This website is a collection of many subjects and thoughts that are important to me, and some insights I’ve learned “...along the way.” I think of myself as just a simple man with a testimony of Jesus Christ and His Restored Gospel. But, I have lived (and continue to live) an extraordinary and enjoyable life. I've tried to share some highlights here. I have so many good memories. (SAE)
Click HERE to watch this unique depiction of the Nativity story. It recounts in beautiful detail the sacred events recorded in the Holy Bible, which describes the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. This is a beautiful and inspiring video of the events surrounding the Birth of the Christ Child.
Click HERE to listen and watch this beautiful song and video telling the imaginary sorrow and regret of “the Inn Keeper” who turned Joseph and Mary away. It is an inspiring message inviting all of us to allow Christ into our lives. (Music by: Michael McLean)
Click HERE to learn about this seasonal Gift-Giving tradition. Learn about the legend of St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas). Then, share the legend with your children. This European tradition dates back to the 4th Century AD.
Click HERE to listen to this inspiring Musical tail as told by Jane Seymour and the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. It’s a Christmas Carol originally published in 1853 relating the story of a benevolent Bohemian King (King Wenceslas) on a journey, braving harsh winter weather, to bring an abundance of food and joy to a poor peasant family on the occasion of “the Feast of Stephen.” Also, Click HERE to read the full poetic tail of “Good King Wenceslas.”
Click HERE to listen to this whimsical clock music from “a clockmaker’s workshop” (after hours). Music performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Fun music that will inspire a child’s imagination! When my children were young, they loved dancing about the Livingroom to this joyful music. Enjoy
We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. He is the God of Heaven and Earth, and the Father of our spirits. We are all spiritually begotten children of God, our Heavenly Father. We lived with Him as His spirit children before we came to Earth. It has been His plan from the beginning that we all follow His path and become like Him. As part of His “Great Plan of Salvation,” our spirits were sent to Earth to be born, receive a physical body (from earthly parents), and gain earthly experience.
Before coming to Earth, we all knew and understood we would have challenges and temptations here; and, we would often make mistakes. This life of challenges, trials, and temptations is all part of His Plan, and we agreed to it. We knew we would need a physical body; and, we knew we would need to overcome our weaknesses and modify our inappropriate behaviors to become more like the Father and qualify for Eternal Life with Him. This was all part of His glorious plan. We would need to repent of our mistakes (sins) and strive to become more like Him! As mortals, we are naturally weak and often make mistakes. But our Heavenly Father wants us to repent, seek forgiveness, draw unto Him, and be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. This process of repentance, forgiveness, and coming unto the Father is the process of “sanctification” (see Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 27:20).
However, in this life, we do not automatically have a clear memory or knowledge of our pre-mortal existence, nor of God’s Great and Eternal Plan for us. In fact, many of us have little or no memory (nor even the idea) of our pre-earthly life …nor of God’s plan. But the information is out there, and the whisperings and promptings of the Holy Spirit will guide us. Often, the noise and distractions of the world drowned out those spiritual whisperings. This is our challenge, but our Heavenly Father has not abandoned us! A modern-day prophet has provided the following insight:
“My dear brothers and sisters, we live in a most difficult dispensation. Challenges, controversies, and complexities swirl around us. …our Heavenly Father never intended that we would deal with the maze of personal problems and social issues on our own. ‘God so loved the world that He sent His Only Begotten Son’ (see John 3:16) to help us (see John 17:24; 1 Peter 1:20). And His Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life for us. All so that we could have access to godly power—power sufficient to deal with the burdens, obstacles, and temptations of our day. We can protect ourselves by knowing and living by the word of God (see Ephesians 6:17–18; Doctrine and Covenants 27:18). We begin by learning about Him. ‘It is impossible for [us] to be saved in ignorance’ (see D&C 131:6). The more we know about the Savior’s ministry and mission—the more we understand His doctrine (see 2 Nephi 31:2-21) and what He did for us—the more we know that He can provide the power that we need for our lives.” President Russell M. Nelson
Through the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit (the Revelator, a member of the Godhead), He will teach us all things we need to know. (2 Nephi 32:5, John 16:13, and D&C 45:57) For our part, we must seek an understanding of God’s Great Plan through prayer, study, and obedience to the truths and knowledge we receive. Initially, our earthly parents and teachers provide guidance. But ultimately, the responsibility is ours. We must individually seek to understand the will of God by earnest and humble prayer to our Heavenly Father, relying on the influence of the Holy Spirit to enlighten our understanding.
