October 2019 General Conference Sunday Session

Again, taking a break.  More Halloween fun to come.  Happy Sabbath!

Sunday Reflections: The True Meaning of Halloween

As a member of the LDS faith, have have been watching the 186th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is broadcast live on October 1st-2nd.  The spiritual and inspirational direct my mind to the deeper things in life, such as the true meaning of the Halloween season.

The Onion really has a good point here, but I think Halloween goes deeper than outward pagan rituals (brief history of Halloween).  To me, the true meaning of Halloween isn't about candy, horror movies,  decorations, parties, or costumes (though that is a fun part of it now), rather Halloween to me is about facing the one thing most everyone fears...DEATH.  Many people are fascinated with death, because there is so much mystery surrounding the topic.  

We will all die.  Where do we go when we die? Did we exist in some form before birth? Do we cease to exist after death?  Everyone has their own beliefs regarding death, it is inescapable.  I believe that since so many fear death, Halloween has become a holiday about facing fears, like ghouls, goblins, witches, space aliens, homicidal maniacs, you name it, it's all about fear, fear of death.  Jesus Christ overcame death and lived again, resurrected and restored with an immortal body.  When I think of Halloween, I think of death, dead leaves fall to the ground, we harvest our crops before the cold death of winter approaches.  Death is a part of life, and the Savior takes away the sting of death.  So, when you celebrate Halloween this year, don't fear death.  The Son of Man hath overcome, all shall be resurrected and live again.  Have fun with friends and family, eat some candy, watch spooky movies. Make this mortal existence better for someone else, extend a hand of kindness to another.  Carve Jack o' Lanterns with your children.  This is the true meaning of Halloween.  

What do you think is the true meaning of Halloween?  Am I way off, spot on, or somewhere in between?  Tell me in the comments below!  Happy Halloween everyone!

Sunday Reflections: Nature Calls

With all the little man-made plastic things I hoard sometimes I forget to enjoy all this nature that surrounds me. So today Ava and me went on a little nature walk and came back with a nice haul.

Jackpot!

Later we'll debug the pine cones for Thanksgiving and Christmas crafting purposes. Glueing googely eyes to anything is an instant craft creation!

Sunday Reflections: President Monson Shares a Short Halloween Story

President Monson Shares a Short Halloween Story

byLDS Living | Oct. 13, 2015

How do prophets and apostles celebrate Halloween? While all of the brethren celebrate October 31st in their own unique way, this story, shared by President Thomas S. Monson in general conference in 2006, details President Monson's favorite Halloween memory. And, as is typical of our beloved prophet, the only spirits or ghosts that accompanied him on this holiday night were the spirit of service and the Holy Ghost.

Many years ago, on a Halloween night, it was my privilege to be of assistance to one who had temporarily lost his way and needed a helping hand to return. I was driving home from the office rather late. I had been stalling on Halloween, letting my wife handle the trick-or-treat visitors. As I passed St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, I remembered that a dear friend, Max, lay ill in that very hospital. As he and I had become acquainted years before, we discovered that we had grown up in the same ward, although at different times. By the time I was born, Max and his parents had moved from the ward.

That Halloween night, I drove into the parking lot and entered the hospital. As I stopped at the desk to inquire as to his room number, I was informed that when Max had registered at the hospital, he had listed as his religious preference not LDS but rather another church.

I entered Max’s room and greeted him. I told him how proud I was to be his friend and how much I cared about him. I talked about his career in banking and as an orchestra leader on the side. I discovered that he had been offended by a comment or two from others and so had decided to attend another church. I said to him, “Max, you hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. I would like to give you a blessing tonight.” He agreed, and the blessing was provided. He then informed me that his wife, Bernice, was also very ill and was, in fact, in an adjoining room. At my invitation, Max joined me in giving a blessing to her. He asked me to help him. I coached him. He anointed his wife. There were tears and embraces all around as I sealed the anointing with Max, his hands on his wife’s head with mine, making that Halloween evening one ever to be remembered.

As I left the hospital that night, I stopped at the desk and told the receptionist that with the permission of Max and his wife the record should be changed to reflect their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I waited and I watched until it was changed.

