Why I’m still #NeverTrump

Guest post by Bertie Crocker:

Are there things coming out of the Trump presidency that are good for conservatives? Of course.

But why are you still #NeverTrump, you ask?

If we woke up one day and instead of a President, we had a king–even if that king did things conservatives like–like enforcing immigration laws, cracking down on absurd and politically correct regulations, and putting the media in their place–and did it all by decree, would we be ok with that? Sure, it’s not what the Founders wanted, and sure, people’s elected representatives would have no say–but our ‘right wing agenda’ would be winning, right?

Is Trump a king? Technically, no. He was elected. But based on his past, that’s how he governs his affairs–by decree, by whim. And anyone that gets in the way, he has used every power available to him to stop them (whether that’s lawsuits, or big government). And now he has the power of the executive branch, and all its agencies to stop whoever gets in his way.

And so far, the bulk of what he has done in a short time, has been by decree. What’s even MORE telling, is that exchange he had with those Texas sheriffs, where he talked about ending an elected official’s career, based on hearsay concerning a topic he knew nothing about. His vindictiveness, fueled by a need to prove his authority, should be a concern to ANYONE who believes, as the Founders did, that we are a REPRESENTATIVE republic, and not a monarchy. Now imagine Trump’s pettiness, and punitive instincts, WITH the IRS, the FBI, and the justice department at his disposal.

When people point to the ‘good’ he’s doing, they’re ignoring the big picture: his authoritarian instincts which have not changed one bit, since his inauguration. With the most powerful position in the world, why would he see ANY need to change that?

I’m #NeverTrump because I’m against authoritarianism. Even authoritarians can push a right-wing agenda, but they’re still authoritarian. It wasn’t ok when a left wing president ruled by decree. And the next Left wing president that comes along who rules this way, we on the right that defended Trump for doing so will be in no position to protest it.

I love Mitt Romney, but he’s not running!

I love Mitt Romney and planned to write in his name until Evan McMullin entered the race as an Independent. Finally, I had a candidate I could vote FOR! I know all of the arguments for standing by Mitt (because I’ve written them myself many times), but it has become painfully clear he will not have a personal role in this election.

Evan has succeeded in getting his name on several ballots, either as a candidate or registered as a write-in candidate. He has been interviewed on prime news outlets by big names several times, too. If you do not want Trump or Hillary to be elected, then we need to be united in supporting Evan McMullin. Evan only needs to win ONE state to throw this election into the House. That is the mission.

According to the Constitution, if no one wins 270 electoral votes, the House must choose from the top three candidates with the most electoral votes. The top two will be Trump and Hillary by default, the two most unpopular candidates in America’s history. The third candidate will be: Johnson, Stein, Castle, or McMullin. A vote for anyone not registered as a write-in will not be counted.

Think about it . . . .

If Republicans still have the majority in the House, they will not elect a Democrat president. They won’t elect Trump unless they want to commit political suicide. They will not elect a Libertarian (Johnson), or the Green Party candidate (Stein), or the Constitution Party (Castle). Evan McMullin does not represent a “new” party. He represents the sentiment of millions of voters who have left the Republican and Democrat parties and registered Independent or non-affiliated because they are disgusted by the “rigged” two-party system, which engages in tactics to silence dissent. Never has that been more clear than in this election!!

We the People on this page might want Mitt Romney, but Mitt Romney cannot win as a write-in candidate unless he registers to be a write-in. Write-in votes for him will not be counted. In fact, he is encouraging voters to look at other options. I want Mitt, too, and if somehow he ends up being our president, I will be dancing in the streets!

Evan McMullin is a great choice in several ways, and certainly much better than anyone else who is running. Open your mind and consider voting for Evan McMullin. We have the power to change the course of this dasterdly election if we will stand together and support Evan McMullin. He’s on our side, people!

The Miracle We Want or the Miracle God Knows We Need

I’ve been reading a book entitled “Light in the Wilderness” by M. Catherine Thomas. This election is sucking the life out of all of us and distracting us from what our real focus should be. We stand up for what’s right and fight until there is no hope left, but even if we do not prevail, all will not be lost. The Lord’s purposes will go forward, and whatever evil may be installed in the WH come January, the Lord will give us the strength to get through it. Part of this rocky journey is what we’ve been going through all along until this day. Facing the reality of what is apparently to be is not giving up, but turning it over to God and inviting peace into my life.

