LDS Freedom Forum

I've been a part of this LDS Freedom Forum for quite a while now. I'm now curious to know about any of your personal experiences about how having becoome a part of this forum has quickened your awakening about the "awfulness of our present situation?" I know it has helped me alot. And what action(s) have you recently taken by this acceleration of learning of our awful situation?

My personal awakening came through Ether as well. But, my first questioning came as a result of Pres. Hinckley speaking of Gadianton's after 911. So, after a Sunday school class on gad robbers, I thought I would google the Talibans secret society. But all of my results came up with US secret societies ie Cfr, bilderberg, trilateral commission. From there one is quickly lead to the $ and to the fed reserve.

Most people think I'm a conspiracy nut even after listening to Pres. Benson. I'm starting to think why bother no one else cares enough to do anything, and I receive grief for pointing out the obvious.

Don't give up! As time goes on it will become more obvious to them. There are members of my own family that have a hard time dealing with some of the things I have shared with them, but I will keep sharing with them because I have the hope that I will plant a seed which will eventually begin to sprout and grow inside their hearts. And I've made a little headway with an uncle, and hope to awaken others. That is part of the reason that I wrote the post, so that it can give you hope in your efforts. Keep trying and smiling, you will eventually succeed.

Thanks for the pep talk, it was sorely needed. I start thinking that maybe I am crazy and why not live in an enchanted world. But it is not the truth, its frustrating to speak with people who are depressed, unemployed, own about every technical gaget there is, and the maxium channels on their tv's, and still can't figure out that they are being played. Ugh!

I share a part of your pain, as I'm presently unemployed with a heart condition. So I'm going back to school, for 95% of the the jobs that have been created are the temporary census worker jobs. Here is a FREE HUG from me to you. Go to Youtube and write the key word Free Hugs, and enjoy. "The purpose of our lives is to create a HEAVEN ON EARTH."

good topic.

mine came in part because of my wife. I've always stayed away from politics. I would hear the reps and dems go at it and be so completely confused that I would get all upset.

then Obama got into office. I still wasn't into politics, (and am nowhere near educated enough on it) but something about him made me realize something was fishy. My wife HATES him and she listens to talk shows (the kind ppl here hate). Corrupt as ppl may say they are, it was through these talk shows that I began to be moved to look deeper at what was around me.

I've always like the topic about the Second Coming, so I always listened to talks and what people theorized about it. Some people I came in contact with seemed like they were a little off their rockers, but i listened. (some still are haha)

and some that I talked to were watchers of this forum. and here I am continuing some of that awakening. I find some things on here offensive, but for the most part, people come by it honestly. maybe those things i find hard to swallow are just things i don't understand yet. and others are probably just peoples opinions.

either way, I'm more awake to it now more than ever, and i'll discuss it with those who are willing to listen. but since i am still working things out i mostly listen and suggest possibilities.

I guess if there is one good thing that obama did for this country it was to get people to start asking questions, rofl!

This forum really did not wake me up in regards to our awful situation. I sought this forum out to discuss things with like-minded (or at least similarly minded) people. However, this forum was instrumental in helping me become active in the church again. A year or so ago I still studied scripture, I prepared my food storage and I studied about liberty. I taught my family about these things. I also had a testimony, my inactivity was not a testimony issue it was due to a good number of things, not the least of which is I tend towards being a selfish jerk and service is one of the hardest things for me. Another factor was the complete lack of awakeness I found in most members, the "All is well in Zion" attitude. And there were other reasons as well.

As I participated in the forums it was so great to be able to communicate with a bunch of people who were more or less on the same page. Jason really opened my eyes on the deflation vs inflation thing. I do still think that ultimately, hyperinflation is the destiny of the USD, but he certainly educated me on the arguments for deflation in the foreseeable future.

I also have enjoyed many of the gospel discussions. My horizons have defintiely been broadened. I try not to get too invested in my beliefs, I realize I am likely wrong about a good many things. Although I also reject some of the ideas that are put forth here (or at the very least consider them opinions and not doctrine) It is a good exercise to examine new ideas. Even though I have kind of fallen into an adversarial role with Bobhenestra, he has given me a great deal to think about and changed my thinking on a good many things. Sometimes I do get a bit put out with him, and i am pretty sure he gets put out with me, but I do appreciate him and others who I don't always agree with.

