Facebook Request 4: My Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Dear Readers,

This is the last of my Facebook requests that I have so far received. I had originally asked for requests in the hopes that I could find more narrow subjects to bear my testimony on... instead, a lovely girl by the name of Shy asked me to just bear my testimony. So this post is dedicated to her.

I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being thus raised, I was surrounded by the Mormon influence, but what I found, especially around the age of 17, is that all I had gained was a testimony that God is my Father, and that Jesus Christ is His son and my Savior. I mostly chalk this up to the gift of the Spirit, (Moroni 10:11) "and to another, exceedingly great faith...". Though, it is also from having so many of my prayers answered. Indeed, I have such great faith that my prayers can be answered, and that Jesus Christ and God the Father are real, that I would refer to it more as knowledge than faith.

Growing up, I have always been a very strange, weird child. Generally a freak. So, at the age of 17, I decided to pray one night, with all of my heart, as the most desperate desire of my soul, to know why I am the way that I am. I was answered through my dream. It contained two parts, though I will only mention the relevant meaning of the second part, because I hold both very dear and close to my heart. My answer was: there are people in this world, that only I can help, because I am the way that I am.

I had not considered even serving a mission. My family was very understanding about it. They would like me to serve a mission, but they did not expect or require it of me. I am very thankful to them for that, because I know that the pressures in the church can send young men onto a course, that may be a righteous course, but trodden begrudgingly, and is soon departed from.

So, with the age to serve a mission being 19, and I was close to being 18, I actually considered going, probably for the first time in my life. I just figured, that if there are people out there that only I can help, then serving a mission would be a good way to try and find them. But, I wanted to make sure that what I would be called to preach on my mission was true.

I knew that there is a God in Heaven, that Jesus Christ was His Son, and I knew that they answered prayers. This got me on the path of studying out my beliefs. I rationally figured that serving a mission would be a good way of find those I am meant to help, but, since I did not know if the doctrine was true, I was completely willing to leave the church and find God's true church, wherever that may be. I believe I was 18 by this point, and again, knowing how understanding my parents are, knew that they would not look down on me should I walk a different path.

Without the distractions of peer pressure or doubt, I planned ahead. I had found, at a nearby park, a location that I felt really close to. Like my own little wooded area. My own sacred grove. I chose a Monday morning to walk out to this location, and kneel down to ask my Father in Heaven if the Book of Mormon was true and if Joseph Smith was indeed His Prophet, a true Prophet. Part of why I felt so inclined to choose a location, in nature, and to pray there, is because in my studying of the church, I found that I related to Joseph Smith.

I too felt that the powers of darkness had combined against me, almost in my infancy. My mother had a stroke when she was pregnant with me. I grew up a freak, feeling like I had no friends, like I was alone. For years, tried to keep my suffering in silence as I battled depression. I felt like God must have an amazing plan for me, and important plan. Indeed, part of me, expected to receive an undeniable witness of God's will, possibly through the visitation of a heavenly messenger.

Note: this is not the place, but same park

When I reached my destination, I took off my glasses, and kneeling down, my face in my hands, bent low, I prayed to my Father in Heaven. I told Him the desires of my heart, that I know He is real, I know Jesus Christ is real, I know I am willing to follow Him, I desire to know which church is true, if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph Smith was a true Prophet. I poured out this desire, like the tears from my face. Then, after closing in Christ's name, I waited. I waited some more. When my tears finally dried, I straitened my back and looked up at the sun, shinning through the trees. I felt no different. No burning in my bosom, as the scriptures say. I did not feel more loved, I did not feel like I received an answer at all.

Replacing my glasses, I stood up and just began to walk, wandering around the park. I don't think that I saw anyone else there. I walked, and walked, for several hours, just looking at the beauty around me, and trying to figure out why my prayer was not answered.

Finally it dawned on me... almost like a voice in my head that was not quite mine. From that very morning I felt peaceful. Even on my walk to my own personal sacred grove, did I not hear the birds chirping so wonderfully. Were not all of my senses heightened, and just filled with peace. Indeed, this entire morning, wandering out here, has this feeling departed from me? No. I know that God answers prayers, and if there was ever a point in my life for Him to lead me onto the right path, this would be it. So, maybe this peace is the answer to my prayer, an answer that He chose to give before I even asked the question.

