the principles that I have found to be important. So I encourage you to pray often, live the principles of the gospel so that the "windows of heaven" will be opened in your behalf, and strive to improve your dialogue with your Heavenly Father.

He is there, and will listen!

Love, Dad

The Constitution of the United States Will Hang by a Thread

Over this past year we have seen many signs that our country, which was founded by men appointed by God and set up to be a land of promise and a land of freedom, is showing weakness and decay. We see corruption in our government, its agencies and leadership. We see people with evil designs, who are trying to destroy everything which is good and wholesome.

We live in the last days, when "all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people." (D&C 88:91)

What will happen to our precious land of freedom? And who or what will save it from collapse?

Do we need to fear? What does the Lord expect from us, his chosen people?

The answers to these questions I would like to take from a book that I have read: "Understanding the Signs of the Times," by Jay and Donal Parry, which gives some reputable quotes from our prophets.

Joseph Smith said: Even this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff[up[on] which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction. . . . I know these things by the visions of the Almighty.

One of the conditions of the last days is that the Constitution of the United States will be in jeopardy and will seem to hang as though upon a single thread. Our source of this prophecy is not the scriptures but Joseph Smith. Brigham Young recalled the prophecy in this way: "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 this critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction.' It will be so."

Joseph Smith said we would see the time when the nation was on the "verge of crumbling to pieces" and "the constitution is upon the brink of ruin." President Wilford Woodruff said "the time will come when the country will be distracted and general lawlessness prevail. Then the Mormon people will step forward and take an active part in rescuing the nation from ruin."  Speaking of this prophecy, Elder Ezra Taft Benson said: "I have heard our present Prophet leader [President David O. McKay] say we are very near to that time. It is my solemn conviction we are near the time which the Prophet saw. What are we going to do about it? Will we, as Latter-day Saints, favored of the Lord, 'arise and shine forth,' as the Lord has commanded, 'that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5)?"

How will "this people step forward" to save the Constitution? Elder Benson suggested that "it is entirely possible that that may come about in a rather natural way. Our young people—as they mature and develop and take their positions in industry, in the professions, and in agriculture clear across this land—might represent the balance of power in a time of crisis, when they will stand up and defend those eternal principles upon which this Constitution has been established."  On another occasion he said: "I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—men and women who will subscribe to and abide by the principles of the Constitution."  Elder Mark E. Petersen offered another possibility of how this prophecy would come to pass: "You will remember that there have been prophecies made that the Constitution sometime will hang by a thread and that the elders of Israel will save it. I don't believe that that is through some political means particularly. I believe that the way this Church may save our country is by being the leaven in the lump which will be so recognized by the Almighty that he will spare the country for the Church. The country, our nation, was made by act of God to bring about the purposes related to the restoration of the gospel and to the final fulfillment of his work which will lead to the second coming of Jesus Christ."

What I glean from these quotes from our prophets is that we as a church and a people with be an "ensign" to our own nation. They will look to us, because of our sound principles, to help them.

It is therefore important for us to be good and wholesome, living the principles of righteousness.

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. (D&C 121:45, 46)

We, you and I, need to be confident and positive about the future, understanding that the Lord is in control and will guide his people. We should not fear. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

The Lord said in D&C 38:15, "Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours."

So let's love life. Be an active, positive participant. In the midst of turmoil, do all you can within your power, then draw upon the powers of heaven in your behalf. The Lord will bless you in his own due time.

Love, Dad

Meet our New Ancestors

Sorry for missing a week from my blog. I do have a pretty good excuse.

As you read from my last post with Kenya's baptism, and the connection I felt with Kenya's ancestors, well, they have not left me alone. Since then. I have felt their promptings and their encouragement to find them and to have their work done. So I have been using every extra moment of my time to find them.

The flood gates have literally been opened, and the names, and some with pictures, have been coming in.

Meet Kenya's bloodline.

This is her grandma, Michelle G. Thomas Lambert.

She was born in 1963 and pasted away in 1998 to cancer. She was a good Christian, and was actively involved with her church, Faith Temple Pentecostal Church, in Salt Lake City, until 1977, then she moved back to her roots in Waynesboro, Georgia. She died in Waynesboro and is buried there.

This is Kenya's great-great grandma, Ella Mae Williams. She was born in 1926 in Georgia, and pasted away in 2007 in Indiana. She also was a Christian, attending the Antioch Rock Creek Baptist Church, where she served at one time on the Youth Deaconess Committee, as well as many other auxiliaries.  She sang in the choir with her Church. At a very early age she accepted Christ. She has a great love for children of all ages, having work with several civil organizations helping and teaching children. She was a beautician for over 50 years (Teresa, you can relate to her), and worked in several other fields: Lunch lady at school, a canning factory, head dietician, Burke County Office Park and a private homecare nurse.

This is Kenya's great-great grandpa, George W. Thomas. He was born in 1925 in Georgia and died in 1998 in Connecticut. Also a Christian, he was a member of the Munnerlyn United Methodist Church.

Upon his death, he left behind 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a lot of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

This is Kenya's great-great-great grandma, Allie Willie Jenkins Williams. She was born in 1908 in Georgia and died there in 1954. She was a very loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all that knew her. She helped in a lot of family homes, caring for people. She was actively involved in her church, always helping with fund-raisers.

Also a great-great-great grandma, this is Marie Roberson Thomas, born in 1903 in Georgia, and died in 1980 also in Georgia. At an early age she joined the New Springfield Baptist Church in Alexander Georgia. She remained a faithful member all her life. She was a member of the Royal Society and a beloved member of the Munnerlyn, Georgia Community. She and her husband raised 10 children.

This is Marie's husband, Eugene Thomas, and Kenya's great-great-great grandpa. He was born in 1895 in Georgia and died in 1970, also in Georgia. He was a farmer and member of the community. He was a member of the Munnerlyn, Georgia Grove Methodist Church, where he served faithfully as a steward and in many other departments. He was a veteran of World War I where he was honorably discharged. He served as the secretary of the Royal Brothers and Sisters Society.

All in all I have located over 80 names and have cleared their names to have their temple work done. If you would like to participate in this work, check with Sarah and Adam. I'm sure they will welcome the help. This will also be a great opportunity for our family to become saviors on Mount Zion, to open the door for a lot of good people who have been waiting for Kenya, a member of their blood line, to connect with the true church.

Through all of my research I have found Kenya's ancestors to be good, God-fearing people. There is no doubt in my heart that they have already been taught the Gospel and accepted it.

(As a side note) I am so looking forward to meeting Ella Mae. She has made her presence known to me on many occasions over the last copy of weeks, and has been a big help in helping me to find her relatives. She seems real spunky and full of life. She'll fit in real well with our clan...

This family history experience has confirmed in my heart the importance of this work. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. (Joseph Smith History 1:39) I hope we all can realize just how close we really are to our kindred spirits. They are working hard for us, and we should be working hard for them. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. (D&C 128:18)

Love, Dad