We keep hanging on to new hope everyday that somehow Romney is going to step in and save the day, and that God is going to make that happen. I believe in miracles, and we all know miracles come from slim chances, but are we trying to define what that miracle should be? Or, are we open to the miracle God knows we need? I posted as my status yesterday that I do not believe God brought forth the founding of this great country only to have it end up on the ash heap of history. He has a plan. I don’t know what that plan is specifically or what it’s going to look like going forward, but there will be a miracle, and we will recognize it when see it.

Sadly, I do not believe the delegates will reject Trump, and I do not believe there will be a third party run by Mitt Romney. I could be wrong and would love nothing more than to be wrong, but through the madness, somehow good will come of this for those who walk with the Lord. He will bring us through it if we allow him.

Lesser of Two Evils – should I vote?

Many good people who love America and take seriously their right to vote are in a quandary about this presidential election. For the first time in modern history, both political parties have nominated candidates most voters cannot or do not want to support. Voters on both sides are disillusioned with the choices. Some Democrats say they will vote for Trump because they do not want Hillary. By the same token, some Republicans say they will vote for Trump, despite the fact he is a narcissist demagogue, because they do not want Hillary. Yet others disdain Trump so much they are voting for Hillary!  And an even greater number of voters vow to stay home and not vote or write-in the name of a worthy candidate.

Me? I’m voting for an Independent candidate, if one emerges, or I’m writing in the name of a principled leader who should be president: Mitt Romney. Some scream if I don’t vote for Trump, I’m voting for Hillary. Not so. I’m not voting for either, as they are both bad for America. Thus voting for Trump or Hillary is throwing away my vote and my country.  I have never advocated voting for a third-party candidate because it always helps the Democrat win. If ever there was justification for a third party, this year, 2016, is it!

It is not a hard decision, though it is painful to realize our country seemingly has been sold to the lowest bidder. If I had doubts about this election and for whom I should vote, I read the follow two quotes by Ezra Taft Benson and Joseph Smith, prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Let these quotes be your guide to answer whether you should vote and for whom you should vote:

“If you vote for the lesser of two evils you are still voting for evil (and you will be judged.) You should always vote for the best possible candidate, whether they have a chance of winning or not, and then, even if the worst possible candidate wins, the Lord will bless our country more because more people were willing to stand up for what is right.”

Although the Benson quote cannot be sourced for some reason, I believe he did say this. Whether Benson made this statement or not, the quote is substantiated by Joseph Smith’s following statement on the subject:

“…we shall have the satisfaction of knowing that we have acted conscientiously, and have used our best judgment. And if we have to throw away our votes, we had better do so upon a worthy rather than an unworthy individual who might make use of the weapon we put in his hand to destroy us.” (Cited in Roberts, Comprehensive History, vol. II, p. 208-209 and Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 441. February 15, 1844.)

I conclude with one additional quote that to me is useful to think about when considering whether I should vote for the lesser of two evils:

“If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be one whom we can oppose , and for whom we are not responsible . . . ”  Alexander Hamilton  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton)
 

PC, Multiculturalism and the Rise of a Demagogue

I know I am repeating myself, but get the book “The Marketing of Evil” by David Kupelian. Great writer captures in 324 pages why millions of Americans today accept ideas and behaviors that would have horrified all previous generations. Robert Bork and his book, “Slouching Towards Gomorrah” is quoted much in the chapter that discusses “multiculturalism.” The 1960s radicals who fought against everything they hated about America and American government are now running government. Trump is the worst champion to stand up to the PC that birthed multiculturalism, and he is the result of the rebellion that has stolen the hearts of millions, particularly “white males.”

One more opportunity to contrast good against evil would be to elect a principled leader to show the world there is a better way. In this election, it could happen. With the ebb and flow toward the end of times, it won’t last but is needed as one final chance, however long, for God’s children to see the difference and choose good over evil.

