2023: Mysteries and Miracles of the ARK

Happy New Year! Every year rather than just making an exhaustive list of goals I choose one word to focus on. I pray for inspiration and then I look for and journal what I see, hear, and learn from the spirit about that word all year. The word for 2022 was: Mindfulness. I got more than my fair share of learning on that topic. We had very trying health challenges in our family last year, and I learned so much about the power of the mind and mindfulness. I gained many interesting insights through experience and good books about how we can train our brains to persevere through much pain and stress. I could post 1000 pages on this topic. But its time to move on to 2023!

As 2022 was closing our family decided to spend New Years’ Eve with just our little family so we could focus on our kids. We played games all night until everyone was so tired that we decided to put on the movie “Indiana Jones” for the older ones. They had been wanting to watch this iconic movie for some time after experiencing the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. This was our last activity before midnight, exclamations of “Happy New Year” and bedtime. As I sleepily climb into bed at 12:30am I say one last prayer asking for guidance on my word for 2023. Then, I decide to open to the scriptures for one quick peak just in case something jumps out at me. (If I’m asking I better give a moment for an answer) So I open my phone and a youtube video just starts playing. It was not a person I usually watch and I certainly had not clicked on this video. Before immediately shutting it down I decide to listen for a minute just in case this has a purpose. Sure enough, it is a former mission president and stake president talking about Indiana Jones, the Ark of the Covenant, and relating it to how we can teach our children about the reality of miracles today.

What a Miracle and Immediate Answer to my Prayer

After watching that for a few minutes I had my word: Ark

Before the video I knew that I wanted to focus on teaching my children this year. I knew that I wanted to help the Young Women focus on the new scripture theme “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (My favorite scripture of all time) I knew that the prophet is asking us to focus on the temple. I knew that in the Spring of 2022 General Conference President Nelson asked us to “Seek miracles”. And in the Fall 2022 he promised, “My dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead,”. “In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time he returns ‘with power and great glory,’ he will bestow countless privileges, blessings and miracles upon the faithful.” Wendy Nelson has also affirmed that “It feels like the prophet just asked us to get on the ark.” when referencing how he had just pleaded with us and said, “I call upon you, my dear brothers and sisters, to become this righteous people. Cherish and honor your covenants above all other commitments.” And in my own heart I knew that I need to continue to prepare this year. I also knew that the Lord has been nudging me to share my testimony and light online. Funny, how the Lord used another person’s willingness to share online to help my exhausted brain get the immediate answer and flood of inspiration that I needed at 12:30am on Jan. 1st of 2023. What a miracle! The image of Noah’s ark reminds me to prepare and listen to the spirit. The image of the ark of the covenant reminds me that God can and will produce tangible, saving miracles as needed. Inside the ark of the covenant were 3 items: the 10 commandments, the pot of manna, and the budding rod of Aaron. The stories, feelings, promises, and wonder associated with both Noah’s ark and the Ark of the Covenant are endless for me.

Now, I definitely know what word will perfectly symbolize and hold these concepts before my eyes in 2023: Ark

Mysteries and Miracles are Flowing

The Sabbath Day was a wonderful way to begin the Ark theme. All the events of the day confirmed this was the right path. On Jan. 1st I woke up to a sweet text message from my parents about how they had made the goal to focus on Jesus Christ, their covenants, and how this would bless their children and grandchildren.

We also had a great fast and testimony meeting. Many people testified and spoke on the miracles, blessings, and revelations they have received. We have recently had one ward member share a miraculous healing from cancer. Another member spoke about her dream of the Savior beckoning her to “Come Follow Me.” and how it has helped guide some of her decisions to stay active in the church.

On Jan. 3rd, the final anniversary day of DC 88, (see my last post about that) we had a youth bowling party to celebrate the #FloodTheEarth challenge. Perfect timing and unplanned as usual. Our usual youth night is Wed but the Bishopric was only able to get us booked for some bowling lanes on Tues of this week. It was a pretty sweet night and celebration of the youth and their efforts to gather Israel. They were challenged to either read 3rd Nephi or share the Book of Mormon with one person. The youth and leaders had a total of 88 shares!

Another 2023 miracle is that I have been asked to share this web page and do a zoom video with Christian Homestead Youtuber! That is a huge miracle in my book because his online efforts have been a huge source of excitement and inspiration. I really appreciate all the work he puts into documenting and highlighting the words of the prophets and apostles as it relates to all things about the Second Coming. I have been noticing and studying these things for years, and it was a real treat to find many of those observations brought up in his videos. His faith, energy, and excitement is contagious.

Should We be Searching Mysteries?

(These are my own personal thoughts and wonders. I am not an official representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. All views are meant to evoke wonder and pondering, not doctrine.)

I find I am experiencing a higher degree of revealed mysteries (meaning any revelation that comes from God that was previously unknown) and miracles these days. I love how Nephi begins the Book of Mormon talking about his own miracles (goodness) and mysteries! 1 Nephi1: 1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days. I am a firm believer of likening the scriptures so I think: Yes we should seek for the mysteries of God!

