Author: Shane

I am a family man of God first and foremost. I love my wife, two sons and daughter very much. After this, my life pretty much revolves around technology, music, writing, poetry, drums, dancing, singing, building up, and unifying others. I love learning, pro-actively gaining experience through what I've learned, then sharing the joy of my experience with others. My life is dedicated to loving and serving my Lord, through helping and blessing others.

Walking With The Savior

Finding Strength In The Master

For the Past Two Months I have been unemployed. As I have stretched myself through this learning and growing experience, I came across a video by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an apostle of the Lord in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In this, I came to know that there is a reason for this particular time and season in my life.

It is not just a test of my trust and faith, to learn to rely more on the Lord, but my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has set up this time, to have us experience this effect of Him drawing me in, closer, and healing me while I partake of His presence and being. In this I have grown, and I am now prepared for a new look at life with a new and becoming job. One that will be a place where I can minister to others, and be His influence for them.

As I fully experience my life with my Lord, He takes the world out of me, and gives me His eternal world and kingdom in return. I can take my place as His special son, and become His sacred steward for what He would have for me.

As I prepare in this manner, for the job He has for me, I will be the man He makes of me, even to be as He. I bear my testimony, that as I embrace and access the fullness of the atonement of our Savior, in my relationship with Him, I will become closer to becoming more like Him.

Shane

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Religion & Science: A Conversation

A Fictitious Exchange In The Spirit of Giving

A scientist at a dinosaur dig site was approached by a young man of 30 years of age. The young man begins to ask the scientist questions about the dig site, the dinosaur species and science in general. The young man then said:

Young Man: Is this science your religion?

Scientist: Pardon me? Religion? No, this is science. My views are not closed in by religion.

Young Man: But Sir, according to the definition, religion is a set of beliefs, attached to a specific field. Is this not so?

Scientist: I suppose, but with science, I work with evidence, to answer questions and find truth about the earth and the universe.

Young Man: Yes, but according to definition, can it not also be said that science is your religion?

Scientist: No, I don’t believe so. Religion keeps man in ignorance.

Young Man: Well, let me ask you this question. If I were a foolish youth, who looked at you and your work and said, “You weren’t there millions of years ago. How in the world can you know anything about the dinosaurs? This is utter nonsense!” And when you tried to explain such things to me such as the proof, and the scientific method, along with other truths and research, and I denied and walked away saying, “This is all far fetched!” What would you say?

Scientist: I would say that you are not open minded and foolish, but you can’t get rid of the evidence.

Young Man: Great response! Now this is a religion, a system of beliefs, wherein you can research, ask questions and get results.

Scientist: When you put it that way, than I’d say yes. But there is still a difference between the two.

Young Man: OK. So it is with other types of religion. We may look at them and say, “How superstitious! This is far fetched!” But still, you can’t get rid of the evidence. The only difference between your religion of science, and the foolish youth, is that he scoffed at science, and you scoff at religion. You may think you are being open minded, but when you deny looking into the reasoning, methods and steps of religion, just as the foolish man didn’t want to explore, or even listen to your religion of science, you are just as close minded as he. We can all be a little more open minded. Let’s try to be so, whatever the field of religion.

Science and true religion work together, as long as both are correct. For some however, even evidence isn’t enough.

Shane

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Welcome, to the Understanding and Application of Plain, Precious Truths

The Glory of God

I glory in plainness, in the glory of the Lord, and keeping his commandments and my commitment covenants. It is He who has set upon me the love of knowledge, wisdom and favor.

May we all find the Lord in His true church upon the earth, and enter in through faith, repentance, baptism by immersion by one holding the proper priesthood authority, and then being confirmed a member of His church upon the receipt of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

I love being a son of God with full access to the atonement of His Son Jesus Christ. I love the church and kingdom of God here on the earth. It is burning with the glory of the redeemer of the world in darkest night.

We can all be a light to the world around us. May these insights help you find your way, and better your walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Shane

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Womanhood & Mothers

Partners In Love and Life

My sentiment today is on the beauties of womanhood and motherhood, as well as the irreplaceable roles they play. Womanhood is the great nurturer and softener in the world in which we live. They are the first to find beauty, give a helping hand without judgement, and believe that goodness is found in all things.

Mothers are brave, protectors of their little lambs, and guiders and feeders of the Lord’s sheep on all fronts. Women reach out to bless the lost, the awkward, lonely or misguided. They minister with the same tenderness and power as the Savior. It is a privilege to be a woman and mother.