Remember, our Heavenly Father truly loves all His children. And, it is His desire that we learn of Him, learn of His plan for us, and come unto Him by following the plan as best we can. Along the way, the Holy Spirit will guide us as we follow Him and gradually modify our behavior to be more like Him. But, how do we get started, and how do we stay on the path? Here are some basic principles for doing just that.
NOTE: Please consider, only as an example, the following possible pattern for effective prayer and spiritual preparation. This is just an idea and not a strict procedural thing. Your personal prayers should be individual, spiritual and private …just between you and “your Father in Heaven.” But, if you’re new at this, or it’s been a while, this pattern might be instructional. Here you go!
Pray …Study …Pray …and Obey!
We should pray regularly and often to the Father. Find a quiet spot without interruptions. Return to that same spot routinely for your prayers. When you begin each prayer, take a moment and try to visualize the Father in your mind. Then, talk to Him. Express your gratitude. Tell Him of your needs and desires. Don’t rush. Be honest, sincere, and humble. During each prayer, listen and be sensitive to the feelings and promptings you may receive. As you conclude each prayer session, don’t rush. Pause and ponder your experience. Try to remember how you felt (and how you feel). Make a mental or written note/journal entry of your feelings. Look for subtle patterns in your feelings during each prayer. Over time, if you are humble and sincere, your prayers will become more meaningful, …and effective!
In addition to your meaningful personal prayers, find a regular time to prayerfully study good books. In particular, study the Holy Scriptures. Over the centuries, God has spoken to His Prophets (Amos 3:7) and revealed His Great Plan of Salvation (the Plan of Happiness) to them. Prophets and Apostles have recorded these sacred revelations, and their associated truths, in the Holy Scriptures. Immerse yourself in scripture study. As you do, ask the Father for enlightenment …before and after your study. Then, keep your mind and heart open to promptings from the Holy Spirit. As you read and ponder the Holy Scriptures, their glorious truths may fill your heart and mind. These truths and knowledge will inspire you and provide material upon which the Holy Spirit (the Revelator) can work. He (the Holy Spirit) will commune with your spirit and will testify of the truth to you. And He will strengthen your testimony of that truth. You will begin to understand and know our Heavenly Father’s plan for you!
As you learn of Him and His Great Plan for you, apply this knowledge to your personal life and behavior. Act upon what you know! Learn to live your life in accordance with your knowledge and understanding of God’s Plan. Remember this, your life is meant to be a journey of discovery, modification, and sanctification. It can be an exciting and glorious journey, full of Faith, Hope …and Charity.
“For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.” (Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 10:19)
“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” (D&C 6:7)
I have been thinking about a phrase (or question) in the Book of Mormon “…Knowest thou the condescension of God?” (see 1 Nephi 11:16). It’s a relatively simple question, and yet it made me stop and ponder. What is the condescension of God? Does God condescend?
In its context, this question came up in a recorded visit and conversation Nephi had with “an angel” (see 1 Nephi 11:13-18). At the time, Nephi was caught up in a vision of the Virgin Mary, the mother of the son of God. When the angel appeared, he asked Nephi, “…what beholdest thou?” Nephi’s answer was: “A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.” Then the angel asked the question, “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” Here again, Nephi gave a simple and humble response: “I know that (God) loveth His children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” (A truly humble and honest response.) Frankly, I often find myself with the same sentiment: “I do not know the meaning of all things.” This question motivated me to wanted to know: What is “the Condescension of God?” So, after careful and prayerful reading, pondering and contemplation, here’s what I found:
“The Condescension of God (Jesus Christ)” is essentially this: Jesus Christ (the Great Jehovah Himself) condescended to come down from His Heavenly home (where He lived in the presence of God the Eternal Father) to dwell on earth as a mortal among men. He “condescended” voluntarily in order to fulfill our Heavenly Father’s Great Plan of Salvation. This was an essential element of our Father in Heaven’s plan to redeem His children. Because of Jesus Christ and His mercy, all mankind will be resurrected, may obtain forgiveness of sins, and may gain Eternal Life with the Father.
It was in our premortal life that God’s “Beloved Son, which was (God’s) Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto (God)—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (see Moses 4:2 and Abraham 3:27). The Great Jehovah (Jesus Christ), God’s “Beloved and Chosen from the beginning,” condescended to come down from the presence of God the Father and provide the means by which all mankind may be redeemed. Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Father, born of a mortal mother (Mary). He received a mortal body, was subjected to earthly existence, and dwelt in the flesh with men on the Earth. By His own choice, Jesus Christ condescended to be born into this mortal life to fulfill Heavenly Father’s great plan for the benefit and salvation of God’s spirit children on Earth.
