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)
Written and performed by Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
Haunting music reminiscent of my Vietnam War combat tour in Southeast Asia. However, the Vietnam War ended well before this song was released. I understand it was written during the 1982 Falklands War. The song “Brothers in Arms” deals with the senselessness of war.
The 1982 Falkland Islands War
The Falkland Islands (about 400 miles due East of the southern tip of Argentina, in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean) were under British rule since about 1840 when it became a Crown Colony of Great Britain. Over the next century, there were numerous tensions, struggles, confrontation and even battles over the Falkland Islands, much of which where due to territorial claims by both Great Britain and Argentina. However, the British managed to retain control. Then, in 1965, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for both states (the UK and Argentina) to conduct bilateral negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement of the dispute. From 1966 until 1968, the UK discussed with Argentina the transfer of the Falklands, assuming their final decision would be accepted by the local Falkland islanders.An agreement on trade ties between the Falklands and the mainland was reached in 1971 and, consequently, Argentina built a temporary airfield on the islands in 1972. Notwithstanding, Falkland islanders dissented, and tensions between the UK and Argentina limited sovereignty negotiations until 1977. Sovereignty talks again ended by 1981, and over time, the dispute continued to escalate.
Then, on 2 April 1982, Argentine forces launched a military invasion of the Falklands to capture the Islands. The Argentines mounted amphibious landings with their military forces and invaded the Falklands and other British territories in the South Atlantic. This served as a catalyst for the subsequent Falklands War. The Argentines briefly occupied these areas until a UK expeditionary force retook the territories in June 1982. The invasion ended with the final surrender of the Falkland Government House.
The conflict lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender 14 June, returning the islands to British control. In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders killed during the hostilities. After the war, the UK expanded its military presence, building an RAF Airfield and increasing the size of its garrison.
Performed by “Gentri” (“The Gentlemen Trio”) includes Brad Robins, Casey Elliott and Bradley Quinn Lever.
Music composed by the group’s producer Stephen Nelson.Please Note: This song is beautiful. The recording is moving and inspirational. It’s definitely a favorite of mine. In the lyrics, the message seem to focus on common and unfortunate challenges and trials in this life, but I also head reflections of the pure love of God the Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ. For example, listen for these phrases in the lyrics: “When my strength is wеak, I can feel you carry me;” “I can feel your hand in mine;” “You have been here by my side;” “Every plea you seem to hear;” “In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine;” and, “Your whisper heals my soul.” Certainly, these are all Christ-Like Characteristics and Attributes. Our God is truly our loving and caring Heavenly Father: Loving, Caring and Forgiving!
Lyrics: When the night is fast asleep But my heart is well awake All my thoughts they trouble me And it’s more than I can take More than I can hold, deep inside I know
When my strength is weak, I can feel you carry me In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine And your whisper heals my soul Don’t let go Don’t let go
You have been here by my side Every plea you seem to hear With new hope I come alive And forget my fleeing fears Forget the tainted noise, overshadowеd by your voice
When my strength is wеak, I can feel you carry me In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine And your whisper heals my soul
Don’t let go
Don’t let go Don’t let go Don’t let go
When my strength is weak, I can feel you carry me In the darkness left for blind, I can feel your hand in mine And your whisper heals my soul And I plead with all I know Don’t let go Don’t let go Don’t let go
Please allow me to share a very brief understanding about the Church of Jesus Christ in the Early Christian era. Following the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, His Apostles and Disciples began traveling about the region sharing and teaching the Gospel of Christ to the chosen people of God (the Jewish people). However, in a vision (see Acts 10), the Apostle Peter was commanded to begin taking the gospel to the Gentiles (the non-Jews), as well as the Jews.
As the knowledge and teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ began to spread throughout the Roman Empire, Roman hostilities towards both Jews and Gentiles under their sovereign control also began to increase. Many Christians and Jews were persecuted and slaughtered by the Roman legions (e.g., all the Apostles of Jesus Christ were either martyred/or banished.) Many Jews and Gentiles fought back, but many were slaughtered by the Roman armies (it is estimated that the Roman vanquishing of Galilee resulted in an estimated 100,000 Jews killed or sold into slavery). (NOTE: Much of this history is recorded in the writings of the ancient Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus.) In the space of about 40 years, the foundation and organization of the Lord’s true church (including a full understanding of Heavenly Father’s Great Plan of Salvation) became marginalized and/or corrupted … and eventually, Divine revelation ceased.
Also, because of growing persecution and wickedness (in both the church and the world), the pure original Gospel of Jesus Christ became corrupted by both false religious leaders and conspiring government politicians. And, the earth began to fall into what became known as “the Great Apostasy” when these false leaders began to modify the original church and corrupted the purity of the pure Doctrine of Christ. In world history, much of this period of more than 1,000 years is referred to as “the Dark Ages” when “…the heavens were sealed.”