As I studied things that were broght up here on the forums, I began to have two promptings that I kept getting. One is that time is getting short and that for me personally at least, the time for "fence sitting" or just being an observer was over. The second was that we are not going to make it thru what is coming (and has in truth already been underway for some time) as individual families, no matter how prepared we are. The only way we can succeed is as communities (I am talking temporal salvation, i.e. food storage etc.) I realized a few things. 1) Even though becoming known as the ward "conspiracy nut" is unpleasant, and also makes me a target if and when things go bad (people will likely remember all those warningas about food storage when they are starving) I realized that's OK, it's my responsibility to raise a warning voice and I should not worry about the consequences of that down the road. 2) I realized that if things do fall apart, and especially if our government collapses, there will be a need for people who understand correct principles in government to be able to persuade people from doing foolish things (such as giving the government more power in a crisis). I also realized that as things stood, my neighbors would pay no attention to anything I might have to say as I was not involved in the community at all and was pretty much a hermit. and 3) I realized that I was denying myself blessings by not trying to be of service and my selfishness of not wanting a church calling was going to end up damning me because the bottom line is, service truly is EVERYTHING. So the more selfish I became the more I cut myself off and was really hurting myself and to some degreee my family. So good missionary work, you guys, I am very active now and enjoying my calling. And I have been pleased that there are a GOOD MANY people in our ward who are either fully awake or in the process. My EQ president at the time was more awake than me and gave me some good resources that taught me quite a bit AND we also became good friends.

I could go on, but I won't. So the forums did not wake me up so much as help me prepare myself to be much more effective helping other wake up. And it truly has had eternal consequences for me - I had been to church only a handful of times in the last ten years, now I have missed only a few times in the last year. It was a pretty abrupt change, and I largely have you guys to thank for it.

It was a process for me. I had questions no one seemed to be able to answer, like how does inflation work. Then I ran across and article by Ron Paul about how gold measures inflation. After reading it I vowed to read everything I could get my hands on that he had written and not long after I found his book, the Revolution. That book was the turning point, but of course it's been bit by bit, knowledge from the scriptures, growing awareness of the lies in the world, and so forth that has woken me up. I'm still learning more day by day.

I always knew something was wrong in the world but I could never put my finger on it. To be honest, I really started looking into stuff by coming across a RKY book in the mission field, "Thief in the Night". I had just read a few pages but decided to buy the book myself back in 2004ish I think. I also purchased "Dreams and Visions of the Last Days". I read quotes from the prophets that I had never heard of before and I didn't necessarily believe that everything would go down exactly as was indicated, but the real value to me was to consider other possibilities for the first time.

I began to wonder about things and dug deeper into scripture, the words of the prophets and anything else I could find. I can't remember when I found this forum, but I have enjoyed my association with all of you. I appreciate everyone's comments and enjoy a hearty debate. I like to use this forum to bounce ideas around and let them get attacked to see if they can stand up to the wisdom and criticism of others.

All this has pointed me to one fact above all others: I need the Spirit of the Lord more than anything. So all my focus has been on cleansing my inner vessel and keeping my ear open to the Lord and his prophets. This is my stand. I'll do my duty as a citizen as long as I can, but I see where things are heading and there will be no justice except in Zion. For me, it's that simple.

Thirty one years ago, when I was 10, I would walk home from school and try to figure out how those two community banks were responsible for financing all the houses in our municipality. I added it all up and it didn't work out. There wasn't enough money on deposit because people can't even afford to pay off their credit card balances monthly. I also wondered why the government workers paid taxes since they were correspondingly paid with taxes. Then I started wondering why anyone worked for money at all. I've never bought into "the system", and I've always thought there was something wrong.

I started a thread elsewhere on the subject without realizing this was here. I'll go ahead and contribute to this one.

I was never "awakened" to the reality that Freedom is an acceptable thing to disregard. I grew up with knowing it. It sucks being somewhat of an outcast. People can't relate to you. When you tell people "That's actually against the law" when speaking of gov't action, they literally laugh. The idea that gov't workers would be lawbreakers, is completely oblivious to them. They dont realize that gov't workers can and do break laws as easily as us civilians do. Only, they get away with it. Our culture is responsible for allowing these things to happen and it will eventually lead to accepted tyranny. We won't realize it until we get there.

To get back on track, growing up, my father was in a firearms business. If anyone is familiar with anyone in the business, then you probably know that they are terrorist organizations. If you're reading this, you know that is not a true statement, but the gov't perceives it as a true statement so the people in the firearms business have to act accordingly.

My father has had experiences and unbelievable stories. That doesn't mean they are fake stories, they're just unbelievable. As a chlid, I was distant from the reality of these events until recently in my life. Almost three years ago an ATF swat team raided our home and warehouse and took all our firearms, computers, wanted documents. To this day, no official accusation of a crime has been made. No arrests, charges, convictions. Nothing. How do you fight back? Well peolpe in the industry have. Some even win, after spending millions of dollars fighting. Which really means they've lost. In our case, they took our means of income right before a recession hit. That doesn't help the situation either.