My friends Max and Bernice are now both on the other side of the veil, but they spent the last period of their lives active and happy and receiving the blessings which come with testimonies of the gospel and attendance at church.

Santa Muerte

I remember hearing about Santa Muerte last year.  She's a controversial saint that is very popular in Mexico.  I spotted one in a Mexican market near where I work.  It was a bit pricey at $12.99, so I passed on picking one up. Maybe one day when I'm rolling in pesos I'll pick one up to use for Halloween, De Los Muertos, and All Saints Day.

So what's the big controversy?  Watch this news report to find out. WARNING: SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND THE FOLLOWING VIDEOS TO BE DISTURBING!

What do you think? Is Santa Muerte an evil demon, a tool of Satan, a false idol, a holy saint, or just a really cool Halloween decoration?  Tell me what you think in the comments below!

Sunday Reflections: Selling Out

I have too many toys, I am dirt poor, out of shape and have little time. It's time for The Great eBay Purge. NOTHING is off limits, I will sell anything from my collection. From now on my posts will feature items for sale on my eBay account with links to the item up for auction. NO RESERVES! I hate when people start an auction at 1 penny and have a reserve, that's playing dirty! If you have any questions on an auction you can post a comment on the blog post or ask me via eBay message.

I have the nice fancy pictures of all my awesome toys, now it's time to let them go to a new home, for a nominal fee of course. In the mean time I will be working on my six pack abs and getting ready for a half marathon that I signed up for. I should be in peak shape and looking like Bruce Lee within a year.

Also, since I hate to resource to eBay, I will consider offers before I post to FeeBay.

Sunday Reflections: National Geographic's Hardcore Hobbies

I recently came across National Geographic's new TV series Hardcore Collectors. It certainly sheds a dark light on collectors, I'm not sure what to think of it. I do agree that any collection can get out of hand and that family comes before collecting. I also believe it is possible to have a large collection and not have it affect your quality of life as long as it is organized and doesn't create a financial strain. I do feel like collectors are largely misunderstood and, though my collection of varied junk isn't huge, people often look at me like I have 2 heads when I try to explain that I collect toys.

Has anyone else watched the series? What do you think?

Sunday Reflections: Two Jobs Are Better Than One

So, as you all may know, I have been working 2 jobs for a little while lately. I've done the 2 job jazz in the past, and it looks like the 2 job tango will continue for me for some time now. I remember back in the day when you were pretty much insane to be working 2 jobs, but now-a-days I'm finding it's just the new norm! I met a guy that's struggling to run his own business while he works 4 other jobs on the side! It's all thanks to rising costs and wages staying flat for years, and a bunch of other hoo-haw I won't get into here. And I know college doesn't guarantee you a great job, but what the crap!? No one seems to freaking care that I have a BS degree (No pun intended. Actually, yes, pun intended. I actually have a BA degree). Even then, I have seen many skilled labor jobs that pay terribly. What's a dork to do? I wanna provide for my family. I want my wife to be able to be home with the kids. In the words of Nacho, "I wanna win!"

Sorry, a bit of a rant today, but I'm just so tired. I hate not having time with my family. I hate seeing my blog shrivel up and die. Is there any hope out there? Do good jobs still exist? Please don't tell me commission sales is the answer. Are there any other fellow nerds out there working 2 or more jobs? Is there a perfect dream job out there for a geek like me? Make your voice heard in the comments below!

Sunday Reflections: Be Not Weary

I have been so tired lately. Physically, my back is killing me and I don't sleep enough. I am trying to earn enough to make a living, or at least just survive and pay for basic living expenses. It can be so daunting, the world is in turmoil. Despite all this, I read a scripture this morning that gives me comfort and hope.

29 Wherefore, as ye are agents, ye are on the Lord’s errand; and whatever ye do according to the will of the Lord is the Lord’s business.

 30 And he hath set you to provide for his saints in these last days, that they may obtain an ^ainheritance in the land of Zion.

 31 And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my ^awords are sure and shall not ^bfail, that they shall obtain it.

 32 But all things must come to pass in their time.

 33 Wherefore, be not ^aweary in ^bwell-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of ^csmall things proceedeth that which is great.

D&C 64:29-33

Whatever it is you're struggling with, know this, if you are doing your very best and you're feeling worn out, the Lord is there to lift you up.

