Five Days in the Old Testament

Last week I read through the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and the books Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. I did most of my reading at mealtimes, and would be absorbed in my reading for 45 minutes at a time. Eventually I had to break away to minister to the people here in Jesup, Georgia, but each sprint in my reading left me eager for more.

There were a few things that stood out to me as I read:

The first was the truth of a statement by Richard G. Scott: "I find precious jewels of truth spread throughout [the Old Testament's] pages." I read about how Samuel went to the Lord to talk out his problems, even though he must have known that He already knew all about it. I saw that death is not the ultimate end, and that it can even be a reward for the righteous in the perspective of God, in the story of Josiah. (2 Kings 22:19-20)


I also recognized some of the truths reported by Nephi, who was alive during the events in the latter part of 2 Kings. He said, " there is none other people that understand the things which were spoken...  save it be that they are taught after the manner of the things of the Jews." I don't understand some of the parts of the culture, which makes it tough to understand the people and their stories sometimes.


And Nephi also said, "their works were works of darkness, and their doings were doings of abominations." The stuff some of those kings did were just evil. You can watch the rise and fall of the people according to their righteousness or wickedness so easily!


More on this in the future.

Samuel the prophet called (1 Samuel 3:10)

Smiling = Victory

I feel like smiling is one of my best multi-purpose tools. I can use it almost anywhere! Door approaches, meeting people on the street, teaching, testifying, resolving fear and doubt... Lots of stuff!

We know that the Enemy's purpose is to make all men miserable. So, when we help cheer someone up, we have won a small battle.  One of the most common responses to seeing a smile is to smile! I love to see people smile back at me when I smile at them.

Sometimes people smile back at a missionary, look to the other companion (who is also smiling), and look back at the first with a little headshake/smile that says, "Why in the world are these boys smiling so big?" I will tell you: We smile because we have felt a special, lasting joy that only comes through making and keeping promises with God! His reward for that kept promise is joy.

We also smile because we anticipate how happy this promise-making will make you.  We look forward to the sweet experiences you will have as you read the Book of Mormon, as you pray to God to know if it's true. We can't wait to see you shed worry and frustration because of repentance. Jesus Christ will also rejoice with you as you feel your way closer to Him. And that makes us smile, too.

Well, the "Faith Expressed" idea may not work quite the way I wanted. The extra page feature on this blog is not meant to be a blog itself, but a single, stand-alone page.
Soon I'll just bring my sketches straight into the blog itself, including the two pictures posted in the "Faith Expressed" section. Live and learn!

Coming Soon!

I hope more is coming soon. Sorry for the wait. I drew a doodle that I wanted to post to my "Faith Expressed" section last Monday, but I keep forgetting (a) my card reader or (b) my camera that has the picture in it. Monday for sure!

Maybe by then, I'll even have two pictures to post. No promises, but I want to.

Happy Mother's Day

After my post about praying to find a toy sword as a little kid, Mom sent me a picture to go with it! Thanks, Mom!

I hope this picture doesn't scare anyone.

Best. Costume. Ever.

Mother's Day is this Sunday. Do I have any stories to tell that have to do with Mothers?

Hmm. Nothing comes to mind yet. Just that Mom always, always was Mom. I mean she always loves me, worries about me, prays for me. Always had a band-aid for a knee, an answer to a question (lots of those), a solution to a problem. (Usually, "Put the book down for now, and finish your homework! Then you can read the book, and your homework will be done.)

Are Mothers important to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? Boyd K. Packer, an Apostle and teacher-leader in The Church said:

The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood.

So, are families important to The Church? Obviously, judging by the quote there. Are Mothers important to a family?

Yes. Eternally, foundationally, irreplaceably yes.

Woah! As I was putting this up, a whole category on Youtube's Mormon Channel was posted! The title? "Motherhood". Score! I recommend the one called "Mothers: An Eternal Partnership with God". Four minutes, answers my rhetorical question exactly.

Fish Story & the Spirit

I haven't fished very much, so I'm not too experienced. I don't always know how to read the signs that fish give. A few weeks ago I had a line in the water, rigged for catfish. First came the little tug, and I set the hook. That was something I had done before. Then the fishing line did something I hadn't seen before: it zoomed straight away from me, really fast.

I thought, "Huh, that's a fast fish." Then the fish hit the end of my line. "Woah! That's a big fish!" It was a stronger tug than I had felt yet. As it turned out, it was only big to me, the biggest fish I've ever caught, a little under two and a half pounds.

The speed of the fish would have told an experienced fisher that it was a good size. I had no idea. But the tug the fish gave left no doubt for me, even though I couldn't see it.

There can be a spiritual comparison made here. Some of the signals that the Spirit gives us need experience to understand, like the speed of my fishing line showing that I had hooked a big fish. Some signals cannot be misunderstood, like the strength of the fish when it reached the end of my line. I couldn't see it, but I could feel it was bigger than the other fish I had been catching.

If you worry that the Spirit never talks to you, give yourself time. It can take experience to recognize the little signals the Spirit gives us. Don't underestimate the importance of the messages that you have understood in the past, remember them and treasure them. If you think you have no experiences at all, wait. The fish will bite eventually.