Young people today being indoctrinated by liberalism in our public schools are the future of our nation. If leaders in power now do not achieve the dismantling of the Constitution, the next generation will. The good news is, the Constitution will be saved, but not in Washington. It has been prophesied.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

When Republicans rally around the “right” candidate, we are united and we win! The Party is deeply divided because the “right” candidate is not running in this current field! The rabid Trump supporters believe “he’s the only one who can beat Hillary.” The rabid Cruz supporters believe “he’s the only one who can beat Hillary.” The Rubio supporters (they’re aren’t as rabid) think he’s the “youth and future of America and the only one who can beat Hillary.” The Jeb dreamers th…ink “he’s the only one who can beat Hillary.” The Carson supporters think “he’s the only one who can beat Hillary.” Oh my, oh my, oh my!!

The fact is Trump cannot win because his core support is based on anger and rebellion, and electing him would be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Cruz cannot win because he appeals to the hijacked “tea party” faction, the “Constitution” purists. Rubio can’t win because he lacks the kind of experience needed to run a country. He’s nice to look at, easy on the ears, but he has no experience, . . . sorry Rubio supporters. The others, including Jeb, are just incidental candidates at this point.

The one person who could win by a landslide is Mitt Romney . . . his long resume proves it and it is unmatched!

So, united we stand, divided we fall. Get the picture?

Hale Theatre Arizona

Hale Theatre Arizona

Descendent of Joseph Smith, Bob Smith

Dear President Albright,

 

I was the 108^th direct descendant of the Prophet Joseph Smith to be baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons).   I was the 2^nd direct descendant of Joseph to be endowed in the new Nauvoo Temple.  I think it is time to share my story with an audience.  

 

I was raised in the Reorganized LDS church, now known as the Community of Christ.  All of my life I had been taught to distrust and fear the Mormon church which is headquartered in Utah.  My journey to become a Mormon started in the summer of 2005 when I ran across a web site:JosephSmithJr.com.  I spent several hours reading what was there. I e-mailed the site and explained who I was.  I was contacted the next day and was invited to visit Utah in August for a Joseph Smith Family Reunion.  I was fearful to go, and was actually concerned for my safety and well being.  I left thinking I was like a sheep being led to the slaughter and I might be going out on a nice plane, but I was coming back in a pine box!  But contrary to my beliefs, it actually was a delightful experience. My niece Kim Larson and I were picked up at the airport by John and Gwen Smith, the great-grandson of Hyrum Smith, Joseph’s brother. They were our hosts for the next 3 days. 

 

 Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve, a Smith cousin as a descendant of Joseph’s brother Hyrum, addressed us. About 200 descendants attended the gathering.  Most, like me, were not members of the Mormon church. We were also hosted by descendants of Samuel Smith, another of Joseph’s brothers. Our reception was totally awesome. The warmth shared will last a lifetime.

 

The last night we went to a play at  the Marriott Center at BYU celebrating Joseph’s 200th birthday.  I will never again in my life have the feeling of total emotion I felt as I stood in the middle of the stadium with my family as we received a standing ovation from 23,000 people.  We were also guests of honor at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s weekly broadcast, during which music director Craig Jessop welcomed us and paid tribute to Joseph’s wife, Emma, for her collection of hymns.  The choir sang hymns centered on Joseph, “Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning,” and “Praise to the Man.”  When they sang “Joseph’s First Prayer,” I wept openly for the first time in 50 years.  This had never happened to me before, not even at the deaths of my parents, wife or son. We were also shown displays of Joseph and Emma Smith in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building as the Church celebrated the 200th anniversary of Joseph’s birth. Under the direction of descendants Michael Kennedy and his wife, Darcy, and Gracia Jones — the first Smith descendant to join the Church — we held a family dinner in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City. The art department at BYU presented me with a beautiful book about my Great Great Grandfather Joseph Smith.  I was also presented with an LDS Hymn Book in memory of Emma’s contributions to Church music.  After I returned home to Nebraska, I placed both of these new books in my living room. At this point I was a total emotional wreck, but I knew what I needed to do. For the next few months I did much research and soul searching.  I looked back to the Reorganized church only to find out they had changed the church name, denounced the Book of Mormon, and denounced Joseph Smith as the prophet–all of which I was very opposed to.  I felt that the original Church was the one to pursue.

