AND GOD BREATHED HIS BREATH

 

AND GOD BREATHED HIS BREATH

I have an unmatched awe for the magnitude and magnificence of God’s creations. There is nothing else in life that inspires me greater, gives me more admiration, more amazement, or causes me ceaseless  wonder. The beauty, the variety, the simplicity and the complexity of it all, is breathtaking. It’s beyond mortal comprehension. The never-ending discovery, the innate, self-contained renewal and replenishment, the splendor and delight that greets the senses anew continually is miraculous. Truly, everything testifies of an all-powerful Master Designer.

The pinnacle of God’s mortal creations were the bodies He organized for Adam and Eve. With portions from each of the other seven periods of creation, He incorporated the best of the best into the mortal tabernacles for His spirit children. Light and darkness – good and evil; sky and water – breath and fluid; earth with vegetation – food and resources; sun, moon and stars – contrasting levels of light, goodness and opposition; sea and land and air creatures – wonderment and replenishing resources; rest – appreciation, regeneration, and recuperation.

It is interesting to remember that all of creation (organization), the heavens and the earth and everything in it (including the bodies for His children), was done by His breath, by His Word. The term ‘Word’ is understood multiple ways – as God’s Son, His command, His sound, His decree, His breath. Everything that was (happened), is (happens), or will be (happening) – only occurs through and because of His word and His breath.

From the introduction of Adam and Eve into mortality, ALL of mankind’s subsequent creations have relied on, and used the patterns and designs of God’s seven periods of creation. We can find plagiarism of His original creation in every accomplishment of mankind – transportation, technology, construction, literature, science, medical, food, theater, education, music, sports, etc. Similarly, ALL of man’s creations commenced by  his breath – an idea spoken aloud, documented as a plan, and eventually culminating into creation. There are no original ‘creations,’ ‘discoveries,’ or ‘inventions’ of man that can’t trace their nucleus and patterns to God’s unmatched seven days of creation. As it is written, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.  Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us” (Eccl. 1:9-10, emphasis added). God holds all the patents for all of creation.

Adam and Eve came to life, into mortal existence because God breathed His breath into them, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Moses confirmed that Adam was, “The first man of all men “(Mos. 1:34).

Adam was created (‘organized’ - see Abr. 3:22-24) in the image of God AND in the image of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Mos. 2:26-27). It’s not a stretch to further understand that by God’s word, by His breath, He breathed life into ALL of creation. By His breath He breathes His words, His counsel, His love, His spirit, (the light of Christ), the breath of hope, the breath of a bright and celestial future, the breath of healing, the breath of optimism to overcome, the breath of promise, the breath of life!

Adam and Eve not only were created in the Gods’ images, but they were also then brought to life by God breathing His breath into them. By receiving His breath, they received a physical, tangible part of God’s corporeal substance, that commenced precious life. It reminds me of the life-saving practice of giving someone CPR – an essential, lifesaving, physical part of a giver brings life to a victim. Similarly, a blood transfusion or an organ transplant, each give life physically from the giver to the recipient which revives and/or extends mortality.

Taking the thought forward another step, once life is given or revived, that life, in turn, can pass it on (pay it forward) to another life or lives. Just as we can trace bloodlines through generations, all of humanity can trace the breath we vitally need through our parents, grandparents, great grandparents, through modern history, through New Testament history, through all the generations of the Old Testament, to Adam and Eve, and ultimately to God’s very breath into Adam and Eve in Eden’s Garden. As such, we (all humankind) have not only God’s spiritual DNA inside us, but also traces of His physical breath inside us.

The idea of physical breathing is really interesting. Without food we can live up to three months. Without water, only about three days. Without love maybe longer, but not much living is really going on there. However, without air, we can only live five or six minutes. Without breathing our hearts will stop beating, our brains will stop thinking, and all of our vital organs will shut down. God breathed His breath into Adam and Eve, and subsequently they passed it onto all of humanity, each subsequent generation passing it on to the next. Each of us breath about 23K times daily (24 hours a day), 8.4M times a year, and over 682M times throughout an eighty-year lifespan.

