Thank you Bro. Barkdull.
I have been looking for words to describe my instincts/feelings/thoughts about what is happening today.
I found them in your piece.
Ron TwitchellDecember 8, 2013
I'm late to the party - but thought to voice another thought.
What about the charge to be involved in our community, state and nation? I think we have been advised to learn of the issues that impact our lives, to uphold correct principles and elect those who will work to maintain our standards. At the same time we have been cautioned against following false prophets and those with evil intentions. How will I know if I don't listen to both/all sides? I get your point brother Barkdull; but I think it a mistake to wear blinders in an increasingly dangerous and wicked world.
Shauna BroderickDecember 5, 2013
Wonderful to check back here and find these comments! I was bracing myself to find an entirely different message from the commentators on this excellent article. There are those among us who have already seen the need for good news and have taken the personal initiative to create a news websight focused solely on uplifting and inspirational stories. The websight is call "Spotlight On Good." It has uplifted me and made me smile, as does Meridian Magazine. As even a small number are able to make a shift in attention towards the goodness that most surely exists in the hearts of men I believe a difference can indeed be made in the world. Thanks Larry for drawing attention to these true principles!
Tim TreuDecember 5, 2013
Thank you for this excellent and timely perspective. I believe similar cautions apply to many selling financial services who often use claims of a pending financial collapse to drum up business. It always helps to look at what's behind scare tactics and be suspicious of institutions and individuals whose messages are motivated by personal gain.
David hintonDecember 5, 2013
I always like to think of the Lords Plan such as part of the movie "Hunt for red October" where one of the Characters asks how the opposing captain is going to remove the crew.. the response is we dont have to know he already has that figured out. I believe we dont have to know all Gods plans we just have to run our "Sub" do what we need to do, and God has already figured out the rest. After all he has got us this far
Karen CoxDecember 4, 2013
Agreed with everything you said. I am tired of the negativity in our society and feel much of it comes from the news entertainers. I shut them off a year ago and find I am much happier not listening to them. Thanks for a great article.
Teri AndersonDecember 4, 2013
Adam, Nephi, Lehi, Isaiah, Jacob and so many others were given an amazing vision of the world from the beginning to the latter days, both the good and the bad. We should strive for this heavenly blessing as well, for the Lord is the only source that won't deceive us and He will truly give an accurate picture of events. We cannot get this through cable news or talk radio. I've felt this increasingly for the past several months. Great article! Thanks for the reminder! (I write as one who is a former talk radio junkie.)
CamilleDecember 4, 2013
I am glad you shared your experience because it precisely reflected my own. It was one day when I was so angry after a broadcast that it hit me like a lightning bolt, "Christ does not want me to feel like this!" From that moment on, I stopped listening to "them" and I sought peace and reasons to love everyone. It's been liberating for me. Thank you for the article.
Toni LyonsDecember 4, 2013
I feel that too many are sitting on the fence and doing nothing. I really believe that we need to be involved. Write letters to those who offend with bad programming and let them know how we feel. It does make a difference. I attend Tea party and we have very positive meetings with prayer, salute the flag and sing the National Anthem and honor the Veterans. We are informed and feel we are making a difference.
H. MurrayDecember 4, 2013
I believe there is a lot of truth in this article. At the same time, I am grateful for those political commentators and radio talk show hosts who are trying to educate the public. The news media has been so biased in one direction, that if these cable show and radio talk show hosts disappeared, Americans would only be getting one slanted viewpoint. I am actually very grateful for these "warriors" who are fighting an idealogical battle and trying to get the truth out. That is how I see it. But I do think we have to be careful and gage whether the negativity is affecting us and our ability to feel the spirit. There are times we need to withdraw for a while or tune out. Brother Barkdull says it is good to stay informed. I would like to know how much news he feels we should expose ourselves to, and what he thinks is a non-inflamatory source to listen to.
Marleen WilliamsDecember 4, 2013
Brother Barkdull - all I can say is Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You articulated what I have felt for a long time.
