The Value of Local Government

Ezra Taft Benson

It is a firm principle that the smallest or lowest level that can possibly undertake the task is the one that should do so. First, the community or city.  If the city cannot handle it, then the county. Next, the state; and only if no smaller unit can possible do the job should the federal government be considered. This is merely the application to the field of politics of that wise and time-tested principle of never asking a larger group to do that which can be done by a smaller group. And so far as government is concerned the smaller the unit and the closer it is to the people, the easier it is to guide it, to keep it solvent and to keep our freedom.

 Thomas Jefferson understood this principle very well and explained it this way: "The way to have good and safe government is not to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the many, distributing to everyone exactly the functions he is competent to. Let the national government be entrusted with the defense of the nation, and its foreign and federal relations; the State governments with the civil rights, law, police, and administration of what concerns the State generally; the counties with the local concerns of the counties, and each ward direct the interests within itself. It is by dividing and subdividing these republics from the great national one down through all its subordinations, until it ends in the administration of every man's farm by himself; by placing under everyone what his own eye may superintend, that all will be done for the best. What has destroyed liberty and the rights of man in every government which has ever existed under the sun? The generalizing and concentrating all cares and powers into one body." (Works 6:543; P.P.N.S., p. 125)

It is well to remember that the states of this republic created the Federal Government. The Federal Government did not create the states.

The Constitution of the United States

Ezra Taft Benson

Another standard I use in deterring what law is good and what is bad is the Constitution of the United States. I regard this inspired document as a solemn agreement between the citizens of this nation which every officer of government is under a sacred duty to obey. As Washington stated so clearly in his immortal Farewell Address: "The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. - But the constitution which at any time exists, until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government." (P.P.N.S., p. 542)

I am especially mindful that the Constitution provides that the great bulk of the legitimate activities of government are to be carried out at the state or local level. This is the only way in which the principle of "self-government" can be made effective. As James Madison said before the adoption of the Constitution, “(We) rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government." (Federalist, No.39; P.P.N.S., p. 128)

Thomas Jefferson made this interesting observation: "Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question." (Works 8:3; P.P.N.S., p. 128)

The Powers of a Proper Government

Ezra Taft Benson

It also includes those powers necessarily incidental to the protective functions such as:

(1) The maintenance of courts where those charged with crimes may be tried and where disputes between citizens may be impartially settled.

(2) The establishment of a monetary system and a standard of weights and measures so that courts may render money judgments, taxing authorities may levy taxes, and citizens may have a uniform standard to use in their business dealings.

My attitude toward government is succinctly expressed by the following provision taken from the Alabama Constitution: "That the sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usurpation and oppression." (Art. 1, Sec. 35)

An important test I use in passing judgment upon an act of government is this: If it were up to me as an individual to punish my neighbor for violating a given law, would it offend my conscience to do so? Since my conscience will never permit me to physically punish my fellow man unless he has done something evil, or unless he has failed to do something which I have a moral right to require of him to do, I will never knowingly authorize my agent, the government to do this on my behalf. I realize that when I give my consent to the adoption of a law, I specifically instruct the police - the government - to either take the life, liberty, or property of anyone who disobey that law. Furthermore, I tell them that if anyone resists the enforcement of the law, they are to use any means necessary - yes, even putting the lawbreaker to death or putting him in jail - to overcome such resistance. These are extreme measures but unless laws are enforced, anarchy results. As John Locke explained many years ago: "The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings, capable of laws, where there is no law there is no freedom. For liberty is to be free from restraint and violence from others, which cannot be where there is no law; and is not, as we are told, 'a liberty for every man to do what he lists.' For who could be free, when every other man's humour might domineer over him? But a liberty to dispose and order freely as he lists his person, actions, possessions, and his whole property within the allowance of those laws under which he is, and therein not to be subject to the arbitrary will of another, but freely follow his own." (Two Treatises of Civil Government, II, 57: P.P.N.S., p.101)

I believe we Americans should use extreme care before lending our support to any proposed government program. We should fully recognize that government is no plaything. As George Washington warned, "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence - it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master!" (The Red Carpet, p.142) It is an instrument of force and unless our conscience is clear that we would not hesitate to put a man to death, put him in jail or forcibly deprive him of his property for failing to obey a given law, we should oppose it.