 

In January of 2006, two young Mormon Missionaries came knocking on my door, Elder Batin and Elder Williams. When I invited the elders to come inside, they immediately noticed the LDS hymnal and the art book about Joseph Smith on my table.  Needless to say, when the missionaries discovered I was NOT a Mormon, they stayed in my living room teaching me for most of that day.  Our discussion was fascinating for them and for me because I already knew so much about their church history which intertwined with RLDS history; however, many of the gospel principles were different.  Over the following weeks I took all the missionary lessons and struggled with the huge disparity between what the elders were teaching me and what my RLDS friends and family had taught me my entire life.

 

The conflict within my heart and soul grew to the point that I finally told the missionaries that even though I believed their message and all their LDS doctrines, I could not join the Mormon Church until I could find out for myself why Brigham Young had left Emma behind in Nauvoo with five children to raise.  I was conflicted and could not come to a resolution that would comfort me.  It did not make sense to me that Emma had been left to fend for herself, after being so instrumental in the Restoration. I also spent several evenings in the home of David and Jodi Edwards who were LDS friends of mine, and where Elder Sandhu and Elder Johnson taught me further doctrines.

 

 In April of 2006,  I was driving down the highway to work and singing along loudly to a Southern gospel radio station.  I still remember the song I was listening to was titled:  “Joy, Joy Wonderful Joy” by the gospel group Bill and Gloria Gaithers.  Suddenly, to my dismay, the radio went completely silent.  I was a bit irritated at this since the car I was driving was almost new.  How could the radio break so soon?  I hit the dash and fiddled with the radio dials, but finally gave up and just drove along the road alone and in complete silence.  In the quiet I started to ponder about my dilemma.  Should I join the Mormon church as I wanted and enjoy fellowship with the Saints?  Would this upset my family and the many generations of Smiths who were angry that Emma had not been taken West along with the Saints?  Suddenly,  to my surprise, I clearly and distinctly heard a women’s voice speaking to me.  It was as clear as if it had come through the radio speakers.  The voice said:  “Robert, Follow your heart. I stayed in Nauvoo because I was tired and could travel no further.”

 

I knew instantly that the voice belonged to Emma Smith, my Great, Great Grandmother.  It was made clear to me at that moment that Emma had just given me her permission to be baptized into the Mormon Church!  My ancestors would not be angry with my decision to join my new found faith.  My last remaining concern and stumbling block had just been miraculously removed.  I was baptized on May 13^th by my cousin Michael Kennedy, the President of the Joseph Smith Family organization, and the first descendant of Joseph to receive the Melchezedic Priesthood. I was confirmed by my good friend and stake president  David Edwards.  Also baptized at the same baptismal service by Michael was Caleb, the son my good friends David and Rebecca Denning.  David is the son of my second cousin Gracia Jones and is stationed here in Omaha. I was overwhelmed with emotion that the great-great grandson and the great-great-great-great grandson of Joseph were to be baptized during the same service! It was a joyful occasion. Caleb’s and my baptism was the first time that a descendant of Joseph and Hyrum had worked together in the baptism of a family member.  I could only imagine the rejoicing and tears that were shed by the two brothers on the other side of the veil.  Their families were being united again after 150 years. The beautiful dedicatory prayer at the Kirtland Temple offered by Joseph, especially D&C 109:70, is continuing to unfold, that the prejudices of Joseph’s posterity“may be broken up and swept away as with a flood.”  Among Joseph and Emma’s posterity are now some 125 living adult descendants who are members of the Church, and of them, at least seven have served full-time missions.  Our prejudices have indeed been swept away as if by a flood!  Thanks for your efforts to spread the light of truth!

 

Warm Regards,

Bob Smith

Omaha, Nebraska

Stake Conference Talk by President Mathew Scott De Visser of the Sandy, Utah Hidden Valley Stake

“On Sunday we had the best stake conference I’ve ever attended. The Stake President was the concluding speaker. Below is his talk exactly as he emailed it to me today. Sorry for the length but there was nothing I could cut out of it. It was that good.”

