The Borg are at Sector 001

For anyone familiar with the Star Trek universe, the Borg are a well-known fearsome alien adversary. They are a race of cybernetic beings, half-machine and half-biological.  They are actually more machine than creature. Their primary objective is to conquer and assimilate entire worlds. There is no individuality, each unit is a member of the Borg collective. They have no personal will, desires, or identity. Their weaponry is formidable, powerful, and adapts quickly to any defenses.

While the Borg are fictional alien villains in a popular science fiction series, a Borg-like threat is right here at sector 001, in our world. They are Satan and his followers who were cast out of the presence of Heavenly Father and cast down to the earth.

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelations 12:9)

"...behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency; And they were thrust down, and thus came the devil and his angels." (D&C 29:36-37)

Each of us has been given the great gift of agency, that is, the ability to freely choose our actions according to our desires and wishes. Heavenly Father gave us this gift to enable us to make good and wise choices that will lead us back into His presence and glory in the eternities while bringing us joy and peace in this mortal life.

On the other hand, the adversary and his cohorts are actively working to take down our defenses and to lead us away from the safety of God's safe haven. Temptations are all around us in the media, at school, at work, in diverse places where ever we may be. He also uses otherwise good people to deceive us and try to convince us that the things we hold to be true are false and foolish. The devil wants to trap us and make us believe that "resistance is futile."

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27)

Succumbing to the temptations and deceptions of the adversary invariably lead to addictions, sufferings, or misery of one kind or another. We must resist! We have to keep our defenses up at all times and in all places. It's important that we turn away from temptations and use our agency to choose righteousness and the way of the Savior. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life and never-ending joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

"I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness." (Mosiah 2:41)

With God all things are possible, including safe passage around treacherous Borg territory.

Truth and Falsehood on the Internet

The internet has become a fantastic resource for discovering and researching important gospel principles and topics. On the other hand, it can also lead to questionable material that claims to reveal hidden truths about the church, its leaders, and its history. In the October 2012 General Conference, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles lamented about this unfortunate situation:

Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered this wise counsel to those who have been exposed to this type of material:

Brothers and sisters, this is a divine work in process, with the manifestations and blessings of it abounding in every direction, so please don’t hyperventilate if from time to time issues arise that need to be examined, understood, and resolved. They do and they will. In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith. (General Conference April 2013)

At the end of his comments, he shared his reassurance and a powerful testimony of the work and its divinity:

I declare some things I now know. I know that God is at all times and in all ways and in all circumstances our loving, forgiving Father in Heaven. I know Jesus was His only perfect child, whose life was given lovingly by the will of both the Father and the Son for the redemption of all the rest of us who are not perfect. I know He rose from that death to live again, and because He did, you and I will also. I know that Joseph Smith, who acknowledged that he wasn’t perfect, was nevertheless the chosen instrument in God’s hand to restore the everlasting gospel to the earth. I also know that in doing so—particularly through translating the Book of Mormon—he has taught me more of God’s love, of Christ’s divinity, and of priesthood power than any other prophet of whom I have ever read, known, or heard in a lifetime of seeking. I know that President Thomas S. Monson, who moves devotedly and buoyantly toward the 50th anniversary of his ordination as an Apostle, is the rightful successor to that prophetic mantle today. We have seen that mantle upon him again in this conference. I know that 14 other men whom you sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators sustain him with their hands, their hearts, and their own apostolic keys. These things I declare to you with the conviction Peter called the “more sure word of prophecy.” What was once a tiny seed of belief for me has grown into the tree of life, so if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine. I know this work is God’s very truth, and I know that only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.

I am familiar with just about every claim, every argument, every alleged historical fact that has been proposed to try to prove that Joseph Smith was a fake and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a man-made false religion. I still believe and hold fast to my testimony to the calling of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, to the restoration of eternal gospel truths, and to the Book of Mormon as a divine translation of ancient records. To those who have questions and doubts, I reassure you that there are answers and the answers make sense. Think about the thousands upon thousands of intelligent and highly educated individuals in science, education, law, and other professional fields who exercise faith as members of the church. If faith requires ignorance then you wouldn't find those kind of people in the church, and yet they are there.

And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. (Alma 32:21)

I would show unto the 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)

Pray, read the scriptures, be humble, and believe.

But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name. Amen. (D&C 11:30)

She has gone to Paradise

My dear mother passed away on March 3rd. I miss her.

An ancient American prophet named Alma taught about what happens after we die. His words assure me that I haven't really lost my mother. Our separation is only temporary.

"Therefore, there is a time appointed unto men that they shall rise from the dead; and there is a space between the time of death and the resurrection. And now, concerning this space of time, what becometh of the souls of men is the thing which I have inquired diligently of the Lord to know; and this is the thing of which I do know....
"Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life." (Book of Mormon, Alma 40:9,11)

I'm certain that my mother's spirit is now alive and in that world of spirits rejoicing with family, relatives, and friends who preceded her in passing through the door of death. Then there will come a time when all things will be restored.

"The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame." (Book of Mormon, Alma 40:23)

While I don't really care for poetry, a few years ago I wrote some lines as I thought about my mother. I knew her condition would get worse as time passed. I guess this was a way to deal with how I felt and still do feel.

If the day comes when you can longer speak to me,
I will look at your face and read the words in your eyes.

If the day comes when you can no longer see me,
I will hold your hand and feel the words in our touch.

