Scripture Sunday Alma 7:27

Sometimes passages just speak to you without being particularly deep, long or insightful. For many people the simplest prayer is often the most significant in their lives. I can empathize with this way of thinking-usually during a long, flowery prayer my mind will wander and eventually I'll stop listening. In my view the brevity is a lost art form and those who spend ten minutes giving a simple blessing over food are often missing the point completely or worse, they are trying to show everyone how holy and spiritual they think they are.

This passage is short, sweet, and very beautiful. It's a simple blessing upon virtually everything you own, and your family as well. Sure, it has a caveat-that blessings will be according to your faith and good works, but if you have faith and good works-then you having nothing to worry about. I truly love this passage.

Mike and Karen Pence

I like Mike Pence. In fact, I like him much much more than I like Donald Trump. He gets a bad rap in pop culture and the media because he dares to be openly conservative and religion and frankly, that makes me like him even more. It takes guts to be religious and conservative because the culture and media are so hostile to that way of thinking. In other words, the dude is a grade A punk.

It came out in the news several months ago that Pence doesn't like to dine with other women unless his wife is there. First off, that's a smart thing to do. Even if you are virtuous and have noble intentions, the women you are dining with might not be the same and might claim that you made sexual or lewd comments or worse, tried to hook up with her. So kudos to Pence for having common sense. Let that be a lesson to you men out there: cover your ass first. Don't behave like an pig, but always have someone else there as a witness in case someone accuses you of misbehavior.

In the culture we live in, the Pence rule seems incredibly wise. 

Album of the weekend

Pantera-Cowboys from Hell

Like I've mentioned before I'm not the biggest Pantera fan. I can't name all their albums, and I only know their biggest hits. I'm sure I've heard the majority of their songs at friends houses or throughout my life listening to heavy metal but I can't rattle them off or talk about how influential their music has been on me. I'm in the minority and I freely admit that they are without question one of the most popular metal bands from the 90's and their sound (in particular the guitar playing of Dimebag Darrell) has touched a huge amount of heavy metal bands. This album, unlike "Vulgar Display of Power" (Which I think is quite good) is not one of my favorites.

I like the title track off the album and that's pretty much it. Cowboys from Hell has an intense paranormal feel to it, and the rest of the album has that feel but without the same power and intensity. "Cemetery Gates" is just as well known and in fact, I think it's most well known song aside from "Walk" but I think it lacks the overall feeling and consistency of both the above mentioned songs. I don't particularly like the manic depression "slow to fast" style of "Cemetery Gates". I wish it was all faster and more consistent, and that's my feeling about the entire album. 

Thomas Monson part II

As I posted yesterday and as I'm sure you are aware of, Thomas Monson, the president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, has passed away. It's a tragic thing for the church, his family and friends and for all of us-but it's also a time of hope and celebration.

We should celebrate his life. The man did so much for the church-he was a bishop under age thirty and before forty he was an apostle. His decades and decades of service to the church will not be forgotten by any of us-and it will be very, very hard for anyone else to match his dedication and attitude. He was also a World War II veteran. That alone means he's a high level of badass. There aren't many World War II veterans left and we should honor and respect both those who died and those who are still alive.

Thomas Monson, dead at 90

Thomas Monson, prophet and president of the LDS church, has passed away at 90 years old. We knew he had been in declining health for awhile. May he rest in peace. 

The politically incorrect Prince Phillip

Prince Phillip is the 96 year old consort of Queen Elizabeth. He's known for many things, but he has a staunchly politically incorrect sense of humor and it's gotten him in trouble once again. He made another un-pc comment and the easily offended have (not surprisingly) jumped down his throat.

The dude is 96 years old. Give him a break. We live in a society that loves, absolutely loves to pounce on anyone who says anything that we are "offended" by. I am convinced that people like being offended because it shows others how wonderful moral they think they are. They pat themselves on the back and say "Look at me, I'm offended! I'm outstanding and deserve praise for standing up for my morals!" The right does this when they get they shorts in an uproar over Disney showing a gay character. The left goes this when they go into cardiac arrest if someone who is 96 (!) makes a politically incorrect comment. 

Prince Phillip is from a different era. He grew up in a time period where certain words and phrases are more morally acceptable than they would be today. No, that doesn't mean he's a racist and no, you aren't Ghandi for calling him out on the terminology he uses. It might be rude or uncouth by todays standards but people seriously need to give the guy a break. 

Happy New Year everyone!

New Year's Day has always been among my favorite holidays. In this country you can always start over again. January 1st provides me, and hopefully all of us a refreshing bolt of energy to our lives. If it doesn't feel that way to you but you want a fresh start today is the perfect day to start trying. 

Happy New Year everyone!