The Train Passengers of Life

 

Meaning of The 12 Days of Christmas

DID YOU KNOW THIS?

The Partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

Two Turtle Doves are the Old and New Testaments.

Three French Hens stand for Faith, Hope, and Love.

The Four Calling Birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Five Golden Rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The Six Geese a Laying stand for the six days of Creation.

The Seven Swans a Swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The Eight Maids a Milking are the eight Beatitudes.

The Nine Ladies Dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

The Ten Lords a Leaping are the Ten Commandments.

The Eleven Pipers Piping stand for the eleven faithful Disciples.

The Twelve Drummers Drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

What is the original Apostles' Creed?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

 

December 20, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 96: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY — HOPE SURFACES FROM DESPAIR:

On Christmas day in 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write the poem we now know as the Christmas carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

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December 19, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 95: Mankind was My Business

"A Christmas Carol," a globally celebrated timeless tale of heartwarming human redemption crafted as a haunting holiday ghost story, was published in London on this day in history, Dec. 19, 1843. 

Except for the biblical narrative of the birth of Christ itself, "A Christmas Carol" may be the world's most well-known and most frequently retold tale of the holiday.

English author Dickens, 31 years old at the time, had recently gained literary celebrity following the release of "Sketches by Boz," "The Pickwick Papers" and "Oliver Twist."

"'A Christmas Carol' was written over a few short weeks to ensure its publication before Christmas 1843, but its message has stood the test of time," notes the Charles Dickens Museum of London.

"Recognized by critics on its publication as ‘a national benefit to every man and woman who reads it a personal kindness’, the story has been retold and adapted ever since." 

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December 15, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 94: Anniversary of The Bill of Rights

"Why was the Bill of Rights tacked onto the Constitution just three years after its ratification in June 1788? Essentially, anti-Federalist delegates objected to the proposed draft, arguing that it provided a framework for a new centralized government but failed to safeguard individual liberties and states’ rights. They finally agreed to ratify the Constitution on the condition that Congress amend the document to include these protections.

With Special guest Joni Bryan of the 917Society.org.

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December 14, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 93: Christmas, A Wonderful Time to Celebrate

Love came down at Christmas,

   Love all lovely, Love Divine;

Love was born at Christmas,

   Star and angels gave the sign. 

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December 13, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 92: It's Christmas Time Again

Perhaps your worldview is that the human family are all brothers and sisters, obligated by love and familial ties to help one another. When you act on these powerful feelings of accountability and compassion, it reinforces your personal values and generates feelings of living true to your own ethical beliefs. 

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December 9, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 91: Has the Government Grinch Stolen America?

The Biden Administration and the Democratic Marxists have moved down the dark path that John Locke describes so vividly to “destroy” the God-given rights of life, liberty, and property protected by the Constitution of the United States.

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December 7, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 90: C.S. Lewis and Politics

At the end of the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we catch a glimpse of the good reign of the four children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) as kings and queens of Narnia. Take a read for yourself.

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2022 First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

December 5, 2022

C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

"Suppose one reads a story of filthy atrocities in the paper. Then suppose that something turns up suggesting that the story might not be quite true, or not quite so bad as it was made out. Is one's first feeling, 'Thank God, even they aren't quite so bad as that,' or is it a feeling of disappointment, and even a determination to cling to the first story for the sheer pleasure of thinking your enemies are as bad as possible? If it is the second then it is, I am afraid, the first step in a process which, if followed to the end, will make us into devils. You see, one is beginning to wish that black was a little blacker. If we give that wish its head, later on we shall wish to see grey as black, and then to see white itself as black. Finally, we shall insist on seeing everything -- God and our friends and ourselves included -- as bad, and not be able to stop doing it: we shall be fixed for ever in a universe of pure hatred."

 

Prayer for the First Sunday in Advent

December 5. 2022

Prayer for the First Sunday in Advent

"Loving God, during these days of Advent, we meditate upon the meaning of your coming.

We approach you and wonder at all as we prepare to welcome the Christ, whom you have so sacrificially sent.

How thankful we are for His assurance that you do not leave us alone - 

Into our highest joys and satisfactions you send light and warmth.

Into our experiences of worship, you bring insight and renewal.

Into our times of stress and uncertainty you infuse strength and faith.

We rejoice in your transforming work going on in us and in the world, your work that nothing can stop.

We come to you as seekers as curious Children wanting to explore the Mysteries of your grace and love.

