Flash of Light at Carthage

"The ruffian, of whom I have spoken, who set him against the wellcurb, now gathered a bowie knife for the purpose of severing his head from his body. He raised the knife and was in the attitude of striking, when a light, so sudden and powerful, burst from the heavens upon the bloody scene, (passing its vivid chain between Joseph and his murderers,) that they were struck with terrified awe and filled with consternation. This light, in its appearance and potency, baffles all powers of description. The arm of the ruffian, that held the knife, fell powerless; the muskets of the four, who fired, fell to the ground, and they all stood like marble statues, not having the power to move a single limb of their bodies."  -- William Daniels, at Carthage as part of the mob. 

Mary Lightner remembered that within days of the martyrdom

"a number of men came and called us to the door and said, "The Smiths are dead, and they do say a great light appeared when they were killed." I said, "That should prove to you that Joseph was a true Prophet and a man of God." One answered "It proves that the Lord was well pleased with what was done."  -- Mary Lightner

The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith: An Archetypal Study 

The Book of Abraham

In facsimile 3. it is apparently a marriage. (holding hands) But marriage ceremonies often also reflects a dramatization of a mythological scene.  In our culture, marriage reflects the union of Adam and Eve.  When watching a play, movie, or TV there is a need to differentiate references to the actor from the character being depicted.  The same may apply when interpreting facsimile 3.

The use and recontextualization of specific Egyptian artwork may be saying that Abraham was the main character in this ritual on one occasion or was asked to officiate the wedding ceremony (Maat ritual), for the Phoaroh's son on another occasion. 

And in the case of the hypocephelus,  Joseph Smith always translated what should have been written and not exactly what was written-- if God had allowed a divine cheat sheet containing important answers to give angels who stood as sentinels at the gates of heaven..

The Book of Abraham

In facsimile 3. it is apparently a marriage. (holding hands) But marriage ceremonies often also reflects a dramatization of a mythological scene.  In our culture, marriage reflects the union of Adam and Eve.  When watching a play, movie, or TV there is a need to differentiate references to the actor from the character being depicted.  The same may apply when interpreting facsimile 3.

The use and recontextualization of specific Egyptian artwork may be saying that Abraham was the main character in this ritual on one occasion or was asked to officiate the wedding ceremony (Maat ritual), for the Phoaroh's son. 

And in the case of the hypocephelus,  Joseph Smith always translated what should have been written if God allowed a divine cheat sheet containing important information to give angels who stood as sentinels at the gates of heaven..

Judge Righteous Judgement

Toxic people confuse sympathy with empathy.  Empathy means you see and feel things from anothers perspective and then judge if sympathy is warranted.  Sonetimes, out of empathy, sympathy is NOT warranted. Toxic people feel entitled to sympathy in all circumstances because of their delusions of victimization (victim complex, specialness,  exceptionalism).

Narcissism equates to the Bibilical sin of pride. Sadly, the narcissist lacks any ability of insight, even up to the point of standing before Jesus Christ, and having Him condemn them to their face declaring, "you never knew Me" and then proceeding to argue with God about it-- talking to God as if He is somehow mistaken.

So, if this is you or me, we likely have No idea.

I think the key, is to have the attitude of Jesus Christ's 11 Apostles, upon hearing Christ declare that one among them would betray Him, each asking with sincerity, "Is it I?"

This is an interesting argument for the LDS attitude about salvation/exaltation (fear and trembling) vs. the Evangelical false certainty.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there be any wicked way in me.”

Lamentations 3:40: “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.”

James 1:22: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Counting the Omer

I dont know but President Hinkley got me thinking about a 7-year pattern after declaring the opening of the 7th seal on April 6, 2000 General Conference. President Hinkley referenced Joseph in Egypt and the 7 years of famine in 1998 and again 7 years later in 2005.

The Tribulation may have a connection with Feast of Shavuot/Pentecost or Weeks or 7's. Tribulation could be 7x7 or 49 (50) years. 7 Trumpets sound after the opening of the 7th seal. Pentecost is named for the 50 days (omer) following Passover (Pesach). Are we currently counting the omer?

Trumpet 1, 2001, 9/11

Trumpet 2, 2007, Housing Crisis

Trumpet 3, 2014-15, Russia in Crimea, Same-gender marriage legalized 

Trumpet 4, 2020, COVID

Trumpet 5, 2027-8, (Locusts, Woe 1)

Trumpet 6, 2035, (Armageddon, Woe 2)

Trumpet 7, 2042, (7 Vials Wrath, Woe 3)

There is likely a connection between the completion of the Lord's House in 2027 before the Wedding Feast. (Andrea W). In ancient hebrew wedding tradition, the bridegroom spends a year away from his betrothed building her a home. The day of the wedding is not appointed until the Father of the groom accepts the home as completed. The House of the Lord is the Salt Lake Temple which will be rededicated in 2027 after an extensive seismic upgrade.

Beware extreme beliefs with regard to the Last Days such as mistakenly subscribing to the Scofield Bible idea of the 7-year tribulation and pre-trib rapture or the extreme attitude that "if it gets bad I'd rather just die".  Both lead people to not be prepared.  Yes, there will be a rapture. but it will be pre-wrath, not pre-trib. The 7 vials of wrath are poured out as part of the 7th Trumpet.  Believers will need to be watching and be prepared for 1-6. 

Remember the Bible teaches that in this life we will have tribulation (John 16:33)  but are not appointed unto wrath (1 Thes 5:9). Also, we are promised that if we are prepared, we don't need to fear (D&C 38:30),  The Last Days will be great for some and terrible for others.  But if we are prepared, are watching and have plenty of oil for our lamps we can look forward to the Second Coming of Christ with optimistic and hopeful anticipation.