During His formal ministry on Earth, Jesus organized His Kingdom (the early Church of Jesus Christ), ordained Apostles and Prophets, taught His disciples to “Come unto Him,” and ushered in the gathering of Israel and the elect of God. In addition, He taught His Doctrine: “The Doctrine of Christ” (see Matt 7:28, John 7:16-17, 2 Nephi 31 and 3 Nephi 11:31-39).
Near the end of His ministry, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ the perfect and sinless Son of God took upon Himself the sins of all those who would have faith in Him, come unto Him, repent of their sins, and follow His Doctrine. Through His suffering and agony in the garden, He somehow endured the enormous burden and took upon Himself the sins of all those who would repent and come unto Him. As a proxy for us, Jesus Christ met the demands of justice and paid for our sins. Later, He was betrayed, tortured and suffered a cruel physical death on the cross. Then, on the third day after His lifeless mortal body was laid in a borrowed tomb, Jesus Christ rose from the dead and broke the bonds of death. By His resurrection, Jesus Christ overcame death and guaranteed resurrection for all (“Resurrection for all in the Spirit World is assured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” President Dallin H. Oaks); and, as our resurrected, glorified Savior, Jesus Christ ascended into the presence of His Father in Heaven, God the Eternal Father.
Jesus Christ is the glorified and immortal “Only Begotten of the Father.” He is our Savior and Redeemer. He condescended to come to Earth on our behalf and to do the will of the Father. He has redeemed us from the Fall of Adam by overcoming death (all mankind will be resurrected to stand before Him); and, He has paid the price for our sins and transgressions. This is the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the most significant event in world history. Because of the Savior’s Atoning Sacrifice, it is possible for us to be forgiven of our sins and ultimately be found worthy to return and stand confidently in the presence of God. Because of the condescension and Atonement of Jesus Christ, it is possible for us to be saved, forgiven and gain Eternal Life. His gift is available to all those who will: 1) have Faith in Him, 2) Come unto Him, 3) sincerely Repent of their sins, and 4) follow His Doctrine (2 Nephi 31:2-21).
Today, He still calls to all who will listen: “Come unto Me!” The Holy Scriptures and the Prophets testify, and we are sure, He will come again in the not too distant future …sooner than we think! The Holy Spirit whispers this is true. At His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will gather all those who truly love Him, who have come unto Him, sincerely repented of their sins, and who have endured to the end in righteousness following the Doctrine of Christ. And then, the Millennial Era will begin when the final work of Salvation will be completed.
President Russell M. Nelson has said: “Under the Father’s great eternal plan, it is the Savior who suffered. It is the Savior who broke the bands of death. It is the Savior who paid the price for our sins and transgressions and blots them out on condition of our repentance. It is the Savior who delivers us from physical and spiritual death.”
(Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives, April 2017 General Conference)
I must be old, retired …or, both! I’ve noticed that much of my mail is either junk mail or bank and medical account statements. Likewise, most of my email and text messages are either a notification (or confirmation) of a financial transaction; or, they’re a reminder or confirmation that I’ve either had or will have a medical appointment.
Frankly, I don’t think I’m broke or sick; but, it’s nice that at least some people out there still want to keep in touch.
Lately, I’ve also been wondering about all those surveys I get. Anymore, it seems you can’t do anything, but someone wants you to complete a survey. And why do I get so many surveys? Maybe I am still relevant? Do all these people honestly want my opinion? Probably not; …and, that’s okay!
For me, the people I most want to keep in touch with are my family and friends. Sometimes, I wish they’d reach out more often. But that’s okay, too! I know we all love each other, but we’re all equally swamped (or distracted). However, when my family and friends start sending me surveys, then I will begin to worry.
NOTE TO THE READERS: These are not my words, but they are true and important to know and understand. They are part of a beautiful and reassuring testimony from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of our Savior’s Gift of the Atonement.
“We are imperfect human beings striving to live in mortality according to Heavenly Father’s perfect plan of eternal progression. The requirements of His plan are glorious, merciful, and rigorous. We may at times be filled with determination and at other times feel totally inadequate. We may wonder if we spiritually can ever fulfill the commandment to stand spotless before Him at the last day.
“With the help of the Lord and through the power of His Spirit to ‘teach [us] all things,’ indeed we can be blessed to realize our spiritual possibilities. Ordinances invite spiritual purpose and power into our lives as we strive to be born again and become men and women of Christ. Our weaknesses can be strengthened, and our limitations can be overcome.
