Identity Theft? No, I am a Child of God

Identity Theft? No, I am a Child of God

We live in a world of identity theft. It happens everywhere. If you have not been a target yet, you probably will be in the future. It has happened to my husband and me a few times.

The first time, it was more an error than theft. There are so many people with the name Robert Stevenson in this world that somehow, either by human error or electronic error, my husband's identity was mixed up with someone else's; and the someone else did not have a good financial history or credit background. So it hurt my husband's credit until it was resolved.

Another time I woman stole mail out of our mailbox. From that she obtained some credit card information and purchased many things online using my name. The silly woman actually used our phone number as a second phone number to call though, so she was found out. But still she got away with stealing a great deal of merchandise.

The most blatant identity theft with which we have had to deal so far came from a trusted employee. She used Bob's name to order cell phones. She also stole checks written to him and deposited them in her own bank account. Before we were aware of this theft, she had stolen upwards of $16,000. She felt that she had the "right" because of the amount of time she'd been working for Bob.

Identity theft is not new. It didn't even begin in this mortal world. Satan attempted identity theft while we were still all in the presence of our Father in Heaven. We all lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father before we came to this earth. We loved Him and we wanted to become like Him. Jesus was the oldest spiritual begotten Son of our Heavenly Father. His name was Jehovah. Satan was one of the oldest as well. His name was Lucifer, or Son of the Morning.

When Heavenly Father presented His plan to us in the Grand Council in heaven, we shouted for joy! He would give us the gift of agency, which is the ability to choose right from wrong. When we came to earth, we would no longer be in His presence, and we would not remember what things were like before our mortal life. We would have to live by faith. We were anxious to gain the experiences of a mortal life that would help us become more like our Father in Heaven (see Gospel Principles Lesson 2).

The tests in this mortal life would be new to us, and none of us would be able to live in harmony with the glory of God at all times. We would fall short, and we would need a Savior. Heavenly Father said that through faith in the Savior's Atonement, repentance of our wrongs, and obedience to God's commandments, we would all be able to progress and return to live with Him again. But we would have to choose righteousness (see Gospel Principles Lesson 2).

Because we needed a Savior to pay for our sins and teach us the way to return to our Heavenly Father, Our Father asked us, "Whom shall I send." Jesus answered, "Here am I, send me" (Abraham 3:27).

Jesus's love for us was so great that He was willing to submit to all that Heavenly Father wanted Him to do. He was willing to be born in humble circumstances and to give His life for all mankind. He was willing to follow the Father's plan which would allow all of us freedom to choose our own paths or to follow Him. He would do all this because He loved His Father and wanted to please Him and bring honor to His name; and He would do all this because He loved us and wanted us to be able to choose to return to live with God (See Moses 4:2). "Father thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever," is what Jesus said (See
Gospel Principles Lesson 3).

Satan, wanted all the glory for himself. He wanted to destroy the agency that God had given to men. He wanted to force all of us to live in harmony with God's laws. And he wanted all the glory for restoring God's children to Him (See Moses 4:1-4; Gospel Principles Lesson 3). He wanted to take God's place and have His glory. He wanted to steal our Heavenly Father's identity.

Because Heavenly Father knew that Satan's plan would not work, He chose Jesus to be our Savior. Satan then rebelled against Heavenly Father, and He rebelled against Jesus, God's Chosen One. Jesus was foreordained by Heavenly Father to be the Savior of the world.

Satan didn't rise in rebellion by himself. He took a third part of the hosts of heaven with him. Satan waged war against Jesus and His followers. He did this because of anger and jealousy. And because he sought to take away the agency of man and also God's identity, and because he rebelled against the priesthood authority that God had given to His Only Begotten Son, Satan and those who followed him were cast out of heaven (See Isaiah 14:12-15; Revelation 12:4, 7-9). Satan succeeded in confusing one-third the host of heaven about their true identity as sons and daughters of God, and because of their anger, jealousy, and rebellion, they chose to forfeit that identity and follow Satan. They will never have the opportunity to receive mortal bodies and to progress to become like our Heavenly Father. That was their own choice because of their willingness to fight against what they knew was right; to fight against God's Chosen Vessel, and to seek to usurp power, and steal the throne of God. In so doing, they became sons and daughters to the devil, instead of to God. Now they try to thwart our progression as well; and one of their main tactics is to confuse us concerning our identity and to rob us of our identity by persuading us to use our agency wrongfully. Another tactic is to get us to speak against our living prophets and against priesthood authority and against the Lord's servants.  

It's important that we learn and claim our identity as children of God. So many would rather identify themselves with factions, thinking that they are promoting themselves better by doing so; but, there is no better position to be in than to know that we are children of God and that He desires us to feel His love and acceptance and to, eventually, become like Him.