Sunday Reflections: Pooper Bowel Sunday

I love these GPK magnets

When it comes to the Super Bowel, and other sportingly events, I'm a bit of a party pooper. I could care a whole lot less about some boring game. Now, if real live seahawks were battling it out with wild bucking broncos, that would be another story. Honestly though, the last Super Bowel I watched I muted the actual game and only watched the commercials! Ha!

Perfect excuse to show off my Charlie Brown GPK!

But seriously, is watching the Super Bowl on Sunday breaking the Sabbath? Are you a football fan? Who do you think will win Super Bowl XLVIII? What's your opinion? 

Sunday Reflections: The Council In Heaven

Today our Primary class learned about following Jesus Christ and about the council in heaven before we came to this earth. We had the kids draw the council in heaven and everyone that was there. 

We learned that since we are here on earth today and have mortal bodies, we choose Heavenly Father's plan. Satan rebelled and was cast out with his followers. Since they rebelled they did not receive physical bodies and are evil spirits. Satan and his minions try to tempt us to rebel against God. 

I love teaching Primary with my wife, it's always fun learning with the kids.

Sunday Reflections: Learning With LEGO

It's no secret that my favorite toys are LEGO sets. There are just so many possibilities, you can really let your imagination run wild. If you don't like coming up with your own creations you can always just follow the directions and still have a fun old time, all whilst developing your brain.

 Here's what the kids came up with.

   

LEGO bricks aren't solely for the mind, they can be a tool in the hands of God! Today we used a Primary activity we found at Sugar Doodle. We split the children into groups and had them choose one of 2 bags. One bag is labeled "bad choices" and one is labeled "good choices." The bad choices bag was filled with twigs and a glue stick, while the good choices bag was filled with LEGO pieces. We then asked the children to build a house with the materials provided. Needless to say, they much preferred building with the good choices bag.

          "I like her hair better this way!"

What lessons have LEGO sets and other cool toys taught you?

Sunday Reflections: New Year, New Calling

My wife and I were called as Primary teachers, just in time for the new year! We taught the CTR 5/6 year old Primary class today. It's amazing just how close to the Spirit these little ones are.

Today we taught lesson #1, I Can Be Happy When I Choose The Right. I taught the lesson while Laura helped and watched (our now 1 year old!) Ava. The lesson was simple. We learned that Jesus Christ wants us to choose the right so we can be happy. We showed the children pictures of CTR rings and I showed off my own CTR ring.

Olivia shared a story about how she wrote a letter to Jesus. She attached the letter to 2 balloons and released it into the heavens, but it got stuck in a tree. So cute!

So far I'm enjoying this new calling. I know this calling is from God. Teaching kids the gospel is fun and I'm pretty much still a little kid myself. 

 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little ^achildren, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 4 Whosoever therefore shall ^ahumblehimself as this little ^bchild, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my ^aname receiveth me.

-Matthew 18:2-5

Sunday Reflections: New Year's Resolutions

Okay, it's that time of year again. The time of year when we all set new goals for the new year and always, WITH OUT FAIL, give up on all those New Year's resolutions by Valentine's Day. 

Man, why can't I stick with it!? I can't even remember what goals I set for 2013. I eat horribly, I'm out of shape, totally unorganized, the house is a disaster, we're totally broke, and my "career path" is a train wreck! I need to stick with it this year! I know I said that last year, but this year is different!

What resolutions do you usually set? Do you stick with it and meet your goals? If so, how the heck did you do it!? What's your secret?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Sunday Reflections: Christmas Miracles

In front, from left to right: Sargent Slaughter, Alpine, and Ace as the 3 wise men. Playmobil figures as Joseph and Mary. LEGO Frodo Baggins as baby Jesus. Dinosaur as an oxen. Arthur Dent and white ninja as shepherds.

In back, from left to right: Shrek as a shepherd and Donkey as a donkey. Ralph Bakshi's Balrog as the angelic messenger.

Christmas is a time of miracles, big and small. The miracle of the Christ Child, The Son of God, our Lord and Savior. 