Like Mary and Joseph,

we seek to experience the Christmas miracle ourselves

Like the shepherds,

we seek to worship at the manger in Bethlehem

Like the angels,

we seek to join the multitude of the heavenly host to sing glory to you in the highest.

Give us sensitive spirits, attentive minds, and receptive hearts, we pray.

Begin your work in us anew, that we might reflect your light and life in every environment in which we find ourselves.

Show us how we may more fully receive the gift of Jesus, who is the sign of your presence in the world.

Bring to our awareness the places in our inner spirits where He has yet to enter - the places where we have resisted Him, rejected Him, run from Him.

Help us to invite Him to enter now. Grant that during this Advent season, we might hear His Word and experience His grace as if for the first time, that we might respond with renewed commitment.

O God, rekindle the romance of our faith,

Awaken us to the attraction and the passion and the devotion of Jesus Christ.

Let His hope live in us, not for our own sake only, but for the sake of your eternal kingdom both in heaven and on earth.

In all things and in all ways, make us people who think and act in peace, that the world may know of your saving love.

AMEN."

 

Ten Symbols of Christmas

December 5, 2022

Ten Symbols of Christmas:

By Charlotte Larcabal and Eric B. Murdock

Lights. Trees. Stars. Bells. Ever wonder what all these Christmas symbols might mean?

With all the hype of the holidays, you’re sure to see Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s a huge part of celebrating Christmas! But have you ever thought about how some of those traditional decorations can help us get in touch with the true spirit of the season? If we look at them in the right way, we can allow them to help us remember Jesus Christ in our Christmas celebrations as Christians have done for centuries.

The Star:

It’s hard to go anywhere during Christmas without seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees. The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. Five years before Jesus was born, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior’s birth, including the appearance of a bright new star (see Helaman 14:5). The star led the Wise Men to Jesus (see Matthew 2:2) and reminds us to follow the light of the Savior just as the Wise Men followed the light of the star to find Him.

Lights and Candles:

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights—lights on trees, lights in and on our homes, candles on our tables. May the beautiful lights of every holiday season remind us of Him who is the source of all light.”1 Christmas lights can remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. They can also remind us to be lights to others and to help others come unto Christ.

For centuries, candles have brought brightness and warmth to the season. Candles can also represent the light of the star that appeared at the birth of the Savior, and like other lights, remind us that He is the Light of the World. Did you know candles were often used to decorate Christmas trees before electric lights were invented?

Trees:

Even before Christ’s birth, trees that stayed green all year long carried special meaning for people. A green, thriving tree in the dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. Because of Jesus Christ, we can have everlasting life (see 3 Nephi 5:13), so we can choose to see the evergreen tree as a natural symbol of Him and His gift to us.

Poinsettias:

The poinsettia originates from Mexico, and like the evergreen tree, it is a plant that thrives during the winter and symbolizes new life. But it doesn’t stop there! Their shape resembles a star, like the one that led the Wise Men to Jesus. Red poinsettias can remind us of the blood that Christ spilled for us. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “Having bled at every pore, how red [Christ’s] raiment must have been in Gethsemane, how crimson that cloak!”2 white poinsettias can symbolize His purity (see Moroni 7:48).

Holly:

Because its red berries and prickly green leaves last all year round, holly is used as a Christmas decoration all over the world. The sharp edges of the holly leaf can remind us of the crown of thorns placed on the Savior’s head (see Matthew 27:29). The red holly berry can remind us of His blood shed for all of us. Christians have long seen these symbols. In fact, in some Scandinavian languages, the word for holly is “Christ-thorn.”

Wreaths:

Traditionally, wreaths are made of evergreens such as pine branches or holly. Their circular shape can represent eternity (see D&C 35:1). Wreaths hung on doors or in windows are like a symbolic invitation for the spirit of Christmas to fill our homes with the joy of the season.

Bells:

For centuries, bells have been rung to announce the arrival of the Christmas season. They can symbolize the announcement of the birth of Christ when angels in heaven praised God and declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

Candy Canes:

Perhaps a better name for the candy cane is “candy crook.” They can remind us of the staffs carried by the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus. During Christ’s time, a shepherd’s staff often had a crook, or bend, at the top that was used to hook sheep by the neck to gently lead them to food or water or to protect them from harm. As you enjoy a candy cane, remember that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11, 14). If we choose to follow Him, He will gently lead us to safety and peace.

