Helaman 6

A word keeps showing up in Helaman 6 again and again. It is used to describe words, signs, oaths, and murders. It is a key word used by Satan to convince people that otherwise seemingly unapproachable actions are instead totally acceptable. Satan has used this tactic, Mormon tells us, from the time of Cain. And we know he is definitely using that tactic today. That word and that tactic is "secret." Mormon uses this word to describe the actions of the Gadianton robbers, to whom Mormon ascribes the complete downfall of the Nephite nation. (Hel 2:12). This secrecy turns out to be an early indication of wickedness and sin. Mormon described how this wickedness starts in the more wicked part of the nation and then worked into all parts of the society (Hel 6:38) Again, it seems that secrecy is an early key indicator of wickedness and apostasy.

In our day that same rule may be appropriatly applied. If something must be done in secrecy, it could be an indication that it shouldn't be done. Perhaps some applications. Is there "secret" language that we use around some people but have to hide around others? Are there TV shows that we feel comfortable watching in the privacy of our homes, but wouldn't talk about or admit to watching in Sunday School? Are there things we do at work we wouldn't want our boss to know about or things we do that we wouldn't want our spouse to know about? The Internet becomes a whole new web of secrecy that can lead to real problems. Again, the level of openness might be the indicator of whether we should look at a sight or not. If we would quickly click out of it when our children or spouse come around we probably shouldn't be looking at it in the first place.

The Lord tells us in D&C 1:3 that at the second coming all "secret acts shall be revealed." That can be a great day or a terrible day depending on how secretly we live now. The power of the Gospel is that we have the ability to decide.

Popsicles

Today was a perfect example of why I have any chance of losing weight. I got home from work and wanted a popsicle. So I grabbed one out of the freezer and came in to eat it (it was an otter pop and I needed scissors to open it.) As soon as I came I was attacked with love by my two girls. Both suddenly realized I had a popsicle and the love turned to, "I want that." I am not as cool as an otter pop it turns out. So my popsicle suddenly became theirs. If I want chips and salsa, it becomes theirs, cookie--theirs, pop--theirs. No matter what I eat, no matter when I eat most of it becomes theirs. About all I am left with is pork rinds dipped in Tabasco sauce. (They don't like that!) They do a great job of controlling my calorie intake, at least until I sneak down at 2 am to do my best eating!

Fight or Flight Sales

As a salesman there is always the inevitable rude person out there. My problem is that I don't handle them well. This week was a good example.

Me: Hi do you need my service?
Her: Do you see the "No Soliciting" sign above your head?
Me: Sure, but we just talk with businesses to help them save money.
Her: I already work with someone and I really don't want to talk to you.
Me: Wow. Next time I want to mail something (it was one of those mail stores) I won't come here.
Her: I don't care.
Me: Your customer service really sucks.
Her: I don't care, GET OUT!
Me: That attitude will keep you in business for a long time.

Probably not the best way to handle that. But the nice thing is I will never go back there nor will I ever see her again. Which leads to my big dilemma. Is it ok to be rude to someone if you are never going to see them again? What if they are rude first (it may not have come across, but this lady was rude!)? I'm not sure it is ok, but it sure is fun.

Just a Start

This is just my start. I want to write a few things a month about some of the things that I think about, but never write down. Things like: my favorite sport, vavorite restaurant, favorite books, movies, views on politics, life, and raising kids. I don't really think anyone will read it, so I don't mind if you like it or not.