This is when I learned, for myself, a true, deeper meaning of faith. If God wanted me on another path, He could have told me, so this must be the right path, at least for now. So yes, this could be considered convincing myself, but I "CHOSE" to accept the peace as my answer. I learned that faith is not something you acquire, nor is it something that is given to your, or that you spontaneously have. Faith is a choice. A choice to do good, to follow God. Faith is choosing the better part. That day, I chose.

With this testimony, I went forth and served a mission for the LDS church, preaching Mormonism, or more properly called, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On that two year journey, I learned so much. I learned that, because God could do such a better job than snot nosed twenty-year-olds, that the mission is less for actual missionary work, and is more for the missionary. I learned more about myself than all the years before hand. I learned more about my body, and it's limitations and strengths. I learned more about the doctrine, feeding and building upon my testimony.

I also had the opportunity to learn more about other religions, and I found out that this is the most true church on the earth, indeed, if ANY other church currently upon the earth was true, my very soul would not be satisfied. I like how the mother of my favorite mission companion put it... though I don't remember her exact words. She roughly said, that the majority of religions, especially all of the variations of Christianity, teach the same thing. Do unto others and you want them to do to you. Be nice, serve God. Love one another. So if so much is the same, then it is the differences that should matter. Indeed, all of that love and doing good is what happens in this life. It is what happened before this life, and what happens after this life, that makes the most difference.

I learned from a Jehovah's Witness that they believe that all our "spirits" are actually just part of God's Spirit, thus it is a portion of His spirit that enters us for the breath of life. For me, this does destroy some sense of individuality... "'I' think, therefore 'I' am". So that does not sit right with me. Then, they believe in an afterlife quite Biblically based. That when Christ comes again, He will govern this world, and that those who followed Him and His example, will be resurrected and live in paradise. The 144,000 chosen are to be resurrected, like Christ, as "spiritual" beings, or "celestial" beings, while the rest of the multitude of Christ's followers will be physical or of a "terrestrial" nature. For the rest of eternity, they will live in this paradise, with Christ as the King, and the 144,000 as other leaders, all under Jehovah. This kind of heaven sounds nice, I mean it is paradise, but it does not satisfy my soul. I know that eventually, science will all be mastered, and then life will just continue. No progress, no growth. Stagnant, for all eternity.

The same problem comes with other religions, either you are reincarnated over and over again, reach nirvana meaning nothingness or being part of everything, or you wind up in a heaven, where you are at peace, and restful, but without any progression. This could never satisfy my soul. I know what it is like to be blissful, but without some purpose, some cause, some growth, there is no satisfaction.

If you are reading this and you are not a Mormon, I hope that you understand that I mean no offence, especially if I did not represent or understand your religion very well. I ask for you to please comment your beliefs and maybe your testimony of why you believe your faith. I am merely trying to state my understanding of why the LDS church is the only religion that is true upon the earth. Indeed, this is the only religion that has answered every question I have had.

For, not only do we believe in a pre-existence as individuals with God, as His spirit children, we believe that after this life we can progress and become just like Him. For, what is the point of children, if they do not grow up and become like their parents.

I leave these things with you, that I know for myself that God lives, that Jesus is His Son and that He is the Christ, the same that lived a perfect life, suffered for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and gave His life on the cross all for our sake. I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God, that God bestowed upon him power and authority to translate the Book of Mormon which is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the American Continent, for God loves His children everywhere, and to restore the fullness of Christ's Gospel back to the earth. I know that the priesthood, or the authority to act in God's name is upon the earth, and that the mantle of Prophet-hood, as I call it, has been passed down to our current Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I know that God loves His children today, as in days past, and that He does speak to us today. He is not dead nor doth He sleep. I know that because of Christ, all will be resurrected from the dead, and then judged according to their works and desires of their hearts. I know that this mortal shell shall be outgrown and receive immortality, and I often pray for that day to come speedily. I leave these things with you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Rock of Heaven, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Facebook Request 3: The Glory of God is Intelligence

Dear Readers,

Because it has been requested on Facebook, by my wonderful Step-Mother Laina, I am please to post about The Glory of God is Intelligence.

