Leaderboard

Since "ungrateful and entitled" pretty much sums up people in today's day and age, if we don't serve them, then who? As to your situation, just ignore it. You do what you have to. If they're offended, that's their issue.

Re marijuana: If it's not addictive, then how come so many people are willing to go to jail rather than quit? I do agree that search-and-seizure jurisprudence in this country has gone way too far in favor of government entities; but legalizing marijuana won't stop that. More generally: Ripping on President Obama has worked nicely for the GOP until now; but if they want those gains to be lasting they need to start de-emphasizing Obama personally and talk more about ideas. (I think this is a big way that the Democrats have gone wrong--they've been coasting on Bush hatred for the last six years, and haven't been rigorously defending their own vision for America or the course they've charted to achieve that vision; and the voters are starting to notice.) For example: Republicans should quit talking about how Obama hung our boys out to dry in Benghazi, and talk more about how a stronger military and a clear sense of international purpose will make America sufficiently respected--or at least feared--to the point where international goons won't think they can get away with this kind of crap. Rather than suggest that Obama himself green-lit the targeting of particular conservative activist groups, Republicans should point out that due to human nature such tomfoolery was inevitable in any system wielding the kind of power that the IRS now holds. Rather than attack Obama as an incompetent manager, Republicans need to drive home the point that our bureaucracy is, in many ways, simply unmanageable. Rather than suggest that Obama is singularly corrupt in giving plum contracts to well-connected firms, Republicans should ask why government needs to be handing out these contracts at all. Instead of accusing Obama of plotting to bankrupt or nationalize lucrative private-sector industries or pack the electorate with welfare-state-loving voters from Latin America, Republicans should harp on the math--again and again and again--showing that there just aren't enough assets in the country to subsidize the kind of welfare state many Americans want while simultaneously maintaining a first-rate military force that will maintain (whether through deterrence or active intervention) a global environment in which international trade can flourish. I think the President's speech today was a calculated effort to goad Republicans into alienating the electorate by continuing to fight against him personally rather than articulating ideas that, if adopted, could ultimately turn the country red. It's a sucker's game, and I hope the Republicans have enough brains to avoid the trap--but somehow, I doubt it.

yjacket - you're out of line

I have a similar story. A few years ago I was asked to host an evening discussion group in my home. I was led to believe that I didn't have to do anything except maybe start a fire in my fireplace (to make a cozy atmosphere) and open my living room to a group of well-mannered acquaintances who just wanted to discuss various aspects of some horrible book they were all reading. I figured I could do this for six weeks so I was a good sport and agreed. A few days before the first meeting, I learned that I was expected to provide dinner to all the guests, who would be arriving with empty tummies and nothing else (i.e., no potluck stuff allowed). I have a rule that I follow through on all commitments unless a true emergency comes up, so at great personal expense I provided catered food for all six evenings. I never got a single thank you from anyone. This taught me a very valuable lesson that may be helpful. When a friend asks me for a favor, I stroke my chin and ask dozens of questions to make sure I understand 100% of what is being asked. I've been burned too many times by a request for a really huge favor that is slyly packaged as a request for a really small favor. So that's one comment. My other comment is about worlds in collision. I've learned that culture clashes are common between some families. What some people consider a small favor may be a breathtaking imposition on someone else. When I was a boy, my mother was routinely asked to wallpaper whole rooms of various relatives simply because she was good with strippers, paste, rollers, and smoothers. These jobs would take 10-20 hours each. One elderly relative claimed she had a dream that my mother had agreed to wallpaper the relative's living room, and (for reasons that are still unclear to me) this dream was binding upon my mother, so she did it. My mom was never paid a penny, although I think once she got a plate of cookies in return. And yet my mother wouldn't ask her own sister for a ride to the grocery store. Different people, different opinions of taking. I would be shocked if anyone asked me to spend a whole weekend watching somoene else's child, and yet I have friends who would routinely ask each other to do this with no more reluctance than asking to borrow a cup of sugar. I'm sorry to hear about your father. He should come first. If I were you, I'd focus on your father and tune out everything else (to the extent possible). As for your Mr. and Mrs. Taker friends, I think the best rule of etiquette for them is: "Let's discuss the details of the favor you are asking. I won't be offended by the enormity of your request if you're not offended by my saying 'no' to things that would burden me." Best wishes for your father, of course.

