Seth Adam Smith's Blog

Alaska - the Last Frontier

2009-11-13T16:37:00.001-07:00

This video shows only a fraction of the majestic and breath-taking beauty of Alaska, the Last Frontier.

All footage used in this video was filmed by me on location using a Canon Vixia HD HV30.

I dedicated this film to the wonderful people at the Kristan Cole Team. http://www.KristanCole.com

Check out my personal website:
http://www.SethAdamSmith.com

The Secular Church - Mormons, Family, Abortion and Gay Marriage

2009-11-11T22:41:00.003-07:00

In 1978, the late Neal A. Maxwell (former Apostle in the Mormon Church) delivered a powerful and prophetic sermon at Brigham Young University concerning what he called "the secular church."

In this talk he predicted the rise of irreligion as the new state religion and prophesied that the important moral issues of life, family, marriage and religious rights would become subjects of intense persecution by the Secular Church.

Although he does evoke a few examples from the Book of Mormon, Elder Maxwell's talk is a message and a warning to people of all faiths.

Mormon Church Backs Protection of Gay Rights in Salt Lake City

2009-11-11T20:54:00.001-07:00

In a rare public appearance before Salt Lake City lawmakers Tuesday night, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supported two proposed ordinances protecting gay and lesbian residents from housing and employment discrimination.

An LDS Church representative read a supporting statement at a public hearing before the Salt Lake City Council regarding the ordinances proposed by Mayor Ralph Becker.

"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree — in fact, especially when we disagree," said Otterson. "Our language will always be respectful and acknowledge those who differ, but (we) will also be clear on matters that we feel are of great consequence to our society."

To read the full story, please visit:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705343558/Gays-get-Mormon-support-in-SLC.html

What Does the Kristan Cole Team Sell? - Alaskan Real Estate

2009-11-09T19:02:00.001-07:00

Here is another example of some of my professional work. This was filmed in Wasilla, Alaska and I just have to say that Kristan Cole is one the nicest people I have ever met! It was great to get to know her and her team. Check this video out!

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Successful Realtor, Kristan Cole, discusses what kinds of real estate her company specializes in.

For more information on Alaskan Real Estate, please visit:
http://www.KristanCole.com

The Carpenter of Nazareth - Jesus Christ

2009-11-08T18:01:00.001-07:00

"The Carpenter of Nazareth" by George Blair. Read by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

In Nazareth, the narrow road,
That tires the feet and steals the breath,
Passes the place where once abode
The Carpenter of Nazareth.

And up and down the dusty way
The village folk would often wend;
And on the bench, beside Him, lay
Their broken things for Him to mend.

The maiden with the doll she broke,
The woman with the broken chair,
The man with broken plough, or yoke,
Said, Can you mend it, Carpenter?

And each received the thing he sought,
In yoke, or plough, or chair, or doll;
The broken thing which each had brought
Returned again a perfect whole.

So, up the hill the long years through,
With heavy step and wistful eye,
The burdened souls their way pursue,
Uttering each the plaintive cry:

O Carpenter of Nazareth,
This heart, thats broken past repair,
This life, thats shattered nigh to death,
Oh, can You mend them, Carpenter?

And by His kind and ready hand,
His own sweet life is woven through
Our broken lives, until they stand
A New Creation—all things new.

The shattered [substance] of [the] heart,
Desire, ambition, hope, and faith,
Mould Thou into the perfect part,
O, Carpenter of Nazareth!

The New Jerusalem Temple Lot (HD) Independence Missouri

2009-11-07T19:42:00.001-07:00

Mormon doctrine proclaims that the New Jerusalem, also referred to as Zion (see Moses 7: 62) is the place where the Saints, and the twelve tribes of Israel will gather (see Revelation 21: 1-5). Christ will reign from the New Jerusalem as well as the old Jerusalem during the Millennium (see Micah 4: 2).

Joseph Smith received revelation in July of 1831 that the New Jerusalem and a temple would be built in Independence, Missouri and that the gathering of Israel would begin (Doctrine and Covenants 57:1-3). Since the term Zion also refers to the "pure in heart," when Christ comes again there could be many places in the world that would be referred to as Zion, because the people have accepted the gospel and follow the commandments, but the New Jerusalem is to be a center place or capital city for the pure in heart.