Stephen FennDecember 4, 2013
After reading through the comments, I am encouraged that so many recognize the spiritually harmful effects of a constant diet of negativity. I love hearing the messages of hope from our leaders. Their words remind us that among the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, gentleness, and faith.
BarrieDecember 4, 2013
It is interesting to contrast the hopeful, encouraging messages over the weekend of conference just a few weeks ago to the messages on the news shows. As you pointed out, prophets aren't concerned with ratings. On the contrary, those loud voices cause a lot of interference with the sensitive spiritual air waves the Lord uses and our prophet probably keeps the noise out as much as possible. Contention is not of God, but that seems to be the primary goal of many news commentators and talk show hosts. I am always put off by adjectives like "scary", "alarming", "fear" and other superlatives that sensationalize current events. Thanks for the thoughtful article.
Richard CrosbyDecember 4, 2013
Using Oliver Cowdery's beautiful language...'What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While the world (is) racked and distracted--while millions (are) groping as the blind for the wall...our eyes beheld, our ears heard.' Thank you Larry
Tom in ColoradoDecember 4, 2013
I've been much happier since shutting off most news. I stay up to date by selectivly scanning headlines and reading just the stories I'm intested in rather than subjecting myself to all of the negativity and contention. Meridian helps with this alot. Thanks Larry for the perceptive thoughts!
AnnaDecember 4, 2013
Much to think about here. Those other voices tend to make me cynical and mistrusting.
I seldom watch or listen to news and political commentary, relying instead on the internet, where I can check sources and quickly move on when I detect bias or overly inflammatory rhetoric. I still have a challenge, though. I must still pay close attention to what
larry dainesDecember 4, 2013
Thank you for a thoughtful, reasonable and spiritually sensitive approach to our current fractious and extremely partisan political environment.
Andrew LarsonDecember 4, 2013
We should not be embarrassed about keeping informed. The key is understanding the TRUTH about the "50 pound problem" & not letting it "scare us to death"
SallyDecember 4, 2013
I enjoyed this article. It is a timely warning not to get caught up in the evils of the day but rely on the words of our modern day prophets. As I read the words "in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth," it made me realize that the voice that "shakes the earth" is the voice of the Lord, and that we should never listen to voices that drown out His voice to us.
Margaret Van NoyDecember 4, 2013
Thank you. I came to the same conclusion awhile ago. Well said!
KateDecember 4, 2013
I have had similar feelings listening to talk show commentators. I have felt myself growing hateful, angry, and critical of certain parties and people because of the commentators reports. One day when in a particular mental frenzy over what I was hearing, I realized, THIS IS NOT OF THE LORD! "O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit"...informed we must be.... but inflamed? Thank you for articulately speaking truth and guiding us to the need for repentance and WISDOM!
AmyDecember 4, 2013
No irate-ness here. This is good. I appreciate this new perspective. Thank you.
Lee SheppardDecember 4, 2013
Great insights. No irate letter from me. I am sure you are right. I had never spotted D&C 38 talking of those who stir up fear and hatred as our commentators. I will be very cautious. Thank you.
Kathleen O'MealDecember 4, 2013
Honey-tongued or flamboyant, or any other description of those who use any platform to persuade are certainly found everywhere historically and geographically. It has always been our lot to listen, watch, feel, and read information and then decide if it be towards the good or towards the dark. (There is a great deal of useful info not found anywhere else but on cable. Beware of calling good evil and evil, good. It is our responsibility to check the credibility of information given.)Fear is just evidence of growth needed as we prepare to enter a different environment, that is; a more celestial place. I am a Stake Preparedness leader and also chair person of the largest family preparedness organization in N.America. As such I recieve a great many messages about being afraid of what seems to be on deck for many of us. When we work in tandem with our Heavenly Father to ready ourselves to serve Him, even unto death, looking forward to also becoming ready to enter a place of greater peace, greater light, greater love, greater opportunity, greater unity, etc., we seem to realize faster peace amidst trial. Fear of death and even the fear of pain/discomfort in dying seems to take a backseat to readiness to serve and lift others. Our groups are preparing to lift and help anyone in need. There is joy and contentment in this. I wish I had platform to share the accounts of miracles happening in the lives of those who embrace preparedness in this light. Thanks for your opinion. It is wisdom for all to first heed the counsel of the Prophets and get the ability to feel and follow the Lord's Spirit.