In mortality, where God’s literal spiritual offspring, His children, who sustained His premortal Plan of Happiness and left their heavenly home, descend to a mortal world where they receive their physical bodies. Before earth life, we loved and adored our Heavenly Parents and desired to become more like Them. Mortality was an opportunity to experience a physical body (like Father and Mother had), learn to exercise agency on a whole new level, fail and succeed over and over, apply the atonement in intimate and redeeming ways, and practice becoming more like our Heavenly Parents.

The creation of the earth and mortal bodies for His children were essential to the Father’s Plan. In the premortal Council of the Gods, They said: “We will go down, for there is space there, and We will take of these materials, and We will make (organize) an earth whereon these (God’s children) may dwell; and We will prove (test) them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr. 3:24–25, emphasis added).

God provides some glorious insight into the creation, “Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that He hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made” (D&C 59:18-20, emphasis added). Doesn’t it sound exactly like enthusiastic, animated, anticipating, expecting, and motivated Parents meticulously planning, arranging, and organizing the perfect life-classroom for their babies? We are also instructed, “… elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy” (D&C 93:29, 33, emphasis added). The union of God’s spirit children with the physical element of the mortal body He created, and brought to life by the breath of the Divine, inseparably connected for the express purpose to ‘receive a fullness of joy!’ Could there be any better Parents in the whole wide universe?

God gave us a part of Him! His breath brought our mortal, temporary bodies to life! Made possible, our continued eternal progression, our quest to emulate our Parents and become more like Them, and progressing forward and upward in our ultimate goal of preparing for godliness. A literal fulfilment of the Psalmist’s assertion, “… You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you” (Psa. 82:6 emphasis added), as well as the oft quoted Deepak Chopra. “Every person is a God in embryo. Its only desire is to be born.”

Some may ask why? Why did God do all of this? Maybe an applicable response can be found in a favorite writing from 2008, titled –

“Thy Works O Lord, How Was It Done?”

How my Lord?

The hummingbird so fragile, the cheetah so quick and agile –

The ocean so deep and blue, every sunrise so incredibly new –

The earth’s formation, just the right distance from the sun –

I wonder O Lord – How it was done?

 

How O Creator?

The smell of the newborn so sweet, soft little hands and feet –

Last night’s stars that twinkled, the elephant’s skin so wrinkled –

Mountains of monumental majesty, deserts of peaceful tranquility –

I marvel Dear Creator – How was it done?

 

 

How O Great Architect?

So sensitive and insightful the heart, the mind so complex and smart –

Flowers of every possible hue, the freshness of the morning dew –

Music that stirs every soul, diamonds formed from compressed coal –

In awe I ask O Father – How was it done?

 

How, Almighty One?

Giraffes, starfish and dolphins – caterpillar, ostrich and barnyard hens –

Holding hands – playing and laughter, with my five-year-old daughter –

In my arms she sleeps and dreams, of fairy tales and princess things –

Amazed, I wonder my King – Just how it was done?

 

How Master overall, both great and small?

Smiles that mend most ev’ry pain, prairies that flow with golden grain –

A kiss as bride and groom, the scent when orange blossoms bloom –

Planets and galaxies without end, the calm to know someone as friend –

I desire to understand Master – O how was it done?

 

O God, The Father of All,

Thy works so glorious and grand, without end thy creations planned –

Each unique with intrinsic beauty, all with exactness absolutely –

Every aspect, divinely deliberate every way, every moment, every day –

At last I’m beginning to see – it was done with love, so perfectly.

_____________________________________________________________

 

Wm. Calvin Hughes | Lake Elsinore California | May 30, 2008

There is a debt we cannot hope to repay. Any feeble attempt to do so is as unworthy as a single raindrop in the oceans. What’s ‘due’ is an infinite measure of gratitude and adoration worthy of our continual worship to our Heavenly Parents - for Their love displayed in every detail of Their perfect Plan of Happiness, built on the perfect Atonement of Jesus Christ; for Their perfect seven periods of creation, the organization of the universe (stars, suns, planets, and earths) and everything therein; and for the perfect design of our mortal bodies; and most especially, for the perfect Holy Breath of the Father, which was the nucleus, the origin, the beginning of it all. Every whit!