The Proper Function of Government

Ezra Taft Benson

This means, then, that the proper function of government is limited only to those spheres of activity within which the individual citizen has the right to act. By deriving its just powers from the governed, government becomes primarily a mechanism for defense against bodily harm, theft and involuntary servitude. It cannot claim the power to redistribute the wealth or force reluctant citizens to perform acts of charity against their will. Government is created by man. No man possesses such power to delegate. The creature cannot exceed the creator.

In general terms, therefore, the proper role of government includes such defensive activities, as maintaining national military and local police forces for protection against loss of life, loss of property, and loss of liberty at the hands of either foreign despots or domestic criminals.

Natural Rights

In a primitive state, there is no doubt that each man would be justified in using force, if necessary, to defend himself against physical harm, against theft of the fruits of his labor, and against enslavement of another. This principle was clearly explained by Bastiat: "Each of us has a natural right - from God - to defend his person, his liberty, and his property. These are the three basic requirements of life, and the preservation of any one of them is completely dependent upon the preservation of the other two. For what are our faculties but the extension of our individuality? And what is property but an extension of our faculties?" (The Law, p.6)

Indeed, the early pioneers found that a great deal of their time and energy was being spent doing all three - defending themselves, their property and their liberty - in what properly was called the "Lawless West." In order for man to prosper, he cannot afford to spend his time constantly guarding his family, his fields, and his property against attack and theft, so he joins together with his neighbors and hires a sheriff. At this precise moment, government is born. The individual citizens delegate to the sheriff their unquestionable right to protect themselves. The sheriff now does for them only what they had a right to do for themselves - nothing more. Quoting again from Bastiat: "If every person has the right to defend - even by force - his person, his liberty, and his property, then it follows that a group of men have the right to organize and support a common force to protect these rights constantly. Thus the principle of collective right --its reason for existing, its lawfulness -- is based on individual right." (The Law, p. 6)

So far so good; but now we come to the moment of truth. Suppose pioneer "A" wants another horse for his wagon, He doesn't have the money to buy one, but since pioneer "B" has an extra horse, he decides that he is entitled to share in his neighbor's good fortune, Is he entitled to take his neighbor's horse? Obviously not! If his neighbor wishes to give it or lend it, that is another question. But so long as pioneer "B" wishes to keep his property, pioneer "A" has no just claim to it. If "A" has no proper power to take "B's" property, can he delegate any such power to the sheriff? No. Even if everyone in the community desires that "B" give his extra horse to "A", they have no right individually or collectively to force him to do it. 

They cannot delegate a power they themselves do not have. This important principle was clearly understood and explained by John Locke nearly 300 years ago:"For nobody can transfer to another more power than he has in himself, and nobody has an absolute arbitrary power over himself, or over any other, to destroy his own life, or take away the life or property of another."

The Source of Governmental Power

Leaving aside, for a moment, the question of the divine origin of rights, it is obvious that a government is nothing more or less than a relatively small group of citizens who have been hired, in a sense, by the rest of us to perform certain functions and discharge certain responsibilities which have been authorized. It stands to reason that the government itself has no innate power or privilege to do anything. Its only source of authority and power is from the people who have created it. This is made clear in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, which reads: "WE THE PEOPLE... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

The important thing to keep in mind is that the people who have created their government can give to that government only such powers as they, themselves, have in the first place. Obviously, they cannot give that which they do not possess. So, the question boils down to this. What powers properly belong to each and every person in the absence of and prior to the establishment of any organized governmental form? A hypothetical question? Yes, indeed! But, it is a question which is vital to an understanding of the principles which underlie the proper function of government.

Of course, as James Madison, sometimes called the Father of the Constitution, said, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." (The Federalist, No. 51)

Oklahoma

I have a real passion for God and country and have a deep desire to see things change in America.  Everyday I rant on about how this country is led by self-serving politicians from both parties...but today is not that day.  Appropriately, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the suffering families in Moore, Oklahoma.  I ask God to find his way into their lives to comfort them and to bless them in their time of need.

