What Else Is There?

Hello

2010-11-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm an LDS mother who was prompted to find answers in Energy Medicine to help my daughter with a bipolar illness. She made amazing turnarounds at appointments of Rapid Eye Technology. I believe that applying the same health principles we learned can help anyone with health challenges. In the beginning I had absolutely no understanding of this field and was wary of using it. Its methods involved concepts I had never heard of or even imagined before. I wanted to be careful and use wisdom in deciphering whether each new principle I learned fit with my beliefs.

I spent a few years reading every book I could about 'energy work'- a more common term for a broad spectrum of energy healing methods. I was surprised to find premises in energy work that were vaguely familiar. I learned that a plethora of cultures outside of mine believed in an invisible life-giving energy that filled the universe. This subtle energy was known by various foreign names such as "Chi" or "Prana." In English it was described as life force energy.

After a couple of years of voracious reading, I heard a distinct impression from spirit to focus my reading on LDS sources. Imagine my surprise to learn from John A. Widtsoe that the light of Christ was the universal life-giving energy that other teachers called life force. That's when my research really became interesting! I wanted to learn everything I could about the light of Christ. I discovered that Latter-day Saints use many different terms for this subtle essence. I also learned that prophets and apostles have commented on principles underlying Energy Medicine. LDS leaders wrote more about universal subtle essences and healing than I ever expected and sometimes with surprisingly detailed comments. I was overwhelmingly relieved to learn from Apostle Parley P. Pratt about this subtle invisible essence and how it could be shared with others in his book, Key to the Science of Theology.
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The health principles in energy work that enabled my daughter to make huge turnarounds, and similar or equivalent LDS quotes for those principles, are on a DVD I produced in 2010 titled, "Scientists, Scholars and Spiritual Leaders Introduce Energy Work- A Gift From God." It is available if you scroll down below. The DVD answers the following questions and more: Are LDS beliefs compatible with Energy Work? What do prophets teach about healing? Are chakras in the Bible? Does an invisible energy heal? What about crystals and long distance healing?

I came to the conclusion that premises underlying the energy work I was led to did fit with the gospel of Christ while there were other methods that do not follow scriptural principles. I desire to share information related to appropriate integrative healing methods, and scriptures and LDS quotes that teach a person how to discern the difference. Answers to our health questions and concerns really are in the scriptures! This site does not claim, however, to represent the doctrinal beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Perhaps it is time to educate - not just medicate. We need an education on whole person health, for we are more than just the physical bodies the medical field focuses on. Traditional medicine still practices from the viewpoint of "Person = Body." Conventional medicine has no concept of altering energy flows. Understanding that the previous equation is incomplete, one would be wise to enlist the help of a health practitioner who understands that "Person = Body + Mind + Spirit." I want a health practitioner addressing my entire being, not just a portion of myself. We need more medical doctors in the western world who practice from the entire paradigm.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. said "Energy Medicine is the next big frontier in medicine." Why is that? Dawson Church,PhD gives a great answer: "Techniques from energy medicine and Energy Psychology can alleviate chronic diseases, shift auto-immune conditions, and eliminate psychological traumas with an efficiency and speed that conventional treatments can scarcely touch." (The Genie in Your Genes- Epigenetic Medicine and the New Biology of Intention, 29.) That is because our energy body is the grid work underlying the physical nature of us.

Bruce Lipton, a renowned cell biologist and former medical school professor, offers an educational analogy: "Conventional medicine works with the iron filings, whereas a deeper form of healing would attempt to influence the magnetic field. Most doctors don't see the field, so they're trying to figure out the relationship between the filings without even trying to incorporate the energy field in which they exist." (quoted in The Genie in Your Genes, 152.) In simple terms, human beings are more than just the physical bodies that medical doctors consider. We are also complex systems of energy fields. When our energy fields are cleared and balanced it makes an impact on our physical level, also.

The field of Energy Medicine takes into account the whole person's being: physical body as well as mind and spirit. This includes the invisible subtle light energy that surrounds people, known to scientists as the biofield. Fields of energy penetrate and surround our bodies. Scriptures teach this, such as "Let us put on the armour of light."(Romans 13:12) Everyone has generally unseen energy fields around their physical body. Progressive doctors and hospitals are embracing this view.* Shouldn't you? (*See cover story U.S. News &World Report, Jan. 21, 2008.)

Understanding this new perspective enables whole person health. Caroline Myss writes, "According to energy medicine, the human spirit is a manifestation of energy. . . . The intention behind using Energy Medicine is to treat the body and the spirit equally." (Why People Don't Heal and How They Can, x,xi)" John A. Widtsoe states that another way, "Joseph Smith taught also that spirit is only a pure form of matter. . . .'The spirit and the body are the soul of man.' (D&C 88:15) The spirit here referred to may be compared to the ether of science, vibrating with the force of intelligence, which is the first and highest of the many forces of nature... Man, according to this is composed of matter; the spirit which may be likened to ether, and energy." ( John A.Widtsoe, Joseph Smith as Scientist, 34, 63-64)

New York Times best-selling author Gregg Braden calls such spiritually-based techniques that I mention "internal technology" that a person can apply on their own to improve health. Larry Dossey, MD calls some of these techniques "Eternity Medicine." (see Reinventing Medicine, chapter 6) I sure love the term he chose.

Of course, one should use caution when exploring cutting-edge methods of healing. On the other hand, we also need to realize that false traditions of our fathers may have been passed down to us concerning health. World renowned scientists are teaching that we are NOT limited by the laws of physics and biology as taught to generations before. Physics has changed to an energetic view of all creation. Will you? I did and it has made all the difference!

To your health~ Tamara

How do chakras and life force energy fit with LDS beliefs?

2010-11-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

Laboratory experiments by quantum phycistists in the last few decades have scientifically shown the existence of a universal field of energy. This has been important as I have studied whether the premises of Energy Medicine fit with the gospel of Jesus Christ and LDS beliefs. It has been amazing to discover how much prophets have written about healing and the invisible, subtle energy of light around us. They have compared the universal, subtle energy that physicists discovered with the light of Christ and paired other principles found in both science and religion. Parley P. Pratt taught, "There are several of these subtle, invisible substances but little understood as yet by man, and their existence is only demonstrated by their effects." (Key to the Science of Theology, 39) Elder Pratt, who was an apostle, follows by teaching that the purest and most refined and subtle of all substances performs the healing of the sick and that those with spiritual gifts can feel and see it. What validating statements for facilitators of energy healing!

LDS leaders have also used terms like "spiritual radiation," "intelligence" and "divine immanence" instead of the world's vocabulary that includes such terms as "Chi", "life-force energy" and "auras." Scientists use yet other terms for these electromagnetic fields and their subtle energies such as "Bio-energetic field," "Zero-point energy," and "corona discharge." Whether called Zero Point Energy by science or intelligence or the light of Christ by religion, they must be the same life-giving, governing power that fills the universe. John A. Widtsoe wrote, "The intelligence spoken of by the prophet [Joseph Smith] corresponds fully with the [universal] energy of science." (Joseph Smith as Scientist, 141) It seems that science and religion are using different terminology to describe the very same essence! "The parallelism is complete. The holy spirit, in "Mormon" theology, corresponds with the ether of science." (Widtsoe, Joseph Smith As Scientist, 142)

I have learned over and over that all truth fits together. God doesn't distinguish between scientific truth and religious truth because it is all His truth.People are usually surprised to learn that chakras are spoken of in the Bible. A chakra is a swirling vortex of unseen subtle energy. Scientists speak of them as step-down transformers for higher frequency subtle energies in the human bioenergy field.

Biblical prophets such as Ezekiel and Daniel use the Sanskrit word for "chakras" which is "wheels" when they speak of them. Ancient traditions teach about these main energy centers being vertically aligned in the body.The book of Ezekiel says the prophet saw wheels going "up and down" the body "as a rainbow." (See Ezekiel chapter 1) Every color and location that Ezekiel mentions for the 7 vertical colored wheels he saw matches the location and color of the ancient tradition's chakras. Furthermore, that prophet taught that the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels!

Energy Medicine's healing techniques, commonly called 'energy work,' help create an organized environment for the chakras/spirit so that the body's innate intelligence can then heal on the physical level as well. God creates all things first spiritually before they manifest physically on the earth. (Moses 3:5) It is no surprise then, that one can first cleanse the chakras, the inner vessel that 'houses' the spirit, to effect change on a physical condition or illness. No wonder energy healing modalities are considered spiritual healing processes. John A Widtsoe wrote, "The explanation of the mysteries of nature will be greatly simplified when the Mormon doctrine of the position of intelligence in universal phenomenon is clearly understood by scientific workers." (Joseph Smith as Scientist, 130)

I am extremely grateful for Rapid Eye Technology http://rapideyetechnology.com/directory/tamara-laing-mret-p-870.html. This was the modality that made amazing differences for our daughter time and time again. Her NAMI support group was amazed at the quick turnarounds she made at appointments of R.E.T.. I am also very grateful for other tools in the field of Energy Medicine that God has blessed us with. My daughter has certainly been blessed by appointments with a gifted cranio-sacral therapist, and by Rapid Eye Technicians who combined their sessions with Reiki, Quantum Touch, therapeutic grade Essential Oils and Christ-centered Theta Healing. The premises behind these fit with Christian and LDS beliefs (although I have altered details on how I practice them to fit precisely with those beliefs.)

The Bible shows a plethora of support for principles of Energy Medicine, which I discuss in the book I am writing. In addition, new fields and discoveries in science offer much validating evidence. For example, science has discovered that forgiving others and ourselves actually affects our DNA. The discovery that DNA can change is of immense importance. The new scientific field of Epigenetics supports teachings that we can consciously use our emotions to affect our DNA and our immune response.Our thoughts, emotions and feelings affect us physically! We are no longer victims of our heredity. Bruce Lipton teaches that with this knowledge we become masters of our health rather than victims of genetic circumstance. Understanding this can give ill people great hope.

Additionally, exuding feelings of forgiveness is paramount to health. I learned firsthand that forgiveness spoken out loud affects my physical health. It also worked a miracle for my daughter. Her entire countenance and life changed in one 2-hour appointment based on forgiveness work spoken out loud in present tense. That miraculous appointment for stress management with Jan Graf in St. George, Utah included another Energy Medicine technique that is also found in scripture. It is instructive about the reality of light and darkness around us, and is taught by ancient and modern prophets. This second technique was used by every one of the most helpful energy facilitators my daughter met with. Explore this website to learn more about that type of immense help.

All of the above topics and more are addressed on my DVD. I firmly believe that energy work fits with the gospel of Christ!

What? I store unresolved emotions in my body?

2010-11-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

My daughter made astounding shifts at appointments with facilitators of energy healing who helped clear out and balance the electro-magnetic energy field enveloping her body. Alternative health teaches that we store unresolved emotions in our bodies. "Emotions that we have not faced, accepted nor dealt with are stored as repressed emotional energy, waiting for a future time when we can learn from them... Since they are filed in our bodies in places of which our conscious mind is not aware, they keep us reminded of their existence in a variety of negative ways. They can cause pain, illness, disease, and malfunction on any and all levels- physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual." (David Stewart, PhD, Healing Oils of the Bible, 116-117.)

Look up "Book of Life" in Mormon Doctrine and you'll discover that LDS teachings agree. That book states,

“The book of life is the record of the acts

of men . . . written in their own bodies.

It is the record engraven on the very

bones, sinews, and flesh of the mortal body.

That is every thought, word, and deed has an effect

on the human body; all these leave their marks.”

Scripture also contains examples of storing emotions in the body, as the DVD I produced shows. I learned the wisdom of seeking the assistance of 'whole person health' practitioners with integrity who employ methods that release the stored energy of negative, unresolved feelings. Otherwise, these stored emotions can create energy blocks which then contribute to illness in the body.

Essential Oils for Emotional Healing- Cherie Burton's Free Class

2010-10-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Are you interested in learning about alternative help for depression, anxiety, and/or emotional healing?Cherie Burton, author of Where Depression Ends and You Begin- 4 Passages to Discovery, will be at my home this Thursday Oct. 14th from 7-9pm if I can gather at least 10 interested people. If you are open to learning about essential oils,and will be in the Roy,Utah area please e-mail me at lightreader@xmission.com or call me at 801-985-7046 and I will give you directions to my home. Please feel free to share this invitation with your friends.

The following is Cherie's own message:

Hello,

Many of you know that my family pedigree is riddled with Bipolar Disorder and Depression..and that I lost my sister to suicide 5 years ago. As a family, we've made it our mission, since Shawna's death, to find other avenues of healing from depression and mental illnesses - as medications and traditional means of treatment found her no relief. It has been quite the interesting journey, to say the least, discovering alternative healing modalities.

My other sisters, Robin and Taunia - and our mother Merrilyn - were presented with Essential Oils a few years ago. We were very skeptical at first, but they have proven to be a tremendous blessing to our family, and most particularly to my sister Taunia, whose Bipolar symptoms/episodes have been almost completely abated without drugs. These natural and potent Oils, more than any other modality, have been the greatest catalyst for emotional support and yes - healing - that our family has discovered. Many people we work with are using the Oils alongside traditional forms of treatment for accelerated relief and emotional release.

It's sort of become a "mini mission" of mine to teach others about what has been near miraculous with my family...most especially since my son Noah has had his own issues. You can read about that by clicking here:

If you know of anyone who is suffering with depression, please have them come. Or, you may wish to come in their stead to get the information and pass it along. I will be sharing a PowerPoint presentation on a "Mood Matrix" and talking about specific, intensive therapies with Essential Oils to combat depression and anxiety.

I am passionate about helping mothers become "physicians" in their homes and will be teaching classes twice monthly - one in LINDON and one in BOUNTIFUL- along with my sister, Robin. November's class will focus on children with special needs - Autism/ADD/ADHD. There have been some amazing transformations with these children because of the Oils, my son included...which you can read about in the blog post above.
Class goes from 7-9:00 pm

If you can't make it, and you'd like the info anyway, call me. Also, let me know if you'd like me to update you on the monthly classes.

Would love to see you there!
Warmly,
Cherie

Cells emit sparks of Chi

2010-06-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

I had the awesome opportunity 2 days ago of looking at my live blood projected onto a screen. One of my new friends is a phlebotomist as well as a microscopist. She was looking at a drop of my blood under a high powered microscope. It was fascinating! I was watching what she could see under that microscope onscreen. I saw healthy single red blood cells and also clumps of them grouped together that are not able to get oxygen... as easily. I also saw white blood cells and various other things inside and outside of the various cells. There were things that looked like parasites, fermentation, yeast, toxins, rods, plaque, dark crystals and uric acid crystals.... I learned a lot! Blood can tell what is stressed in your body. (I touch on that in my DVD.) I sprayed just 10 sprays of the product ASEA under my tongue and we repeated the process with a new drop of my blood 10 minutes later. It was fascinating to see all the detoxing that was now going on in this microscopic world of a drop of blood.

I sat spellbound looking at a ring of light emanating from each red blood cell. I wondered, was that ring of light coming from the microscope above it or was the light originating from within the cell itself?

I'm pretty sure that God wanted me to find an answer. It seems He woke me up at 5:00 this morning. I didn't know why, but I felt compelled to get up that early. I read my scriptures for half an hour and then checked my e-mail. In one e-mail message a friend had asked for Farley Anderson's phone number so I looked in a book he authored for contact info. It wasn't there. However, there was a dog-eared page that had been turned down not once, but twice years ago. That double fold caught my eye. I felt I should see what I had once thought so important as to double dog- ear. What a surprise! It was a page that held answers to the question I had posed 2 days earlier about blood cells being surrounded by rings of light. I was ecstatic to read the following! Emphasis has been added by me.

"Internationally known Dr. Parris M. Kidd, Ph.D., health educator and biomedicalr esearch specialist,

and author of numerous books and articles, had this to say about how minerals support Chi, the vital force of life.

'Did you guess that the mineral supplement that you choose to add to your diet might have noticeable effect on your Chi energy? Chi is the life-force that flows through our bodies. In traditional Chines medicine, Chi is seen as the paramount vital energy. Herbs and dietary supplements, including mineral supplements, are used to boost Chi, and so restore healthful vigor. Here in the West, progressive health practitioners are embracing Chi as a major option in their holistic programs. Chi is an electronic energy that can be measured using sensitive electro-acupuncture machines. It is thought that Chi originates at the level of a single cell, which is the basic unit of life. The trillions of cells in the human body make electronic energy simultaneously with chemical energy in the tiny energy factories they have that are called mitochondria. The Chi energy leaves the single cells and moves out of the tissue, then travels through the organs and the entire body, as measured via the classic acupuncture meridian points. The correlation between Chi and minerals is that Chi is an electron energy, and the more charged atoms there are in the fluids, the better can the electronic energy flow. Much as in a battery, the more charged atoms (ions) there are in the battery solution, the stronger is the battery. Similarly, our cells make the sparks of Chi, but its flow is held by the minerals.

`'The better the balance of the minerals in the fluids, the better the Chi should flow. While we do know that there are 23 elements strictly proven essential for the body, we do not know that the others are not essential or not important. These may well contribute to Chi. . . . From my research into this phenomenon of Chi, it has become clear that by supplementing our diet with a well-balanced mineral supplement we can go a far way towards optimizing our energy and overall well being. (Used by permission from a 1996 speech.)' " (Quoted in Farley M. Anderson, Nature's Answer, Bear River, Utah, Replenishing Press, p 37-38)

I felt this author was a second-witness to what my new friend, Kathleen Erickson, taught. We both presented at a health conference in Provo recently where she showed us videos of live blood glowing with light after taking the product, ASEA. I was taking notes as fast as I could and felt I had found a kindred spirit. She spoke of being able to see both light and darkness in the cells. We both were excited about scriptures that speak of this. Wow! All truth fits together. Gotta love science and technology that agree with scripture!

Spiritual Radiation

2010-05-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

SPIRITUAL RADIATION

Number three in a series

A COLLECTION OF QUOTES ON THE PRINCIPLE OF SPIRITUAL RADIATION

AN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PAPER ON THE NATURE OF A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Rex A. Wadham, Associate Professor of Elementary Education
Dept. of Elementary Education, Brigham Young University

Spiritual radiation is a central element for the transmission of knowledge between all organized beings. It is the unspoken but pervasive yet ineffable influence that surrounds all relationships; all interactions between all intelligent entities. If the principle of spiritual radiation is a true phenomenon then what are the implications of this force as it impacts upon the learning environment? What is the effect of the spiritual radiation that I emanate upon those whom I teach?

The source of this radiation is identified by Parley P. Pratt as the Holy Spirit and its counterpart, found in one’s own body, he refers to as spiritual magnetism. Brother Pratt suggests that one of the component structures contained within the Holy Spirit is that of an invisible but tangible substance. The Holy Spirit is also “the purest, the most refined and subtle of all these [invisible] substances, [such as, electricity, galvanism, magnetism, animal magnetism, spiritual magnetism, essence, spirit etc.] and the one least understood, or even recognized, by the less informed among mankind…”(Keys to Theology, Parley P. Pratt, p. 46)

The law that governs the flow of these two spiritual “fluids” and the communicative properties they contain bear some resemblance to the laws that govern electricity. Like electricity, the flow is imparted between two or more bodies through the channel of the nerves. (Keys to Theology, Parley P. Pratt, pp 99-100)

This statement helps us respect the effect that drugs may have on the nerves to retard the flow of spiritual communication between each other, and between us and God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Brother Pratt has been frequently quoted over the years about the natural effect that the Holy Ghost has upon one who has been baptized and has developed within himself the gift of the Holy Ghost, or in other words, the presence of the Holy Ghost. He said: “The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. [Man, created in the image of God, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection that God himself possesses]. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. In the presence of such persons, one feels to enjoy the light of their countenance, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuses a thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of other who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit” [such as little children who are protected by Christ through His atonement and dwell in His spiritual light. See Moroni Chapter 8]. (Keys to Theology, Parley P. Pratt, p. 101).

President David O. McKay gave a major statement on spiritual radiation to the faculty and student body on the Brigham Young University campus in 1948. The title of the address was “Mission of the Brigham Young University.” He talked about this spiritual radiation flowing not only from each other but from the physical buildings—offices, and classrooms—where we work. In essence he said that all things radiate a spiritual influence.

“I have quoted often before, and shall again because I like it, in referring to the influence of an individual. There is one responsibility which no man can evade and that responsibility is personal influence. Man’s unconscious influence, the silent, subtle radiation of his personality. The effects of his words and acts. These are tremendous. Every moment of life he is changing to a degree the life of the whole world.

“Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other. So silent and unconsciously is this influence working, that man may forget that it exists. Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character. This constantly weakening or strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence. He can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character. By these qualities he will constantly affect the world. This radiation to which I refer comes from what a person really is, and not from what he pretends to be.

Every man by his mere living, is radiating sympathy, sorrow, or morbidness, cynicism, or happiness or hope or any other of a hundred qualities. Life is a state of radiation and absorption. To exist is to radiate. To exist is to be the recipient of radiation.” (Mission of the Brigham Young University”, and address given by President David O. McKay at BYU, April 27, 1948).

Brother McKay said he has often referred to the principle in his talks. He continued to do so on several later occasions. In his conference address of April, 1963 he said: “Every man and every person who lives in this world wields an influence, whether for good or for evil. It is not what he says alone, it is not alone what he does. It is what he is. Every man, every person radiates what he or she really is.

Every person is a recipient of radiation. The Savior was conscious of that. Whenever he came into the presence of an individual, he sensed that radiation—whether it was the woman of Samaria with her past life; whether it was the woman who was to be stoned, or the men who were to stone her; whether it was the statesman, Nicodemus, or one of the lepers. He was conscious of the radiation from the individual. And to a degree so are you, and so am I. It is what we are and what we radiate that affects the people around us.

As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations. We shall radiate them if we do. If we think noble thoughts; if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them.

That it is true of the individual. It is true of the home…Our homes radiate what we are, and that radiation comes from what we say and how we act in the home. No member of this Church—husband, father—has the right to utter an oath in his home, or ever express a cross word to his wife or to his children. You cannot do it as a man who holds the priesthood and be true to the spirit within you by your ordination and your responsibility. You should contribute to an ideal home by your character, controlling your passion, your temper, guarding your speech, because those things will make your home what it is and what it will radiate to the neighborhood.

“…as men of the priesthood, as women of the Church, we have greater responsibilities than ever before to make our homes such as will radiate to our neighbors harmony, love, community duties, loyalty. Let our neighbors see it and hear it. Never must there be expressed in a Latter-day Saint home an oath, a condemnatory term, an expression of anger or jealousy or hatred. Control it! Do not express it! You do what you can to produce peace and harmony, no matter what you may suffer.

“The Savior set us the example. He was always calm, always controlled, radiating something which people could feel as they passed. When the woman touched his garment, he felt something go from him—that radiation which is divine.

“Each individual soul has it. That is you! The body is only the house in which you live. God help us to radiate strength, control, love, charity, which is another name for love, consideration, best wishes for all human beings.

“The Church is reaching out, radiating, not only by bodies and meetings, but now through the kindness of the radio owners, the television owners, we have touched them [members of the church and non-members in Alaska and other places] from the center…radiating throughout the whole world.

“God help us as members of the priesthood, as members of the Church to radiate faith, love of humility, charity, control, consideration, and service to his people wherever they are, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, April, 1963, pp. 129-131)

At another time he made this comment: “The first thing to do, my brethren, is to look to yourselves, to see whether or not you are prepared to teach. No Man can teach that which he himself does not know. It is the duty to teach that Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of the world, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that to him in this last dispensation there appeared God the Father and His Son in person. Do you believe it? Does the testimony radiate from your being when you enter into the home? If so, that radiation will give life to the people whom you teach. If not, there will be a dearth, a drought, a lack of that spiritual environment in which the Saints grow. (David O McKay, Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, David O. McKay October 1916, pp.58-59). Note the emphasis he gives to the fact that positive spiritual radiation gives life to those to whom we serve. In still another conference address when speaking about free agency he said: “There is another responsibility correlated and even coexistent with free agency, which is too infrequently emphasized, and that is the effect not only of a person’s actions but also of his thoughts upon others. Man radiates what he is, and that radiation affects to a greater or lesser degree every person who comes within that radiation”. (Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O McKay, April 1950, p.34)

David O. McKay was not the only president of the church to make a reference to the spiritual phenomena associated with radiation processes. President Spencer W. Kimball in his book, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 107, used the quote from the BYU address of President David O McKay to emphasize the truth that our thoughts can and do influence others.

This radiation is also referred to, in the scriptures, as the manifestation of spiritual light which is sometimes quoted as being analogous to a lighted candle. Mathew 5:15, Mark 4:21, :Luke 8:21, 11:33, 3 Nephi 12:15 are some examples.

President Heber C. Kimball has warned us that we cannot live on borrowed light (Life of Heber C. Kimball, Orson F. Whitney, pp. 449-450). More recently President Harold B. Lee quoted Brother Kimball in a conference address given in 1956 (Conference Report, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Harold B. Lee Oct. 1956 p. 62). The same warning was cited again in the Relief Society Courses of Study, 1979-1980, pp. 24-25. The Book of Revelation, in the New Testament, also describes the condition that has always prevailed for those members who continually live on borrowed light and who do not seek to become their own source of original light” “And the light of the candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by the sorceries were all nations deceived.” (Revelation 18:23). The light is the Holy Ghost, the bride and the bridegroom symbolize the union that exists between Christ and the members of the church, the merchants (where the source of light could be obtained) were the great men of the earth—the prophets both living and dead, the sorceries denotes an absence of light or the desire to gain power from the assistance of evil spirits or of men. The Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide, 1979-1980 in Lesson 11 quotes President Joseph F. Smith in a similar statement: “But all this availeth little or nothing, unless the Saints consider themselves of some consequence, and let their light shine, collectively and individually; unless they are model in their behavior, honest, zealous in the spread of truth, tolerant of their neighbors,” then he adds, “One fault to be avoided by the Saints, young and old, is the tendency to live on borrowed light, with their own hidden under a bushel; to permit the savor of their salt of knowledge to be lost; and the light within them to be reflected, rather than original” (Gospel Doctrine, Joseph F. Smith pp. 87-88).

Sad to say that what President Joseph F. Smith referred to as lost knowledge is evidently lost to the present generation of the church. There is a body of knowledge that was restored to the earth in the first generation of the restoration that is not commonly known or understood today. A case in point can be taken from the five-year course, 1908-1912, for the Melchizedek Priesthood, titled The Seventy’s Course in Theology, edited by B.H. Roberts, In the manual for 1912, part one of the course (six lessons) deals with the principle, “Divine Immanence.” Sadly, this precept is rarely understood by the present generation of prieshood holder; yet it is the heart and soul of the principle of spiritual radiation and light being discussed in this paper. Divine Immanence, as taught by B.H. Roberts, is the indwelling of God’s light within us plus power—His power. (The Seventy’s Course of Study, Fifth Year, Part 1, edited by B.H. Roberts.) Here is another example of the principle of indwelling as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ. He is speaking to the Twelve Nephite apostles he had called to preside over His church. He said: “And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it” (3 Nephi 27:10). What the Lord is saying is that if His Gospel is not actively within us then the works of the Father cannot be made manifest in us. His works cannot flow through us. And what is the gospel? Brother Bruce R. McConkie said: “It embraces all of the laws, principles, doctrines, rites, ordinances, acts, powers, authorities, and keys necessary to save and exalt men in the highest heaven thereafter. Later in the same discussion he said: “The scriptures bear record of the gospel, but the gospel itself consists in the power of the priesthood and the possession of the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie, see “Gospel”, p. 331-334).

To better understand this principle let me refer you to a statement made by Elder Hugh B. Brown on the spirit’s ability to speak to the spirit of others. The occasion was a visit to the American Fork Training School—and institutional school for the retarded—where he challenged the seminary teachers to teach the gospel to the mentally handicapped spirit to spirit. He told the teachers that the children were handicapped only in the body and mind, but that their spirits were not handicapped and if they would teach them spirit to spirit there would be no communication problem (Church News, December 10, 1977, p. 10). Spiritual Radiation then , is a flow of communication from the true self. It is a flow of information from one tabernacle to another tabernacle. Note the following statement from the 93:35; “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.” A temple is where God’s truth can indwell with power. And what is power? John A. Woodstoe in his address on “Temple Worship” defines power as “knowledge made alive and useful—that is intelligence; and intelligence in action—that is power. Our temples gives us power—a power based on enlarged knowledge and intelligence—a power from on high, of a quality with God’s own power” (The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, “Temple Worship”, John A. Widstoe, April 1921, pp. 49-64). Orson Pratt defines knowledge as our perception of truth. But what is truth? “Truth may exist without knowledge, but knowledge cannot exist without truth” (“Absurdities of Immaterialism”, Orson Pratt p.1).

Orson Pratt provides further insight to the indwelling nature of God’s power in his discourse on the “Powers of Nature.” He refers to God as being the great source of truth and power contained within the cosmos: “The great Architect of the universe did not construct the magnificent machinery of nature, and endow the materials thereof with certain fixed powers, and then withdraw Himself, or step aside to see the mighty fabric operate. Unintelligent materials are incapable of being endowed with any kind of power, much less with the wise and intelligent powers that characterize the workings of the universe. God is every moment in nature, and every moment acts upon nature, and through nature, the same as the spirit of man acts in, and through, and upon the tabernacle of his body, [2 Nephi 2 enlarges this idea]. If God should withdraw himself from nature, or should cease to act upon it, that portion of it which is without life or intelligence (if there be any such portion) would immediately cease all action: and while thus apart from nature no laws could be given to it which could be obeyed: no gravitative or cohesive tendencies could be exerted upon it; no chemical combinations or organic operations could be performed; or in other words, unintelligent nature would be entirely dead, and no voice or power could awake it, or have the least effect upon it, without entering into it, an operating upon it, and through it. It is only living and intelligent substances that hear, and understand, and obey a law. And if unintelligent nature, appears to act and obey a law, it is not in reality the acts of nature, but the operations of a living, intelligent substance inhabiting nature.. Unintelligent nature could no more act than the body without the spirit could act. Therefore, all the grand and magnificent movements of the universe as a whole, and all the minute and imperceptible operations of it particles, are the continued effects of the living, moving all-powerful substance diffused through the whole. This all pervading, omnipresent substance is the Holy Spirit existing in inexhaustible quantities, and extending though the immensity of space: it is the light, and the life, and the power of all things. To search out the laws of nature is nothing less than searching out the laws by which the Spirit in nature operates. Man is continually beholding these wonderful operation, but because he does not behold the acting agent, he ascribes the effects to blind, unintelligent and unconscious matter: as well might he ascribe the attributes of the divinity to a wooden idol. The light shines all around us, and is manifest in an infinite variety of wise and beneficial results, but so great is the darkness of man, that he perceives not the light; or as our great Redeemer has said, “The light shineth in darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not” (The Seer, Orson Pratt, p. 227).

Since life is a continual state of radiation and absorption what must we do to absorb a greater proportion of God’s light? “The Lord is no respecter of persons, and to all who are willing to seek in prayer, with preparation, and work, having a desire in their hearts for spiritual light and understanding, He will grant abundantly without reproach. But no light will come to the unwilling, for they will not ask. The promise that they shall receive is made only to those who ask; and that they shall find, only to those who seek” (Joseph F. Smith, Improvement Era, Vol. 19, p. 173).

And what should we be doing with this light? “We ought to be full of light and life and the power and spirit of the living God and feel that we are messengers to the nations of the earth; we ought to feel the word of God burning like fire in our bones, feeling desirous to go and snatch men from the powers of darkness and the chains of corruption with which they are bound and lead them in the paths of life. We ought to be prepared to go forth weeping, bearing precious seed that we might come back again rejoicing bringing our sheaves with us.” (John Taylor, December 15, 1878, Journal of Discourses, 20:228).

How should a missionary use this light? “…missionaries are now going to school [such as the MTC and BYU] to [learn what to teach. The spirit already knows the “how” of teaching.] teach others, and in teaching others they themselves will be instructed, and when they rise to speak in the name of Israel’s God, if they live in purity and holiness before Him, He will give them words and ideas of which they never dreamed before. I have traveled hundreds and thousands of miles to preach this gospel among all grades and conditions of men, and there is one thing that always gave me satisfaction—I never yet found a man in any part of the world who could overturn one principle that has been communicated to us; they will attempt it, but error is a very singular weapon with which to combat truth; it never can vanquish it. When men go forth in the name of Israel’s God there is no power on earth that can overturn the truths they advocate…they have the light of revelation, the fire of the Holy Ghost, and the power of the priesthood within the—a power that they know very little about even themselves, which, like a well-spring of life, is rising, bursting, bubbling, and spreading its exhilarating streams around” (John Taylor, April 14, 1867, Journal of Discourses 12:21-22).

What is the law that governs this light? “There is not a man born into the world but has a portion of the Spirit of God, and it is that Spirit of God which gives to his spirit understanding. Without this, he would be but an animal like the rest of the brute creation, without understanding, without judgment, without skill, without ability, except to eat and to drink like the brute beast. But inasmuch as the Spirit of God giveth all men understanding, he is enlightened above the brute beast. He is made in the image of God Himself, so that he can reason, reflect, pray, exercise faith; he can use his energies for the accomplishment of the desires of his heart, and inasmuch as the Spirit of God giveth all men understanding, he is enlightened above the brute beast. He is made in the image of God Himself, so that he can reason, reflect, pray, exercise faith; he can use his energies for the accomplishment of the desires of his heart, and inasmuch as he puts forth his efforts in the proper direction, then he is entitled to an increased portion of the Spirit of the Almighty to inspire him to increased intelligence, to increased prosperity and happiness in the world; but in proportion as he prostitutes his energies for evil, the inspiration of the Almighty is withdrawn from him until he becomes so dark and so benighted, that so far as his knowledge of God is concerned, so far as the future or hopes of eternal life are concerned, he is quite as ignorant as a dumb brute” (Joseph F. Smith, February 17, 1884, Journal of Discourses, 25:54).

