I have been known to say that Math may be the closest thing we have to the language of God. While my views on Math, God, and Language have each changed since then, the fact remains that Math is the most precise of languages. Today another connection struck me, regarding the amazing nature of trigonometry. You see, applying just a little numerology (particularly that intrinsically identifiable and generally consistent within the scriptures), we can draw the following conclusions.
One great architect said that “God is in the details,” and truly it is in the details that we find some telling differences in the three creation accounts. Perhaps the first most distinguishing difference in the three creation accounts of Genesis, Moses, and Abraham, is the difference in the voice. This is clearly seen in the beginnings of the three accounts: “And they went down at the beginning, and they, that is the Gods, organized…” (Abraham 4:1).
A favorite piece of music, this is a stirring arrangement. The hymn was composed by John Taylor, who was shot repeatedly but survived in Carthage Jail when the prophet Joseph Smith was martyred.
Recently I found myself questioning the value of scholars, and what they add to society. I have concluded that the value of scholars – who, to my understanding, should be professional students – is just as precious as ever it was, though for different reasons. At one time they were the sole means by which knowledge of many things could be disseminated. Today knowledge is over-abundant and it is a true value to society to have a diligent men and women who go through the pains of deep study and critical thought so that we don’t have to – who sort the grain from the chaff and deliver to us the better product, in exactly the same way we value those who will make the pizza or at least the crust for us so that we don’t need to.
In recent cases Google has come under fire for the practices of its users. Most notably in Italy and Brazil nations have attempted to levy law-suits against the corporation “for allowing users to distribute” certain types of content. The notion being demonstrated by these nations is that Google is responsible for the actions of those who use it. With this reasoning Facebook could be sued for what users say or post.
In the course of my pondering the meaning of education and having discussions with friends, the topic has sometimes turned to the question of how broad an education should be. Some say that the single purpose of school is to fulfill the necessary requirements for some future field of activity, and in microcosm, to make learning secondary to the top grade of a class. Such an attitude may prepare for a successful career and the clear ability to attain one’s goals.
This quote was found and given by my sister for her talk in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. It struck me because I feel an enjoyment of Newness is of vital importance in our making the progress the Lord desires. Clinging to our comfort zones is natural and very difficult to overcome. But when we learn to enjoy doing things we have never done before, our life will rapidly expand. This was a tenet of President Osguthorpe, my first mission president, and it led our mission to achieve new heights in teaching and baptisms – heights we had never reached before.
The Word of Wisdom has often seemed to me to be cryptic in its directions; I always hoped to avoid questions about the eating of much meat, for instance. Dr. Allsen’s presentation throws back curtains and inspires greater effort in maintaining the body. Starting with the question about meat, I learned from the lecture that there are many reasons vegetarians live an average of several years longer than carnivores. The meat can cause acidosis, which leeches calcium from the bones.
After a friend mentioned a Brazilian commercial to me on the same topic, I found this and thought I would share it. Enjoy! An unborn set of twins are having a conversation in their mother’s womb. “Tell me, do you believe in life after birth?” asks one of the twins. “Yes, definitely! In here we are growing and gaining strength for what will face us on the outside,” answers the other.
Frustration. It seems to follow perplexity, which is what I began today’s lecture with. Long before Dr. Hatch got to the point of metacognitive thinking I was pondering how today’s lecture applies to me. I have pondered the reflection of my mind farther back than I can remember. It probably began near the same time that I developed a passion for learning. This love fueled me through my short, but whole, lifetime of home schooling.