Some may be wondering, "Why would God do this?  Doesn't he have the power to stop things like this from happening?"  The simple answer is, yes...he does.  The answer as to why he allows things like this to happen is not as easy to explain.  We know the last days will be marked by many calamities and the rise of evil throughout the world.  Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, wild fires and, yes, devastating tornadoes will strike quickly and randomly.  In their wake, the injured and dead will include old and young, rich and poor, male and female; the righteous and unrighteous.  These events may or may not be the wrath of God upon a wicked and adulterous generation, but God knew, that in the last days, his children would turn their hearts away and seek the the ways of the world.  Are these events a not-so-subtle reminder that God exists and don't you forget it?  I don't know, but I do know that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  I also know that we can find solace and peace in His word and in obedience to His commandments we shall even find comfort amid disaster.  Losing loved ones, especially children, is the worst mankind will endure, but through the gospel of Jesus Christ and through his atoning sacrifice, the sting of death may be lessened.  Know this; all things that seem bitter and heart-wrenching will be for our experience and for our eventual good.  It's all in our attitude.

I'm aware that my words will not act as a Balm of Gilead for those who currently suffer, but perhaps planting seeds now could eventually sprout and flourish into blossoms of joy and comfort; until then, I'll continue to pray for you who suffer from great loss. God bless you.      

The Real Meaning of the Separation of Church and State

Ezra Taft Benson

I support the doctrine of separation of church and state as traditionally interpreted to prohibit the establishment of an official national religion. But I am opposed to the doctrine of separation of church and state as currently interpreted to divorce government from any formal recognition of God. The current trend strikes a potentially fatal blow at the concept of the divine origin of our rights, and unlocks the door for an easy entry of future tyranny. If Americans should ever come to believe that their rights and freedoms are instituted among men by politicians and bureaucrats, then they will no longer carry the proud inheritance of their forefathers, but will grovel before their masters seeking favors and dispensations - a throwback to the Feudal System of the Dark Ages. We must ever keep in mind the inspired words of Thomas Jefferson, as found in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

The Most Important Function of Government

It is generally agreed that the most important single function of government is to secure the rights and freedoms of individual citizens. But, what are those rights? And what is their source? Until these questions are answered there is little likelihood that we can correctly determine how government can best secure them. Thomas Paine, back in the days of the American Revolution, explained that:

"Rights are not gifts from one man to another, nor from one class of men to another... It is impossible to discover any origin of rights otherwise than in the origin of man; it consequently follows that rights appertain to man in right of his existence, and must therefore be equal to every man." 

The great Thomas Jefferson asked: "Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath?" 

Starting at the foundation of the pyramid, let us first consider the origin of those freedoms we have come to know are human rights. There are only two possible sources. Rights are either God-given as part of the Divine Plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. Reason, necessity, tradition and religious convictions all lead me to accept the divine origin of these rights. If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government. I, for one, shall never accept that premise. As the French political economist, Frederick Bastiat, phrased it so succinctly, "Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place." 

The Correct Role of Government

Ezra Taft Benson

I should like to outline in clear, concise, and straight-forward terms the political principles to which I subscribe. These are the guidelines which determine, now and in the future, my attitudes and actions toward all domestic proposals and projects of government. These are the principles which, in my opinion, proclaim the proper role of government in the domestic affairs of the nation.

"[I] believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society."

"[I] believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life..."

"[I] believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold the respective governments in which they reside, which protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their own judgments are best calculated to secure the public interest; at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of conscience." 

The Proper Role of Government: Part 1

The Proper Role of Government was written by the Honorable Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson in 1968.  Secretary Benson serve in the Eisenhower Administration and in his personal life, was a great religious leader.  

The Proper Role of Government

Men in the public spotlight constantly are asked to express an opinion on a myriad of government proposals and projects. "What do you think of TVA[1]?" "What is your opinion of Medicare?" How do you feel about Urban Renewal?" The list is endless. All too often, answers to these questions seem to be based, not upon any solid principle, but upon the popularity of the specific government program in question. Seldom are men willing to oppose a popular program if they, themselves, wish to be popular - especially if they seek public office.

Government Should Be Based Upon Sound Principles

Such an approach to vital political questions of the day can only lead to public confusion and legislative chaos. Decisions of this nature should be based upon and measured against certain basic principles regarding the proper role of government. If principles are correct, then they can be applied to any specific proposal with confidence.