Brigham Young explains the power of the radiated light: “I long for the time that a point of a finger, or motion of the hand, will express every idea without utterance. When a man is full of the light of eternity, then the eye is not the only medium through which he sees, his ear is not the only medium by which he hears, not the brain the only means by which he understands. When the whole body is full of the Holy Ghost, he can see behind him with as much ease, without turning his head, as he can see before him If you have not that experience, you ought to have. It is not the optic nerve alone that gives the knowledge of surrounding objects to the mind, but it is that which God has placed in man—a system of intelligence to intelligence, and truth to truth. It is this which lays in man a proper foundation for all education. I shall yet see the time that I can converse with this people and not speak to them, but the expression of my countenance will tell the congregation what I wish to convey, without opening my mouth” (Brigham Young).

What is the difference between knowledge and intelligence? “There is a difference between knowledge and pure intelligence. Satan possesses knowledge, far more than we have, but he has not intelligence or he would render obedience to the principles of truth and right. I know men who have knowledge, who understand the principles of the gospel, perhaps as well as you do, who are brilliant, but who lack the essential qualification of pure intelligence. They will not accept and render obedience thereto. Pure intelligence comprises not only knowledge, but also the power to properly apply that knowledge” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 58, April 1913).

Brother B.H. Roberts understood the problem of imparting knowledge to others. In his discourses, “The Nearness of God” he said: “We have to preach our truth in fragments; it is beyond our power to present it as a whole in any one discourse, or in one hundred, or in a thousand discourses. We may only teach it in fragments—a line here, a word there, precept upon precept, and so build up the truth in the hearts of men (Cited in the Masterpieces of Latter-day Saint Leaders, compiled by N.H. Lundwall, p. 47). Notice that he said “build up truth in the hearts of men” and not build up truth in the minds of men.” Brigham Young clarifies the function of the heart in obtaining truth by asking a question: “Do you think that people will obey the truth because it is true, unless they love it? No, they will not. Truth is obeyed when it is loved” (Brigham Young, June 27, 1858, Journal of Discourses 7:55). President Heber J. Grant, back in 1923, in speaking about the specific purpose of the Church School System, had this to say about educating the heart: “To my mind, and I have repeated time and time again whenever I have spoken in our Church Schools and in private in regard to schools, the specific purpose of the Church School System is to make Latter-day Saints—to educate the heart, so to speak. The heart is the engine and if it is alright, we can generally get along pretty well so far as the head and the other parts of the body are concerned; but unless the heart of a man is right, unless a man is determined to do good, unless he believes in God and in Jesus Christ, and believes in the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, he cannot accomplish what he might achieve in this Church if he had that knowledge. It is to implant that knowledge in the hearts of the people that we have a school system and if the thing for which it was organized, that which is expected of it, and which we all hope and pray for it to do. I am very sorry indeed that a great many simply study and learn the words, so to speak, the letter of the things, without getting the spirit of them. The spirit, we are told, gives life and animation and power, and it is to develop the spirit of man that we have established this Church School System” (Improvement Era, “Spiritual Development Needed in Education” by Heber J. Grant, Vol. 26, No. 12, October 1923, pp. 1091-93).

DVD on LDS Beliefs & Energy Work is For Sale!

2010-03-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's finally finished! My documentary with LDS quotes is for sale on this site below the posts. I'm shipping orders for this DVD that I felt prompted to make. It has chapters on: The Sea of Energy, Energy Heals, Thoughts Create, Emotion is Energy, Truth and Light, Chasing Darkness and Energy Medicine.The price is $20.00 plus $3.00 shipping. Or, you may pick it up in Roy, Utah. Tax is included. E-mail me if you have questions or want to inquire regarding bulk orders.

It is my desire that this creation will bless many people's lives. It has been an interesting journey making it. About a year ago I felt like I should take a community education class from Weber State University on power point presentations. A few months ago I started making my first power point comparing the universal energy scientists have found with the light of Christ. I didn't even know what I would use the presentation for. I just felt like I was supposed to do that. When I showed it to some friends they strongly encouraged me to make it available and wanted to buy copies of it. It was only thirty some slides long at that point. I spent the next month making it four times longer and in the process it covered broader topics. One friend joked that it has become an encyclopedia. I hope people will find it helpful, uplifting, and enjoyable besides educational.

The DVD was 'unveiled' last weekend at the Davis Conference of Health, Healing, & Wholeness held at the Davis Conference Center in Layton. I presented a condensed version of it there, also sharing our story of finding real help for our ill daughter several years ago. I hope that sharing what we went through and lessons learned will save someone else a lot of pain and grief. I thank my daughter, Amber, for being willing to have her story told in public in order to bless other people's lives. I am so grateful for the precious lessons she taught me!

Distance Healing Science Experiments

2010-03-13T15:58:00.000-08:00

I John 5:8 totally fascinates me. The verse previous reads, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." Following that it reads: "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." That tells me that Spirit, water and blood all record information and therefore have a ‘voice’ to bear witness. It seems to me that the Lord is teaching us here that water, blood and Spirit record and keep data that can also be sent out as information.

Remember the blood above the door mantles at Passover? I John 5:8 has astounding ramifications in light of what scientists and physicists have learned about water, blood and subtle Energy or what some call Spirit. Scientists have demonstrated that water, blood and our energy systems (intelligence/spirit) each record information. The information copying function of water is evidenced in homeopathy. It is also evidenced in the findings of Dr. Masaru Emoto whose experiments show that water records information! He is an internationally renowned researcher who claims there is an intrinsic vibrational pattern at the atomic level in all matter and that words influence those vibrations. His experiments of photographing frozen water crystals show that water is affected by words and connected to our consciousness. (see hado.net or The Hidden Messages in Water or The True Power of Water)

It is obvious to us today that DNA records information. Anecdotal evidence regarding blood's capability to do that is found in cases of blood transfusions, during which recipients have seen images of places they’ve never been and memories which are not their own. There are also books about transplant recipients who suddenly find themselves craving different food and activities... only to find upon investigation that their new tastes match the donor's habits and cravings. In the scriptures the Lord asked the murderer Cain, "What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground." (Genesis 4:10 emphasis added; see also Rev 6:10; 2 Nephi 28:10;Alma 14:11; Mormon 8:27;Ether 8:22; D&C 87:7; D&C 109:49, D&C 135:7 ) "They have shed innocent blood which crieth from the ground."(D&C 136:36) I believe these verses are speaking (okay, that pun was intended) more than just figuratively.

The verse in First John supports experiments by Dr. C. Norman Shealy in addition to the studies Gregg Braden and Larry Dossey write of concerning energetically affecting non-localized events. What that means in everyday language is that distant energy healing is possible. The Bible has examples of this done by the Savior as well as mere mortals.

A post on Dec 15, 2004 by guest "Dr. G" on the Global Healing Center website tells of 3 different astonishing experiments done on DNA. Dr. G's message is titled "DNA Activation for Healing" and says:

"In his recent program entitled Healing Hearts/Healing Nations: The Science of Peace and the Power of Prayer, Gregg Braden discussed how in the past we lost huge amounts of information from ancient spiritual traditions (when the library at Alexandria burned we lost at least 532,000 documents), and that there may be information in those traditions which could help us understand some of the mysteries of science. To this end he reported on three very interesting experiments. Gregg Braden started off as a scientist and engineer, before he began pursuing these larger questions. "

"EXPERIMENT #1 The first experiment he reported was done by Dr.Vladimir Poponin, a quantumbiologist. In this experiment, first a container was emptied (ie a vacuum was created within it), and then the only thing left in it were photons (particles of light). They measured the distribution (ie the location) of the photons and found they were completely random inside the container. This was the expected result. Then some DNA was placed inside the container and the distribution (location) of the photons was remeasured. This time the photons were LINED UP in an ORDERED way and aligned with the DNA. In other words, the physical DNA had an effect on the non-physical photons. After that, the DNA was removed from the container, and the distribution of the photons was remeasured again. The photons REMAINED ORDERED and lined up where the DNA had been. What are the light particles connected to? Gregg Braden says we are forced to accept the possibility that some NEW field of energy, a web of energy, is there and the DNA is communicating with the photons through this energy.

"EXPERIMENT #2 These were experiments done by the military. Leukocytes (white blood cells) were collected for DNA from donors and placed into chambers so they could be measure electrical changes. In this experiment, the donor was placed in one room and subjected to "emotional stimulation" consisting of videoclips, which generated different emotions in the donor. The DNA was placed in a different room in the same building. Both the donor and his DNA were monitored and as the donor exhibited emotional peaks or valleys (measured by electricalresponses), the DNA exhibited the IDENTICAL RESPONSES AT THE EXACT SAME TIME. There was no lag time, no transmission time. The DNA peaks and valleys EXACTLY MATCHED the peaks and valleys of the donor in time. The military wanted to see how far away they could separate the donor from his DNA and still get this effect. They stopped testing after they separated the DNA and the donor by 50 miles and STILL had the SAME result. No lag time; no transmission time. The DNA and the donor had the same identical responses in time. What can this mean? Gregg Braden says it means that living cells communicate through a previously unrecognized form of energy. This energy is not affected by time and distance. This is a non-local form of energy, an energy that already exists everywhere, all the time.

"EXPERIMENT #3 The third experiment was done by the Institute of Heart Math and the paper that was written about this was titled: Local and Non local Effects of Coherent Heart Frequencies on Conformational Changes of DNA. (Disregard the title! The info is incredible.) This is the experiment that relates directly to the anthrax situation. In this experiment, some human placenta DNA (the most pristine form of DNA) was placed in a container from which they could measure changes in the DNA. Twenty-eight vials of DNA were given (one each) to 28 trained researchers. Each researcher had been trained how to generate and FEEL feelings, and they each had strong emotions. What was discovered was that the DNA CHANGED ITS SHAPE according to the feelings of the researchers: 1. Whenthe researchers FELT gratitude, love and appreciation, the DNA responded by RELAXING and the strands unwound. The length of the DNA became longer. 2. When theresearchers FELT anger, fear, frustration, or stress, the DNA responded by TIGHTENING UP. It became shorter and SWITCHED OFF many of our DNA codes! If you've ever felt "shut down" by negative emotions, now you know why your body was equally shut down, too. The shut down of the DNA codes was reversed and the codes were switched back on again when feelings of love, joy, gratitude and appreciation were felt by the researchers. This experiment was later followed up by testing HIV positive patients. They discovered that feelings of love, gratitude and appreciation created 300,000 TIMES the RESISTANCE theyhad without those feelings.

"So here's the answer to what can help you stay well, no matter what dreadful virus or bacteria may be floating around. Stay in feelings of joy, love, gratitude and appreciation! These emotional changes went beyond the effects of electro-magnetics. Individuals trained in deep love were able to change the shape of their DNA. Gregg Braden says this illustrates anew recognized form of energy that connects all of creation. This energy appears to be a TIGHTLY WOVEN WEB that connects all matter. Essentially we're able to influence this web of creation through our VIBRATION." (taken from http://www.ghchealth.com/forum/post-170.html )

The second experiment spoken about above is also mentioned in a wonderful book by pastor Joel Osteen. He says, "I read of an interesting study done in 1993 by the United States military. They were curious about what traits get passed down from one generation to the next. We know that physical traits do. What about emotional, mental, and spiritual characteristics? What about bad attitudes and additions? Or what about good qualities such as integrity, compassion, and godliness? Can they be passed down as well?

"The researchers extracted some white blood cells from a volunteer and they carefully placed them in a test tube. They then put a probe from a lie detector machine down in that test tube, to measure the person's emotional response.

"Next, they instructed this same volunteer to go a couple of doors down and watch some violent scenes from an old war movie on television. When this man watched the scenes, even though the blood that was being tested was in another room, when he got all uptight and tense, that lie detector test shot off the page. It was detecting his emotional response even though the blood was no longer in his body.

"The experimenters did this with person after person with the same results. They concluded that the blood cells seem to "remember" where they came from. Now, if sicknesses and addictions and wrong mind-sets can be passed down, how much more can God's blessings, favor and good habits be passed down through our blood? As important as it may be to understand the generational curse, it is vital that we understand the generational blessings we can obtain." (Joel Osteen, Become a Better You p 60-61)

I can't help but think of the verses in D&C 88:11-13 when I read the above experiements. "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; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space- the light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." That is a most amazing scripture! The light from God sharpens our understanding of everything. This same light fills our vast galaxy and universe and all of space. This light is IN all matter and gives life to all creation. This light is the very law by which all matter- visible and invisible- is governed. This light is the answer Gregg Braden and world renowned scientists are still searching for! The answers ARE in the scriptures!

In light of the understanding that all creation is connected energetically, it should not come as such a shock that energy therapists are able to work with clients over the phone and EFFECT CHANGES. Although there is a distance between the facilitator and the client's physical selves, there is no distance between their energy bodies because it is a unified field. At first, it took awhile to wrap my brain around that concept. We are individual souls, yet we are all connected energetically.

As I mentioned, there are examples of distant healing in the Bible by the Savior as well as distant healing by mere mortals. Paul is an example in the New Testament and Elisha an example from the Old Testament. Modern day apostle Parley P. Pratt wrote, " As the electric fluid obeys its own laws upon the wire, so also does the spiritual or holy fluid convey itself, through certain channels, from one body to another, in accordance with certain legitimate laws. . . . A person commissioned of Jesus Christ and filled with this spiritual substance, can impart of the same to another, provided there is a preparation of heart and faith on the part of the receiver. Or if, as in cases of healing, casting out devils, etc., it happens that the receiver has no command of his own mind, as in cases of little children, persons swooned, fainted, deranged or dead, then the faith of the administrator alone, or in connection with other friends and agents, in his behalf, is sufficient in many cases to perform the work. However, the touch or laying on of hands, is not the only means of communicating the gift of healing. A word spoken, a mandate issued, or even a handkerchief, apron, or other garment, worn or touched by a person full of this Spirit, and conveyed to another, has, according to sacred history, and also the experience of the present age, proved sufficient to communicate the spiritual fluid between minds of strong and mutual faith. So well acquainted was the Prophet Elisha with this principle, that he sent his servant to lay his staff upon a dead child, in order to raise it from the dead; but in this instance, the undertaking failed. The prophet could only resuscitate the child by placing face on face, eye to eye, mouth to mouth, hand to hand, etc., so as to give the greatest possible effect to the imparting of the spirit of life."(Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, 2000, Archive Publishers Heber City, UT, p 110-111)

I firmly believe that science and religion can work together in teaching truth, for that describes the last few years of my experience. The science I have come across has strengthened my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s not so surprising since all truth comes from God and He makes no distinction between scientific truth and religious truth. It is all His truth! It appears that scientists are telling us the very things that prophets have told us all along! The spirit world really is right here. It vibrates at a faster rate than our earthly plane and so most people don't tune in to that frequency. That is why it is said to be invisible to us. But it is here and it IS possible to see it among us with our spiritual eyes. I know that to be true!

Amega Wand Experience with Gout

2010-03-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

It warmed my heart to see a friend who was suffering from gout experience relief with the Amega Zero Point Energy wand 2 days ago. He had been limping, but was soon walking more normally after just minutes of wanding. He said he was feeling much better. Being sensitive to subtle energy, he also noticed energy shifts going on in his chest. This occurred although we were wanding clear down by his feet. We trusted that the energy was indeed intelligent and knew what was best and where the energy was needed most. He is the first person to tell me that the sensations he felt were becoming uncomfortable, even somewhat painful. Continuing to trust, we wanded over his chest and within minutes, the sensations experienced marked improvement. We were both relieved. What a blessing! We give God the glory for this amazing nano technology.

Does the Amega wand really work?

2010-03-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

Does the Amega wand really work?

I've been asked over and over if the wand really works. The answer is yes! A friend came over the other day with knee pain and left without any knee pain at all. He asked if he could wand his foot again and was happy that new skin was growing over an open sore there. His wife wanded her wrist and felt that it was moving more loosely after a minute or 2. She asked if I had any experience with people using the wand for carpal tunnel.

I said yes, our cook at the health food store had major issues with that very thing. (She is the one whose swollen, bruised thumb I wanded and watched as her bruised skin color went back to pink as reported in a previous post.) I related to my friends that our cook's hand had not hurt her at all for 2 days after I wanded her thumb. I happened to see our cook again and she was amazed for a 2nd time that the pain left her hand as I moved the wand clockwise over her hand. The cook laughed and said it was a magic wand, but I corrected her, stating that there was science behind it. She said, "I feel this tingling going on in my hand again. That's what I felt last time, too." I told her that was a good thing and explained that the Amega wand literature says it is actually altering the molecular structure, thereby changing matter to resonate at a zero-point energy. That is a healing energy folks! I got on fire with enthusiasm just reading about this Zero Point energy wand. I wanted to buy one even before I saw a demonstration of it. Of course, I've been reading books about cutting edge science and technology to give me a beginning understanding of what could be going on.

Back to my story. My friend with carpal tunnel pain asked if she could get wanded again on her wrist a few days after I saw her. She wanted to try it again since she had noticed a difference after the first time she used my energy wand. I met her in a parking lot and wanded her wrist again. I'm looking forward to hearing what that did for her long term. It felt better on the spot.

Another friend didn't have any pain so we wanded her head just for fun for a minute. Within a few minutes she said she was experiencing a metallic taste in her mouth. She admitted she had been concerned about some old fillings in her teeth and wanted to have a trained dentist in that procedure remove them. I commented that "the energy is channeled to those points where it is needed most" (direct quote from the literature) and that must have been the health priority she needed worked on all right.

I used the wand on an energy worker I just got acquainted with. She wasn't having any physical pain at the moment, so I just wanded circles over her head. Right away she declared that she was releasing a whole lot of negative energy. She said she had worked on a client the night before doing emotional release work and felt like she had taken on some of their energetic "stuff." Her hip had hurt her in the night, she hadn't slept well which was unusual, and she just felt a little off. She was SO PLEASED to be able to release so much so quickly! God is so good to us to bless us with this nano-technology! I am so grateful to be alive to see this day. It continues to amaze me that scientists, doctors and physicists came up with this technology in MY lifetime.

I came across an interesting chapter in the book Vibrational Medicine by Richard Gerber, M.D. on the healing power of crystals. I smiled when I read that Amethyst has the capability of altering the molecular structure of things. Hmm. I wonder if that's part of the minerals included in Amega's proprietary technology!? It wouldn't surprise me!

The way I look at it, this little device is worth its weight in gold. It will likely pay for itself quickly in saved trips to the pharmacy.... And it is wonderfully more healthy to wand a few circles over your body than to ingest chemicals in pill form for pain. I think it's a great value!

Fred on Forgiveness Heals Physically

2010-02-28T12:14:00.001-08:00

Fred Taylor spoke to our Mind-Body-Spirit Health Group in Mountain Green last week. Here are the notes I promised some of you.

I introduced him as born and raised in Ogden, married to Diane with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He went on a mission to Austria. He was Branch President of the care center in Roy for 3 years, where I met him. Currently, he is High Priest Group Leader in his ward. His working career ended when he was declared disabled. He has a standing appointment with the missionaries every Tuesday to take them to the temple, grocery shopping, and anywhere else they need to go. In fact, he is pretty much on call for the missionaries 24/7.

Then I told our group that Fred was different from the other speakers we have enjoyed, in that he is NOT certified in any healing techniques. This, I explained, made all that he has been able to accomplish in helping others with their health, an even more impressive accomplishment.

I went on to say that Fred was my hero for listening to a prompting of the spirit to take a copy of his story to the care center one morning. Because he listened and obeyed, my family was immensely blessed to learn the health principle that forgiveness heals physically. I thought Fred had given away over 1000 copies of his healing story, but I was corrected to learn that he had given away over 1500 copies! I said that Fred was also a hero to me because I didn't know anyone else who listens to the spirit as closely as he does. I said he really is a walking miracle and gave his website as: www.littleeverydaymiracles-fred.blogspot.com

Fred's presentation 2/23/2010

At age 38 I was told I had M.S. I had terrible dizzy spells and other problems. At the time I asked "Why me?" Later on with the help of the spirit, I asked, "Why not me?"

I was sitting in Sunday School when I was prompted to read something in the D&C. There was something that would help me. I read D&C 122 about Joseph Smith in the jail. That wasn't it. Then I read D&C 121 about being in the Liberty Jail. Verses 4, 7 and 8 jumped off the page at me! It read, "My son, peace be unto thy soul... endure it well... it will be a small moment" That was very comforting.

I went home and still had dizzy spells. I didn't get around or do much at all. I couldn't even stand up (showed us wobbling jerking ALL over the place.) A year later the doctors did more tests and told me there was less evidence of M.S., and that I possibly had Meineir's disease. No meds worked and this went on for 5 years. I couldn't stand up, even with help. I took a disability retirement at age 43 with 3 teens at home. I felt worthless, but knew I would be okay because of the powerful experience in Sunday School while reading in the D&C.

A friend in my ward had tried to get me to learn about Jan Graf and the work he did down in St. George. Every time he tried to convince me it would help, I told him that I knew my problem wasn't stress, I had a PHYSICAL problem! Well, this went on for 8 years, my friend encouraging me to go see Jan Graf. So 8 years later my friend brought over a booklet by Jan Graf. One and a half weeks later, I read the booklet just to get my friend "off my back" about the whole idea. However, as soon as I read the booklet I Knew it was exactly what I needed. I set the booklet down and picked up the phone to make an appointment with Jan.

I spent 3 hours there in that appointment where Jan taught me how properly forgive. I'd heard about forgiveness all my life. I'd heard all the talks and lessons, but I found out I didn't know how to really forgive. Jan taught me to forgive outloud and in present tense: not with I "should" forgive or I "ought" to forgive, or I "will" but "I forgive," as in right now. We worked down a list name by name plus I had to forgive myself for holding feelings against them. Jan also drained the negative energy off of me. After the appointment, I went to the desk to pay and I was standing there whenI realized that for the first time in 8 1/2 years, I wasn't wobbly. I was standing still! I carried my cane out to my car and drove home!

(Fred passed around a photograph of his expired handicap license plate and cane.) I want to tell the Bible story of the man who was lowered through the roof by his friends in order to be close to the Savior. (He told the story of the Lord telling the man he was forgiven and of his immediate healing.) That was ME on that bed! I knew I hadn't forgiven myself. I literally took up my bed and walked.

I want to show you how Jan Graf taught me to drain negative energy. Tamara will you come up and help me? Use one of your fingers, it doesn't matter which one, and hold it about6-8 inches above the person's LEFT foot. It must be the left foot and you can't do it to yourself. It requires 2 people. Focus on what you're doing. Jan told me it doesn't matter if you use your left or right hand to drain the energy. I feel a sort of buzz and my hand tingles when I do this. I don't do it daily, just when I feel the need. Negative energy comes when we are depressed, offended, ill or feeling negative emotions. We all build it up. It can manifest with physical symptoms like my equilibrium not working. If we don't judge people, including ourselves, we won't have all the forgiveness work to do! I like the poem by Robert Burns that says "Look gently on man..."

I want to share some experiences about the MIND changing its deep down inside thinking. In my first visit with Jan, he taught me that people are afraid of food because they fear it will cause weight gain, or possibly diabetes... We program our minds to believe these kinds of things! Our minds says "Okay, I'll have to suffer the consequences if I eat that sugar or fat..." Jan said the Lord gave us all food to enjoy and we don't let ourselves enjoy it. I eat whatever I want whenever I want it and I stay the same weight. I'm with the missionaries a lot and not one of them over all these years, who is crazy enough to challenge me to an eating contest has ever won. I have wasted every elder's challenge. In 2007 I lost 20 pounds. Sometimes I eat half of a half gallon of ice cream. Once I ate 5 steaks.

When I was a teenager I tore the heck out of my knees playing basketball. 6 years ago my son and his wife came with their 1 1/2 year old girl. She got into lots of pots and pans. My wife Diane said I had to put child proof locks on all the cabinet doors in the kitchen. It took me about an hour to do that. The thought came to me: that's gonna kill my knees! It did. I went and got ice packs. Later, I had the thought: I'm going to forgive my knees for thinking they had to hurt to justify the pain. Well, I did that and the pain was gone, but they were still stiff and swollen. Then I thought, I'm going to forgive my knees for believing they had to swell and be stiff and sore. 7 months later, I had to put new brakes and rotors on our car. I climbed around on the cement floor in the driveway and had NO pain or stiffness. I don't have to do that to myself anymore! I smile now and think I don't have to do that to myself anymore. Last summer I tore a rotator cuff. I spent 30 minutes with Jan. 2 days later, I vacuumed our entire house and then went and vacuumed out my van. My shoulder was FINE!

I have asked Tamara if she will come up and tell us about her experience with forgiveness.

"I had to have my gallbladder out2 years ago because I was turning yellow. It was supposed to be an out-patient surgery, but I got doctor induced pancreatitis and had to stay in the hospital 5 days. I went home and Fred stopped by to check on how I was doing about 10 days after surgery. He didn't tell me at the time, but he thought I looked really down. I was still moping around spending a lot of time on the sofa.

Fred asked me if I had forgiven the doctors for causing me to have pancreatitis. I said I didn't hold it against them, I wasn't the suing type... He again asked, have you forgiven the doctors out loud? I had to admit that I hadn't. Fred suggested that right then and there, I forgive them for every negative thing I had allowed in my head. While I did that, he put a finger on my forehead with the intention of sending me positive energy. So I forgave the general surgeon out loud for suggesting we do a scope procedure prior to surgery. I forgave the other doctor for doing the scope and irritating my pancreas. I forgave the surgeon for the micro tear in my bile duct. I forgave the doctors for causing me 5 days hospital bills. I forgave myself for allowing any thoughts of blame toward them... and on and on I forgave.

When I was finished, I had the most wonderful sensation come into my body. I still remember it very vividly. I felt a heavenly, warm energy coming down into the top of my head, filling me up with a light sensation that poured into my head and flowed down my neck and into my body. It filled me up with a lightness and a feeling of hope and energy. It was an incredible feeling! I had so much more energy, I got up off the sofa and headed for the kitchen to take care of things that had been piling up. Both my husband and Fred commented that I looked physically different.

(A hand was raised in the audience and the person asked, "So what did you do Fred, did you drain negative energy and then put in positive energy?" Fred answered that was the way he remembered it.)

FRED CONTINUED

You have to touch the forehead to put positive energy in another person. Touch them in the middle of their forehead right at the hairline with one of your fingers. Not everyone feels it.

(A question was asked about doing the forgiveness at the same time as draining energy or putting positive energy in.) I explained that you don't have to do it at the same time as you are forgiving out loud. If I'm out in public I still do forgiveness out loud, I just say it kind of to myself, -as long as you can hear yourself say it.

There are 4 things needed for changes to happen. First, you have to have a desire for it to happen. You have to be willing to let it happen. You must believe the other person deserves forgiveness. And you have to allow it to happen.

Forgiveness doesn't mean you condone what the other person did. You are for giving it over to God. We're to love others as ourselves, not in spite of ourself or _____. Forgive one another or you have the greater sin. God will forgive us if we repent, so what right do we have to judge who deserves forgiveness and who doesn't? Christ has paid the price and so He has the right to make those His own. God is a perfect gentlemen. He never goes where he's not invited.

We have no right to judge because we do not know another person's mind. Only 1 is qualified for that job, so our job is to forgive. Being unforgiving is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. And saying I'll forgive but I'll never forget is like saying I don't forgive.

How many times should we forgive? The scriptures say the Lord taught the disciples 7 times. The Jews had a hard time believing that because 7 was like saying infinity. Then the Savior replied till 70 times 7. What that means is that any time you think again of what that person did to you, you need to forgive them AGAIN. That is the 70 times 7 principle. That thought you had of remembering brings it up again, that you were offended in the past.

1.Forgiveness must be verbal- thinking it is just a start.

2. Forgiveness must be specific by name for a specific thing.

3. Forgiveness must be in present tense. (not I will or I can or I need to... those are future tense.)

After you forgive the other person you must forgive yourself for holding in thinking negative things about them.

You can continue to learn this as you drive. There are plenty of opportunities then! You have 2 choices. You can choose to be upset which creates more stress and negative energy and makes you feel bad. OR you can choose to forgive the other driver for being human and yourself for being offended and thinking unkind things.

The absolute best way is to forgive. There is no revenge as sweet as to forgive. We judge people due to our pride. I am walking proof. (Closed with testimony)

(A hand was raised with a question: How long did it take till you were all better? ) I was better as I walked out of my first appointment..

(How did Jan know what was needed?) He uses kinesiology, or muscle testing, to determine when in your life you had an issue that needs taken care of. Every time he asked me if I could remember that time in my life, I knew who it was I had to forgive.

(Did you ever feel they were just words?) ____

(Guy Laing stood up and emotionally told about his daughter's experience seeing Jan Graf the first time.)

I have heard a lot about depression lately. I know what that feels like because I went through it with my disability. I'd suggest to start expressing gratitude as the best solution to that black hole starting to open up and pull us down. It seems to have an even higher healing power than forgiveness! That is because if we are grateful for something we had to forgive for, it has tremendous healing power.

(Comment from audience: Isn't that 2 sides of the same coin?) Tamara raised her hand and commented that in her opinion gratitude was even higher, because it took a lot longer to be grateful for the trials she went through with her daughter than it took to forgive them.

(Question from the audience: We have seen some atrocities lately in the world. Do you just say the words of forgiveness when things happen that are so horrible?) I said sometimes you have to say it over and over until hopefully you really mean it. (Audience member added that the song I am a Child of God had its words changed from I must 'know' to I must 'do'.) I added that it goes back to believing we forgive all. Who is the judge of who deserves to be forgiven? Love without a grudge.

(Fred felt prompted to end with an additional story from his mission. He butted heads with his mission president who did not believe in medical treatment and did not allow any sick days even upon doctor's orders. He had plenty of opportunities to forgive with hilly, step ridden Austria and his bad knees and such a mission president. In the end, going home early with a medical release meant he met his wife. So he was able to turn it all around and be grateful. He looked the mission president up and forgave him just before the president passed away. )

Right before our eyes

2010-02-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was at Down To Earth Natural Foods and showed the Amega wand to our cook as well as an energy worker. Our cook's thumb was severely swollen and bruised. I wanded it for a few minutes and suddenly the energy worker exclaimed, "Why is her skin turning white?!"

The bruising was gone and her pink skin tone was back! Right before our eyes! Our cook remarked with wonder in her voice, "I can move my thumb now! I can move it! I haven't been able to move it like this for a very long time!" That was the most visual change in mere minutes that I have seen yet with this new energy tool. I thank the Lord for blessing us with this new technology!

Yesterday I hit my elbow really hard just before a client came for a session of Rapid Eye Technology. The wand came in very handy then, because I wondered if I'd be able to do the session- until I realized I had the Amega wand on hand. It took the pain away in a minute or two. Yesterday, I finally read the entire business packet and it suggested turning 3 little circles on the end of every finger and toe. I only did my fingers and immediately felt that pulse of life force energy going down my body again and again. Got to love that!

Incidentally, the energy worker friend didn't have any pain for me to wand, so I just wanded a few circles over the top of her head. I spent hardly any time at all on her. I just found out that she wasn't tired when it was her usual- better head to bed routine. What a nice benefit to have more energy.

Yesterday I had a teenage client come who had overdone his workout session at the gym. His whole back was aching and he said it was at pain level 8 (of 10.) He showed me that he could only lift his arms to about shoulder height. I wanded his shoulders and then down his spine. He felt muscle tics happening on his shoulders, so I wanded there again. He raised his arms, declared he didn't have any pain and lifted his arms a good distance past his shoulders. He was thrilled with the results! I want to take my device to some suffering neighbor's homes, but my daughter took it accidentally- it was clipped to her shirt. I need to order some more! If this sounds interesting listen

Monday thru Thursday

1:00 Noon MST and 7:00 PM MST

1-218-862-1300 + 886161

My Amega wand & DVD update

2010-02-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

My wand arrived yesterday! I've had fun showing it to a few people. My son has had pain in his neck and shoulders. He said it was at about a 4 or 5 pain level on a scale of 0-10. We made clockwise circles with the wand over his shoulder area and that pain went away to a 0. His neck pain went down to a 2. This was only after a couple minutes of wanding. I love this technology!

I try not to get disheartened when neighbors think that because of the 'simpleness of the way,' the wand really can't help anything. Everyone has a right to believe what they want, so I don't push what I've learned on others. I do believe that the energy coming out of this device resonates with Zero Point Energy.

My neighbor and friend, Shane, helped me begin to get the music digitalized for the DVD I am making. Shane felt the wand's energy very strongly when it was still inches from his head. He loved how it made him feel. I offered to wand his grandfather's painful elbow and shoulder while I was over there. His elbow pain was at level 6 or 7 and his shoulder was at an 8. Jim got a smile on his face and told me his elbow 'felt better already.' Same for the shoulder. This little device is bringing joy wherever I take it!

I jammed my thumb this morning and the wand came in very handy for myself. I am noticing a lot more energy around my head as well. It feels great! My neighbor Gerry wanded both her feet at the demonstration at my home. She told me, "My foot is still healing, but the stiffness isn't as bad. I also wanded the healed foot because it bothered me sometimes, and I haven't felt a pain in that foot since then. It feels completely normal again. Guess I better start saving money for a wand." Her medical field children think she is crazy talking about the help she found from a "wand." Those who admit the existence of the invisible field of energy can reap benefits the staunchly medically-minded will never know.