A New Time and Season is Coming

In the past I have had important dreams seldomly. Recently, they are becoming very frequent. I tend to have significant dreams or revelations that come as words, phrases, and images right before I wake up. I find Elder Scott describes the experience well, “Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire experience.” (GC April 2012; https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/how-to-obtain-revelation-and-inspiration-for-your-personal-life?lang=eng)

I am documenting them in my journal but I am finding that I am having some trouble discerning what things to share and what things to keep to myself. I have always kept almost all of it locked up tight. Putting ANY of my thoughts and experiences out there is not easy or what I want to do. So the night of Jan.3 after praying about what is ok to share (on his channel or my site) I I woke up to a dream that is ONCE AGAIN in sync with what Christian Homestead posted. So far my revelations on DC 88 (Celestial Glory), the rainbow, the city of Enoch, flooding the Earth with righteousness, etc has been wildly similar to what Christian Homestead posts that same day. I see this as an obvious green light to share.

So at the tail end of the DC 88 anniversary, early morning of Jan 4 (kind of a dream but right as i wake) I see and hear this:

I see a newspaper with 3 circles on it.  Inside the circles are pictures of the militaries of Russia, China, and the US.  And I hear these words: “A new time and season is coming.” 

Then later that SAME day I see in his video where he connects the SEASONS with the mystery of the RAINBOW. (vid here: https://youtu.be/hA9rSTsnwrc)

This connection of seasons to the mystery of the rainbow has never been on my radar. I learn some quotes from Bruce R McConkie that I’ve somehow never heard and LOVE among other new additions to my past insights.

McConkie actually validates the idea that there is a lot more to the rainbow symbol that will be learned in the future as I have thought! He also presents the idea that it is good to ponder mysteries that you might receive more. In the Millenial Messiah he writes, “We are placed with a difficult problem relative to the rainbow because not all things relative to it have been revealed…Let us lay a foundation for the place the rainbow is destined to play in the Second Coming…. The first reference to seasons as we know them is in connection with the flood…Something happened with reference to the rainbow in Noah’s day and something is certainly going to happen in connection with the Lord’s return. In our present state of spritual enlightenment the Lord deliberately leaves us to ponder and wonder about many things connected with his coming; in this way our hearts are centered upon him so that we will qualify in due course to recieve absolute and clear revelation on many things.”

His video helped me make the connection between the concept of seasons and the rainbow. (Per B.R. McConkie) Something that he did not mention, however, that supports this idea is in

Revelation 10:1 1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.

• 5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
• 6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: (no more seasons)
• 7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel (we know the 7th angel is Adam per Joseph Smith) , when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets. (with Adam and all the knowledge of the Earth involved it sounds like Adam-ondi-ahman)

This scripture adds to the idea of DC 88 Celestial Glory=covenant path=rainbow eternal round with Christ at the center (see earlier post about rainbow). But I believe it expounds upon the idea of when we reach Celestial Glory we will have past, present, and future before our eyes with time no longer. At that point we will see and understand the entire full spectrum of light: the rainbow of knowledge and wisdom will be gifted. At this season in time we only see shades of light.

So, after I see the newspaper and hear the words about a new season I wake up and feel lead to 3 scriptures for more guidance to my answer. 

1. Ecclesiastes 3: 1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…8 a time of war, and a time of peace…

2. DC 71:

• …The time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
• 2 Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you.
• 3 Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you.
• 4 Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come.
• 5 Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;
• 6 For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.

3. 1 Nephi 1: …having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

The 3 Circles of Judgement

After pondering on the aspect of the dream that was 3 circles of war with China, Russia, and the United States armies… this is my personal conclusion in light of the scriptures I was lead to and in the context of other current studies:

There have always been seasons of war and peace. (physical earthly wars and spiritual wars) It is a never ending cycle or round, until Christ comes. We have had 2 world wars and we are on the brink of a 3rd. The 3 countries revealed who is involved in the war and perhaps the greatest source of death around the globe in the end. However, I think it also reveals that there are many signs of increasing CLIMATE CRISIS (fire), CONFLICT (smoke), and CONTAGION (brimstone: putrid in the air), and (notice that the letter C is half of a circle). It is increasing in strength and rapidity like birthing pangs. So prepare now but don’t fear. These events will usher us into the Second Coming. There will probably be increased physical but more importantly spiritual wars the likes of which have never been seen as Revelation 9 reveals. Elder Bednar spoke of 2020 being a “Wake up Call” for increasing future perils that include: religious freedom, supply chain issues, just in time deliveries, and the health care system. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/bednar-covid-19-pandemic-religious-freedom However, we need not fear because the Lord will protect us as we hold fast to our covenants with Jesus Christ. He will pour out the needed power and send his army of angels to help us. This was our most recent and urgent message from the prophet as well. (Focus on the temple)

When Wendy Nelson recently referenced the ark she also dropped the number 200,000. This number is specifically tied to the final battle of the winding up scenes.