"Are there not, in reality, underlying, universal principles with reference to which all issues must be resolved whether the society be simple or complex in its mechanical organization? It seems to me we could relieve ourselves of most of the bewilderment which so unsettles and distracts us by subjecting each situation to the simple test of right and wrong. Right and wrong as moral principles do not change. They are applicable and reliable determinants whether the situations with which we deal are simple or complicated. There is always a right and wrong to every question which requires our solution." 

Unlike the political opportunist, the true statesman values principle above popularity, and works to create popularity for those political principles which are wise and just.

The USSDI has changed the "Comment" setting to allow anyone who wishes to comment may do so freely.  We simply ask that you use no profanity so that we engage in a civil and respectful dialog. 

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[1] (The Tennessee Valley Authority is a federally owned corporation in the United States created by congressional charter in May 1933 to provide navigation, flood control, electricity, fertilizer manufacturing, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley, a region particularly affected by the Great Depression)

Love Thy Mother and Thy Father, that Thy days may be Long.

This is the final installment of "A House of Order."  Beginning Monday, May 13th, the new theme will be, "The Proper Role of Government," I would invite all to follow this discourse and share with your friends, families and neighbors.  

With Mother's Day tomorrow and Father's Day just a month away, I though I'd address the separate, distinct and sacred roles of parentage by sharing the following thought.

Each and every one of us are spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents.  Our spirits are eagerly awaiting the call to occupy a physical and mortal body and to be born of earthly parents.  However, upon birth, our remembrance of our pre-mortal existence is wiped clear that we might walk in faith, with hope and with a charitable spirit.  Knowing this to be truth, I have written this declaration:

"I am a child of God with earthly parents: my mommy is my teacher; she teaches me to walk in the light of God's love, and she teaches me to love all of God's creation.  My daddy is my example; he shows me how to walk i the light of God's love, and he shows me how to love all of God's creation by the way he loves my mommy.  Please don't desecrate this perfect formula, for I hope to become the best me I could be." 

Restoring America

The United States Security Defense Initiative is an all-encompassing organization designed to empower the individual and strengthen the family through knowledge passed from one person to the next, but for this to happen, we need your help.  We are looking for an army of people who want, or need, to make a few extra dollars by selling our survival gear, food storage, personal security and self-defense products; while at the same time spreading a message of responsibility, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, a love of God, fellow man and country.  The USSDI is committed and dedicated to defending our Rights and Liberties afforded us in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and to declare that these, the United States of America are and shall always remain, “One Nation under God.”  If you feel the same as we do, and want to do all you can to restore America and the Constitution, go to www.ussdi.org now and become a member.  You will shortly receive your member number and will receive regular emails outlining our missions.  If you wish to become a Client Services Representative, click on the Business Opportunity tab and apply today.

Thank you for your support and may God bless America.

The Wisdom of Job

We are all well aware of the trials and  tribulations Job experienced in his lifetime; yet through it all, he focused on the mission of the Savior that was yet to come.  Job knew what Jesus Christ would have to endure to redeem the world, atone for our sins and overcome the grave that we all might have eternal life.  Job had an eternal perspective on life and understood that his adversity would not come close to that of the Lord's and may have asked himself, "The Son of Man shall descend below all things and shall have his enemies prowl around him as ravenous wolves who seek the blood of the Lamb; Am I greater than he?"

Job portrayed an exemplary attitude that we should all strive to possess.  When we refer to someone who has the patience of Job, perhaps that is our meaning.  In the 19th Chapter of Job, verses 25 and 26, Job testifies of his Lord, "For I knoweth that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God."

May we all have the faith, perseverance and patience of Job to see the "big picture," and not trifle with minor adversities.

The Tormented Soul

When you ask a young man or woman who are in the process of making a career choice, most, if not all, will say they want to make a difference in people’s lives.  They have aspirations of living their version of the “American Dream,” and the prospects of their future are filled with prosperity and good fortune.  Yet, all too often, joyful dreams are dashes by the harsh realities of life, hope is lost and depression is sure to follow.  These are the times when the hopeless make life altering choices that effect, not just themselves, but of those loved ones who surround them.  Addictions find their way in to the unprotected soul which began as a simple diversion from the intolerable mundane labors of merely existing. 