I've been on the laptop all day long again today working on the DVD. It is much longer than before and covers a couple of new topics. Thank you for waiting patiently for it! I really want to be out sharing the new healing tool, so I'm working as hard as possible to get this enormous project finished.

AMEGA Zero Point Energy Wand

2010-02-11T21:35:00.000-08:00

There is a brand new energy device that resonates with the Zero Point Energy field!! This is beyond any other energy device I have ever experienced! Go to www.eamega.com/tamaralaing for more information.

Amazing 'harmony and rhythm' happened to me this week. I was not looking for another energy device to help people. (In fact, I have passed a few up over the last year.) However, this one fell into my lap with such synchronicity I couldn't ignore it.

A friend e-mailed me on Monday about listening to a phone call that would bless many people's lives. When I read her e-mail I looked up at the clock above my computer and realized the call would begin in 3 minutes, so I dialed in. It was interesting to hear someone say the wand could revolutionize self care. What caught my attention was their recognition of the body's own innate intelligence doing the healing. That sounded just like what President Spencer W. Kimball taught:

"Our ills are usually of our own begetting. They must be corrected by ourselves. Man is the master of his destiny, be it good or bad. Man has the inherent capacity to heal himself physically. A doctor may cleanse a wound, sew it up, bandage it well, but the natural power of the body must do the healing. Likewise, a healing process in the spirit and mind must come from within the self will. Others may help to cauterize the wound, suture it, and provide a clean proper environment for the healing, but the body, with the aid of the Spirit, must heal itself."

The e-mail said to call at 1 or 7pm Mountain time: 712-432-3100 and use pin 387043# .

I was glad to hear testimonials for all kinds of issues: pain was relieved for several people, someone with TMJ found they could open their jaw wider, another person looked like they had experienced a face lift on half their face (that was wanded), a woman's vision improved (and that really got my attention), headaches went away, a rotator cuff pain was gone, and more flexibility was back after broken bones.

I also heard about a chili plant watered with energized water-- it was nearly 12 feet tall and 4 feet around. There was even a medical doctor who used the wand in her practice with a patient when a child came in with a very bruised ear that was black in color. The doctor was astonished when the black part of the ear turned pink right in front of her eyes after only a few minutes of turning the Amega wand clockwise near the ear. They explained that the cells are triggered into remembering where they have come from: Source, where there is no pain and no inflammation, etc. They said the wand is just a 'remember switch' for the body to remember that state of wellness.

I didn't really want to get involved in a new business. I am making progress writing my book and this company was perceived at the time as an interruption. However, I was very impressed with the people who brought this company to Utah. They suggested that interested people stay in a state of gratitude (which is emphasized in my book) even when trouble arises. I liked these people! They suggested to go out and concentrate on blessing people's lives, because the money would follow. They were speaking my language. I didn't feel compelled to do anything at that point, however.

Several hours later I was again drawn to my computer to get some work done and noticed that my friend's e-mail was still there. I sat down and reread the few sentences of her e-mail inviting me to call a number, looked up at my clock and started laughing. It was one minute before the second and last phone call of the day about the new company. Smiling, I dialed the number again. I felt it was obviously the right thing for me to do.

I heard a testimonial about getting help for Bell's palsy. It was intriguing to me because my father- in- law had experienced that ailment. The medical field really didn't know what to do to help him those many years ago. ENERGY had made the difference for the woman on the call, though! The testimonials were repeat lessons of what I had already learned in my life: most doctor's aren't aware yet of your entire being. They treat your physical body but not your wholebody- not the bio-energetic part of you that can't be seen by these well- meaning physicians.

I signed up and my website is http://www.eamega/tamaralaing Amega has been in business 4 years in Asia, and just came to the US a couple of weeks ago. I feel good about this company and jumped right in the next day. Finding out about it was orchestrated by God.

They also have a bracelet that increases circulation without upping the heart rate. I wonder if that can help some people I know. One man energized his drinking water with the wand and said he had lots of energy after a 30 hour flight to Singapore to check out this company. I don't really enjoy selling, but I feel I can make a difference helping people with all sorts of issues with this company's products. Listen to Amega's weekday call Monday through Thursday. Or phone their 24/7 number and listen whenever convenient. John Pratt's article on my site will be fascinating reading for LDS people interested in the Amega wand.

The last few weeks I have been putting together a power point presentation comparing subtle energy in science and religion. Talk about timing! There's another example of harmony and rhythm. I praise God and give Him the glory.

Prophets and apostles have compared the energy of science to the Light of Christ and Intelligence. I will write about that next and also tell what I experienced at my first demo seeing the wand in action right before my eyes.

You will likely be as amazed with the wand as I was. With your health in mind, Tamara

UPDATE on DVD for SALE

2010-02-11T11:28:00.001-08:00

I made a DVD presentation of my power point, "Gospel Insights on Subtle Energy in Science and Religion." In it I share quotes from secular sources giving the world's view on universal energy followed by similar quotes from scripture or LDS authorities that teach the LDS view on the same principle. It still amazes me how similar some of the quotes are.

The DVDs are in the process of being produced and will hopefully be available soon. Many thanks to Shane for making these possible.We are working out a few technical things and adding music, so please be patient. The cost will be $20 for the DVD and $2 for shipping. I am in the process of learning how to add gadgets to this site that will allow purchases of the DVD right here. Some people are pre-ordering them. You can contact me by e-mail by clicking on the contact information section on the main page of my blog.

I hope the slide presentation helps people to understand how energy work, be it modalities or the amazing Amega wand, fits with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The quotes offer validation for what we do in the field of Energy Medicine and touch on various subjects including Zero Point Energy, the nature of matter, vibration, the all one philosophy, chakras, storing emotion in the body, healing by touch..., truth from foreign sources, etc. We live in fascinating times!

UPDATE Sat. March 13, 2010
The DVD presentation has multiplied in length. Since it covers even more topics the name has changed to "Scientists, Scholars and Spiritual Leaders Introduce Energy Work- A Gift From God." It is a DVD version of my illustrated power point presentation. It is a documentary with LDS quotations. The running time is approximately one hour. We purchased even more software yesterday and hope to finish this project next week. Many thanks to Canah Tedjamulah, Marnae Hobson, Cristi Fitzgerald, and Lynda Cutler Smith for their valuable critiques. Because of them, it is even better.

3rd Demo/can DNA change?

2010-02-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was asked if I would share my DVD on how the light of Christ and intelligence compare with Zero Point Energy last night. There was time to show about half of it to 70 people at a health food store in Pleasant Grove. This was the third AMega demo I had seen in a week.

While I was waiting to give my presentation, a woman asked me about Amega's product called DNA. She asked me, "do you really think your DNA can change?" I said absolutely! I told her she could watch NOVA's DVD titled "Ghost in Your Genes" or check out Dawson Church's book The Genie In Your Genes for explanations and scientific studies. I should have mentioned to her that last month a January 2010 edition of Time magazine had another cover story about epigenetics. This new field of science explains how genes can change and that we are not stuck forever with the DNA we inherit. DNA can change!

I saw a new demonstration of the wand at this health food store. A tall piece of lemon pie was wanded and given to a woman to taste. She revealed at the end of the demo that she wanted to be the one tasting the pie because sweets like that give her a reaction, because of food allergies. She did not experience any negative repurcussions from eating that bit of pie like she always experienced in the past. Interesting! Every time I turn around there is something else this wand is doing to benefit people. The owner of the health food store shared how she went out to eat and was disappointed in a cheap grade of olive oil at a restaurant. They wanded it, changed the energy and the bitter taste was gone. It tasted like a much better grade of olive oil. Wow. Imagine the possibilities.

Demo I hosted

2010-02-10T10:40:00.000-08:00

Karyn Grant and her husband Brent came to my home where I had invited friends to see a demonstration on Tues. Feb 9. First I showed a power point presentation I started putting together about 3 weeks ago. The presentation compares qualities of the universal energy scientists have discovered with characteristics of the subtle essence spoken of in scripture and by apostles and others. Two people wanted to buy a copy of it after I showed it. They even told me what it was worth to them, and one friend handed me a twenty dollar bill for the first copy.

Then Karyn introduced concepts that would further help us understand energy and her background and work as a Vibrational healer incorporating music, massage, essential oils, and now an incredible energy device. We saw the flexibility and strength tests and tasted wanded lemons as well as unwanded ones. A few people in the group were not able to taste the difference in the lemons. I just happened to share that mystery with a friend the following morning and she said I know something about that. She related that in biology class they tasted little strips of paper with a sort of acid on them, similar to pH strips. She tasted the acid on the paper as well as most of the class. However, her best friend didn't taste anything at all. The biology teacher explained that some people's taste buds are different and not able to sense acid like others' tongues do. I'd like to look that up on the internet and see what I can find.

Karyn Grant told how she discovered and used the wand to help others release emotional issues as well as physical ones. In her compassionate way, she gave everyone in attendance a mini clearing session one- on -one. This added a whole new dimension to the wand's usefulness! She used kinesiology to discover what each person needed to release and where on their body needed wanded first for their highest good. I invite my friends to add their comments below this post so you can hear firsthand what they experienced. One friend had back pain and was so glad she stopped by.

I experienced a ball of pressure in my neck leaving. It was incredible. Another friend had pain in her lower back. She did not feel a difference while at my home, so I am curious to hear if anything shifted for her the following day. Likewise for a friend's son who had leg pain. I want to know if he felt something physically different later on. Everyone had a chance to release stored emotion. My friend who had bunion surgery came to the demo. She took the wand and started moving it in clockwise circles over her walking cast. About 3 minutes later she looked up with a smile on her face and declared, "It feels better already!" She wiggled all of her toes and tapped her foot up and down. I asked if she was supposed to keep her foot immobilized. She said, "The doctor told me I should start physical therapy this week, so it is okay." I'll let you know how she is doing. I have a list of people to call today. This is so much fun! It makes me wish everyone I invited could be open minded enough to just try this amazing discovery. I thank my Father up in heaven for inspiring those who came up with this technology. All inspiration comes from him whether scientific insight or religious insight. It is all HIS truth!

Science and the Light of Christ

2010-02-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Click on the title above to read a very well written article by John P. Pratt that appeared on Meridian Magazine on March 22, 2006. It explores what science and religion know about the Light of Christ and is a fantastic summary on Zero Point Energy, physics, and an older term 'ether' (which John A. Widtsoe ... wrote about.) I loved it! I thank Cindy Bailey and Karyn Grant for pointing this outstanding article out to me.

What I saw at my first Amega Demo

2010-02-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

I drove to Pleasant Grove to see what the Amega wand would do for people firsthand. I was not disappointed! The man presenting information said 2 weeks previous his wand was the only Amega device in the state of Utah. Furthermore, 6 weeks ago virtually no one in the U.S. knew about the technology. It has just arrived in America. The presenter explained it was a Resonance Technology developed over 15 years using Quantum Physics and Quantum Mechanics. I learned that pain is the number 1 reason people are absent from work for over 3 days.

We all got to taste a wedge of lemon slice that had been wanded, and then a wedge that hadn't been. The energy of the lemon actually changed! My tongue told me there was a very real difference! The tartness was milder and I could have eaten several wedges of the wanded version. However, my mouth puckered when eating the unwanded lemon.

I saw several people exhibit dramatically increased flexibility while holding the wand. Strength tests showed the same remarkable improvement while the wand was clipped inside a person's shirt. I invited a relative to meet me at the meeting and we wanded her tailbone that had bothered her for years. She didn't notice any changes at the meeting, but notified me the next morning that her sore hip hadn't bothered her at all that night. ( It usually left her tossing and turning.) I thought to myself, her experience sounds just like what author Richard Gordon teaches about 'running energy' using Quantum Touch: the subtle energy is intelligent and knows exactly where it is needed most. He teaches to merely move one's hands to the new location that senses pain and continue to "chase the pain" until it subsides or is gone.

A woman had a soft cast on and after wanding, her pain level went from 4 or 5 to what she called 'negative one.' Another woman who suffered terrible migraines felt a slight one coming on. Her head was wanded and she felt energy sensations moving down to her chest. She said it felt like a heavy, heavy weight was on her chest. After wanding that area she exclaimed, "there is not an 'elephant' sitting on my chest anymore!" I could relate to what she was saying because over a year ago, I felt a real heaviness over my heart. It was a sensation just next to my physical body, almost reaching into my physical level. It took sessions of energy work using different modalities to release that energetic heaviness over my chest. Yet, here was a woman who released something similar in one sitting. God be praised!

Others with shoulder pain, leg pain and back pain were likewise affected for the better in minutes. The presenter said there was an income opportunity here that very few were even aware of and that it was the fastest growing business he had ever seen. He shared information on a few other products Amega will soon be offering. It was interesting to me when he said the pendant this company offers helps with holes in the field of energy that is around people. They also have bracelets and necklaces that use FIR (far infra red) and magnet technology to increase circulation. I ordered one and will soon see if that helps my feet that are usually cold.

A man shared his testimonial about having 2 open heart surgeries followed by years of rib soreness. Wanding over his chest took the pain away! And the last testimonial was remarkable as well. The woman shared how she had come to the same home for a demonstration 2 days previous. She was not able to lift her one leg off the floor. She had to have help getting out of her car, and getting into the house for the demo. She showed how she had to lift her own leg up by grasping her pant leg and lifting up with her arms. She told how her leg and/or hip was wanded and showed all of us that her hip could now lift her leg right up to a ninety degree angle. She pointed to the living room and emotionally explained how she had gone over to the stairs there and climbed every one, reached the top of the staircase and CRIED!

I was so glad I made the one and a half hour drive to the meeting!

Start Here: Introduction

2009-08-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

My daughter was healed in the field of Energy Medicine. What if your child suffered from panic attacks and severe, suicidal depression, yet medical treatment wasn't helping enough? Would you consider using alternative therapies? Does their premise of subtle energy enveloping our physical body have any truth in it? I had lots of questions when I first heard about Energy Therapies. I am extremely grateful that I kept an open mind about techniques not usually available in a doctor's office because I believe they saved my daughter's life.

I am writing a book titled What Else Is There?: A Mother’s Search to Help Her Ill Daughter Reveals Astonishing Answers. My daughter had a bipolar type disorder. The operative word in that sentence is "had." She was repeatedly suicidal, even after years of medication. A series of events with incredible timing, in which the Lord absolutely had a hand, enabled my daughter to heal in sessions with Energy Medicine therapists.

Initially, I wondered if it was proper for Latter-day Saints and other Christians to be involved in unconventional healing techniques. Being uninformed, I wondered if Energy healing techniques would involve questionable practices or beliefs. There seems to be a lot of confusion by LDS members on this subject and I believe it often stems from fear and misconceptions. Having never heard of this field before, my concerns fueled a thirst for answers so much that I read dozens and dozens of energy medicine books as fast as I could.

More importantly, I went to the source of all truth and studied ancient and modern scriptures about our bodies and healing. I was guided to noteworthy, yet obscure quotes from prophets on subtle energy, mind/body medicine, and what else was involved in depression and illness.Words of prophets on all of these subjects give credibility to principles used in Energy Medicine. I have been prompted repeatedly to write down the things I have learned. I share my views as what I have learned to be true, not as the truth. I certainly do not claim to express the views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is my desire that a knowledge of "unconventional" methods of healing will increase hope in people afflicted with mental/physical illness or stressful situations. I desire that it will lessen suffering in the world. I hope that sharing my daughter's remarkable recovery will dispel myths about mental illness as well as so-called "alternative" medicine that many of us prefer to call "Whole Person Health." Sharing my journey will likely change the way the reader views illness and even the world around them. It is my intention that my voice makes a difference for good in the world.

Owing to my daughter’s miraculous recovery, I am an Energy therapist myself with several years experience. I became certified as a Master Rapid Eye Technician and have also trained in other Energy modalities. I have taught complementary health classes for Latter-day Saints at health clinics, health food stores and community groups.

In the past, bipolar illness was ripping my family apart. I am grateful now for all the learning those chaotic and terrifying experiences gave me. I am a much better person, more compassionate and far less likely to judge others. I am grateful that my trials enabled me to have firsthand knowledge that faith is a principle of power, just as The Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith clearly indicate. I emerged from feeling I was a victim of despairing circumstances to being empowered.

I share my daughter's story because I believe it is possible for her healing results to be duplicated. Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. sums up my feelings: "If one patient can do it, there's no reason others can't. I realized that medicine has been studying its failures when it should have been learning from its successes. We should be paying more attention to the exceptional patients, those who get well unexpectedly..." (Bernie Siegel, Love, Medicine & Miracles, p 20) You or your loved one can also be well! Keep your optimism alive.

I desire that this site is most helpful. I look forward to reading your comments. I invite you to become an educated, and therefore, wiser health consumer.

Sincerely, Tamara

Summary of the story behind "What Else Is There?"

Several years ago, my youngest daughter was diagnosed with severe depression while in junior high school. Then in high school she was diagnosed with an unheard of bipolar-type illness. The only answers medical doctors had were drugs and counseling. However, these conventional methods still left her ill and sometimes even suicidal. At times, we wondered if side-effects of the medications were worse than what she was dealing with in the first place.

I feel extremely blessed that a friend said something that stands out in memory as being profoundly important. She asked concerning my daughter, "So you’ve only looked for help in the medical field?" Startled, I answered "Yes, of course. What else is there?" She said there was a whole other field of medicine. "Really?" I asked incredulously. "Yes, it is called Energy Medicine, she replied in a matter-of-fact way." My friend said it was an alternative but complementary treatment. We continued to follow doctors’ orders while investigating if it would be helpful. It wasn't only helpful- it was life changing.

I took my daughter to appointments with Rapid Eye Technicians who were also trained in other Energy Medicine techniques including Reiki and Theta Healing. I was never disappointed. In fact, I was repeatedly astounded at the changes my daughter made at these appointments. She felt more like herself.

My daughter had to be hospitalized three different times while under the traditional care of medical doctors. Yet, once we were consistent about having Energy therapies and applying universal health principles they taught, she was never hospitalized again. My teenage daughter eventually got off anti-depressants as well as anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications, and was able to successfully hold down steady jobs. Her whole life improved! My only regret is that we didn't try the alternative route sooner! Much to my amazement, Energy therapies helped not only my daughter and others with depression or mental illlness, but people with a whole array of physical illnesses and stressful life situations.

Energy Medicine therapies produced miracles in our family so I continued to search for truth about healing in complementary health books and scriptures. I hoped to begin to understand these unconventional methods. I wanted to know how unusual therapies could fit with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Was their message in accordance with His teachings? I never intended for Energy Medicine to become a passion in my life. I simply followed inspiration and took many steps on a learning path that has led me to what I am doing now. What a learning curve it has been!

So many unique things happened with incredible timing that I feel they ought to be shared. More importantly, many promptings from the spirit have told me to write our story down. I want the reader to know that I share my daughter's experiences with her permission and enthusiasm. If more people realized their emotional patterns, dysfunctional beliefs and even physical pain and disease were related to subtle energetic imbalances, the less suffering there would be. I also feel compelled to relate our journey because I have found truths about health and healing from prophets and apostles that are quite revealing. I marvel at what has been written about our bodies and healing. I am excited to share verses of scripture that have truly helpful answers. Modern scripture reveals a new perception of depression, mental illness and sickness in general.

WHAT ENERGY MEDICINE IS & ISN'T

The Energy Medicine my friend spoke of was not in pill form. It is not medicine you swallow. It is a field of medicine which takes into account that our bodies include complex systems of subtle energies. We are more than just the physical bodies we see. While the medical field focuses on the effects of one's disease, Energy Medicine deals with the emotional, spiritual, and mental bioenergetic parts of the disease. Almost every culture but ours has a name for this energy. John White lists 97 different cultures with 97 different names for it in his book, Future Science. That is astounding to me! Some call it "life force energy" or "chi." I often just call it "Energy." Richard Gerber,M.D. wrote,

"There is an entire level of subtle energetic anatomy that is virtually unknown to physicians and health care professionals who propose to treat the whole human being. It is by influencing these subtle energetic pathways, which the life-force follows, that many alternative medicine practices are successful in affecting human illness." (Vibrational Medicine, pp 67-68)

Energy Medicine involves techniques that are able to affect the body’s aura or electro-magnetic field. These techniques are able to go to the root of problems instead of just dealing with symptom relief. They balance the whole person: body, mind & spirit. My friend explained how energy medicine had helped people close to her recover from not only illnesses- but stress, negative emotions (like fear, anger, anxiety, depression...), a car accident, and even abuse. What a huge blessing being open-minded about this news would prove to be!

I know that some alternative therapies work whether or not one believes they can. I have seen skeptics (who actually hoped a method would NOT work) receive benefits that truly surprised them. On the other hand, I also know from experience that some alternative methods work even better when one believes they will make a difference. I believe the alternative techniques I have found are spiritually based, which definitely appeals to me.

Energy Medicine works by affecting the electro-magnetic field or energy system that penetrates and surrounds one's body. Restoring balance to the energetic pathways that run through one's organs, glands and tissues promotes health. The body's electro-magnetic field is measurable by scientists, so its existence is beyond debate.

If you have never heard of this field or aura, consider how Kirlian photography captures it on film. It is fascinating to me. Using Kirlian photography to take a picture of half a leaf after the other half has been destroyed will still reveal a picture of the entire leaf! Like the leaf, all living things have an electro-magnetic field around them- including humans. This gave me greater insight into many scriptures that I previously believed were strictly speaking figuratively such as "Let your light so shine before men" (Matt. 5:16) and "Let us put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12) Our bodies really are surrounded by an aura of light! "For by him were all things created,...visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him...." (Col. 1:16-17 emphasis added)

STORING EMOTIONS IN OUR PHYSICAL BODY

I have learned from dozens of authors, experts and even medical doctors that our thoughts affect our health. Thoughts are vibrations of energy that can help or hurt us. Increasing numbers of medical doctors are coming to agree that we store unresolved negative emotions in our physical body that over time lead to pain and disease. Here is what one author writes that is typical of what I found in many alternative health books:

"We store both pleasant and painful memories. Emotions that we have faced, accept-ed, and dealt with are stored as intellectual memories. Such emotions are resolved and we have grown spiritually through the experiences that brought them to our awareness. We can recall such memories in detail, but they do not control us, give us pain, or make us sick. Emotions that we have not faced, accepted, nor dealt with are stored as repressed emotional energy, waiting for a future time when we can deal with them. Repressed emotions are unfinished business. They are lessons unlearned. They are assignments we have not yet chosen to accept. Since they are filed in our bodies in places of which ourconscious mind is not aware, they keep us reminded of their existence in a variety of negative ways. They can cause pain, illness, disease, and malfunctions on any and all levels- physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual. ...." (David Stewart, Ph.D, Healing Oils of the Bible, pp 116-117)

That was a foreign concept to me at first. Then I realized that I had always wondered why Jesus said his bowels were filled with compassion and mercy. Wasn't Jesus saying He was storing emotions in His physical body? I believe the quote below is completely supportive here.

"In a real, though figurative sense, the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such record is recorded in their own bodies. It is the record engraven on the very bones, sinews, and flesh of the mortal body. That is, every thought, word and deed has an affect on the human body; all these leave their marks, marks which can be read by Him who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read...." (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1966, p 97)

I have found dozens and dozens of authors and doctors who say basically the same thing. The remarkable thing is that Energy Medicine therapies help release these unresolved emotions from the body. I was told that storing toxic emotions was worse than most physical toxins. Toxic emotions cause ‘subtle energy blocks’ that contribute to both physical and emotional illness. Louise Hay writes, "The mental thought patterns that cause the most disease in the body are criticism, anger, resentment, and guilt." (Louise Hay, Heal Your Body, p 7)

The news that your own thought patterns and emotions affect your health may initially be hard to accept, particularly if you are currently suffering. When I offer this mind/body view to friends or family who are complaining of ills, they are often quick to point out that their troubles are caused by chemical imbalances, physical misalignment, a past accident, or other more socially acceptable evidence. They would be very wise to consider that there may be more precursors than what we have been led to believe. There are probable emotional roots adding in to their 'dis-ease' equation, no matter how vehemently they feel their problems are strictly physically based. Even the American Medical Association admits that up to 85% of illnesses are due to stress. Understanding illness from this perspective offers great hope to people because the patient can actually do something themselves about the stressful mental patterns that played into developing pain or illness.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Energy Medicine therapies drastically reduced my stress from dealing with a child’s chronic illness and they helped my daughter immensely! The different techniques are called "modalities." My daughter, myself, family members, friends & clients have benefitted greatly from an eye work process called Deep Emotion Release and modalities such as Rapid Eye Technology, Emotional Freedom Technique, Reiki, Theta Healing, Quantum Touch and Vibrational Medicine. These have been tremendously helpful!

We have also been truly blessed by the healing options God provides in nature. These options have included such things as Flower Essences, pure Essential Oils, and the frequency holding capability of crystals. (For more information on frequencies and the medical implications of energy see Stan M. Gardner M.D.'s articles starting in March 2008 at http://www.drstangardner.com/ or online at Meridian Magazine.)

We have also seen improvement from using various machines made with the latest technology to benefit our Energy systems. The first one I bought was a Light and Sound Machine (LSM) that utilizes full spectrum light. I bought a Grounding CD and 10th Chakra CD for my daughter to listen to in conjuction with the LSM (all can be purchased from http://www.rapideyetechnology.com/)

In the past, sometimes my daughter said she either needed an RET session (Rapid Eye Technology) or to go straight to the hospital emergency room. In a single session my daughter could make a night and day difference. At some of these appointments, the RET technician described my daughter's energy as a human "pressure cooker" about to explode! Her transformations during these appointments were graceful. She easily let go of most of that "steam"(trapped and unresolved emotions and subtle energy) and walked away feeling more like her old self. My daughter's quick turnarounds after Rapid Eye Technology were astonishing to her NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support group members. I attribute our daughter being able to stay out of the hospital ever since (it has been several years) to Energy Medicine.

Ranae Johnson, Ph.D. writes, "We believe Rapid Eye Technology (RET) is the safest, fastest, least painful and most natural way to clear negative energy from all levels of our being... many professionals have found that after only one session, RET will unlock blocks in a client that conventional methods were ineffective with over a period of months or even years!" (Reclaim Your Light Through the Miracle of Rapid EyeTechnology, p29)

One can learn more on the website http://www.rapideyetechnology.com/ . Best of all, past trauma does not have to be relived or discussed to be released with RET. What a huge blessing that has been! Every time my daughter went to a new counselor for traditional talk therapy we had to repeat all of the heart wrenching history. That is unnecessary and counter-productive! That does not EVER have to happen using RET.

The energy modalities we found are cutting- edge clearing technologies that the average citizen has never even heard of. I count our family extremely blessed to have found such hidden treasures of wisdom before they become mainstream. World class neuro-scientist Candace Pert, Ph.D. , calls psychiatric "talk and dose therapies" a band-aid. She writes, "I believe the alternative or complementary therapies are a form of professional help much less likely to do harm and more likely to do good than conventional approaches." (Molecules of Emotion- Why You Feel the Way You Feel, pg 323) I know this is true from my own year of situational depression as well as watching my daughter try both routes- traditional and alternative. The field of Energy Medicine has changed my stress level dramatically. I know it can help others with all sorts of issues. I have seen great results in a single session on clients with issues from a toothache and migraines to muscle tetany, cyclic vomiting, emotional despair and phobias. Sometimes, a difference was felt within minutes. All that is needed is a willingness to try something new.

In 2005 our family was very blessed to find out about a Stress Management consultant in St. George, Utah named Jan Graf (435-673-6708.) That single two-hour visit was life-changing for our daughter. At the end of the appointment Dr. Graf said, "I think you have your daughter back!" She has been stable and off all anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications ever since that visit in Feb. 2005. This saved hundreds of dollars each month for prescriptions and avoided the terrible side-effects the drugs caused.

I believe our daughter needed only one appointment with Dr. Graf because she came very well prepared. Jan Graf’s philosophy on stress management and illness centers on a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ: forgiveness. We have learned firsthand that harboring feelings and thereby not forgiving others, or yourself, can actually make you PHYSICALLY ILL! The good news is that forgiveness heals! Dr. Graf's website is www.grafstressmanagement.com .

A similar philosophy is taught by numerous other authors and medical doctors. Feelings Buried Alive Never Die by Karol Truman; I Make Me Sick, a manuscript by Dr. Bradley Wilde; Remembering Wholeness by Carol Tuttle; My Peace I Give Unto You and Possibilites by Doug Mendenhall; In His Arms by Denise Mendenhall; and From Darkness Into Light by Melvin Fish, Ph.D are all such books. Those happen to be written by LDS authors although there are many more from all kinds of authors.

Our family found another gem in a gifted CranioSacral Therapist at the Advanced Health Clinic in Farmington, Utah named NanC Ludwig (801-447-8680.) My husband lost his hearing overnight in one ear over a decade ago. He spent a whole week in the hospital where doctors could not find any physical reason for his hearing loss. They were barking up the wrong tree! Human beings are clearly not only bodies. I praise God that there are professional energy work practitioners who practice from the viewpoint of "Person = Body + Mind + Spirit" instead of the absurdly reductionist "Person = Body." After my husband visited just a few minutes with this gifted health practitioner, she sensed an energy block over his ear. She found there were layers of emotional issues blocking his hearing. She assisted him in forgiving things in the past and helped him clear that energy block over his ear. During the 1 hour session with her, he began to be able to hear again in that ear! What a great blessing! It is another example of a world-class scientist's findings that strong emotions not processed thoroughly are stored at the cellular level (Candace Pert, Molecules of Emotion, p 290.)

Similar findings are reported by a plethora of other authors who say strong emotions affect our bodies creating energy imbalances that can lead to pain or illness if unaddressed. I continue to hear of miracles that occur in Energy therapist's offices involving a whole array of illnesses. Many times they are able to help patients that the medical community have no answers for. I believe this is because they address their ENTIRE person, which is much more than just a physical body.

Some Rapid Eye Technicians that have also been immensely helpful (and who do phone sessions) are Sylvia Laing (307- 272-9634), Tonya Cox (307-250-3510) and Karin Cummins (801-458-4190.) I recommend the Whole Person Health modalities these professionals use and personally know they are extremely worthwhile. I only recommend going to energy therapists who are full of integrity. So many amazing things have happened as I have studied, investigated, and become certified in Energy modalities. I feel compelled to share what I have learned from my experience with those who may be suffering. Perhaps your ills could be alleviated by clearing underlying emotional blocks. It is absolutely worth trying! The inside front cover of Bill Moyer’s book Healing and The Mind says,

"Medical professionals are finding that when they practice the ‘new medicine’ their patients heal faster, leave the hospital sooner, and do better once they get home."

I believe that combining allopathic medicine with Energy Medicine's clearing technologies offers enormous potential. It’s exciting that the number one health website by Dr. Mercola, www.mercola.com , endorses Emotional Freedom Technique(EFT) and the work of Carol Tuttle, an author and fellow Master Rapid Eye Technician. I am extremely grateful to have found this 'new medicine' when our family needed it, much sooner than when it becomes common knowledge in the coming years. I thank a loving God for leading me to Energy therapies- the ‘medicine of the future.’ Learning about it has blessed my family tremendously. Researching the science behind it has strengthened my religious beliefs. Sincerely, Tamara

PS There is quite a collection of books related to Energy Medicine on this site on my shelfari shelves. Many of them include my review which can be accessed by moving one's cursor over the book. There are also short videos at the bottom of this site on what is termed the new biology. I do not agree with every word and philosophy, but most are very interesting and one can glean truths from them. There are also videos on EFT and other modalities.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
What I have written will make A LOT more sense if you read the oldest blog entries first. I strongly encourage you to scroll back up to the Blog Archive and click on the oldest entries.

Ezra Taft Benson addresses depression

2008-09-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

What follows is a great sermon from a modern day prophet of God about depression.

Ezra Taft Benson, “Do Not Despair,” Ensign, Oct 1986, 2

We live, in an age when, as the Lord foretold, men’s hearts are failing them, not only physically but in spirit. (See D&C 45:26.) Many are giving up heart for the battle of life. Suicide ranks as a major cause of deaths of college students. As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression.

Yet, of all people, we as Latter-day Saints should be the most optimistic and the least pessimistic. For while we know that “peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion,” we are also assured that “the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.” (D&C 1:35–36.)

With the assurance that the Church shall remain intact with God directing it through the troubled times ahead, it then becomes our individual responsibility to see that each of us remains faithful to the Church and its teachings. “He that remaineth steadfast and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.” (JS—M 1:11.) To help us from being overcome by the devil’s designs of despair, discouragement, depression, and despondency, the Lord has provided at least a dozen ways which, if followed, will lift our spirits and send us on our way rejoicing.

First, repentance. In the Book of Mormon we read that “despair cometh because of iniquity.” (Moro. 10:22.) “When I do good I feel good,” said Abraham Lincoln, “and when I do bad I feel bad.” Sin pulls a man down into despondency and despair. While a man may take some temporary pleasure in sin, the end result is unhappiness. “Wickedness never was happiness.” (Alma 41:10.) Sin creates disharmony with God and is depressing to the spirit. Therefore, a man would do well to examine himself to see that he is in harmony with all of God’s laws. Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy-laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. (See Matt. 11:28–30.)

Second, prayer. Prayer in the hour of need is a great boon. From simple trials to our Gethsemanes, prayer—persistent prayer—can put us in touch with God, our greatest source of comfort and counsel. “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror.” (D&C 10:5.) “Exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me” is how the young Joseph Smith describes the method that he used in the Sacred Grove to keep the adversary from destroying him. (JS—H 1:16.) This is also a key to use in keeping depression from destroying us.