“Although none of us can achieve perfection in this life, we can become increasingly worthy and spotless as we are ‘cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.’ I promise and testify we will be blessed with increased faith in the Savior and greater spiritual assurance as we seek to always retain a remission of our sins and, ultimately, to stand spotless before the Lord at the last day. I so witness in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
General Conference, April 2016
During the past several months since returning home from “the Mission Field,” Sister Edgar (Kathy) and I have experienced some of the most amazing and enjoyable events; including, the indescribable joy of reuniting with our family. But, we have also experienced some of the difficult challenges associated with moving: that is, being uprooted from our temporary home in Hawaii, leaving dear friends behind, and being formally released from what can only be described as “an enormously spiritual experience” (serving as Senior Missionaries for the Lord, His Church, and His Saints at BYU-Hawaii).
In addition, the transition had many unexpected ups and downs as we worked to reestablish our lives, our home and our former existence on the Mainland. To be honest, our “new” life is a very good life and we have been blessed. We have felt the hand of the Lord, and we have been guided by his Holy Spirit. But each step along the way was not perfectly clear. We were often acting on Faith “not knowing beforehand” (1 Nephi 4:6) what we were to do. Today, we are now very settled and happy. We are so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord; but, much has changed for us.
In the process of this big move/change, I inevitably experienced a great deal of stress and insecurity. And, I often became very impatient with our tentative and unstable situation. In fact, there were times when I was very impatient and often felt a bit intolerant of others. As was often the case, I could clearly see my negative behavioral changes. I often felt justified, but I knew it was wrong to behave that way. Eventually, I had to confront my selfish and inappropriate behavior. I realized I was not being patient. I was not “waiting patiently on the Lord.”
Now, as it relates to a Christlike attitude, patience is defined as: “…the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is the ability to do God’s will and accept His timing. When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully. Patience is related to hope and faith—you must wait for the Lord’s promised blessings to be fulfilled.”Preach My Gospel, Section 6, page 120
This and other thoughts made it clear I had some work to do. I had not been true to the Christlike principle of patience, and I knew it. Being aware of my behavior and changing my selfish attitudes has helped. I’m sure I have much more work to do (and I know I have other issues), but I’m becoming a much happier person by just being more patient with myself and others.
So to be clear, in our interactions with others, I believe patience is an essential “heavenly” virtue. Each day of our lives, we will have opportunities to learn and practice patience. I believe we will have many opportunities. Depending on the choices we make, these frequent opportunities can either hinder or strengthen our resolve (and progress) to be more like the Savior. Our choices determine our attitude and character. They will certainly determine our outcome. Over time, we will be defined by how we react.
Among other things, to become more Christlike, we need to strive to become more patient in our daily activities and relationships with others; and also with our individual selves (perhaps, especially with ourselves). In this life, we are to become increasingly more Christlike (that’s the Plan). Patience is essential as we work to overcome our human weaknesses and faults, draw near to the Savior, and become more like Him (more Christlike).
“Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.” —President Thomas S. Monson
Relevant Scriptures for Further Consideration:
“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” D&C 24:8
“Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.” D&C 31:9
“…wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected. Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy, in mine own due time, ye shall see and know….” D&C 67:13-14
“…know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way….” D&C 122:7-9
“Nevertheless, the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.” Mosiah 23:21
“…I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times….” Alma 7:23
“…bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.” Alma 26:27
(Note: For more evidence of the power of patience, search your digital scriptures using the keyword “patience.”)
Several years ago, I lost my dear and faithful companion Riley (my sweet dog) in a freak farm accident. The accident was my fault. It was devastating to me, and I had a very difficult time getting over it. In fact, even today, I’m still saddened at his loss …I still grieve and cringe a little when I think of his untimely and tragic death.
My Dear little Riley …RIP!
Riley was my “Pal,” at my side constantly, we were inseparable. He was an important and loving part of my daily life. Then, in an instant, he was gone. I broke down and was emotionally grief-stricken. For days, I was inconsolable. I blamed myself and could find no comfort nor relief in my sorrow. Eventually, time passed and I began to recover. But the sadness and sense of guilt still remained in my mind.