My mission president told us missionaries (many years ago) that there are three kinds of missionaries. First there are the missionaries that get into their calling and make things happen. Second there are the missionaries that sit on the side lines and watch things happen. Finely there are those missionaries that wander around wondering what is happening???? Seminary is a wonderful and dynamic individual that is about getting into life and making things happen. I'm just here to keep her honest and keep her sharp mind considering those things that may not be so obvious. I sincerely hope reading our "back and forth" is enlightening and helpful. Especially stimulating to investigate deeper in to what you believe and why.

To the OP: I agree with you. Not about forcing the haves of the worlds with the have-nots, but that there needs to be a change in the way we think. Frankly, I don't care if Bob the Builder wants to live in a mansion in Beverly Hills with six swimming pools and a hundred cars. Let 'im. The problem is that things we could never have imagined twenty years ago are beginning to be reality: Catoms(Programmable atoms), the Oculus Rift, meat that has never touched a living being, improvements to automation and artificial intelligence. For ten thousand years, mankind's biggest inventions were putting ink on wooden blocks to press letters on papers and domesticating wildlife. Then, in the span of a hundred years, we went from horse and buggy for the majority to cars, we went from balloons to jet-fighters to rocket ships that took us to the moon. We went from leeches to cloning technologies. That century was huge. This next century we're in will make the last centuries discoveries look tame. We need to change as a culture. The super-wealthy who think they run the world can continue to have whatever wealth they want in the future. My dream is that we will look on those who need those things as somewhat sad and quaint, the last vestiges of a time that is now irrelevant. I think that's what God wants for us: To grow past our childish ways instead of hold down other people and demand they be nicer. I think that the people with power now are more afraid of what God wants than of another tyranny designed to take from others rather than give of ourselves: The first rids them of all their power while the second is just another faction to ally with.

It's been a year?! Seriously, just take the documentation into Council yourself. Get the awards straightened out there, then transfer your son into a non-LDS troop. No one in non-LDS scout troops would put up with that kind of nonsense for a year. Neither should you.

I voted for her.

Backroads, how much can the district/council really do? I mean, if the sponsoring org is bound and determined to have a crappy program--the council can yank the unit's charter status, I suppose; but can they go into the unit and force the officers to do their jobs?

I think I'm happiest when both houses of congress are on my side of the fence, and the president is on the other side of the fence. I'm very much not happy when Pres and congress are all on the same team. That doesn't go well, even when it's my side in charge.

It intrigued me for a time, but even as it ended we started picking it apart. Frankly, the more I think about it the dumber I find it.

I would determine how long you can take their son and tell them you can take their son for XX to XX. but they must get someone else to take the rest of the time. If that does not work that you are sorry you cannot help more and wish them well. If someone asks and needs help - I do what I can. I do the same with church callings. If certain meetings conflict with family needs - I inform those in charge - I cannot be at the meeting. There is nothing wrong with helping and not making their problems your own.

The expansion of the universe is not just making matter to become further apart - We are talking about the expansion of the universe itself. This includes increasing the space time that defines the limits that our universe exist within. The theory is that our universe is a 4 dimensional sphere - to explain this think of a curved 2 dimensional plane that eventually bends enough to become a sphere - like a balloon. The surface of the balloon being 2 dimensional space time. Then think of the balloon being inflated (becoming larger). Now think of 3 dimensional space that bends (as demonstrated by special relativity) to form a 4 dimensional sphere. That 4 dimensional sphere is the balloon that is our universe. The force that is inflating that balloon is by definition; dark energy. And from what we know the balloon is not stretching to become bigger but the force that is inflating the balloon is itself accelerating, becoming more powerful over time. Meaning that the universe is very unlikely to stretch out increasing the potential energy - like a stretching spring that will over time slow and be drawn back. Dark energy is not just about mater filling space - but increasing the very space time in which mater exist within. ---- Are you impressed yet?

One of the best RS lessons I've ever had was entitled "Today we are going to teach you how to pack". It was an odd title, but very fitting. I'm in a college town, and quite literally 2/3 of my ward moves every 12 months. This becomes exhausting for everyone involved, particularly when you have families that just expect you to do everything for them (I've many horror stories from that). The point of the RS lesson was to say "yes, we're here to help you, be we also want to teach you to help yourself." I think that's a very important lesson.