If you have felt the definite tugs, as the Spirit has talked to you, listen! Don't ignore them or let them fade from memory. Follow those tugs. The Spirit is there to guide us closer to Jesus Christ. We all need that.

Eventually, if we keep our line in the water, well get our fish!

Ninja Must Pray

When I'm conscious of how I pray, I ask for better things and get stronger answers. Example: Imagine a six year old boy on Halloween night looking for his ninja sword. He can't find it in his toy box, under the table, or in the closet. His Mom hasn't seen it. His sister doesn't have it. What can he do?

Well, I'll tell you what I did when I was a six year old sword-less ninja just minutes before trick-or-treat time. I prayed. I asked Heavenly Father if he would please help me. I wanted to find my toy sword so I would be a real ninja on Halloween. Then, I got up from my knees and went back to looking. After another ten minutes or so (longest ten minutes of my life) I found that sword lying in the grass in the front yard.

Since this happened, God has answered many, many more prayers, some much more serious than that early prayer.

I said that to say this: Heavenly Father wants to give us blessings, but He waits to give us some of those blessings until we ask for them.

Don't forget to pray. He is waiting to hear from you! The richest blessings come by asking. Be sure to ask for the right thing; if I had asked God to bring my sword to me, instead of asking Him to guide me to it, maybe I wouldn't have found it. We need to ask for the right things.

God lives, and He hears and answers our prayers. My prayers go out to everyone that reads this. May you find the things that matter most, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

And Now a Message From Our Sponsor

Hijacked! Ha ha! I, Elder Ramstedt, the companion to Elder Crites, commandeer this this blog for the sake of adding a second witness to the things that Elder Crites has spoken of. As it says in 2 Corinthians 13:1 "...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."


I could go on with a lengthy biography about all the activities I have done that compile me, or I could just be lazy and send you to my Mormon.org profile. 


Now for the doctrinal and uplifting meat of the post. I want to talk about faith, specifically a common lie that is being published by many, believers and unbelievers alike. I invite you to pay attention to the feelings of your heart, for the Holy Ghost will testify to you the truth of all things if you are willing to listen. As an old bishop once told me, "A truth is a truth, no matter what source it may come from."


If you must know one thing about me, I am extremely analytical. I glory in logistics, graphs, numbers, facts and in finding the right answer. I also love musing and philosophizing about life's problems. However, I have found that applying only those thought processes to religion, I begin to encounter some problems with religion as a whole. Folks who pursue this course tend to end up very confused (ironically often claiming enlightenment) or atheist. 


While there is nothing bad about these standpoints, a foundation of faith is needed before any of these ideas can be expressed. When applied properly, faith and secular ideas build strongly on each other. I found it funny in college when taking theology classes that the professors often tried to prove the scriptures through scientific evidence. Remember, theology means the study of faith, not the proving of faith. 


While my professors had good intentions in mind, and I learned quite a bit that helped build my faith, they show a trend that is disturbingly prevalent in today's society.  People think that 'seeing is believing'. In the Book of Mormon, the last prophet and the compiler of the entire book said that if there was one thing that he could show to the entire world, "... that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." Ether 12: 6


I testify of the truthfulness of the words of Moroni. I invite all to come and believe before you see. I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and ponder the message it contains and then allow not a man, a fact, figure, or opinion to tell you what they think of the book, but to let God, even your Eternal Father, tell you the truth of these things. I know he will send his spirit to tell you of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and of Jesus Christ, for I have had that divine communication myself. And now I can say as the old song says, "...(I) was blind but now I see." -Amazing Grace, John Newton 


In the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. Happy Easter everybody!!

Role of a Prophet 2

The Old Testament has the story of a man named Caleb. He was one of the twelve scouts that Moses sent into the promised land to check it out and report on how strong the nations were there. Well, they were strong. Very strong. Ten of the scouts were so discouraged that they told the camp of Israel there was no hope of taking the land. Joshua and Caleb spoke up:

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.


The people didn't listen to Joshua or Caleb. They were about to stone them, when the Lord entered His tabernacle, "And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel."


The Lord stated that because the camp of Israel had not had faith in Him, and had not had courage, they would not enter the promised land. They would pass away in the wilderness, and their children, one generation later, would take the land. Except, He said, for the two righteous scouts.


Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.


I said that to say this: Caleb "followed [God] fully", by following the prophet. God gave Moses instructions, Moses instructed the people, and the righteous obeyed him. But, God said Caleb followed God, not Moses, in following Moses' instructions, because God gave them first.


At the age of 85, Caleb walked into the promised land, "as strong this day as [he] was in the day that Moses sent [him.] He inherited a land called Hebron, "because that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel."


(Someday soon I'll tie in all the links to the scriptures I'm quoting.)


I declare that it is self-evident from the scriptures, that obeying the words of a living prophet is obeying the Lord God of Israel, and worshiping the Lord, not His prophet. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Role of a Prophet

"I'm glad you took the time to come here and visit, but I'm not interested. I don't believe that I need to go through a prophet to get to God."