Dedicated to Jeriann Hughes-Marks, my goodly and godly mother who taught me to love God, to trust and honor Him, to learn how to communicate and commune with Him, to seek after Him, to cherish and honor my relationship with Him, and to dedicate my life to Him. As I have tried to devote myself accordingly, I have heard His voice, felt His protection, been taught at His feet, leaned on His ample arm, experienced His grace and mercy, basked in His love, and found uncommon peace and happiness, in hopes of  someday “receiving the fulness of joy” He has planned for all of who love Him (D&C 93:33, emphasis added).

______________________________________________________________________________________

Wm. Calvin Hughes | Lake Elsinore, CA | September 25, 2025

THE HUGHES LAW OF CONSEQUENCES

 

                                 THE HUGHES LAW OF CONSEQUENCES

Maybe another meaning for life, or answer to the purpose of mortality is the opportunity to “make choices”. Without choices, life would be more like a solitary prison sentence as there would be no agency. No good or bad, no right or wrong, no rewards or punishment. There would be no consequences and perhaps most significant, no growth, no progress. The ruling theme of the day would be absolute apathy. Without choices there would be no love, no charity, no empathy, no grace, no effort, no creativity, no color, no preferences, no meaning, no conflict, no rules or laws, no religion, or need for government. There would be no competition, no failure and therefore no success.

Every choice inherently comes with consequences, hence The Law of Consequences. One categorically follows the other. Like choices, consequences are critically important to mortality. They have the overarching ability to improve or damage life! The right choices yield better consequences and better consequences can bring us not just more happiness, but lasting happiness – both in this life and the next. Consequences are powerful. They can determine the quality of relationships, employment, our faith, our health, where we live, how we live, whether or not we experience fulfillment and satisfaction, or even find and realize our purpose.

Isaac Newton understood it unmistakably when he discovered and recorded the Third Law of Motion: “If one object exerts a force on another object, then the other object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first object.” Choices exert forces and those forces exert consequences. Much like gravity,  it’s always been there, it always works, it’s an unswerving, eternal law. The Law of Consequences tell us that our choices ultimately define the resulting consequences, which in turn define our overall quality of life.

Benjamin Franklin also contributed to the concept. He was renowned for his lifelong quest for self-improvement. He recognized that a valuable part of improvement was good decision making. He had a methodical mind and applied it in creating a process for the successful solving of complex decisions. Describing the methodology he wrote, “When these difficult cases occur, they are difficult chiefly because while we have them under consideration all the reasons for pro and con are not present to the mind at the same time; but sometimes one set present themselves, and at other times another, the first being out of sight. Hence the various purposes or inclinations that alternately prevail, and the uncertainty that perplexes us.” He then describes further the “how” to weigh the ‘for and against’ in any situation – “To get over this, my way is, to divide, half a sheet of paper by a line into two columns, writing over the one pro, and over the other con. Then, during three or four day’s consideration I put down under the different heads short hints of the different motives that at different times occur to me for or against the measure. When I have thus got them all together in one view, I endeavor to estimate their respective weights; and where I find two, one on each side, that seem equal, I strike them both out: if I find a reason pro equal to some two reasons con, I strike out the three. If l judge some two reasons con equal to some three reasons pro, I strike out the five; and thus proceeding I find at length where the balance lies; and if after a day or two of further consideration nothing new that is of importance occurs on either side, I come to a determination accordingly. And though the weight of reasons cannot be taken with the precision of algebraic quantities, yet when each is thus considered separately and comparatively, and the whole lies before me, I think I can judge better, and am less likely to make a rash step; and in fact I have found great advantage from this kind of equation, in what may be called moral or prudential algebra.” Ben Franklin’s humble tool for decision-making is now renown as the ‘T-Chart’. It is widely used to examine two opposing facets of a topic, object, situation, circumstance, or event under consideration. T-Charts are particularly helpful for analyzing advantages and disadvantages, as well as strengths and weaknesses. It’s a systematic, intentional process for making better choices, more informed choices, that help us arrive at the overall most advantageous conclusion, and the best possible conclusions. Revolutionary!

A favorite verse shared with me over 30 years ago has stuck and become somewhat of a life mantra. The simple message of choices and consequences is inherently captured herein. It goes,

“Today I plant a seed, Tomorrow it may be,

A flower or a weed, Depends on the seed.”