The following stake conference talk is attributed to President Mathew Scott De Visser of the Sandy Utah Hidden Valley Stake.

Stake Conference General Session Talk: 2/3/13
President De Visser

My dear brothers and sisters, it has been a wonderful conference weekend. I have been inspired by those who have shared their stories and testimonies. I have been equally inspired by the music. I have learned that it is not an easy thing to plan a stake conference. Much fasting, prayer, and deliberation go into it and I have felt the spirit of the Lord guide me in selecting our speakers and topics. I express my appreciation to those who have participated. The spirit of the Lord has been with us in abundance, and I pray that it will continue to be with us as I now address you.

Another year has come and gone, but not just any year – it was the year 2012. A year about which much was speculated, predicted, and some would even argue prophesied. And while the most discussed prediction or prophecy – that of the Mayans concerning the end of the world – did not come to pass, I feel and believe that 2012 will still prove to be one of the more significant years in our life time.

Let’s take a moment and look back at a few things that happened in 2012:
– Gaza fired missiles on Jerusalem causing heightened unrest in the Middle East
– The Director of the CIA, a man considered to be of the highest moral integrity, resigned due to improprieties and adultery
– The UN Ambassador was instructed by the White House to cover up what happened in Libya, attempting to minimize the deaths of four Americans who were murdered
– There was an attempt to raise taxes during the worst economic times since the great depression
– Hurricane Sandy, called the “perfect storm” hit the east coast causing great devastation
– Iran became closer to a nuclear weapon
– The use of marijuana was legalized in Washington and Colorado
– Some states legalized same sex marriage
– 23 states began a petition to secede from the nation
– Russia strengthened its coalitions with North Korea and Iran
– Forces aligned to stop school prayer, but allowed the handing out of birth control
– The government used tax dollars to fund abortions
– Examples of violence, gambling, drug misuse, and infidelity were more prevalent than ever
– Hollywood promoted parenthood without marriage
– Education scores of our youth plummeted to their lowest levels ever
– And finally, we were brought to the edge of the fiscal cliff.

In my opinion, the first 30 days of 2013 have proven to be the same. In fact, my head is spinning at all of the insanity and craziness that is happening in the world.
Now, I want to make it clear that it is not my intent today to be controversial, political, or even dire. My intent is to state the facts as I see them, as the Stake President, having been moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When I speak from this pulpit as the Stake President, the primary intent of my voice is one of love and compassion, but I also have an obligation to use my voice as a warning when it is necessary. Today is a day when I choose to use it primarily as a voice of warning, hoping you will realize and understand that it is in love and compassion for you that I do.

Each of us has our agency and we are free to act for ourselves. We are agents unto ourselves and each of us is free to take what I say as he or she will. You may choose to disagree with me. You may even choose to ignore me, but I have been impressed by the spirit to say what I must say.

Never in my life have I witnessed a more stark difference between good and evil than I did in 2012. Never has there been a greater moral, economic, or political decline in society, than there was in 2012 and over the last few years. These climates combined, were as bad in 2012 as they have ever been in the history of the world. The current moral condition of our world and country reminds me of the condition described in Helaman, chapter 5, verse 2, and I quote:

“For their as laws and their governments were established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.” End quote.

In 2012 the voice of the people spoke loudly and clearly as it chose:
– Socialism over capitalism
– Entitlements over free enterprise
– Redistribution and regulation over self reliance.

Unfortunate as it is, this should not come as a surprise to any of us who have spent the better part of our lives as members of this church. The scriptures and the prophets have warned us for hundreds of years, and have been trying to prepare us for this time. The scriptural and modern-day prophecies we have read and heard throughout our lives are no longer prophecies to us – they are now our living reality. Let me take a moment and share with you a few of the scriptural and modern-day prophecies and quotes that I find interesting and revealing.

First, on November 9th, 2012 ( just a few months ago) the First Presidency issued the following statement: “We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.”
The most glaring part of this statement, to me, is the acknowledgement from our prophet and the First Presidency that we are living in difficult and turbulent times.

