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I generally like to take people at their word. If she said she felt the Lord's approval in pursuing a career then who am I to judge? I imagine those experiences are serving her mighty well right about now. I, too, generally take people at their word. But when I hear someone talk about a decision which, on the surface, seems not to agree well with the teachings of the gospel, and they justify their decision by saying, "God told me to do it that way", then I reserve the right not to accept their judgment at face value. I know a woman who told me in perfect sincerity that she did not pay tithing for a period of two years because God told her he didn't require it of her at that time. I do not claim that she was wrong; I grant that my understanding of the mind and will of God is imperfect (almost comical for me to use the word "imperfect" when the reality is light-years beyond me) and that God may well have told this sister exactly that. Who am I to say that God cannot do such a thing? But since her claim does not accord with my own understanding of God's commandments and with my own personal experiences, I feel no compulsion to accept her words at face value, either. I have no doubt she believed what she said. That doesn't indicate that it was actually so. Just so, if a person (male or female) says that s/he was directed by God to take a job, or whatever else, I unapologetically reserve the right to make my own judgment as to how believable I find that claim.

I hope you're right, and it's what my husband and I always did so I could stay home. We financially struggled at times, but we were overall very, very blessed - many times so directly that we could not deny the Lord's hand in it. I guess I'm just giving working women the benefit of the doubt, but I hope they really do prioritize the kids and stay home if they are able. We are in our early 40s. If it was hard for us, I just can't help but wonder how much harder it is for younger people, because of inflation, the cost of education, home prices, etc. I'm not talking about luxuries. For me personally, the very large recent jumps in household expenses have been needs. Insurance, property taxes, food, gas, and shelter....even water bills tripled in my neighborhood. I'm grateful that we are more established. How are people handling it who are just starting out in life? I think many of them get help from their parents.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a part of a group known as GWES, the Global Weather & Emergency Alert Society. It's a group that's focused on the STEM fields, particularly meteorology and telecommunications. As I type this, it's been 2+ weeks of rain and storms across the United States, including flooding and tornadoes. This has, as you can imagine, once more put the focus on emergency preparedness. In fact, the stake actually had to tell members in certain cities not to come to stake conference yesterday because roads were flooding out. So the question... what is everyone here doing, as of 2024, to prepare? What sort of food storage is everyone here getting together? Do you have your 72 hour kit? Do you have a weather radio tuned into the National Weather Service's radio stations to keep you aware of emergency alerts? Et cetra.

I would modify NT's response a bit. There were MANY covenants made during OT times. Abraham's was one such covenant. Those promises made to Abraham regarding his posterity still bless the lives of his descendants. And we consider ourselves among them (either by birth or by adoption). Other covenants were made to the Israelites during the time of the Law of Moses. And those who follow that law do inherit some of the blessings from that covenant. After the Resurrection, another covenant was introduced. And all people have access to that covenant, not just Jews. But the idea that Christians replaced the Jews is a mistaken notion. Jews were the first Christians. And today, Jews are just as welcome to convert to Christianity as anyone on earth.

While it's inarguably true that we specifically targeted city infrastructure and civilians as part of the overall bombing campaigns of these cities, you cannot claim that Hamburg, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki were not military targets. Hamburg was a large industrial center, containing things like shipyards, U-boat pens, and oil refineries. Hiroshima was a an embarkation port and industrial center that was the site of a major military headquarters. It was a supply and logistics base for the Japanese military. It was a communications center and an assembly area for troops. Nagasaki was one of the largest military seaports in southern Japan. It was a shipbuilding center, and was a huge industrial base for producing naval ordnance, ships, military equipment, and other war materials. Again, I don't think anyone will argue that we intentionally bombed and killed civilian infrastructure and civilians during these campaigns. But you have to ignore an awful lot of historical facts to claim there was nothing of military value in those 3 cities.

I am convinced that those that worship and covenant at our temples are living a higher law and are preparing for the Messiah. I do not believe that beyond what is currently provided in our temples will have any need for change until the Messiah returns. The Traveler

Yup. That’s all true. I’m still on team Israel 100%, but that doesn’t mean I can’t raise concerns.