Choices ‘planted’ today result in consequences of “delicious fruit” or “rotten tomatoes” tomorrow, depends on the choices. Every day, every decision, every experience, every interaction or communication we have with each other – said or unsaid – is a seed. Whether we grasp it or not, we are planting seeds every moment, all-the-day long. Accordingly, we should be conscientious of the kinds of seeds we plant! We should concentrate on planting seeds that will produce beautiful flowers, velvety grass, hardy shrubs, and sturdy trees. It takes some self-discipline, and practice, and a deep love of others to become good at it. We should commit to be intentional gardeners - planting good seeds, making good decisions every day of our lives; in all of our relationships - at home, at work, with friends, with neighbors, on social media, and even with strangers. We can never know the extent of the choices we make (seeds we plant) will have from the consequences or influence (for good or evil) on lives, both others’ lives and our own. It’s sobering and humbling to recognize that reality. In so doing, hopefully it persuades us to be more deliberate and sensible in our decision making responsibilities going forward.

An ancient prophet wisely memorialized a version of The Law of Consequences, but from different perspective when he so plainly said, “There is opposition in all things.” Like a small stone tossed into a pond, the circles of expanding ripples extent out seemingly indefinitely. Choices are that way. Ripples of either goodness or negativity undoubtedly flow into eternity, influencing generations, and even return to impact us again (and again).

Even the Creator of the universe remarked about the significance of our choices. He said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Lk. 6:38; also see other verses echoing the same idea: Gal. 6:7-8, Job 4:8, Jer. 17:10, 2 Cor. 9:6, Mk. 4:24). The message is abundant and clear - every choice has a consequence. It’s unavoidable. We have the ultimate control over our choices. It’s a God-given holy endowment of agency, but we have little-to-no control of the ensuing consequences. Just as day follows night, no doubts, no questions, no hesitation, systematically, with surety and inevitability, consequences will follow choices for every breath of our mortal probation. Consequences can be viewed as a curse or a blessing, but for those that understand The Law of Consequences and live their lives respecting it, greater blessings will come. Maybe it’s partially what Paul was teaching to the Corinthians when he said, “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him’” (1Cor. 2:9). Blessings untold and unrealized are the unequivocal consequences of the best choices.

As followers and disciples of Christ, and as members of His Church, we are blessed to have a multitude of ‘job aids’ to support us through the challenges of mortality and the accompanying daily choices of life. One of my best friends speaks frequently of one of these decision-making gifts – “the Light of Christ” – “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (Jn. 1:9-13).  What a magnificent gift given to every man born into mortality! Some have referred to the Light of Christ as our conscience. The still, small voice in our minds and bosoms that intuitively helps us discern right from wrong, good from bad. In a more tongue-in-cheek way, others describe it as the proverbial “an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other.” However it’s illustrated, the concept is almost universally accepted. For every choice, there are contrasting decisions, and both have divergent consequences.

There are several other “job aids” benevolently gifted to help us make decisions with good choices that yield better consequences. The Holy Ghost, the Scriptures, patriarchal blessings, the Holy Priesthood, Temple and other sacred ordinances, prayer, commandments and doctrines, repentance and forgiveness, beatitudes, virtues, living Prophets and Apostles, other spiritual leaders – both worldwide and local, and the supporting influence of each other, just  to name a few.

We are accountable for both the choices we make, and how we respond to the accompanying consequences. We’re all familiar with the dietary maxim, “You are what you eat.” In expanded terms, we could also intimate, “You are what you think” – maybe more famously said, “As a man thinketh, so is he,” which is shortened from Prov. 23:7 – “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” Might I suggest a related adage in terms of the subject of this writing, “You are the consequences of your choices.” Where we are today is the sum of our past choices and the resulting consequences. And where we’re headed tomorrow will be the sum of our current and future choices.