 6 For unto us a ^achild is ^bborn, unto us a ^cson is given: and the^dgovernment shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, ^eCounsellor, The ^fmighty ^gGod, The ^heverlastingFather, The Prince of ⁱPeace.

 7 Of the increase of his ^agovernment and peace there shall be no^bend, upon the throne of ^cDavid, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with ^djustice from henceforth even for ever. The ^ezeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

(Isaiah 9:6-7)

We would do well to recognize miracles in our lives, even the little ones. For example, we often take for granted the miracle of electricity and natural gas. Something as simple as that is something to be truly grateful for, especially during the holidays. I for one am grateful for the miracle of life! Ava is our little miracle baby and we love and cherish her so much! Derek, the Goodwill Geek, relates a Christmas miracle he experienced from his Christmas past. You HAVE to read it, it's amazing and it warmed my heart! Click HERE for the wonderful Geekmas miracle.

What miracles have you experienced in your life? Do miracles still really happen today? This Christmas I hope you experience your own miracle. And remember, don't discount the small miracles in your life, because when you think about it they really are a great blessing from our loving Heavenly Father.

UPDATE

The miracles just keep rolling in! Check out Laura's miracle over at Boo Bobby!

Sunday Reflections: Seasonal Depression

My kid sister Annie and me at the extended family Christmas party

I gots me a case of Christmas blues. I have a headache, backache, and stomachache. The poor air quality has me coughing and sneezing. It's freezing cold and the sun goes down before 6pm every night. Not to mention trying to drive in this horrible, icy weather on my way to my dreaded retail job so I can pay off our $200 gas bill. I do love playing in the snow for a while, but it gets old fast. What's a seasonally depressed guy to do?

Ava loves snow globes, so cute! This one leaked all over moments later.

Thank goodness Christmas is this time of year! Though even Christmas can be depressing if you get too caught up in the commercial side of things. Spending time with my family and friends certainly lifts my spirits, as well as contemplating the true meaning of Christmas. Hot cocoa and a nice warm fire can't hurt either. 

Just another cheesy family photo

What do you do to overcome that bah humbug feeling?

Sunday Reflections: The True Meaning of Christmas

For this week's Sunday Reflection I just wanted to share some video's that teach us about the true meaning of Christmas. Today we just watched the 2013 Annual Christmas Devotional with music from the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I also just watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas. It's a heart warming short Christmas movie starring Jimmy Stewart and also featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! I've made watching this film a yearly tradition, along with Jimmy Stewart's other classic Christmas film It's a Wonderful Life.

Lastly, Pee-Wee share's with us the true meaning of Christmas.

And, if you ever find yourself in Salt Lake City during yuletide, then do yourself a favor and head to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights and Nativity scene. You'll be glad you did!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sunday Reflections: Black Friday Invades Thanksgiving

It's finally happened, Black Friday is encroaching on Thanksgiving. Stores everywhere started their Black Friday "sales" on Thanksgiving day. Really people!? I love Christmas and I love buying presents for my friends and family, but I think this is taking it way too far. Can't we sit down together with our loved ones for a whole day without feeling the need to go freaking shopping and punch people in the face for a Tickle Me Elmo!? Sure, I'm guilty of strolling into Shopko around noon on Black Friday to see what I could find, but I would never stuff myself full of turkey and then immediately go shopping. That sounds like torture! Everything is way overpriced at retail stores anyway. Haven't we taken the commercialism of Christmas far enough!? Where does it end, where do we draw the line!? Don't even get me started on Christmas in July! (http://youtu.be/jWruMu9QPIg)

Disturbing IKEA toy. Completely unrelated to the topic of this post.

It's not like it's a sin to work or go shopping on a holiday, but I think it's just sad how consumerism is being shoved down our throats. Black Friday truly is a dark day for humanity and it's taking over Thanksgiving! Am I overreacting here? What do you think about all this Black Friday business? 

Sunday Reflections: What Are You Thankful For?

This week’s assignment from the League: Gee, thanks.

We took a week off for a sanity break on my part, but now it’s time to get back to business! This week’s assignment for the League of Extraordinary Bloggers…

—

Next week, we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?

—

REMEMBER!: The League is always open to new members! Got a blog? Write a post in response to the weekly challenge, and you’ll be included. It’s that easy!