So, why do I share this sad and tragic tale? Well, …because I found something! “A lifeline.” Much has been written about losing a pet, but I found a short article that has truly helped ease my pain and sorrow. And, perhaps it will bring peace to someone else who reads this blog who has also suffered a similar loss. The article was published in LDSLiving Magazine. Here it is:
“It is always devastating when a pet dies. But thanks to modern revelation, we know they will be with us in the eternities. In his October 1928 conference address, President Joseph Fielding Smith said, ‘The animals, the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, as well as man, are to be recreated, or renewed, through the resurrection, for they too are living souls.’ He also wrote in Answers to Gospel Questions that ‘Animals do have spirits and will come forth in the resurrection to enjoy the blessing of immortal life.’
“Additionally, in the August 1927 edition of the Improvement Era, Elder Orson F. Whitney stated, ‘The affirmative of the question ‘Do Animals Have Souls?’ is amply sustained by divine revelation.’ Speaking of the Prophet Joseph, he added, ‘Joseph Smith so believed, or he would not have said …concerning his favorite horse, when it died, that he expected to have it in Eternity.’
“So, rest assured pet lovers — we will be reunited with our faithful companions. After all, it wouldn’t be heaven without them!” LDSLiving Magazine, January/February 2016, page 11.
Also, please compare and consider the following from the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in Doctrine & Covenants 77:2.
Question:What are we to understand by the four beasts, (spoken of in John 4:6)? Answer:They are a figurative expressions, used by the Revelator, John, in describing heaven, the paradise of God, the happiness of man, and of beasts, and of creeping things, and of the fowls of the air; that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created.
(For additional insight concerning our sacred and eternal relationship with animals, please see: “The Gospel and Animals,” by Gerald E. Jones, Ensign Magazine, August 1972.)
On Sunday morning, March 3rd, 2019, I looked out off my balcony into the dark Eastern sky. It was about 5:45 am, and the great Pacific Ocean laid out before me. The Moon was just a sliver rising from the distant horizon. But, in the darkness (with the naked eye) I could also see clearly three planets in our Solar System: Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter. And, they were all in alignment with our Moon. To confirm my observations, I opened my “Sky Map” app. Sure enough, those three planets were in alignment with our Moon in the dark Eastern sky. But to my surprise, Pluto (not visible to me) was also in alignment with the Moon. It was the Moon and four planets in alignment and stretching across the dark eastern sky. This was an awe-inspiring reality for me. I stood there speechless on my balcony staring at the planets in the night sky. I was alone with no one to share this with. Looking at the vastness of the sky and considering the enormous distance to Jupiter (not to mention the distance to Pluto), I just asked myself, “Who am I? I am nothing but a speck.” Then, my thoughts turned to God. And, I said again, “I am nothing but a speck, …and yet, thou art there, oh God. Thou art my loving and Eternal Father in Heaven.”
“I promise you that when you begin to catch even a glimpse of how your Heavenly Father sees you and what He is counting on you to do for Him, your life will never be the same!”
President Russell M. Nelson
1. Be Your “Better Best Selves”:
I believe we should seek and embrace high moral standards and behaviors. And, we should always strive to live close to the highest and most ethical standards we subscribe to …this is the essence of “Moral Integrity.” At all times and in all circumstances, we should be honest and true to ourselves and strive to pattern our lifestyle and behavior after the highest values we believe in (personally and as a society). And I believe we can always do better.
2. Be Concrete and Sequential (at least a little): I like routine, and I like things done in order. This is not an illness! It’s liberating. Of course, there is much in life that is best lived spontaneously (true love, charity, kindness, joy, and happiness). But, there is also much that is best managed with clear instructions and/or proven procedures.
Clear instructions or proven procedures help to remove confusion, doubt, and stress. With complex and difficult tasks, clear instructions or proven procedures are essential for a positive outcome. For example, if you want to bake your favorite cookies correctly, you should follow your favorite and proven recipe. You probably won’t like a batch of cookies that were made with miscellaneous ingredients randomly thrown together, and baked at no particular temperature, or amount of time.
On a grander scale, I believe that understanding what needs to be done (and how to do it) frees the mind and soul to complete the complex and accomplish greatness beyond our imagination. By following correct instructions or procedures, we would have a clearer vision of our purpose and objectives, more positive control of our lives, and more glorious outcomes. We would have the clarity to know where we are; where we are going; what we must be doing; and when we have arrived. We would not likely be adrift.
3. Stress Management:
Stress is unavoidable. We will all experience some stress in this life. Some will be good stress, some will be bad. Good stress has the potential to help us grow. Bad stress can be debilitating. Regardless, we can anticipate there will be some stress in this life. How we manage stress often makes the difference between good and bad stress. From my personal experience, there are three particular conditions or elements that have a direct impact on our ability to manage stress effectively. They are 1) hunger, 2) financial insecurity, and 3) a crisis. We can usually handle (or endure) any one or two of these conditions at a time; however, if all three elements are present simultaneously, our ability to manage stress is challenged significantly.