Stockings:

If you think about it, it’s a bit strange for someone to put goodies in your old sock. But like many Christmas traditions, the tradition of Christmas stockings comes from an old legend. A long time ago (so the story goes), a poor man had three daughters and couldn’t afford to give them a dowry (money or goods given to the groom’s family by the bride’s family). In those days, it was very hard for a woman to get married without a dowry. A Christian bishop named Nicholas heard about the problem and wanted to help, but the man refused to accept money. One night, Nicholas threw three balls made of pure gold in through the open window of the man’s house. Each one landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry. The next morning, each daughter found a gold ball in her stocking. With this bounty, they were all able to get married. Stockings can remind us of the importance of service. The greatest example of service is Jesus Christ. He always “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Take some time to think about the Savior’s selfless acts of service. How can you give Christlike service and show kindness to others?

Gifts:

Christmas is the season of giving.Remember the Wise Men who came to see Jesus? They “presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11), but the greatest gift of all came from our Heavenly Father: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). As you open your brightly wrapped presents on Christmas morning, remember that the Savior is the true gift of Christmas.

 

December 5, 2022

The Medlock Post E. 89: A Beautiful Season

With all the hype of the holidays, you’re sure to see Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s a huge part of celebrating Christmas! But have you ever thought about how some of those traditional decorations can help us get in touch with the true spirit of the season? 

Listen Now!

 

December 2, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 88: Seasonal Traditions

We love Christmastime—gathering with family and friends, sharing gifts, good food, and happy celebrations. Do you know when those customs began in your family? Such traditions bind us to our heritage and will be passed on for generations to come. 

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November 30, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 87: The 12th Principle of the Constitution

This principle is highlighted in the pledge of allegiance when it says:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic For which it [the flag] stands....

There are many reasons why the Founders wanted a republican form of government rather than a democracy. 

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November 28, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 86: Thanksgiving Leftovers

Last week we spent the week of Thanksgiving traveling and staying in hotels and eating in restaurants.  There was one very obvious thing we noticed about the people everywhere we went.  They were enjoying themselves.  They were not sad or grieving because of the “Doom and Gloom” being preached in the media.  

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November 18, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 85: Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Rejoicing is a state of spirit, a state of being, more expansive than just a state of mind. In its purity it is the eternal in man reaching toward deity. And, as he approaches his Father, learns of him, and becomes like him, he experiences a state of rejoicing, or joy.

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November 16, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 84: The 8th Principle of the Constitution

The Founders did not believe that the basic rights of mankind originated from any social compact, king, emperor, or governmental authority. Those rights, they believed, came directly and exclusively from God. 

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November 15, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 83: The 7th Principle of the Constitution

 The Founders recognized that the people cannot delegate to their government the power to do anything except that which they have the lawful right to do themselves. 

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November 11, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep: 82 Special Veteran's Day Salute 2022

This is a solemn day for our country as we set aside time to honor the past, present, and future Veterans.  A moment of silence will take place on this day, the 11th Day of November at 11:11 AM.  Please stop and bow your head at that time to honor the brave men and women who have and are wearing the uniform of our great America.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”  Elmer Davis

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November 9, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 81: The Republic for Which It Stands

The Constitutional Republic of the United States has proven repeatedly that it will survive the enemies of Freedom and Liberty.  God continues to bless this great land with strength and stability.  We The People will continue to Fight for the Right.

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November 8, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 80: Election Day 2022

Good no Great morning to you! My energy and excitement has trumped my need for sleep so using this time wisely with our God in prayer with praise and a thankful heart that WE THE PEOPLE are blessed and highly favored to have the greatest privilege to VOTE! 

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"I'm No Communist" - American Anti-Communist Song

The 13 Folds of An American Flag

November 7, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 79: Veterans Week

Dedicated men have worked tirelessly to help the free world understand better the deadly world conflict between good and evil which is constantly going on.

We have an enormous responsibility here in the United States to help maintain peace and freedom and to push back the somber clouds of war–threats caused by international tensions. 

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A Vow to Serve by Mark Lamb

November 5, 2022

A Vow to Serve:

Mark Lamb

Reading about the principles of the American Founding is not "extremist" activity.

When I was sworn in as the 24th Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, I took an oath to support the Constitution. So did the more than 3,000 sheriffs serving across America. The best of us reaffirm this oath every morning. This daily commitment to the legally enshrined principles of justice is the crucial philosophic orientation that separates America from a lawless land where “every man [does] that which [is] right in his own eyes.”

