God wants us to be us

Getting old is challenging …

But – getting old has some really special benefits – and in some ways, it’s a privilege. As I age, I progress… and as I progress – as I live the Commandments – I understand much so more in a spiritual sense – and enjoy to share that personal spiritual revelation is real.

So, first, I know God Loves me and God knows me. He absolutely can predict – can know – how I will act in any given circumstance or situation He cares to place me in. He knows ME.

So, not only does He know & Love me – He is involved in my daily life in ways that are difficult to convey at times – but I testify that He does lead me – from time to time, into circumstances that will help me or another – to progress in His Will.

I testify that in those times, my Father wants, desires, trusts in me to be me – to be the man He knows me to be .. in any given circumstance or situation at the time  ...  and so, sometimes, I don’t really apologize when Jerry acts like Jerry …

At the end of the day I am trying my best to serve our Father in Heaven – as best I can – whom I love as much as He loves me.

So, sometimes, God wants us to be us – as best we can – in the places He plants us… and I testify that He does plant us.

I’m Just Sayin’ … . by Jerry Lombardo

Foo Fighters

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Foo Fighters (!)

They are some kind of tribute band – they do Metallica mostly, I think…I came upon them quite accidentally. It is
NOT generally my kind of music except for some of the popular songs ‘we’ all know from radio … .

HOWEVER – when I saw this clip – I am a fan of this lead singer … for life.

Again, I don’t like the music ‘flavor’ … wouldn’t go to a concert of theirs [do not NOT like them!] but this made me a fan for life! : https://youtu.be/lrchj43VEXk
Just take a look…

I’m Just Sayin’ … .

Krispy Kreme Donuts & Enterprising Young Man

Re: Krispy Kreme Donuts & Enterprising Young Man

I made the time to write to corporate about this: //www.foxnews.com/food-drink/krispy-kreme-minnesota-student… and this is the (very cool) reply I am happy to share:

Dear Mr. Lombardo,

Thank you for your email. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

 

Yesterday, we reached out to Jayson to express our appreciation for his love of Krispy Kreme and admiration for his entrepreneurial spirit.  We are going to help him achieve his goals, which include being debt-free when he graduates in 2021, in part by selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Our intent regarding the temporary stoppage of him selling doughnuts was to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance to protect both Jayson and Krispy Kreme. Our main concern is that the doughnuts Jayson sells maintain our high product quality standards, given the distance and manner in which he is transporting and distributing them. So, we are happy to work with Jayson as an independent operator to ensure consistent delivery of our high-quality doughnuts to our fans in Minnesota. We wish Jayson great success and we’re thrilled to help him achieve it by donating 500 dozen doughnuts when he re-starts his business.

 

Best regards,


Michelle
Krispy Kreme Customer Experience
www.krispykreme.com

 

 

 

There is no process to fully undo or reverse the terror and life long heartache these acts inflict

This young boy was mutilated; and, on some levels, this cannot be ‘reversed’.

There is a term: “detransitioned” but there is no process to fully undo or reverse the terror and lifelong heartache these acts inflict on so many unsuspecting, trusting, children.

Listen, please, to this 20-year-old who got a castration surgery as he speaks out to warn young boys from following in his footsteps.

I knew these were crimes against children – and wrote publically to declare it – years before it all became headlines.

One very frightening fact is how bad it got – how many children were, and will be, mutilated before those powers that be [who advocate for, and perpetrate, these acts] can be stopped.

It is absolutely criminal how so many adults, doctors, parents … continue to double down and continue hurting thousands and thousands of children – ruining them for life – in spite of the most basic of common sense facts and understandings.

I am so sorry for those who have been used and abused by sick, twisted, agenda driven decisions – with the full backing and support of the US Government. It’s all perverse.

The harm done will haunt millions of otherwise healthy children for their entire lives, and the lives of their families, children, and our larger society in general … .

I said then, and now … this is child abuse. I’ve pointed out that in my youth, and in the places where I grew up – [NY, NY] – those who did this(?) would have been arrested and charged with crimes – not protected and encouraged by our US Government and political leaders acting at the direction and behest of very sick and twisted individuals.

This story is heartbreaking. Sadly, there are many thousands like this young person who have had their lives stolen, battered, twisted – by agenda driven, sick, dangerous, people – who are themselves … ‘broken’ [or they would never do these things to innocent children].