Third, service. To lose yourself in righteous service to others can lift your sights and get your mind off personal problems, or at least put them in proper focus. “When you find yourselves a little gloomy,” said President Lorenzo Snow, “look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.” (In Conference Report, 6 Apr. 1899, pp. 2–3.)A woman whose life is involved in the righteous rearing of her children has a better chance of keeping up her spirits than the woman whose total concern is centered in her own personal problems.

Fourth, work. The earth was cursed for Adam’s sake. Work is our blessing, not our doom. God has a work to do, and so should we. Retirement from work has depressed many a man and hastened his death. It has been said that even the very fiends weave ropes of sand rather than face the pure hell of idleness. We should work at taking care of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical needs of ourselves and of those whom we are charged to help. In the church of Jesus Christ, there is plenty of work to do to move forward the kingdom of God. Missionary work, family genealogy and temple work, home evenings, receiving a Church assignment and magnifying it are but a few of our required labors.

Fifth, health. The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That’s why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should not run faster than we have strength (see D&C 10:4), and that we should use moderation in all good things. In general, the more food we eat in its natural state—without additives—and the less it is refined, the healthier it will be for us. Food can affect the mind, and deficiencies of certain elements in the body can promote mental depression. A good physical examination periodically is a safeguard and may spot problems that can be remedied. Rest and physical exercise are essential, and a walk in the fresh air can refresh the spirit. Wholesome recreation is part of our religion and is a necessary change of pace; even its anticipation can lift the spirit.

Sixth, reading. Many a man in his hour of trial has turned to the Book of Mormon and been enlightened, enlivened, and comforted.The psalms in the Old Testament have a special food for the soul of one in distress. In our day, we are additionally blessed with the Doctrine and Covenants—modern revelation. The words of the prophets are crucial reading and can give direction and comfort in an hour when one is down.

Seventh, blessing. In a particularly stressful time, or in the anticipation of a critical event, one can seek for a blessing under the hands of the priesthood. Even the Prophet Joseph Smith sought and received a blessing under the hands of Brigham Young and received solace and direction for his soul. Fathers, so live that you can bless your own wives and children. To receive and then consistently and prayerfully ponder one’s patriarchal blessing can give helpful insight, particularly in an hour of need. The sacrament will “bless … the souls” (D&C 20:77, 79) of all those who worthily partake of it, and as such it should be taken often, even by the bedfast, who can arrange with their bishop to receive the sacrament at home or at the hospital.

Eighth, fasting. A certain kind of devil goes not out except by fasting and prayer, the scriptures tell us. (See Matt. 17:14–21.) Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit. The usual fast, the one we are asked to participate in for fast Sunday, is to abstain from food and drink for two consecutive meals. Some people, feeling the need, have gone on longer fasts of abstaining from food but have taken the needed liquids. Wisdom should be used, and this fast should be broken with light eating. To make a fast most fruitful, it should be coupled with prayer and meditation; physical work should be held to a minimum, and one should ponder on the scriptures and the reason for the fast.

Ninth, friends. The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless. For one who has been in the prison of depression, the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith have special meaning: “How sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 134.)

Ideally, our family ought to be our closest friends. Most important, we should seek to become the friend of our Father in Heaven and our brother Jesus the Christ. What a boon to be in the company of those who edify us! To have friends, one should be friendly. Friendship should begin at home and then be extended to encompass the home teacher, quorum leader, bishop, and other Church teachers and leaders. To meet often with the Saints and enjoy their companionship can buoy up the heart.

Tenth, music. Inspiring music may fill the soul with heavenly thoughts, move one to righteous action, or speak peace to the soul. When Saul was troubled with an evil spirit, David played for him with his harp; Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed. (See 1 Sam. 16:23.) Elder Boyd K. Packer has wisely suggested memorizing some of the inspiring songs of Zion and then, when the mind is afflicted with temptations, singing aloud, to keep before your mind the inspiring words and crowd out the evil thoughts. (See Ensign, Jan. 1974, p. 28.) This could also be done to crowd out debilitating, depressive thoughts.

Eleventh, endurance. When George A. Smith was very ill, he was visited by his cousin, the Prophet Joseph Smith. The afflicted man reported: “He [the Prophet] told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I were sunk into the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged, but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I should come out on the top of the heap.” (George A. Smith Family, comp. Zora Smith Jarvis, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1962, p. 54.)

There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil until his depressive spirit leaves you. As the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.” (D&C 121:7–8.)

Pressing on in noble endeavors, even while surrounded by a cloud of depression, will eventually bring you out on top into the sunshine. Even our master Jesus the Christ, while facing that supreme test of being temporarily left alone by our Father during the crucifixion, continued performing his labors for the children of men, and then shortly thereafter he was glorified and received a fulness of joy. While you are going through your trial, you can recall your past victories and count the blessings that you do have with a sure hope of greater ones to follow if you are faithful. And you can have that certain knowledge that in due time God will wipe away all tears and that “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Cor. 2:9.)

Twelfth, goals. Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Each week when we partake of the sacrament we commit ourselves to the goals of taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, of always remembering him and keeping his commandments. Of Jesus’ preparations for his mission, the scripture states that he “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” asked the Master, and he answered, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure.

“Brethren,” said Paul, “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philip. 3:13–14.)

Let your minds be filled with the goal of being like the Lord, and you will crowd out depressing thoughts as you anxiously seek to know him and do his will. “Let this mind be in you,” said Paul. (Philip. 2:5.) “Look unto me in every thought,” said Jesus. (D&C 6:36.) And what will follow if we do? “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” (Isa. 26:3.

“Salvation,” said the Prophet Joseph Smith, “is nothing more nor less than to triumph over all our enemies and put them under our feet.” (Teachings, p. 297.) We can rise above the enemies of despair, depression, discouragement, and despondency by remembering that God provides righteous alternatives, some of which I have mentioned. As it states in the Bible, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Cor. 10:13.)

Yes, life is a test; it is a probation; and perhaps being away from our heavenly home we feel sometimes, as holy men in the past have felt, that we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (See D&C 45:13.)Some of you will recall in that great book Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan that the main character known as Christian was trying to press forward to gain entrance to the celestial city. He made it to his goal, but in order to do so, he had to overcome many obstacles, one of which was to escape from the Giant Despair. To lift our spirits and send us on our way rejoicing, the devil’s designs of despair, discouragement, depression, and despondency can be defeated in a dozen ways, namely: repentance, prayer, service, work, health, reading, blessings, fasting, friends, music, endurance, and goals. May we use them all in the difficult days ahead so that we Christian pilgrims will have greater happiness here and go on to a fulness of joy in the highest realms of the celestial kingdom.

Becky Rocque's Class on Generational Clearing

2008-08-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
REBECCA ROCQUE

Becky Rocque shared a story of looking in the medical field for a cause to an illness. She said, sometimes the cause will NOT be found by traditional medicine, because it is a generational issue (passed down energetically.) As we have personal experiences everything gets programmed into the body. This is evident because a reflexologist or a practitioner of foot zoning can find where your body is out of balance by examining your feet, an iridologist can see the same thing by looking in your eyes, and there are those who can “read” your condition from other parts of your body. In the medical field this is true with hair. You can have a few strands examined and those strands alone will tell you what’s going on in your body, what you’ve ingested in the past.... Becky Rocquue also taught how to do a Generational Release through prayer.
(Class taught by Cori Pevny and Becky Rocque, Alpine, UT, April 2009)

Becky's website is http://www.healingheartsandhomes.com/
Her e-mail is rebecca_rocque@byu.edu

Tamara’s Notes from an Introductory Class taught by Rebecca Rocque in Layton,UT May 2007:
Issues come from 4 areas (although most every problem we have is a combination of them): Generational, Personal, Environmental, Spiritual.Generational issues means we inherit emotional characteristics and mental characteristics in addition to the physical characteristics we inherit from our parents and ancestors. It is like having a microchip from mother and father automatically’ running you.’ You have that program inside you. It has been renovated and upgraded by those before you. It contains both strengths and weaknesses.
People say "but it’s not fair that a little baby inherited Grandpa’s temper... " This is in the scriptures somewhere that if the children repent for their ancestors it does clear for them. ( I commented to check D&C 98:46-48.)
Becky also said that generational clearing actually clears from the DNA in the cells of your body for those who came before you as well as those after you. So when you do generational clearing you are clearing for your ancestors as well as your children, grandchildren and posterity. (This makes me wonder about D&C 110:12 "After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and in our seed all generations after us should be blessed." and D&C 88:74-75 " And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean; That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will. ")
Becky said by clearing for ancestors with generational clearing it does not take away their moral agency. It is just like opening a door for them. They can’t continue their repentance process of restitution or making it right. Whatever tendencies... they created in the flesh is still affecting their posterity. They can begin repenting and feel better, but they cannot make it right unless someBODY does. Bonni Burrows writes the clearest near death experience relating to this. In the 70's she wrote of seeing ancestors teaching children what issues they would have to be dealing with in their life on earth. Journey to Life is the name of her book. Bonni also has a small $3.95 pamphlet that she sells and Bonni lectures also.

Becky took a class from a man who taught her how to do a fear release on someone. It was a short script you had to work through. (Karin Cummins and I assume this was Kent Scott’s class from Orem.) She said it was good, but that she felt it could be done in a simpler, quicker way. She took another class and the teacher said you had to face East and every hour on the hour say certain things. She shook her head and said, I think we make this too complicated. It can be done easily. The simpler, the better. So when I’m home and it’s quiet and I have time, I go in the bathroom and walk the floor doing a simple little clearing routine. I pray and ask for this to be cleared and that to be cleared. And sometimes I wondered if it was really doing anything. Then this happened.
She told a story of her sister coming to her and asking, "Becky, what are you doing?" Becky told her about school... "No, what are you doing?" Becky told her about home activities. "No, what are you up to??" What do you mean? Her half sister answered, "Every night for the last 5 nights Grandma Homadoo has been coming to me saying "Becky’s family is being cleared and moving forward. Will you please find out what she is doing? I can’t move forward until you do. She’s not in my blood line, so I can’t move forward."
Generational Clearing for your Children. Becky’s son was in a band. He dyed his hair black and was told by someone at church that he could not bless the sacrament with dyed hair. He was wounded by this treatment and said fine, I’ll never go back to church then. Becky began doing generational energy clearings for him over being offended, not being true to what he knows is true, having his feelings hurt... every emotion she thought he was having trouble with. Her son had moved out of the home and toured all over with his band. About the time she started doing clearings, he surprised her and moved back home. One day she noticed an open copy of The Book of Mormon on his bed. She commented to him about it and he said, "I’ve decided it is time to turn my life around." !! Doing clearings does NOT absolve them of responsibility. But isn’t it easier to clean your house if someone else has cleaned it for you first? I did the Spring cleaning and he stepped into it. (Comments from the audience were given that this gives hope to grandparents or parents who have rebellious children or grandchildren and really don’t know what they can do to help the situation.)
Okay, so if you don’t want all the stuff that is in your "programming" handed down from your ancestors( patterns of negativity, patterns of ....) you can CLEAR it with your words. The book Feelings Buried Alive Never Die has a few paragraphs long script you can use, for instance. However, I think it can be done even simpler. Sometimes you’ll have to say it more than once, however, if it is more entrained or later more ancestors show up wanting to clear that same thing. During the day I carry post it notes or you could use index cards. I write down any negative feelings that I come across. I keep track of this list until I have time to do a clearing. Then you can clear them all at once.
For example, I went to a family reunion. First everyone was very nice, how are you and all that. Later, the pettiness came out and people were talking about others and complaining. I got out my list. I thought this is much better than sitting around judging these people for how they are acting. Instead of that, I will focus on helping them. Instead of judging and criticizing them myself, I will offer help to the situation.
STEPS
Before a clearing I always pray and ask for the spirit of discernment so I can know what words to use. Begin your clearing like prayer, whatever fits your belief system. Ask that any ancestors who have those issues be allowed to be present or that the information be given to them. Say whatever comes to your mind. Words will come to you.
For instance, I had already cleared a lot of self esteem issues for my family. But one day the phrase "I’m a little petunia in an onion patch." popped into my head. I hadn’t heard that phrase for decades. My great aunt? used to sing that all the time. I had forgotten all about that, but it came to mind. So I did a clearing using that exact phrase. (This is true because different words have different frequencies.) This process can be done out loud or quietly. Say, "I clear the generational patterns and traditions of _______.(Read your post it note or say "all things on the note" or all the things you can think of whether physical, spiritual, emotional or environmental. For example: I clear blockages to the kidney, kidney failure for 16 year old niece...) And I give it to Jesus Christ (or if they are not Christian they can say" I cast it to the Sun.") to be repolarized into positive energy."
What is repolarized? Assume everything physical is a generational issue. Think about it. What if your kids are stubborn? When you pick up a stick, can you pick up only one end of that stick? No, you pick up both ends when you pick up one. You get both sides. If someone is willing to take a stand on something, we say they are committed, immoveable... Therefore, you are asking the Savior to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Finish the script with "And I ask that it be replaced with __________." You fill in the blank. When Becky first did this, she filled in with the opposite every time. Now she listens to the spirit. Or you can just ask that it be" replaced with light, love and truth" or "whatever I need at this time in my life. End in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Karin Cummins commented that it helps to also say I clear ...with grace and ease having that intention also, because intention is everything. Becky agreed.)
Sometimes she specifically says "I clear the generations and especially for my son Bryce." We are all related way back. You can clear for others not in your bloodline, but it isn’t as strong. You can clear for adopted children, just know that the words will come to you, even if you don’t know their birth parent’s history at all.
When enough people are doing generational clearing that will raise the vibration of the planet. For 85 years scientists have been tracking the ripples in ponds. They have found that it never ends. It goes out to the edge and then bounces back in and out and in and out and in again. You can clear a space for the person to step into. But it doesn’t change their responsibility or agency.
For Indigos, most of their issues are generational! At least 75% of their issues are. Most Indigo’s issues are more in the 90 percentiles for being generational. Kids with allergies just need to test how much of their allergies are generational? If 100%, then they don’t need drugs- they need generational clearing!
She shared an experience of her son running into the house and banging the door. She wondered what was up so went to find him. He said, "Mom, can I have a pet snake?" She said, well... you can either have a Mother or a pet snake. Which one do you want?" He ran out. She was prompted to look in his bedroom. There was a 5 gallon bucket in his room with a dinner plate on top of it. She was terrified of snakes. Opening it a crack she found it almost clear full of 50 or 75 water snakes! She said just know that with clearings, it can get worse at first before it gets better. To heal, keep going through the process. All the other stuff won’t come up once you’re through. KNOW that when you’re finished that it IS DONE. Trust. Know it has worked. Avoid doubt because if you go into that you will have to clear "doubt."
All of a sudden grandparents and parents have a way to help their family. Know that all of a sudden a teen will come and ask you about the issue that concerned you! It will be out of the blue. I have seen this happen so many hundreds of times that I know it works. And another warning: don’t get scared if ancestors start showing up to you, especially if you are the first in your family to do this kind of work.
(A man- one of 3 in the entire room of at least 30 people asked something like "So, contemporary LDS sister, are you inferring that we have the responsibility to save every one?" Becky said no, It is not your responsibility, it is a choice you have to offer this gift to someone else. It is an option that is available. You decide if you will offer it.)
She said you can do this work for other things. She had a student who always sat in the corner of her classroom, and although every step was outlined in the computer tutorial she constantly had her arm in the air asking questions. It was totally annoying Becky. So she finally decided to clear "annoying." right there at school walking between the desks. After that day the girl never again raised her hand.
( personal notes,Rebecca Rocque, Introductory Class, Layton, UT, May 19, 2007)

Generational Issues Quotes

2008-08-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

GENERATIONAL ISSUES QUOTES from books and scripture as well as related quotes of interest
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ARTHUR H. KING

This is from a BYU professor, although what he wrote is not written in the context of Energy Medicine: "One of the major reasons why we need to find out as much as we can about our ancestors is so that we may interpret ourselves through them. Genealogy is important because our families are the extension of ourselves back infinitely and forward infinitely. It is by virtue of them that we are individuals. We do not act alone. The antecedents of our actions go back to our ancestors- what they have done, what they have passed on to us in the way of sin and in the way of virtue. And the consequences of our actions go forward to our descendants. Both the antecedents and the consequences are, in fact, eternal- there is no beginning and there is no end to our actions. That is why we have to thank our ancestors (that is one side of it) and to forgive them (that is the other side of it); and why our children will have to thank us and forgive us."(Arthur H. King, Abundance of the Heart, p 93)
King's words are a simple introduction to what the founder of Rapid Eye Technology says about generational issues.

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RANAE JOHNSON, PhD

“Trapped emotions and messages are stored over our lifetimes, and perhaps transmitted to us from our ancestor’s lifetimes through the DNA. (See Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra.)
“In our genetic material, we all inherited messages through DNA at conception. In fact, many researchers believe most of our concepts or world views are received from conception, gestation, birth, and experiences. Science and nature have taught energy is never lost, only changed in form. It is our belief that the wisdom gained during an entire lifetime is not lost. We have the imprinted experiences of our parents, our grandparents – all of our ancestors– in DNA in the cells of our bodies. This is cellular memory.
“A particular pattern will continue to run in a family until the pattern is broken or resolved. Unfinished business from an ancestor can affect our lives and actually show up in the DNA and the eyes (see What the Eyes Reveal, Denny Johnson). As we release unprocessed emotions, we are not only healing our lives but also healing the pain of untold generations as we give that gift to our descendants.
“The RET process provides a way for trapped, distorted emotional messages to be processed and released from the cellular level within the mind and physical body. This allows the accessing, processing, and clearing of information which has been guarded by the subconscious throughout much of our lives. In an RET session, present issues and underlying trapped life force energy are also addressed. Rapid Eye Technology appears to clear issues on all levels of the mind-body connection.” (Ranae Johnson, PhD, Reclaim Your Light Through the Miracle of Rapid Eye Technology, p 62-63)

“As our bodies developed in our mothers’ wombs our DNA took on the genetic patterns of our parents and ancestors. We chose the DNA pattern that would best serve us in order to experience what we came here to learn. Once we are aware of trapped family patterns we can heal the cycle of dysfunction and genetic illnesses.” (Johnson, p 37)

“I was processing a childhood incident with a woman when she exclaimed with surprise, ‘This is not my stuff. This is my mother’s.’ I told her, ‘Pretend that you are your mother and let it go.’ She connected with trapped memories in her mother’s life and even connected with and cleared some of her grandmother’s issues. She was excited to discover that she could feel a distinction between the energies of herself, her mother, and her grandmother.
“This session taught her there were generational patterns that wanted to be cleared. It was exciting to her to realize the power she had to help her ancestors. She understood that she had to help her family heal in order to heal herself. She called this work her ‘spiritual genealogy.’
“We believe it would be impossible to heal ourselves without it affecting all of us. This healing would reach backward to our ancestors and forward to our descendants! Although we cannot actually “live” their experiences, we are the literal effect of the emotions which were trapped around those experiences. Until we heal the traumatic memory, it will continue to effect our children and our children’s children by virtue of the fact that we continue to pass on the same traumatic memories from one generation to another.” (Johnson, p 66-67)

“When we have forgotten our true selves and are in a state of living, speaking, and acting out our false beliefs, it is our spirit’s job to move us into upset so we will get triggered and be able to progress. Our spirit knows that when we are in a place of mental, emotional, or physical discomfort we will make a choice to get help to clear and heal our lives. Our spirit knows we are not the sum of all of our traumatic memories and dysfunctional genetic imprinting. Who we really are lies beneath these false identities. As we continue to keep the trauma memory repressed and blocked we also keep our real selves repressed and blocked. . . . Our spirit selves serve us without our conscious attention. In other words, we do not have to think about our spirit selves healing and guiding us, they do so naturally. Just as our physical bodies have the imprinting and intelligence to heal broken bones or flesh wounds without our conscious minds telling them how, so are our spirits designed to heal our emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds. ” (Johnson, p 42, 44)
Woolger, (Roger J. Woolger, Other Lives Other Selves , ...) and others contend that the release of emotional elements from ancestors (and others) is a worthwhile pursuit in that it often provides the client with significant connections that further the process of healing. Whether an ancestor is living or has passed on, his or her DNA traces live on in the mind-body of their future generations. (Johnson, p 70)
"You may have made contracts with other spirits- people you would be closely connected with on the earth- to help you learn how to reclaim the light you would block during traumatic times of your life." (Johnson, p 86)
"Consider the possibility that in the spirit realm you made agreements with your ancestors to find ways to clear the dysfunctional generational patterns that they were still bound by- and that you would do it in a way that would enable all of you to awaken to the perfect self. " (Johnson, p 87)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DENNY RAY JOHNSON

“We need to free ourselves from negativity in the past in order to be fully awake in the present. We need to free ourselves from the unconsciousness in us that manipulates the body and mind.
“This unconscious is far stronger than we generally acknowledge. In order to achieve a state of physical and emotional well- being, in order to clear up harmful patterns in the personality of the family tree, we must be free of such negative influences. . . .
“You can’t heal the personality or relationships of one child without healing the whole family. The influence of the family tree is too strong. If you had the opportunity to explore transgenerational behavior patterns, as family therapists do, you might be surprised at how easy it is to predict that a particular personality trait will repeat itself in a specific child in the family sequence. Most people have “psychic octopuses” that need to be cleared out of their personalities. Tentacles originating several generations back can still jerk you around like a puppet on a string.
“Because we are so intertwined with our ancestors, we can’t lift ourselves out of our harmful patterns without lifting our entire family tree out with us.” (Denny Ray Johnson, What The Eye Reveals, Rayid Publications, 1995, p75)

(There’s an entire chapter on the influence of the family tree in his book.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MARGARET RUBY

“We have the power to change the stories written in our genes and therefore the power to change our lives. . . .An emotional history has been handed down to us through our family lineage. . . . We can change our code. It is not set in stone. Revolutionary research is showing that emotions impact us from the most basic level of our DNA, a finding that has far reaching ramifications. . . . Like these researchers, I have found that our DNA is not a fixed code but a flexible code.” (Margaret Ruby, The DNA of Healing, p x, 4, 6-7)
“Dean Hamer, molecular biologist and head of the gene structure and regulation section at the National Cancer Institute, says that faith is deeply rooted in the DNA- that we inherit a predisposition to be spiritual. . . . If spirituality can be inherited, what other feelings and behaviors are passed on through our DNA?” (Ruby,p 7)

“Our genes determine much more than our physical traits. They influence how we think, feel and react, shaping the course of our health, wealth, and relationships. Emotions affect and alter our DNA- and, conversely, our DNA affects our emotions, attitudes, and behaviors. The emotions that impact our genes come not just from experiences we had in this life. We inherit the emotional patterns and beliefs (or “stories”) of our ancestors. Deeply imbedded in our DNA, these ancestral stories influence is in ways we are not even aware of. We are not prisoners of our genetic heritage. Our genetic codes are flexible, not fixed. Through simple, but powerful self-healing techniques, we can reset our genetic codes and with them the stories of our lives.” (Margaret Ruby, The DNA of Healing p 19)

"...In order to heal or change your life you must first discover the underlying, often unknown, limiting beliefs you may be holding on to. You must find the low-vibrational story that was handed down from your ancestors through your genes that has created the interference pattern in your DNA and that is causing the low vibrational disturbance in your physical or emotional world."(Ruby , p104)
(This author’s book is all on generational healing. It includes a simple 5 step self-help process at the end of the book.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SCRIPTURES

All of these quotes make me think of verses about generational curses and “sins of the fathers” passed down to the 3rd and 4th generations spoken of in the scriptures. Scriptures like Exodus 34:7 never made any sense to me before learning about this topic: "Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation." After reading dozens of alternative health books, possible meanings to this verse of scripture began to emerge. Now I believe scriptures like this reveal part of the logistics of God's plan for his children.

D&C 98:45-48 seems to validate that clearing generational issues is possible. "And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I the Lord will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold; And upon his children, and upon his children’s children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation. But if the children shall repent, or the children’s children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their father’s fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away. And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy god, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen."

Generational clearings done by energy workers have me wondering about D&C 128:15: "Concerning the fathers, that they without us cannot be made perfect- neither can we without our dead be made perfect." I look forward to God revealing the full meaning of Hebrews chapter 11 verse 40: "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” The Joseph Smith translation of this verse is “ God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect" (italics included in LDS edition.) Is it possible that generational clearings are one example of a better “thing” God has provided?
D&C 98:45-48 "And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I the Lord will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold; And upon his children, and upon his children’s children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation. But if the children shall repent, or the children’s children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their father’s fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away. And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy god, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen."
D&C 24:93" that whoever he blesses shall be blessed, and whoever he curses shall be cursed; that whatsoever he shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
D&C 124:50 "And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I will visit upon the head of those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me saith the Lord God."
Exodus 20:5-6 "...I the Lord am [possessing sensitive and deep feelings] , visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me."
Exodus 34:7 "Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."
Numbers 14:18 " The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation."
Deut. 5:9 ...for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me" (footnote @ the iniquity =ie the effects of sin)
2 Nephi 4:6 "Wherefore, if ye are cursed, behold I leave my blessing upon you, that the cursing may be taken from you and be answered upon the heads of your parents." (Lehi speaking)
See also 2 Nephi 5:23 ; Alma 17: 15 ; Alma 23:18

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JAMES L. FERRELL

This is a conversation between Albert and Michael in the book, The Holy Secret by James L. Ferrell. The topic is in regards to Generational Issues, although I am not implying that the author is aware of or supportive of my views.

"Dad was ignorant. Did he make mistakes? Yes, big ones. And he paid a dear price. To the extent he passed those sins on to ignorant children, he is responsible as well for their sins. But in my case, I'm not ignorant. I know better. To the extent I know better but nevertheless choose to continue my father's sins, then the responsibility for them is mine-- down throught the generations even."

"Actually," Albert said, "Jesus seems to be suggesting something even more than that." Michael's brown furrowed. "What?"

"I think what you said is exactly right when the parents sin willfully. When their sins are in ignorance, however, I read Jesus to be saying that they are not responsible for those sins down the generations, even though the descendants suffer from what the Book of Mormon calls in such cases the 'traditions of the fathers.' In that case, on the contrary, it sounds like Jesus is saying that responsibility for sin can actually travel the other way-- not only down but also back up the generations of time-- for he said that the scribes and Pharisees would be punished for the sins of their fathers back through time."

"But that doesn't make sense," Michael objected.

"I agree that, if true, it's certainly surprising," Albert said.

"But there is a perspective from which it makes perfect sense."

"What perspective would that be?" Michael questioned. "I don't see it."

"It makes divine sense if the fundamental unit in eternity is not the individual but the family."

Michael blinked. The thought was so new to him he didn't even know how to formulate an objection to it. His mind whirled.

Albert pointed at the coffee table between them. "You see that table?" Michael nodded.

"It is comprised of billions upon billions of tiny atoms, is it not?" "Yes."

"So what is it that sits between us-- countless tiny atoms or a table?"

"Well, both, I suppose."

"But those atoms only have meaning to us in this moment because they are in relation to each other in such a way as to form a table."

Michael thought about it. "I suppose that's right, yes."

"It is the same with us. As we sit here, it is easy to see and experience ourselves as individual atoms of the table, as it were. But if that's all we see, and fail to see the extent to which we exist in relation to one another, we miss the grand picture-- the picture I believe the Lord sees as he looks at us."

Michael leaned forward in interest.

"Your actions are never only about you, Michael. If your sins can fall on the heads of your parents, for example, as the scriptures say they can, then your repentance must be able to bless them as well."

"My repentance?" Michael repeated in surprise. "If I repent today, that somehow helps my family?"

"Well, it's obvious how it would help your wife and your children isn't it?"

Michael nodded.

"In matters of eternity," Albert said, "influence flows both ways through time. One only need ponder the effects of the Lord's atonement to see that is so."

"But how?" Michael wondered aloud.

"Let me read something else for you," Albert said. He opened to the nine-eighth section of the Doctrine and Covenants. "Listen to this."

If the children shall repent, or the children's children and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind and strength; and restore for all [the] trespasses wherewith . . . their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers' fathers, then . . . vengeance shall no more come upon them. . . and [those] trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them.

Albert looked up at Michael. "So you see, even repentance can have vicarious ramifications. As we restore for the sins or trespasses of our fathers, or as we ourselves repent of sins that have been passed down to us from our fathers, it appears that we can help to save our fathers from responsibility they otherwise would have had for suffering caused by their sins. We can make restitution, for example, and restore to aggrieved parties what our fathers, from the spirit world, can no longer restore. Perhaps we can help to put a stop to iniquities they might have put in motion before they passed on. And we certainly can repent of any impure feelings within ourselves that their actions might have invited."

Albert dipped his head and looked thoughtfully at Michael from over the top of his glasses. "Through both proxy work and the work of our own repentance, which itself is a vicarious work, we are 'respons-able' -- that is, positioned, Michael, and able, to perform a saving labor on behalf of our families.

"Which, by the way, has always been the point of the Lord's labor. Because we are, fundamentally, of one another, there is no such thing as a merely glorified individual: the Lord's purpose is, and has always been, to make you, and me and us, into a glorified house." (James L. Ferell, The Holy Secret, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2008) 196-199)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
JAMES E. TALMAGE
DNA carries ancestral patterns: not just physical characteristics like blue eyes.. but also traits & tendencies such as your grandpa’s bad temper or your mother’s patience. Tamara gratefully acknowledges Rebecca Rocque for sharing what James E. Talmage wrote about what he calls the "fundamental law of heredity" in his book Jesus the Christ:

"That Child to be born of Mary was begotten of Elohim, the Eternal Father, not in violation of natural law but in accordance with a higher manifestation thereof; and, the offspring from that association of supreme sanctity, celestial Sireship, and pure though mortal maternity, was of right to be called the "Son of the Highest." In His nature would be combined the powers of Godhood with the capacity and possibilities of mortality; and this through the ordinary operation of the fundamental law of heredity, declared of God demonstrated by science, and admitted by philosophy, that living beings shall propagate- after their kind. The Child Jesus was to inherit the physical, mental, and spiritual traits, tendencies, and powers that characterized His parents- God, the other human- woman."( Jesus The Christ, 1973, p 81)

(According to Elder Talmage, a fundamental law of heredity is that one inherits not only their parents' physical and mental traits, but also their parents' spiritual traits, tendencies and powers.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
SHARLENE YOUNG
“Our soul has come to evolve through negative and positive experiences- our spiritual selves are never damaged by our experiences. . . . From the spiritual level, this is what each individual has come to experience. . . . We have purposely placed patterns from the DNA to process and filter our experiences before we came to earth for our Soul’s spiritual learning and to experience love in a deeper way.
“As the spirit is getting ready to come into this dimension a unique space is created for each one of us. This space is the 10th chakra, located about a foot and a half beneath the feet. It is my belief that there is a higher Source that has given us the gift of choice, free agency and co-creation in this dimension.
“As we are planning what we would like to experience in this lifetime a space or chakra (the tenth) is literally being created in this dimension specifically for us. This space holds the DNA strands that we chose to experience in this lifetime along with physical characteristics, emotional patterns, mental processes, and spiritual blocks. . . . You also bring DNA or past life issues forward to this life time to heal or learn what is still unresolved. Your life’s spiritual purpose and the most painful things you came to experience are held here.”
“The emotional energy that has been stored or saved is so powerful that we seem to react form the old experience rather than our new conscious choice. This is the formation of unwanted patterns. Issues that are never processed get passed down the DNA line. This is what we call family patterns.” (Sharlene Young, Clearing Your 12 Chakras, 2001, p 5, 9,11)

(Sharlene is the daughter of Ranae Johnson and her book is available on www.rapideyetechnology.com )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
CAROL TUTTLE
“If you were to look back through the ancestors that came before you, you would most likely be able to identify generational patterns that are still playing out in your life. Maybe there has been abuse and victims for several generations, or maybe poverty consciousness, low self-esteem and depression, abandonment and neglect, feelings of not being good enough, of incompetence, or a history of addictions and making things harder than they need to be.
“Whatever the dysfunctional pattern, your life may have the magnified version of them so you would take notice and do something about it. You needed those patterns to be magnified so you wouldn’t forget the important role you agreed to play for your family and for all of humanity. If you have not taken care of it in your lifetime, your children will be given the same opportunity and will most likely have the same patterns magnified more in their life experience. As you clear these patterns, you are free to create new healthy beliefs and patterns to pass on to your posterity. You have become a transition person, or in Carlfred Broderick’s words, a Savior on Mount Zion. . . .
“ It is my personal belief that in our spirit life before our birth, many individuals agreed to come to families with the purpose of interrupting the generational sins and dysfunctions of their family line. Many made sacred agreements and received instruction to prepare them to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men. . . . It has been required of them to face and change the patterns of dysfunction and to clear all the emotional baggage that has been passed on from generations preceding them. . . . [They] are rebuilding the old waste places to “raise up foundations of many generations to be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” (Isaiah 58:12)” (Carol Tuttle, Remembering Wholeness, Elton Wolf Publishing, Seattle, Washington, 2002, pp 199-201.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DR. BRADLEY NELSON

“ In the same way that you can inherit your eye color or the shape of your nose from your father and mother and other ancestors, you can also inherit trapped emotions from them. An inherited trapped emotion is different from a prenatal trapped emotion, or from any other type of trapped emotion. In the case of an inherited trapped emotion, you actually receive the energy of the emotion at the moment of conception from the sperm or the egg.” (Dr. Bradley Nelson , The Emotion Code, Wellness Unmasked Publishing, Mesquite, NV, 2007, p220-221) (see also p 55 for an example, and page 222)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
LARRY DOSSEY, M.D.

