The CICA Windows Explosion!/The CICA Windows Explosion! - Disc 2.iso/wpwin/highland.zip/HOLD/TRYIT/HIGHLAND.TXT

Text File | 1994-11-15 | 26KB | 459 lines

This file contains a brief history and introduction to Highland Graphics
and our beliefs and testimony. It is asked that if you use our images you
take a moment to read this file to get to know us better and to know what
we believe.

We've broken this file down into different sections:

     1. Highland Graphics - Who are we? (our history)
     2. Why are we doing this?
     3. What we believe.
     4. Our Testimony
     5. How to reach us.

And a few extra sections:
     Section A - Can you write such a record?
     Section B - The Articles of Faith.

1. Highland Graphics - Who are we?
     We're a husband and wife team. Or perhaps we should say a wife
     and husband team. Cheri, the artist, has created all the images
     included in this package and all of our other packages. Cheri has
     been an artist every since she was a child. Through High School she
     did a little work for different individuals and then found herself
     applying for a graphic arts scholarship. She was then denied that
     scholarship because of "lack of talent" (according to them). After a
     few years in college there came along marriage and then a child,
     then two. With the first child Cheri set the goal to remain at home to
     raise our children. Soon after the birth of our first child Cheri was
     offered the chance to do freelance computer clipart for a national
     publication. This blossomed into a four year working relationship
     where she could stay at home and still bring in some extra money
     for the family. This relationship continues to this day.

     The husband part of the team is named Drew. He couldn't draw a
     figure to save his life. His talents lie in his abilities to keep the
     computers up and going and to write files (howsoever poorly) such
     as this. Besides the computers, he maintains the finances of the
     business and correspondence.

     Overall we have a rather nice blend of talents. While Drew has a
     hard time drawing anything for his children to even recognize, Cheri
     depends on him to keep the computers running and such. Basically
     we couldn't do this without each other.2. Why are we doing this?
     We started creating religious clipart images because we couldn't find
     images out there that we really liked. We originally created two
     commercial packages and put adds in magazines. We did okay....not
     great....but not terrible. The cost of placing an add in a national
     publication can run from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
     While we usually broke even we didn't achieve the goals we had set
     for ourselves.

     Goals? You ask....Yes, we had set a few goals for our company at
     the time. The freelance part of the business was making a decent
     amount of money but we felt these religious images really needed to
     be shared with as many people as possible. Money was not the issue
     but Cheri really wanted to share her talents with others. We felt
     these images did justice to the reverence and respect the Savior
     deserves and that people would want to use them. The problem was
     how to make them available. We also wanted to share our beliefs
     and views of the Savior and his mission. The commercial market
     didn't fit that goal very well. We turned to shareware for multiple
     reasons. One of the major reasons is because the distribution can be
     far and wide. Some shareware we have done in the past has ended
     up in various places around the world. We couldn't think of a better
     way to share these images or to share our beliefs.

     So please, use these images, use them in your church, change them
     so they have no color and let your children color them, use them,
     use them, use them. We personally use them on a monthly church
     newsletter and on each of our Sunday bulletins. We've let our
     daughter color them and we have used them to teach her about the
     Savior. Be creative and share these with others.3. What we believe:
     As an introduction we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of
     Latter-Day Saints, sometimes called the "Mormon" or "LDS"
     Church. Our Church has its world headquarters in Salt Lake City,
     Utah. We are a Christian denomination with over 8.8 million
     members in 150 nations and territories around the globe.

     We have a couple of reasons for wanting to share this information
     with you. One of the biggest reasons is just to dispel some of the
     misconceptions there are about Mormons and Mormonism. One of
     the other reasons is that we sincerely believe that the Church of
     Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints can bring you closer to Christ than
     any other church on earth.

     Paramount in the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
     Saints is a belief in God the Father, his son Jesus Christ and the
     Holy Ghost. The three comprise the Godhead. We believe they are
     one in purpose, but separate in being.

     Although our church is Christian, it is neither Catholic nor
     Protestant. Rather, it is the restored Church of Jesus Christ.

     Our church emphasizes the need for priesthood authority. As Joseph
     Smith,first prophet and president of the church said "...a man must
     be called of God, by prophecy and by the laying on of hands by
     those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in
     the order thereof".