There is a prevailing attitude in the world, and now in the church, among so many that we have to accept "anything goes." We do not have to accept that, nor should we. We have the scriptures, and we have living prophets. If we read, study, pray, and follow the commandments, the Lord has promised us that He will be with us, and we will not be deceived. We also have the Holy Ghost and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and we can find strength in renewing our covenants every week as we partake of the sacrament worthily with a repentant heart and an eye single to the glory of God. Yet, Satan tries to cause factions and disharmony and to be a grand puppeteer of those who are willing to believe his lies and deceit concerning who they are and concerning Heavenly Father's plan for them. The sophistry of the devil is in great abundance, but it pales to the Light of Christ and in the light of those who are following Him and His prophets. 

Identity. We all knew our identity in our pre-mortal life, and we chose to follow our Heavenly Father's plan, and we chose to accept Jesus as our Savior. Satan tried to steal our Heavenly Father's identity, and He continues to try to steal our identity. And if he confuses everyone enough, he knows he just might be able to do so. So he spreads lies concerning both gender and same sex attraction, causing people to find false identity by defining themselves in limiting ways.  And he spreads lies about inequality, where no inequality is found. And he spreads lies concerning the very facets of our identity as children on God who are dependent upon Him for all that we have and are. And he spreads lies concerning the goodness of God and God's prophets. And he spreads lies telling people that their logic is correct and that it is just as good as God's prophets or God Himself. 

We have seen "gay marriage" being upheld and endorsed by those who are in authority in our state and federal governments. Like Satan, these people will endorse or uphold whatever they believe will bring them more power and glory. They are willing to enslave the people in order to rob them of their basic freedoms and identity in an effort to bring equality to all, they say; or in other words, to enslave the people so that they can reign supreme. To take away the voice of the majority is to rob the country of freedoms that will keep her free.  

Since December 2012, we have been seeing the fruits of the lies Satan has been spreading by the many distractions being cause by feminist groups, by a group called All Enlisted, and another called Ordain Women, to name a few, who believe that it is their purpose to promote feminist agenda that is contrary to the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Satan has convinced many of these people that they are doing so in harmony with the Spirit of God, and that they have a right to counsel both God's prophets and God himself.

Because  so many people are caught up in self-pity and disenfranchisement, they are willing to support the efforts of feminist groups that may touch a certain common chord of disharmony in their own lives. Without searching to find what the driving force and true agendas are behind these movements, many are jumping on the bandwagon thinking that they are doing all of us God-service by rallying a political movement within God's church, which is in opposition to the character and nature of the order of God's church. 

Satan is pleased to see so many confused and disenfranchised, and he grabs onto whom he can to further his plan to steal our identity. What many do not realize is that these feminist groups include many men as well. They seem to be the most fierce in driving these feminist page of the month clubs. Also, many who are adding fuel to the fire are apostate or excommunicated members already. Caught up in it all though are people who honestly feel disenfranchised and who do not understand God's plan or His scriptures. It is difficult for me to remember to be charitable when I feel like the Lord's Church is being attacked so fiercely. But that is exactly what we need to be now and in the coming days. 

You know, it seems like every discussion that I've participated in where  feminist issues of disenfranchisement are being discussed, no feminist woman for these causes has any solid thing to say. There are a whole lot of men out there thinking that they are being supportive of these feminist groups by repeating the rhetoric; and I am left to wonder whose fight for equality this really is. But then again, I know that it is Satan stirring up division in the Lord's house so that he can rob the Lord's children of their true identity. I also have seen many men and women who support the prophet and the Brethren; men and women, who have strong and solid testimonies, saying that they do not agree with these feminist ideas or tactics. And for that, they are belittled and told that they are stupid, passive, and conservative. We cannot think to impose the limited understanding of men's politics in relation to the Lord's Church. We are always to seek to gain counsel from God, through His prophets and the Holy Ghost, and not seek to counsel Him. 

So while we should all be rejoicing in our commonality as children of the Highest, Satan is delighting in the contention and division that he is causing. 

I am thankful for the understanding that I have of both priesthood power and authority. No one has ever said that women will not ever hold the priesthood. We already share in the power of the priesthood and act under the direction of the priesthood. Ultimately, priesthood power will be held jointly between husbands and wives who are faithful and become exalted. In my opinion though, women will never hold the same offices of the priesthood as men do. This has never been the order in the Church or Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the gospel, and I am grateful for Christ's atonement, and that is sufficient for me. It should be for all of us. I think it is arrogant to demand anything more from the Lord or from our Father than what they have already provided for us and promised us. 

Here on earth, the priesthood is known to be the authority to act in the name of God. No one can receive that authority except from God. Seeking it by relying on the arm of flesh is godless. There is no pretense or arrogance in saying so.