Now, you’re probably wondering where I’m going with this.  You might be asking, “What words of wisdom will spew from his finely-tuned fingertips today?”  Well, sorry to disappoint you, I've got nothing of the kind to share...except this.  Life sucks; there, I’ve said it; now get over it.  When you were born into this life, it was with just one promise; you’re going to leave this life someday.  But I will give you this...you don’t ever have to live it alone.  When you hit that pivotal point when life smacks you between the eyeballs, you can either choose to destroy yourself or you can turn to God.  I have close friends and relatives who have walked the path of destruction and others who have walked the paths of righteousness...I’ll let you take a wild guess as to which are happier today.

Saving America

I believe in God, I believe His commandments are for the betterment of mankind and by following them; mankind grows closer to God and becomes more like Him.  Many say that living the commandments of God restricts their freedoms, those that say that are ignorant and have never truly felt the Holy Spirit in their lives.  I testify to you, in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ, that following the word of God not only releases us from the constraints of the flesh, but delivers peace, true happiness and real joy. 

This blog is my personal ministry to the world.  I feel that not many, if any at all read my blog, but I feel I am on fire sometimes as I attempt to put on paper what is going through my mind,  Oft times I feel the Spirit directing my words as if He himself had his hands on the keyboard.  I feel blessed when I can be an instrument in His hands. 

I also testify to you that God lives, and Jesus is the Christ.  I stand as a witness of their divinity and of their existence.  I know they exercised the powers of divine intervention in the organization of this nation, the United States of America.  I know we, as Americans have a Manifest Destiny to be the example to the world of a government that could be of the people, by the people and for the people. 

Dear brothers and sisters, I fear with every fiber of my being that less and less are engaging in righteous endeavors and are seeking gratifications of the flesh.  Daily, we hear of new laws being proposed that would drive the populace further from God and his word.  If we don’t stop it NOW, the snowflake will become an avalanche that will become too formidable to defeat.  Those representing us in government have lost sight in the powers of God and are reveling in the powers they suppose they have.  Stand as a warrior for freedom in the army of God against those who would repress and oppress the word and commandments of God.  www.ussdi.org

God bless you and this nation.               

Choose You This Day; Bondage or Freedom

With so many out of work, more and more former bread-winners are looking to government assistance for their livelihood.  On the surface, government assistance seems well-meaning and compassionate, but lurking under the glistening layer of supposed benevolence, lies a sinister evil whose names are dependency and bondage.  The Lord has made it quite clear throughout the scriptures that only a free people can enjoy the blessings of the Lord.

When we follow the Israelites from Egypt, we can liken their experience to contemporary day.  If we were to dissolve the shackles of government repression, we would have those who would ask, “From where shall we find meat?”  And the Lord sent down bread[1] and quail[2] to fill their stomachs.  When the Israelites pitched their tents in the wilderness at Rephidim, there was no water for the people to drink, and they chided Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.”  But after much murmuring, the Lord provided as Moses smote the rock in Horeb, and water gushed out[3].

When we attempt, as Americans, to restore our freedom by removing the shackles of government dependency, we must turn our faith back to Lord, as did the Hebrews of old.  We must trust in the holy arm of the Lord and trust not in the arm of flesh which will drag you down to the depths of hell.

For the arm of the Lord shall redeem this people and bring us unto salvation.  

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[1] Exodus 16:4

[2] Exodus 16:13

[3] Exodus 17:2-6

See Others as God Sees Them

Our family had a great day at church yesterday; the theme of the day was, “See Others as They May Become.”  As we travel through this mortal experience, we become shackled by peer pressure, public opinion, political correctness and worst of all, self inflicted prejudices.   Throughout each day, we sub-conscientiously profile, label and categorize others for various reasons.  For instance, law enforcement personnel instinctively measure each situation and size-up each subject for reasons of safety and self-preservation.  Law officials don’t have the luxury, the time, or the inclination to see suspected perpetrators through any eyes other than those of which they have been professionally trained.  Whatever your profession, you undoubtedly execute some level of profiling in order to expedite success. 