I pray for all people being scarred by this and invite you to do the same – and please, speak up … speak out – speak the understandings of your hearts and reverse the course of this abomination.

Yes, in this money loving, world …money can buy so much …

Too much.

I’m Just Sayin’ … .

Here is a link to this young person sharing his experiences in hope of helping others avoid the same.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/detransitioned-boy-castrated-by-doctors-warns-kids-about-perils-of-gender-affirming-care

The light in their eyes

The light in their eyes James E. Faust

“I recently recalled a historic meeting in Jerusalem about 17 years ago. It was regarding the lease for the land on which the Brigham Young University’s Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies was later built. Before this lease could be signed, President Ezra Taft Benson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, then president of Brigham Young University, agreed with the Israeli government on behalf of the Church and the university not to proselyte in Israel. You might wonder why we agreed not to proselyte. We were required to do so in order to get the building permit to build that magnificent building which stands in the historic city of Jerusalem. To our knowledge the Church and BYU have scrupulously and honorably kept that non-proselyting commitment. After the lease had been signed, one of our friends insightfully remarked, ‘Oh, we know that you are not going to proselyte, but what are you going to do about the light that is in their eyes?’ He was referring to our students who were studying in Israel.

 

What was that light in their eyes which was so obvious to our friend? The Lord Himself gives the answer: ‘And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings.’ (D&C 88:11) Where did that light come from? Again the Lord gives the answer: ‘I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ (D&C 93:2) The Lord is the true light, ‘and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.’ (D&C 84:46) This light shows in our countenances as well as in our eyes.

Paul Harvey, a famous news commentator, visited one of our Church school campuses some years ago. Later he observed: ‘Each … young face mirrored a sort of … sublime assurance. These days many young eyes are prematurely old from countless compromises with conscience. But [these young people] have that enviable headstart which derives from discipline, dedication, and consecration.’

Those who truly repent receive the Spirit of Christ and are baptized into this Church unto the remission of their sins. Hands are laid upon their heads, and through the priesthood of God they receive the Holy Ghost. It is ‘the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him.’(1 Ne. 10:17) As Elder Parley P. Pratt characterized it, the gift of the Holy Ghost is, “as it were, … joy to the heart, [and] light to the eyes.”

What are we doing to keep the light shining in our own eyes and countenances? Much of that light comes from our discipline, dedication, and consecration to some important absolutes. The foremost of these absolutes is that there is a God who is the Father of our souls to whom we account for our actions. Second, that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Third, that the great plan of happiness requires obedience to God’s commandments. Fourth, that the greatest gift of God is eternal life.

Service in this Church is a marvelous blessing and privilege that brings light to our eyes and our countenances. As the Savior recommended, ‘Let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’ (3 Nephi 12:16)  Words cannot express the blessings that come to us through service in this Church. The Lord promises that if we magnify our callings we will find happiness and joy.

Alma asks if we have received His image in our countenances. (Alma 5:14) A sacred light comes to our eyes and countenances when we have a personal bond with our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior and Redeemer. With this bond our faces will mirror that ‘sublime assurance’ that He lives.”

James E. Faust, “The Light in Their Eyes“, October 2005 General Conference

http://new.lds.org/general-conference/2005/10/the-light-in-their-eyes?lang=eng

Today We Need Run Toward Our Churches … Not Away From Them

Today, We Need Run Toward Our Churches … Not Away From Them

Especially in this age of extremism, in both headlines and actions [by people, localities, groups, governments …], I wish to offer a thought about the need for Religion. The need today for Churches, Mosques, Temples – genuine neighborhood religious congregations – across America; and, the need for them to grow.

My notion is far from ‘an original’ thought and I will offer a link at the close of my comments to a short video from a man who says it very eloquently and drives my point home decisively.

Like many of you, I read a lot of headlines each day – and even understanding the editors are vying for attention with hyperbole angry overtones – once in awhile I have to ‘bite’ and investigate further – asking: Can it be true? And, if so – why, oh why, on earth … can it be true?

In this case, what sparked my attention was the ‘headline’:

Maine single mother facing eviction offered tent and camping gear by city”. Link if you desire   www.foxnews.com/us/maine-single-mother-eviction-tent-camping-gear

 

Yes, there is more to the story – so I included a link – you can decide if the option was viable in this case – but, please, I’d like to address a larger point.

