A Sunday citation

This is a quote by Elder Erastus Snow that I read while I was studying Joshua 24:

"It good and evil is placed before us, does not the person who chooses the good and refuses the evil exhibit his agency and manhood as much as the man who chooses the evil and refuses the good? or is the independence of manhood all on the side of the evil-doer? I leave you to answer this question in your own mind. To me, I think the angels and saints and all good people have exercised their agency by choosing the good and refusing the evil; and in doing so they not only exhibit their independence and manhood as much, but show a much higher disposition; and I leave the future to determine who are wise in the choice of their freedom and independence." (Journal of Discourses, 19:180-181.)

Article in Progressive Dairyman

I didn't post this article to my blog as soon as it came out because I wasn't as proud of it as I was of others I'd written this year. It didn't turn out as I was hoping, partly because the story wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But Altfrid Krusenbaum, the owner of the farm in the article, gave me some very positive feedback about it, so I decided that maybe I ought to share it.

Sharemilking provides a good start for anyone

Sunday citation

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If we want to have a living, abiding faith, we must be active in the performance of every duty as members of this church." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith. Chap. 5, pg 86.)

That's one remarkable thing about the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you are sincerely and actively engaged in a cause or a belief that is wrong, you will eventually become disillusioned and lose interest. But when people with honest hearts are actively living the true gospel of Jesus Christ to the best of their knowledge, they never become disillusioned and fall away. Never.

Sunday citation

I'm almost done with the book of Deuteronomy, and I've really enjoyed it so far. Genesis used to be my favorite book in the Old Testament, but this time reading through the Old Testament I think that Deuteronomy is. At least it is so far. Here is a comment on chapter 20 from Rousas John Rushdoony in his book The Institutes of Biblical Law:

"Another general principle appears from this law ... that it is not enough for the cause to be holy; not only the cause, but the people of the cause, must be holy, both spiritually and physically."

I just thought that was a very profound statement, and it shows that the most important war should be against evil in ourselves. The best and most effective restraint is self-restraint. This also reminds me of a quote that read a while ago in Susan Wise Bauer's book, The Story of the World vol. 4. She was discussing the pattern of the last couple hundred years where, in different place all over the world, one group overthrows a tyrant only to become a tyrant itself.

"Revolution shatters the structures; but the men who build the next set of structures haven't conquered the evil that lives in their own hearts. The history of the twentieth century is, again and again, the story of men who fight against tyrants, win the battle, and then are overwhelmed by the unconquered tyranny in their own souls."

If the people of the cause are trying to be holy and honest with God and man, this probably wouldn't ever happen.

Article coming out in April 1st issue of PFG

Here is a link to an article I wrote that is coming out in the April 1st issue of Progressive Forage Grower:

Geralds Hay Farms saves money by 'rolling' equipment

It was really interesting to talk to Clayton Geralds and write this article. I have to wonder, why don't more farmers use this type of system for their equipment?

Article on Progressive Forage Grower website

Here is my most recently published article:

Southeastern Idaho Forage Seminar provides opportunities for learning

It was a lot of fun to attend the seminar and learn more about the forage industry!