But what if, in our social circles, we were able to shut down our professional tendencies and see others, not as we see them, but how God sees them?  Coming from my generation, I admittedly struggle with those who appear unkempt, tattooed, and pierced as though they had flopped face-first in an open tackle box and emerged with various applications of ornate fishing lures.  Oh, how I long to dismiss my stereotypical rhetoric and simply see them and love them as a child of God.  My labors in this regard consume me minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour and day-by-day with a promise to God that I’m better at it tomorrow than I am today.  When we can truly see others as God sees them and we can imagine in them unlimited potential, then perhaps none of us will find comfort in the grasp of mediocrity.  As we lift each other, we not only glorify God, but we embrace true happiness and everlasting joy in serving our fellow man which is service to God.

Additional Income

Too often, families rely on the principle incomes of both heads-of-households, or in households with single parents, they may rely on child support to augment their meager income.  Either way, it never seems enough, does it?  Many entertain the thought of a second or even a third part-time endeavor just to make ends meet.  However, there is a better way; many turn their hobbies into money making enterprises, others find network marketing programs for additional streams of income, while others still, search for internet opportunities.  All of these have their pros and cons, but beware of those who prey on the desperate.  Before signing a contract (and do nothing without a contract), investigate their validity.  On May 1^st, 2013, the USSDI in conjunction with the National Family Home Management Network will be offering opportunities for independent business ownership.  This opportunity may not be your "cup-of-tea," but for those who are committed to helping family, friends and neighbors survive in today’s society and economy, this will be right up your alley.  More information will be forthcoming in www.ussdi.org.  

The Path to Prosperity

Family finances are one of the main causes of conflict between husband and wife, even the reason for a great number of divorces.  There are many excuses left in the wake of failed financial formulation, but the truth is easily identifiable; lack of knowledge which leads to lack of a financial plan.  There are literally thousands of programs that teach fiscal responsibility; most at great expense.  There are FREE programs available, but they are accompanied by endless pages of complicated information that only the already informed understand. 

The National Family Home Management Network (NFHMN) has formulated an easy to understand, simple to follow and effective Path to Prosperity Program.  This program is FREE and even comes with a trained Client Services Representative to assist you through the process if desired.  This program is sponsored by the USSDI and will be available to our clients on May 1^st, 2013.  Check then at www.ussdi.org. 

Emphasizing Preparation

Jesus relates in the book of Matthew, the story of ten young women who went to a wedding.  As they waited for the bridegroom to let them in, they were uncertain as to the time he would arrive.  Each of them had oil-burning lamps.  Five of the women had extra oil; they were prepared. The other five young women were considered foolish because they brought just the oil that was in their lamps.  Consequently, it was quite a while before the bridegroom arrived and the unprepared women ran out of oil, while the wise women had more oil to trim their lamps.  As the foolish women went to purchase more oil for their lamps, the bridegroom arrived to let them in.  When the foolish, unprepared women returned, the door was closed and was not let in.  Their preparation was too late. 

What may seem like foolish preparation today, will seem prudent tomorrow?  You have agency as to which level of preparation you wish to engage; will you choose to be wise or choose to be foolish?     

Prepare Every Needful Thing

Most people associate prepping with ‘doomsday’.  Although prepping for cataclysmic events is wise, it is more likely that a family’s prepping supplies will be used for domestic mishaps.  There is a story of a certain man who was the family’s sole bread winner.  When he was suddenly laid-off he was devastated with little or no prospect of adequate employment in his area.  Believing in self-reliance accompanied by a severe distaste for government assistance, his family turned to their six-month food storage for meals.  And, having saved money to pay six-months worth of bills, which included their mortgage, they were able to stay current on their mortgage, as well as all other household bills.  The family was debt free, other than their mortgage; this turned out to be a huge benefit.  The man was out of work for 11 weeks before the company that laid him off hired him back.  Lay-offs happen every day at an alarming rate due to the bad economy.  And the ill prepared head in throngs to unemployment lines around the nation finding that benefits are being reduced due to lack of funds.  Simple math will tell you, when formerly employed people stand in line looking for handouts, the money supplied by the employed will eventually run out; then where will they be?

Prepping is not just for ‘doomsday’, but for every day.  The USSDI has every prepping item necessary to combat government reliance.  Soon, we will have security and self-defense items available on our website; www.shop.ussdi.org

Organize Yourselves

Many households across America live amid constant turmoil and stress; we all know them, they are members of our own families, they’re our neighbors and our friends.  While others seem to live in peace and harmony, these families, no matter how hard they try, havoc monster lurks around every corner. 