There is a growing faction of elite “progressives,” however, who deride both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. In their telling, these venerable documents are old, dusty, and out of date. These radicals want to replace the bedrock principle of equality with the idea of “equity,” colorblind justice with never-ending (and, for them, quite profitable) racial grievance. Worst of all, they want to eliminate our settled and fair laws and replace them with the tyranny of power politics.

I don’t accept these revisions to the American way of life and neither should you.

But it’s not simply enough—and here I address my fellow sheriffs—to feel that something is gravely wrong with this picture of our future. We have to understand the why. And to get to this position, it is helpful to do a deep dive into our founding documents and the great men and women who first (and best) articulated the philosophic principles that forged a great nation.

Recently, I spent a lovely week in sunny Huntington Beach studying precisely these subjects while participating in an academic fellowship for sheriffs with the Claremont Institute, a think tank devoted to “restoring the principles of the American Founding to their rightful, preeminent authority in our national life.” We pored over and discussed everything from the statesmanship of Washington and Lincoln to the teachings of Aristotle and Aquinas on natural law and natural rights. Other sessions were devoted to understanding the assault of progressivism on our cherished values of liberty and freedom. It was a wonderful experience to read and discuss these great books with other sheriffs from all around the country.

Like clockwork, however, the usual detractors emerged to characterize a week of talking about books as an example of how Claremont is training sheriffs to empower militias in order to take over the country in 2024. My classmates and I were labeled as “extremists” who consider ourselves “above the law,” intent on policing “brutally,” thanks to our “relative impunity.” This is all so laughable it’s hard to know where to begin. If spending a week reflecting on the Federalist Papers and George Washington’s Rules for Civility and Decent Behavior is the activity of would-be extremists and conspirators, then I suppose you should include me among the guilty ones.

I mention this gross and purposely obtuse response not because it is worth taking seriously, but so both my colleagues and fellow citizens understand the kind of reaction they can expect when they try to educate themselves about America’s founding principles. Don’t be intimidated. Justice, equality, rule of law, separation of powers, and consent of the governed will erode unless we make it our duty to understand their importance and function. Our elites count on this happening, so they try everything in their power to stamp out attempts at learning.

The Founding era in America was, like today, a socially and politically tempestuous time. But then, unlike now, philosophic ideas were publicly debated on stage, in taverns, and at home. Those disputes gave light to two vibrant documents totally unique in the annals of history. Unless we, together, follow the examples of our forefathers—enemies of freedom and free-speech be damned—the elemental truths upon which our nation was founded will be lost. And what replaces them will be unrecognizably bad.

 

November 4, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 78: The Republic of the United States

There is a growing faction of elite “progressives,” however, who deride both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. In their telling, these venerable documents are old, dusty, and out of date. These radicals want to replace the bedrock principle of equality with the idea of “equity,” colorblind justice with never-ending (and, for them, quite profitable) racial grievance. 

Listen Now!

 

November 3, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 77: Democracy under Attack

The Democratic Marxists know they are losing the support of the American people.  They have had to return to their very, very, very old tactic of saying the GOP will take away your Social Security and Medicare.  Well, the Democratic Marxists have done a very good job of that themselves.

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November 2, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep: 76: Reverse Brainstorming

I’m sure most of you have been in training courses either at work or some other organization where you separate into groups and “brainstorm” about challenge or project.  You brainstorm to figure out good and great ways to improve a product or develop a new one.

We are all aware at this point in time that the Marxist and Globalists want to destroy America.  

Note: While talking about the Expanded Welfare State, I mistakenly said $70K to $90K per month.  It should have been per year.  My apologies.

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Abraham Lincoln: Fragment of the Constitution and the Union January 1861

November 2, 2022

Abraham Lincoln:

Fragment of the Constitution and the Union January 1861

“All this is not the result of accident. It has a philosophical cause. Without the Constitution and the Union, we could not have attained the results; but even these, are not the primary cause of our great prosperity. There was something back of these, entwining itself more closely about the human heart. That something, is the principle of “Liberty to all”--the principle that clears the path for all--gives hope to all-- and, by consequence, enterprise, and industry to all.

The expression of that principle, in our Declaration of Independence, was most happy, and fortunate. Without this, as well as with it, we could have declared our independence of Great Britain; but without it, we could not, I think, have secured our free government, and consequent prosperity. No oppressed, people will fight, and endure, as our fathers did, without the promise of something better, than a mere change of masters.