One great thing about life and choices is that we can always make course corrections just by making better choices henceforth. Because of God’s grace and the gift of agency, our current projected destiny can be bettered by our choices going forward. A beloved living Apostle characterized it perfectly, “… however late you think you are, however many chances you think you’ve missed, however many mistakes you feel you’ve made, or talents you don’t think you have, or distance from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of Divine Love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s atonement shines.  …There is nothing you have done that cannot be undone. There is no problem which you cannot overcome. There is no dream that in the unfolding of time and eternity cannot yet be realized. Even if you feel you are the lost and last laborer of the eleventh hour, the Lord of the vineyard still stands beckoning! Come boldly to the throne of Grace and fall at the feet of the Holy One of Israel. Come and feast without money and without price at the table of the Lord! To those that have been blessed by the gospel for many years because you were fortunate enough to find it early, and to those of you that have come to the gospel by stages and phases later, and finally, to those of you that may still be hanging back, to each of you, one and all, I testify of the renewing power of God’s love and the miracle of His grace. His concern is for the faith of which you finally arrive, not the hour of the day in which you got there! So, if you’ve made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you’ve made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late as long as the Master of the Vineyard says, “There is time.” Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ, and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late.” (The Laborers in the Vineyard, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Mar. 2012).

We can rely on ‘the arm of the flesh’ (our own wisdom) to make decisions and hope for the best. Or we can turn to the Savior and ‘lean on His ample arm.’  This phrase comes from a cherished hymn, “Lean on My Ample Arm,” one of my favorites. The lyrics –

Lean on my ample arm, O thou depressed! And I will bid the storm Cease in thy breast.

Whate’er thy lot may be On life’s complaining sea, If thou wilt come to me, Thou shalt have rest.

If thou wilt come to me, Thou shalt have rest.

Lift up thy tearful eyes, Sad heart, to me; I am the sacrifice Offered for thee.

In me thy pain shall cease, In me is thy release, In me thou shalt have peace, Eternally.

In me thou shalt have peace, Eternally.

Theodore E. Curtis (1872 – 1957) - Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints #120

In summary, we can employ a deliberate and intentional effort to make better choices, the best choices going forward. Similar to Ben Franklin’s ‘T chart’ we could also use a simple table, but with three columns instead of two. The first column would “The Choice Before Us”; the second column, “Positive and Beneficial Consequences”; and the third column, “Negative and Detrimental Consequences.” As we flesh-out all of the potential consequences and augment our efforts by seeking assistance from the Light of Christ and other divine means, our decision making skills will improve and even refine over time. As we regularly practice this process, it will eventually become second nature to us. And the ensuing string of consequences will build a more content and peace-filled life, replete with the happiness God would want for His children.

My wish is that as we better understand The Law of Consequences, our choices will return to us consequences measured with the increased peace and joy and contentment we seek.

Wm. Calvin Hughes | September 19, 2025 | Lake Elsinore, CA

THE MOMENTS IN LIFE

 

The Moments in Life

 

There is no life without moments…

 

Moments of hunger,

moments of fear and loneliness,

moments of trepidation,

moments of being unfairly judged,

moments of scarcity and coldness,

and moments of pain.

 

Moments of disappointment and failure,

moments of depravity,

moments of envy,

moments of inadequacy and regret,

moments of shame and embarrassment,

moments of frustration and anger,

and moments of depression.

 

There are also moments of overcoming,

moments of prevailing and of triumph,

moments of success and victory,

moments of completion,

moments of peace and there are moments of love.

 

A life without moments like these wouldn't be much of a life at all.

 

That's what makes life unique, worthwhile, interesting and full.

 

Embrace, relish and enjoy the journey.

_____________________________________________________

 

Wm. Calvin Hughes | September 7, 2023 | Lake Elsinore, CA

More Peace and Happiness Available

 

More Peace and Happiness Available

Every person who has ever lived or will ever live has a genetic predisposition, an unmistaken longing for greater peace and happiness. It’s interesting that with all the chaos and contention in our world, we all have this mutual personal yearning – a cohesive, universal thread that connects everyone – all 7.9 billion of us. That fiber is our common denominator, a perpetual desire and pursuit of greater peace and happiness. If it’s so pedestrian among all of humanity, how can we tell if we’re realizing it? What does it look like when we have it? And how would it feel as we’re achieving greater peace and happiness on a more consistent basis?