The building of the New Jerusalem and the rebuilding of Jerusalem must happen before the second coming of Christ. A proclamation from the Twelve Apostles in 1845 states:

He will assemble the Natives, the remnants of Joseph in America; and make them a great, and strong, and powerful nation: and he will civilize and enlighten them, and will establish a holy city, and temple and seat of government among them, which shall be called Zion.

And there shall be his tabernacle, his sanctuary, his throne, and seat of government for the whole continent of North and South America for ever. In short, it will be to the western hemisphere what Jerusalem will be to the eastern.

The city of Zion, with its sanctuary and priesthood, and the glorious fulness of the gospel, will constitute a standard which will put an end to jarring creeds and political wranglings, by uniting the republics, states, provinces, territories, nations, tribes, kindred, tongues, people and sects of North and South America in one great and common bond of brotherhood. Truth and knowledge shall make them free, and love cement their union. The Lord also shall be their king and their lawgiver; while wars shall cease and peace prevail for a thousand years. (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, ed. Daniel H. Ludlow, 1992, p.1010)

Ultimately, however, the complete fulfillment of this prediction will not take place until Jesus Christ returns to reign, since He is the one whose right it is to rule from Zion.

The Last Letter Home from a Soldier in Iraq

2009-11-04T23:32:00.001-07:00

US Army Pfc. Jesse Givens died in Iraq in the service of his country on the first of May, 2003, in his 34th year. He wrote this letter to his wife Melissa, his five year-old son Dakota (nicknamed 'Toad') and his unborn child Carson (nicknamed 'Bean'). He asked Melissa not to open the envelope unless he was killed. 'Please, only read it if I don't come home,' he wrote. 'Please put it away and hopefully you will never have to read it.'

This piece was originally composed for Cantus, a male chorus, which performs it on tour all over the country (www.cantusonline.org). This particular version of "Last Letter Home" was performed by the Baylor University Men's Choir.

A beautiful article that includes more of the original letter can be found at
www.thefinalrollcall.us/stories/bye-bye. htm

Lyrics:
"I searched all my life for a dream and I found it in you. I would like to think that I made a positive difference in your lives. I will never be able to make up for the bad. I am so sorry. The happiest moments in my life all deal with my little family. I will always have with me the small moments we all shared. The moments when you quit taking life so serious and smiled. The sounds of a beautiful boys laughter or the simple nudge of a baby unborn. You will never know how complete you have made me....You opened my eyes to a world I never dreamed existed....

"Dakota you are more son then I could ever ask for....You have a big beautiful heart...I will always be there in our park when you dream so we can still play. I hope someday you will have a son like mine...I love you toad I will always be there with you. I'll be in the sun, shadows, dreams, and joys of your life.

"Bean, I never got to see you but I know in my heart you are beautiful...

"I have never been so blessed as the day I met Melissa. You are my angel, soul mate, wife, lover, and best friend. I am sorry. I did not want to have to write this letter. There is so much more I need to say, so much more I need to share. A lifetime's worth. I married you for a million lifetimes. That's how long I will be with you...Please find it in your heart to forgive me for leaving you alone...

Do me a favor, after you tuck [the children in], give them hugs and kisses from me. Go outside look at the stars and count them. Don't forget to smile."

Come Ye Disconsolate - Carl Heinrich Bloch Paintings

2009-11-03T21:31:00.001-07:00

This rendition of "Come Ye Disconsolate" was performed by the the Baylor University Men's Choir and used with their permission.

All paintings and sketches featured in this film are by Carl Heinrich Bloch.

One Nation Under God - Jon McNaughton

2009-11-01T01:00:00.002-06:00

"One Nation Under God."

This simple phrase, added to the pledge of allegiance over 50 years ago has been the source of unbelievable debate and heated controversy. Likewise, the phrase 'In God We Trust' on our currency has been targeted and continues to be attacked as improper and politically incorrect. Lawsuits have been filed and legal minds employed to ascertain whether such statements violate the concept of 'separation of church and state'.

As this debate continues, some so called experts have implied or concluded that our Founding Fathers and Patriots were not religious. These secular champions, in an effort to further their own causes, have even painted these great men and women from our history as being devoid of religious passions or even a belief in God. This is a part of their strategy to remove any discussion of God from the public forum.