Now, listen carefully to these two quotes. To me, these quotes are fascinating, and they reflect the ability of our leaders to see and predict the future.

In 1976 (this statement was made over 35 years ago) while serving as a President of the Seventy, Neal A. Maxwell said the following:
“I fear, that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more and more lifeboats launched, because fewer and fewer citizens know how to swim. Unlike some pendulums, political pendulums do not swing back automatically; they must be pushed. History is full of instances when people have waited in vain for pendulums to swing back”.

In 1966 (this statement was made over 45 years ago) while serving as an apostle, Howard W. Hunter said this:
“The government will take from the “haves” and give to the “have nots.” [When this happens] Both have lost their freedom. Those who “have,” lost their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. Those who “have not”, lost their freedom because they did not earn what they received. They got “something for nothing,” and they will neither appreciate the gift nor the giver of the gift”.

Now I quote from 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1-4:
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.

Sound familiar? It does to me, and as the Stake President, I not only see it happening throughout the world, but I also see it happening right here in our stake. These conditions described by Paul concerning the wickedness of the last days, are being realized right before my very eyes. As the Stake President, I see and hear all manner of sin – violence, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and immorality of every kind. I believe there are not many things left for my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Evil is escalating at an alarming pace even here at home. Just as the Savior prophesied concerning the conditions in the world that would precede his Second Coming: “iniquity does abound, the love of men does wax cold” (JS-Matt. 1:30) and “all things are in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts do fail them, for fear has come upon all people” (D&C 88:91).

I now quote Elder Bednar in a talk he gave one day after the tragic events that occurred only 45 days ago in Connecticut. He said:
“We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and chaotic – ever more evil and dark. Nothing could have emphasized that truth more than the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Connecticut.”

With his comments, Elder Bednar also quoted recent comments made by President Packer, who said: “The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace.” Now, pay close attention to this next sentence brothers and sisters – President Packer said: “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” President Packer goes on to say: “I know of nothing in the history of the Church, or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, and even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now, they are spread across the world, and they are among us”.

Brothers and Sisters, as I said last year during Ward Conferences – “we are in the count down.” Again, I say to you, that the scriptural and modern-day prophecies we have read and heard all throughout our lives are no longer prophecies to us – they are now our living reality. If there was ever a time in the history of the world for a people to wake up, pay attention, and get it together – now is that time. This is a defining moment for us, and we cannot delay. We need to get our temporal and spiritual houses in order. It is a must. Difficult times are still ahead and we need to be prepared.
In my opinion, the last 5 years have put us on notice, and they should serve as a wake-up call in both temporal and spiritual matters.

All throughout my life I have been counseled by our church leaders to live within my means and get out of debt. In fact, there was no topic talked about more by President Hinckley, during his time as the Prophet, than living within our means and getting out of debt. As I look back on the last 5 years, it is no wonder to me why he did. We experienced the worst economic, political, and spiritual times in the history of our country, and even globally. The words of President Packer during his visit to our stake 4 years ago still ring loudly in my ears when he mentioned this topic and warned us, by saying:
“This time is different. We have not experienced this in the past. This time it is global, and it will be deeper and last longer than anything we have economically and spiritually experienced.”

Today, it is easy for us to reflect upon his words and know that he was right. Many of us would be better served today if we had taken his warning more seriously. For example, from 2008 to 2009 our stake experienced a 150% increase in welfare assistance to its own members. That assistance stayed about the same during 2010 and 2011. In 2012 we saw some improvement, and I am happy to report that we are now only 70% above our pre 2009 level of assistance. While there are some of us who could have done better, all in all, I commend you brothers and sisters. We are one of a few stakes in the entire church that remained a Fast Offering Giver rather than a Fast Offering Receiver during this time – meaning that we were able to meet the temporal needs of our own members and still have a surplus to pass on to the church to assist other stakes. I also want to commend you for following the counsel of your priesthood leader to prayerfully consider a more generous Fast Offering. It is overwhelming to me that during this temporal meltdown you have risen to the occasion and given more generously. I am very pleased to report that over the past 4 years our fast offering contributions have increased by 11%. This is amazing, especially since we now have 1,000 members less in our stake than we did in 2008. So, I thank you brothers and sisters. You are wonderful and I promise the Lord will continue to bless you as you continue to give generously.