Because I believe so strongly in my identity as a daughter of God, and because I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior and the One who stands at the head of His own Church, I feel strengthened by their strength and their goodness. I identify with Them. Because I am a daughter of God, I thoroughly trust that the prophets are called of God and that they are not running this Church alone, but that Jesus Christ stands at the head. So I will put my trust in the Lord and His prophets. And, therefore, anyone who issues calls to action to members of the Church on behalf of the Church, who does not have authority to do so, I will not follow.

God knew that we would make mistakes and fall short; that is why He sent His Son. Even Jesus Christ had to grow from grace to grace in remembering His identity and learning His purpose. But He always did all things to please His Father. That is because He knew and remembered who He was. God has sent His Spirit to testify concerning Himself and His Son and concerning our true identity as sons and daughters of God. Jesus did not think it robbery to become like God, because God had promised Him Eternal glory for His obedience (see  Philippians 2:5-16); whereas Satan actually sought to rob God and keep all the glory for himself. And Jesus provided for us to all become joint-heirs with Him to all that the Father has (see Romans 8:16-18). What a grand and glorious plan and purpose. Who could ask for anything more?

I pray that we will all humble ourselves sufficiently in order to become recipients to the Spirit of Truth that will teach us all things which we must do, and which will testify to us of God's love and our own identity, so that we can hold onto it and not allow anyone to rob us of it. We kept our first estate, and we are promised eternal glory if we keep our second estate. We need to remember and claim our identity as children of God, and we need to follow the prophet and proper priesthood authority in order to remain valiant in doing so.

All Enlisted May Be Editing Your Letters!

http://tinyurl.com/av8ahfx

All Enlisted May Be Editing Your Letters!

Obviously, I am very wary of All Enlisted and the Feminist groups that have united with them. Please be advised that they do have ulterior motives than those which are expressed in their various Facebook pages, blogs, and websites. Some of these are already clear, and some of these are becoming clearer as time goes on. Please do not just jump to each cause they propose without questioning their real intent. So many already have, thinking that they are doing great things, with no idea of where they are really headed.

Interchanges from the Night of 26 January 2013:

I wrote the following this evening (26 January 2013), and others commented. I really cannot believe the twisting of comments that takes place with the ALL Enlisted group. They twist the scriptures to fit their own purposes; and they twist the comments of anyone who disagrees with them to also fit their own purposes. I should just stay away, but sometimes I've been hopeful that maybe just even one honest person will read something that I have written, and it will help him or her. I was rather astonished though when a male supporter of All Enlisted noted that he was revising the letters that they were receiving.

Beginning with my note:

Heidi: It's interesting that the Jewish people thought that Jesus should be their political hero. But He knew that it wasn't part of His mission to do so. He just went about doing good. And He did all things to please His Father.

Response by an All Enlisted supporter, K: I love this—it absolutey supports what we are doing! I appreciate your support.

My thoughts: I guess, at this point you can see my annoyance. I think she twisted what I said in her mind to actually believe I was being supportive of their cause, which I am not. I find it extremely annoying when my words and intentions are so twisted as to defy all logic and meaning.

Response from a second All Enlisted supporter, D: Jesus also went about correcting the harmful behaviors of others, such as discrimination against Samaritans, casting judgment, and instructing leaders to be more understanding of their people’s needs.

Response from a very visible male supporter of All Enlisted, C: Jesus=social justice hero. The perfect Mormon feminist.

Heidi: Jesus spoke from a position of authority. He disdained those who twisted things.

Response from the same male supporter, C: The words you speak are magical, Heidi. They inspire me as I work on editing these letters.

My thoughts: When I realized that there are many individuals that think All Enlisted is really out there to support them in their desire to have their voices heard, even though I do not agree with this group or the causes in which they are engaging, I felt sad for those who think that this group is supporting them. There is clearly an ulterior motive present. Whether they are editing the letters before they are sending them on to the General Authorities, or whether they are editing them for publication for their own purposes, I cannot say. But when I noticed this response, I had to question it.

So I began a new thread:

Heidi: Are you editing everyone's letters? Do you have the right to do that?

D: I wonder what made you ask that? Did you read a comment or post that suggested the possibility? It would seem if you want to be sure the letter is not edited you can send a sealed letter instead of an email?

Heidi: C said he was editing the letters. I wonder why you didn't straightly answer.

There were then an entire series of comments that were deleted. C said that he can’t stand improper grammar and such. Someone claimed they weren’t being edited, using the words “no and no” in answer to my question. Another asked if I thought it were a good idea for them to be edited. The comments were all conflicting. 

C also said that he did not write that he was editing the letters, but that I was putting words into his mouth. 

So the interchange after the series of deletions continued at this point:

Heidi: Wow. First, I am not sending a letter which you know. Second, C did write in a response to me that he was editing the letters.