Revelation 9:

4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

• 16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I saw the number of them.
• 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
• 18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

In the church New testament manual study guide it says: Two things seem especially significant in Revelation 9. First, we read that the judgments of the fifth angel only came upon those who “have not the seal of God in their foreheads” (v. 4), which emphasizes again the spiritual—and often physical—protection provided by obedience to the ordinances of the gospel. The second thing of note is that although the Lord sent these destructions to encourage people to repent (see D&C 43:20–25), after six angels had “sounded” their judgment, the wicked were still not convinced to repent (see Revelation 9:20–21). As in the days of Noah and the last years of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, the people apparently became so wicked that repentance was nearly impossible.

The ark was the necessary tool that caused the armies of Israel to topple the walls of Jericho. They won the war! According to Joshua 6:1-27, the Israelite army carried the Ark around Jericho once a day for seven days and on the seventh day they made a tremendous shout, and the walls came tumbling down. 

Q. When are the things to be accomplished, which are written in the 9^th chapter of Revelation?

A. They are to be accomplished after the opening of the seventh seal before the coming of Christ. (D&C 77:13)

Orson Pratt revealed:

The sounding of the trumpets does not take place, as many have supposed, in rapid succession, but certain events have to be accomplished between their respective soundings. By and by the whole seven will have sounded, and then they commence to sound a second time (D&C 88:98-116) According to the revelation from which I have read, the second sounding of the trumpets is not to produce destruction among the nations, but the sound of the first one will reveal the secret acts of God, his purposes and doings on the earth during the first thousand years; the sounding of the second will reveal the doings and purposes of the Great Jehovah during the second time, and pronounce the work of God finished, so far as the great preparation needful for his second coming is concerned. (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols. [London: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1854-1886], 16: 329.)

Perhaps an alternate explanation allows for a more literal interpretation of John’s writings. After all, the Prophet’s key for understanding the text is, “precisely according to the plain reading of the revelations.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 293.) If the four destroying angels lead a spiritual army of horsemen, then the description makes since with breastplates of fire, heads as lions, and power in their mouths and tails to destroy men with fire, smoke, and brimstone. The eyes of Elisha’s servant were opened to see such an army, “he saw and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kgs. 6:17) Apparently, celestial armies do exist. The Savior declared he had them at his command, rebuking Peter, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53) Finally, the idea of a celestial cavalry is reinforced in the appearance of the Savior at the Second Coming. Modern artistic renditions fail to portray Him as John does, riding on a white horse, “clothed with a vesture dipped in blood… And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses.” (Rev. 19:11-14)

How Do We Escape the Judgments?

My journal entry:

12-2-22 Its 4am and I was just reminded that I did not share an important dream with my parents and that I need to. Then I was lead immediately to these verses:

Psalm 90: 1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. (at all time)

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God

3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. (Repent!)

4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

5 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: (at the end of the 1000 years which is when each seal is opened…1000 years of man=1 day…see this post about God’s time and our day: ( https://firepoppy.org/half-an-hour-of-silence-in-heaven-breaking/ )with God in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.

6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. (the end of the day or midnight is a time of judgment)

7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. (Note 1000, Fires, and Floods)

8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that

10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

13 Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. (red=judgement added to yellow=God’s glory and wonder makes pink=love, mercy, grace, and connectness)

14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.16 Let thy work (and wonder) appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. (Lydia Knight always said “God Rules” and is a heroine of mine and Hannah Stoddard (a modern heroine and head of Joseph Smith Foundation) who I sent a gushing message to about how she inspires me with her work and words. And her very sweet response:)

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Psalm 92: 1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

5 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

6 A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. (Temple covenants)

11 Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Psalm 93: 1 The Lord reigneth, (God Rules! -Lydia Knight) he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever.

Oh my goodness! I never wrote this dream down.   Well, this is the dream that I was reminded of:

Dave, me, and my parents were trying to get to the temple.  It was the last session of the day and we were hurrying so fast. Then we were literally running as fast as we could to make it inside before it closed.  We just barely made it in and President Oaks greeted us.  We were relieved to make it just in the nick of time. (President Oaks lived just a few houses down the street from my Dad in Utah. At the time my Grandpa was the ward patriarch and Pres Oaks was the ward Sunday School teacher) This is a recurring principle of today’s TIME that we live in. The Lord highlights this to me in many ways.  I see that we are so close to Christ’s coming that we need to hurry and stay focused on being prepared temporally and spiritually.  Don’t get distracted or slow down! “Focus on the temple!” (President Nelson Oct 2022)

2023: Its already being fulfilled as the year of the ARK!

ADDITIONAL NOTES AS OF 1-9-22

The Floods of 2023 have already begun! California is currently being slammed by ARK Storms and professionals project these will increase in frequency. Christian Homestead Channel ONCE AGAIN points out some amazing events in the world that perhaps convey spiritual significance:

They are calling these big atmospheric flood events: (according to wikipedia) “An ARkStorm (for Atmospheric River 1,000) is a “megastorm” scenario proposed based on repeated historical occurrences of atmospheric rivers and other major rain events. ” The damage, erosion, and landslides are compounded when the rains hit ground that was previously burned clean of vegetation. THIS is why we need to gather together as FIRE POPPIES in THESE LAST DAYS!!