I will try to speak only for myself and not for others, but I agree that there is some "conflict" between the current social structure and the social structure I envision under the "law of consecration", and I am not sure exactly how to bridge these gaps. 1) As I noted earlier, "Zion" seems to be an "ideal" that we are hopefully aiming for, but we are, in many ways, a long way away from acheiving or hoping to acheive this ideal. How are we supposed to understand and use such an "ideal" to inform our behavior and actions in the imperfect world we currently live in? 2) It seems to me that there are political forces that have muddied these waters. Again, speaking only for myself, it seems to me that the McCarthy -istic "communist witch hunts" of the Cold War put a strain on our rhetoric, because we did not want to promote anything that bore any resemblance to the communism the Soviet Union. How do you discuss an ideal society where everyone in the community shares all things in common when political expediency also means refuting a similar but different form of having all things in common? 3) As you note, how does one reconcile this ideal sense of community with "rugged individualism"? I find it interesting that you compare to our pioneer ancestry in this. In many ways, the 19th century Mormon migration westward was less individualistic than the other migrants. Mormon's were organized by their leadership into camps and groups for the westward migration, where most others came across as individuals and families. In addition, the Mormons "shared" the expense of crossing the plains through projects like the Perpetual Emigration Fund that allowed those in Utah to send money to those waiting in the Midwest to purchase supplies. More than other emigrants, Mormons had a sense of "community" that was different from the real individualists migrating alone or as families of the same time period. Perhaps it is a matter of trying to understand how this sense of "social community" fits into "economic community". 4) One element that has been mentioned, but I think it is significant, is the question of "motivation". The scriptural accounts of these successful Zion societies indicate that they worked because the people were motivated by a love of God and a love of their fellowman. I think part of the reason that we as a community are not more like these ideals is because we are still growing and developing our love of God and love of man. One of the things I see in your comments, 2RM, is that you are willing to forego "luxuries" of life in order to help others have essentials. In my opinion, this is probably where it all starts. Like you, I think we Mormons are trying to do the same things (within the limits of our own ability and spiritual growth). In the end, I don't think I understand human nature well enough to really speak to the issue. There seems to me to be an ideal that we should be shooting for. Part of learning to live that ideal is learning to be generous in our charitable contributions. I don't know how much it really means, but Utah is frequently cited as among the most "generous" in terms of charitable giving of any state in the US. How much of that is going to the tithing coffers of the Church and how much is going to other charitable groups and causes, I can't say. I also can't say how much of that is motivated by the Church directly. but it does show up frequently. But, since there are clearly still poor and rich among us, we have not yet reached the ideal of Zion. Exactly how we are going to grow into that role, I can't foresee.

I don't think so. I was going for reductio ad absurdam. :) "Slippery slope", as I understand it, would be saying that legalized pot as a practical matter will lead to legalized everything-else, which isn't my argument at all. I think we should criminalize both, actually--but under state, not federal, law; and giving states the legal authority they need to stop these substances at their own borders should they wish to do so. I'd be interested to see statistical evidence. Common sense suggests that legally prohibiting an activity reduces public access to, and therefore participation in, that activity. The whole debate over legalized abortion, for example, hinges on that proposition. Agreed.

I've been to TOFM a couple of time. It's a very Utah style motivational girls pow-wow.

Oct, Nov, Dec Best time of the year. Particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas. Food and Family!

There is the possibility of delayed advancement if the scout doesn't pass the scoutmasters conference or board of review. That is very rare though, and generally only happens when there is suspect of cheating requirements or problematic behavior. Of which there would be a dialog on how to proceed. Scouting is supposed to help boys grow. If that isn't happening because of corrupt adults then transfer to another troop. Your boy can and should still participate in the young mens activities, but need not attend scouting activities since you found a troop else where due to these problems.

2RM, you seek a world that is without a doubt a good one but you do not consider what needs to happen to reach it. Supporting spiritual teachings is necessary; instead, you demand to know why the rest of the world isn't there. Fix the problem, don't complain about it.

Your seminary classes must have been a whole lot more interesting than mine!

That we might be draped in golden jewelry instead of wrapped in golden chains. Biblically, worry about the future is subsumed by trust in God. The Savior had almost unreserved love for the rich man who asked how he might make sure he could get to heaven. The Savior told him to follow the commandments and was told by the rich man he had since he was a little boy. The Savior loved him and then said to give everything he had to the poor and follow him. The rich man declined because he loved wealth more. He was wrapped in golden chains and the Savior sorrowed for him. Think of what you could do if you were free of fear: No fear that you couldn't pay your rent. No fear that you couldn't afford to eat tomorrow. No fear that you wouldn't be able to clothe yourself. How much control would your current boss have over you?

There are many topics that don't interest me on this forum that I simply read but don't make any comments. There is nothing wrong with that. There are times I re-read the scriptures and find something that I have read many times over that now has a different significance to me at this time in my life and maybe I only appreciate that level of understanding after I have enough of a foundation to build on. There are topics, obviously, that I discuss over and over again that others, I am sure, find boring. Like my name states, I slept through seminary class, so now I discuss all the things I wish I would have before. Thanks for the discussion. I mean that.