Now, while temporal and economic conditions appear to be getting somewhat better, let us not kid ourselves about what is really going on. Any improvement is only temporary, and the conditions we have experienced over the last 5 years will eventually and certainly return, and even get worse. Let us not forget the last 5 years, and let us learn from it. Let us all finally follow the counsel of our prophets to live within our means and get out of debt. It is possible to get out of debt if we live within our means, but it is not if we don’t.
Now, not only is temporal preparedness vital for our mortal existence, but it also sets the stage for us to be spiritually prepared. The most important matter for us to consider right now and always is our spiritual preparedness.

Over the past 4 years, it has been a wonderful exercise for me to call upon the Lord for guidance and direction concerning this stake, and in particular the setting of stake goals. It has been an interesting evolution to witness. Let me share with you part of a statement we prepared for all of us this year (a copy of which can be obtained from your bishop):
“As the Stake Presidency discussed, pondered, and prayed about our stake goals for 2013, we were impressed by the feeling that goals should be a matter of focus and commitment at a personal level.
In conjunction with this direction, we encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question:
What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?
Let me repeat:
We encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question:
What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?
We trust that as you prayerfully consider and ponder this question, it will be clear to you what your goal should be. We also testify that your personal commitment and discipline to fulfill this goal will indeed bring you closer to the Savior and will give you spiritual strength to remain firm and steadfast in the gospel regardless of the circumstances.
We are impressed to share with you one goal you might consider, as you ponder the question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?
Spend time each day reading and studying the Book of Mormon.

Two others which are not in the statement but which I would like to also suggest are:
1) Don’t let a day go by in your life when you do not humbly and sincerely kneel before God to thank Him for your blessings and plead with Him to give you the spiritual strength to meet the challenges which are coming.
2) Perform a spiritual self examination. Examine every aspect of your life. Identify those things for which you need to repent and then do it. Simply put, focus on your own personal worthiness.
In the end, the only things that will matter will be our personal worthiness and our relationships, especially the one we have with the Savior.

Brothers and Sisters, President Packer was absolutely right when he said: “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” As difficult as it may be to embrace, it is simply God’s plan. The moral, economic, and political conditions of the world will not, overall, get better. You and I were held back for this special time to prepare the earth for the return of the Savior. I believe many within the sound of my voice will be part of, and witnesses to, all of the events that will transpire prior to the return of the Savior. This will require each of us to be temporally and spiritually stronger than we are currently.

In closing let me share a quote from Heber C. Kimball:
“The time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint, from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brothers and sisters, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able to stand?

This church and each member of it has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to be temporally and spiritually prepared, and have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess these things will fall.”

Brothers and sisters, the test has come. It is now upon us. No man or woman will be able to endure what is happening now, or what is ahead, if we are not temporally and spiritually prepared. If you are not, you will not stand.

I love you brothers and sisters. I testify to you that I speak the truth. I have a personal witness of the Savior and I know that He lives. He is the Son of Almighty God. He will return in glory and He will sustain us through the difficult times ahead if we do our part and are temporally and spiritually prepared. And, I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Excerpt from Monica Crowley’s book, “What The Bleep Just Happened?”

“One hundred years after the Constitution became the law of the land, Alexander Tyler described the fall of ancient Athens and how and why democracies decline. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasure. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasure, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:

“From bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to great courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to complacency; from complacency to apathy; from apathy to dependence; from dependence back into bondage.” We are now in the final phase. How did we get here?

“The particular horror is that we are allowing the theft of freedom to be done by our own government. Once we are truly bound, the relationship between the individual and the government will be changed irrevocably: the individual will have dwindling and ultimately meaningless “freedoms” and the people will be led toward European-style dependence; we will be an enslaved mob. This is why what Tyler wrote is so import. If people believe they can vote themselves a raise, they will. And once that mentality finds its way into the middle class, then America as the land of the free will be history (Crowley, M. 2012, pp 313-314).