Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Curiosity? or is it something else?
So, lately I've been studying more on my own people, the Dine (or better known as the Navajos), and I've learned so much in such little time. What started this whole thing was my curiosity (I guess you can call it that) about the connection between the Book of Mormon people, the Lamanites, and my own.
According to history books, the Dine are an Athabaskan-speaking people, which immigrated from the Alaskan/Canadian areas into a desert-dwelling people. But, for some reason, I find that hard to believe. As long as I've been alive I have never heard from my ancestors if this were true, or if we had immigrated from some other part of the Americas. Our own "word of mouth" history suggest that we came up from a world beneath us, this being the fifth world, or in other words, the fifth time we have emerged into a new world. So yes, we do consider ourselves immigrants, in a way.
Well, in my studies of navajo mythology and religion, I've come to realize how great the connection is between this and the Gospel, or teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How similar these things are.
So many or so close that I can, in my mind, consider it to be from the same source. But, just like any story or ritual, things change over time. Especially when nothing had been written down, but for what purpose? Were such things so sacred that they can not be written? I mean, Nephi, and many others were commanded not to write certain things which that saw and heard. Even Christ himself, while he was among the people of Nephi "prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written", but it says that, "the multitude did bear record who heard him." (3 Nephi 17:15-17)
It's so unbelievably complex. I know the teachings (not fully) of both denominations, and each one offers me new insight into the other. A Medicine man, or a General Authority would probably raise an eyebrow and wonder where I had learned such things. I could only reply that I learned it while growing up, and it's part of my general mentality. Like waking up and brushing your teeth, it's just something you do each morning, you do it, but yet, sometimes, take it for granted, and never come to the realization that it was a blessing to know such things.
The world isn't ready, that seems to be my only conclusion, which is fitting for both sides once again. If I were to publish such records, it would be like "casting pearls before swine" (3 Ne. 14:6, Matt. 5:9, and D&C 41:6) Upon reading these, they all revert to the same word, Holiness. Which, once more, is what we strive for in each religion. So, holding your tongue must be something holy, right? I guess mom's phrase of, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all" was right all along. Ha ha.
If only such things were "opened unto me" like it has been to prophets of old, and those of our day. But, I guess that's why they're prophets, and we continue to struggle daily.
According to history books, the Dine are an Athabaskan-speaking people, which immigrated from the Alaskan/Canadian areas into a desert-dwelling people. But, for some reason, I find that hard to believe. As long as I've been alive I have never heard from my ancestors if this were true, or if we had immigrated from some other part of the Americas. Our own "word of mouth" history suggest that we came up from a world beneath us, this being the fifth world, or in other words, the fifth time we have emerged into a new world. So yes, we do consider ourselves immigrants, in a way.
Well, in my studies of navajo mythology and religion, I've come to realize how great the connection is between this and the Gospel, or teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. How similar these things are.
So many or so close that I can, in my mind, consider it to be from the same source. But, just like any story or ritual, things change over time. Especially when nothing had been written down, but for what purpose? Were such things so sacred that they can not be written? I mean, Nephi, and many others were commanded not to write certain things which that saw and heard. Even Christ himself, while he was among the people of Nephi "prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written", but it says that, "the multitude did bear record who heard him." (3 Nephi 17:15-17)
It's so unbelievably complex. I know the teachings (not fully) of both denominations, and each one offers me new insight into the other. A Medicine man, or a General Authority would probably raise an eyebrow and wonder where I had learned such things. I could only reply that I learned it while growing up, and it's part of my general mentality. Like waking up and brushing your teeth, it's just something you do each morning, you do it, but yet, sometimes, take it for granted, and never come to the realization that it was a blessing to know such things.
The world isn't ready, that seems to be my only conclusion, which is fitting for both sides once again. If I were to publish such records, it would be like "casting pearls before swine" (3 Ne. 14:6, Matt. 5:9, and D&C 41:6) Upon reading these, they all revert to the same word, Holiness. Which, once more, is what we strive for in each religion. So, holding your tongue must be something holy, right? I guess mom's phrase of, "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all" was right all along. Ha ha.
If only such things were "opened unto me" like it has been to prophets of old, and those of our day. But, I guess that's why they're prophets, and we continue to struggle daily.
Official Announcement to all...
My wife and I would like to officially announce the conception of our first little one! How amazing is that? I have looked forward to this day for so long now. I can feel many things changing inside me now. My way of thinking, and how I act is now focused on how it can only better my own family and especially the life of this unborn child. So much is on my mind, it's unbelievable. But, this is just an announcement.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Leaving to the Dominican Republic
Well, the time has finally come for me to reunite with my wife once more. Unfortunately, our time together is limited to just 3 weeks. Despite that, we have plans to have a wonderful time together and enjoy one another's company.
Monday, January 14, 2008
New Blog!
Well, well, well. Look who now has a personal blog.... Man, so much I can do, yet so little time to do them. hmmm.... What do I talk about? Well, first of all, let me start by introducing myself, even though you probably already know who I am. My name is Halbert Todachinnie. I am 25 years old. I am married to a beautiful dominican beauty, Milagros (haha, she hates that name), but she goes by Miguelina (which I believe translates to Micheala {aka Mikayla}). I currently reside in good ole Utah, as my wife is still in the Dominican Republic, awaiting a visa to come on over here with me. I'm currently working to jobs, one being for the Church Distribution Center, and the other a personal home business for Pre-Paid Legal. Ask me questions about the latter and I have answers. In fact, I would love them, hehe.
Wow, I'm actually at a lost for words here. I have so much to say, yet not enough time to do so.
So, I think I'll leave it at this for now. I'm going to be posting more things, pics, news, events, even videos. :) So, stay tuned for more. Laterz!
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