“Joseph Smith taught in one of the first meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, that they were ‘…to live up to [their] privilege.’ With that encouragement as a foundation, sisters in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been taught to live up to their divine potential by fulfilling God’s purposes for them. As they come to understand who they really are—God’s daughters, with an innate capacity to love and nurture—they reach their potential as holy women. With charity in their hearts, they fulfill the purposes of Relief Society: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.”

A woman’s true beauty is found and seen, in the loving service of others, as she lives for the divinity she is. Her beauty and peace will emanate, and be shown as the greatest beauty of all God’s workmanship.

Equally important, is the role women play for their husbands. A mother and wife gives great blessings to their spouses, and equally to their boys, who eventually become men.

Without a mother, a child knows not of the love of a divine parentage, and of their role as a son or daughter of God.

A mother is the sublime creation, an expression of mercy and forgiveness. A mother loves much, and echoes the cry of forgiveness from our Savior’s heart.

Consider this poem about beauty, as it relates to the stewardship of our bodies, as well as in the service of others, and the One we are to serve. It is called, Image.

Image

One special place,
Within each person’s face,
Says they know who they are,
More than any other.

It’s not just in their smile,
Or their pretty style,
But in their eyes,
Where this knowledge resides.

When the veil of forgetting is removed,
By feelings of true love from above,
All things in life have direction,
And move towards eternal progression.

Through the lens of wisdom they see,
That the kingdom of God is the key,
Which opens the door to peace,
Aiding the traveler to be free.

Life has great purpose and joy,
For they no longer grope at the wall.
As warriors they fight the beast,
And with valor conquer all.

Throughout seasons of fashion,
They hold to the standards of the wise,
Holding up the divine light with delight,
And always striving to do the right.

When this is done, then spirit, mind,
And body are in their proper place,
And true joy and peace will emanate,
From this person’s bright and enlivened face.

Shane

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Adam, Eve and Us: Part One

The Fall Was No Unforeseen Mistake

Adam and Eve were in a state of innocence when their bodies had been created, and they then put in them and brought to life. This is similar as a child from birth. Innocent, without understanding the difference between right and wrong, because they do not comprehend it in it’s fullness.

It is for this reason that children, until they reach the age of eight years old, when science and the Lord have determined that a child’s brain and development has reached a certain number of years of maturity, that they are fully accountable for the actions they take, and are considered eligible for baptism, as long as they desire, and have prepared for it. Children whose development does not mature, do not need baptism, for the Lord does receive them His.

Jesus Christ, through His atonement, has made provision for children, and Adam and Eve’s transgression, when they were not fully accountable, by covering them personally, so that they could move forward. This is why Adam and Eve’s action against the Father’s commandment is called a transgression, rather than a sin, because they did not comprehend the full weight of their disobedience.

It wasn’t until Adam and Eve later fully gained the understanding of the knowledge of good and evil, that they needed repentance of sins and baptism.

Even though Adam as Eve’s transgression was fully covered, there are still consequences. Adam and Eve introduced sin and death into the world, by partaking of the forbidden fruit.

Even as sins are repented of, there are still consequences. For example, in such th case of a young couple who engage in premarital sexual relations, and fully repent, yet bring a child of God into the world. They may have a trial turned into a blessing. The child can be a great blessing to the parents and family. God can make all things good, as this child born out of wedlock, can bless the world, and all those around them.

Had Adam and Eve not partaken of the forbidden fruit, their bodies would not have changed in a way to ever die, nor could they physically have children. It was the fall which changed their bodies, making them able to have children. Again, with the Lord’s atonement, all consequences can be turned to good.

Because of Adam and Eve, God’s plan for His children can be perpetuated, and after death, we can now return to God for proper judgement, and enjoy what ever kingdom of glory we merit, through the merits of Christ, as we observed.

This earth life is a test, meant to help us become more like God, as a child can eventually become like their parents. Here we can have all the necessary earthly experiences required, to eventually become like Him in the eternities.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ was not brought about to fix an unforeseen accident by Adam and Eve, in there being a forbidden tree in garden in the first place, but rather, earth life and the fall and atonement, are the central parts in God’s plan from the beginning.

In this our Savior had prepared for, accepted His role, and came down to do what only He could do. He helps us become clean, new, grow, and perpetually become as He and our Heavenly Father or Mother someday.

Shane

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The Assassination of the Early Apostles

Even As They Died Valiantly, So Let Us Live

Jesus Christ

(Whose Hebrew name is spelled Yehoshua, meaning, Yes Father, I will) Was burdened in the garden of Gethsemane, with those burdens caused by those who hurt their fellow man, thus first taking the pains and afflictions of those who had been hurt and abused by their oppressors, by first extending to us His love and nurture.