These men and women were passionately religious and saw the hand of God all around them. To God they gave Thanks for His Hand in the founding of this great nation. Tho Him, according to their own testimony they turned for wisdom and strength when life and liberty hung in the balance. Certainly the debate on separation of church and state will continue. But no one can dispute how our Founding Fathers and Patriots felt about God. The record is clear!

'One Nation Under God' is Jon McNaughton's witness and reminder that those who went before us knew from whence their blessings came!

To view the details of this artwork, click on the link below:
http://mcnaughtonart.com/artwork/view_zoom/?artpiece_id=353

The Horror of Horror Movies

2009-10-30T09:45:00.003-06:00

Trick or Treat? Click on the picture to find out!

Leaving Nauvoo - Saints and Pioneers

2009-10-28T23:10:00.001-06:00

Intense persecution of the early Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, prompted the mass exodus of the Mormon Church in 1846 to the Salt Lake Valley.

The music and narration used in this video clip comes from Rob Gardner's album "Saints and Pioneers." To learn more about his latest album "The Lamb of God" please visit his website at: http://www.SpireMusic.org

Community and Charity - The Kristan Cole Team

2009-10-28T08:42:00.001-06:00

Here is another example of some of my professional work. Kristan Cole is a great and very kind lady. Their team is awesome (I wish I was buying a home up in Alaska).

Successful Realtor, Kristan Cole, talks about her company's involvement in the community and local charities.

For more information on Alaskan Real Estate, please visit:
http://www.KristanCole.com

The Provo Utah Temple (HD) Mormon Temples

2009-10-27T18:37:00.001-06:00

The exterior design of the Provo Temple has its roots in scriptural imagery. The broad base and narrow spire represent the cloudy pillar and the fiery pillar (respectively) that the Lord used to guide the Israelites through the wilderness under Moses (Ex. 13:21-22).

Seth's Slant - Alaska Grown

2009-10-26T21:27:00.001-06:00

Yes, it's true: I'm an Alaskan, through and through.

When Russians found out I was from Alaska (and that my last name was 'Smith') they called me "the Alaska Cowboy!"

So join me, the Alaskan Cowboy (©), on my trek across Alaska! From the edge of the Kenai Peninsula, to the beauty of Valdez and all the way to Denali itself! (I'll even show you a few fishing tricks). This is one adventure with Seth you don't want to miss.

Check out more of my stuff at:
http://www.SethAdamSmith.com

The Dangerous Doctrine of Darwinism

2009-10-25T22:25:00.002-06:00

Click on the picture to find out why I consider the "doctrine" of Darwinism to be dangerous.

The Salt Lake City Utah Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples

2009-10-25T00:26:00.001-06:00

The Salt Lake Temple is the largest (of more than 130 around the world) and best-known temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the sixth temple built by the church overall, and the fourth operating temple built since the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois.

The Salt Lake Temple is the centerpiece of the 10 acre (40,000 m²) Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although there are no public tours inside the temple (because it is considered sacred by the church and its members, a temple recommend is required), the temple grounds are open to the public and are a popular tourist attraction. Due to its location at LDS Church headquarters and its historical significance, it is patronized much by Latter-day Saints from many parts of the world.

The Salt Lake Temple is also the location of the weekly meetings of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As such, there are special meeting rooms in the Salt Lake Temple for these purposes, including the Holy of Holies, which are not present in other temples.

The official name of the Salt Lake Temple is also unique. In the early 2000s, as the building of LDS temples accelerated dramatically, the Church announced a formal naming convention for all existing and future temples. For temples located in the United States and Canada, the name of the temple is generally the city or town in which the temple is located, followed by the name of the applicable state or province (with no comma). For temples outside of the U.S. and Canada, the name of the temple is generally the city name (as above) followed by the name of the country. However, for reasons on which the Church did not elaborate (possibly due to the historical significance and worldwide prominence of the temple), the Salt Lake Temple was granted an exception to the new rule and thus avoided being renamed the Salt Lake City Utah Temple.

The Temple is intended to evoke the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem. It is oriented towards Jerusalem and the large basin used as a baptismal font is mounted on the backs of twelve oxen as was the brazen sea in Solomon's Temple.

To learn more about Mormons and Temple worship, please visit:
http://www.Mormon.org

Does God Exist?

2009-10-25T00:21:00.001-06:00

I'm not ENTIRELY sure that this story is true. I'll have to look it up. But it is an excellent point. One that is often reflected in the writings of C.S. Lewis.

A Benefit Concert for Nauvoo University!