LeahDecember 4, 2013
Irate letters? I got up and turned my cable news off and then read the rest of this article!! I knew something was "off". I was getting alarmed and feeling "disquieted". Your article put it into words for me. So thank you! There you go!! Maybe the people who are irate about everything will write you an irate letter!!
IvonneDecember 4, 2013
Wow!!! Thank you! Guilty as charged. Thanks for the reminder.
Win BroadhurstDecember 4, 2013
No irate comments here! As always you are right on target. I have given up watching (listening) to the nightly news brought by those commentators. I now spend that time immersed in the scriptures (truth) seeking truth and wisdom as brought by the Holy Spirit! Thank you again for honest insight into complex issues!!
Anne PrattDecember 4, 2013
Whatever we focus on expands! I choose to not be sucked into the vortex of negativity. I choose light, beauty and goodness. That will also expand as I focus on it. I can live the "good" life no matter what is going on around me. Thanks for your article.
Joyce WilliamsDecember 4, 2013
Thank you Brother Barkdull! You've hit the nail on the head instead of pounding on the board.
Paralee EckmanDecember 4, 2013
Larry, this won't be an irate comment! I truly loved your article, and agree with it tremendously. I have learned much wisdom from you over the years, and you have been an example to me of integrity and fortitude. I'll admit we do follow "certain commentators" but after reading this article, I think we won't so often, or perhaps take them too seriously! I want to save this article, and read it often in the coming days! Thank You!
JohnellDecember 4, 2013
No irate letter from me. Thank you.
Rickie Findlay December 4, 2013
This is so right on. Thank you for reminding us that wisdom comes through study of the word of God and being able to listen to the still small voice.
CherylDecember 4, 2013
My take on the voices out there is that they do serve a purpose. Many people are still asleep as to the "awfulness of our situation" and those voices do expose at least some of the awful truth. Once realizing the far reaching and pervasive nature of wickedness right now, then we can begin to put our own houses in order. We can take more seriously the counsel to get out of debt and store food. We can strengthen our own houses and prepare for the future our prophets have told us about. Instead of "oh, it's out there thirty years or so," it's "oh, you mean right now?" Does our sense of urgency change when we realize how bad it really is? You bet. My take is that I would rather know I was being stalked by a tiger, keep my eyes on that tiger, and have my own defenses in place, than go through life as a Pollyanna and no preparations.
Do those many voices have their own agendas? Yes, they do. Do they have egos that propel them forward? Yes, they do. Do they sometimes get things wrong and out of proportion? Yes, they do. With those bits of conflicting data, we should still remember that we have the spirit to guide us and counsel us as to our own courses of action. No, we don't bury our heads in the sand. No, we don't take our eyes off the tiger. No, we don't skip merrily around that open field ignoring the tiger. We pray. We listen to the prophet's voice. We stay sensitive to the spirit and move forward.
I, for one, will still listen to at least some of the world's warning voices on cable and in other places. But I will also study the scriptures and pray for the insight the Lord wishes me to have. Am I depressed? No. Am I discouraged? No. I am aware and preparing the best I can with faith that the Lord is helping me and will, if I do my part, protect me and guide me.
AnnaDecember 4, 2013
Excellent! Thank you, brother Barkdull, for putting into words what I sometimes vaguely felt. You have opened my eyes.
Fred. BeijerlingDecember 4, 2013
Greetings from The Netherlands, bro. Barkdull, and AMEN to this article.
skshelloDecember 4, 2013
Thank you for your words. I probably will not turn the cable news off, but do want a balanced sense of gloom and hope. After all, putting my head under the sand is risky...but we do know WHO will be able to succor us.
Janice Kapp PerryDecember 4, 2013
Well said, and so important for us in maintaining a peaceful approach to life, with faith in the counsel of the authorized leaders.
Thanks, Larry
Comments | Return to Story
SteveDecember 9, 2013
Thank you Bro. Barkdull. I have been looking for words to describe my instincts/feelings/thoughts about what is happening today. I found them in your piece.
Ron TwitchellDecember 8, 2013
I'm late to the party - but thought to voice another thought. What about the charge to be involved in our community, state and nation? I think we have been advised to learn of the issues that impact our lives, to uphold correct principles and elect those who will work to maintain our standards. At the same time we have been cautioned against following false prophets and those with evil intentions. How will I know if I don't listen to both/all sides? I get your point brother Barkdull; but I think it a mistake to wear blinders in an increasingly dangerous and wicked world.
Shauna BroderickDecember 5, 2013
Wonderful to check back here and find these comments! I was bracing myself to find an entirely different message from the commentators on this excellent article. There are those among us who have already seen the need for good news and have taken the personal initiative to create a news websight focused solely on uplifting and inspirational stories. The websight is call "Spotlight On Good." It has uplifted me and made me smile, as does Meridian Magazine. As even a small number are able to make a shift in attention towards the goodness that most surely exists in the hearts of men I believe a difference can indeed be made in the world. Thanks Larry for drawing attention to these true principles!
Tim TreuDecember 5, 2013
Thank you for this excellent and timely perspective. I believe similar cautions apply to many selling financial services who often use claims of a pending financial collapse to drum up business. It always helps to look at what's behind scare tactics and be suspicious of institutions and individuals whose messages are motivated by personal gain.
David hintonDecember 5, 2013
I always like to think of the Lords Plan such as part of the movie "Hunt for red October" where one of the Characters asks how the opposing captain is going to remove the crew.. the response is we dont have to know he already has that figured out. I believe we dont have to know all Gods plans we just have to run our "Sub" do what we need to do, and God has already figured out the rest. After all he has got us this far
Karen CoxDecember 4, 2013
Agreed with everything you said. I am tired of the negativity in our society and feel much of it comes from the news entertainers. I shut them off a year ago and find I am much happier not listening to them. Thanks for a great article.
Teri AndersonDecember 4, 2013
Adam, Nephi, Lehi, Isaiah, Jacob and so many others were given an amazing vision of the world from the beginning to the latter days, both the good and the bad. We should strive for this heavenly blessing as well, for the Lord is the only source that won't deceive us and He will truly give an accurate picture of events. We cannot get this through cable news or talk radio. I've felt this increasingly for the past several months. Great article! Thanks for the reminder! (I write as one who is a former talk radio junkie.)
CamilleDecember 4, 2013
I am glad you shared your experience because it precisely reflected my own. It was one day when I was so angry after a broadcast that it hit me like a lightning bolt, "Christ does not want me to feel like this!" From that moment on, I stopped listening to "them" and I sought peace and reasons to love everyone. It's been liberating for me. Thank you for the article.
Toni LyonsDecember 4, 2013
I feel that too many are sitting on the fence and doing nothing. I really believe that we need to be involved. Write letters to those who offend with bad programming and let them know how we feel. It does make a difference. I attend Tea party and we have very positive meetings with prayer, salute the flag and sing the National Anthem and honor the Veterans. We are informed and feel we are making a difference.
H. MurrayDecember 4, 2013
I believe there is a lot of truth in this article. At the same time, I am grateful for those political commentators and radio talk show hosts who are trying to educate the public. The news media has been so biased in one direction, that if these cable show and radio talk show hosts disappeared, Americans would only be getting one slanted viewpoint. I am actually very grateful for these "warriors" who are fighting an idealogical battle and trying to get the truth out. That is how I see it. But I do think we have to be careful and gage whether the negativity is affecting us and our ability to feel the spirit. There are times we need to withdraw for a while or tune out. Brother Barkdull says it is good to stay informed. I would like to know how much news he feels we should expose ourselves to, and what he thinks is a non-inflamatory source to listen to.
Marleen WilliamsDecember 4, 2013
Brother Barkdull - all I can say is Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You articulated what I have felt for a long time.
Stephen FennDecember 4, 2013
After reading through the comments, I am encouraged that so many recognize the spiritually harmful effects of a constant diet of negativity. I love hearing the messages of hope from our leaders. Their words remind us that among the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, gentleness, and faith.
BarrieDecember 4, 2013
It is interesting to contrast the hopeful, encouraging messages over the weekend of conference just a few weeks ago to the messages on the news shows. As you pointed out, prophets aren't concerned with ratings. On the contrary, those loud voices cause a lot of interference with the sensitive spiritual air waves the Lord uses and our prophet probably keeps the noise out as much as possible. Contention is not of God, but that seems to be the primary goal of many news commentators and talk show hosts. I am always put off by adjectives like "scary", "alarming", "fear" and other superlatives that sensationalize current events. Thanks for the thoughtful article.
Richard CrosbyDecember 4, 2013
Using Oliver Cowdery's beautiful language...'What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While the world (is) racked and distracted--while millions (are) groping as the blind for the wall...our eyes beheld, our ears heard.' Thank you Larry
Tom in ColoradoDecember 4, 2013
I've been much happier since shutting off most news. I stay up to date by selectivly scanning headlines and reading just the stories I'm intested in rather than subjecting myself to all of the negativity and contention. Meridian helps with this alot. Thanks Larry for the perceptive thoughts!
AnnaDecember 4, 2013
Much to think about here. Those other voices tend to make me cynical and mistrusting. I seldom watch or listen to news and political commentary, relying instead on the internet, where I can check sources and quickly move on when I detect bias or overly inflammatory rhetoric. I still have a challenge, though. I must still pay close attention to what
larry dainesDecember 4, 2013
Thank you for a thoughtful, reasonable and spiritually sensitive approach to our current fractious and extremely partisan political environment.
Andrew LarsonDecember 4, 2013
We should not be embarrassed about keeping informed. The key is understanding the TRUTH about the "50 pound problem" & not letting it "scare us to death"
SallyDecember 4, 2013
I enjoyed this article. It is a timely warning not to get caught up in the evils of the day but rely on the words of our modern day prophets. As I read the words "in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth," it made me realize that the voice that "shakes the earth" is the voice of the Lord, and that we should never listen to voices that drown out His voice to us.
Margaret Van NoyDecember 4, 2013
Thank you. I came to the same conclusion awhile ago. Well said!
KateDecember 4, 2013
I have had similar feelings listening to talk show commentators. I have felt myself growing hateful, angry, and critical of certain parties and people because of the commentators reports. One day when in a particular mental frenzy over what I was hearing, I realized, THIS IS NOT OF THE LORD! "O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit"...informed we must be.... but inflamed? Thank you for articulately speaking truth and guiding us to the need for repentance and WISDOM!
AmyDecember 4, 2013
No irate-ness here. This is good. I appreciate this new perspective. Thank you.
Lee SheppardDecember 4, 2013
Great insights. No irate letter from me. I am sure you are right. I had never spotted D&C 38 talking of those who stir up fear and hatred as our commentators. I will be very cautious. Thank you.
Kathleen O'MealDecember 4, 2013
Honey-tongued or flamboyant, or any other description of those who use any platform to persuade are certainly found everywhere historically and geographically. It has always been our lot to listen, watch, feel, and read information and then decide if it be towards the good or towards the dark. (There is a great deal of useful info not found anywhere else but on cable. Beware of calling good evil and evil, good. It is our responsibility to check the credibility of information given.)Fear is just evidence of growth needed as we prepare to enter a different environment, that is; a more celestial place. I am a Stake Preparedness leader and also chair person of the largest family preparedness organization in N.America. As such I recieve a great many messages about being afraid of what seems to be on deck for many of us. When we work in tandem with our Heavenly Father to ready ourselves to serve Him, even unto death, looking forward to also becoming ready to enter a place of greater peace, greater light, greater love, greater opportunity, greater unity, etc., we seem to realize faster peace amidst trial. Fear of death and even the fear of pain/discomfort in dying seems to take a backseat to readiness to serve and lift others. Our groups are preparing to lift and help anyone in need. There is joy and contentment in this. I wish I had platform to share the accounts of miracles happening in the lives of those who embrace preparedness in this light. Thanks for your opinion. It is wisdom for all to first heed the counsel of the Prophets and get the ability to feel and follow the Lord's Spirit.
LeahDecember 4, 2013
Irate letters? I got up and turned my cable news off and then read the rest of this article!! I knew something was "off". I was getting alarmed and feeling "disquieted". Your article put it into words for me. So thank you! There you go!! Maybe the people who are irate about everything will write you an irate letter!!
IvonneDecember 4, 2013
Wow!!! Thank you! Guilty as charged. Thanks for the reminder.
Win BroadhurstDecember 4, 2013
No irate comments here! As always you are right on target. I have given up watching (listening) to the nightly news brought by those commentators. I now spend that time immersed in the scriptures (truth) seeking truth and wisdom as brought by the Holy Spirit! Thank you again for honest insight into complex issues!!
Anne PrattDecember 4, 2013
Whatever we focus on expands! I choose to not be sucked into the vortex of negativity. I choose light, beauty and goodness. That will also expand as I focus on it. I can live the "good" life no matter what is going on around me. Thanks for your article.
Joyce WilliamsDecember 4, 2013
Thank you Brother Barkdull! You've hit the nail on the head instead of pounding on the board.
Paralee EckmanDecember 4, 2013
Larry, this won't be an irate comment! I truly loved your article, and agree with it tremendously. I have learned much wisdom from you over the years, and you have been an example to me of integrity and fortitude. I'll admit we do follow "certain commentators" but after reading this article, I think we won't so often, or perhaps take them too seriously! I want to save this article, and read it often in the coming days! Thank You!
JohnellDecember 4, 2013
No irate letter from me. Thank you.
Rickie Findlay December 4, 2013
This is so right on. Thank you for reminding us that wisdom comes through study of the word of God and being able to listen to the still small voice.
CherylDecember 4, 2013
My take on the voices out there is that they do serve a purpose. Many people are still asleep as to the "awfulness of our situation" and those voices do expose at least some of the awful truth. Once realizing the far reaching and pervasive nature of wickedness right now, then we can begin to put our own houses in order. We can take more seriously the counsel to get out of debt and store food. We can strengthen our own houses and prepare for the future our prophets have told us about. Instead of "oh, it's out there thirty years or so," it's "oh, you mean right now?" Does our sense of urgency change when we realize how bad it really is? You bet. My take is that I would rather know I was being stalked by a tiger, keep my eyes on that tiger, and have my own defenses in place, than go through life as a Pollyanna and no preparations. Do those many voices have their own agendas? Yes, they do. Do they have egos that propel them forward? Yes, they do. Do they sometimes get things wrong and out of proportion? Yes, they do. With those bits of conflicting data, we should still remember that we have the spirit to guide us and counsel us as to our own courses of action. No, we don't bury our heads in the sand. No, we don't take our eyes off the tiger. No, we don't skip merrily around that open field ignoring the tiger. We pray. We listen to the prophet's voice. We stay sensitive to the spirit and move forward. I, for one, will still listen to at least some of the world's warning voices on cable and in other places. But I will also study the scriptures and pray for the insight the Lord wishes me to have. Am I depressed? No. Am I discouraged? No. I am aware and preparing the best I can with faith that the Lord is helping me and will, if I do my part, protect me and guide me.
AnnaDecember 4, 2013
Excellent! Thank you, brother Barkdull, for putting into words what I sometimes vaguely felt. You have opened my eyes.
Fred. BeijerlingDecember 4, 2013
Greetings from The Netherlands, bro. Barkdull, and AMEN to this article.
skshelloDecember 4, 2013
Thank you for your words. I probably will not turn the cable news off, but do want a balanced sense of gloom and hope. After all, putting my head under the sand is risky...but we do know WHO will be able to succor us.
Janice Kapp PerryDecember 4, 2013
Well said, and so important for us in maintaining a peaceful approach to life, with faith in the counsel of the authorized leaders. Thanks, Larry
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