“The other is the cellular memory hypothesis, the possibility that our thoughts and desires are somehow lodged in our very tissues. This implies that if our organs are transplanted into someone else, something of our emotional life is transferred along with them, which might be experienced by the recipient. Cellular memory is a “cassette theory”– the donated organ is the cassette tape containing the information, and the recipient’s body is the cassette player decoding and playing it back. The transplant phenomenon is being embraced in our culture as something new, bu the theme is ancient. . . . Although our cells and tissues can be affected by thought, there is no evidence that specific thoughts can hitch a ride on them when they are transplanted into another individual. ... The basic mistake, in my opinion, is in equating physical tissue with thought itself. This is a common trap we fall into, as when we equate the brain with consciousness. Yet this is like saying the television set actually produces the image on the screen. Far more likely, in my judgment, is that our cells and organs function to receive and transmit thought. Again, the TV analogy fits: the television set receives a signal from an outside source; it does not manufacture it. . . . Era III thinking suggests that the consciousness of the organ donor is nonlocally united with the consciousness of the recipient. . . . Receiving the donor’s heart did not actually transfer the experiences mechanically from him to her but instead somehow intensified a mental connection that was already nonlocally present. (Larry Dosssey, M.D. Reinventing Medicine– Beyond Mind -Body to a New Era of Healing, Harper, San Francisco, 1999, p 178)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DAVID STEWART, Ph.D.
"Three classes of chemical components may be why essential oils sometimes affect a healing that is nearly instant and also permanent. What they simply do is to restore the body back to its natural state of balance and health at the most basic and fundamental levels within the cells. The generational curses mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 20:5, 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9) that come to us through the genes of our parents are not immutable and incurable, as modern medical doctors believe. These inherited conditions can be reprogrammed in the DNA by the actions of essential oils combined with laying on of hands and prayerful intent. The Biblical oils all contain some, if not all, of these constituents. This is one secret to their amazing healing abilities. Science will, in time, produce additional clarification on these processes, but this is our understanding at this time. . . . There is another dimension to the healing powers of essential oils. This has to do with their electrical properties. " (David Stewart, Ph.D., Healing Oils of the Bible, Care Publications, Marble Hill, MO,2003, p 31)
“Sometimes illness comes as a genetic hand-me-down we could not and would not have chosen. Some consider such illnesses to be generational curses. (Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 5:9)” (Ibid, p 83)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
TRUMAN MADSEN

In reference to D&C 88:138 "And ye shall not receive any among you into this school save he is clean from the blood of this generation," he wrote: "Clean ‘from the blood of this generation.’ That phrase troubled me for a long time until I realized that it didn’t simply mean forgiven of the blood shed in that generation (that was the way I interpreted it) but it meant more still. It meant that those persons, by receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ in faith and repentance and through the ordinances, would be cleansed; that whatever they had inherited, of the human, of the sinful, of the weak, down through the centuries, would be overcome until it would be proper to say that the impurities of the past had been redeemed in the present personality." (Truman Madsen, Joseph Smith the Prophet, p 83)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MELVIN C. FISH, PhD

“Releasing Old Patterns: Close your eyes and meditate. As you meditate, imagine that you have printed out on a screen an energy pattern that represent all the negative energy patterns that were passed on to you from you ancestors through your DNA. Once you get such an image in your mind, ask the Savior Jesus Christ to send his light and love to create an positive energy pattern that is the exact opposite. Let the new pattern cancel out then replace the old one. . . . Finalize the process by raising the arm to the square and out loud say the following: “In the name of Jesus Christ, ..., I release4 all negative energy patterns which I have received from my ancestors. I ask the Lord to send his light and love to cancel them out and replace them with the corresponding positive energy pattern. I accept this healing with praise, love, and gratitude. Accept! Accept! Accept! Forever with me!” (Melvin C. Fish, Healing the Inner Self Supplement, p5-6)

In Mel’s second book, chapters 13 and 14 cover Generational Issues. An example of working with a client, JC, is given: “At this point, SC, his wife, spoke up. “I saw JC’s deceased father come into the room. As JC forgave his father, his father bowed in an attitude of appreciation and said, ‘Now that I have been forgiven I can progress.’ Immediately JC’s grandfather came into the room and JC’s father forgave his own father for abuse he had received as a child. Grandfather then bowed in an attitude of appreciation just as JC’s father had done and said, ‘Now that I have been forgiven, I can progress.’” SC said she counted while this pattern kept repeating over and over, and the generational abuse was forgiven and released back eight generations.” (Melvin C. Fish, Healing the Inner Self- Clinical Examples, p 166-167)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MASARU EMOTO

“Heredity refers to the information transmitted to an individual from his or her father and mother and also from extended ancestors. The ancestors’ information is clearly written in a gene. The ancestors’ information has various merits, but unfortunately, it also includes demerits.
“In the context of disease, the ancestors’ negative emotions are transmitted as negative information that often is manifested physically. This is the reason why I often start with examining the patient’s genetic information when I conduct a hado examination.
“People often use the term “a family line of cancer.” Perhaps such a family had carried the emotions that were likely to cause cancer generation after generation. This is how I understand “heredity.” . . . .
“The information of many generations is stored in layers. I believe there are twelves layers in the human body. We have to go through layer by layer to counteract the information that can trigger a disease.” (Masaru Emoto, The True Power of Water, Beyond Words Publishing, Hillsboro, Oregon, 2005, p88)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ORSON PRATT

It will be some pleasure for one of our ancestors that was born a hundred generations ago to say, “Come, my children, you that are here in the flesh that have not as yet become immortal, you that dwell upon the face of this earth, partially redeemed- come, I have some glorious tidings to communicate to you. I have something that you are not in possession of, knowledge you have not gained, because we have been up in yonder celestial world; we have been dwelling in the presence of our Father and God. ... What is all this for? It is to prepare their children, during the millennium that they may have this earth made celestial...” (Lundwall, Masterful Discourses by Orson Pratt, Bookcraft, SLC,UT, 1962, p76)
“...We are the inheritors of these calamities and these penalties, the same as children are susceptible to parental diseases and frequently inherit, for many generations, evils that their forefathers were in possession of. We learn quite an experience here; ... “ (Ibid, p 301)
“When the governor, the person who was placed to reign over this fair creation, had transgressed, all in his dominions had to feel the effects of it, the same as a father or a mother who transgresses certain laws, frequently transmits the effects thereof to the latest generations. How often do we see certain diseases becoming hereditary, being handed down from father to son for generations. Why? Because in the first instance there was a transgression, and the children partook of the effects of it.” (Ibid, p 356)
Again, this glorious and heavenly principle, with which a righteous man is endowed, reaches forward into the future for thousands of years to come, as far as the Great God will permit the sceneries of ages to be opened to mortals. It is not the fault of our organization that we do not enjoy this principle, but because we do not entirely get rid of those erroneous traditions which we have received from our fathers.” (Ibid, p 517) (I believe this is a minor theme of The Book of Mormon!)
“The faith of the Gospel is what is required to lead us on until we burst the veil asunder; for this faith will enable us to burst the shackles by which we are bound, and prepare us to enjoy the Holy Priesthood, with all the blessings guaranteed to the Saints of God, and to gaze into the hidden things of eternity. Reflect upon past experience and upon the workings of the Spirit of god, and you will discover that you have often been forewarned of events long before they took place; and if you cast your minds into the book of the Spirit of God, and behold the acts and doings of the Lord in ages to come, you will find that the same principle that exists in the bosoms of the Gods is with you, though in a very undeveloped condition. Let your minds be set upon the will of God and upon His kingdom, and what will be withheld from your sight?” (Ibid, p 517)
“The afflictions of devils- the confusion of tongues- deadly poisons- and sickness, are all curses which have been introduced into the world by the wickedness of man. The blessings of the Gospel are bestowed to counteract these curses. Therefore, as long as these curses exist, the promised signs are needed to counteract their evil consequences. If Jesus had not intended that the blessings should be extensive and unlimited in point of time as the curses, he would have intimated something to that effect in his word. But when he makes a universal promise of certain powers, to enable every believer in the Gospel throughout the world to overcome certain curses, entailed upon man, because of wickedness, it would be the rankest kind of infidelity not to believe the promised blessings necessary, as long as the curses abound among men.
“If these signs are necessary, why have they not existed among the churches for the last seventeen centuries? Because no true believers have existed among them during that time; for Jesus says, they shall follow the true believer; hence, if there had been any true believers, the signs would have been among them. But the very fact that the signs have ceased during that time, prove that true believers have ceased also. This is a sad picture of mankind, but it is nonetheless true. We say, let the promise of our blessed Redeemer be true, though it proves every man a liar or a hypocrite. The fault cannot be in Jesus, therefore it must be in man.” (Ibid, p 609)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DEEPAK CHOPRA

"I am more firm in this than ever before- is my belief that consciousness creates reality. . . that expectation decisively influences outcome. . . And that awareness, attention and intention should be as much a part of health care as drugs, radiation and surgery.
You may not think that you can ‘talk’ to your DNA, (another prejudice that comes from seeing DNA as only a material blueprint), but in fact you do continually . . . . Thinking happens at the level of DNA..." (Deepak Chopra, Quantum Healing, Bantam Books, 1989, p 234)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DAWSON CHURCH, Ph.D.

“No matter what difficulties we are experiencing in our health, in our relationships, our work, the techniques found in energy medicine can optimize entire systems in our bodies, minds and emotional realms. Because it breaks from a mechanistic model of cause and effect, energy medicine opens our minds, hearts, and bodies to the possibility of radical, discontinuous change. Experiments tell us that healing is not localized in time or space; so we can pray for our own childhoods, we can pray for distant people, we can pray for the wellness of our planet.” (Dawson Church, The Genie in Your Genes, Energy Psychology Press, Santa Rosa, CA, 2008, Second edition, p 332)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
DOUG MENDENHALL

“Brother Jack Marshall gave a talk at BYU Education Week 2000 titled “The Savior’s Teachings on Hope” Some of what he said proves to be very interesting in light of saving ourselves and our ancestors.
“He mentioned that D&C 46 talks about gifts. Each person gets different gifts so we all may profit and benefit . We’ve all had people come into our lives and had events happen that seem to be a coincidence. Brother Marshall said that he feels it’s not coincidental, it’s divine positioning. . . .
“Perhaps we need some knowledge or guidance and people just come into our life and they have the information, love, attention, and caring that we need. Heavenly Father brings about what we need many times by divine positioning. . . .
“Brother Marshall talked about Dr. Carlford Broderick from California. He was a prolific , inspired writer, who taught at the University of Southern California where he was a psychologist and counseled couples. In Dr. Broderick’s book, My Parents Married On a Dare, he tells the story of a woman who had come froma home where she was physically, sexually, and psychologically abused as a child. ...
“Brother Marshall goes on to say that this woman asked Dr. Broderick for a blessing. As he laid his hands upon her head he says, the Lord inspired him to tell her that she was a valiant, Christ-like spirit that volunteered to come to earth to suffer innocently and purify a lineage. She had volunteered to absorb the poison of sin, anger and violence. To take it into herself and not pass it on. To purify her lineage so that downstream from her it ran pure and clean, full of love and the Spirit of the Lord.
“Brother Marshall mentioned in his talk that he believes this applies to many of us. He said that her calling was like the Savior, to suffer innocently that others might not suffer. She voluntarily took such a task with the promise she would not be left alone and abandoned. He sent one that would take her by the hand and be her companion out into the light. Dr. Broderick was quoted as saying he “viewed the woman in a different way, realizing he was in the presence of one of the great and noble ones and unworthy to have his hands on her head.” It didn’t matter that her home wasn’t perfectly kept or if she was overweight or even if people wondered why she doesn’t get her life back together. Maybe we ought to acknowledge the Lord’s hand in all things and understand the divine position that individuals may have.” ( Doug Mendenhall, Possibilities... Lessons From The Spirit, p 115-116, emphasis in the original)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
CARLFRED BRODERICK

“I Have a Question,” Ensign, Aug 1986, 38–41

Questions of general gospel interest answered for guidance, not as official statements of Church policy

So many children are abused, offended, and abandoned. If little children are precious to God, what justification can there be for permitting some to be born into such circumstances?

Carlfred Broderick, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Aug. 1986, 38–39

Carlfred Broderick, professor of sociology, University of Southern California.

As children of God, we have been given the great gift of choice.We may choose to help, or we may choose to hurt. Unfortunately, as the Lord explained to Moses, the iniquities of one generation are often visited upon the heads of following generations. (See Ex. 20:5.) Anyone can see the truth of that saying by looking at many families in the world today. Often, troubled families seem to pass on their pain and darkness—virtually intact—to their children and grandchildren. The victim of one generation becomes the victimizer of the next.

On the other hand, the Lord told the prophet Ezekiel:“What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?“As I live, saith the Lord God, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezek. 18:2–4.)

This scripture suggests that children need not merely replicate the sins of their fathers, but that each generation is held accountable for its own choices.

Indeed, my experience in various church callings and in my profession as a family therapist has convinced me that God actively intervenes in some destructive lineages, assigning a valiant spirit to break the chain of destructiveness in such families. Although these children may suffer innocently as victims of violence, neglect, and exploitation, through the grace of God some find the strength to “metabolize” the poison within themselves, refusing to pass it on to future generations. Before them were generations of destructive pain; after them the line flows clear and pure. Their children and children’s children will call them blessed.

In suffering innocently that others might not suffer, such persons, in some degree, become as “saviors on Mount Zion” by helping to bring salvation to a lineage.

I have had the privilege of knowing many such individuals people whose backgrounds are full of incredible pain and humiliation. I think of a young woman who was repeatedly abused sexually by her father. When at last she gained the courage to tell her mother, the girl was angrily beaten and rejected by her.

These experiences made the girl bitter and self-doubting. Yet, despite all odds, she has made peace with God and found a trustworthy husband with whom she is raising a righteous family. Moreover, she has dedicated her energies to helping other women with similar backgrounds eliminate the poison from their own lineages.

I think of a young man whose mother died when he was twelve and whose father responded to that loss by locking his son in his room, then drinking and entertaining women in the house. When he would come to let the boy out, he would beat him senseless, sometimes breaking bones and causing concussions.

As might be expected, the young man grew up full of confusion, self-hate, and resentment. Yet the Lord did not leave him so, but provided friends and opportunities for growth. Today, through a series of spiritually healing miracles, this young man is preparing for a temple marriage to a good woman. Together they are committed to bringing children up in righteousness and gentleness and love.

In a former era, the Lord sent a flood to destroy unworthy lineages. In this generation, it is my faith that he has sent numerous choice individuals to help purify them.

In the days of Jeremiah, the Lord used some of the same language he would later use in speaking to Ezekiel:

“In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. “But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” (Jer. 31:29–30.)

Then he went on to say of this new, covenant generation: “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer. 31:33.)

Most of us, I believe, are acquainted with one or more of these valiant, struggling spirits. In the latter stages of their progress, they are easy to recognize and appreciate. But sometimes in the early stages they are suffering so much from their terrible wounds that it takes a mature degree of spiritual sensitivity to see past the bitterness and pain to discern the purity of spirit within. It is our duty and our privilege to befriend such individuals and to provide whatever assistance and support we can in helping them to achieve their high destiny.

Others of us may be, ourselves, the suffering messengers of light. Let us be true to our divine commission, forgoing bitterness and following in our Savior’s footsteps.

(Carlfred Broderick, “Saviors on Mount Zion”, Ensign, Salt Lake City, UT: Aug. 1986. p 38, emphasis added)

(My daughter being diagnosed bipolar & many other family’s trials appear awfully IMperfect, yet these experiences can prepare an entire family to receive eternal life, if we let it. Elder Hafen said "we are prepared in what may look like very imperfect ways to receive the gift of eternal life." An inspired Stake President, Carlfred Broderick, wrote a book titled My Parents Married on a Dare. He describes part IV of his book (pages 107-141) as "The most meaningful articles I ever had the privilege of producing. He includes incredible thoughts and real life stories regarding innocent children born into abuse and other tragic life adversities. He addresses why innocent children are born into such families. This section is incredibly thought provoking and has been VERY comforting and reassuring for myself and clients. It might be included in a smaller, newer book he published recently. Please e-mail me if you know that is so.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BONNI BURROWS

“I saw many ‘spirits of purple light’ who would soon be born into Earth-life, and the preparation they were undergoing for their individual Earth- missions. I saw souls who had lived out their lives on Earth, had transitioned to this spirit-realm, gone through their life reviews, and now were working on their next assignment– often instructing spirits who were as yet unborn, their future progeny. I was shown the importance of these ancestral connections.” (Bonni Burrows, Death?- It’s a Journey to Life!, DMT Publishing, SLC, 2007, p 79) (See www.journey2life.com)

Tamara’s notes from an e-mail link to a recorded talk by Bonni Burrows at an IANDS meeting in SLC, UT:

Bonni is the author of a near death experience where she saw what she believes are Indigo children being taught about what they would experience on earth, including generational issues. She saw conversations between 'spirits of purple light' about to be born and their grandparents. Bonni talked briefly about the generational things in the speech she gave, more so than in her book.
2 minutes into the talk Bonni mentions how her consciousness was way out there, outside of her body. She said, “I had to invite her to teach me to be like her. She showed me the divinity in every soul. When I could see that in every one, I was filled with joy. I got to go back in history to see things and it was like a spiral going back."

At about 42 minutes into the talk she said:

“I got to see other spirits there. In one place there were souls working on their life review and it was such terrible pain the energy was kept there. There were walls around them. It was gray or dark around them. They were fragmenting. There were angels of bright light around them putting the pieces back together.”
“There were spirits with grey burdens that they carried around. There were also spirits with purple lights. Today I believe those were the indigo children, as they call them today. They were my spirits of purple lights. My guides said these are the ....(I need to listen to Bonni’s speech again to fill in this blank.) ”
“Ancestors were teaching the spirits who would be born. I got to listen to the ancestors teaching. These ancestors were through with their life review, but they were still carrying some pain around. They were teaching their children to resist the things they were going through. I got to hear those conversations. ...
“What I learned from this is that we're all connected. I am my mother. I am my grandmother. I am all the way back. I used to listen to the old folks when I was younger. They talked about our ancestors. I would think how stupid, what a waste of time. I thought who cares if Aunt Tillie was married three times or if she did this or if he did that? Who cares if Uncle Gene was a drunk 3 generations back. What I learned is that we have things to do. We have things to overcome in our families. We carry those things down. John Bradley says in his book "If we don't pass it back, we pass it on. " That's as close to this as I've heard in the psychology world.
“What we don't try to do anything with, our grandchildren , et cetera... down the road will have to deal with it. I'll tell you this, before I had my NDE I would have laughed at all of this!”
(Personal notes from recorded talk by Bonni Burrows, SLC,UT,2008, IANDS Meeting - Int’lAssoc. ofNear Death Studies)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

FRED ALAN WOLF

“Freud associated certain dream images with primitive ideas, myths, and rites. He claimed that these dream images are “archaic remnants” – psychic elements that have survived in the brain from ages long ago. The subconscious mind is a trash heap. No wonder we suffer guilt, for we suffer not only for ourselves, but also for our ancestors who may have raped, murdered and pillaged thousands of years ago.” (Fred Alan Wolf, Taking the Quantum Leap, Harper & Row, NY, 1989, p 45)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
RAYMON GRACE

“If we have inherited the color of our skin, eyes, hair and other characteristics from our ancestors, why could we not have inherited their beliefs, thoughts and memories? It seems we have, and these affect us whether we are aware of them or not. Some of the things that are affected may be health, finance, relationship and others. If we came from a long line of people who were poor, we have probably accumulated several generations of poverty mentality.
Technique for Solution:
We must determine if there are beliefs, thoughts and memories adversely affecting a specific part of our life and how much. If so, ask what percentage of these are inherited. Don’t be surprised if the answer is 100%. An example of things to check are: fear, anger, guilt, eating habits, bad relationships, low self-esteem, physical conditions such as kidney stones, heart problems, arthritis, etc. Next, ask to remove the emotions from all the beliefs, thoughts and memories that adversely affect us on this particular issue. The pendulum will swing counterclockwise until this is done. We have neutralized the energy and it is now ready to be transformed into something beneficial.
Ask for the energy to be transformed in to whatever you specify or whatever would be to your highest good. The pendulum will swing in a clockwise manner. When the pendulum has stopped, ask how much the issue is effecting you. It will most likely be much lower than before. . . . . Sometimes we can do one treatment like this and solve the problem and sometimes it must be repeated, but it is worth repeating.”
(Raymon Grace, Techniques That Work For Me, Life Enrichment Seminars, e-book, p13)

(It is interesting to note that pendulums are used extensively in European countries by holistic doctors and the use of such devices is even taught at Brigham Young University in holistic nursing classes.)

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DAVID FAIRBOURN

David Fairbourn, a physical therapist in Arizona with great spiritual gifts related to healing teaches classes on generational clearing. (I bought one on CD with a workbook from Doug Mendenhall.) David's website is http://www.davidfairbourn.com/

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DOUG MENDENHALL

Doug Mendenhall gave me written permission to share the following from his book, Possibilities.

His book tells of what happened in a session he had with a gifted energy therapist. The therapist explained, “We call it generational healing. My experience has been that as you heal yourself, you heal your ancestors. As you heal your DNA, theirs is healed also. Or in your case, you helped your ancestors heal by bringing Christ to them. After sessions like this, genealogy just takes off.” Doug asks the reader after that, “The Lord does state in the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants that the sins are carried down generationally. Would he not then make it possible to heal it back the other way if we repent? Could that possibly be in our DNA?” (Doug Mendenhall, Possibilities, 2002, p 122)

One can preview and order Doug's books at www.publishinghope.com

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MICHAEL TALBOT

“Jung concluded that the man’s vision was not simply a product of his unconscious mind, but had bubbled up from a deeper level, from the collective unconscious of the human race itself. Jung called such images archetypes and believed they were so ancient it’s as if each of us has the memory of a two-million-year-old man lurking somewhere in the depths of our unconscious minds. ... In a universe in which all things are infinitely interconnected, all consciousnesses are also interconnected. Despite appearances, we are beings without borders. Or as Bohm puts it, ‘Deep down the consciousness of mankind is one.’”

Michael shares some experiences of patients tapping into the consciousness of their relatives and ancestors. He said, “Grof coined the term transpersonal to describe such phenomena, experiences in which the consciousness transcends the customary boundaries of the personality.” (Michael Talbot, The Holographic Universe, [NY, NY: Harper Perennial, 1992] , p 60-61, 70)

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"Ghost in Your Genes" DVD by NOVA

“Biology stands on the brink of a shift in the understanding of inheritance. The discovery of epigenetics – hidden influences upon the genes – could affect every aspect of our lives. At the heart of this new field is a simple but contentious idea – that genes have a 'memory'. That the lives of your grandparents – the air they breathed, the food they ate, even the things they saw – can directly affect you, decades later, despite your never experiencing these things yourself. And that what you do in your lifetime could in turn affect your grandchildren.” (BBC, Horizon 2005, “Ghost in Your Genes” www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/horizon/ghostgenes.shtml)

The Human Genome Project taught us about Epigenetic changes, where the genes need to be told what to do, what to turn on, etc. For example, the behavior of one ancestor can change the gene expression of one of 2 identical twins. In other words, DNA is NOT destiny. Changes in the environment of our ancestors molds our genomes. This changes the view of inheritance! The field of epigenetics has explanations for a host of illnesses. What your grandmother was exposed to when preganat will affect you and your grandchildren. The ideas remain controversial. (BBC, Horizon, 2005, “Ghost in Your Genes”)

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VIANNA STIBAL

“These beliefs are programmed into you so deeply and so emphatically, that they are extremely hard to break. Some of these beliefs you ancestors have kindly handed down to you from one generation to another. You are the belief systems that were programmed into you.” Vianna Stibal, Go Up and Work With God, Rolling Thunder, Roberts, Idaho, 2000, 40)

“Around these strands is a strange field of knowledge. This is called the morphogenetic field. Science knows that it exists. . . . Within the construct of DNA, is genetic memory that goes back at least seven generations. Within this morphogenetic field we find our belief systems. These systems are holding on to information that has been stored by past generations for centuries. . . . We have found that many things that we do in our lives are not just governed by how we believe, but by how our ancestors believed also. How your ancestors believed could be handed down from generation to generation, by one person’s belief system into another person’s.” (Stibal, 47)

In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we became parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The workings of the plan became not merely the Father’s work and the Savior’s work, but also our work.” (John A. Widtsoe, “The Worth of Souls,” Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, October 1934, 189-90

D&C 128:15 “Let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers- that they without us cannot be made perfect– neither can we without our dead be made perfect.’

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IMMACULEE ILIBAGIZA

This author wrote a MARVELOUS book. (Athough I had to do plenty of tapping on accupressure points to release anxiety, as I read certain portions.) I normally would not read such a chilling account, but I heard that she teaches that forgiveness heals, so I bought her book. She never mentions energy work, but relates authentic examples of several principles used in the field of Energy Medicine such as visualization, intention, and the reality of energy shields.) The following is interesting to ponder over regarding its possible relation to our subject.

God let Immaculer know in a dream that her murdered parents and siblings were beyond suffering and that she should never agonize again over their fate. Her brother said in the dream, “You’ve been gloomy far too long and must stop all this crying. Look at the wonderful place we’re in. . . can you see how ha ppy we are? I you continue to believe that we’re suffering, you’ll force us to return to the pain we’ve left behind. I know how much you miss us, but do you really want us to come back and suffer?”“No, no... I cried out, as tears of joy poured out from my eyes. “Don’t come back here! Wait for me there...” “We’ll be here waiting, dear sister. Now heal your heart. You must love and you must forgive those who have trespassed against us.” (Immaculee Ilibagiza, Left To Tell, 201

The Secret and The Law of Attraction

2008-04-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Some people were introduced to the law of attraction on the docudrama "The Secret" which gained widespread attention on Oprah. It is also the title of a book. The founder of Rapid Eye Technology has been teaching Rapid Eye Techs about the law of attraction, what she calls "cause and effect" for nearly two decades. I believe in the law of attraction because it is found in the scriptures as the law of the harvest, among other things. The concerns I have with the law of attraction focus on how it is applied by some people.

Many people have felt there was something not quite right with the law of attraction as put forth on "The Secret." The movie never openly admitted that God is in control, yet I know He is, so I didn't let that element bother me. In my mind, the law of attraction has always been about God. Hearing that the law of attraction existed felt right to me because I approached it in the context of faith. I understand that faith requires believing things are possible before we see results or things manifesting in our lives. We put faith into practice by visualizing our goal's reality before it manifest in our physical world.

God tells us that He works this way. The Pearl of Great Price says, "For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth." (Moses 3:5) The Book of Mormon teaches us, "And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad." (Ether 12:19)

We see things with our 'eye of faith' so that they can come true. I really enjoy Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley's comments on a quote that expresses this principle. He wrote, "I am impressed with Commander William Robert Anderson, the man who took the submarine Nautilus under the North Pole from the waters of the Pacific to the waters of the Atlantic. In his wallet he carried a tattered card with these words: 'I believe I am always divinely guided. I believe I will always take the right road. I believe that God will always make a way, even when there appears to be no way.' I share his convictions, for I too, believe that God will always make a way; even when there appears to be no way." (Gordon B. Hinckley,Standing for Something, NY: Times Books, 2000, 111). Joseph Smith taught in the Lectures on Faith that faith is a principle of power and that faith works by words. "The Secret" alluded to all of that.

Besides viewing "The Secret" from a perspective of faith, there were other reasons its message appealled to me. It reminded me of the law of the harvest in the Bible. My friend Michael Fitzgerald has written a wonderful book, The Law of Attraction and the Bible, which reads like a comfortable visit with him while seated on a sofa. I was privileged to get a sneak preview of his book. This is the review I wrote back to him:

"When I first read about the Law of Attraction, I was angry. I felt there was no way I had anything to do with attracting the trials I was dealing with in my life. However, as I read more about what I called the 'supposed' law, my entire perception changed. I was no longer a victim of circumstances! I started to believe I really had power to change my thoughts and my situation.

"I discovered that even just reading about the Law of Attraction gave me hope and lifted the depression I experienced. That was years ago. When I saw "The Secret" I was already convinced it had true principles because they had worked in my own life. For me, the Law of Attraction is all about faith in God."

"Michael Fitzgerald's book uncovers a bigger secret. He reveals aspects of the Law of Attraction in Jesus' own words over and over again. You'll be amazed at his insight! The Law of Attraction and the Bible is a must read for skeptics and believers alike. I read this book so fast that I can hardly wait to go back and reread a hard copy. I will underline passages, write in the margins, and dog ear the pages, like I do all the good books I read! This one is terrific!"

Michael, who happens to be a bishop, will surprise you at how many times he found this law evident in the Bible. Being a visual learner, I liked how he was illustrating his thoughts with arrows, picturing for the reader what hewas talking about. I think of his mirror image arrows pushing toward each other everytime I find an additional verse elsewhere that holds yet another example of the law of attraction. Michael Fitzgerald's book is available at http://bible-law-of-attraction.blogspot.com/ He has since come out with a second book for members of the church titled The Law of Attraction and the Scriptures.

There was something else in the movie "The Secret" that seemed familiar. I realized it was a verse in the Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 88:40, which says, "For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own..." Isn't that verse saying that what we 'put out there' will come back to us?

Brigham Young shared an example that ties in here. "I have proven this many a time . . . I have plenty on hand, and shall have plenty, if I keep giving it away. More than two hundred persons eat from my provisions every day, besides my family and those who work for me. I intend to keep doing so, that my bread may hold out, for if I do not I shall come short. Do you believe that principle? I know it is true, because I have proven it so many times." (Journal of Discourses, Vol 3, 332-333.)

Attaining dreams requires more than just thoughts, it requires action. It seems "The Secret" focused more on the thoughts end of the process. I accept what is truth from the movie and enjoy that portion. I loved the movie's section on health, but not the focus on acquiring worldly goods.

I'll admit to a few concerns about how people will apply this movie's teachings. In my opinion, consciously applying the Law of Attraction is a wise thing, provided we are founded on the rock of Christ and his gospel. Like almost anything, The Secret 's teachings can be harmful or beneficial, depending on how they are used. There is the possibility of going overboard in our zeal for the movie and forgetting Who is really in charge of this world . God is in charge! Of concern are those who may attempt to' attract' a carefree life without pain or growing experiences and then send their backlash against God when things don't go as they had planned.

Having everything in life turn out as we wish is NOT what we came to experience earth life for! Many of us find that the low points of our lives are where we grow the most spiritually. Carol Tuttle teaches that the law of attraction doesnt' guarantee life without soul stretching experiences, but that those types of experiences will no longer undo us as they may have done in the past. I have experienced that those words are true.

Richard Eyre brings up some other valid concerns about the movie. He wrote several columns on Meridian Magazine’s online site which he says expose "The Dangerous Secret" for the deception in it. He sure ruffled some feather's when he first called The Secret "dangerous." Hear him out and you may learn from his perception, as I did. Here is a "Reader's Digest" version of the main points in his articles. We are deceived if our goals are any of the "Three Deceivers": control over others, more and more ownership of worldly goods, and independence from God. The pursuit of these three draw us away from God and His ways. Instead, we should choose to be: grateful for the things God owns and allows us to use, grateful for what God controls and grateful for our dependence on Him. Richard Eyre said the Three Deceivers were good economic and political goals, but bad spiritual goals. I appreciated his honesty in finally saying at the end of his series of articles that it was the implied goals portrayed on "The Secret" that troubled him, not the plans for how to get them.

Gratitude, like Eyre says, is hugely important. I have learned to seek to develop gratitude even for the trying times I go through. Doug Mendenhall's books are great at teaching to have gratitude in ALL things. Doug writes that when you begin expressing gratitude out loud for the hardest trials you've ever had to face, it may feel akin to chewing on concrete. I am so glad I pushed through that miserable-in-the-mouth feeling and kept at it anyhow. What a difference this has made in my life!

The intent of people's hearts on the movie "The Secret" differentiated them for me. Those who seemed only intent on using the law of attraction for monetary gain or prideful pursuits left a sour taste in my mouth. While those whose hearts were in the right place and applied the law of attraction to bless others as well as themselves had admirable motives. They didn't seem based on selfish intent. It was quite the opposite, and they inspired me.

Lastly, the reader may enjoy what I found written by scholars. It is an LDS perspective on the law of attraction, otherwise known as karma or the law of the harvest. The scholars quotes were found in Religions of the World- A Latter-day Saint View (by Palmer, Choi, Keller and Toronto, pp 21, 27-28. ) This is an institute manual I picked up at the Distribution Center. It perfectly describes the issues I had with how people interpret the law of attraction. I took the liberty of adding emphasis to my favorite parts. I hope you enjoy it at least half as much as I did. The quotes follow:

Hinduism

"The law of karma is a system of cause and effect whereby people's actions determine the circumstances of their lives. . . . Social and economic status, according to this view, are not matters of random fortune, or the whim of the gods, but consequences of personal actions. It is the Christian "law of the harvest" vigorously applied. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Gal. 6:7) The effects of karma are inescapable...."