The assertion of that principle, at that time, was the word, “fitly spoken” which has proved an “apple of gold” to us. The Union, and the Constitution, are the pitcher of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was made, not to conceal, or destroy the apple; But to adorn, and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple--not the apple for the picture.”

This never appeared in Lincoln's public speeches, but it is possible that he composed it while writing his First Inaugural Address. It draws upon the King James translation of proverbs 25:11; “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”-- to describe the relationship between the principles of the Declaration and the purpose of the Constitution.

 

November 1, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 75: Biden's America is a Nightmare

One week before the Mid-term elections, Americans should understand why you are struggling financially.  It is due to the political policies of the Biden Administration.  Biden has weakened ties with formally strong allies.  He has weakened the military.  He has allowed China and Russia to develop stronger ties with Iran and in the Middle East.

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A recent Newsweek poll conducted found that almost two-thirds of Americans are proponents of the federal government sending out inflation stimulus payments. | Fox Business

The Hill: Will the Supreme Court impose a Republican government on the US?

 

October 31, 2022

The Medlock Post Ep. 74: Trust God or Trust Government

The Founding Fathers relied on their faith in the Creator to write the Constitution of the United States based on Judeo-Christian Values.  These Judeo-Christian Values developed in the Colonist to produce a “Public Virtue” which led them to a strength for Self-Government.  Not only did the Founding Fathers believe this, but also the Colonist who wanted to be free from Tyranny. Otherwise, the “new experiment” would not have succeeded as well as it has.

Links to the two articles referred to in the program.

How Totalitarians transform ‘America’s TRUST’ from GOD to Government

No propaganda, just facts about the two visions ofAmerica – Obama’s and Trump’s”

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Orson Welles - War Of The Worlds - Radio Broadcast 1938 - Complete Broad...

What Does Being an American Mean to You?

October 29, 2022

"What It Means to Be American" By Micah R. from Columbus High School in Montana

The word freedom comes to mind when we think of the question what does it mean to be American because America is known throughout the world as a country built on freedom.

“What it means to be American is a pretty complex topic,” to quote my English teacher Mr. Olsen. I didn’t fully understand what he meant by that until I started writing and rewriting this paper. When first analysing the question I didn’t think much of it and I figured it was a pretty easy question to answer. This question however, is like any other question and can have many different meanings depending on the person answering it. I’ve heard it defined as having freedom or being free. According to a survey done by George H. Gallup Jr. given to students from 13-17 about what it means to be American the majority of the kids mentioned freedom in their responses. One fifteen year old boy who took the survey said this, “Being an American means being proud of my country and defending our right to free speech and the freedom to be who we are. I will defend my right to be free to the death.” (George H. Gallup, 2016) The word freedom comes to mind when we think of the question what does it mean to be American because America is known throughout the world as a country built on freedom. The last line of our National anthem has the word freedom in it, “for the land of the free, and the home of the brave.” (Francis Scott Key, 1814) Freedom is a key part of America and is something we should cherish but it doesn’t answer the question fully, there is more to it than that.

Voting like freedom is an honor that you have in America. The right to vote is a very important issue that has been fought over throughout our country's history. In the beginning only white males who owned land could vote, then it expanded to all white males, women got the right to vote in 1919, and finally African Americans got the right to vote in 1969. The right to vote has been discussed and critiqued throughout the years leading up to equal voting rights.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said this, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1902) This could happen if the percentage of Americans who vote keeps decreasing, we only have ourselves to blame for not using our right to vote.

America is a great country with lots of opportunities, I am proud to live here and be a part of this nation. I am eighteen now which means I can legally vote and I plan on doing so. I believe as an American citizen voting is a duty that I am obliged to and that everyone should when they are of legal age. As I’ve learned throughout my study of what it means to be American there are many different opinions and answers to the question. Each person has a different perspective on it, and we each have an individual opinion. Voting is one way to be able to use your opinion, and I believe that it is taken for granted. Voting is a huge part of this country and it shouldn’t be pushed aside. If no more than 65 percent of Americans vote during a presidential election, that is a problem. We must make voting more of a priority in society and get the voting percentages up to a higher amount. If voting is the way we choose who is president of our country, it should not be taken lightly. Voting is an honor, and it is a major part of what it means to be American. "

* By Micah R. from Columbus High School in Montana