There are reasons, in today’s society, for these things to be happening with alarming increase [which too many are overlooking]; and, sadly too, we have come to an age where even many religious leaders have succumbed to the onslaught of what so many insist is today’s “status quo”.

Separately, it is NOT the status quo, and that is an important point to teach to others in our circles – however, that is a topic of another composition referenced below as that is the ‘tail wagging the dog’.

I regret to report by personal experience that leaders of great Churches across the country are afraid to say: Church is important [to the point of suggesting that to invite others to join (any religion) is offensive]. I say ‘nonsense’.

Too many will not declare today the simple fact that religion – even Christianity – is central to the foundations of this great country.

Pastors, Priests, Imams, Ministers, Reverends, Rabbi’s are in fear to stand up and declare it is [more than] a little important to find a religion – become a part of a congregation – join a Church that serves God, humanity, and ideals that help people make their lives better.

Forgive a short digression as I ‘say aloud’ that Biblical religions – of every type – today – even fear to say that the notion of a Traditional Family is The Best foundation for this society.

Quickly, [lest I be wrongly labeled a hater] I declare my love for all kinds of families – but the best outcome grows from when we embrace the model where there is a mother, a father, and stable home. Homes in which mothers have time to mother, and fathers have both opportunity to provide financially – AND have time to share with, and grow with, love his family.

Our neighborhoods, cities, and states – the people of our very Country – genuinely need to reconnect with the Values we learn in those Churches. Churches teach values, and promote Faith … in God …and, they work to strengthen that faith – strengthen the people – all of them!

People, in their religious faith, grow; and they love and help each other. Maybe the Government needs to get out of the welfare business and allow … even encourage – religions to do their Work.

Churches i.e. Religious Congregations – be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist – are an essential part of America! And not just as memorials or aging and empty ‘monuments’ on our street corners! What we learn in those great houses of God is fundamental to the nature of being human on earth.

And for the naysayers … I don’t know a religion where God is not synonymous with Love – my notions are inclusive – not one national religion, nor is it some path to exclude those with no religion.

I am simply asking we understand better the importance of a religion  … join a Mosque, Temple, Church … and openly invite God back into our Country, and our lives. If some choose not to accept God – that’s fine – but stand clear of those who do. [See my composition about ‘the tail wagging the dog’ in this country]. Send me a note – I’ll happily send a copy.

In closing, this is a Judeo-Christian Country – America. Its Values’ are built on a Judeo Christian, Biblical, foundation – like it or not; and, I am saying for sure – this country needs its Churches [speaking of ALL churches, temples, mosques … combined-plural]  – every one of them – because without themour society fails!

Please take a minute to listen, and watch, a short clip of Clay Christensen from Harvard on this very important topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjntXYDPw44

‘Things You Just Gotta See’ …

‘Things You Just Gotta See’

Although not my normal fare for posting … I couldn’t resist this one. I mean ‘think’ about this … she is ‘famous’, ‘wealthy’ … beyond even her own dreams, and the dreams of many who idolize her … and yet, here she [purportedly] goes … traveling in a SUITCASE.

                One has to laugh … I’m Just Sayin’ … . [and, thanks for stopping by … jl].

Taylor Swift being transported in a huge suitcase from her Tribeca apartment into her truck, in the trunk. A fleet of cars including two large cadillacs and three suv's arrive at Tailor Swift's apartment in Tribecca to move a large suitcase from apartment to truck. Almost a dozen of Taylor Swift security guards were present to move this package carefully as Taylor Swift remains to be unseen for a long time. Pictured: Taylor Swift Ref: SPL1539678 170717 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures Los Angeles: 310-821-2666 New York: 212-619-2666 London: 0207 644 7656 Milan: 02 4399 8577 <a href=photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights”>

Taylor Swift being transported in a huge suitcase from her Tribeca apartment into her truck, in the trunk. A fleet of cars including two large cadillacs and three suv’s arrive at Tailor Swift’s apartment in Tribecca to move a large suitcase from apartment to truck. Almost a dozen of Taylor Swift security guards were present to move this package carefully as Taylor Swift remains to be unseen for a long time. Pictured: Taylor Swift Ref: SPL1539678 170717 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures Los Angeles: 310-821-2666 New York: 212-619-2666 London: 0207 644 7656 Milan: 02 4399 8577 photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights