Kemper's Korner

John A. Widstoe used this phrase in his short book Rational Theology.  One of the contemporary 12 apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, his efforts in this book sought to explain what a rational theology should like: "a philosophy of life which, because of its complete harmony with all knowledge, should be the one to which all men might give adherence."  Of course, he opined this theology was encapsulated within the church to which he belonged. Elder Widstoe points out a sixth sense that we humans have; but it's not like the one in the movie when Bruce Willis sees dead people.  First he highlights that the human race developed technical aids to help itself identify elements otherwise seen-microscopic life, planets far away, the light spectrum, radio waves with messages, etc.  The thought processes follows then that mankind should also use its "sixth sense" to learn things otherwise unknown, has prophets and visionaries have done througho...

Today was one of those weird days. A day when I didn't wake up with a headache and although I wasn't full of energy I wasn't feeling like I got ran over by that truck.  Well, I've been there before and it was a Monday so I still took my caffeine drink and it just didn't cut it today. My mom said her biorhythms were down when she had days like this.  I'm not sure what the deal was (and I certainly don't know what a biorhythm is!) but the simple fact was that I felt less than sufficient throughout the day and that just made everything hard.  Full of doubt, lack of self-esteem, a little bit of anger and blaming others, just not good feelings.  Had I read my scriptures that morning? Nope.  But I had prayed and paused for a moment to search my heart for communications.  They didn't come at that time, nor have they really yet in these early morning moments when I've been pausing just for a couple moments.  Really trying to bring myself closer to the L...

#HearHim Reading the church's clip about Christ cleansing the temple, the author notes that, "Sometimes our own lives can seem as crowded and conflicted as the temple in Jerusalem." How true that is, certainly in my own life.  I've erred for many years allowing too much distraction to enter into my life.  I long now for the proper balance as prescribed by the Lord.    He would wash your feet.  And so much more!  Watching the video of Christ's Last Supper while he washed his disciples' feet was quite touching.  I can slight imagine my feelings if the Son of God himself were to be in my presence and wanted to wash my feet.  How demeaning for someone so great to do something so menial on my behalf.  But the reality is that he already has done so much more for me personally as well as for everyone in the world.  Not only did he feel the pains of each and every one of the sins I would commit in this world, but he then allowed himself to b...

Written on 5 April: Yesterday's conference discussed the topic of "purpose" seemingly endlessly. I felt fulfilled in being reminded that we all have a purpose within God's plan, that the restoration is a special thing and we are all a part of it.  Today, however, the Sunday slump hit early (last night actually) and I find myself bogged down by worries from work, and now wondering how I fit into the Lord's plan.  Magnifying my calling comes to mind.  I've somewhat set that down during the recent pandemic fall out.  There are probably ways I can do better at that. Maybe I should reach out to the deacons and see how they're all doing?  What else can I do to magnify my calling? According to Bonnie Codon's (Young Women's President) talk, it's obvious that all members' purpose is to be missionaries.  As she says, to focus our lights in a way that will show others the way to Jesus Christ.  "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, b...

The Prophet told a child that being a prophet, "is hard...it takes effort and it never ends."  It never ends! So all the hard work that we always have to do whether at the career or in life (raising kids, taking care of the house, caring for others within our circles) never ends.  I guess that doesn't mean we don't get a break or shouldn't take a break from time to time.  I think for some time I've been expecting things in life to get easier or to end.  Many times I've said either out loud or to myself, "I'm 45 years old now, shouldn't I have more in life figured out, everything still seems so hard.  Well, I guess that's just the way things are-HARD.  Drive on Soldier!  President Eyring's spirit is always so strong.  He taught us that as we pray in faith we will become vital parts of the Lord's work here on earth, and I believe it.  It's good to know, as he reminded us, that Satan is actively trying to get us to not pray.  He...

Purpose is on my mind as I wake up and begin reading in the scriptures.  Em said she felt a greater sense of purpose once Beckett and I both were put in isolation (by her mind you).  I know the Lord has a purpose for me, am I living up to it as He would have me?  I read in Alma today a little about Alma's purpose. When his purpose on earth was done, he knew it.  He went to his children, told Helaman what the Lord commanded him (for he had a little secret revelation to be told), and then blessed them all before disappearing.  The account says they assume he was taken up into heaven like Moses was.  The point taken by me is that Alma was very in touch with his appointed purpose from the Lord. Enough so that he knew when his mission was complete and when he was approved to conduct a handover (with Helaman assumedly) and finish his term.  So today I'll be thinking more about my purpose of the day. I've prayed to the Lord asking that he reveal it to me fo...

This morning I listened to a couple talks from our prophets and apostles.  I guess they have been popular on Youtube as they were at the top of the listen to watch, so I did.  It was interesting to hear again about preparedness.  One was President Ezra Taft Benson from over 15 years ago and another was from five years ago.  President Benson urged saints to not buy stocks and bonds but to use our money to plant gardens, have fuel and food on hand for one year.  I admittedly haven't thought of having a one year supply in a very long time.  In part that's been due to me being in the military and moving so darn much.  I now plan to re-look our readiness much harder. Here's the link to President Oaks' talk from 2015:  Preparation for the Second Coming One of my favorite quotes from the talk: "The good, the true and the beautiful are being replaced by the no-good, the whatever, and the valueless fodder of personal whim."