What I have come to realize, it’s not an eternal case of bad luck on their part, it’s a lack of organization.  It’s an indisputable fact that disorganization and harmony cannot coexist.  Here are a few helpful hints:

• Appoint a family “Organizer.” It can be the mom or dad, or a child old enough to be responsible with    the task.  Don’t be afraid to appoint someone with no organizational skills; it will help them to grow.
• Run your household like a business with a president and vice president and other cabinet members depending on the size of your family.
• Every evening, the Organizer will collect and record every calendaring event on a centrally located calendar for all to see.  
• The president will then assign every responsibility necessary to complete the day’s occasions.
• Many household chores can be completed daily instead of weekly making the task short and simple rather than long and arduous; children cleaning their rooms are a good example.  Fifteen minutes before bedtime has worked for us.
• Have one evening a week to hold a family council.  Any grievances can be voiced and remedies discussed.  In this council you can also set family goals and plan family vacations.  Don’t be afraid to enlist input from even the youngest of family members.
• During one of your first family councils, involve all family members in establishing a family mission statement.  Print it out and frame it as a constant reminder.
• Institute a family set of laws for all to follow and have the children establish the consequences for breaking the law.   
• Most importantly, a family is a democracy not a dictatorship.

All Things in Order

The Apostle Paul in his correspondence with Timothy taught, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith...[1]”  Part of God’s law is to provide for our own, and when we have surplus, we provide for the poor and needy.  For the poor and needy that are physically able to labor, this is to be a temporary condition until their self-reliance is once again established.  For the handicapped, sick and affirmed, the responsibility for care rests in the hands of their family first, before extending to others.

God’s house is a house of order, and so should be our houses.  Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of service, a house of sacrifice, a house of love, a house with an eye single to the glory of God, a house of order, a house of God.  A house which embraces these characteristics shall find happiness and joy throughout their days of mortality.  Is there a promise that adversity would never knock upon their door of such a house?  No, trials and tribulation comes to all, but in the homes where God is allowed to reside, and preparation is present, burdens may be lightened and mourning may be narrowed.

May God bless the homes that are currently facing sore trials; may you find respite in the Atonement of Christ, and may joy and peace once again fill the spaces of your heart and in your home.

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[1] 1 Timothy 5:8

The Creed of the USSDI

As the National Director of the United States Security Defense Initiative, it is my privilege to declare the USSDI Creed-

We believe in being self-reliant, and that it is not the role of government to provide me with quality of life or prosperity, but to maintain the freedoms which allow me to prosper by the sweat of my brow

We believe in being debt-free, thrifty, industrious, and prepared for any calamity, hardship or misfortune that may come our way.

We Believe that the United States of America is a blessed nation and that its freedom documents, namely: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are divinely inspired by the very God who endowed us with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We believe that these human rights and freedoms are sacred and shall be preserved, protected and defended by all Americans through truthful and virtuous means.

We believe that prosperity is earned by honest, hard-working, industrious Americans who, by their own virtue and charitable spirit, provide for those who are temporarily in need and down-trodden.  Indeed, we may say that we believe in the admonition of the Chinese proverb which states – Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.

We believe in God’s Law and Nature’s Law which is sacred and unchangeable rather than Man’s Law which is inconsistent and contrary to God and Nature. 

We believe in the traditional moral values upon which this country was founded and that they are as contemporary today and are the cornerstone to this country’s success and prosperity.

We believe that this, the United States of America, has been consecrated, by God, to be a free land, including religious freedom and that upon these righteous principles, God can and will build up His kingdom on earth.

We believe in a day when there are no longer racial distinctions or differences among Americans, a day when all ancestral hyphenations are eliminated and we are all united as one people and referred to simply as Americans.    

We believe that we, the American people, have been charged with the stewardship of protecting and defending this land from all enemies foreign and domestic, and that our borders must maintain their integrity from unlawful entry, while encouraging legislators to create a simplified, expeditious and affordable process to legal entry; understanding that lawful immigration to those who seek the American Dream is the backbone to America’s free enterprise system, and the entrepreneurial spirit which make this nation exceptional. 

We believe in serving our fellow man; that sacrifice for others, with a willing and gladsome heart, is the balm to heal the wounds of this nation.