Later, when in Roman rule and interrogation, He was striped, with His body still covered in His blood, and mockingly re-robed in a scarlet robe, symbolizing kingly reign. Next, He was again mocked with an earthly crown of thorns, wherein His blood was shed through His head, in the which He drained out our impure thoughts, as part of our continuing atonement.

Then, He was again unencumbered, and scourged with a multi-faceted woven whip, enclosing flint and broken sharp animal goat bone, wherein He took the beating for us, in which we deserved the penalty for our demerits.

Next, He was made to carry His cross beam up hill, from the streets of Jerusalem to Calvary, where among the mockers, there was found a mourner among the few, who stepped forward to carry His cross, when our dear Christ stumbled, symbolizing our part to take, when we see others suffer and struggle in life.

Then, the dear Christ was fastened to the Cross in sacred covenant, literally and symbolically giving his life for the Church.

After He hung for some time, seeing that he had not died, they attempted to administer bile and vinegar, a poisonous mixture intended to aid in his death. This mixture would have also deadened or numbed some of the pain He was experiencing, which was not appropriate.

After this was unsuccessful, they pierced a Roman spear through His side, in which all of the bitterness, built up from still experiencing and performing the atonement and work of our salvation, was drained from Him. Again, our pains and bitterness can be relieved from our bowels, through His atoning mercy. This still did not kill Him.

Three hours later, His Father, God, then allowed His Son to feel the entire weight of self existence on His own, withholding divine support, so as to complete His mission.

Three minutes later, the Christ voluntarily sent up His Spirit to The Father, with the words, “Father, it is finished, receive my Spirit.”

This is significant, because He was the only one who could voluntarily leave His body, and thus also the only one who could then bless through healing, perfecting, and then voluntarily re-enter His own renewed, holy body. This process is known as a sacred ordinance, called the resurrection.

Peter

Was crucified upside down, on an upside down cross, because he told his tormentors, that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died (according to the early church).

James

(The brother of Jesus) Who was the leader of the church head quartered in Jerusalem, was chased by Roman soldiers, and then pushed over the East pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem, where he refused to deny his faith in Christ. He survived the hundred foot drop, and when the on-watching crowd discovered that he had survived the fall, a Jewish fuller, beat him with his fullers club. This was the same pinnacle on the Temple where the Spirit had taken Jesus, after which came the tempter, charging him to cast himself down.

John

Faced martyrdom, when he was thrown into a huge basin of boiling olive oil, during a wave of preaching in Rome. He was miraculously delivered from death, because he had already been translated into a form in which he could not be killed. John was then sentenced to the prison mines on the  island of Patmos, where he had his visions and revelations, and wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation. After this, John returned to serve as the Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey. John still tarries upon the earth today, until the second coming of our Lord and Savior, to help bring souls to Christ.

Matthew

Was struck and wounded by a sword, and bled to death, suffering martyrdom in Ethiopia.

Mark

Was killed in Alexandria, Egypt, by being tied, put into a chariot, pushed out, and being dragged by horses through the streets, until he was dead. A common death practice among the Egyptians.

Luke

Was hung in Greece, because of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

Other Apostles

(Whose names are found in the book of The Acts of the Apostles) were likewise killed by Roman influence and reign.

This finally gave way for the new order to begin. Namely, the Roman Catholic.

This is not to say that there is no good in this church today. There are good and negative influences in any multitude of people, whether combined under religious affect or not. Everywhere you go, you will experience good and hard, but with God, all can and will be made right.

In 1 Nephi 13:32 we read:

32 Neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gentiles shall forever remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou beholdest they are in, because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast seen.

Thus we see that Nephi, a prophet from The Book of Mormon, was shown in vision the formation of the Catholic Church, under Constantine and his constituents, who strategically altered holy writ, to impose a form of control, under the guise of religion.

The church of Christ was lost, with it’s organization, priesthood and ordinances, with many of the covenants, truth and gospel teachings.

Before the Catholic Church was forced to let the Bible go to the public, by the work of the early reformers and martyrs, they had altered much of the Holy Bible, including Revelation 22:18, which reads:

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

A more correct translation would read something like this:

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, for if any man shall alter or change these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

The Lord needed to restore His true church again, with its fullness.

We read in Doctrine & Coventants section 1:17-23 the following:

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;

18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—

19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—

20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

21 That faith also might increase in the earth;

22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.