     The First principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are,
     as stated by Joseph Smith, "...first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
     second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission
     of sins; fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost
     (confirmation)".

     As members of the Church of Jesus Christ we believe revelation
     from God did not cease nearly two thousand years ago, but has
     continued over the years through various living prophets. The
     presidents of the church down through the years since it was restored
     in 1830 have been and are viewed by members of our church as
     prophets in the same sense as Moses, Abraham, Peter and other such
     biblical leaders.

     One of the biggest misconceptions others have is that we are not
     Christian. As mentioned earlier we believe in Jesus Christ. We
     believe that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and our Savior. Except for
     him there would be no salvation and no redemption. Unless men
     come unto him and accept him as their Savior, they cannot have
     eternal life. Christ is the center of our religion. He is the chief
     cornerstone as mentioned in Ephesians 2:19-21.

     We also believe in the Bible. We believe the Bible to be the word of
     God. We also believe in a book called the Book of Mormon. The
     Book of Mormon is not a replacement for the Bible. It is actually a
     supplement to the Bible. The Book of Mormon stands as another
     witness to Jesus Christ. Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon was
     written by prophets of the Lord. They lived in ancient Palestine and
     also ancient America. The Book of Mormon is an account of God's
     dealings with these people who lived in America long before the
     time of Columbus. The writings of these people cover hundreds of
     years and were eventually combined by a prophet named Mormon.
     This is where the name of the Book of Mormon comes from and
     where we get the nickname. We don't worship Mormon but view
     him as a prophet equally as important as Abraham or Moses.

     The Book of Mormon was translated by a man named Joseph Smith
     who was acting under the power and influence of God. It all began
     in the year 1820 when Joseph was about 14 years old. In the area
     where he lived in update New York there was a great amount of
     contention among the preachers and members of the different sects
     of religion who sought to influence the new converts to join their
     respective churches. Joseph was extremely bothered as to deciding
     what church was true. He wrote "While I was laboring under the
     extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of
     religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter
     and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask
     of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it
     shall be given him. Never did any passage of scripture come with
     more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It
     seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I
     reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed
     wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I
     could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the
     teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same
     passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in
     settling the question by an appeal to the Bible." (Joseph Smith
     History 1:11-12)

     With the words of James in mind he decided to ask God which
     church was true. He picked a place in the woods close to his home
     yet remote enough so he could be alone. He knelt down and began to
     offer up the desires of his heart to God. He writes, "I saw a pillar of
     light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which
     descended gradually until it fell upon me. . . . When the light rested
     upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all
     description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto
     me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My
     Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)

     Joseph ask the Lord what church he should join. He was directed to
     join none of them. He was told that while they all contained truth,
     none of them contained all the truth. The Lord also said that in due
     time, through Joseph as His instrument, he would restore to the earth
     the true religion. Some time thereafter he knelt by his bedside to
     pray for help that he may know more the course he should take. The
     heavens were once again opened to him and an angel appeared to
     Joseph. The angel's name was Moroni, the son of Mormon and also
     the last prophet to have written in the Book of Mormon. Moroni
     instructed Joseph further and told him of the Book of Mormon, how
     it was written upon plates of gold and how he had buried it in a hill
     not far from were Joseph lived. Four more years passed and in
     September of 1827 Joseph received this record of these ancient
     people and began to translate the record with the help of God.

     Many people doubt the validity of such an event. But Joseph was not
     alone in this wonderful calling. The Lord had chosen three other
     individuals to bear an official witness to the world. These men saw
     the plates and the angel. Eight other men were allowed to see and
     handle the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated.
     Their testimonies are included in the front of the Book of Mormon
     and they remained true to their testimonies until their deaths. For a
     little fun and a challenge see the section we included called "Can you
     write such a record?" It puts some of the context of the Book of
     Mormon into perspective.

     One last thing about Joseph Smith. We believe that he restored the
     church to the face of the earth just as it was when Christ formed His
     church with his apostles. We believe in this same foundation of
     prophets and apostles. We believe Joseph Smith was a prophet and
     that since his time there has always been a prophet here on earth to
     lead and direct the church according to God's will and desire. As a
     result we believe in revelation and that revelation occurs even today.
     We believe that Joseph Smith restored many basic truths that had
     been lost over time.