Latter-day Saint Reflections:

"Latter-day Saints recognize both the law of the harvest and the intercessory power of a merciful God. " [Latter-day Saints] stand in between the Oriental faiths and much of the Christian world. . . . For us, the immutable law of infinite consequences sustains nature and critically influences [humanity]. . . . [We] believe in a cosmic law of justice, that cause and effect are intrinsic to the human condition- that [people] are blessed or disadvantaged according to their willingness to comply with divine law." (Spencer Palmer, BYU Devotional, July 25, 1978)

"The salience of law in the eternal progression of mankind is clearly pointed out in the Doctrine and Covenants: "There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundation s of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

"It appears from this and other revelations that the Latter-day Saint "law of the harvest is more specific and personal it its cause- and-effect relationships than the karma of Eastern philosophy. The violation of specific commandments brings specific punishments just as obedience to a law entitles an individual to a personal blessing. Hindu karma, on the other hand, tends to respond to evil deeds indirectly. . . . Christian scriptures teach that the "law of the harvest" is not the sole cause of earthly misfortune. Besides the classic tale of Job, there is this account from the book of John:

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. "(John 9:1-3)

"Hence, Christian theology provides for the possibility that God may afflict people ( or allow them to be afflicted) with poverty, sickness and sorrow in this world for reasons other than their own unrighteousness. Moroni writes that the Lord "gives unto men weakness that they may be humble" (Ether 12:27), not necessarily as a punishment for sin. Christ told his followers that, as a result of their faith and righteousness, "[in] the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33). A corollary idea is that sinners sometimes find themselves among favorable worldly circumstances. Job, a 'perfect and upright' man (Job1:1) in the midst of terrible afflictions given him as a test, lamented to his friends,

"Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. . . . Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways." (Job 21:7-9, 14)

"The Eastern doctrine of karma does not recognize this phenomenon of deferred justice. The typical Hindu insights would reject the unfairness of forcing a person who led a righteous premortal existence, as Job undoubtedly did, to suffer undeserved torments in mortality. In the Eastern view, a person's karma- no the intervention of deity- is the principal factor in determining his happiness in life.

"The flexibility of the Latter-day Saint "law of the harvest" stems from its subjection to the will of God. It is not the law that deals with mankind in Latter-day Saint theology, but the Lawgiver acting in accordance with the law. The Lord metes out the blessings and the afflictions, and he may choose to withhold either as a test of faith. The Eastern law of karma can operate independent of deity. A person gets in life what he is fated to get. Not even a god can make it otherwise."

(End of quotes)

We are blessed a multitude of times over to have the gospel- a standard to judge truth and error against! Sincerely, Tamara

RET explained by the founder

2008-01-04T22:36:00.000-08:00

Rapid Eye Technology by Ranae Johnson:
Let’s assume that your family of origin had some unresolved issues (don’t they all?). Within that family dynamic, you may have gotten the message "you’re not good enough" or "you have to take care of me." So you go through life feeling that, indeed, you really aren’t good enough, or that, in order to be loved, you have to take care of everyone else’s needs. Once you’ve taken on this huge burden, it can lead to your own addictive process, co-dependency, or just plain burnout. Such dynamics are generally accepted as part of the human condition. We may even recognize how our own life is compromised by such dynamics, yet find it difficult to break the patterns. My own experience has taught me that to live our lives and make our decisions free from such negative conditioning requires education and new skills. I have dedicated my personal and professional life to this process. Rapid Eye Technology was developed over a period of 30 years and is a combination of inspired information and deep study. I began using parts of this method with my autistic son and with other individuals who were not being adequately served by the established medical community. I had some stunning results. For instance, my son is now an adult living in his own apartment. He holds down a job and is living a fairly normal life. This is quite amazing when you consider the usual alternative for an autistic person. Rapid Eye Technology releases emotional stress and provides education and skills for increasing quality of life. RET is a process that uses eye movement. The rapid eye process simulates rapid eye movement with an eye-directing device moving in a neural-linguistic pattern in front of the person’s eyes. This stimulates various sensory data. (For instance, when we look up, we’re accessing memory; when we look down, we’re accessing feelings.) We go into these various places with this pattern to find the source of the stress. As the person blinks, information stored in the body is accessed and released. The eye-directing device helps to access different parts of the mind, such as auditory, emotional, and visual memories. It also helps the right and left hemispheres of the brain work together to process the problem and to release the stress and trapped trauma. Rapid Eye Technology is used for all types of stress-related conditions. The wonderful thing about RET is that it’s a short term therapy program, and it’s safe. Many people ask, is there a danger of releasing too rapidly? In my experience, the answer is no. We all have excellent survival systems. We developed these systems in order to protect ourselves, and our psyche will only allow us to release old trapped trauma as fast as we are able to assimilate the changes. Most people release trauma in layers. Rapid Eye is a holistic model. First, we do a quick review of the person’s medical, psychological, and family history. Then we introduce a neurological integration exercise that begins brain access to stored preverbal memory. This integration allows the client to process, more naturally, all emotions–past, present and future. From there, we facilitate the process of exploring/releasing negative core beliefs through the use of various aids. In all of this, we create a very nurturing and safe place for processing. The miracle of Rapid Eye Technology is that a person does not have to relive every traumatic event in order to release the attendant stress. Clients are conscious and always have control in their sessions. Technicians are well-trained and are there not to control but to facilitate. We do not diagnose, prescribe, or advise. We begin by seeing the client whole and healed (the master plan). We hold them in that space during their session. The body (through RET and Life Skills) soon catches up to that place of being whole and healed. We always end each session with positive reframes. Whatever is released is replaced with positive information. Other techniques are used during personalized sessions to address the issue of falling back into old patterns. We also offer free classes on Life Skills, which is the cognitive portion of Rapid Eye Technology. These classes help the client practice and anchor new techniques rather than reverting to the "same old stuff." With Rapid Eye, the individual is able to make his or her own connections between the trauma and the subsequent events in life. For example, we have worked with people who reported they were rape or incest victims. We have seen them move from self-hatred and self-degradation to loving themselves and making positive choices. We have also worked with individuals who felt trapped in their lives in other ways. After one or two sessions they have been able to create dramatically positive situations for themselves. Others who were severely ill have become healthy and functional after releasing their emotional stress. Still other individuals have reported cessation of panic attacks, combativeness and the whole realm of self-defeating behaviors to which we are prone. I know there’s a lot of people who say, "Well, I don’t really believe in these ‘miraculous’ quick healing things." In many cases, I agree. The journey for some people is longer than for others. But seeing what Rapid Eye Technology has done for people over the last 15 years is phenomenal. Bottom line, it is working to change. For me, the biggest "miracle" happens when a client goes home, able to move through life with grace and joy. They see the connection between their actions and what happens. Just getting through the day loving yourself and loving the world is the miracle many would choose for their lives if they could. RET can help that to happen. Ranae Johnson, Ph.D., is the founder of this model of Rapid Eye. Rapid Eye Technology, Inc. is an educational, scientific organization dedicated to the enhancement of the worth, dignity, potential and uniqueness of each individual and, thus, to the service of all. It embodies unconditional love through awakening, creating gratitude, honor and universal community. Questions are welcome: 503-399-1181; or toll free 1-888-399-1181.

Our bodies know how to heal

2008-01-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

Our bodies are intelligent and know how to heal. Spencer W. Kimball said:

"Our ills are usually of our own begetting. They must be corrected by ourselves. Man is the master of his destiny, be it good or bad. Man has the inherent capacity to heal himself physically. A doctor may cleanse a wound, sew it up, bandage it well, but the natural power of the body must do the healing. Likewise, a healing process in the spirit and mind must come from within the self will. Others may help to cauterize the wound, suture it, and provide a clean proper environment for the healing, but the body, with the aid of the Spirit, must heal itself."

I know our body’s natural intelligence is designed to heal. When we clear our Energy we support this happening. Candace Pert wrote, "Now that I know my body has wisdom, this calls for a new kind of responsibility on my part. I can no longer act like a dumb machine and wait to be fixed by the mechanic- otherwise known as the doctor. Now I have the potential to consciously intervene in the system myself, to take an active role in my own healing. I’m both more powerful and more responsible in creating the health I experience than the dumb machine I used to think I was." (Molecules of Emotion p 18-20)

Alma 46:40 teaches another important truth about disease: "And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land- but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases to which men were subject by the nature of the climate" Please notice that it said God had prepared the plants and roots to remove the CAUSE of diseases. That is far and above just removing symptoms.

Besides the obvious reference to vegetables and herbs, could that include today's pure herbal supplements? Beyond that, it occurred to me that Essential Oils come from both the verse's mentioned "plants and roots." Pure Essential oils can really make a difference! Healing Oils of the Bible by David Stewart, Ph.D. explains that monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in essential oils bypass the blood brain barrier and deprogram information from cellular memory to help achieve healing. Pure Essential Oils, Flower Essences and homeopathics are all under the umbrella of Energy medicine. God’s creations do share their intelligent design! (See Vibrational Medicine by Dr.Richard Gerber.)

Unresolved emotions can lead to disease

2008-01-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

When we store unresolved negative emotions in our body, it doesn’t just disappear, it leads to disease. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." ( Prov 17:22) "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick." (Prov13:12) A plethora of authors, including medical doctors, teach that we store unresolved negative emotions in our body which over time can lead to disease

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Grudges, if left to fester, can become serious maladies. Like a painful ailment they can absorb all of our time and attention." (Nov. 2007 Ensign) Candace Pert wrote, "I’ve come to believe that virtually all illness, if not psychosomatic in foundation, has a definite psychosomatic component."( Molecules of Emotion, p 141) A wise Stake President wrote I Make Me Sick- a Latter Day Saint Perspective on Managing Stress ( manuscript available from Dr.Bradley Wilde’s office 100 TaBi Drive, Worland, WY 82401 307-347-4224.) Releasing unresolved emotions gives relief to one’s mind as well as one’s physical body! Do you want to feel better? Rid yourself of every bad feeling toward yourself and others.

Are examples of this found in scripture? Certainly. Alma15:3 says "And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he had supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat." Zeezrom was sick and it was caused by tribulation in his mind- a classic case of unresolved thoughts and emotions. Lehi and Sariah "having suffered much grief because of their children... were brought down, yea, even upon their sick beds. Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God." (1 Nephi 18:17-18) Numbers chapter 5 tells of a trial women believed to be immoral were put through in O.T. times. Those who were guilty developed the physical reaction of a swollen belly and rotting thigh. No wonder it is called Mind/Body Medicine!

What did God say to a depressed Enoch when he saw in vision the world’s population dying in the flood and "refused to be comforted"? God said "lift up your heart and be glad." That’s God’s advice to us, also. Lift up your heart and be glad. Something good can come of what feels like a "flood" in your life. Carry on! Have faith! Your thoughts WILL affect your life and health! Choose to let them be positive! If you keep thinking the way you’ve always thought, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got. Sometimes my daughter said she either needed to see her Rapid Eye Technician who was trained in several modalities or to go straight to the hospital emergency room. My daughter’s quick turn around after sessions with that RET tech were astonishing to her NAMI support group.

Another personal example is my husband who lost his hearing overnight in one ear over a decade ago. He spent a whole week in the hospital where doctors could not find any physical reason for his hearing loss. They were barking up the wrong tree! Human beings are clearly not only bodies. I praise God that there are health practitioners who practice from the viewpoint of "Person = Body + Mind + Spirit" instead of the absurdly reductionist "Person = Body." After my husband visited just a few minutes with a gifted Cranio-Sacral therapist, she sensed an energy block on his ear. She found there were layers of emotional issues blocking his hearing. She helped him clear them and during his 1 hour session he began to be able to hear again in that ear! What a great blessing! It is another example of Candace Pert’s findings that strong emotions not processed thoroughly are stored at the cellular level (Molecules of Emotion pg 290)

Similar findings are reported by hundreds who say strong emotions affect our bodies creating energy imbalances that can lead to illness if unaddressed. I continue to hear of miracles that occur in these therapists’ offices involving a whole array of illnesses. Many times they are able to help patients that the medical community have no answers for.

Emotions Affect Our Health

2008-01-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

We store emotions in our physical body. Emotion is an invisible form of energy! Sometimes we say the tension in a room is so strong we could cut it with a knife. That is because emotions have frequencies. These frequencies affect the cells of the body. Bruce R. McConkie’s entry for the "Book of Life" in Mormon Doctrine (p 97) validates the belief in storing emotion. "

In a real though figurative sense, the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such record is written in their own bodies. It is the record engraven on the very bones, sinews, and flesh of the mortal body. That is, every thought, word, and deed has an affect on the human body; all these leave their marks, marks which can be read by Him who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read....The Great Judge will then read the record of the book of their lives; the account of their obedience or disobedience will be written in their bodies."

I believe that Jesus mentions storing emotion in the body when he says things like my bowels are filled with compassion and mercy, or let thy bowels be full of charity (See also 1 Colossians 3:12) Eccles 7:9 says, "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." Disease has an emotional root because we store emotion in the soft tissues, especially the major organs. Certain frequencies are attracted to certain parts in our body.

It is interesting that in studies of heart transplant recipients, significant numbers experience new personality characteristics which correspond to the heart donor’s likes, habits, & tendencies. Other thought -provoking instances are those labeled with multiple personality disorder who only exhibit a certain medical condition when they are a specific personality. The minute they switch to another personality, the physical condition is immediately resolved! As an example, one case involved blood test levels of diabetes disappearing instantly only to re-emerge later when that personality reappeared. An internationally known neuroscientist says, " The body is the unconscious mind! Repressed traumas caused by overwhelming emotion can be stored in a body part, thereafter affecting our ability to feel that part or even move it." (Candace Pert, Molecules of Emotion, p 141)

The mind-body connection and emotions

2008-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

Thoughts and emotions greatly affect your health. The Bible says “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...” (Prov 23:7); Job said, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” (Job 3:25). Behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts. (Jer 6:19) President Kimball taught: "Every thought that one permits through his mind leaves its trace. Thoughts are things. Our lives are governed a great deal by our thoughts." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball p 154) Evidently, thoughts becoming things was taught by prophets long before the people quoted on the popular movie "The Secret." The book of Moses teaches us this creation principle, that things are created first spiritually, then temporally. Lectures on Faith 7:3 teaches, “When a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force.”
Brent & Wendy C. Top pose a very interesting thought, “Perhaps in discovering the electromagnetic field scientists have merely found a way to detect and measure the real energy of the spirit body and the intelligence or Light of Christ which comprises it.” ( Glimpses Beyond Death’s Door, p254) I believe their supposition has merit since D&C 84:45 teaches “...whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.”
It seems to me that science and religion might be talking about the same things, just using different language. Quantum physicists say everything is composed of vibrations that emit frequencies into the universe. Dr. Sari Suttka wrote, “Energy is in-FORM-ation which creates a vibration that manifests into a pattern which emits a signal that can be found somewhere along an electromagnetic spectrum.”
Religious leaders use different words to teach the same principle. David O. McKay taught that we affect others constantly by “radiation.” He said the effect of our words is being broadcast to the world. “There is one responsibility which no man can evade; that responsibility is his personal influence. Man's unconscious influence is the silent, subtle radiation of personality -- the effect of his words and his actions on others. This radiation is tremendous. Every moment of life man is changing, to a degree, the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other man. He cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character, this constant weakening or strengthening of others. Man cannot evade the responsibility by merely saying that it is an unconscious influence. Man can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character. And by these qualities he will constantly affect the world. This radiation, to which I refer, comes from what a person really is, not from what he pretends to be. Every man by his mere living is radiating either sympathy, sorrow, morbidness, cynicism, or happiness and hope or any one of a hundred other qualities. Life is a state of radiation and absorption. To exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiation.” (David O. McKay, April 1948, emphasis added)
Pres. McKay shared more on how our thoughts vibrate outward and how we are the recipients of other’s vibrational frequencies toward us. “Every man and every person who lives in this world wields an influence whether for good or for evil. It is not what he says alone; it is not alone what he does. It is what he is. Every man, every person radiates what he or she really is. Every person is a recipient of radiation. The Savior was conscious of that. Whenever He came into the presence of an individual, He sensed that radiation -- whether it was the woman of Samaria with her past life; whether it was the woman who was to be stoned, or the men who were to stone her; whether it was the statesman, Nicodemus, or one of the lepers. He was conscious of the radiation from the individual. And to a degree so are you, and so am I. It is what we are and what we radiate that affects the people around us. As individuals, we must think nobler thoughts. We must not encourage vile thoughts or low aspirations. We shall radiate them if we do. If we think noble thoughts; if we encourage and cherish noble aspirations, there will be that radiation when we meet people, especially when we associate with them. (David O. McKay, 1964, emphasis added)
“Thought is electrical energy or vibration that quickly enters your brain-servant, and stimulates the creation of matching molecules of emotion- (endorphins or depressants, etc.) The information and emotion molecules relay the positive or negative chemicals along with their connecting thought vibrations, down the nervous system, and direct the nerves and muscles in this intelligent human body. You can feel the vibrations as tingling sensations. This is an amazing discovery in each of us. What you think about becomes the directives for this two-part system to follow! Say what you desire for you to become.” (Carolyn Ringger, anangelstouchstor.com) Elder Packer said, “Remember, Nephi told his rebellious brothers, who had rejected a message from an angel, “Ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words. (see1 Nephi 17:45, Ensign, Apr 2005, 8 ) A related principle is taught by Nephi who said his spoken words were even mightier than his written ones. (2 Nephi 33:1 See also Ether 12:23)
The words we use affect our health. The Old Testament teaches: “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” (Prov 16:24). I believe Jesus taught the principle of the power of our words when he said: “Not that which goeth into a mouth defileth a man, but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” (Matt. 15:11) No wonder we are taught “If ye do not watch yourelves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds... ye must perish.” (Mosiah 4:30) LDS author, Garth Allred wrote a fabulous book which emphasizes the effect of thoughts on health. Traditional medicine has mostly ignored the mind/body connection, but fields such as psychoneuroimmunology are changing that.

Brother Poulton's Fascinating Paper on Evil Spirits

2007-12-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

Tamara says, "Brother Poulton gave me permission to share the paper he wrote below. If you like it, you may also appreciate the books written by Melvin C. Fish , Doug Mendenhall,Denise Mendenhall, Edith Fiore, and Shakuntala Modi (which can be seen and reviewed on my Shelfari shelves at the bottom of this site .)"

Understanding Spiritual Evil in the Context of Psychotherapy
By
Ronald L. Poulton

Some time ago, my wife and I attended a dinner that was hosted by the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists (AMCAP) in connection with its semi-annual conference. We were seated with a psychiatrist, three clinical psychologists and a social worker. We shared several minutes of conversation getting to know one another. It was evident that they all loved their profession. They practiced it in a manner that was informed by their belief in God and energized by their testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Several expressed gratitude for AMCAP and the values espoused by the Association. As the spouse of an AMCAP member I was glad to be with so many professionals and to have the opportunity to ask them a
question that had been on my mind for some time, knowing that I would not have to worry whether they were listed as preferred providers with my health insurance company.

At what I thought was an appropriate time I asked my question, “How do you deal with the problem of unclean spirits in your practices?” Quiet came to the table almost immediately. One of the psychologists looked puzzled and asked me to say more. When it became clear to them that they had not misunderstood my question, their responses came quickly. The overarching conclusion common to all the responses was that this was a subject outside the domain of their common discourse and professional worldview. It held no prominent place within their practices. I was surprised by their resolute opinions that there was no such problem.

My understanding of LDS doctrine has led me to believe that this problem is near the core of many issues addressed by counselors and therapists. I believe all counselors and therapists are familiar with the effects wrought by evil spirits, but they have failed to attribute those effects to their actual sources, which are the activities of such spirits in the lives of their clients.This failure may be caused either by an incomplete understanding of doctrine or by a failure to notice and respond in a manner that would confirm the doctrine to them. In the first section I will set out their responses to my question and put them in the context of the scriptures and the teachings of Brigham Young, a prophet who was raised near the roots of Mormonism, and grounded upon those roots, vigorously taught the saints on this subject in the isolated, but religiously open environment of nineteenth century Utah Territory. Then in the second section I will address what I believe are some of the implications of this material for LDS therapists and counselors.

I.
The first response was: “At the time the scriptures were written, the people mistook mental diseases and biologically based defects for possession by evil spirits.” This view reflects the predominant view of many modern religionists and mental health professionals. There have been significant advances made in psychopharmacology that have produced remarkable symptom relief for depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. These developments do seem to strengthen the contention that it was a lack of sophistication or an inadequate understanding of physiology and biochemistry that led to a mistaken diagnosis that evil spirits caused physical or mental illnesses. However, that conclusion without additional explanation is unwarranted; it makes the logical error of affirming the consequence. “The situation is similar to that of a person who takes aspirin for a headache. Generally, the medicine will relieve the pain and ‘cure’ the ailment. Still, the fact that taking aspirin eliminated the pain hardly means that the pain was caused by a lack of aspirin in the first place” (Liebert & Spiegler, 1987, p. 517).

A further problem with this response is that it fails to explain the distinction gospel writers made between the heavenly power over devils and the power to heal the sick. Although these powers are often enumerated together and appear to be exercised jointly in many instances, there is a consistent and pervasive distinction maintained between freeing the afflicted from evil spirits and healing sickness through divine power: “And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him” (Mark 1:34). And again, “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick” (Matthew 8:16).

When Nephi was allowed to see in vision the ministry of the Lord at Jerusalem he reported seeing the Lord both heal the sick and cast out devils: And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out (1 Nephi 11:31).

When the Lord first bestowed power upon his apostles it was a twofold power:“AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1). And this was the Lord’s charge to them: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). They were obedient to the charge given: “And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them" (Mark 6:13).

Book of Mormon prophets noted that the power over devils and the power to heal were had among them and would continue always among believers in Christ: And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some miracles among the people (3 Nephi 7:22).

And these signs shall follow them that believe– in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover . . . (Mormon 9:24). These promises were reaffirmed to the latter-day saints: And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk (D&C 35:9; see also D&C 84:67- 70; D&C 124:98).

Those that observed the work of the Lord demonstrate repeatedly the ability to discriminate between instances of healing physical illness and instances of restoring persons whose suffering was caused by unclean spirits. They relate that on one occasion the Lord healed a man of palsy (Luke 5:17-26); on another he gave a man his sight (John 9:1-7); on another he healed ten men of leprosy (Luke 17:11-19); and from one person he cast out a devil (Mark 1:23- 27); from another he cast out seven devils (Mark 16:9) and from another he cast out a legion of unclean spirits (Mark 5:1-15). Among the spiritually discerning, there has always been an understanding that in this life people are exposed to the influence and affliction of unclean spirits. Additionally, there is a suspicion that any explanation of the world that attempts to remove the adversary far from view is little more than a subterfuge of the adversary (2 Nephi 28:22).

The fact that gospel writers have made a distinction between healing the sick and casting out evil spirits does not, however, mean that the two troubles are unrelated. On the contrary, there does seem to be a close connection between illness of mind and body and the affliction that comes from unclean spirits. Mark records that in one instance the Lord encountered a dumb man possessed of a devil and when that devil was cast out the man spake (Matthew 9:32-33). Many of the above-cited scriptures disclose a pattern of divine healing having been preceded by casting out of unclean spirits.

Brigham Young taught that there was a direct connection between evil and illness: You never felt a pain and ache, or felt disagreeable, or uncomfortable in yourbodies and minds, but what an evil spirit was present causing it. Do you realize that the ague,the fever, the chills, the severe pain in the head, the plurisy, or any pain in the system, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, is put there by the devil? You do not realize this, do you? I say but little about this matter, because I do not want you to realize it. When you have the rheumatism, do you realize that the devil put that upon you? No, but you say, “I got wet, caught cold, and thereby got the rheumatism.” The spirits that afflict us and plant disease in our bodies, pain in the system, and finally death, have control over us so far as the flesh is concerned. But when the spirit is unlocked from the body it is free from the power of death and Satan; and when that body comes up again, it also, with the spirit, will gain the victory over death, hell, and the grave. (JD, 4:133)1

While most modern mental health and medical professionals would deny any causal linkbetween the illnesses they treat and evil spirits, Brigham Young viewed all illness of body and mind connected directly to the activities of evil spirits. Further, the foregoing scriptures support the view that the understanding of gospel writers was ahead of modernity not behind it. The modern reliance on naturalistic explanations, biological models and psychological theory, have rendered us incapable of making valuable distinctions and connections that were obvious to those personally taught and empowered by the Lord.

The second response was: “Possession by unclean spirits is rare because God placed enmity between his children and evil spirits.” This response, to be rightly considered, ought to be examined against the broader background of LDS doctrine concerning premortal and mortal life. In the Church we are taught that all people born on this earth lived a premortal life with their heavenly parents (Jeremiah 1:5; First Presidency 1995). God, seeing the need for his children to have tabernacles to escape oppression and to grow in righteousness, proposed a plan whereby his children would enter mortality, obtain physical bodies and be proven in their faithfulness in all things (Abraham 3:24- 26; Ehat & Cook, 1980, p. 62, 68, 207). To enable his children to demonstrate their righteousness, he proposed that all of his children retain their premortal agency while on the earth (D&C 29:35-36). Knowing all things from the beginning, including the fall and the subsequent entry of sin among his children, God chose his First Born, Jesus Christ, to be the savior and redeemer of mankind (Abraham 3:27; Helaman 5:9). An additional consequence of this plan, understood by God and all his children in the premortal realm, was the fact that there would be some children who would fail in this probationary state and thereby lose the right to return to their premortal glory (D&C 29:27-28, 43-44; Moses 4:1).

In vision, Joseph Smith saw that in the premortal life Lucifer was an angel who stood in authority in the presence of God (D&C 76:25-26; D&C 129:1-3). Lucifer opposed the plan to allow man to retain his agency while on the earth (Moses 4:3). He also opposed the Father’s choice of his First Born as the redeemer and savior of the world (Abraham 3:28). Lucifer rebelled against the Only Begotten of the Father (D&C 76:25). Satan desired the kingdom and glory of God and his Christ (D&C 76:28).

In his rebellion, whereby he sought evil, he became the devil (2 Nephi 2:17; Moses 4:4). The word devil means false accuser. He became the father of lies (2 Nephi 2:18). He slanders the Father and his Only Begotten Son and all of God’s children. He is the father of contention (3 Nephi 11:29). He is the author of all sin (Helaman 6:30). He brought war to heaven and those who followed him were cast out from heaven to this earth (Revelation 12:9). And having fallen from heaven he became miserable forever (2 Nephi 2:18). In further consequence of seeking, that which was evil, Lucifer and those who followed after him were denied tabernacles made from the element of this earth (Ehat & Cook, 1980, p. 68, 207). The number of God’s spirit children that followed Lucifer in rebellion was great, described as “the third part of the stars of heaven” (Revelation 12:4). Although this phrase is assumed by some to be a literal translation of what might have been a metaphor for a large group but not an exact number or percentage, similar wording, “a third part of the host of heaven,” appears in a revelation given in English (D&C 29:36). One might consider what number this could mean if intended literally. The current world population is estimated to be approximately six billion people and the total world population has been estimated to be approximately 105 billion people.2 That would indicate that the one-third following Lucifer numbered in excess of 50 billion spirits. Without counting those who have suffered their spirits to become captive while in mortal probation, there would be almost ten evil spirits to each person living on the earth.

In opposition to the Father’s plan of happiness, Lucifer formulated a plan to destroy the work of God (D&C 10:23); to destroy the world (Moses 4:6); to make all men miserable like unto himself (2 Nephi 2:18, 27); to captivate the souls of men while in probation on the earth and keep them captive after their death until the day of judgment (Moses 4:4; 1 Nephi 14:7; Mosiah 16:3,5; Alma 40:14); and ultimately to have men brought forth in the resurrection filthy and unable to return to the kingdom of God (2 Nephi 9:16). An element of this plan of misery was to possess the earthly bodies of God’s children on the earth (Alma 40:13).

The central objective of the devil is always the heart: the heart, not as poetic metaphor, but as bodily location and spiritual faculty. He carries forth his evil from generation to generation according to his success at taking hold of the hearts of men (Helaman 6:30; 4 Nephi 1:28). If the hold is secured, then evil spirits will “dwell in the hearts of the children of men” (Mosiah 3:6). Then he will “rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them to anger against that which is good” (2 Nephi 28:20) until, they are “given up unto the hardness of their hearts” and the Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them (Ether 15:19). But when people are cleansed and dwell in righteousness, he has no power over their hearts (1 Nephi 22:26).

Lucifer did not understand the mind of God, for God had anticipated the premortal rebellion (Moses 4:6). In fact, the plan of the Father made use of the rebellion. Its consequences on this earth became a refining fire to the faithful, that which was in some sense necessary to activate the agency granted to men while on the earth (D&C 29:39). And through his agency man became free to choose liberty and eternal life through the gift of his Son (2 Nephi 2:27). Thus, mortality became a period of spiritual death, a time of continuous temptation, wherein all are exposed to and taste the bitter that they might know to choose the sweet. With this background we can consider the record of Moses that states that following Lucifer’s successful temptation of Eve, God placed enmity, a strong dislike or deep-rooted hatred, as a barrier between Lucifer and his followers and the woman and her seed: And I, the Lord God, said unto the serpent: Because thou hast done this thou shalt be cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life; And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; and he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel (Moses 4:20-21).

Some have inferred from this scripture that people, as the children of Eve, are protected from evil possession because a protective barrier of enmity surrounds them. Of course, the cogency of this conclusion rests on the assumption that this scripture is referring to all the posterity of Adam and Eve as being the “seed” of the woman referred to by God. Although Eve is the woman present when God makes this pronouncement, and the inhabitants of the earth may all claim to be her seed, this scripture is cited as the first prophecy referring to the Messiah.3

Jesus Christ is the “seed” of the woman. Jesus Christ is the singular “he” who shall bruise the head of the serpent; it is he toward whom Lucifer and the spirits that follow him suffer the pains of enmity. The scriptures do not indicate that God forbid evil spirits from possessing the bodies of the children of Eve, if those children use their agency on the earth to yield to the enticements of the adversary. On the contrary, captivity by such was forewarned repeatedly. And a license to use a power of enticement upon the children of Eve was given to Lucifer by God: “Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other” (2 Nephi 2:16). It is the “will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate” (2 Nephi 2:29). When temptation is yielded to the “people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed;” (Matthew 13:15) and in consequence, the scriptures warn that evil spirits enter into the tabernacles of man (Mosiah 3:6; Alma 40:13).

What God revealed to Moses, in Moses 4:20-21, was the means of escape from Lucifer’s plan of captivity. For the children of Eve, it is by coming unto Christ and by receiving a greater portion of His Spirit, that they gain discernment, to choose liberty and freedom in Christ. Only thereby will they become the beneficiaries of the protective enmity spoken of in the scripture (Helaman 5:12; Ether 8:26; 1 Nephi 22:24-28). Until their bodies become full of light and wholly without spot, until that perfect day, the children of Eve will continue to be vulnerable to temptation and entrapment by evil. There is no free and easy insulating enmity. The eternal risk inherent in the exposure to evil is an essential part of the Father’s plan; so is his promise that he is mighty to save and to heal all who come unto his Son (3 Nephi 9:13-15, 21-22).

This truth, that only by accepting and cleaving unto Christ can one secure protection against the design of the adversary, is taught powerfully in the following incident during the Lord’s Galilean ministry: And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. . . . But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. . . . And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts (Mark 5:1-17).

This encounter with evil lends support to the claim that an evil spirit would prefer the mortal tabernacle of a swine to none at all (Ehat & Cook, 1980, p. 60). However, the actual plan of the devil was more subtle. William P. McIntire recorded the following comment by the Prophet Joseph Smith on the foregoing verses of scripture: Jesus commanded him to come out of the man and the Devil besought him that he might enter in a herd of swine near by (for the Devil knew they were a covetous people & if he could kill their hogs that would drive Jesus out of their coasts & he then would have tabernacle enough) (Ehat & Cook, 1980, p. 68).

Brigham Young urged the saints to be alert to the presence and objectives of unclean spirits when he said: I want you to understand these things; and if you should say or think that I know nothing about them, be pleased to find out and inform me. You can see the acts of these evil spirits in every place, the whole country is full of them, the whole earth is alive with them, and they are continually trying to get into the tabernacles of the human family, and are always on hand to prompt us to depart from the strict line of our duty (JD, 3: 369).

Related to the idea of general enmity protecting mankind, as raised in the second response, is the notion that at least children under the age of accountability are immune from both the influence and the affliction of evil spirits. The Lord said that little children can not sin because they can not be tempted (D&C 29:47). But he said, “…when they begin to grow up, sin conceiv-eth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good” (Moses 6:55). Since many children require the assistance of counselors and therapists for many of the same types of problems for which adults seek counseling, this fact would appear to be confirming evidence that the problems for which counseling is sought are not the result of evil spirits afflict-ing people, at least not among young children. It is settled doctrine of the Church that children cannot sin and Satan has no power to tempt them until they begin to become accountable. Whatever it turns out that temptation is– it isn’t a problem suffered by children. However, the fact that they can neither be tempted nor sin does not, on its own, uphold the conclusion that children, under the age of accountability, are never afflicted by unclean spirits. Consider the following incident that occurred shortly after the transfiguration when the Lord rejoined his disciples: And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. . . . And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. . . When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. . . . And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:17-29).

It was before this incident, earlier in the ministry of the Lord, that he had given power to his apostles to heal the sick and to cast out devils. As noted above, they had experienced much success and had returned from their early missions firm in their testimony of the power conferred upon them. This was the first instance of their failure to command an unclean spirit. This incident has been cited by Dummelow (1936) as one in which the child, being described as a “lunatic” in another gospel, was actually suffering from a form of epilepsy, a physical ailment, of which he was healed by the Lord, and not a case of demonic possession. However, such explanation ignores the plain text of the scripture and thereby dismisses from consideration several profound questions. First, the Lord asked the father: “How long is it ago since this came unto him?” What was the point of this question? Would it really have made a difference whether it had been a month or a year? It is the father’s answer that may hold the key; his answer to the Lord was: “of a child.” The Gospel of Mark does not tell us the age of the boy when presented to the Lord or the age of the boy when the affliction first began. However, the Greek adverb, “paidiothen ” here translated as “of a child” is related to the noun “paidion ” which is a child, one as young as a new born infant.4 Second, in answering the disciples’ question as to why they had been unsuccessful in their exercise of priesthood authority, the Lord explained: “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” It would appear that the Lord is acknowledging gradation in the power of some evil spirits. But what was “this kind” of evil spirit? The only textual indicators given about the kind of spirit come from the Lord’s description of the spirit as a dumb spirit or the answer to the Lord’s question given by the child’s father that the spirit had taken possession of the boy as a child. Interestingly, when the Lord earlier had cast out a devil from a dumb man, who then spoke, no instruction was given to the disciples regarding fasting and prayer. Finally, and perhaps relevant to the age of the child at both the onset and cleansing, it is important to note that this is the only incident recorded in scripture where the Lord, in addition to casting out the evil spirit, further enjoined this devil “and enter no more into him.”

