Driven to Our Knees

“The Prayer at Valley Forge” by Arnold Friberg 

Only when America willingly drops to her knees in deference to the Almighty Author of Liberty will the chains of captivity around her neck be loosed.
American Exceptionalism is merely one aspect of Human Exceptionalism. Being children of a loving Heavenly Father, we are of noble lineage. Exceptionalism is the expectation.
When America is strong in her faith, the world prospers. When America is weakened, the world trembles. Liberty is threatened, and men are driven to their knees by tyrants.

God bless America. May she always look to her God and be that shining city on a hill that cannot be hid. May America always wave the banner to which the nations flock. May the remembrance of the captivity of our fathers, before this nation was, drive us to our knees in humility, that we may rise in strength and stand in the Liberty wherewith God has made us free.

You Are Worth It

"Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it."
--The World's Last Night

CS Lewis quotes - http://www.comnett.net/~rex/cslewis.htm

Speaking as one who knows the darkness of depression, and who has trudged through life feeling utter worthless, it is no small comfort to know that the Greatest of All, descended below All, that he might know how to succor me in my infirmity.
The principles of Christianity make decent men better, and make bad men turn in shame. Because all men are free to choose liberty and eternal life, or captivity and eternal darkness, gives meaning to Christ's sacrifice. The freedom to determine our own fate is of eternal import.
This land of America was not founded so all men could be materially rich. The riches of the world are God's to give as he pleases. This land was established under the Divine Hand of Providence to enable all men, everywhere, to believe in self-determination. We are not bound to a king. We serve no author of salvation, except by choice. At the end of the day, America means that I am responsible for me. None determines who I am or how far I can reach, without my express consent.
The great American Experiment, as our forefathers named it, was set in motion for a moral people. The howling storm around us would fain convince that none of those who breathe are worth the air or earth they partake.  Life is not a sin. Humans, by nature, are sinners, only because there is an eternal Law. America stands because great men and women rose up to the call of Liberty and sounded that clarion to family, neighbors and community. They stood together in righteousness, despite different creeds or faiths. By doing so, they drove back the storm of tyranny and changed the world.
Once again, tyranny rears its dark head. Voices in the wind would convince each one that only through their product can we be beautiful, or popular, or wealthy, or worth it. The roaring tempest of information whirls around us, removing from us our stable point of reference. Only the still, small voice can penetrate the storm,
America is worth it. Each day, stand proud. America has been the example of Liberty and self-determination throughout the world. Right now, she is slipping from her foundations. If we lie down in sorrow, the house that our forefathers built will come crashing down around us. The hope of this nation is its people.
The supreme sacrifice has been made for you, and for me. You are worth it. I am worth it. And America is worth it.
How can you be a patriot today?

Bedrock of Truth

"It matters enormously if I alienate anyone from the truth."
--The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis

For every truth we tell, we cement ourselves further into the bedrock of faith. Nothing less than a firm foundation will preserve us from the howling storm. Let us give and expect the best of others, that through our words, our deeds, and our silent petitions we may be found a friend of truth.


CS Lewis quotes - http://www.comnett.net/~rex/cslewis.htm

Sent To the Principles

Every day we face many challenges. The world is a clever place. It keeps throwing things at you that are both unanticipated and tempting. How is the best way to deal with this barrage of media images and ideas?
The only way comes from the scriptures. We must be built on a solid foundation of principles. When we are, we can trust in the following:

 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:14-15)

Jesus Christ is the true foundation upon which we can build. A solid foundation of truth will anchor us in this maelstrom of information that pummels us each day.
What principles should we learn? Let’s end with a list, given by Joseph Smith in The Articles of Faith. (Articles of Faith 1:13)

Honesty, Truthfulness, Chastity, Benvolence, Virtue, Doing Good to All Men, Believing [truth], Hope, Endurance, Seeking after that which is Virtuous, Lovely, of Good Report or Praiseworthy.

Following these inspired words will give us our principled foundation upon which we can make our decisions. When new situations arise that may or may not be good, compare them to the principles listed above. If the idea or temptation doesn’t fit, get rid of it.

So the best way to deal with unruly ideas? Send them to the principles.