To sum it up, the gov't has won. I've told people this experience and some of had their own "personal awakening." They want to ignore it and change the channel as if it's something they came across on television. When I'm in front of their face and tell them, they're forced to accept it. They realize, "wow. I wonder what else the gov't has done that I don't know about." It usually goes from there.

My firsst wake-up call was in 1949, when I was 11 years old. I realized that FDR & Co. had given away Eastern Europe to the Soviet Union before WW2 was even over. TI also figured out that the U.S. betrayed the Nationalist Chinese in their war aganist the Communists. And then I realized the United Nations was organized under the leadershipop of a Russian named Molotov and the American traitor Alger Hiss. The betrayal of American forces in the Korean War by the U.N. and elements in our own government was obvious to me, as was the American betrayal of the French in IndoChina. About that time, in 1954, a retired Admiral who llived near us, Admiral Robert Theobald, published and spoke on his convictions that FDR & Co. knew in advance of the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor. Admiral Halsey, one of America's famous admirals of WW2, endorsed the book. Then came the betrayal of Cuba and the Bay of Pigs event. I could go on from here, but I wrote more on my personal introduction thread, if amybody cares to to read it all.

I've always believed there must be Gads around, because of growing up reading the Book of Mormon, and reading any scriptures that had to do with the 'last days'. A couple years ago, in Sunday School, our lesson handled the Gadiantons, and one verse jumped out at me and has stayed with me since; it was Ether 8:24: "Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you". It made me wonder what exactly 'when ye shall SEE these things' meant. I also had started listening to Glenn Beck a little before that, and I started to SEE what things were already among us. I read RKY, and Ezra Taft Benson's "The Proper Role of Government", then "An Enemy Hath Done This". The latter is what REALLY 'woke' me; it shook my perceptions of what had happened when, to tear down our governent. I had previously thought that most of the 'bad' stuff had happened on Clinton's watch. Boy, was that blown out of the water. I had a horrible time reading the book- sit, read a page (or paragraph!), process/overload, jump up and pace or do ANYTHING else, make myself sit down and read another page, jump up and pace, etc. I never did finish it. (It was a borrowed book and needed returned....) But it made me aware of how long ago the foundations of destruction had been laid. Essentially the same time as the Restoration of the Gospel. Funny how that works.
Since then, I've continued to read. A few of my neighbors and I have had a book group going for a year or so- our first book was "The 5000 Year Leap", which we took a chapter at a time, each week. Now it's "The Making of America". I've also been to a couple of Stephen Pratt's presentations (one all-day), and talk with others in my ward, in my family, in my other circles, often.
I found this forum as I was searching online for what others' ideas of future timelines might be. I've loved the ideas, resources, and discussions.

Re. Ether 8:24: "Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you". At this time it seems to me that this commandment is one of the best kept secrets in the Church.

So what do we do when have seen "these things" among us? Have a look at D&C 123: 13-15. I'm serious in asking how would you folks present this if asked to speak on it in a sacrament meeting or a stake conference?

I had a JBS history teacher in high school that would give extra credit for finding rare old books....and I was a voracious reader. Also my father was a police officer in a small Idaho town that discovered some corruption with Mayor/city counsel....ended up having cops break into the house to get the evidence back. Watched the iran/contra affair unfold over tv and had some discussion with FBI whistleblower who was friend of the family about it when I was a wee lad. So introduced to conspiracy early on.

Still for the most part naive though and unaware (focused on the tiny circle of my life). While in the Marines in the Persian Gulf in 97/98 had some missions come down to take out Saddam and 600 gallons of anthrax that were canceled last minute and coincided with discovery of Linda Tripp tapes, Monica's dress, etc......so CNN was crawling all over us for 24/48 hrs while Billy Bob Clinton crafted a media response (well actually his lawyer while he snorted coke - Rodger, his brother, said he has a nose like a vacuum cleaner). My personal opinion is that Monica was unleashed on the public to take attention off of the Chinese campaign contributions. Anyways that was a pretty big eye opener and impetus to get out of the Marine Corps.

Since then its been little by little. I've met some fascinating individuals who have shared information with me - Army sapper that trained with former lds secret service agent, military assassin (59-61), bishop who was a lobbyist in DC for 11 years, current USMC sniper (on 5th Iraq tour), and multiple others who all have a story to tell.

Last year though, while unemployed, I was able to dive into the internet and tie a lot of loose ends (from many of the books I'd read over the years like - Body of Secrets, Confessions Eco hitman, The Politician, etc.) together. Also started blogging and posting my findings from the process while also catching up on some intended reading like "Called to Serve", etc. Discovered this forum in January of last year and I've been addicted ever since!

lundbaek wrote: So what do we do when have seen "these things" among us? Have a look at D&C 123: 13-15. I'm serious in asking how would you folks present this if asked to speak on it in a sacrament meeting or a stake conference?

