A great band of robbers Helaman 11: 24-38

The weather has turned just a bit. Its finally cool enough in the morning to be outside (low 70's). The humidity has shown signs of mercy and I can once again enjoy being outside with nature. Here in Summerville we enjoy combining nature's beauty with sculptured art. In recent years Sculpture in the South has sponsored the placing of various works of art throughout the Summerville Parks. I love to walk the green landscapes and admire the beauty that several bronze statues bring. I love the spirit of playfulness, creativity, beauty, freedom, and the closeness to God and community that I feel when I see these works of art and soul.

So it was with great dismay that I learned of the recent stealing of not one but two of these beautiful statues. A few years back (2007)someone stole and vandalized the statue of a small

baseball boy, and Monday night someone stole the little conductor (the fourth one back) from the line of children statues on the wall (see above picture).

I am at a loss as to why people behave this way? In my family when something turns up missing it is the spirit of fear that screams inside my head, "so and so took it." Or when something is misplaced it is the spirit of fear that begs to ask others in an accusatory tone, "Did you take it?" When robbers ply their craft they take much more than the objects they plunder. They spread the disease of fear.

But fear can be combated with faith. Just last night when my cell phone was misplaced rather than allow the tone of fear to escalate inside of me, I chose to sit quietly and ponder its possible whereabouts. Eventually I found it outside on our front porch. I am so glad I did not give into the insecurity inside of me that wanted to accuse a loving member of my family.

When we don't live in faith, we live in fear.

There are forces of nature that work in opposition to one another. They balance one another. If you take a ball and bounce it, it will go high and low with equal succession until it finds its equilibrium ( a place somewhere in-between). The force of gravity is needed to create this equilibrium.

Faith and fear appear to be opposites, but unlike the forces of nature, they do not balance one another. If you bounce your fear off of your faith, you (with the force of love) can find yourself closer to your life balance. But if you bounce your faith off of your fears, there is no force of love for love does not live where there is not faith, you create greater fear. Fear can be balanced by faith, but faith cannot be balanced by fear. They are not opposite. They do not balance one another. They are two separate forces that direct us into two separate directions.

When we face fear we need love to help us rediscover our equilibrium. The love of God within each of us works to equalize this destruction. The love of God can be expressed in sculptured art, in kindness, beauty, and words of faith. The love of God works with faith to repair destructive behavior.

If we choose to live by faith, we can eradicate all fear from our lives and find peace. If we choose to not live by faith, by default we live by fear. When we (either by default or by choice) choose to live in fear, we become dissenters. Dissenters argue, fight, war, rob, plunder, and murder. They know no boundaries, no respect, and no faith.

The "robbers" who stole our statues were most likely young dissenters, a young voice crying out for relief from life- frustration. They know not who or what or how to believe in something larger than themselves. They have begun a downward spiral of fighting fear with fear. It is a fruitless path and one that Nephi speaks of in these verses. Today I will say a prayer for those who hurt so badly that they believe the thievery of art will somehow patch the whole that fear has bore into their soul.

Words and Phrases

vs. 24 dissenters from the people - dissenters are those who do not feel loved, do not have a place, have been driven out because of social standing. Where there are so many dissenters it is a sign that there is a great social division in the land. The people love their possessions more than they love their fellow man.

vs 24 stirred up to anger- fear breeds anger. Anger breed war

vs 25 murder and plunder- it is a downward spiral

vs 25 retreat and secret places when we live in fear we have need to hide.

vs 25 addition to their numbers great numbers are a sign of social unrest

vs 26 great band of robbers I wonder if there was such a distinction because of the disparity of wealth in the land. It is easy to say these people were wicked, but I believe you have to understand what caused them to be driven to living in the wild mountains. Was it because they could not find place in the community of their birth?

vs 27 great havoc great destruction fear breeds havoc and destruction. Fear within us or within our families breeds destruction.

vs 33 did visit many parts of the land- they grew bold in their robbery. Bold in their lifestyle of fear. Many would have died in fear, died because of fear, lived in fear of death, of life, of having whatever they cherished. Fear is not a way of life. Fear is a way of death.

vs 36 they did not mend their ways- even as they faced being murder, havoc, and destruction these people who were being driving by fear chose to love their possessions, to believe in their own strengths, and to love their lifestyle of fear more than faith. I guess it became a habit.

vs 37 was stronger and stronger in their pride - Pride breeds fear... pride teaches us to believe alone in our own strength, and in our own ability. Pride stands alone. Pride separates through fear.

Gadianton Robbers : that same being Helaman 6

Helaman 6

What is a Gadianton Robber?