This is a very deep subject of the gospel and I will endeavor to try explain it in such a way as those who read this may understand. It was John Taylor who said, "It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject which is mysterious and great in itself and to unfold and simplify it so that a child could understand it." (Journal of Discourses v 5 pg 260)

First of all, what is "intelligence"? Usually we think of how smart we are, whether book smarts from schooling, or "street smarts" or common sense from practical life experience. This is where, I feel, that worldly doctrine and confused intelligence with knowledge and wisdom. The clearest example that I know is with the saying, "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put a tomato in a fruit salad." I would argue and these are just aspects of intelligence, but not really what it is, or what it means to be intelligent.


God defines "intelligence" in Doctrine and Covenants 93:29-30 "... Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. 30. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also, otherwise there is no existence." Intelligence is the light of truth. Not only that, but intelligence is sentient, alive, conscious, "to act for itself". I believe it was Socrates who said "Cogito, Egro Sum", "I think, therefore I am". Intelligence is the ability to think, not just something in our brains, but literally life in the most basic of all its forms.

Some people may say, "Where is the proof of that?". Well I say, let is try and experiment. As will all truth, you can experiment upon it and get an answer, if you are open to receive it. It was explained to me like this... (WARNING don't try until you finish reading the instructions, because the first one is close your eyes, and it is hard to read with your eyes closed.) INSTRUCTIONS {Close you eyes, and find your little "I Am". Wiggle your toes, is that above or below "you". What about your chest, your breathing, is that above or below you? Now touch your chin. What about your ears, are the above, below, or to the sides? Continue for your nose, eyes, back and top of your head, even your forehead.}Your little "I Am" is inside of your head. Inside of your brain.

So, with my limited knowledge about human anatomy, I would like to point out that it is not a coincidence that your little "I Am" or intelligence is about where the main nerve group is in the brain. Sorry, I do not know what it is called, yet it is my theory that either that part of the brain, or the brain matter itself is what communicates with our spirit. Thus it would make sense to me that our "I Am" would be located right there. Also, if while doing the experiment, you ran you finger down you forehead, you would find that right between your eyes is in front of "you". This, I wonder, is why so many people think of the "third eye" though that is traditionally located in the middle of the forehead.

Here is something fun, not only is intelligence life, but it is visibly seen as light. Like to old sayings about the light going out in your eyes. Though, it is not just any light, like sunlight or from a light bulb, it is the light of truth. Truth, not lies, not falsehoods, but truth is literally alive.

I like the subtle theme from "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" that truth is strength. Which makes me wonder, if we are told to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3) because the truth sets us free and is a kind of food for our spirits, what if that is more literal than we give it credit for. I mean God's light of truth fills the "immensity of space"  and gives "life to all things" (Doctrine and Covenants 88:12-13), what if, like sunlight is ultimately what feeds our physical bodies through the food chain, if God's light, if intelligence, is what feeds our spiritual bodies.

Again, something else fun, the scriptures say that we can gain intelligence, by gaining truth. In Daniel 11:30 Daniel sees a vision of several kings and of one he said "...so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." Basically, that king will try to convince those who did "forsake the holy covenant" and show them the error of their ways with truth. Then in the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith which can be found in the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith said "... Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year, and at each time I found the same messenger there, and receive instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews..."

When we learn truth, I mean really learn, almost absorb it, then we gain and increase in intelligence. Doctrine and Covenants 88:40 "For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light;..." This is why some people love learning, and if you are taught truth, and taught it correctly, then it is good, you enjoy it. The very truth itself "cleaveth" or holds to, leans upon more truth, building like a snowball rolling down a hill, which sadly, living in Arizona, I have not actually seen.

Then God gives us a kind of promise in Doctrine and Covenants 130:18 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection." As we learn truth, whether knowledge or wisdom, that remains with us in the next life. Literally growing our life.

So if this is what "intelligence" is, where did it come from? Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 explains it quite well. "29. Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be." Yes I know I have used this scripture already, but it is a good one. Light of truth, or intelligence, cannot be created or made. You cannot create a false truth, nor can you create that intelligence that is life.