Here are some of the delineators that signal realization of increased peace and happiness in our lives –  Less stress and less anxiety and more organization * Less guilt * A greater need to serve others * A greater desire to be charitable * A greater focus on the things that matter most – things that promote meaningful progress * Better relationships and repaired fractured relationships * Less anger and frustration * Better health and better sleep * Better attitude * Brighter outlook on what the future holds – looking forward to the future * A cleaner, calmer conscious * The ability to think clearer * More opportunities will spontaneously come your way * You'll be more attractive to others * You’ll have more light in your life * You’re less selfish, more selfless * You’ll feel more freedom and have more options * You’ll experience increased thinking ability, better problem-solving abilities, better decision making, and superior creative skills * Increased integrity and morality * You’ll experience more protection * You’ll receive more forgiveness * You’ll have more heaven in your life – increased spiritual direction and divine comfort * You’ll enjoy more truth and discernment * There will be less contention in your life * Setbacks will be viewed as minimal speedbumps, ‘blessings’ that provide learning and experience, just part of the journey – not major roadblocks that you need to waste any  time or energy fretting over * Life will mean more, be more cherished * You’ll have fewer feelings of depression or discouragement * You’ll have less focus on material things * You’ll experience increased clarity * Temptations will be easier to cast-off * You’ll have fewer regrets * You’ll feel more love. 

Wouldn’t everyone want more of these virtues in their lives? Can’t imagine anyone that wouldn’t!

So, if we’re not regularly recognizing these qualities in our lives, what are we doing about it? Are we just accepting the status quo? Or are we proactively incorporating ideas and activities that will encourage the realization of increased peace and happiness in our lives? How can we be engaged in pursuing and achieving increased levels of peace and happiness?

Some, when trying to justify personal goodness, might say something like, “I’m really a good person… I’ve never robbed a bank…” Always found that quite humorous. Like that’s the ultimate measure of humanity’s decency! If so, join the ‘righteousness club’ along with 99.99999% of the population! It’s not very reassuring… and not the greatest indication of deserving increased and regular peace and happiness in your life. Just thinking you’re ‘a good person’ wouldn’t qualify someone as warranting greater quantities of peace and happiness – it’s just hopeful thinking.

Then how can we be more proactive at realizing increased and consistent peace and happiness? One of the better sources of life truth can be found in ‘The Good Book.’ Let’s explore some verses that teach us about achieving peace and happiness (happiness is often referred to as ‘joy,’ ‘comfort’ and ‘rest’).

Maybe the most noticeable reference to peace is acknowledging Christ as the Prince of Peace. Following Him and His teachings brings peace from the ultimate source of peace. There are nearly one hundred Bible verses that reference peace in relation to Jesus Christ.

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thes. 3:16).

“And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (Isa. 32:18).

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).

In reference to achieving more, consistent happiness (joy, joyful, joyfulness, joyous, enjoy, comfort) there are over two hundred and thirty verses with admonitions, advice and wise counsel in scripture. Here are a few.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11).

“Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom” (1 Kgs. 10:8).

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28-30).

“And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Ex. 33:14).

If we’re genuine about elevating peace and happiness levels in our lives, there are easily accessible road maps, abundant resources with established and proven methodologies available to everyone. The choice is ours. The overall result will depend on our sustained commitment to the objective.

Further support for this ideology can be found in multiple studies that confirm the reality for increased peace and happiness being enjoyed by those who maintain committed, faith-filled belief systems. One study, from The Pew Research Center[i], conducted a worldwide survey on this topic in over 25 countries. They categorized respondents in three ways – actively religious, inactively religious, and those that identify as having no religious affinity. In every country the results were consistent, not a single exception – people who were actively religious always reported higher volumes of happiness. In some countries the difference was as much as 14%. Those who identified as actively participating in their religion (all faiths and creeds) were as much as 14% more content than those who self-reported as both non-religious and non-participating in religion. The smallest difference in these countries still reported a 4% improvement in increased happiness. Some other interesting findings from the study: the actively religious (the happiest group) were generally more likely to abstain from smoking and drinking; the actively religious are more likely to vote; the religiously active are more likely to be physically active; and the actively religious are more likely to be involved in other service organizations (i.e. voluntary organizations, charities, clubs, humanitarian organizations, and philanthropical societies).