2009-10-21T00:02:00.001-06:00

Come join Nauvoo University for a SPECTACULAR evening concert on October 24th, 2009 at Woodland Park 200 E 300 N in Farmington, Utah. The show starts @ 7pm.

With folk, bluegrass and acoustic performances by:

The Pretty Darns,

LDS Generations,

& Ben Oman

Stay after the show to meet with the performers and to purchase their music. All ticket proceeds will go directly to Nauvoo University, which opened this Fall.

Click here for more info about Nauvoo University and here to purchase tickets to the event.

Religious Freedom is Being Threatened

2009-10-18T22:06:00.001-06:00

On October 13th, 2009, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave an incredible sermon on Religious Freedom in America at BYU-Idaho. What follows are but a few excerpts from that talk.

"Noted author and legal commentator Hugh Hewitt described the current circumstance this way:

'There is a growing anti-religious bigotry in the United States. . . .

'For three decades people of faith have watched a systematic and very effective effort waged in the courts and the media to drive them from the public square and to delegitimize their participation in politics as somehow threatening.'

For example, a prominent gay-rights spokesman gave this explanation for his objection to our Churchs position on Californias Proposition 8:

'Im not intending it to harm the religion. I think they do wonderful things. Nicest people. . . . My single goal is to get them out of the same-sex marriage business and back to helping hurricane victims.'

Aside from the obvious fact that this objection would deny free speech as well as religious freedom to members of our Church and its coalition partners, there are other reasons why the public square must be open to religious ideas and religious persons."

-Elder Dallin H. Oaks

The Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples

2009-10-17T11:04:00.001-06:00

The Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple is the second of two temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in South Jordan, Utah. It is also the fourth in the Salt Lake Valley and the 13th in the state of Utah.

The Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple serves approximately 83,000 Latter-day Saints living in the western Salt Lake Valley. The building is faced with light beige granite quarried and milled in China.

The new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple was built on a bluff on the edge of the Daybreak Community; the property was donated to the church by Kennecott Land. The edifice features a single stone spire 193 feet (59 m) high, topped by a 9-foot (2.7 m) statue of the angel Moroni. Ground was broken for construction on 16 December 2006.

Located on an 11-acre (45,000 m2) site, the temple sits at the foot of the Oquirrh Mountains that form the western edge of the Salt Lake Valley and faces east toward a panoramic view of the Wasatch Mountains. From the site, temple visitors can see the other three temples in the valley: the Draper Utah Temple, Jordan River Utah Temple (also in South Jordan) and the Salt Lake Temple.

On June 13, 2009, the spire was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. The statue of the angel Moroni was tarnished, and was replaced on August 11, 2009.

Prior to dedicatory services that took place on August 21-23, 2009, the public was invited to tour the new temple during an open house from June 1, 2009, to August 1, 2009.

To learn more about Mormons and Temple worship, please visit:
http://www.Mormon.org

A Great Time to Buy Alaskan Real Estate - Kristan Cole

2009-10-16T14:07:00.001-06:00

Here is some professional work that I did while I was in Alaska (microphone, lights, camera, action!). Let me know what your thoughts are!
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Is now a great time to buy real estate? Successful Realtor, Kristan Cole, lists the many reasons why now is the best time to invest in Alaskan real estate.

For more information on Alaskan Real Estate, please visit:
http://www.KristanCole.com

Why I'm AGAINST Universal Health Care

2009-10-16T01:23:00.003-06:00

Click on the picture to learn why Universal Health Care (ObamaCare) makes me sick.

The Draper Utah Temple (HD) - Mormon Temples

2009-10-15T00:43:00.001-06:00

The Draper Utah Temple is the 129th temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated as such on 20 through 22 March, 2009.

Elder Holland's Talk on Meridian Magaine

2009-10-14T09:12:00.002-06:00

The wonderful people at Meridian Magazine have featured my video, Joseph Smith & the Book of Mormon, as their cover story today. Thank you, Meridian Magazine!

This video was also featured as the lead story on LDS Media Talk and I've received a number of wonderful comments from people all over the world. Thanks everyone! Your support has been fantastic!

Joseph Smith & The Book of Mormon

2009-10-13T01:49:00.008-06:00

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland delivers a stirring testimony of the Book of Mormon to believers, non-believers and former believers...

To read the full talk, please visit this link.