This shows us that the Lord has indeed restored His original gospel and church upon the earth, and we have the living oracles, or prophets and apostles again in our day, with the Lord’s holy priesthood power and authority, and the proper priesthood keys, handed down from Jesus to his Apostles, to perform all the sacred ordinances, such as baptism and the confirmation of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Shane

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Relationships – We Can Change People: Part One

Influence Is Given To All

The cosmos…

In all the immensities of space, both inward and outward, where all entities, beings and elements have infinite influence and power to create and build upon one another, a simple formula is born. A thought that every thought, act and feeling, has power and a rippling effect to bring about change to all the universe we are a part of, and infinitely beyond. This is a fact to consider.

Influence itself is a power. Our thoughts, whether verbally spoken or not, effect, and make changes in our eternal surroundings.

Newton’s law – Every action, has an equal and opposite reaction. (Paraphrased by: Shane R. Brown)

Every action causes another action or reaction. A negative action can cause another negative reaction, or a negative action can set in motion a positive action or response. This is through the power of Christ’s atonement to accomplish this, for no good thing can be done without Him. We get to choose how we will act, or react. If the latter, than the outcome is predictable.

The ability to act in positive and righteous ways, is all sourced from our Savior. Without Him, all would be lost. There needs to be a balance in all things, even an opposition. Without the atonement of our God, all of us, as well as all the elements and intelligences, of souls and beings in the eternal making, would be lost. For in His atoning effort, He saves all, in due course, through the seasons of the eternities.

Particles, elements… What we all have in common.

Who are we really ?

We are all entities, yes, but infinitely much more than that. We are children of the Most High God, called up to be so. Individuals with varying traits, but not surprisingly, each with the same capacity and force as all other entities.

So, what else are we?

We are not only beings of energy, light and understanding, but also beings of emotional feelings. Yes, we are more than just chemical reactors, but more like agents made to act for ourselves. We all have the ability to choose.

Why relationships?

Another question to counter would be, why not?

Because we all are equal in entity and force, we need to understand, that continuing to treat each other with equality and respect is best. As children of God, we also face the undeniable truth and need, to have love and truth reciprocated back to us.

When practiced, we will have the need for righteous judgement, which comes only from God, and will be a great and positive influence. It is also important to help others exercise and build up their faith.

The healthiest and most productive people, have found a positive way to interact, which indeed comes from our loving, living and charitable God, whose light and care, are above all. This is also the most fulfilling and rewarding way to accomplish life itself.

Helping others fulfills an undeniable need placed in us as children of God in light . In doing so, we need to give our all, 100%. Because we are separate entities, there is a natural space between us. It is when we give our 100% to meet in the middle, that a true exchange can be given. Only then can relationships begin.

In working with this connection, we can then utilize our synergy, to begin to become one, in the very same way that the Father and the Son are one.

Maybe a more accurate term for describing the law between entities and beings should be: Every action has an equal and opposite action or reaction, meaning that we can react negatively to a negative action, or we can act positively to a negative action. The same would hold true for the opposite.

Let us retain the ability to act righteously, which is by definition the meaning of agency (the ability to do good), and choose to act and not react. In this way, we will continue in mutual enjoyment, giving equally in our relationships.

May we all strive to give our 100% and meet each other in the middle, thus failing to undermine ourselves, and eventually society as a whole.

Shane

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Clarity, a Clarion Call

The Message That Saves

The scriptures teach explicitly what it takes to stand solid on unshifting ground. To be built upon the rock of Christ, and not fall when the devil and his kingdom falls.

The Book of Mormon is especially clear when it outlines the foibles and problems of our day, and then affirms the only way to safely guide us home.

What I find most interesting, is how clearly it defines the state and conditions of the world now, as it was written for our day by prophets who foresaw our time, and were specifically called to minister to us through word and deed.

As this book of scripture only goes to strengthen the testimony of the Bible, and helps clarify some of its teachings commonly misunderstood, because of changes made in re-transcribing and alteration, its worth should be considered as a necessary providence of God.

Not only does it outline truth, but it also testifies that the true church which Christ originally established, has again been brought forth and established in our day. Not a reformation, but a restoration.

In 1820, a young farm boy at the age of 14, was called to restore the church of Jesus Christ, through the means of asking a question in prayer, about a problem he was facing with the different types of religions in his day. This prompting to pray came from reading a verse from the Holy Bible. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” (James 1:6)

In answer to his prayer, he had the heavenly visitation in a grove of trees near his small  family farm home, of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

They told him many things, and that God had a work for him to do. Later, an angel was sent from God, coming by his bedside, and told him about an ancient record, which was written by prophets over the course of about 1,000 years. It was buried in a hillside, not a far distance from his homestead.