I think of a pirate when I think of a Gadianton Robber. What do you think of as you read this chapter. I chose to read it again. It is a rich chapter filled with so much more than I gleaned from it the first read. President Gordan B. Hinckley (President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) said this about Gadianton Robbers and secrete societies shortly after the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

We of this Church know something of such groups. The Book of Mormon speaks of the Gadianton robbers, a vicious, oath-bound, and secret organization bent on evil and destruction. In their day they did all in their power, by whatever means available, to bring down the Church, to woo the people with sophistry, and to take control of the society. We see the same thing in the present situation.

As a mother, I am aware that Robbers exist more to than just rob you of your possessions. As I read these verses again, I realized that anything or anyone that sets about to rob you of anything precious to you, could be considered a robber. When they become conniving, insidious, and secretive in their plotting, then I would consider them Gadianton Robbers.

When my grandmother was growing up, the robbers she worried about came were the kind that came into your home to steal your possessions. As the power of media grew, the power to steal away the hearts of children became a real possibility. Radio introduced the possibility of marketing to the masses. No longer would advertisement companies rely on billboard advertising, or word of mouth, a radio could captivate the imagination of anyone who would listen.

Soon came the stereo, then the television, and now we have recorders, computers, internet, gaming systems, ipods, etc. There are countless ways that "that same being" can find his way in the hearts of our children. Obviously its not the device that poses the threat, but the voices that are allowed to entertain our time via the devices.

What I found interesting in these verses is that the Nephites (who had known wealth and prosperity) began to turn away from the word of God while the Lamanites began a campaign to eradicate the robbers within their community.

But today's robbers are not found in media? ARe they? That same being who does not want us to remember who we are, where we came from, or how to get back will do anything to stop us.

Within the past 15-20 years our nation has been invaded. Not by a physical presence but by a much more insidious villan. A villian that will work on the physche of our children's minds while they "play" and "learn" and "prepare the way for our next generation".

I have a unique perspective on this phenomenon because I have raised children from the 80's - the present time. When my oldest children were born, VHF did not exist. If you wanted to watch television you had to plan your entire day around the show or movie you wanted to watch. I remember getting all of my school clothes and work set out on a Sunday evening so that I could sit and watch one hour of Disney.

By the time my 5th child was born in 1990, VHF was common enough that you could watch any video on demand. A real blessing. Right? Only if you knew the tricks of discipline that came with the technology. Most families are oblivious to the rules that should attend the technology of today. So overwhelmed and intimidated by it that we allow it to rule our time, our minds, our entertainment, and our senses. This may be something that is manageable for adults, but children rarely can handle the overstimulation.

How is Satan using this technology to rob us of our children?

Teenagers sit across the room from their family members "texting" one another and unwilling to speak to one another because of their fascination with their phones. Children who plug in are unable to "turn off" when it comes time for sleep.

The real danger is not just in what the content of the games, and the messages are, the real danger comes in always being "plugged in", to the point where their nervous system does not know, has not learned how, or has never been trained to know peace and calm.

Today's post will look again at verse 6 from the point of view of how industry, business, technology of today has sought to rob us of our peace, our purity of thought, our choices, and our morality codes.

Words and Phrases

Vs 1 become hardened - from a gaming point of view, those who spend their recreation hours playing war games, learn that to be hardened is the only way to survive. If they show remorse, they lose their games, their virtual lives, and their ability to control the virtual environment.

vs 1 they did reject the word of God - I have known and spoken to many youth who are lost somewhere in the realms of their virtual world where violence is the only resource to problem solving, and where Goodness does not survive or dominate a gaming codes. In games like
The Sims where you are taught about life through living a virtual world, you quickly learn that to have any "excitement" in your "game" you must introduce the robber, the immoral character, etc. and here you find that these "virtual character" rarely face "real" punishment because you can always reboot.

vs 3 they did fellowship one with another - Gaming is one of those activities that does not include the word fellowship in its discussions. It is a type of activity that robs your ability to socialize with other human beings because you never have to deal with real human beings. When you fellowship.. .you speak, you respond, you encourage, you compliment, you reach out to those in need, you anticipate the needs of those whom you call friends. This is never part of a virtual world... Why.. because "that same being" wants to degrade us to the point of intellect. If he can take the social fellow-shiping from our lives, if he can make us believe that we exist solely on an intellectual virtual level, then we don't need human beings. If we don't need human beings in our life, then who are we? Furthermore, when in a virtual game did you ever hear of people rejoicing and having great joy?

These games do not exist to bring joy or rejoicing, they exist to teach us how to "get gain", to teach us how to destroy not only our opponent, but our own sense of self in relation to the real world around us.

vs 15 was murdered - gaming is all about murder and mayhem. Even in the games that chose to depict a virtual world, the reality is that without murder and chaos the game ceases to hold the interest of its players. No interest. no sales, no profits. murder is a great business. especially when its all virtual and no one gets hurt. ...