During WWII the USA was directly involved in the firebombing of Hamburg and Dresden in Germany as well as Tokyo in Japan. The USA also dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. None of these were military targets but intended to quail any civilian resistance to our military victories. Israel followed the lead of the USA in WWII by notifying the civilians of the intents to use their cities as targets of war thinking to end the conflict. I do not believe any of this was as necessary in WWII, as was thought at the time. I also believe that the Nephits in the Book of Mormon were advised not to take the offensive attack to the Lamanites civilization cities as a tactic of war. I am under the impression that Hamas (and Iran) are outmaneuvering Israel (as well as the USA) with worldwide support in the conflict they initiated. That they have weaponized their own civilization population and using their innocent civilian deaths to their advantage. It looks to me that even the demonstrations planed in support of Hamas here in the USA have exploited much of our own civilian ignorance and caught our leaders (national security and news reporters) completely off guard. As a nation we are divided and conflicted in our leadership. We are losing and will be defeated should we continue on this course of action. For several months I have had the spiritual impression that this summer will bring violent tribulations of conflict within our borders which will bring to pass generations of modern prophecy concerning the arm of the flesh. Though things will continue to get worse – I believe it will be it will not be fast enough to alarm very many; like heating up water in a pot with a frog – by time the water begins to boil – it will be too late for the frog. We have some time of warming up still remaining – so life will continue without major interruption – for a while longer. The Traveler

A couple of responses. @Traveler, you think deeply and well. We may not agree about the canon, but I always appreciate your insights--especially in this string. We have remarkably similar views, despite our differences concerning the canon of scripture. @LDSGator, I get your perspective and have some sympathy for the Gazan residents. However, Israel is literally fighting an existential battle. If they stop now, they will not be perceived as winners. The Jews faced genocide once. Now they've discovered that many in the USA--even in NYC--especially our young--might allow such again. I'm not so sure I can tell them how to fight back. I pray for the day when we truly recognize Jews have a right to exist and they have a right to keep their homeland.

Israel's stated goals aren't about holding people responsible or bringing anyone to justice. Israel's stated goals are all about ensuring Hamas permanently loses the ability to threaten Israel. You don't get that by making it all the way to Rafah and then doing a deal with the intact Hamas leadership. Just sayin'.

It is easy for me to say “Go light on Hamas” when I don’t have to worry about getting blown up by terrorists who hate me-but it’s also easy to say “Nuke Gaza” when it’s not my 70 year mother who just got slaughtered in her own home while crocheting.

I totally agree they started it. Frankly, Israel has the right to slug back with full force. And they did. Good. Don’t kill innocent people and this won’t be a problem. I believe it’s time for a ceasefire. Israel won. They beat them badly and Hamas got what was coming. But now, all Palestinians, including innocent women and children are paying for it. It’s a bit much. I view Hamas the way I view a boxer who fights dirty. Sure, I’m willing to let the clean guy teach him a lesson, but I’m not going to handcuff the dirty ones arms and let you uppercut his 8 year old daughter.