     One of the most beautiful truths that God has restored through the
     prophet Joseph Smith is the priesthood power and the keys to seal
     families together for time and all eternity. As members of this
     church we believe that death is not an end but a continuation. We
     also believe that your spouse, your family, your loved ones can be
     together after you die. Some of the keys restored in these last days
     carry the power to seal families together for time and all eternity.
     Not just till death do you part but forever. We believe that eternal
     life is family life in the presence of God. When a family member
     moves on we don't believe that they are gone but that they have
     moved on in their progression and you will have the opportunity to
     see them again. For us, death can be a wonderful experience. While
     there is certainly pain and a feeling of loss for those who have
     passed on there is also the assurance that you will see that individual
     again and the knowledge that there is a something after this mortal
     life.

     These sealing powers also have great importance to us as a couple.
     Most churches perform marriages and include the words "till death
     do us part". As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
     Day Saints we believe in marriage for time and all eternity. We
     believe that marriage shouldn't end at death but should go on
     forever. These marriages are performed in special buildings called
     temples. Currently we have temples all over the world. We have
     temples in Japan, England, Philippines, Canada, Mexico and many
     other countries. We also have temples in Washington D.C., Seattle,
     Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Las Vegas, San Diego, Mesa
     AZ, and many other locations in the United States and other
     countries. Only members of the church that are worthy to attend the
     temple can be married in the temple. This is because these are sacred
     buildings and you must be worthy to receive the blessings associated
     with the temple. As a couple this is means so much to us. We're not
     only husband and wife but we are also best friends and we would
     even say that we are as Genesis says, "one flesh". We are
     incomplete without each other. The happiness we have found in this
     life comes from being married as a couple. We want that to continue
     once we have both moved on. We firmly believe that we are married
     for time and all eternity and we will be together, forever.4. Our Testimony:
     As a couple we wanted to share these things because we know they
     are true. We have received so much happiness in our lives because
     of this church and the teachings that are contained in the church.
     When you know the real reason why you are here, why you go
     through trials and tests and challenges you have a better perspective
     on everything in your life. It is so wonderful to know that we are not
     alone. That there is a loving Heavenly Father that listens and
     answers us. We just need to take the time to ask and then listen.
     Even when you are in the deepest despair and it seems all is lost,
     there is someone listening that you can turn to. Someone who does
     care. Someone who wants to see you succeed.

     To understand death, to know that death is not an end but a
     continuation of our spirit. We just don't believe this to be true but
     we know it is true. There is a heaven. Our (your) loved ones are not
     gone but have moved on and we will have the opportunity to see
     them again. That brings such a peace of mind to us that we cannot
     even explain it. It is common within our church for even the parents
     of a young child or teenager or even adult to say, 'it was there time'
     with an assurance that their work here on earth was completed and it
     was their time to move on.

     We know that this church is lead by a prophet. A man that speaks
     with God and directs this church according to the Lord's will. In an
     age when things seem to be getting worse and not better it is a
     blessing to hear a prophets voice and know that the Lord is leading
     us.

     As a couple we know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It
     contains so many simple and plain truths. It helps explain some of
     the more confusing parts of the Bible and is a companion with the
     Bible. It also contains many writings for us, today. Stories and
     writings of people similar to us. People who believed in Christ and
     leaned on him through prayer to help solve their problems and find
     direction. It's no different then what we ourselves need to do today.
     It gives us additional examples that we can look upon for strength
     and guidance.

     As a couple we would like to challenge you to not take our word for
     it. If anything we hope that you have felt but a small bit of the spirit
     of the Lord that tells you these things are true. But most of all we
     don't want you to take our word for it. If you have felt that just
     some of these things are true we encourage you to study them out
     and ask the Lord. If you ask the Lord with a sincere heart, believing
     that you will receive an answer you will know the truth for yourself.
     And if you think about it, the only person who really knows for sure
     is the Lord. And if you believe the Bible, and you believe what it
     says is true, then take the words of James to heart: "If any of you
     lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
     and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." The Lord loves us
     and he does answer prayers.