We can’t always avoid element #3, a personal crisis in our lives. We can minimize the probability of a crisis through responsible personal preparation. But often, a crisis will come despite our preparation; and, the potential for bad stress will follow! So, to minimize the stressful effects of a crisis in our life, and to maintain a good healthy outlook (especially during a crisis), we should strive to avoid element #1 hunger and #2 financial insecurity. We should:
1) Eat wisely (sound nutritional food in moderation). Also, always try to have good food on hand in your home. You can’t understate the positive psychological effects of seeing food “on the shelf” in our homes. And,
2) Always, always pay your bills and debts on time. A practical, understandable, and disciplined financial budget is necessary. In addition, while it may not always be possible, it is best to try to stay out of debt, and it’s always wise to maintain a healthy financial savings plan (a nest egg).
Remember, crises and stress will come. If we avoid hunger and financial insecurity, we’ll better manage each crisis (and the stress) and minimize their negative effects. In addition to dealing well with the crisis; we’ll more likely maintain a good healthy outlook on life.
NOTE: This “Stress Management” thought is written to those who have the means, but who must learn to manage. I know there are thousands of people out there right now who are hungry (starving) and financially insecure (no means) through no fault of their own. Their situation and enormous crises go far beyond the scope of this simplistic approach. For the thousands who are starving, unable to exist, I encourage those of us who can help, to help in whatever way we can! There are many organizations and ways to help. Find those ways and those legitimate charitable organizations …and help!
I’ve been thinking and reading about the Universe around us, and the Hubble Telescope Ultra Deep Field discoveries. The sheer expanse of our Observable Universe, and the enormous numbers of known and unknown Planets, Stars, Galaxies (and other possibilities), are beyond our imagination. I am amazed and humbled by these thoughts and game changing discoveries.
Our Solar System
To begin with, our Solar System (our Sun, planets, moons, etc.) is estimated to be at least 80 Astronomical Units (AUs) in diameter, or about 7.5 billion miles across. One (1) AU equals the distance between the center of the Earth and the center of the Sun (or about 93 million miles). Of course, the Earth’s distance to the Sun is not a constant distance because our orbit around the Sun is not perfectly round. But, we can say on the average, it is “about 93 million miles from the Earth to our Sun.”
Furthermore, while astronomers estimate our Solar System is at least 80 AUs across (a diameter of about 7.5 billion miles), this distance is a low estimate because of the orbital dynamics of the planets in our System. That is, the estimated diameter is variable (it is a dynamic distance). Depending on the positions of the planets in their individual orbits, the distance can vary between 80 and more than 100 Astronomical Units. Regardless, we are told our solar system is a mere speck located inconspicuously within the greater Milky Way Galaxy, our parent galaxy.
Our Milky Way Galaxy
Astronomers and cosmologists describe the Milky Way Galaxy as a barred spiral galaxy. That means it has several distinct arms (in our case four) and is shaped in a spiral …like a giant frisbee. When we look up into the dark night sky, all the stars we see with our naked eyes are located within our Milky Way Galaxy. That is, all we can see are the stars within to our Milky Way Galaxy.
In size, the Milky Way Galaxy is about 100,000 light-years (LYs) across. So, what does that really mean? Well, it means it would take light 100,000 years to travel across the full diameter of the Milky Way Galaxy. Consider this, Light travels at 186,000 miles per second. At the mere click of a light switch (i.e.; one second), unblocked light will travel the equivalent distance of approximately 7.5 time around the entire circumference of the Earth …just one second! At a constant speed of 186,000 miles per second, it would take light 100,000 years to cross the full diameter of the Milky Way Galaxy. Over the space of only one-year, light travels 5.88 trillion miles. Therefore, one (1) Light Year (LY) is 5.88 trillion miles. Multiply that by 100,000!
Now, I mentioned that when you look up into the night sky, all the stars you see are within our Milky Way Galaxy. However, still with your naked eyes, you may be able to spot another galaxy …located well outside of the Milky Way! On a clear, dark, moonless night, you may be able to see a small hazy image of a distant galaxy. That would be the Andromeda Galaxy, a big brother to our Milky Way Galaxy, and our nearest independent neighboring galaxy. The Andromeda Galaxy is located about 2.5 million light-years away. And, it is more than twice the size of our Milky Way Galaxy (Andromeda is about 220,000 LYs in diameter).