We believe that all Americans have the right and privilege to worship God without persecution, ridicule or prejudice.  We also believe that all Americans shall enjoy the same privilege, to worship however or wherever they may, but accepting and acknowledging the Judeo-Christian principles in which the United States of America was founded and that this country is and shall remain forever, “One Nation under God.”

A Virtuous People

If we learn nothing more from Old Testament history than the clear message that God’s law of freedom will only work in conditions where a committed, disciplined and virtuous people with faith in God reside.  Does today’s America fit this description?  If not, we have our work cut out for us.  I believe God has established America to be the nation to lead the world in establishing certain freedoms whereby man is able to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience.  If this is true, then are we doing everything possible to preserve, protect and defend these Rights and Liberties?  The Book of Revelations denotes there will be a great cleansing of which only the righteous will survive.  Where will you stand in that day? No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other, Ye cannot serve God and mammon[1].   As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  To join in the battle for freedom and righteousness, join us at www.ussdi.org and commit to the cause.    

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[1] Matthew 6:24

Service and Sacrifice

If you’re as old as I am, you might remember the typing practice phrase of, “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.”  President John F. Kennedy is famous for saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”  Both of these sentiments provoke a sense of service and sacrifice.  But the best of all comments relative to service comes from our Lord and Savior,” Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry and you gave me meat: I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was a stranger and you took me in: naked and you clothed me: I was sick and you visited me: I was in prison and you came to me.”  Then the righteous asked the Lord, “When did we see you hungry and fed you, or thirsty and gave you drink, a stranger and took you in, naked and clothed you, or when did we see you sick, or in prison and came to you?  The Lord answered them saying, “Verily, I say to you, inasmuch as you have done unto the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me[1].”

As Christians, we are to lose ourselves in the service of others.  Perhaps the reason congregation numbers are dwindling across the nation is that we are not doing our part in providing service to our neighbors, loving them, and then inviting them to attend Sabbath services with us.  Each of us should take inventory of our level of commitment in service to our Lord by serving our fellow man.     

Jesus Christ spent his entire life in the service of others, he did this for a least two reasons.  One, He is our example of how we are to treat others; and two, serving others adds to our own joy and happiness.  A true disciple of Jesus Christ will always be ready to bear the burdens of others.  Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office of a disciple of Christ: build up those that are weak, lift up the hands of which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees of all those you come in contact.  And if you should do this all the days of your life, you shall be crowned in immortality and eternal life in our Father’s mansion.

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[1] Matthew 25:34-40

Boston...

First, I wish to send my condolences and prayers to those that have lost loved ones and to those who severely maimed or otherwise injured.  These atrocities to mankind cannot continue unfettered or without recourse.  They must be extinguished as we would a kitchen fire.  I watched in horror as the events unfolded.  The graphic account of detached body parts whizzing by spectators sickened me, but alerted my sense of compassion toward those affected; a sense of wanting to be there....to help...any way I could. However, as the day progressed, I felt the compassion and helplessness turn to anger, perhaps even hate toward those responsible for such an evil that I am unable to comprehend.  As a Christian, is harboring such disdain for another human being or beings a violation of Christian creed?  Our Savior admonished, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust[1].  This, to me, is a dilemma of outrageous proportion.  How does one extend the olive branch of peace to a foe that possesses such a magnitude of pure evil, knowing they will refuse such an offering? 

As I supplicated the Lord this morning for understanding as to what measure do I dispatch mine enemy, I felt a warm calm envelope me that I attribute to the accomplishment of the Holy Spirit: The peaceful realization that one has when they are reminded that God has never left us nor will he ever; it is us who leaves his presence from time-to-time, not the other way around.  God is immovable, unchangeable and steadfast.  He is love, he is peace and he is in control.  For us, it is expedient that we enjoy peace within our souls, and leave the cursing, the justice and the judgment of our enemies to God our Father. It is not our burden to judge those who perpetuate evil: It is our's to bear each other’s burdens, to be willing to mourn with those that mourn, to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that we may be in, even until death, that we may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with the righteous who will stand at the last day and usher in the coming of our Lord.

May God bless those families that suffer in anguish at the hands of evil design, and may God execute his will and his judgment upon those who perpetrate it.    

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[1] Matthew 5:44-45