I have wondered how to respond in this thread. @Vorthas introduced quite a dichotomy already on the issue, but I am of the mind that there is much more to consider – that this goes much deeper as well as wider. The Jews are not the ancient covenant people of G-d but rather a small branch (tribe) of a much greater Israel with whom G-d anciently established his covenant. And yet the Jews do play a most important roll in the events of the last days. Of similar, or even greater importance comes through the descendants of Joseph and in particular Ephraim. It is my understanding that most of the Christian support for Israel comes from ancient Biblical scripture. Perhaps foremost is the Book of Isaiah. I will make a comment here about ancient Hebrew scripture. I am far from an expert; I cannot read ancient text and must rely on inspired translations for which I cannot find any clearly divined divine authorization. I understand that good people like @prisonchaplain and the vast majority of Christianity that believe that the Bible is inviolate, pure, complete and authorized scripture. That the Bible is the Christian canon of scripture. Beyond textual criticism of ancient text from which the Bible is compiled, I have come to believe that the doctrine of canon is a pagan inspired doctrine and part of the great apostasy (paganization of Christianity). I could use stronger vernacular, and more detail but I have found clearer descriptions are likely to upset our Christian Cousins rather than help in understanding. Beyond the Book of Isaiah, I believe the best template for the Last-days is the Book of Mormon. The title page of the Book of Mormon is prophetic and directed specifically to the modern Jews and Gentiles (Gentiles here relate to the scattering of Israel - not just Jews - among the Gentile nations). Of particular importance is the Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon. But Jacob (chapters 5 – 6) is an abridgement from the ancient prophet Zenos and is somewhat criptic parable. As to the current dilemma of the Middle East – My impression is that there will be a great war that will involve most nations – perhaps we can call this war – World War III. The center focus of this war will be what we currently call Israel – which is occupied by the Jews in their divinely promised land with Jerusalem at its center. The prime center of opposition to Israel will come from the ancient area of Magog – an area that is itself currently involved in war (Russia – Ukraine). From this beginning (in the area of Magog) the nations of the earth with be gathered in war. This war will unearth a movement that has been brewing since Jesus walked among us – this movement is referred to in ancient scripture as the Anti-Christ. This war will take a number of years and I believe nuclear weapons will be used. Two witnesses of Christ (similar to Moses and Aaron in Egypt) will protect the Jews similar to the plagues of Egypt the protected Isarel anciently. I believe the current Nation if Israel will fall, and the two witnesses of Christ will be killed in Jerusalem. Jesus Christ will appear near Jerusalem and will preserve and save a remnant of Jews that will behold Jesus and his hands and feet and be converted to Christ. Those that came to destroy the nation of Israel will themselves be destroyed. Sometime soon to follow this appearance of Christ the sign (spoken of in Matthew 24) will be given of the coming of Christ into the world – at which time all the world (wicked) will be burned with fire and those prepared for this return of Christ will be preserved. As for myself, I believe Israel should defend itself from Hamas. I am conflicted (do not support) all the deaths in Gazza. I am very conflicted as to who to blame though I believe Hamas initiated the conflict and should be held responsible for that – I just do not know how. I do believe the events we are currently observing are fulfilment of ancient prophesy and that we will yet experience many miracles – both in preparation of a people for the return of Christ and to preserve a remnant of the Jews. I am in support of the many miracles to come which I believe will include some Muslims, Jews, Traditional Christians and of course the Latter-day Saints. The Traveler

My wife stayed home with out kids, but now most of them are grown and she has a job to help the finances. She wants to extent her education to be able to do more. I have no problem with that at this point now.

Such a crazy book. The mere composition of the book proves that Joseph Smith translated it. I found the following work quite helpful. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol4/iss2/5/

Mother's Day is coming up.

AMEN, brother. My son only took a couple of classes at the local JC to explore what various professions were about. Eventually he got some online training for $35 to become a drafter. He did have the advantage of having access to the software through me. But anyone else could have rented it for about $50/month. He began his career before he even turned 20 years old. He was making the average salary when he still lived under our roof. When he left for his mission it was a disappointment for many at the company he worked for. He was the best drafter they had. Throughout his mission, people at the company kept calling me asking when he was coming back. The date didn't change. But they kept calling anyway. They wanted to know if there was any way he could come home earlier. LOL! Now he's back at that company with a hefty raise. He has now moved from average salary to median salary. That said, I need to admit that my son is a special case. His brain is phenomenal. I've never met anyone like him before. And I know a LOT of very smart people. It is possible that a particular friend of mine has a son with a mind like my son's. My wife always had a dream of being a wildlife biologist. But she knew from her youth that being a mother was paramount. So, she slowly took classes whenever we could afford it. She eventually got an associate's degree (made Phi Beta Kappa) the same year that her daughter got hers. And now in her middle age, she doesn't regret the choices she's made. Our kids are just the best. I could tell some stories. But I'd be bragging too much. It is because they had a SAHM who was teaching and guiding them all the way. They also had a father who taught them the roles of men and women. All my children love to read (because of their mother). They love having philosophical and Socratic discussions all the time. And they have the wackiest sense of humor in any household I know of.

Understand. The “Quiet Revolution” that happened in Quebec is happening now in the states. That, or it already happened.