Absolute peace and happiness, like Shangri-La is a mythical place. We can experience some heaven on earth, but eternal heaven is another place altogether – a place we look forward to residing as a unified citizenry someday. Until then, mortality by definition comes with challenges, atrocities, unfairness, inequity, suffering, injustice and evil. It’s because absolute peace and happiness is unfeasible that we’re on this lifelong quest to find more of it. Achieving greater volumes of peace and happiness is attainable, but we have to set our minds to it, live by directives that yield it, and be intentional about proactively pursuing it. Makes perfect sense that God so appropriately named His plan, ‘The Plan of Happiness’. It’s a lifelong journey but well worth it because you’ll be blessed with a reality that embraces more peace and more happiness.

With both empirical and theoretical validation, it lends credibility to the idea of having increased peace and happiness is not only possible, but that there’s reliable methodology on how to realize it! With that in mind, if you could use more peace, more happiness, what are you waiting for? If you know of someone searching for more peace and happiness, pass this article on to them.

My wish is that you will discover how to find and enjoy increased peace and greater happiness in your life.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8).

Wm. Calvin Hughes | July 29, 2023 | Lake Elsinore, CA

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[i] https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world/

THE RAIMENT CURATOR

 

the Raiment Curator

a Parable about the Atonement

by Steven W. Hughes

There was once a man who was a restorer of textiles.

 He was the master custodian of apparel!

His own garments were impeccable!

 

They were not flashy or trendy,

but perfect.

 

His loyalty to His Owner

was readily apparent.

 

Their countenances were identical

and their end goal indistinguishable.

  

The Owner trained the Master

 in all His ways.

 

There was no stain that the

Master had not seen!

 

 

No disfigurement he could not reconcile!

 

There was no odor he

had not encountered!

 

 He recognized the origin of each blemish

as well as the fiber of each article

and knew the appropriate treatment.

 

He understood the complete use of

chemicals and fabric tolerance.

 

 He understood the Universal Solvent

and its properties

and use in rehabilitation of textiles.

 

Many there were that came to Him

with their apparel

to have stains blotted out,

fabrics renewed and made whole.

 

 

 

His process for restoration was exact

and without fail,

so long as the customer had faith in Him and 

patience for the process

which could only happen

in the curator’s timetable.

 

Upon receipt of an article,

the Master treated it as his own.

 

 

Discussing with its owner the history,

use and misuse of the good.

 

 Each piece was numbered,

bar coded and scanned

into the Master’s log.

 

 

Each and every garment was

studied and inspected,

and given its exact and specific blueprint 

for complete curation.

 

 At any given moment the location

 of a piece was known

by the Master Curator.

 

Every thread memorized.

 

Upon completion,

each piece was once again inspected,

carefully packaged and presented to 

the customer with

detailed instructions for ongoing care.

 

Each of his employees were trained

in the Master’s ways,

which was also the Owner’s ways.

 

They were not perfect apprentices,

 but they were worthy,

able and authorized

to do the Curator’s will.

They were sent out all over the land

to find articles for their work.

 

They represented Him well

teaching His ways.

 

Patrons that heeded the apprentices

were made whole.

 

 

They observed the Master

for what he was

and had great joy!

 

When they heeded his word,

all their stains and blemishes

were as though they never existed.

 

 

The Curator had a competitor.

 

He was a flashy dresser.

 

Always wanting to be above his clientele.

 

He saw them as beneath him;

unworthy of his presence.

He too had been trained

in the art of restoration

by the same Owner

as the Master Curator.

 

 

He knew the techniques

and requirements

that resulted in complete perfection.

 

He understood the patience required

for cleaning and achieving results.

 

 

He knew the chemistry and applications.

 

However, he despised the Owner.

 

Defiled his name.

Jealous of the Owner’s fortune

and power.

 

He demanded it all for himself.

 

He wanted uncountable volume.

 

He labored extensively

teaching his employees

the art of deception,

and the fraudulency of speed.

 

Infatuated with the hypocrisy

of his methods,

he easily betrayed his patrons.

 

 

He found practices to cut costs

and reduce overhead.