I think the answer lies in the next verses:
D&C 123: 16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

It's important to educate ourselves, else how do we teach others? And cheerfully doing ALL things in our power, I think refers to appreciating the fulness of the gospel, it's application in all aspects of our lives. I can't use all my time towards 'bringing to light the things of darkness', but I can make sure to include that in my list of top priorities. The trick is to not use that as an excuse to eliminate the search. If we truly hunger for understanding, we'll be led to what we need to know in all facets of our life. ("Wisdom is the principal things, therefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding", Prov.4:7)

I think the words of President Uchtdorf in the October 2009 General Conference Priesthood Session go a long way in giving direction. He said “For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass;"" He stopped there, but reading further in Verse 79 of D&C 88, we read "things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgements which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms–"

I think in so doing we will, if assisted by the Spirit, become aware of the existence and the workings of the secret combinations.

lundbaek wrote:I think the words of President Uchtdorf in the October 2009 General Conference Priesthood Session go a long way in giving direction. He said “For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass;"" He stopped there, but reading further in Verse 79 of D&C 88, we read "things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgements which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms–"

I think in so doing we will, if assisted by the Spirit, become aware of the existence and the workings of the secret combinations.

Yes, and teach about them, along with correct principles, to our family- I have young(ish) children home. For a while last year I was beside myself with feelings of helplessnes, (just after reading 'An Enemy Hath Done This', incidentally) as I starting seeing what was really happening in our country. As I prayed for guidance, I kept being told to teach my children. I've come to understand better the reasons for that. Power really begins with the individual and with families becoming educated, wise, and strong in morals and service. Building Zion in our hearts and homes. That's really how we save a nation, or if not the nation, the Constitution.

singyourwayhome wrote:

lundbaek wrote:I think the words of President Uchtdorf in the October 2009 General Conference Priesthood Session go a long way in giving direction. He said “For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment. We are to learn “of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass;"" He stopped there, but reading further in Verse 79 of D&C 88, we read "things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgements which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms–"

I think in so doing we will, if assisted by the Spirit, become aware of the existence and the workings of the secret combinations.

Yes, and teach about them, along with correct principles, to our family- I have young(ish) children home. For a while last year I was beside myself with feelings of helplessnes, (just after reading 'An Enemy Hath Done This', incidentally) as I starting seeing what was really happening in our country. As I prayed for guidance, I kept being told to teach my children. I've come to understand better the reasons for that. Power really begins with the individual and with families becoming educated, wise, and strong in morals and service. Building Zion in our hearts and homes. That's really how we save a nation, or if not the nation, the Constitution.

That seems to be a common reaction to "An Enemy hath Done This" if not already at least partially awake. I spent the next six month after I first read it doing the equivalent of asking to be plugged back into the matrix (at least in my head). It took me a while to realize that "those that are with us are more than those that are with them."

I've enjoyed these comments.

My original thinking was, if you have people volunteering in their own communities, where they have a vested interest in the people of the community, wouldn't the end result be people getting involved for the betterment instead of turning their heads and saying "let the police handle it?". I think that we are better than that, and we should all be looking after our neighbors. Who better than the people who actually know and care about them? I don't see how a federal body will actually care about the people of a place they know nothing of.

Book of Ruth wrote:I've enjoyed these comments.

My original thinking was, if you have people volunteering in their own communities, where they have a vested interest in the people of the community, wouldn't the end result be people getting involved for the betterment instead of turning their heads and saying "let the police handle it?". I think that we are better than that, and we should all be looking after our neighbors. Who better than the people who actually know and care about them? I don't see how a federal body will actually care about the people of a place they know nothing of.

The problem there is, the people have to be fairly independent (self-sufficient) mentally, spiritually, physically, to really reach out. You can only share it if you have it. I've felt guided to help my stake (through the emergency preparedness committee, which I'm on) prepare to serve others. It doesn't seem to have gone anywhere yet, though. I felt inspired to study up on the Chilean earthquakes, what was needed, why some areas were so much more resilient, what were the most important 'things' to have on hand, etc. The kind of things you'd wished you'd known in advance if something like that happened to you. I live in an area with very kind, active, down-to-earth, service-oriented people. Those efforts would go much further, though, if (1)they were prepared with 'stuff' (water reserves, tarps, tools, at least 3 mo's of food, etc) and (2)were prepared mentally to share everything. Maybe the truth of what worked, doesn't come out until there is a disaster.