This exact same topic was gonna be my next Sunday Reflection, so why not combine the two?You know I love a good list, so here goes!

MASON'S TOP 10 THINGS HE'S THANKFUL FOR LIST OF THANKFULNESS!

10. TOYS!

Can you imagine a world without toys? It would be a dark world indeed! We'd all just collect things like stamps, spoons, and thimbles and those are fine things to collect, but man, no toys would be BORING! I'd still have my movies, video games, tabletop games, cards, candy, and cereal, but there would be a huge void in my life without good old toys!

9. MUSIC!

As bad as a life without toys would be, a life without music would be a billion times worse! When I'm not actually listening to music it's still playing in my mind. My whole life is set to movie and video game soundtracks. When I'm doing something exciting, like scrubbing out my toilet, you can guarantee video game music will be blasting to make it that much more exciting and enjoyable. Video game music is also a great way to relive my glory days when I don't have time to play the games themselves.

8. Cereal and Candy!

Man, I love cereal! I honestly think that if it weren't for cereal I may very well have starved to death in my teen years, because that's all I ate! A close second to cereal is candy. Utahns are infamous for their sweet tooths (or is it sweet teeth?) and I'm certainly not exempt from that! I love PEZ dispensers, fancy soda pop and novelty candy tins (though the candy is usually terrible). I'm also a chain gum chewer. My brand is Orbit.

7. Food!

I'm especially thankful for food stuffs around Thanksgiving. Turkey, mashed potatoes n' gravy with peas mixed in, yams, green beans, you name it I love it. What do you eat for Turkey Day?

6. Holidays!

I really really like holidays, especially the big 3, Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. I love the traditions, decorating, partying with family and friends and wondering what the heck eggs and ducks have to do with Easter.
5. America The Beautiful

I am so grateful I live in such a beautiful, free nation! America truly is one nation, under God. It's the new Zion.

4. The League of Extreordinary Bloggers, followers, and Other Wonderful Bloggers!

I am totally overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of this little community. The gifts, prizes, trades, kind words and more make me feel so blessed and welcome. Thank you all so much! I am truly thankful!

3. Friends New and Old

I love all my friends like family,because, after all, we're all children of God and that makes us family. My favorite aspect of collecting is meeting new friends. I could lose every single thing I've collected over the years and it would suck, but it's no big deal as long as I still have my friends.
2. My Beautiful Family

We recently celebrated my 30th birthday and I had a blast! My entire family was able to attend the Halloween themed Birthday party and it was grand. I love my family, they're so good to me, I don't deserve it, but I appreciate them so much.

1. God's Ultimate Gift To Man, The Atonement

Without it I'd be darned to heck for all eternity, we all would! Jesus Christ suffered all that we might be washed clean and be found worthy to return to live with Him. I can never fully repay Him and I will always fall short. But through His grace anything is possible. For this I am eternally grateful!

I'm not the only thankful one this Thanksgiving. Go check out these other thankful bloggers.

http://aeiouwhy.blogspot.com/2013/11/league-post-gee-thanks.html

http://gijigsaw.blogspot.com/2013/11/loeb-gee-thanks.html

Our newest League member, Retro Robot! Welcome!

http://www.retrorobotreview.com/gee-thanks/

Sunday Reflections: Disaster Strikes In The Philippines

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The Philippines holds a very special place in my heart. For 2 years I served as a missionary in this beautiful country. The people are kind, hospitable, and deeply spiritual. I was blessed with the gift of tongues and shared the Gospel in the native language of Tagalog.  I love the Philippines and I love Filipinos!

Sadly, it seems like there is a horrible natural disaster every year in the Philippines. You may have heard about Typhoon Haiyan that struck in Tacloban city on November 6th. It is thought to be the strongest storm to ever make landfall anywhere in the world in modern records! An estimated 10,000 souls were lost and an estimated 600,000 have been displaced. Please, if you can spare anything, you can help the relief effort! Any amount counts and you will be blessing the lives of those in great need! You really can make a difference! You can follow one of the links below or donate to another relief fund of your choosing. Thank you all and God bless the Philippines in this their time of need!


Humanitarian Aid General Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Samaritan's Purse International Relief

Philippine Red Cross

UNICEF United States Fund