I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
(New Testament | 1 Timothy 2:1 - 2)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(New Testament | 1 Timothy 2:3 - 6)
AND he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
(New Testament | Luke 18:1)
In our family church as per instruction of our greater church, every week, for us, every Monday Evening, we have a family statute or formal tradition which is called “Family Home Evening.” We intend to have our FHE every Monday evening when the whole family is gathered together, but if something more important comes up like a call of duty to GOD or country, an emergency or a church festivity, at our discretion, we prayfully move the times for our family home evening forwards or postpone for a day or two respectively. But generally nothing more important ever comes up. And this is how we enjoy quality time together as a family.
FHE is like a feast for us all. When a birthday of any member of our family falls upon a Sunday, to keep the Sabbath day Holy and unspotted, we chose to celebrate that particular birthday either the day before or the day after during our FHE to extend the feast of the previous day. In it we sing hymns and or play musical instruments and show off our individual and collective abilities, gifts and talents to pleas the ear of GOD and the ear of every member of our family. We always pray, we improvise, we play games, we may watch a movie together and have refreshments, we may go out together for game and sports. And with the scriptures at hand, we teach our children the Holy commandments, the principles of gospel of Jesus Christ and how to assume and commit to their duty to God, Country and family responsibilities.
We may at our discretion or per suggestion of others, wish to invite guests, friends and extended family embers to participate with us in our FHE. And we also use that FHE quality time to gather intelligence and resolve or discuss all pertinent family or individual member of the family issues that arise and affect or that may affect our family unit in the short or long term. We learn all things and leaner to despise evil by teaching our children good principles so they learn to govern themselves and be witnesses of GOD in all places, in all things, at all times and even unto death. And this is how we expand our knowledge of all our choices under heaven to improve our individual freedom and magnify our collective liberty. For the LORD has said:
Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation. For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.
The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:31 - 40)
During FHE, each member of our family takes turn at their discretion to teach whatsoever the spirit of GOD will guide them to teach or do for where the spirit of GOD is there is freedom. The LORD is that spirit of liberty.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
(New Testament | 2 Corinthians 3:17)
At times, as father and/or mother, we interrupt that order to teach something of extreme importance or an issue that came up or that the LORD Jesus Christ or our Father in heaven wants us to address at once. OR, we, as their parents rather redirect our children to teach a particular topic of interest that needs to be addressed or that has been overlooked or forgotten and which is intended to keep our family actively engaged in a good cause or our house in order. The LORD our GOD is not a respecter of persons and he does not spare anyone for al flesh is equal before him. Therefore, if has commanded our great leaders to teach their children in light and truth and to set theit own house in order; and what he says unto one, he says unto all which includes you and me, of which it is also written:
But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation; You have not taught your children light and truth, according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction. And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.
Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children; therefore, first set in order thy house.
Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me— I called you servants for the world's sake, and ye are their servants for my sake— And now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun.—You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord; Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place. What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.
My servant Newel K. Whitney also, a bishop of my church, hath need to be chastened, and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of their place.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:41 - 50)
FHE is fun to us because everybody freely participates or is encouraged to do so despite how pleasant or unpleasant the subject or situation is such as when discussing the law of chastity or modesty and our weaknesses and shortcomings; or any other threatening commandment or law of GOD. Sometimes we teach individually and sometimes we make duos to see what two or more particular members of our family will come up with. NO family home evening is ever the same. FHE usually lasts about an hour but if we are having more than necessary fun and have not run out of important or pertinent things to say we extend it as much as needed and no concern is left unsatisfied because we are guided by the spirit of GOD despite all things that are written. and of this, for our profit and learnign the LORD has said:
HEARKEN, O ye people of my church; for verily I say unto you that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning. But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:1 - 3)
After all it is a statute, not a commandment or a law. It is not always easy or pleasant and it requires effort, determination and practice to make perfect, joyful and peaceful. At times it is required for correction of our errors, omissions and failures. And this is how we invite the Holy Ghost to be always with us and HE prepares us individually and collectively to be stripped of pride and other sins, errors and ommisions so we can meet and delight in the presence of the LORD our GOD, Redeemer and Eternal King and Judge. THE LORD IS THE WAY AND HAS SPOKEN IT AND IT IS WRITTEN by the prophets who teach us the path to follow:
Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel : and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel
(Old Testament | Amos 4:12)
Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God.
Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life. Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless. And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions? Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand that he must repent or he cannot be saved! Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it!
(Book of Mormon | Alma
Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely; Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire— For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn.
(Book of Mormon | Alma 5:33 - 36)
And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.
(Book of Mormon | Alma 12:24)
For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
(Book of Mormon | Alma 34:32)
Last night, during FHE, two of our older daughters had the turn to teach the family. By our request, they addressed the importance of the US constitution and its safeguards. We learned together about the different types of governments and what makes the United States of America different or how it became the greatest nation of the world; and how privileged we all are for some of us to come and live here and for some to have been born here. The differences between a Republic and a Democracy were stressed and illustrated. We also learned about economic systems in a free and also in controlled societies that range from Pure Capitalism to a state controlled or an oligarchic monopoly and how these systems improve or degenerate a nation or society. We solemnly read the following:
The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.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, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
We do not know all things, but as you see, they taught well and we all participated by expanding on this subject in learning why it is important to remember these things always and how to remain a free people by honoring and obeying the sovereign laws of the land and to be vigilant by maintaining and keeping the government representatives we elect in constant check. And, as per the Lord’s instructions, when things do not go as intended or a as prescribed by law, instead of rioting or taking the streets to agitate, agitate, agitate and compound the lawlessness and disorder. And we paraphrased the scriptures of how we as individuals or as a family or collective body can do to assertively petition our judges and our elective representatives or our government officials, even if they give heed or not, all the way up to GOD with intent to have a redress of our grievances and/or to seek after justice when and if it becomes necessary. For the LORD has said time and again:
| Despicable Me |
There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:
(New Testament | Luke 18:2)
And again I say unto you, those who have been scattered by their enemies, it is my will that they should continue to importune for redress, and redemption, by the hands of those who are placed as rulers and are in authority over you— According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:76 - 80)
Now, unto what shall I liken the children of Zion?
I will liken them unto the parable of the woman and the unjust judge, for men ought always to pray and not to faint, which saith— There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying: Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself: Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
Thus will I liken the children of Zion.
Let them importune at the feet of the judge; And if he heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the governor; And if the governor heed them not, let them importune at the feet of the president; And if the president heed them not, then will the Lord arise and come forth out of his hiding place, and in his fury vex the nation; And in his hot displeasure, and in his fierce anger, in his time, will cut off those wicked, unfaithful, and unjust stewards, and appoint them their portion among hypocrites, and unbelievers; Even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.
Pray ye, therefore, that their ears may be opened unto your cries, that I may be merciful unto them, that these things may not come upon them.
What I have said unto you must needs be, that all men may be left without excuse; That wise men and rulers may hear and know that which they have never considered; That I may proceed to bring to pass my act, my strange act, and perform my work, my strange work, that men may discern between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:81 - 95)
As a Chidl of God and a true believer in Jesus Christ who has taken up his name with full purpose of heart, having come to a sound understanding of these things, today with the help and intervention of God, in humility and in prayer of heart, as my ancient fathers did, TODAY, I unite with them to rise up the standard of Liberty in memory of our GOD, our religion, our peace, our liberty, our wives and our children.
And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
And he fastened on his head–plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land— For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.
And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come. And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored. And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land which was south of the land Desolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on the north and on the south—A chosen land, and the land of liberty.
(Book of Mormon | Alma 46:12 - 17)
And thus, I, Miguel, have chose to record diligently what we have learned yesterday during our latest FHE and share with all those who I may reach; and more particularly with all my countrymen and all those who associate with me so that they enjoy the same blessings that I enjoy under the Flag of the United States of America, to which we individually and collectively rise up as the standard of freedom to which we pledge allegiance, and to the country for which it stands; or as our school pledge of allegiance makes manifest, one nation, under GOD, indivisible with liberty and justice for all, and I do it out of my free will and choice in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Attentively yours from an unworthy servant in the hands of Christ,
Miguel Angel and the 37 members of the Tinoco Family, and also their friends and companions.
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