If the person freed from evil does not pursue a righteous course faithfully, then there does not appear to be a prohibition against the evil spirit reentering a body. The Lord taught: Then came some of the scribes and said unto him, Master, it is written that, Every sin shall be forgiven; but ye say, Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven. And they asked him, saying, How can these things be? And he said unto them, When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest and findeth none; but when a man speaketh
against the Holy Ghost, then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth him empty, swept and garnished; for the good spirit leaveth him unto himself. Then goeth the evil spirit, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation (JST Matthew 12:37-39). 13 The third response was: “Possession by unclean spirits is very rare, if we are sincerely trying to live the gospel.” There are several reasons why encounters with evil spirits may seem to be rare. First, most memorable instances of evil encounters seem to be singular historical events such as the devil entering the Garden of Eden to tempt Adam and Eve (Moses 4:6-11), the devil appearing before Jesus to tempt him following his forty day fast in the wilderness where he communed with the Father (JST Matthew 4:1-11; cf. Ehat & Cook, 1980, p. 12) or the adversary’s attack upon Joseph Smith as he knelt in prayer in the sacred grove (Joseph Smith History 1:15-16). Rather than disrupt the routine course of individual lives, one might believe that encounters with evil occur only in instances where the adversary attempts to thwart the larger work of God’s kingdom, as was the temptation of Joseph Smith as he walked to meet Moroni at the hill Cumorah to view the plates (Joseph Smith History 1:46) or the vicious attacks upon the first missionaries sent to begin preaching the restored gospel in England (Stuy, 1987-1992, 5: 198-99, 236). Second, we do not see many people acting as if they were possessed by an evil spirit, as did some encountered by the Lord, that is, foaming at the mouth, gnashing teeth, and dwelling in a tomb, or as Joseph Smith found Newell Knight, his visage distorted, his limbs twisted as he was elevated above the floor and tossed about a room (J. F. Smith, 1971, p. 82). If it is assumed that a person possessed of an unclean evil spirit looks and acts in a ghoulish or frightening manner, then observation would indeed support the conclusion that possession is rare. But the image of a terrifying and bizarre person is not the only one described in the scriptures. Korihor, the anti-christ, was articulate and convincing to many, yet after a brief exchange the discerning Alma stated to him, “thou art possessed with a lying spirit” (Alma 30:42). The first recorded instance of the Lord rebuking an unclean spirit and commanding it to leave a man occurred in a synagogue, a house of worship and study (Mark 1:23-27). This was not an isolated instance, Mark records that the Lord preached in synagogues throughout all Galilee and cast out devils (Mark 1:39). The presence of unclean spirits at places of worship was also noted in a session of General Conference by Brigham Young: You know that we sometimes need a prompter; if any one of you was called by the government of the United States to go to Germany, Italy, or any foreign nation, as an Ambassador, if you did not understand the language somebody would have to interpret for you. Well, these evil spirits are ready to prompt you. Do they prompt us? Yes, and I could put my hands on a dozen of them while I have been on this stand; they are here on the stand. Could we do without the devils? No, we could not get along without them. They are here, and they suggest this, that, and the other (JD, 3: 369).

Third, possession may be rare because not many people are wholly taken captive by evil spirits. This is a valuable observation. In fact, each of the responses given to my original question focused on evil spirit possession, when my question asked more broadly about the problem of unclean spirits. The problem of evil spirits confronted by therapists is not restricted to persons fully possessed and bound by unclean spirits, but includes those in the process of being ensnared, who are temporarily overcome and possessed by an evil spirit in sin and those who are otherwise influenced, distressed or afflicted by such spirits. Again, Brigham Young observed this range of affliction: You may now see people with legions of evil spirits in and around them; there are men who walk our streets that have more than a hundred devils in them and round about them, prompting them to all manner of evil, and some too that profess to be Latter Day Saints, and if you were to take the devils out of them and from about them, you would leave them dead corpses; for I believe there would be nothing left of them (JD, 3: 369).

Brigham Young warned the saints that their sojourn on the earth is a continuation of the war commenced in heaven and constant vigilance is demanded. He said: I know very well that, whether we are active or not, the invisible spirits are active. And every person who desires and strives to be a Saint is closely watched by fallen spirits that came here when Lucifer fell, and by the spirits of wicked persons who have been here in tabernacles and departed from them, but who are still under the control of the prince of the power of the air. Those spirits are never idle; they are watching every person who wishes to do right, and are continually prompting them to do wrong. This makes it necessary for us to be continually on our guard--makes this probation a continual warfare (JD, 7: 239).

The scriptures give several descriptions of the strategies used by the devil to implement his cunning plan. He executes his plan carefully (2 Nephi 28:21). He urges all to abuse their agency that he may come and take “away light and truth, through disobedience” (D&C 93:39).

He will fulfill, at least in some measure and for some period of time, his promise of easy happi-ness in sin (3 Nephi 27:11; Alma 30:60). He leads at a pace calculated to pacify and lull into carnal security by whispering, “all is well” (2 Nephi 28:21). He emboldens with false and vain and foolish doctrines (2 Nephi 28:9). He urges all to contend with one another over truth, accor-ding to their own learning (2 Nephi 28:4). He denies there is a God and claims that all power is given to man (2 Nephi 28:5). He denies the justice of God and teaches that mercy will overcome justice (2 Nephi 28:8). He “flattereth away and telleth them” that there is no devil or hell (2 Nephi 28:22). He “whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains” (2 Nephi 28:22).

Brigham Young emphasized:“Here are the two powers on the earth--the evil and the good, not to speak of the ten thousand paths they make through the earth, and the various spirits that go to-and-fro. It is the good and the evil.” (JD, 8: 326) The ten thousand paths refers to the many and varied sins and miseries brought on by such spirits in the adversary’s plan to prompt, to tempt, to ensnare and to capture the souls of men. The scriptures name some of those spirits by the assignments they perform and the suffering they bring: spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7); spirit of contention (3 Nephi 11:29); spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14); spirit of whoredoms (Hosea 4:12); spirit of divination (Acts 16:16); spirit of error (1 John 4:6); spirit of deep sleep (2 Nephi 27:5); spirit of persecution (Joseph Smith History 1:74); and spirit of infirmity (Luke 13:11). The Lord warned: “suffer none of these things to enter into your heart” (3 Nephi 12:29).

If LDS therapists were to take time to reflect on their experience, I believe they would be able to enumerate more of the assignments and effects of evil spirits upon mankind: anxiety, depres-sion, obsession, narcissism, addiction, thought disorders, etc. In fact, because it is the design of the devil “to make all men miserable like unto himself,” one need not look any farther than the various ways mankind may be made miserable to find the adversary and his spirits at work. The assault of the adversary is always a two-pronged attack against both truth and agency. When therapy works it is because it successfully enlarges the client’s understanding of and ability to hold to truth and assists to restore a person to a greater awareness and expression of agency.

The principal tool of the adversary is a “prompting,” a thought that passes through a person’s mind. It is within the dominion allotted the adversary that he has power to suggest things to our minds, invitations to entertain that which is contrary to the will of God. The most subtle temp-tations come in an individual way, as personal promptings to do wrong. And certainly, as is evident from his assault on our senses, the adversary understands that one picture can be worth ten thousand words when teaching how to sin. Brigham Young confirmed that our thoughts can be caused, in some sense, by our interactions with external forces.

He said: The origin of thought was planted in our organization at the beginning of our being. This is not telling you how it came there, or who put it there. Thought originated with our individual being, which is organized to be as independent as any being in eternity. . . . The origin of thought and reflection is in ourselves. We think, because we are, and are made susceptible of external influences, and to feel our relationship to external objects. Thus thoughts of revenge, and thoughts of blessing will arise in the same mind, as it is influenced by external circumstances (JD, 2: 135). It is also true that there may be nothing that a person identifies as more central to personal identity than his individual thought. Thought seems to be something proprietary and private to an individual. Yet, that which instigates our thought may be of internal or external origin. It is only those thoughts that originate within us that are proprietary. While such thoughts may be known to God and his angels (Smith, 1938, p. 325), they can only be known to the adversary if one speaks them (D&C 6:16; Faust, 1987, p. 35). But the devil has perfect understanding of the thoughts, which he has prompted, and thereby may attempt to create a false impression that he knows our thoughts.

A challenge we all face is to discern the sources from which our thoughts arise. Brigham Young understood when he spoke of the profound influence of good and evil in the lives of persons that one might conclude all thoughts and actions arose from the influences outside the person. This conclusion would be an error and thwart comprehension of the fact that the divine gift of agency was given in to enable everyone to develop an independent love for goodness. He said: We are very apt through our traditions, former associations, and notion of things and ideas, to attribute every act of man and every manifestation of mankind to an invisible source--the good or the evil. God is the author of all good; and yet, if you rightly understood yourselves, you would not directly attribute every good act you perform to our Father in heaven, nor to his Son Jesus Christ, nor to the Holy Ghost; neither would you attribute every evil act of a man or woman to the Devil or his spirits or influences; for man is organized by his Creator to act perfectly independently of all influences there are above or beneath. Those influences are always attending him, and are ready to dictate and direct--to lead him into truth or to lead him to destruction. But is he always guided by those influences in every act? He is not. It is ordained of God that we should act independently in and of ourselves, and the good is present when we need it. If we will ask for it, it is with us. If we yield to temptation, the evil is present, and nigh enough to lead every son and daughter of Adam to destruction, if they give way to it. But it is the design of the Almighty that we should act independently (JD, 9: 122).

If sinning begins with promptings to our minds and expands to our hearts, our words and finally the actions of our lives, we must be watchful in everything we do. King Benjamin warned: And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not (Mosiah 4:29-30).

The path of turning away from evil is often backtracking the path that first led to sin. Again, Brigham Young promised, “If you first gain power to check your words, you will then begin to have power to check your judgment, and at length actually gain power to check your thoughts and reflections (JD, 6:98). Brigham Young solemnly advised: “You hearken to that still small voice that whispers eternal truth, that opens the visions of eternity to you that you can discern, understand and follow, and the foul spirits that throng the air, and that fill our houses if we let them in, will not have power over you” (JD, 15:7).

The attack of the adversary and the nearness of evil is also discerned in a bodily way. On the evening of the last supper, the Lord gave profound blessings to his faithful apostles, he washed their feet, he blessed them with the desires of their hearts and he prayed for them. Yet, as the disciples retired with the Lord to the Garden of Gethsemane the scriptures describe the affliction that came over them: “And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane, which was a garden; and the disciples began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy, and to complain in their hearts, wondering if this be the Messiah” (JST Mark 14:36). Then they were overcome by deep sleep. This is an apt description of afflictions from unclean spirits, that may be recognizable to anyone: the fear, the heaviness, the complaining, and the doubt that sickens the heart.

Spiritual reality permeates the whole of life– the good and the evil. The more truth compre-hended by a psychological model, the greater will be its power to bring happiness. Therapies that deny any spirituality seem barren next to those that acknowledge spiritual reality. Those that incorporate spiritual reality but limit it to vague and valueless notions of self indulgent love or higher power are not as potent at bringing lasting goodness as those which teach the truth about God, who he is, and the relationship of the human family to him. And, if “spiritual” means, as it has come to mean to so many therapists, only that which is nurturing, affirming or pleasurable, then therapist and client are consigned to live with only half a map. While not intended to provide an exhaustive outline of the subject, the scriptures and prophetic commentary set forth above present a substantial body of doctrine that can only be overlooked or under-studied with peril. Prophets have been inspired to warn, to educate and to prepare the children of God for the trials of the adversary encountered by all during mortality. Therapists, as counselors, educators and healers are in the thick of this probationary warfare.

II.
Most of our encounters with evil spirits go unnoticed, not because they are rare, but because they are so commonplace. We are, in some ways, desensitized to the direct intrusions of the adversary in our lives. We often accept such intrusions because of our willingness to accept rival explanations for our encounters with evil and our spiritual discomforts. A child’s scream from a sound sleep is not understood as being caused by the passing of an unclean presence, but by a bad dream, an upset stomach, thirst, etc. A pathogenic belief that limits the growth or freedom of a client may be the result of a childhood trauma, a lack of proper idealization in the parental transference, but it is not considered to be a lie communicated by an unclean spirit standing next to the person.

Modern psychotherapy has been marked by a move away from concepts grounded in religion and morality toward the embrace of concepts borrowed from medicine and science (Szasz 1978). Thus, behavior that was once described as sin is now frequently viewed in terms of symptom or illness (Menninger 1973). The secularized idea of the devil is reduced to nothing more than “an ancient moral construct” and evil diluted to “simply the absence of good” (Gallagher, 1999, p. 121). And it is assumed that evil can be studied and understood merely as a matter of human interaction, without reference to spiritual reality (Baumeister 1997). The very idea of evil spirits strikes many persons overseeing accreditation at universities, state licensing authorities and insurance carriers as being primitive, unprofessional and unscientific. A speaker at an AMCAP conference said recently that he had proposed to conference organizers to speak on the subject of possession by evil spirits, but he was informed that the topic was rejected by AMCAP because it would not qualify for continuing education credit (Watts 2000).

In some respect, the efforts to gain mainstream professional credibility may have left LDS therapists well regarded, but no more effective than any other segment of the profession. Unfortunately, it appears that some are satisfied to express belief in God and Christ, but shrink in embarrassment at the doctrine they revealed of an equally real and immanent adversary. This is a mistake. Psychologists have surveyed the current state of psychotherapy and asked, “Why doesn’t therapy succeed more often?” and “Why does it so often fail to make a real difference in people’s lives?” (Gendlin, 1981, p.3). The answers to such queries may be found in the failure of psychotherapists to consider the domain of the adversary encountered in the world. While most, if not all LDS therapists, would acknowledge Satan as a real spirit being, fewer seem to comprehend that he and the spirits that followed him are also immanent. Thus, one might acknowledge the presence of evil– in groups to which one does not belong, in enterprises in which one does not participate and in the lives of others. But we have more difficulty facing the possibility that we are in the presence of evil right now, that it may be focused on us, and perhaps, that we find its offer appealing. Many are prejudiced to believe that evil spirits afflict only those caught in sin. While sin and immorality certainly subject a person to evil influence, there is no valid inference that would permit one to conclude that a person struggling against evil spirits is thereby guilty of sin. Unfortunately, this bias persists even though there have been notable instances of very good people being afflicted by unclean spirits, especially when such people are on the threshold of making great contributions to their own growth and service to others.

Consider the experience of Hugh B. Brown the night before he was called as a General Authority to the Church: That night I drove from the camp up at Rocky Mountain House down to Edmonton still spiritually disturbed and depressed. Without having dinner that night, I went into the bedroom by myself, told my wife that she should stay in the other room as I felt I would have a restless night and did not wish to disturb her. All night I wrestled with the evil spirit. I was possessed with the spirit of wishing that I could be rubbed out of existence. I had no thought of suicide, but wished the Lord would provide a way for me to cease to be. The room was full of darkness and an evil spirit prevailed, so real that I was almost consumed by it. About three o’clock in the morning my wife came in, having heard me moving about the room and asked what was the matter. Upon closing the door, she said, “Oh Hugh, what is in this room?” and I replied, “It is Satan.” We spent the balance of the night together, much of it on our knees. The next morning upon going to the office (there was no one there, it being Saturday), I knelt in prayer again and asked for deliverance from this evil spirit. I felt a peaceful spirit come over me and phoned my wife to that effect (Firmage, 1976, p.90-91).

It should be remembered that the encounters with evil are universal; they span the continuum from the testing and affliction of righteous persons at one end to those few who have knowingly and willingly chosen evil to be their constant companion at the other. While the encounters with evil spirits endured by most people are not constant, they are regular. What LDS counselors and therapists may need to add to their testimonies of a personal and loving Savior is a testimony of the truth that the adversary is a personal and present danger.

A father related this experience. As he entered his home one evening after work he found his children bickering and angry. He said there was an ugly edge to the quarreling. Instead of getting involved immediately, he went upstairs to his bedroom. There he knelt in prayer and asked for the Spirit of the Lord to attend him as a father and to grant him power in the priest-hood. He arose and in his room commanded the unclean spirits to leave his family and his home. He then felt better prepared to go downstairs to visit with his children and hopefully restore peace to the home. As he entered the room where the children were, he saw all of them sitting together on the floor laughing and playing a game. The evening passed without further incident. The children did not need their father to exercise his parenting skills; they needed his discernment and intervention to protect their home from unwanted influence. What makes this experience significant is that the circumstance is so ordinary. Occasional fighting among children occurs in every family. Certainly, the father’s predisposition to get involved directly to stop the fighting was a normal reaction. He did have a responsibility to teach his children to be kind, to cooperate and meet their own needs in acceptable ways. But he noticed there was more, an “ugly edge” to the bickering. He was discerning.

The discerning of spirits is a gift of the Holy Ghost (D& C 46:23). George A. Smith, reflecting on his association with Joseph Smith, said, “…there was no point upon which the Prophet Joseph dwelt more than the discerning of spirits” (Ehat & Cook, 1980, p.21). On one occasion the Prophet wrote to the Church: Recent occurrences that have transpired amongst us render it an imperative duty devolving upon me to say something in relation to the spirits by which men are actuated. . . One great evil is, that men are ignorant of the nature of spirits; their power, laws, government, intelligence, etc. . . . . . . [W]ho can drag into daylight and develop the hidden mysteries of the false spirits that so frequently are made manifest among the Latter-day Saints? We answer that no man can do this without the Priesthood, and having a knowledge of the laws by which spirits are governed; for as “no man knows the things of God, but by the Spirit of God,” so no man knows the spirit of the devil, and his power and influence, but by possessing intelligence which is more than human, and having unfolded through the medium of the Priesthood the mysterious operations of his devices . . . . . . . A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. . . .
As we have noticed before, the great difficulty lies in the ignorance of the nature of spirits, of the laws by which they are governed, and the signs by which they may be known; if it requires the Spirit of God to know the things of God; and the spirit of the devil can only be unmasked through that medium, then it follows as a natural consequence that unless some person or persons have a communication, or revelation from God, unfolding to them the operation of the spirit, they must eternally remain ignorant of these principles; for I contend that if one man cannot understand these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; it is alike out of the reach of the wisdom of the learned, the tongue of the eloquent, the power of the mighty (Smith, 1938, p. 202-05).

Of the gift of discernment George Q. Cannon wrote: One of the gifts of the Gospel which the Lord has promised to those who enter into covenant with Him is the gift of discerning of spirits - a gift which is not much thought of by many and probably seldom prayed for; yet it is a gift that is of exceeding value and one that should be enjoyed by every Latter-day Saint. . . No Latter-day Saint should be without this gift, because there is such a variety of spirits in the world which seek to deceive and lead astray. . . . Now, the gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves. They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. Possessing and exercising this gift they will not allow any evil influence to enter into their hearts or to prompt them in their thoughts, their words or their acts. They will repel it; and if perchance such a spirit should get possession of them, as soon as they witness its effects they will expel it or, in other words, refuse to be led or prompted by it (Cannon, 1974, p.198-99).

The personal and immanent nature of the struggle with the adversary and the power which discernment brings is demonstrated in the following case. Stephen, 49, was raised in the mid-west, the eldest of four boys. His father was a wealthy and successful attorney. While growing up, the family had only a loose affiliation to the Catholic Church. Through his father, Stephen was raised with the worldly belief that success as a man was determined in part by his sexual activities with women. Although this belief contributed to the eventual divorce of his father and mother, Stephen viewed sexual activity between consenting adults as natural. As a young man Stephen followed in the steps of his father. By his mid-twenties he had been with a number of women and had a strong attraction to pornography. At the end of a romantic relationship when he was 28, Stephen began to examine his life. It was during this time that he accepted an invitation from a friend to read the Book of Mormon. Stephen gained a strong testimony of the gospel, was baptized and moved to Utah. He has remained active in the Church since his baptism. Eventually he met an LDS woman and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Although faithful to his wife, he continued to give in periodically to the desire to view pornography.

One day when he was 47 he had lunch with some of his friends. The conversation turned to the subject of unclean spirits. One of his friends remarked that almost as a matter of course when traveling and staying in hotels he would cast out the unclean spirits from the room. The friend stated that he could physically discern their departure and this exercise of the priesthood had enabled him to rest while away from home. The friend also said that until he had learned to use his priesthood to obtain this blessing, he rarely if ever slept well in a hotel. He had thought that his restless nights were because the bed or pillow was unfamiliar or traveling had disrupted his normal routine. Now he simply viewed hotels as places where unclean spirits congregate to tempt and to afflict people.

Stephen was very interested in what was said because he, too, did a lot of business traveling. Stephen said that when he traveled he had strong urges to view adult movies in his hotel room. He said that even though some adult movie channels required the sequential pushing of three buttons on the channel changer, somehow he always “accidentally” seemed to hit those buttons in the proper order. He admitted that while traveling he would watch programs that he would never even consider having in his home. The battles in his long fought war against pornography, while won at home consistently were lost repeatedly on the road. Stephen began following the practice of his friend while traveling. He continued to travel with his scriptures and to pray as he had always done, but he also began to view his stay in a hotel as place of potential ambush by the adversary. He began to prayerfully seek priesthood power and rebuke the spirits from his room upon his arrival. He reported that he could feel something move from around him. He said that the thoughts and the urges to watch improper programs simply ceased, without any effort on his part, other than his faith in God’s willingness to honor the priesthood and the name of his Son. He said that sometimes a single rebuke was sufficient for an entire business trip. On other occasions he was required to rebuke more often, not to control his thoughts, but to maintain what he came to understand as a clear space. He had experimented on the witness and promise of Paul: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (I Corinthians 10:13). His battle against pornography had irreversibly changed. It was no longer a battle of one part of him against another part; it was simply a matter of his discerning and rebuking the influence of unwanted evil around him.

Had Stephen sought counseling for his weakness regarding pornography, it is unlikely that the counselor, without a developed gift of discernment, would have framed the issue faced by Stephen as it was framed by Stephen’s friend. If the therapist were a practitioner of cognitive therapy, Stephen might have been taught useful tools about thought detection and thought selection or perhaps of the irrationality or inconsistency of his attraction to pornography with his desire to have a happy home life. All this would have been helpful to arm Stephen with greater truth, which he could then use to combat the temptations before him.

Stephen’s response is insightful to those who do cognitive work. Since the troubling thoughts did not originate with him, it would have been a waste of time and resources for him to attempt to assume responsibility or to attempt to stop having the prompting, the first thought. Stephen’s agency may not have begun until after the first thought passed through his mind. After receiving the prompting, then it was his choice to entertain the thought, to enlarge upon it or to reject it. Without this understanding, a person may be motivated to defend or hold on to what are believed to be “his” thoughts, or alternatively, to become discouraged by what he believes has come from him. There can be significant empowerment when a person realizes he is not talking back to a bad part of himself, or that he is not required to look for the good intention inside the evil desire.

If the therapist practiced behavior modification therapy, Stephen would be taught to identify the triggers to his unwanted behavior and he would have developed strategies to interrupt unwanted behavior patterns. He would have been taught to reinforce instances of successfully overcoming his urge to view inappropriate materials and given skills to cope with instances of relapse. All of the interventions of therapists would require that Stephen in some sense legitimize the problem as being something about himself that he must confront and combat. Although the actions Stephen did take could be seen as incorporating elements of cognitive or behavior modification therapy, what Stephen did was something quite different. He was not overcoming or conquering anything; he was not learning and applying new insight to change his thoughts or behavior; he simply vanquished a present enemy. He could have struggled, and perhaps eventually overcome this problem, many persons have done so. What Stephen did was to recognize the true nature of the trouble he faced and the personal enemy that brought it to him. He discerned that his enemy was immanent. He won, not by fighting the good fight, but by exercising his faith and priesthood to refuse the contest. He followed the admonition and course of Brigham Young, who said: Have this people been blessed? They have. Why can they not understand, that they are organized and formed for the express purpose of becoming independent in and of themselves, that they may begin to guard against any evil principle, or the suggestions of evil? But you will readily say, “That is in all men, it is natural to them.” So Paul thought. He was surrounded with spirits of evil, and was wonderfully troubled with them, so much so, that when he would do good, evil was present with him. I would have kicked them out of doors. . . . “Now,” says Paul, “I would do good to that man, but evil is present with me.” Why did he not kick that evil out of the way of his doing good? Was he bound to be troubled with it? No, no more than you and I are (JD, 2: 133).

There may be resistance to the idea that therapists ought to seek the gift of discernment of spirits in connection with the practice of psychotherapy. LDS therapists are careful not to infringe directly upon the domain of religion and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. There is an under-standing of the spiritual nature of therapy among LDS therapists. One way it is evidenced is in the recurring concern that professional practice not becomes a form of priestcraft. Some find their concerns are quieted by the fact that therapists are paid for their time, just as any other laborer. By contrast, others note that very often what the client hopes most to purchase is, not the hour, but the unconditional love of the therapist. And exchanging love for a fee feels misguided.

By the very nature of therapy, LDS therapists often find themselves working with clients in the transference, and thus, at least for a time, they may be the reluctant recipients of the very kind of praise and power sought by those who have engaged actively in priestcraft. Further, among LDS therapists there is considerable discussion of the ethical challenges they face because of the natural connection clients make between their therapy and their spiritual life, such as requesting therapists to have prayer in sessions or to give priesthood blessings. These concerns have led many LDS therapists to demarcate the area of professional practice from the overtly religious and spiritual activities of clients to avoid even the appearance of priestcraft. The line between psychotherapy and religious ministering is often fuzzy precisely because they share the same objective, the health and well being of the person. It is further obfuscated by the fact that many of the presenting problems and underlying issues addressed by therapeutic interventions are rooted in the activities of unclean spirits. Focusing attention on the influences of unclean spirits in the context of issues arising in therapy may only further blur the line and increase the concerns of LDS therapists already sensitive to boundary issues between psychotherapy and religion, and between therapists and their clients.

However, it must be remembered that LDS therapists are sowers of the word, often teaching basic gospel truths in the vocabulary of modern psychology. Therefore, to preserve success in therapy they must be mindful of the Lord’s warning in the parable of the sower: When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart; this is he who received seed by the wayside. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word and readily with joy receiveth it, yet hath not root in himself, and endureth but for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also who received seed among the thorns, is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful (JST Matthew 13:18-20).

Determining proper and effective interventions requires LDS therapists to consider on an ongoing basis, what, if any, is the role of the adversary in the current condition of a client. Sometimes effective therapy can only follow a direct response to the presence of evil spirits.

Robert, 35, is married and the father of three children. He has been married for 10 years. He was raised in the LDS Church. As a boy, a man in the neighborhood sexually molested him on more than one occasion. There were no more incidents of homosexuality throughout his teenage years although he acknowledges that from time to time he did have some thoughts about homosexuality. He was called on a mission and served two years honorably and without any thought of homosexuality. Following his return from the mission, he was again periodically troubled by the thoughts and feelings of homosexuality. Upon meeting the woman he would marry, he shared with her his experiences and the questions that had arisen in his mind about his sexual orientation. Since he had not engaged in any homosexual activities during his adult life and was an active member of the Church she did not feel his past was a barrier to their future together.

When Robert was 32 he obtained an Internet connection to his home. He began spending long hours secluded in his office at home on the Internet. He began visiting adult web pages. He viewed and copied materials from homosexually oriented pages. He began frequenting on-line chat rooms catering to homosexuals. He began corresponding with individuals about his personal circumstances. As he continued on this course, he became convinced that he was a homosexual; in fact, he began to believe that he had always been a homosexual. He was convinced that he had been living a lie during his married life because he was suppressing his desires and true nature. He shared his feelings with his wife. He said he had made plans to meet a man out of state whom he had met over the Internet. Although he was unhappy about the situation and its effects on his wife and children, he could see no alternative but to leave the home and begin a new life. It seemed that this course of action was the only one open to him if he were to live with any integrity.

Robert was employed in the area of financial services. He had control over the investment funds of several members of his family. At the same time that he was questioning his sexual identity, Robert began to misuse funds and the authority entrusted to him. After only a few months the amounts he had “borrowed” without permission far exceeded his ability to repay, even if given several years to do so. Although open about his sexual orientation, he was very closed about his financial misconduct. When he met with ecclesiastical leaders, he resented their involvement and attitude toward him and the decision he had made. He claimed they simply could not understand his situation.

On a Sunday evening his wife asked a friend to come to the home to visit with Robert and her. As they sat and visited, Robert explained his situation. He averred his life long homosexuality and his powerlessness to do anything about his situation. The friend bore his testimony to Robert, but even more important the friend viewed Robert as having a spiritual problem, one brought on by Robert’s poor choices, which were continuously supported by unclean spirits. As they sat together, the wife and friend offered many silent prayers. They sought for the Spirit of the Lord to descend upon Robert. There were periods of long discerning silence. The prayers were answered when the Spirit of the Lord did arrive in power. The silence was broken when something let go in Robert and he took hold of his chest, began to cry and plead for help. A priesthood blessing was given; it commenced with a rebuke of the unclean spirits of homosexuality and immorality. Robert was promised peace and freedom through that night from the influence of unclean spirits that he might consider his situation, but in the morning he would be required to take steps to set his life in order to maintain heavenly protection.

Following the blessing Robert sat and cried. Repeatedly, he shook his head and said, What was I thinking, I almost lost everything.” He said it was as if he had been asleep. He rested that night and early in the morning he and his wife visited their families. Robert bore witness of the change that had taken place within him. It was as if his heterosexual identity had been restored immediately to him. However, he was not clear of trouble; it would be a few weeks before he could bring himself to be honest about his misuse of funds. In some ways confronting his dishonesty with money was more difficult, perhaps, because it involved a more active use of his agency.

Several years have passed since Robert underwent his trial. He has remained faithful to his wife and family. He has been restored to full activity in the Church. He has never experienced any further uncertainty about his sexual orientation. He knows he cannot afford an unclean thought and he has an unshakeable testimony of his Savior and an adversary that nearly ruined his life.

The experience of Robert has direct bearing on the current thinking about the issue of sexual orientation. The doctrine of the Church ought to bring LDS therapists to ask in cases dealing with gender identification confusion: “In addition to the possible genetic predisposition and environmental influences contributing to gender confusion, what might be the role of unclean spirits in this problem?” In 1995, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve issued, “The Family, A Proclamation to the World,” which asserts: “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” (p. 102). The attribute of premortal gender describes equally the children that rebelled against the Father as it does his more faithful children that proceeded into mortality. Would it not extend our understanding to know that confusion of sexual orientation could be brought about and sustained by the influence or possession of an unclean spirit which itself has gender, perhaps the opposite gender from the person afflicted?

A latent trigger in Robert’s life appears to have been the molestation that occurred as a child. It is as if evil inflicted upon a child, does indeed “teareth” the child and exposes him to greater affliction as he grows older. This can be seen in the victim/perpetrator cycle so common in cases of abuse. It also explains why the Lord was so vehement in his rebuke of anyone that would cause a child to stumble: “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea” (Mark 9:42).

Although casting out evil spirits brought immediate and lasting change in the case of Robert, I am not urging that all client problems are fully resolved by casting out evil spirits. Certainly all of the tasks of psychotherapy remain to be completed after evil has been dispelled. The spiritual and emotional wounds will remain to be healed. The roots which first gave evil its hold may remain to be dealt with in counseling. The understanding, acceptance and forgiveness that come from the skillful and empathetic guidance of a therapist must be pursued. The nurturing and education that restore a soul to health, power and freedom will be needed. Of course each client, being independent, also can be the source of much self-inflicted suffering. The devil is often required to give close instruction on how to sin only once; from then on one knows the way and may need little assistance. However, therapists must be keenly aware that the opposition of the adversary is renewed whenever a captive sets a course to freedom. Walking the path of change and healing can be forever frustrated if therapists are ignorant of the enemy or allow its presence to remain near their work. A physician always cleans a wound first, and thereafter as often as necessary to allow healing to come. The practice is equally applicable in the context of psychotherapy. In addition to seeking the gift of discernment of spirits, there may be a duty upon LDS therapists to speak intelligently and openly, at least among themselves, not only about our Father in Heaven and his Son, but also about the adversary encountered on a daily basis. Brigham Young urged, “We should not only study good, and its effects upon our race, but also evil, and its consequences” (JD, 2: 94). Peck (1983) concluded that psychotherapists are confronted by evil, both human and demonic, and that, proceeding with great caution, evil itself could be studied. The objective of such study was stated by Paul: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Such discussion must be made without fascination or undue attention on the devil, but always bounded by and centered on the majesty and preeminence of Jesus Christ. No good has ever come from dwelling on evil; it is rife with danger. Virtually everyone who has immersed himself in the problem and its practices, even if done so in the name of righteousness and purity, has been afflicted and harmed by it. Its consequences can be awful. But encounters with evil come uninvited and they must be faced with peaceful assurance: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7); “for perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16).