C: Deleted convo here because this is an important topic and the response was way too wordy. Basically, unless somebody give us permission to edit their letters, we will deliver them UNEDITED. That is all. Sorry for any confusion that may have occurred. 

D: Oh, I missed that comment you reference Heidi. I was asking a genuine question and provided what I thought was a serious solution after your earlier post that if you wrote a letter it would say.... I apologize that my comment promoted such a reaction.

Heidi: C, your exact words: "The words you speak are magical, Heidi. They inspire me as I work on editing these letters."

D: It's possible he was taking about editing his own letters. Your words to the GAs were lovely and I hope everyone remembers to include those kinds of sentiments in their letters (should they choose to write them). 

Heidi: Those were not to you, and you are not to touch them.

My thoughts: I had posted a link to a blog I that I had written, which wasn't a letter to be sent, just a blogpost showing my gratitude for our prophet and the general authorities. I said that was NOT intended for them and not to touch it; by that, I only meant that I did not want them editing it or using it in any way for their own purposes.

 
L: Letters will not be edited. As an admin of this group, after asking the other admins, we are all in agreement that editing letters would be inappropriate and will not happen.

Thoughts: I believe that this interchange between the administrators for the group occurred as a result of this dialogue, not before it. 

C: AHHHH!!!! I remember now. Editing MY letters. Sorry about the confusion. I'm a perfectionist, and I like to edit what I write before I call it final.

Heidi: L, if you are being honest, then look in your other box on Facebook, because I am not sending a note for $1. C did say he was editing them.

D: Heidi, you posted them here for everyone to see. I didn't "touch" them - I took inspiration from them and encouraged others to do the same.

I believe I have been nothing but respectful and polite to you, yet your responses have been far from that. Can you explain what your goal is in these discussions if you plan on being combative instead of constructive I will be happy to exit any conversation you start.

C: I was editing MYYY letters. I'm sorry for the confusion. I would not edit anybody else's letters. (As much as I have this urge to fix every grammatical and spelling error I see). It's not my place to do so. We're simply a delivery service. 

L: Heidi, it is irrelevant to me if you send in a letter. It is clear you don't agree with this group, so no one expects a letter from you. That is fine; don't write for a cause you do not support. C has explained that he was referring to the letters...

(I cannot retrieve the rest of this post, because I have been blocked, and anything that I have written has been hidden from this page. But I did copy everything I could into a Word Document before I was blocked. Also, I had already messaged a note to L, concerning the dialogue referenced in this blog, before I realized that she did not want to see one.)

Da: Heidi, I am a page admin and in that capacity I am issuing you a warning. You are being extremely combative on this page. If that continues you will be blocked from commenting here.

As an additional clarification: No letters have been or ever will be edited by group organizers. Thanks to every one who has contributed.

C: The admins are only sending letters that are mailed to the P.O. Box in the About section or sent to the e-mail address also found in the About section.

Heidi: I posted a link to a blog. It was never intended to be a letter to send. But C definitely said that he was working on editing these letters. More than one definitely. I am not being extremely combative. You may block me if you wish, but I will know what was said, and so will you.

Heidi: It's also amazing how many of your comments were deleted before I wrote "Wow."

At this point, Da deleted the last three comments, so that her final comment read as follows:

Da: Heidi, I am a page admin and in that capacity I am issuing you a warning. You are being extremely combative on this page. If that continues you will be blocked from commenting here.

As an additional clarification: No letters have been or ever will be edited by group organizers. Thanks to every one who has contributed.

This thread ends here. All other comments will be deleted.

My thoughts: But not only were the last three comments deleted (plus the “convo” that C spoke of), I was then blocked from the page and the entire interchange was deleted from anyone’s view. 

The interchange between L and me in messages:

I just sent her my first post of the evening, as seen above, that shows that C said he was editing letters. 

L’s response: 

Heidi, this is not complicated. I have spoken to C in private and he has cleared this up in public several times. We are submitting letters to six different leaders, and have suggested that people write six different letters, personalizing them to each recipiant. C, as someone heavily involved in this Project from the beginning, has been working on his letters (plural for multiple recipiants) and is editing them (or reworking parts to improve them) as he draws inspiration from the comments of others. He was talking about editing his own letters. I understand how you could be confused initially, but your insistance on clinging to your belief that we are all lying about editing letters is absurd. Letters will not be edited, and no one said they would be. The admins of the event discussed this and we are all in total agreement. Letters will not be edited, and C never said they would be. End of story.

My thoughts: For your information, I decided not to edit any of the dialogue from Facebook (other than just using first letters for the people's names). Whether or not the letters being sent in are being edited before going to the General Authorities or not, I do believe that they are being saved and will be edited for this group’s own purposes, which do NOT match what they are telling the public.