This has been the line of thought that people have used to politely turn us away when we tell them that the Lord has called living prophets. Sometimes, when appropriate, I have asked, "Do you think I pray to the prophet?"

"Well, no."

"Do you think I worship the prophet?"

"No."

"Why, then, do you think that having a prophet on earth means I have to go through him to get to God?"

I haven't gotten any meaningful answers to these questions, because the line of thought itself is flawed. When Heavenly Father calls a prophet, He does not plan for His children to go through him.

I'd like to draw on an example from the scriptures.

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

In time, the Lord delivered the people of Israel from slavery, and Moses, His prophet, played
a big part in the  miracle.

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

The people of Israel did not worship Moses, the Lord's prophet. They, and Moses, sang unto the Lord.

This has been the first half of my thoughts on this subject. The next half will draw on a personal example, the Israelite named Caleb. He turns up in the story I'll be looking at next time. (Reminder: His name is Caleb, my name is Caleb, thus the "personal example", eh?)

Deeper Insight

Yesterday, as I was bearing my testimony (some people call it witnessing to others) I was taught something about myself that I hadn't realized before!

My testimony is given in part on this site, but I had an expansion to it when I realized that I had been searching for something. See, from about age 12 until just before I moved out, I would go through these phases of fascination. I wouldn't call them "obsessions", but I would get very interested about one particular hobby or game for several months, than move to something else. At the time, I called them my fads.

I went through chess, go (or baduk), Rubik's Cubes, Starcraft, airsoft guns, boffering, Society for Creative Anachronism, drawing, and untold books and book series. (At least seven long series that I can think of off the top of my head.) I also read books about each of the items on this list. I also put a lot of time and thought into a book series that I myself wanted to write someday (and still do, kinda). Probably a few other things, too.

All through these years, I was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I read my scriptures pretty often, I attended Church, and said my prayers, because I felt good when I did.

I said that to say this: most of the people who go and search for something go through religions. Not me. I was already content with my religion, and had evidences of its truthfulness even at that age. But I was searching for something! It makes me laugh out loud to think of it now.

I was looking for a direction to grow, for a way to build and create new things. I wanted to build myself up and develop myself. I wanted knowledge. I wanted purpose. All of these things, and I never realized that I was even looking!

Woah! What a lightning strike when I realized that, because I have finished my search. I found it as I have served this mission for the Lord. I hadn't even noticed my fulfilled feelings until I shared my testimony with someone else. Then all of this spilled out of my mouth, and I was surprised at myself as I said it.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the very best place for us to focus our energy. In it we can gain lasting knowledge and fulfillment. We can help and build others up. We can give of our time and talents, and they will not go to waste. We can find purpose, and we can find ourselves.

I am so blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It has shaped me and blessed me. It will do the same for anyone who will experiment upon what I have said, and try it for themselves. It is true.

Mormons and Enthusiastic Service

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint's everyday activities are directed by inexperienced but enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteer work falls in with the Savior's direction to His Apostles, "freely ye have received, freely give." It's very important to us, and to me!

Most who know me already know that I serve as a teacher and fellowshipper in The Church for free. Here's the averages connected with community and congregational service by active "Mormons". (See Original Article Here)



And, to make this personal, this is me clearing brush, also for free! But, I had fun doing it. The dog gave morale support.

This Computer Shall OBEY!

YAAAAAH! That's one more victory for the computer illiterate! I put a widget on my blog! It's the widget on the top right, for now. It might get moved later. It has a teeny, tiny video in there. I wonder how they got it to fit...

That's right! April is coming, and that means General Conference! I'm about to time out for now, but more on this later! Watch the widget video! Make sure to expand it first, or you'll strain your eyes.

Family Strength

My family is stronger because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. How much stronger? Well, as an indicator, I'll tell you something. You might not believe this without meeting some of us Crites people in person, but I'll tell you anyway.

I have never heard my Dad raise his voice to me, Mom, or any of my brothers or sisters. Ever. That's not to say that he didn't punish us when we were bad, because he did. I gave an example of that right on this blog a while back. I've just never heard him yell!

Well, okay, I'll tell you the only exception: once, my little brother had the hiccups. He couldn't shake them, no matter what he tried! He was sitting on the big chair in the living room complaining about it to one of my sisters as Dad snuck up behind him. Dad got right behind him and yelled his name, loud. I was in the next room over, and I jumped. Remember, I had never heard Dad yell.

I ran to look in at what was going on. Dad was hugging my brother, chuckling and telling him he was fine, because my brother was close to tears with confusion. He also had no more hiccups. I am not exaggerating. This is the only time in my life I have heard Dad raise his voice at anyone.

Thomas S. Monson, living prophet of the Lord, said,

To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them.      -Abundantly Blessed

My Dad's patience and kindness is the product of his own personality combined with the Spirit that fills this Church. With a prophet to reiterate what matters most, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a stronghold for charity in a world that grows permissive, or even amused, about snide and mean-spirited jibes. It will stay a stronghold all the way up until Jesus Christ comes again.