Our “Observable” Universe
One more point: Among galaxies, our Milky Way Galaxy is just a medium size galaxy. Cosmologists estimate the “Observable Universe” contains at least 2 Trillion Galaxies and “more Stars than the total number of grains of sand on the entire Earth.” By definition, the “Observable Universe” is a spherical region of the universe comprising all matter that can be observed at the present time from Earth or from its space-based telescopes and exploratory probes. This observable universe is estimated to be 93 Billion LYs across. And again, that is only what we can observe. It’s fare to ask, “what exists beyond our limits?” We do not know! This must make you stop, pause, and think!
While you “pause and think,” please consider these scriptural references that refer to the enormous expanse of God’s Creations:
“That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore.” Genesis 22:17
“And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.”
Genesis 32:12
“But behold, and lo, we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, or as the sand upon the seashore.”
D&C 76:109
“And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom;….”
D&C 88:37
“And worlds without number have I created….”
Moses 1:33
“And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there….”
Moses 7:30
The Hubble Telescope
Frankly, the numbers in astronomy are too large to get our heads around. We are incapable of understanding the big numbers like “93 Billion Light Years across the expanse of the Universe.” So, how do we calculate and come up with these numbers? Enter the Hubble Deep Space Field Telescope. This powerful satellite-based telescope looked into a patch of sky that looked empty (just above the Big Dipper). It kept the lens open for 10 consecutive days during Christmas 1995 and found about 3,000 additional galaxies (in that “empty space”). Then, in 2004, the Hubble Ultra Deep Space Field Telescope looked into another patch of sky that looked entirely empty. That event represents the deepest portrait of the visible universe ever achieved by humankind. Using the improved capabilities of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (the camera installed during the 2002 servicing mission), a new Deep Field was observed in the constellation of Fornax (the Furnace). The Ultra Deep Field shows the furthest away galaxies that can be observed in visible light. It kept the lens open for 11 days and found about 10,000 additional galaxies there — all these in patches of space that initially looked empty!
(If you would like to see a short video about the origins of the Hubble Telescope, please click on this link: the Hubble Telescope. I apologize, but it may begin with a brief political clip or advertisement. When you finish the Hubble video, please close the YouTube tab to return to this page. Thank you.)
In 2004, Hubble created the deepest visible-light image of the Universe; and now, with its brand-new camera, Hubble is seeing even farther in the same region.
The next breakthrough came after the 2009 servicing mission in which astronauts installed a new instrument capable of making greatly improved infrared observations. The resulting image, covering most of the field of view of the 2004 Ultra Deep Field observations, is the deepest image ever made of the cosmos.
Published in 2012, the Hubble eXtreme Deep Field is not a new set of observations, but rather a combination of many existing exposures (over 2000 of them) into one image. Combining the Hubble Ultra Deep Field, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field – Infrared, and many other images of the same small spot of the sky taken over almost 10 years, the Hubble eXtreme Deep Field pushes the limit even further.
The Hubble eXtreme Deep Field (XDF), combines Hubble observations taken over the past decade of a small patch of sky in the constellation of Fornax. It combines data from previous images including the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (taken in 2002 and 2003) and Hubble Ultra Deep Field Infrared (2009). The image covers an area less than a tenth of the width of the full Moon. Yet even in this tiny fraction of the sky, the long exposure reveals about 5500 galaxies. This image contains several of the most distant objects ever identified.
The last Hubble Ultra Deep Field released in 2014 was observed in the ultraviolet. This image allowed astronomers to study star formation in a region 5 to 10 billion light-years away from us. The study is called the Ultraviolet Coverage of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (UVUDF) project. The addition of ultraviolet data to the Hubble Ultra Deep Field using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 gives astronomers access to direct observations of regions of unobscured star formation. (Note: The above Hubble imagery and information was taken from the Hubble Space Telescope site.)
Summary
As reference points, here’s a simplified and very brief summary of what we can see or estimate about the “Observable Universe” (what we can see). Let’s think of the “Observable Universe” as being divided into Five Levels or systems moving in the “Observable Universe:”
In “Our Solar System,” we have eight (8) planets orbiting around our Sun. Compared with other stars in the Universe, our Sun is considered an “unremarkable” star. Our solar system is located about halfway between the center of the Milky Way Galaxy and the outer edge.