Now some may argue, but we create life all of the time, through procreation. That is not entirely true. To explain this, I will now talk about what intelligence does. We know that it acts, but what does it do?

 Abraham 3:21-23 "21. I dwell in the midst of them all; I now, therefore, have come down unto thee to declare unto thee the works which my hands have made, wherein my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning; I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences thou has seen. 22. Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; 23. And God saw these souls they they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou was born."

I would like to point out some key words here, especially in verse 23. "Souls" in Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 "And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.". Abraham was shown the pre-mortal life, before we received bodies, and yet God "saw these souls". He saw their potential and what they were meant to be and become, "for [H]e stood among those that were spirits". Now what are "spirits"?


Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8 "7. There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; 8. We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter." So, essentially, our spirits are bodies for our intelligence.

Here comes that deep doctrine I was talking about. In Journal of Discourses volume 7 page 2-3 Brigham Young, the second Prophet of this dispensation, said "If people understood true philosophy—eternal philosophy, they would understand that there is an eternity of matter. Astronomers estimate that there is between us and the nearest fixed star matter enough from which to organize millions of earths like this. There is an eternity of matter, and it is all acted upon and filled with a portion of divinity. Matter is to exist; it cannot be annihilated. Eternity is without bounds, and is filled with matter; and there is no such place as empty space. And matter is capacitated to receive intelligence. If we could so understand true philosophy as to understand our own creation, and what it is for - what design and intent the Supreme Ruler had in organizing matter and bringing it forth in the capacity that I behold you here today, we could comprehend that matter cannot be destroyed-that it is subject to organization and disorganization; and could understand that matter can be organized and brought forth into intelligence, and to possess more intelligence, and to continue to increase in that intelligence; and could learn those principles that organized matter into animals, vegetables, and into intelligent beings; and could discern the Divinity acting, operating, and diffusing principles into matter to produce intelligent beings, and to exalt them-to what? Happiness. will nothing short of that fully satisfy the spirits implanted within us? No.
You can daily observe the operations of the spirits of men in the streets of this city. There you can now see the world exhibited as it is. You can see people hurrying from the east to the west, from the west to the east, from the north to the south, and from the south to the north. Have they any object in view? Ask the traveler whether he has; ask the bystander whether there is an object in his mind. Whether I stand or walk, whether I labor or rest, lie down or rise up, in all my acts in life there is an object. I have something in view, you have something in view, and so has the whole human family, as also all intelligence of every grade."

So, firstly matter is "capacitated" or has the capacity or ability to receive or store intelligence, and the deepest, most motivating aspect of these intelligences is the need to be happy. That is what all life seeks, to be happy. Now, from what we have learned thus far, spirit is matter, and that matter can hold intelligence, but the physical elements are also matter, and also have spirit matter with them. That is why (see Creation post) God formed all things spiritually before they were physically there. 

God has created, or organized all things, but why so many different ones. Firstly Abraham 3:19 "And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all."Therefore some intelligences are more intelligent than others, and God knew which ones were most like Him, thus created them in His image, and others He placed in different lesser orders, stages, or spheres.

2 Nephi 2:14 "And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon." This is what we might call God science. God speaks to the spirit, to the intelligence of the the elements, those things which are made to be acted upon, and because He is God, their creator, their liberator, and so they listen and obey. For it is taught in the temple that when the earth was being created physically, it was waited upon to see if it would obey.

Also, 2 Esdras 6:41 of the Old Testament Apocrypha "41.Upon the second day thou madest the spirit of the firmament, and commandedst it to part asunder, and to make a division betwixt the waters, that the one part might go up, and the other remain beneath." 

Even so, that is how miracles are performed, whether Moses calling forth the plagues upon Egypt, or Jesus healing all manner of sicknesses, walking on water, or turning water into wine. Even when healings and other miracles are performed today, it is by God's power, or His authority, his Priesthood that such things are done. By His say so, and that is because of His honor. In Doctrine and Covenants 29:36 we read that the main reason why Lucifer fell was because he wanted God's power, or in other words, he wanted the honor and glory for himself, for performing the atonement. 