I have an example of a young man I know who parents allowed him so spend untold number of hours on computer and video games. I taught this boy daily. He often spoke of dark thoughts, and his response to difficulties was anger and lashing out both physically and verbally. He was a product of his own thoughts, thoughts that were being "programmed" by the games he was playing. He was fascinated with knives, weapons, and murder because he spent most of his "off" time virtually with these things.

vs 17 riches of the world - What are the riches of the world that we all so eagerly seek? In today's world, its a newer, faster computer for gaming, for Internet interplay, or to help us attain the newest songs, videos or ideas. Why do we feel we cannot live without a plethora of entertainment at our feet? We are not born to be entertained, we are born to work for our living.

vs 17 they had not been stirred up to anger- they had been placated by their riches. Riches have a way of doing that... slowing leading us away from all that is important. Slowing convincing us of their worth over that of eternal values. I loved Gollum of the "Lord of the Rings" series because his character does a good job of epitomizing our own inability to control what we allow ourselves to become "our precious". What is my precious "ring"? in our life? What controls what your destiny? If all you think of during the day is how you are going to beat the next level, or when you can get your next computer fix, then you might have a problem with your "precious". What do we use to "quiet" our children? so that we won't have to sit with them, remove our selves from whatever else holds our attention? Do our riches have something to do with our we are not stirred up to anger? Are we not angry because we get everything we want and nothing that we need?

vs 17 lifted up one above another - When all we do is compete in games against another, we tend to lift ourselves above one another. WE tend to forget how to console, empathy, or sympathy for those who may not play the game so well. I believe in competition, just real competition where the battles wounds leave real scars that can be used to recall real pain. Or real games bring real memories that others share as a group and not to the extent where you "lift one above another."

vs 17 that they might get gain

this is the real motivation behind all contention and wickedness. When we begin to forget that others in this life matter, and others are more important than winning a game, or being lifted up above another, then we lose greatly. If all we ever did in this life was to seek to "get gain" then our entire life would be in vain. We would be no better than the animals that live to kill.

21, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their^bstealings- weather real or virtual, when someone creates a power structure that helps you escape punishment, then you are learning that power rules. Our son used to play these games. His goal was to win at all costs. If he couldn't win the fair way, he always knew he could win by downloading the cheat codes? Why would someone put a game on the Internet and then give you cheat codes so that you didn't have follow the rules?

Many would say this is not real, its just a game. I say that the games we play dictate the behavior we learn.

vs 22 Secret signs, words - that they might teach one another the codes of a secret life away from the real world that demands justice and truth in a real way.

vs 24 according to the laws of wickedness - they change the rules because they don't like the rules. When you come across something that is too hard, just change the rules. then you can have whatever you want.

That is the real essence of what is going on here. having whatever you want, never taking responsibility for what is right vs what you want.

vs 25 bringing down the people to destruction - I have seen many a family, teenager, college student become so engrossed in the secret world of virtual game play, that they lose their sense of identity, their jobs, their education and one Korean man lost his life.

vs 27 that same being ... Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Tower of Babel,works of destruction,

vs 30 the author of all sin - If God is not there, then who seeks to replace him? who plots, gives oaths and covenants to destroy, to get gain,

vs 30 Why? to get hold upon the hearts of the children of men.

vs 30can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men- What ways have been used to get hold of the hearts of men? media, tobacco, music, literature, society, corporations, dress,

What combats these institutions? Family.

vs 31 unto their own way- they all started out doing it their way, refusing discipline, instruction, refusing obedience, seeking the riches that draw us away from our God

vs 31 idols of their gold and silver - idols are anything that take the place of worshiping God. Today there are many technological idols.

vs 37 did hunt the band of Gadianton Robbers- how do we today hunt something that is so pervasive and difficult to see? The gadianton robbers of today do not have bodies of flesh an blood but rather are in our mind where "that same being" wants them to be. How do we hunt something so interpersonal and intimate to those who know them? How do we put a stop to the ideas, things, and games that would "get hold of our hearts"? We replace them with God's word.

vs 36.. we do as the Lamanites and have

an easiness and willingness to believe in God's words.

into their hearts Helaman 6:15-41

Helaman 6:15-41

As children of God we have a

different perspective about our journey here on earth. As children of God we recognize the importance of understanding our bodies, our hopes, our dreams, and our hearts. As a mother to six beautiful and wonderful children I am aware of how important it is to protect what enters the hearts of my children. I have always taken my job as protector seriously. Sometimes it causes others to think of me as a pain, but this is my job. I did not bring these souls to earth for vanity or to allow them happenstance. I brought them here as a God given mission to help each one of them reach their full pot

ential, to help each one of them understand their heritage, their gifts, their perspective and their bodies. This would be one reason why I blog. I want to keep my children's hearts close to God. I want them to hear my testimony. I want them to know that my life has been a testimony of many things.

