Incredible journeys

June 30, 2013

Our lives begin with a wild entrance to earth; our spirit joining our temporal bodies. We go from a spiritual state of full awareness that our decision to unite body and spirit will lead us through tests of mind and spirit that defy all possible descriptions. I have suspicions that we witness trailing bits of knowledge and understanding for the first little while we share our new lives with earthly families. I suspect that ministering angels are present and assist in the transition. As we begin to stabilize in mortality, our parents or others take over and assist us with our physiological needs. We get air, food, sleep, cleaning, and hopefully, love from those around us.

Watch and take notes on people who have experienced the worst in deprivation. Some are born in war-torn times, ravaged by those who wish to control your very existence. Some are tossed aside as a used piece of clothing, only to be conscripted into another’s war. Yet, from these; the most maligned people on earth; come many who survive and become leaders who inspire and bring hope to millions. One can’t help but wonder about their marching orders as they left the spirit world. Could it be that they were among the most honorable and courageous and were given the most challenging lives. Many millions die at birth; while others spend their entire existence finding ways to maintain life, regardless of the circumstances. They live and they die without fanfare, without anyone outside their specific sphere of reference even knowing of their presence.

Others are brought to earth under circumstances which preclude their experiences being part of the norm. I met with a friend yesterday that has Down’s syndrome. He is one of the most charming, delightful souls I have ever had the privilege of calling a friend. He is a thinker of the first realm. He, I believe, understands more of eternity and spiritual matters than the most dedicated, educated humans. I also wonder about his assignment on earth. This is absolutely not scriptural-it simply comes from observing Karl as he shares his deepest feelings through life’s journey. His wonderful mother is ill right now and his feelings and compassion expressed are absolutely magnificent; as if he were passing the blessing of heavenly messengers on to those around him that all is well.

Many of us have been blessed with loving parents and family. We have been given all the temporal blessings one can imagine. We have been offered the blessing of spiritual understanding. We have been provided with a conduit through which we can ask for and receive spiritual and temporal guidance.  We have been provided with prophets, teachers, spiritual leaders, scriptures, spiritual reference material, and a loving family of “believers” that help us through each breath we take. I have mentioned my mother’s (Grandmother Lucy) ponderings as she wondered why the scriptures were so replete with war, death, antichrists, and other vicious, mean spirited life activities. The answer lies in the answer to how we live our individual and unique lives. Why do we turn from God? Why do we ignore the blessings of heaven? Because we choose to think that we have done all this by ourselves. We become secular humanists. People are naturally jealous, selfish, and self-serving.

We need the spirit of God in our lives to help us through this life. We need God’s help to do all that we are capable of doing. Satan, Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Castro, and an entire cast of life characters are bonded together. Call it what you may. One term is Gadianton robbers. They and their secret combinations, self-serving agendas, and determination to place God in second position have always been with us. They will continue their quest to destroy all that is beautiful and good. Our job is to stand as witnesses of the joy of God the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. My joy is in serving my heavenly Father through listening and acting on promptings from the Holy Ghost and ministering angels. My joy is in living life in a way that will enable me to share the blessings of Eternal Life and Exaltation with my magnificent bride, our children, grandchildren, and all that live up to the expectations of God.

God bless each of you as you move through the wonderful experiences this live provides.

Duane Jacobs, grandfather, father, uncle, brother, cousin, and fond friend.