So, God's power, is His honor, but why is honor power? Because God always keeps His promises, and He has promised that as long as we obey Him, we will be saved, or in other words, resurrected with a perfect body, and that our bodies, spirits, and intelligences will no longer be subject to separation. This is not only true for us, His children, but also for the animals, for the trees, even the earth itself. 10th article of faith, "...that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisical glory." Even in Doctrine and Covenants 88:19-20, 130:9 it says that the earth will be crowned with glory, and become immortal.

Doctrine and Covenants 93;33 "For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fullness of joy;" This is why the earth and all of the animals obey God, because He has promised a "fullness of joy", and He keeps His promises. This is why God has said, "...this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."(Moses 1:39) because God's glory, God's power, God's honor, all comes from our happiness, and we can only be truly happy if we receive eternal life!

I hope that you learned from and understood this post about why the Glory of God is Intelligence.(Doctrine and Covenants 93:36) If you have any questions or comments, please post them. I really want to know what you think, and if I was able to explain this doctrine accurately. For personal research, I was introduced to this doctrine by listening to a talk by W. Cleon Skousen "Meaning of the Atonement". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHan3Y8BxGs

Love,
Jacobugoth

Facebook Request 2: Duct Tape Tie

Dear Readers,

This shall be a short post, because I do not know how much I can drag the story of my Duct Tape Tie out for. Shout out to (Elder) Charles Farthing for suggesting this on Facebook.

Firstly, I got the idea while I was in Corvallis, MT. I was serving a mission for my Lord Jesus Christ through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was my 4th transfer, so almost my 6th month point. My companion at the time was Elder Hunter. He already had a duct tape tie that and investigator (someone who meets with the missionaries, seeking to learn more about Jesus Christ) made for him. I must admit that I was a little envious, so, the last week before transfers I asked a few of my investigators if they would be willing to make one for me. There was a young lady named Kaylee who said that she would, if I bought the duct tape.

As it turned out, I was then transferred to Lander, WY. From there I mailed a roll of duct tape to her. A few weeks later I received the tie in the mail. I truly think that it is awesome. Of course it is hard to tie, but well worth it. I remember wearing it for Easter Sunday when I was in Eureka, MT because it was my birthday. It was always fun hearing some comments about, wow, I did not realize you were wearing a duct tape tie, it just looks like a silver tie. Amazing some of the things you can get away with.

I have examined it, and I think that I know how she made it. I believe that she first made a kind of skeleton, with the bottom triangle and an inch or so wide strip running through the entire length made of duct tape. After having that, blue print, of sorts, she then re-coated it with the tape, making the tie.

Another fun thing about this tie, is that after you wear it, the places where it was tied become stuck wrinkly. So I roll it up nice and tight, and that removes those problem areas.

I have made some additions to this tie, including a loop by the neck to put the short end through, as well as one lower down so that I can use a tie-buddy and keep it from flapping around.

Lastly, it was the center piece of my second birthday as a missionary. I was companions with Elder Yeske and serving in Deer Lodge, MT. It was our preparation day, but we were snowed in or something. So I made a mantle of ties.

Well, that is the story of my duct tape tie. I still occasionally wear it. If you want to see more pictures from my mission, check out my Facebook Page: Elder Jacob Smithson.

Love,

Jacobugoth

Facebook Request 1: Amazing Socks

Dear Readers,

I like using this blog as a way to properly express my views, beliefs, and opinions on various matters. To get more feedback, I have began asking people on Facebook for ideas to blog on. This is the first installment, and I would like to dedicate it to the suggester, my friend Daneé. She wanted me to talk about how amazing socks are.

I must admit, several different ways to go about this passed through my head. The main think that I thought of was my Father's book, "The Parable of the hand and the glove", just with socks and feet instead. Though, it would be ridiculous of me to go step by step and draw comparisons, so I will just go my own way. If you want to do it yourself, fine, buy the book.

Anyway, there is the basic comparison you use as a missionary, trying to explain about the plan of salvation. The foot is your spirit, it moves and has life, but to go outside, to keep it protected, you put a sock on. Technically you also put on a shoe, but who cares about shoes. Anyway, the sock does not move on its own. It has to have the foot inside to have life. The sock is like your body, and it is your spirit, or foot, that makes it move. The sock also provides comfort and protection. Then, after the day is done, the sock comes off. That would be death. What happens then? The sock is washed, cleaned, and becomes pure and perfect again, and is put back on the foot. That would be the resurrection.