 

He diluted chemicals and cleaning agents 

and found other designs

to mimic repair.

 

Stains were not properly removed,

but covered up temporarily.

Repairs were cut short in

the name of profit

and did not last.

 

Alterations were faked and disguised.

 

 Customers were unaware for a time.

 

He lost track of the countless lies.

 

 

He utilized every form of media

to advertise and

entice new clientele.

 

He had no shame in his ways.

 

He had no care for his customers;

Or their raiment.

He loathed the Owner

and the Master Curator

and did everything in his power

to discredit Them.

 

 

And so it was that the competitor 

continued to grow his business,

promoting himself and

disassociating with the Owner.

  

He grew in his narcissism

and debauchery.

 

 He lost many apprentices,

but did not care.

 

 

He disposed of them as quickly as

the “un-restorable” garments.

 

As his deceit became apparent,

he moved from village to village.

 

He hired and fired attorneys

to handle the complaints.

 

He was proud of what he had achieved.

  

There was a never-ending

world of customers.

 

He didn’t care that many customers would leave

as long as his business grew.

 

He would never change his ways.

 

However, the Master Curator

continued His business as usual,

slowly growing His business.

 

At times losing customers

that did not have the patience

to see their garments properly restored.

 

 

And at times reestablishing clientele

that came to understand the need

for the process to be done

in the Master Curator’s ways.

 

He never lost His love for His work.

 

His life’s work of making things clean.

 

 

 

We also have a Curator for our lives.

He is the Master Curator,

also known as Wonderful, Counseller,

The Mighty God,

The Everlasting Father, and

The Prince of Peace.

 

He is the Good Shepherd

that loves His followers.

 

He knows each of us by name.

 

 

Those that follow Him,

know Him and recognize His voice.

 

He is the Master Curator of our souls,

removing sins and stains from sin.

 

Even the toughest,

most menacing and difficult,

ground-in stains

can be removed by Him.

Though our stains may

be blatantly scarlet,

He can make them as white as snow.

 

Even though our stains are crimson red,

He can make them as clean

and pure as wool.

 

 

He will forever love His work

in making us clean.

 

_________________________

 

 

Steven W. Hughes

 

November 20, 2016

_______________________________

About the Author

Steve W. Hughes works in insurance claims helping people put their lives back together after an accident or tragedy. He has found great satisfaction in this work and many similarities to the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ.   He has served as a youth leader, bishop and high counselor in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He graduated from the University of Utah majoring in Economics and minoring in Sociology. He lives in Murray, Utah with his wife, 4 kids and German Shepherd dog. This parable is his testimony of the reality of the Savior of the world and Son of God.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  would like to acknowledge my wife Laura and our four children

for always being my support and strength and the loves of my life.

 

I would also like to acknowledge my brother Calvin

for helping format this book, adding powerful imagery

and encouraging me to finish it.

 

I would also like to acknowledge another testament of Jesus Christ

that has given me a sure knowledge of the reality

of the Savior and His ability to make

each and every person clean. 

 

That testimony came through study of The Holy Bible

and The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

_________________________

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the Savior, Jesus Christ, and to His teachings.

May those who read this parable draw closer to Him by truly understanding what He has overcome for them, and then following Him. 

Working in insurance claims affords me the opportunity to encounter many kinds of individuals. Often, insurance companies utilize many businesses that specialize in various forms of restoration to assist insureds’ following a loss. The inspiration for this parable came one day when I visited a dry cleaning/laundry facility that had a very special individual working there. 

Sicandor is from India and his parents came to America to live their dream. He has a unique gift of being able to clean just about any kind of stain from any kind of textile. From years of experience, he knows how to identify specific kinds of stains and which chemicals and solvents to use to rid the textiles and garments of these stains. It was a joy to watch Sicandor as he enthusiastically explained the process of cleaning various kinds of materials using a number of combinations of cleaning agents. 

I immediately thought of the Son of God and His ability to likewise cleanse our souls of various kinds of sins and shortcomings using the most powerful cleaning agent ever, the infinite and eternal Atonement.

______________________________

Paper book copies available through Amazon - 

The Raiment Curator: A Parable About The Atonement: Hughes, Steven W.: 9781539088998: Amazon.com: Books