The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
However, I testify the fullness of the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ has since been restored to the earth in our day. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have opened the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. In the Spring of 1820, a young boy (Joseph Smith, Jr.) was seeking answers to his questions concerning which of all the churches was true, and which he should join. While searching, he came across the words of the Apostle James …which read: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). Young Joseph later wrote that “…never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.” Armed with confidence, the boy Joseph decided to approach God the Father in humble prayer. A brief video dramatization of Joseph Smith’s First Vision experience is provided below. Please tap the following video image to watch this short but inspiring true historical event. (Be sure your audio is on!)
After watching the inspiring short video above, please click below and listen to a beautiful and inspiring song (“RESTORED“) about the Glorious Gospel Restoration. (Music written and composed by Shawna Edwards.)
Now, after watching and listening to these videos and the music, please continue on and read a short summary of my personal testimony of Jesus the Christ and the glorious restoration of the Lord’s Kingdom on the Earth.
My Personal Testimony
Dear Family, Friends, and all who read this, we are now living in “the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.” Heavenly messengers have returned to the earth and restored Holy Priesthood authority/powers and blessings. In addition, our Heavenly Father’s “Gospel Plan of Salvation” and “the Doctrine of Christ” have been revealed (again). I believe Jesus Christ Himself sits at the head of His Church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and He is alive and well. He is the Creator, our Savior, our Redeemer, and literally, the resurrected and glorified Son of God the Eternal Father. Like God the Father, Jesus Christ loves all of God’s children, and because of His Sacrifice and Obedience to God, He has made it possible for us to be completely forgiven of our sins and redeemed from the Fall of Adam. Thus, He has provided a way (if we are willing) for each of us to ultimately return and live with God (our Eternal Father in Heaven) again. “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (The Pearl of Great Price, Moses 1:39)
Of these things I am certain, and with conviction 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; and I know you too can receive this same assurance by the power of the Holy Ghost.
“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”(The Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:4-5)
My name is Scott A. Edgar. I am a fellow servant in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and consider myself “a Follower and Disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.” If you would like to learn more, please visit theCome Unto Christ web page. Also, please humbly consider approaching God the Father in sincere personal prayer concerning these true and sacred matters. God answers honest and sincere prayers. Seek to “Hear Him!” And always remember, Jesus Christ is “…the light and the life of the World.” He wants us all to come unto Him. He is our Eternal Savior and Redeemer. Of this, I am certain!
Remembering the Glorious Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Lyrics and music written by Shawna Edwards.
Lyrics:
In the early spring, in a grove of trees, a young man knelt to pray. For the world He knew was a world confused, and He wanted to know the way. Then a pillar of light descended, and the Father and Son appeared. When they spoke His name on that blessed day, the whole world changed.
Now there is more light to shine in the dark And more hope to fill every heart. More truth to know God is there And He will answer our prayers. More peace and strength in the storm And more power to gather us home. More faith to lead us closer to Jesus, our Lord. All because His gospel was restored.
In a troubled time, in the growing strife, if heaven seems so far, Find a quiet place, put the world away, and ask with an open heart For the truth only God can give us, and the promise of joy and peace. And the time to come, like the rising sun, when the whole world will see
That there is more light to shine in the dark And more hope to fill every heart. More truth to know God is there And He will answer our prayers. More peace and strength in the storm And more power to gather us home. More faith to lead us closer to Jesus, our Lord. All because His gospel was restored.
Music and lyrics composed and conducted by Rob Gardner
Featuring the Spire Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra
Video : The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Images: Various Sources
LYRICS: Derived from the inspired and prophetic writings of the Prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 54:10-13)
For a little while have I forsaken thee;
But with great mercies will I gather thee.
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee
For a moment…
But with everlasting kindness will I gather thee,
And with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings,
For the mountains shall depart,
And the hills shall be removed,
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
But know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!
Though thine afflictions seem, at times too great to bear.
I know thine every thought and every care.
And though the very jaws of hell gape after thee
I am with thee.
And with everlasting mercy will I succor thee,
And with healing will I take thee ‘neath my wings.
For the mountains shall depart,
And the hills shall be removed,
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea.
Know, my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!
How long can rolling waters Remain impure?
What pow’r shall stay the hand of God?
The Son of Man hath descended below all things.
Art thou greater than He?
So hold on thy way, for I shall be with thee.
And mine angels shall encircle thee.
Doubt not what thou knowest,
Fear not man, for he Cannot hurt thee.
But with everlasting kindness will I succor thee,
And with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings.
For the mountains shall depart,
And the hills shall be removed,
And the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea,
But know my child,
My kindness shall not depart from thee!
My kindness shall not depart from thee!