During the passover seder it is a common practice to sing this song. It has 15 or more verses. I’ll list the first two. Refrain Dai, dayenu, dai dayenu, Dai dayenu, dayenu, dayenu, dayenu (repeat) 1. Ilu hotzi hotzianu Hotzianu mimitzrayim, Hotzianu mimitzrayim, Dayenu Refrain 2. Ilu natan natan lanu Natan lanu et hatorah Natan lanu et hatorah Dayenu Refrain In english - 1. Had he brought us out of Egypt, Only brought us out of Egypt, Had he brought us out of Egypt, It would have been enough. 2. Had he given us the Torah, Only given us the Torah, Had he given us the Torah, It would have been enough. I was thinking about the song during fast and testimony meeting and I realized that even if there was no hope of salvation or exaltation. That my life, as is, has been enough. I have learned and grown so much. I have experienced love and a wonderful family. I know right from wrong and know why doing the right thing brings joy. I love the scriptures and know that God lives. Last summer, I came home from a busy day at work, pretty spent and possibly a bit irritable (I don’t even remember the circumstances). But I do remember that my 14 year old daughter, without any direction, prepared and presented me with a perfect BLT sandwich. And I mean better than restaurant quality. After I had eaten the first half of the sandwich, I commented to my wife that the experience was worth the trip. She said, what trip? And I replied, the trip here to Earth. And I meant it.

Contraceptive use is up dramatically among LDS as well. My eldest daughter was surprised and disappointed by some of the teachings that she received @ BYU concerning family planning and self care. And infertility is a booming business. Which isn’t surprising after taking contraceptives for a decade and then trying to have your first child during your 30’s or 40’s when it’s financially convenient.

Like I wrote, frankly I don’t know. I have heard some talk of needing some mental stimulation. Likely men are at fault for under appreciating their spouses. Listing to the whisperings of Lucifer’s host - believing that their decisions were less rewarding or less important than a formal job. That they missed out on getting a degree. Some sort of dis-satisfaction… I agree with Goodwill Hunting, “You spent $150,000 on an education that you could have got for $1.50 in late charges @ the local public library.” An education does not require a university… As for enjoying working outside the home. I can’t understand it at all. I work with many over educated men and women. I have way more stimulating conversations with my children. If me or any of the people that I work with won the lottery, we would quit our jobs overnight. I understand working women that must provide basic needs for their families. Its the women that already have supporting husbands that confuse me.

We must also remember a lot of changes can and will take place in the future in the world. Economic turmoil is pretty much guaranteed. Potentially the collapse of the dollar or hyperinflation. Another world war could deprive many families of their bread winners. Plagues could take the lives of many bread winners. With advances in technology many job skills could become obsolete. As persecution increases we could potentially see an increase in break ups of families as loyalties become divided. I'm sure there are even more factors that could influence women's ability to remain out of the workforce.

Breathlessly awaiting Chapter 2...

Do you think some of these women enjoy getting an education or working outside the home? The Catholic church forbids birth control but leadership wonders why family size is shrinking. There’s no grand conspiracy. The easiest answer is that the majority of Catholic women don’t want big families anymore, so they use contraception. Maybe it’s just as easy as that. I’m not commenting on the morality of the choice, just what I think happened.

I've just been listening to my favourite songs by Lady Antebellum and the Dixie Chicks, and having a good cry, but thanking the Lord that Confederate Railroad are standing firm against the evil tide of Wokery. But we need a special hero! Will Brer Rabbit rise from the grave to save us in our hour of need? Brer Rabbit meets Brer Woke One satisfactual day, when Brer Sun was shining mightily amongst the clouds, Brer Rabbit was hopping down the road. And who should Brer Rabbit meet but Miss Meadows and the Gals, out for a stroll. "Good day to you ladies!" said Brer Rabbit as he hopped past, but when he noticed the look on their purty faces he stopped dead in his tracks. "Oh, Brother Rabbit!" said Miss Meadows. "We have just met that frightful gentleman Brer Woke, and he's looking for you!" "He sure is, Brer Rabbit!" cried the Gals. "He's in a mean mood! He's snaggletoothed and double jointed..." "...and YOU're the man he's after!" added Miss Meadows, unnecessarily. "Oh, don't you be worrying about me, Ladies," said Brer Rabbit. "I've outfoxed Brer Fox and Brer Wolf and Brer Bear more times than I can count! Why, as for that Tar Baby..." "Yes, we know, Brer Rabbit!" said Miss Meadows. "But we fear Brer Woke may be another matter! He's had poor Uncle Remus banned! He's had trigger warnings put on Mary Poppins and he's forced Lady Antebellum and the Dixie Chicks to change their names! Poor Scarlett O'Hara won't be saying 'Fiddle De Dee' again for a long time, and he doesn't give... er...a darn about Rhett Butler. He's after Confederate Railroad and Shania Twain and all the Zippedy Doo Dah in the world won't save you this time!" To be continued...