Our galaxy is “the Milky Way Galaxy.” It is a Spiral Galaxy estimated to be 100,000 Light Years (LYs) in diameter. Within the Milky Way Galaxy, our Solar System is one of more than 400 billion Solar Systems. The Pin Wheel Galaxy (visible in Ursa Major) is much like our Milky Way Galaxy. The Milky Way has an estimate of greater than 400 Billion stars within its boundaries, and there could be as many as 40 billion Earth-sized planets orbiting in the habitable zones of Sun-like stars. There is also an additional 16 orbiting Satellite Galaxies just outside the boundaries of the Milky Way Galaxy.
The Milky Way Galaxy (our Galaxy) seen over the Pyramids of Egypt.
Outside the Milky Way Galaxy is our “Local Group of Galaxies.” In this group, there are 54 different galaxies, and it is estimated to be 10 Million LYs across. There are three major galaxies in the “Local Group:” The three largest members of the group (in descending order) are the Andromeda Galaxy, the Milky Way Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy.
Andromeda has an estimated one trillion stars with 25 orbiting Satellite Galaxies outside its boundaries. It is a Barred Spiral Galaxy (like our Milky Way) located about 2.5 Million LYs away. And it is about 220,000 LYs in diameter.
Milky Way has an estimated 400 billion stars with 16 orbiting Satellite Galaxies outside its boundaries. And it is about 100,000 LYs in diameter.
Triangulum has an estimated 40 billion stars within its boundaries.
This Local Group itself is a part of the larger Virgo Supercluster, which may be a part of the Laniakea Supercluster.
The “Virgo Supercluster (SC)” is a mass concentration of galaxies containing the Virgo Cluster and our Local Group (which in turn contains the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies). At least 100 galaxy groups and clusters are located within its diameter of 110 million LYs. The Virgo SC is one of about 10 million superclusters in the observable universe. A 2014 study indicates that the Virgo Supercluster is only a lobe of an even greater supercluster: Laniakea.
The “Laniakea Supercluster (SC)” is the galaxy supercluster that is home to the Milky Way and approximately 100,000 other nearby galaxies. It encompasses approximately 100,000 galaxies stretched out over 520 million LYs. It has the approximate mass of a hundred thousand times that of our Milky Way galaxy.
My Conclusion and A Short Video
So, there’s my inadequate summary. And, as I said at the beginning, “this has to make you pause and think!” For me, I am overwhelmed, greatly humbled …and, at the same time, more aware of my own “nothingness!” “O Lord, how great are thy works!” (Psalm 92:5).
To help better visualize our universe, I have attached a well done Internet YouTube video for viewing. This video gives a good visual representation of the information I presented above. It is a great video with helpful graphics. Please click on the following link and enjoy watching this amazing film. (I’m sorry, but it may begin with a brief political clip or advertisement.) When you finish the video, please close the YouTube tab to return to this page. I would like to share an additional insight concerning the Cosmos. Thank you.
As I said, this video is a great visual representation of the visible universe and the cosmos as currently understood by astronomers. I appreciate science and feel this is a very good graphical portrayal of our enormous universe. I enjoyed the video and hope you did, too.
My Religious Perspective
Please bear with me now as I share my personal testimony and conviction of God’s Great Creation, including the Observable/Visible Universe.
Of course, the above video is a product of scientific and astronomical discoveries. So, as you might suspect, it deliberately omits any reference to the Divine Works of God the Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ. As good as this video is, in my mind it omits the most important element of the creation: it omits any reference to the Divine Creator. From the Holy Scriptures, and by the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, we know that Jehovah (the Lord Jesus Christ), under the direction of His Father (God the Eternal Father) was and is the Lord of the Universe, “the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity ” (D&C 38:1). He is the Creator of the Universe and He knows and understands all things. To simply call the creation of the Universe “The Big Bang Theory,” is a gross mischaracterization of the power of God, and it ignores the Divine Creator. Our planet, our Solar System, our Galaxy, the universe and beyond, are all part of His Glorious Creation.
“…all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.” (The Book of Mormon, Alma 30:44)
Of these things I am certain, and I testify they are true. I share them with all who will read this. And, I do it with full confidence and all sincerity. I know for myself they are true. My name is Scott A. Edgar. I consider myself a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am a fellow servant in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come….” (The Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:11)
As I leave these thoughts with you, I also include links below to a great talk offered by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. His address was presented in 2002 and is entitled “Our Creator’s Cosmos.” I highly recommend listening to this presentation. And, I hope you’ll ponder and enjoy his inspiring message. It’s about 35 minutes in length. Please note, during this audio presentation, Elder Maxwell makes several references to visuals and graphics. If you’d like to see the images and read the transcript, please click on and open this link: BYU Religious Studies Center. Thank you.