This record was then translated by this young man, by the means of heavenly aid and power, into English. Eventually through this young man, the Lord restored His church, giving him revelations on how His church should be set up and established, calling him to be the church’s first prophet in 1830.

As part of Christ’s church’s restoration, the priesthood authority was restored, which authorizes the use of the saving ordinances, such as baptism and the receiving of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Just as the Lord authorized His servants the prophets and apostles, to speak and have it recorded in holy writ through scriptures, today, every 6 months the Lord speaks to His people by holding a general conference, in which we hear from inspired prophets, apostles and other men and women leaders, and we have their words written and recorded and shared before the world to have use therefrom.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is again upon the earth today, and is acceptable of Him who is the head thereof, and yes, He will manifest the truth of this work unto you, through the power of His Holy Spirit.

For anyone who asks in sincere faith, with real intent, wanting to know the truth may know. Consider this verse from The Book of Mormon below:

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things (meaning The Book of Mormon), if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. Mormon 10:3-5

The work of the Lord is at work among us, here, now, and you can be a part of it. I would ask of you, as does Moroni, the prophet who made the above request and promise, that you look into this church of Christ, namely, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Here is a link to look at to start in your search for the truth of these things.

The church’s official website:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Thank you and God bless!

Shane

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Fasting, a Renewing and Focused Approach

This Kind Cometh Out Only Through Fasting

As I have the opportunity to fast for members of my family, I am reminded of at least three reasons why fasting and prayer are more efficacious than normal prayer. For one, as we are obedient to something that is a physical challenge, the Lord has more room to bless us. This because we are allowing our spirits to be in control over our physical bodies. Second, because while we go without food or drink, we are driven to consider our need, and in this, Christ is the resource of our aid, not food or drink. As we come unto Him for our needed spiritual and physical strength, we open up the door for a greater communion and unity with Him.

Because of our submission to the Holy Spirit, our wills are more aligned with God’s, and we recognize and honor Him as our sustainer and law giver. We promise to do His will, and yield ourselves unto Him. It is all three of these reasons and more, that give fasting a more purifying, purposeful and effective result.

And third, when I am struggling to get through and keep my fast, the actual suffering itself, with the persons or situations in mind, will experience a relief of their suffering, as the trials they are experiencing are then transferred with love, onto the one(s) fasting for their relief. The fact is, the faster or fasters, are drawing unto the Lord, and it is Christ who takes the pain and burden, as it is He who does so through the atonement for everyone anyway. Our part is to let Him. If someone is in need of extra help, we can be the means for them, of sharing the load, bringing us closer together, and letting Christ do His part.

It is a communal effort, in which loved ones combine, to cover an ailment of the one or many, and give them the strength to make it through. In other words, it is a labor of love.

Shane

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Patience, an Enabling Virtue

To Receive What We Need We Must Wait Upon The Lord

I desire to impart knowledge, as it relates to my recent experience with patience. In my schooling of both academic and spiritual pursuits, I am attending a school under The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a church school, and have been well pleased to find that this school does not separate the educational learning model of faith and academics. They are combined under the principle that all true learning, whether spiritual or academic, is taught through the Holy Ghost.

Indeed, only the truth will be taught by the Holy Ghost. There are precepts taught by man’s learning and understanding, which are not true or correct, but under the umbrella of learning through the Holy Ghost, only truth is taught, and under His influence, truth can be discerned from error, and one can avoid being deceived, as they live the gospel well.

It is in my spiritual studies as of late, that I have come to learn and ponder much on the subject of patience, only using the scriptures and words of the prophets, to give insights on this topic. I will attempt to share with you my feelings and findings, which I hope you will find to be useful.

President Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in a recent general conference talk spoke of patience. He talks about how, “…patience will transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels.” How, “…patience means staying with something until the end; delaying instant gratification for future blessings; it means reigning in anger, and holding back an unkind word. It means submitting to all things which the Lord sees fit to inflict upon us…”

Truly patience is a virtue that will help us acquire all the other Christ-like virtues we so desperately need. Although it is such a high and refining parent trait, I know that by seeking to obtain this spiritual gift, we will be greatly blessed, and enabled to achieve our acquisition of all the other worthy gifts we need and desire.

In the pursuit of this goal, I know that my ability to bless my family will be enhanced, and I will experience greater joy. This is a journey I look forward to over the next few years, as I press forward to be a faithful father, son, husband and brother, toward the most glorious goal of all that our Father in Heaven has for us, even to be as He. May we all seek to improve ourselves, and in doing so, exercise the greater good of patience.

Shane

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