If the day comes when your journey here ends,
Stay near my spirit and I will hear your words in my heart.

I'm thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives me hope in the face of death and light in days of darkness. I know my Savior lives, and because He lives, all of us including my Mom, will live again.
Gospel Topics: Physical Death

Who are Stars?

This past week, I took the kids to Comic-Con here in San Diego. We waited in long lines and braved huge crowds, but even so, it was fun seeing all the media blitzes for movies, toys, and video games. The kids had an especially great time collecting lots of giveaways and promotional freebies. The highlight of their day though was being able to meet actual movie and television stars.

When I was younger I used to attend as many science fiction conventions as I could. It was very exciting being able to meet celebrities up close. These days, however, the excitement is no longer there. I've come to the realization that these famous people are really nothing more than just that, people with a job. It just happens that their job puts them in view of millions of people. But in reality, being on the small or big screen doesn't make them any smarter, wiser, or more morally upright than anyone else. They are perhaps quite talented in many respects, but celebrity status in and of itself doesn't qualify a person for emulation by the masses.

On the other hand, there are people on this earth who have spent many years exercising faith and being obedient to the commandments of the Lord. They carry with them a special spirit and are special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are called by the Lord to be prophets, seers, and revelators.

"And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God. But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings."
(Book of Mormon, Mosiah 8:16 - 18)


"I have seen the same miracle in the service of President Monson as he received the call to preside as the prophet and President of the Church and to exercise all the keys of the priesthood in the earth. Revelation and inspiration have come to him in my presence, which confirms to me that God is honoring those keys. I am an eyewitness. They are keys of a priesthood which is, in the Lord’s words, 'without beginning or end.'”
(Henry B. Eyring, “The True and Living Church,” Ensign, May 2008, 20–24)

"The fact of the matter is that God is revealing His will as He did anciently. He is guiding His Church through His appointed servants."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Quorum of the First Presidency,” Ensign, Dec 2005, 46–50)


These are truly special men worthy to be our examples and our leaders. I have met a few of them personally and can say that it is both an exciting and a humbling experience. They are humble, caring, loving men. There is hardly a television or movie star that can even come close to matching the greatness of their calling and position nor the humility of their service.

While it is good to meet them in person, I no longer get excited about meeting film stars nor do I feel it is worth spending money to obtain their autograph or to take a photo with them. I believe that the real stars here on earth are the Lord's servants, his prophets, seers and revelators. It is exciting to meet them and hear their words which are the Lord's words to us in these days. I can testify that these are truly men of God. I hope that you will study their words and come to feel that special spirit that testifies of their divine calling.

The Fourth of July

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. It's not because of the church breakfast, the potlucks and barbecues, nor even the dazzling fireworks displays. Of course, I love that part of the holiday, but the Fourth of July means so much more. It's a time to reflect on how this nation has been greatly blessed by God. We enjoy freedoms and liberties that are hard to find anywhere else in the world.

"Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood."
(Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:79 - 80)

Ever since the war for independence, many thousands of souls have sacrificed even their lives to maintain and protect our freedoms. We should be thankful to them. We should also thank Heavenly Father for the blessing of living in this land and for every comfort and convenience we enjoy.

The final verse of my favorite patriotic hymn describes perfectly how I feel about these United States of America:

Oh, beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
(Hymns, America the Beautiful, no. 338)

Father's Day 2009

My oldest daughter sent me a Father's Day card in the mail. It made me cry for joy, not because of the artwork or the printed message on the inside. It was her handwritten words that touched me. I won't share them here though.

I don't mind not getting breakfast in bed, elaborate cards, neckties (ok, I could use a new tie), a fancy homemade dinner. All I really want is for my kids to appreciate all the sacrifices, the hard work, and the prayers on their behalf. Morning and night and several times in-between, I ask my Heavenly Father to take care of my children. I want them to stay close to the Gospel of Christ. Whatever else they aspire to in this life, if they continue strong and true in the faith, it'll make me happy.

May the words of the church hymn True to the Faith have special significance as you ponder the greatest gift you could give on Father's Day:

"True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God’s command,
Soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand."
(Hymns, True to the Faith, no. 254)

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Codes and Commandments

In the first of Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, Elizabeth Swan is captured and taken aboard the cursed Black Pearl. She invokes the "pirate's code" and declares "parlay" in order to bargain for her life. Afterwards, when things don't go completely as she hoped, she confronts Captain Barbossa and demands he follow the pirate's code. His response to her is, "the code is more of what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules."

As Christians, we live by a much higher code than that of pirates. We call our code of conduct the commandments. While some people like to think of Heavenly Father's commandments as guidelines, He expects us to follow them fully like laws.

The purpose of following the commandments is not to bind us down, nor to take away our freedom. They are actually a protection against behaviors and actions that could be harmful to us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In fact, the Lord promises that we will be blessed in many different ways when we are obedient to His laws.

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never–ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
(Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:41)

Unfortunately, there are people who like to take shortcuts and obey only partially, or when it is convenient, or treat the commandments like loose guidelines. Imagine what it would be like if everyone followed the traffic laws like guidelines, instead of obeying them completely. It might look something like this Goofy cartoon.

I'm glad that we have the commandments to help keep us safe from the dangers of the world. Many times the danger is not obvious or immediate, but we should place our trust in the Lord that his words will bless us and guide us to eternal life. I pray that you'll exercise faith by learning about God's commandments and follow them to the very best of your abilities. I know that you'll be blessed as you do so.