Discerning an evil presence is in some ways similar to discerning a prompting of the Spirit of God. Sometimes its presence is felt strongly, while at other times it is hardly noticeable. Its intent is not always apparent. Sometimes its purposes toward a particular sin are made very clear; while at other times it simply lingers near to drain a person’s vitality. Individual sensitivity to the presence of unclean spirits seems to vary as widely among persons as does individual sensitivity to the spiritual things of God. It requires just as much diligent effort to gain spiritual literacy to discern evil as it does to discern any other prompting of the Spirit of the Lord. As with so many things of a spiritual nature, to some degree, believing must precede confirmation. Some things have their origin in heaven, others in hell and still others with the person. Some things tend to good; others to evil and some things are neutral. It is only through discernment and inspired teaching that truth in any instance can be obtained with certainty. Understanding will be enhanced greatly by clear contrast. If one believes it is only important to understand Christ, that is, to the exclusion of understanding the “common enemy” then he will be limited in his understanding of both. For the Lord is manifest in part by what he opposes. The sharper and clearer the understanding of the evil one, the clearer and greater will be the revelation of the Lord, the wisdom of his commandments and the natural desire for righteousness in people. The one reveals the other. Failure to understand this opens the door to
suffering and captivity by ignorance.

LDS therapists ought to teach each other to recognize the footprints of the adversary in clients’ lives. One such footprint is the way evil co-opts the language of truth and virtue for wicked purposes. Remember Robert’s belief that “integrity” required him to break his covenant to his wife and children in order to pursue a sinful relationship. Truth had been gutted from the word “integrity” and replaced by a course of action rooted in a lie. Another common footprint seen in therapy is the client that leaves a session enlightened and inspired only to return the next week darkened and befuddled; stripped of all the understanding and progress that came the week before. At least for the present, such person has faced and been defeated by evil. Beyond the duty to obtain the gift of discernment and to teach one another, there is also a duty upon LDS therapists to positively combat evil in their practices. James gave this injunction and promise, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). But how are we to resist?We must be cautious not to hate evil; for it will use such hatred as yet another means to seize the soul. The Lord instructed: Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God. And it shall be given unto you, power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God-- Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith (D&C 50:31-33).

Next to the rightful exercise of the priesthood authority, talking of Christ and preaching of Christ is the single strongest repellant of evil. When an evil presence is discerned, faith in the name of Jesus Christ brings heavenly power to rebuke it. Brigham Young said, “A little more faith in the name of Jesus Christ, and I can say to my enemies, Be thou rebuked and stay thou there. I then can say to the power of the Devil, Be thou rebuked; and to evil spirits, Come not within these walls, and they could not enter” (JD, 7: 174).

Although LDS therapists are not likely to openly rebuke the adversary while in the presence of a client, there are some things that ought to be done. First, therapists ought to protect themselves. At times the influences, which afflict a client, may linger to afflict a therapist. Be attentive to the thoughts and feelings that come while engaging a client in therapy. Keep one’s office spiritually clean and do not allow the darkness that may attend one client to remain to bother another.

One of the clear contrasts between the Spirit of God and an evil spirit is the manner of their arrival and departure. The Holy Spirit will often arrive announced with power, pouring out pure intelligence, bringing calmness and serenity to the body and soul (Smith, 1938, p.149-50). It may linger for a time and then, the gift having been given, without disruption it slowly ebbs. Unclean spirits come in subtlety, cautiously, as one stalking prey, attentive not to alarm. Stealth is evil’s principal ploy, thus causing its victims to doubt their instincts of warning. However, upon detection and rebuke, the departure of evil is distinct; one feels released from confinement and restored to clarity.

At times, nothing can be said about evil to clients either because their belief systems do not allow it, or because it may be contraindicated by the current condition of the client (Richards & Bergin 1997). There are those who have abused their agency and become willing companions with evil spirits. While the adversary abhors the agency of man, the powers of heaven are absolute in their respect for it. Thus, if one chooses to have the companionship of evil, the powers of heaven will not compel evil to leave, but the aid of divine powers may be invoked to impose limits to protect the innocent. In such cases LDS therapists will be left to do what they can to protect and to provide for the needs of those who are unable to actively aid themselves.

Ecclesiastical leaders and worthy priesthood holders can provide much support, provided they are well grounded in true doctrine. The power of the priesthood is the power to bless. It is important to remember that the priesthood is effective not only when hands are laid upon a person, but also when exercised at great distance to rebuke evil from those in sore need (Mark 7:25-29). This ought to increase the resources of all LDS therapists.5 I am unaware of the Lord ever chastising anyone for the too frequent exercise of the priesthood power when the prayerful and honest intent of the priesthood holder was to bless. Since priesthood authority can only be used in righteousness, Hugh Nibley (1990) asked and answered, “What good is it then? Over whom does it exercise dominion? Over the spirits and over the elements . . . ” (p.11). There may be times that ecclesiastical leaders do not clearly comprehend the problem. Some may hold a bias against persons who claim evil spirits have had a direct influence on their behavior on the assumption that such claims are nothing more than manipulative attempts to gain attention or to avoid personal responsibility. While this may be the case, it is not necessarily so.

Unfortunately, there are times when church leaders refer persons to counseling without considering and confronting the spiritual condition of the person trapped in sin. When this is the case, the outcome sought in counseling will be delayed or never achieved. One of the persons at the AMCAP dinner remarked that earlier in his career he believed that he had encountered a person possessed of an evil spirit. The person was referred to his ecclesiastical leader who rebuked the spirit. However, the person’s symptoms did not abate and on that basis the therapist and the church leader concluded that the person’s problems were psychologically based. This conclusion may have been drawn too hastily. It assumes much about their faith, understanding and spiritual preparation, about the nature of the spirit rebuked, and about the person afflicted. While the priesthood brought miraculous and immediate relief to Robert and Stephen it was in part because the enemy was clearly discerned and they were prepared to be obedient. In some instances the spirit must be named to be rebuked. Thus, the Lord’s teaching query, “What is thy name?” Further, if the period that follows the rebuke of evil is not spent fortifying the heart and mind, in truth, understanding and conviction, no lasting progress will result.

At the conclusion of the AMCAP dinner, one of the psychologists remarked, that despite the group not comprehending all that I had shared, she understood that what I said was in the nature of a personal testimony to them. She was discerning. It has always been my belief that LDS therapists ought to be unparalleled, not because they are more skilled or know how to love more deeply, but because the doctrinal foundation of the Church is true, because they have the gift of the Holy Ghost and they are upheld by the priesthood.

There is growing emphasis on the importance of employing spiritual interventions in the course of psychotherapy. Effective spiritual interventions are derived from spiritual truths. This paper has attempted to highlight one of those spiritual truths, the interactions of men with evil, as revealed by scriptures and prophetic teaching. Based upon these materials one could properly claim that the discernment and rebuke of evil is the first spiritual intervention. Until it is accomplished all else is in danger of contamination and error.

The author would be interested in receiving comments on the paper. Comments maybe sent to rp@poulton-yordan.com.

Notes
1. It may strike some odd that in the middle of stating that the devil is the cause the aches and
pains to body and mind, Brigham Young interjected, “I don’t want you to realize it.” This
curiosity may be explained by an event which occurred in Kirtland, Ohio. In a meeting of the
High Council of Zion in August, 1834 a complaint was made against Lyman Wight for teaching
“that all disease in this Church is of the devil, and that medicine administered to the sick is of the devil . . . .” Joseph Smith decided, “that it was not lawful to teach the Church that all disease is
of the Devil, but if there is anyone who has this faith, let him have it to himself . . . .” As to the
claim against medicines Joseph said, “such teaching is not of God” (Smith, J., 1932-1952, p.
146).

2. In the March 1997 issue of the Ensign, Kahlile B. Mehr stated: “The estimated population of
the world in A.D. 1 was 200 million; by 1850 it had reached one billion (see The World Almanac
and Book of Facts 1995 [1994], 510). By mid-1995, the world’s population was estimated at
5.76 billion. Over time, as many as 105 billion people may have lived on the earth. (Estimates
courtesy of Population Reference Bureau, Washington, D.C.; see Carl Haub, ‘How Many People
Have Ever Lived on the Earth?’ Population Today, 23 [Feb. 1995]: 4–5).” (p. 73)

3. There is some difference of opinion as to the identity of the “woman.” Some writers have
believed Eve was the woman spoken of in the scripture (McConkie, Millet & Top, 1987-1992, 4:
224); McConkie, 1978, p. 472; Roberts, 1903, p. 171). Others have thought that the woman
referred to was Mary the mother of Jesus (Matthews, 1994, p.77; Talmage, 1967, p. 43). Both
women can rightfully claim Jesus Christ as her seed. However, each of the above cited writers
agree that the seed of the woman, with power to bruise (crush) the serpent’s head is Jesus Christ and not mankind in general. Lord seems to confirm this when he said: “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of darkness, who is of this world, cometh, but hath no power over me, but he hath power over you” (JST John 14:30).

4. This recalls a later instance in the ministry of the Savior. As Jesus and his disciples were
walking they saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked, “Master, who did sin, this
man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor
his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:2-3). This report is cited by LDS commentators as evidence of the disciples understanding of a premortal
existence (Talmage, 1967, p. 413). They note that the Lord did not correct the disciple’s
assumption that the man, to be born blind as a consequence of sin, must have existed prior to his birth. And further the Lord did not correct their assumption that blindness in this life could
result, though not in this case, as a consequence of the premortal existence (See Alma 34:34).
Brigham Young stated: “The spirits of the human family are pure and holy at the time they enter tabernacles; but the Lord has so ordered that the enemy has great power over our tabernacles, whose organization pertains to the earth (JD, 8: 118). Being pure and holy at birth does not mean there cannot be consequences of premortal experience continued in this life. A similar teaching exists about post-mortal life, which is, that at some time all sins but one will be forgiven by the Lord and all inheriting a kingdom of glory will be purified to receive that kingdom, but as consequence of individual conduct in mortality the inheritances and capacities of each will vary (See 1 Nephi 10:19-21).

5. The Prophet Joseph Smith, commenting to the Relief Society on the signs that follow all that
believe, as found in Mark 16:15-18, said: “No matter who believeth, these signs, such as healing
the sick, casting out devils, etc., should follow all that believe, whether male or female” (Smith,
1938, p. 224). Those without priesthood authority according to the principle of faith may
perform the rebuke of evil. Obviously, women draw upon the gift of faith equally with men, and
therefore, by this principle of power, they too can cast out evils spirits. However, it may be wise
in the direct confrontation with powerful influences of evil to support by faith the actions of
discerning priesthood holders.

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Psychotherapists

A HUGE paradigm shift about illness!

2007-12-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

The learning curve I went through with my daughter drastically changed the way I look at illness. Variables are involved in pain and disease which I had never ever considered before. The book of Job tells of Satan causing the boils that tormented Job from head to toe. (see Job 2:7) If Satan had a "job description," what would be included in it? The Encyclopedia of Mormonism states the following under the heading of "Devils."

"Satan gained the power to tempt those who are accountable to do evil (D&C 29:39), to communicate with individuals to teach them things (usually but not always lies), to possess their bodies, to foster illness and disease, and to cause mortal death. . . . The great help in resisting temptation is the Holy Spirit. It is Satan's business to dwell in and with all individuals who do not have the Holy Spirit with them, sometimes even gaining total possession of a person's body, so that he or she loses agency for a time. Partial possession may also occur, for whenever a human being becomes angry, he or she is at least partially possessed by Satan (James 1:20). In his role as the destroyer, Satan can cause illness and death, but only with permission from God. He cannot take people before their time unless they disobey God and thus forfeit their mission (Job 1:6-12)."
(Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan, 1992,"Devils" by Chauncey C. Riddle , p 380)

Although it is hardly ever spoken of in our day, one of Satan's roles is to cause illness in mortals. Brigham Young taught this at the funeral of his counselor Jedediah Grant:

"Do you not think that brother Jedediah can do more good than he could here? When he was here the devils had power over his flesh, he warred with them and fought them, and said that they were around him by millions, and he fought them until he overcame them. So it is with you and I. You never felt a pain and ache, or felt disagreeable, or uncomfortable in your bodies and minds, but what an evil spirit was present causing it. Do you realize that the ague, the fever, the chills, the severe pain in the head, the pleurisy or any pain in the system, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, is put there by the devil? You do not realize this, do you? I say but little about this matter.... When you have the rheumatism, do you realize that the devil put that upon you? No, but you say, "I got wet, caught cold, and thereby got the rheumatism." The spirits that afflict us and plant disease in our bodies, pain in the system, and finally death, have control over us so far as the flesh is concerned." (Journal of Discourses Vol 4, p 133, emphasis added)

Brigham Young taught on more than one occasion that whenever we have a pain or illness in our body there is an evil spirit present causing it. Brigham Young spoke of devils as well as spirits of the dead.

"There are myriads of disembodied evil spirits- those who have long ago laid down their bodies here and in the regions round about, among and around us; and they are trying to make us and our children sick, and are trying to destroy us and to tempt us to evil. They will try every possible means they are masters of to draw us aside from the path of righteousness." (Journal of Discourses, Brigham Young, 6:73-4)

There is more than just one general authority that teaches this principle. Apostle Parley P. Pratt adds his witness: "The more wicked of these are the kind spoken of in scripture, as "foul spirits", "unclean spirits", spirits who afflict persons in the flesh, and engender various diseases in the human system. They will sometimes enter human bodies, and will distract them, throw them into fits, cast them into the water, into the fire, etc. They will trouble them with dreams, nightmares, hysterics, fever, etc. They will also deform them in body and in features, by convulsions, cramps, contortions, etc., and will sometimes compel them to utter blasphemies, horrible curses, and even words of other languages. If permitted, they will often cause death. Some of these spirits are adulterous, and suggest to the mind all manner of lasciviousness, all kinds of evil thoughts and temptations." (Parley, P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, p 117.)
I do not allow myself to go into a state of fear about this principle. I just accept it as God's plan for man. My advice is to follow Heber C. Kimball's example who said, "I do not fear anything. I fear nothing that is in heaven, or that is upon the earth. I do not fear hell nor its combinations; neither hell nor the devil, nor any of his angels has power over me, or over you, only as we permit them to have. If we permit the devil to have power over us...then he will have dominion over us, but it has no power over us unless we subject ourselves to it." (Journal of Discourses, 1:204- quoted in Blaine & BrentonYorgason, Spiritual Survival in the Last Days, p 101) Having faith in Christ and remaining hopeful and optimistic are much better approaches than going into fear. After all, fear is something Jesus so often preached against. "Fear not" is an oft- quoted phrase in the scriptures. We're admonished to be not afraid or dismayed.
I have learned that our aura of light truly does serve as a protection for us, for "Light and truth forsake that evil one." (D&C 93:37) In modern verbage Elder Hales said, "the light of Christ is our salvation and protection from the darkness of the adversary." ("That Ye May Be the Children of Light", address given at BYU, 3 Nov 1996.) "And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you. . . ." It is very interesting to me that the Lord uses the plural form of the word body in that sentence. He says our bodies- plural- will be filled with light, although the singular word "eye" begins the sentence.
One of my favorite books is by a medical doctor who wrote the intriguing story of his near death experience. In the book he asks a profound question: "All of the living people we were watching were surrounded by a faint luminous glow, almost like an electrical field over the surface of their bodies. ...Was that covering of light some kind of shield, then? Was it a protection against . . . against disembodied beings like myself?" (George G. Ritchie, Return From Tomorrow, p 59,61)
Elder Robert D. Hales seems to answer this question with words that I love. He says that this light IS our protection from the darkness of the adversary. "Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Satan and his disciples cannot tolerate the spiritual light of the gospel; they must immediately depart. When we live the commandments, our countenance is surrounded by gospel light. With this spiritual light we no longer wander in the strange and darkened paths of the adversary, becoming lost, discouraged, depressed, and fearful.... The light of Christ is our salvation and protection from the darkness of the adversary. We will never be left without the Light of Christ even when there is darkness all around us in this mortal probation. ...We need eyes that see the Light of Christ." (Robert D. Hales, "That Ye May Be the Children of Light" 3 Nov 1996, speeches.byu.edu) This is summed up by the scripture verse in Psalm 5:12, “For thou Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.”
We are also taught, "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! " (Mathew 6:23) D&C 84:80 says"And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened, neither in body, limb nor joint...." When I read that verse it taught me that if they were promised not to be darkened in mind and body then it IS POSSIBLE to be darkened in those places! You can be darkened in your mind and in your body, in your limbs and in your joints. No wonder Matthew 6:23 says that there can be great darkness in us!
I have not been able to catalogue as many modern day examples of such occurrences as I have from early church history. However, I believe they must be occurring today in like manner. Surely they exist in private journals and the memories of members today. Emeritus general authority, Elder F. Enzio Busche, is an exception. He boldly tells of a truly remarkable experience he had in his book Yearning For the Living God (p 268-273.) It is an incredible story that teaches several truths I have learned over the past years. Matthew B. Brown addresses many related topics in his book Receiving Gifts of the Spirit.
I smile when I remember Dr. Ranae Johnson's book "jumping out at me" when I was investigating Rapid Eye Technology. The title says so much: Reclaim Your Light Through the Miracle of Rapid Eye Technology. At trainings in Rapid Eye there were never any references made to evil spirits possibly being the negative energy found in people's auras. However, to be completely honest with you, I must say that Energy therapists who were fully aware of the real identity of this darkness were overwhelmingly the most helpful to my daughter.
In The Book of Mormon, Helaman 13:37 says, "Behold, we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about by the angels of him who hath sought to destroy our souls. Behold our iniquities are great. O Lord, canst thou not turn away thine anger from us? And this shall be your language in those days." It is comforting to know that "Satan cannot seduce us by his enticements unless we in our hearts consent and yield- our organization [the structure of our physical bodies] is such that we can resist the devil. If we were not so organized we would not be free agents." (The Words of Joseph Smith, p 65. Also quoted by Blaine and Brenton Yorgason, Spiritual Survival in the Last Days, p 99) Joseph Smith also instructed us with this very reassuring truth, "All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power." (Teachings of The Prophet Joseph Smith, p181)
Those who are wise will consider what happened in the New Testament. Acts 19:13-16 says "Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, we adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know and Jesus I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded."
It takes great faith by people who truly follow Christ to perform such miracles. This warning story reemphasizes to me the importance of doing the ‘basic’ yet all important things we have been taught to do: pray every day, read the scriptures every day, repent, be worthy, be believing.... Have faith, not fear.
Those who perform such miracles as casting out evil spirits are living examples of what Paul teaches in Eph. 6:11-18."Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
No wonder the brethren plead for us to put on our shield of faith every day and fit our children with them at home. Praying daily and reading our scriptures daily are basic structures in our shields of faith. Our shields of faith are shields of light.
Having problems with evil spirits is not reserved only for the most sinful. An example is Mary Magdalene who was at the tomb on Easter morning. Luke 8:2 teaches us that she had been healed of seven devils. Luke 9:55 teaches us that even apostles are not immune from this problem. James and John wanted to command fire to come down from heaven and consume the Samaritans for not receiving Jesus. The Savior rebuked them with these words, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." The scriptures teach us that there are all manner of spirits we can be afflicted with. Brother Poulton's paper, posted on this blog site, addresses several and I plan to comment with additional ones I have found.

Are there scriptural examples about mortals having power against evil spirits? Absolutely! "And it came to pass, when the evil spirit which was not of God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him." (1 Samuel 16:23) This teaches that the right music can heal similar situations.
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: so that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." (Acts 19:11-12) This teaches that distant healing can be done by mortals! In The Book of Mormon, Jacob tells us, "And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed ..." (Jacob 4: 22) Are we willing to share similar experiences today? I testify that similar occurences made huge differences for my depressed daughter.
A scriptural example that teaches us a wealth of information is in Moses 1:12-23( not included here.) Moses was unable to cast Satan out of his presence in verse 16 & 20, but he finally succeeds in verse 21 by commanding him to leave in the Savior’s name: "And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan. And it came to pass that...Satan departed hence...And now of this thing Moses bore record; but because of wickedness it is not had among the children of men." This truth about Moses was lost to the world! Further down at verse 41 it tells us that the principle would be recognized among believers again later on. "And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which thou shalt write, behold I will raise up another like unto thee; and they shall be had again among the children of men- among as many as shall believe." I am a believer! I have seen similar acts of faith work miraculous differences for my daughter, for myself and for other people.
I was ecstatic to find a like- minded member of the church who put the same advice into print. Garth Allred wrote a wonderful book titled Unlocking the Powers of Faith. I was saddened when the book went out of print, but before long it was reprinted in paperback form. I have purchased several copies and highly recommend it. Chapter 8 is on "The Healing Power of Faith." Page 177 has what he calls a "faith talk." I have shared this with depressed people who have obtained much relief from it. It is similar to what therapists in the energy field used that helped my daughter so much.
Doctor Allred learned the same lesson from Moses 1 as I did. He included the following section in his book:
"From the life of Moses, we learn an important key that can help us control spiritual darkness when it surrounds us. The episode describing Moses' vision of God and then his encounter with Satn provides us with a pattern for protection- a key of knowledge that enabels us to command Satan to leave us alone. The Devil has only limited control over us. Those of us who have bodies have power over those who do not. (See Teachings, 181, 190, 305-6.) Through knowledge of this key and through faith, we can command Satan, and the darkness and misery he brings with him will be lifted.

The powerful key God gives us to command Satan is vividly demonstrated in scripture. In vision, Moses saw God and had the heavens open unto him (See Moses 1:8,12,20-23)

Here we have the key that can dispel the powers of darkness and depression in our lives. We can command in the name of Jesus that Satan leave us, and Satan must go! As he leaves, our bodies, spirits, and emotions feel lighter.We experience a lifting sensation much like clouds lifting after a heavy storm, and we feel a sense of liberation and gratitude for our deliverance. We breathe easier. ...

I have found the key offered in this scripture to be true and powerful. Because we love the Lord and desire to keep his commandments- it is not required that we have been perfect- we are authorized to use his name and power to dispel darkness....

I have found the following faith-talk statements to be very powerful in dispelling the powers of darkness. You may just say them in your mind, and they are effective. You may say them aloud, when alone, with powerful results. As you say them, form faith-pictures of what you are saying.

"In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you Satan, and all your hosts to leave this room, this house, and htis property and never return. I choose to worship Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Him alone will I love and serve. I love Jesus Christ. He alone is God's almighty Son. My committment is to him and him alone. He is my Savior, My Redeemer, my Great Deliverer. I consecrate my time, my talents, and everything I have to the Lord Jesus Christ. I would give my life for him if I were asked. With every breath I take, I live for him and him alone. In the name of the Only Begotten son, even Jesus Christ- whom I love and serve- I command you Satan, to leave my presence and take your evil influence with you."

These and other faith-talk statements that will come to you will give you great power over Satan. You will feel him leave, and you will be at peace. You will feel the love of God return to your mind and heart. We have the power to bind Satan. With these keys of knowledge and faith, we have power over him and can dispel the darkness around us. Through the use of these keys, Satan will be bound by the righteousness of the people. As Nephi described our day, he explained: "And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed fo the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth." (1 Ne.22:26) (Garth Allred, Unlocking the Powers of Faith, p 175-177)

I KNOW from repeated experience that what the above author speaks of is TRUE! I add my witness to his.
I know from attending NAMI’s entire Family to Family education course that the world adamantly denies any association between mental illness and evil spirits. It is as if most of the world has blinders on and wants to pretend the problem with evil spirits doesn’t exist anymore in our modern age. In actuality, we still face the same problem. The Book of Mormon speaks of Nephi, in 3 Nephi saying "And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean spirits." Alma told Korihor he was possessed with a certain kind of spirit, "Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God." (Alma 30:42)
I have learned from my own experiences with my daughter and myself as well as clients that being afflicted by evil spirits is still the case for humanity! Evidence is laid out so obvious in scripture on what can truly be involved in illness, that it surprises me that the subject is not more openly discussed. Elder Bednar recently quoted in the Ensign:
"The gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves. They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. Possessing and exercising this gift they will not allow any evil influence to enter into their hearts or to prompt them in their thoughts, their words or their acts. They will repel it; and if perchance such a spirit should get possession of them, as soon as they witness its effects they will expel it, or in words, refuse to be led or prompted by it. [Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, comp. Jerreld L. Newquist (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974), 1:198-99] (Quoted by Elder Bednar in "Quick to Observe" Ensign, Dec 2006, p 34)
Humble servants do work quietly expelling darkness. They understand the literal meaning of D&C 93:28: "He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light....Light and truth forsake that evil one."
What do today’s church leaders say? Elder Robert D. Hales said, "The adversary cannot make us do anything. He does lie at our door, as the scriptures say, and he follows us each day. Every time we go out, every decision we make, we are either choosing to move in his direction or in the direction of our Savior. But the adversary must depart if we tell him to depart. He cannot influence us unless we allow him to do so, and he knows that! The only time he can affect our minds and bodies- our very spirits- is when we allow him to do so." (Ensign, May 2006, p6 emphasis included)
He also said, "We can develop the ability to discern what spirit is influencing others and ourselves. We should seek and pray for this gift lest we be deceived. The gift of discernment is like the rod of iron; it will keep us on the path toward the tree of life, which means eternal life. This gift is of significant value in determining personal direction and in ministering in God’s service." (Robert D. Hales, ‘Gifts of the Spirit", see http://www.speeches.byu.edu/ )
I would never have guessed the answers to my daughter’s diagnosis would be so foreign! I feel like we have lived what it says in Isaiah 42:16: "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."
One of my neighbors decided to be open-minded about trying alternative healing methods after likening a scripture to her own life. She pondered whether something like Moses’ brazen serpent on a pole could possibly be available today. She thought to herself, "Is it possible that a healing method could be right here in front of me and I wouldn’t even look at it?" God has definitely "prepared a way that [we] might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished." (1 Nephi 17:41) Are we not ourselves at times too proud or too busy or too wrapped up in our own pain to consider looking at a new method of healing?
Our daughter's severe trials were years ago and I have learned so much since then. Suicidal tendencies are ALWAYS an influence of evil spirits. We have permission to do something about this problem. "And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you."( D&C 50:24-25) That is one of the things gifted and faithful energy therapists can do. They can literally chase darkness from our energy fields. We are not left helpless!
"The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." "Require not miracles, except I shall command you, except casting out devils, healing the sick, and against poisonous serpents, and against deadly poisons; And these things ye shall not do, except it be required of you by them who desire it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled; for ye shall do according to that which is written." (D&C 24:13-14) "... I will show miracles, signs and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name. And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; But without faith shall not anything be shown forth..." (D&C 35:8-11) " And it shall be given unto you power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God- Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith. He that receiveth of God, let him account it of God; and let him rejoice that he is accounted of God worthy to receive. And by giving heed and doing these things which he have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive- and the kingdom is given you of the Father, and power to overcome all things which are not ordained of him" (D&C 50:32-35)
Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so surprised that my daughter tried to drown, burn and cut herself given all of the biblical references to what happened to children afflicted by evil spirits. Mark 9:18-22 is only one example. Sometimes my daughter had said that she "didn’t feel like herself." No wonder! Once when she didn’t want to go to school she cried and told me that she was "tired of pretending to be herself." I didn’t understand her at all back then. Now that remark makes so much more sense. On more than one occasion my daughter explained, "I cut myself so I could know that I was real, Mom. I don’t feel real."
I often think of the scripture in Matthew 17:14-21 "And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water." This verse certainly sounds like suicidal tendencies to me! How grateful I am that we found LDS therapists who were open-minded to this sort of belief. This has made a phenomenal difference in our daughter’s life.
How thankful I am that although this may not be in the Church Handbook of Instruction, like Doug Mendenhall says in his book, Possibilities, it ABSOLUTELY is in the scriptures( in abundance!) "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..." (Mark 16:17)"And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men." (Mosiah 3:6) D&C 50 starts with the admonition to listen concerning "...the spirits which have gone forth abroad in the earth. ...there are many spirits which are false spirits, which have gone forth in the earth deceiving the world." The same section tells that we can chase darkness from us and how it can be done.

POST SCRIPT: I am adding the following 2 quotes on Jan 12, 2011. What a blessing to have this guidance from two different prophets! Whether as an energy worker, or one who uses these techniques, I would want to be aware of and stay within such counsel. (Unfortunately, there are LDS teachers who seem to be unaware of the guidance given below.) I see it particularly as a warning for energy therapists, although these words enable anyone to tell truth from error.

Spencer W. Kimball: “In the days of the restoration there apparently were those who taught that the devil and his angels and the sons of perdition should sometime be restored. The Prophet Joseph Smith would not countenance the teaching of this doctrine, and sanctioned the decision of the bishop that any who taught it should be barred from communion.

“In the realms of perdition or the kingdom of darkness where there is no light, Satan and the unembodied spirits of the pre-existence shall dwell together with those of mortality who retrogress to the level of perdition. These have lost the power of regeneration. They have sunk so low as to have lost the inclinations and ability to repent, consequently the gospel plan is useless to them as an agent of growth and development.” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, 125)

Joseph Smith: (This entry is prefaced by the heading, “Answers to Queries to Brother Phelp’s Letter of June 4^th.) “Say to the brothers Hulet and to all others, that the Lord never authorized them to say that the devil, his angels, or the sons of perdition, should ever be restored; for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof; consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the Spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the Bishop and his council, in relation to this doctrine being a bar to communion.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 24)

What about women doing healing work?

2007-12-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

What about women doing healing work? Isn’t that a problem? Rumors flew in early church history as easily as they do today. Joseph Smith told the brand new Relief Society something that ought to be heard in our day as well. Here are the meeting’s notes:

"He said the reason of these remarks being made was, that some little foolish things were circulating in the society, against some sisters not doing right inlaying hands on the sick. Said that if the people had common sympathies they would rejoice that the sick could be healed; that the time had not been before that these things could be in their proper order; that the Church is not fully organized, in its proper order, and cannot be, until the Temple is completed,where places will be provided for the administration of the ordinances of the Priesthood."
"President Smith continued the subject, by quoting the commission given to the Ancient Apostles in Mark, 16th chapter, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th verses, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." "No matter who believeth, these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils, etc., should follow all that believe, whether male or female. He asked the Society if they could not see by this sweeping promise, that wherein they
are ordained, if it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority, which is conferred upon them; and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let everything roll on." "He said, if God has appointed him, and chosen him as an instrument to lead the Church, why not let him lead it through? Why stand in the way when he is appointed to do a thing? Who knows the mind of God? Does He not reveal things differently than we expect? He remarked that he was continually rising, although he had everything bearing him down, standing in his way, and opposing; notwithstanding all this opposition, he always comes out right in the end."
"Respecting females administering for the healing of the sick, he further remarked, there could be no evil in it, if God gave His sanction by healing; that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on and praying for the sick, than in wetting the face with water; it is no sin for anybody to administer that has faith, or if the sick have faith to be healed by their administration." "He reproved those that were disposed to find fault with the management of the concerns of the Church, saying God had called him to lead the church and he would lead it right those that undertake to interfere will be ashamed when their own folly is made manifest; that he calculates to organize the Church in its proper order as soon as the Temple is completed." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 224)
Recently, Elder Bednar said, "I frequently have heard Pres. Boyd K. Packer...counsel members and priesthood leaders, "If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much. His observation should help all of us to appropriately desire and seek these spiritual gifts." (Elder Bednar, Ensign Dec. 2006 p 36)

"Orson Pratt indicated that women, as well as men, could "cast out devils." (JD 18:42)" (quoted by Matthew B. Brown, Receiving Gifts of the Spirit, p 185)

General RS Pres. Julie B. Beck said in General Conference of April 2006 that she was grateful for her father’s priesthood blessings as well as her mother’s spiritual gifts that contributed to her healing when she was young and seriously ill. I have had numerous promptings to learn of Energy therapies and to write these experiences down, presumably to help others. This field is no less valid or effective than the medical route, it is just less well known! Women today do have spiritual gifts. How very sad that many dare not even speak of them because of the fear of persecution from members (who claim to believe in the 7th Article of Faith!) Doug Mendenhall writes about this in his book Possibilities.

Is it acceptable for Latter Day Saints to be involved?

2007-12-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

I was with my family at a theater watching the movie "Narnia." Aslan ,the lion, was willingly walking himself towards the stone table. My thoughts turned to the obvious parallel: Jesus Christ. I pondered His incredibly unending love that enabled him to willingly walk himself toward the cross. I was overwhelmed with deep gratitude for Him. All of a sudden I noticed that a warm flowing sensation of subtle Energy was streaming out the palm of my right hand. Whether it is called Quantum Touch or Reiki, Prana, Chi or simply "life force energy" it is obviously amplified by loving thoughts.

That is another reason I am comfortable having these modalities done by facilitators of high integrity, and why I am certified in some of them myself. "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God." (Moroni 7:13) "A good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." Another reason I know Energy Medicine has good ‘fruit’ is because it was promptings of the spirit that began my learning journey in the first place. It has been amazing how people and books and events have been orchestrated to cross my path with synchronicity.

I know the hand of the Lord has been over my life so that I would learn these things. Numerous spiritual experiences witness to me that there is truth in this work. Further, I know that God works by laws. "

To heal a person by the touch, or by the laying on of hands, in the name of Jesus Christ, or to impart the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands, is as much in accordance with the laws of nature, as for water to seek its own level... However, the touch, or laying on of hands, is not the only means of communicating the gift of healing. A word spoken, a mandate issued, or even a handkerchief, apron or other garment, worn or touched by a person full of this Spirit, and conveyed to another, has, according to sacred history, and also the experience of the present age, proved sufficient to communicate the spiritual fluid between minds of strong and mutual faith." (Parley P. Pratt, Key tothe Science of Theology, p 109-111)

My favorite hymn is "Lord, I Would Follow Thee." It says, "I would be my brother’s keeper, I would learn the healer’s art, to the wounded and the weary I would show a gentle heart." That is the aim of facilitators I know who do Energy work. One can’t speak for what other energy therapists do, but we in the healing arts can know whether we ourselves operate within the gospel’s bounds.