How do we protect o

ur hearts? There are so many diverse ways in which a heart can be led away from our God. There are many good educational forums that teach us of our bodies, our psyches,( a link to something I was reading today on autism), and our professions. But how many teach us to remember the spirit that dwells within us? Where can we turn when our soul is in need of comfort? To whom did God give the job of teachin

g, of comforting, of loving and of nurturing. Mothers. And to where should mother's find their strength?

Who do we co-create with? God.

Each of my children express themselves with unique strengths. When my MathMom was growing up she had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and reading. To this day, I turn to her for suggestions on books that will broaden my thoughts. Two books she suggested have changed the course of my life: Outliers and The five Love Languages My LacrosseSon always enjoyed his friendships and social gatherings. His desire and ability to serve others and bring people together has been showcased in his leadership within the Utah Lacrosse community both as a coach and now as a member of the Board of Directors. He has a unique gift with understanding what motivates people. As my LanguageLady grew her love of music translated to language and she has been able to use to help so many learn both a better way of life and how to teach others a better way. Her passion for family and communication was recently very much appreciated when she created and inspired our own family blog where we share memories, experiences, and bonding. My CrossCountryChic's love for biology (particularly the ocean) has kept our family enjoying the outdoors and always exploring nature. I have fond memories of her exploring our family rose garden and tiptoeing through the tulips. Her vivacity and curiosity for life is contagious and her ability to comfort and HELP others in need is a gift from God took her to Guatemala. I always appreciate her ability to bring joy and relaxation to our home. Our GolfGirl perspective on life has taught us about life. Her trials from an early age bonded her a deeper understanding of what is important. She has a great gift for art that she has yet to develop. I have seen it in her love of color, of animals, and her desire to be close to the part of life that brings us all together as a race, self-expression. My GuitarGuy has a love for people and musical art that helps our home-life thrive. We are enjoying watching him grow gracefully into his teenage years.

As I read these verses today, I was reminded of how I have worked so tiressly to protect the hearts of my family. As we face each of the struggles that life brings our way, we must each inventory our own talents and shortcomings. As we enjoy blessings we must each remember to give our hearts thanks to the God of our Earth and soul who has seen fit to bestow them on us. When we allow our hearts to center upon other sources of direction, strength, and information, we find that we begin to lose the power of Spirit that can come from no other source than God and his creations.

Words and Phrases

vs 16 the people began to grow exceedingly wicked - I.E. they begin to forget their spiritual roots, their voice of reason, their desires to serve and listen to others. They forgot to comfort, encourage and build one another up.

vs 17 riches... stirred up to anger... hearts on the riches... I go back to my quote

When one discovers the true meaning of contentment, they let go of the need for contention.There is a fine line between contentment and contention.

vs 20 there were robbers among them - when a family, a society discovers there are robbers among them, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. Something has not been taught, something is being taught that leads the hearts away from that which is good and right. In my own family I have seen this. I have (like the Lamanites) used everymeans in my power to teach the truth so that the robbers would be no more.

vs 21 stir up the hearts - when a heart is stirred up.. who can calm it but the truth and peace of righteousness. Hearts that are stirred up lead to robbers, murders, secret societies, plundering, stealing

vs 28 hearts of the people - here we understand that in order to get into the hearts of the people you must first find passage into "their hearts" of one person, one family. When we do not follow our Savior, we learn to follow another, voice, path, piper, ? It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children as the Savior teaches us.

vs 31 he got ahold of the hearts - God does not get ahold of our hearts, he expects us to give him our hearts. He expects us to yield to his call and come to him. Only Satan will take our hearts and lead us to addictive behaviors, to wickedness that traps and snares us, to the point where we no longer respect, teach or understand the commandments of God. Rather we turn our hearts to idols that give nothing, bring nothing, and promise nothing but mayhem.

vs 32 not many years - Why does it take such a short time for families to fall into wickedness? Why are we blinded so easily to what we hold dear to our hearts? Why do we fail to listen to God? There are so many ways families can be lead astray. Children bring home the new "fad" from school, parents watch the new "show", etc...

vs 35 And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw - When the spirit withdraws from our lives, we are left to our own strength, intelligence and devices. When the spirit withdraws we discover we are no better than the common man who lives each day in vanity. (see Ecclesiastes) We are not sent here to earth for vanity. There is a higher purpose. All mothers know this because at that time of birth, when they look into the eyes of their newly delivered spirit, an eternal spark ignites within us, and we know we are here for divine reasons.

vs 37. hunt the band of robbers - in my own life the band of robbers that came to steal my children's hearts came not in a physical band of people, but rather in the form of a video addiction. It led to the changed behaviors of family members. It led to the downward spiral of our family's self esteem. It has been one year since I have banned the use of video games and their insidious influence in our home. The year has seen a great rejoicing as we have hopefully "utterly destroyed" the Gadianton Robbers from within the walls of our home.

What do you allow into your hearts? Will I always have place for God in my heart?