There are so many socks out there, of all shapes and sizes. Each with a purpose: for pleasure to the senses (sight and smell), to relieve pain, and even to keep the foot cool. Let us talk about some of these socks.

There are the casual socks you wear, whether white, or black, but these are sometimes bland. There are some interesting variations of this, like the good for nothing ankle socks. Those things make me feel like my feet are immodest, not to mention the always slide down into the shoe. Though in contrast, there are the knee highs. Let us just thank the counselors from Camp Chippewa from the movie Adam's Family Values. Sadly no picture, so lets look at Abby Sciuto from NCIS.I would even dare to say that stockings, even fishnet stockings are types of socks.

Then there are the neon technicolor ones that suddenly just catch your attention. I had a mission companion that would wear bright green or pink socks on a random day of his week. He would use it as a way to keep a conversation going, just stick his hands in his pockets, pull on his pants legs a little, and Ta Da! But bright socks is not good enough, there are all kinds of designs: stripes, circles, and themes. Some cool ones that I just found while looking at socks are superhero socks, with capes.

There are also socks for medicinal purposes. Like compression socks, which remind me of Giraffe legs, because their leg skin is super tight which keeps their blood from pooling in their legs. They are fun and good to have, but super hard to get on and off. A type of sock, technically, that has really helped me over the years are the ankle support braces. Because I grew up so tall, so fast, my balance has not been the best, thus several sprained ankles over the years. Have a pair of these socks on really does help prevent further damage, though now, my ankles seem to be strong enough to not sprain or twist as easily.

Have you ever done something fun with socks, because there are many activities they can be used for. I remember back in my soccer days, we had to wear these super high socks, because you had to fold them back over the shin guards. I still do not fully understand why. Probably something between hiding weapons between the guard and sock, or the plastic breaking and sharp edges pointing out. Yes, I was very brutal in soccer.

You can hang them up for decorations, like Christmas stockings. This brings me to good old prison justice, filling a sock with batteries or coins to use as a weapon. Less violent, but can be just as painful if you mess up, is sliding on the floor. Good old Tom Cruise Risky Business style. Though, if you have the right kind of carpet, you can also get a nice static charge going by dragging you feet. Then use that electricity to shock people, like you have lightning in your veins!

Then there are sock puppets. When I think of sock puppets, I think of the movie RocketMan. https://youtu.be/kVdGw6gTfDU Where he drives someone complete insane with his sock puppet routine. 

All of these activities can really wear down on your socks. Ever get a hole in your sock that one or two toes pokes out of? It is such a strange felling. Like this little piggy is yelling, "I'm free! I'm free! Dobby's Free!" (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). Though now days, you don't have to wait for your socks to rot away to this point. You can just get the toes socks, where there is a little pocket for each toe, and they can all be free!

Oddly though, socks don't help much when you stub your toe, indeed they can even kill you... Muh ha ha ha!

I was thinking more of the eleventh episode of House M.D. of season 4, "Frozen". House has compassion on Cate, who is in Antarctica, alone, and sick. She asks if she can keep her socks on because, guess what, it is cold. He allows her, and as it turned out in the end, she broke a toe that then turned into blood poisoning. Not good stuff.

At least a house did not fall on you. Socks do some crazy stuff when that happens...

First wicked witch from Wizard of Oz

I am about out of things to talk about, having to do with socks. So let me finish by talking about how awesome they are. As is very traditional in the Japanese culture, as well as in some homes here in America, you take off your shoes when you enter someone's house. This is to not tract dirt into their home, so you get to be in, guess what, your socks. This is also a sign of respect and holiness. Like when Moses spoke to Jehovah through the burning bush, (Exodus 3:5) and the Lord said, "put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Note that He did not say take off the socks from off thy feet... though that might be because he wore sandals and not socks. Anyway, if he did wear socks, I am confident he could keep them on. 

Lastly, these socks are awesome! I hope that you enjoyed this post!

Love,

Jacobugoth