     In closing both of us would like to say we know this church is true.
     We would encourage each of you that read this to study it our for
     yourself and learn for yourself. We pray that the spirit of our Lord
     may be with you to help you, guide you and bring peace and joy into
     your life. And we say (write) these things in the name of Jesus
     Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
5. HOW TO REACH US.
     a.   If you wish to E-mail us and have access to American On-Line

          (AOL) you can send e-mail on AOL to userid HIGHLANDG.
     b.   If you do not have access to AOL but have access to an
          Internet account you can still reach our AOL mail account
          by sending via the internet to [e-mail].
     c.   If you have Compuserve you can reach us at userid
          71042,2211.
     d.   Or via good old snail mail (US Postal).
          Send correspondence to:

               HIGHLAND GRAPHICS
               PO BOX 641
               PLEASANT GROVE UT 84062Section A - Can you write such a record?
     Many people challenge the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. For
     evidence of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon their is the
     Testimony of Joseph Smith and the three witnesses and eight others.
     If the Book of Mormon is not true the question remains: Where did
     it come from? Some claim it is a work of fiction. To dispel this idea
     we give you a list twenty-two items. Ponder these items and consider
     if a person could have created such a work as the Book of Mormon
     with these items in mind.

     1. You are between 23 and 24 years of age.

     2. You are not a college graduate. In fact, you have only had three
     years of formal schooling.

     3. Whatever you write much be on the basis of what you know.

     4. You must write a book with 239 chapters; 54 of them about wars,
     21 about history, 55 about prophecy, 71 about doctrine, 17 about
     missionaries, and 21 about the mission of Jesus Christ.

     5. You must write a history of an ancient country, covering a period
     from 2200 BC to 421 AD.

     6. You must include in your writings the history of two distinct and
     separate nations, along with the histories of different contemporary
     nations or groups of people.

     7. Your writing must describe the religious, economic, social and
     political cultures and institutions of these two nations.

     8. You must write this history, covering a period of over twenty-five
     hundred years, in approximately eighty days.

     9. After pauses for sleep and food, you must continue dictating to
     your stenographer without ever asking to have the last sentence read
     back to you.

     10. Your history or record must be long, approximately 522 printed
     pages, with over 150 words per page.

     11. You must add 180 proper nouns to the English language.
     (Shakespeare added thirty.)

     12. You must announce that your narrative is not fiction, but a true,
     sacred record.

     13. In fact, your narrative must fulfill the Bible prophecies that
     foretell the coming forth of the book, even down to the exact manner
     in which it shall come forth, to whom given, and its purposes and
     accomplishments.

     14. You must publish it to every nation, kindred, tongue, and
     people, declaring it to be the word of God.

     15. Tens of thousands must bear record to the world for the next 150
     years and more that they know the record to be true because the put
     the promise to the test and the truth of it was manifested to them by
     the power of the Holy Ghost.

     16. Thousands of men, intellects and scholars among them, must
     subscribe as disciples to the record, even to the point of laying down
     their lives for it.

     17. Prophecies that you have included in the book must be confirmed
     and fulfilled in the next nearly 160 years.

     18. Three honest, credible witnesses must testify to the whole world
     that an angel from heaven appeared to them and showed them the
     ancient records from which you claim your record was translated.

     19. Eight other witnesses must testify to the world that they saw the
     ancient records in broad daylight and that they handled them and felt
     the engravings thereon.

     20. These eleven witnesses must bear their testimony, not for profit
     or gain, but under great personal sacrifice and severe persecution,
     even to their deaths.

     21. You must find someone to finance your book with the
     understanding that neither he nor you will ever receive any
     remuneration from it. You must sell the book at cost or less.

     22. Finally, after suffering persecution and revilement for fourteen
     years after you finish the book, you willingly give your own life for
     your testimony that the record is from God.Section B - The Articles of Faith.
     This section contains the thirteen basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus
     Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These items were created by Joseph
     Smith, the first member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
     Saints and the first prophet since the restoration of this church.

     1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus
     Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

     2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not
     for Adam's transgression.

     3. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may
     be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

     4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel
     are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third,
     Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of
     hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

     5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and
     by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach
     the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

     6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive
     Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists,
     and so forth.

     7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions,
     healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

     8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is
     translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the
     word of God.

     9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,
     and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important
     things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

     10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration
     of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon
     the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the
     earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal
     glory.

     11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to
     the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same
     privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

     12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and
     magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

     13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous,
     and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the
     admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we
     have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.
     If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
     praiseworthy, we seek after these things.