Mmmmm, well, the primary driver for the drop in unemployment has been people *dropping out of the workforce*, last I checked, the labor participation rate was at 62.7%, it hasn't been that low in a very, very long time. Progress! right?

Touché. Alcohol is pretty bad, actually . . . And the hidden secret about Prohibition is that it did reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health problems in the United States (see here). The notion that Prohibition or the drug war have "failed" comes primarily from the fact that they haven't completely eradicated the problems they were meant to address. By that logic we may as well give up the "war on poverty" since there are still poor people, end government-subsidized health care since some people don't take advantage of it, and of course legalize rape, murder, and pretty much every other illegal activity that occurred last year.

Indeed. A year is too long to wait. That isn't idiocy if other boys are getting awards, that's neglect. Find a nice local troop. If the bishop complains, just tell him you want a stronger scouting experience.

Except if everyone is keeping only what they need to survive, building skills and ways to generate income needed to rise from poverty becomes impossible. If a man keeps only what he needs to feed and shelter him for one day he is back at square one the next. You spoke of business loans - those could not exist under your system because that would mean more money than one needed. We are looking at this from a global perspective. Taking away the ability to create wealth and livelihood ruins the economy, be it the United States, United kingdom, Narnia, or a starving island. And that helps no one.

My wife has gone both times they were in the St Louis area. She and the other Sisters that attended enjoyed it.

For the same reasons people were willing to drink alcohol during prohibition. I don't smoke marijuana. Or anything for that matter. That said, I don't see it as worse than alcohol. Canada decriminalized it several years back and when I was home, I could look out my window and see this completely fine urban community:

I haven't but I have always wanted to go to it.

Squeeky wheel is the parent ....that would be me. I have my suspicions it is payback for raising cane at the stake level a few years ago about misplaced priorities and siezing of our ward scout funding for other projects. I wasnt in this ward though so maybe not. Other scouts are getting their awards, but my kid seems to get passed by everytime. Over a year's worth of courts of honor now. Probably will go council route so perhaps someone can audit all the mismanagement we have. I am beyond worrying about hurting the feelings of others.

I want to see four major things happen: 1) A complete repeal of the Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare) 2) Major slashes in the Federal budget to bring it to levels where the National Deficit is increasing by feet rather than by miles 3) Major tax cuts to boost the economy 4) The discontinuation of the National Security Agency spying on the American public There will need to be 66 votes in the Senate to repeal Obama's veto which he will certainly do. I do not expect anything to happen in two years until his term is over. At least Obama will likely be very limited in his agenda for the rest of his term. Everything he seems to want is moving away from capitalism.

The district executive will likely talk with the troop leadership directly. Some times it helps...A lot actually, i've seen it done before. I would always recommend talking to the church leadership first since it is the charter organization. (Just my opinion though)

Our troop has all the required admin positions staffed and operational----well at least there is a living, breathing person in each position. This has been going on for about a year now. It isn't time sensitive yet, but will be eventually. The entire chain (SM, COR, Adv Chair, et al) is aware of this and has been since this time last year...some of them less (like last spring). The issue is not whether the scout earned it or we are lacking documentation. Everything is done, just no one is actioning it despite being reassured time and again that they are. I am a former advance chair so I know how easy this is to do---difficult if you are lazy. Chronic problem here. Don't really want to go to the stake because they have other troops in similar situation, but it isn't important enough to fix apparently. I will tell you though, our scouts can play a mean game of basketball.

“Let this be a lesson to the nation that we’re not interested in dividing Americans based on gender, race, social status. We are more interested in the integrity and honesty of a candidate, someone who is going to return power back to the people and away from Washington.” ~ Mia Love The awesome is strong with this one.

So happy that Harry Reid loses his job as the senior majority leader. He's such as idiot. And Boehner was one I was hoping to see gone.

my family was the adams family a few years back...

I used to work in Scouts. Tech in ally I was in registration, but I still saw advancements. There were cases where Billy was up for his Eagle but proof of his other advancements were sitting in someone's glove box. If you have the proof of advancement with the proper signatures, you could possibly take it in yourself. Maybe not your job, but it's a proactive solution. Your district executive would be a great source to whip your troop leaders into shape (kind of the job) but I would approach the CoR first (probably the 2nd counselor in the bishopric). No use going over heads until you need to. Respect the leadership and work your way up the chain of command as needed.

The reconciliation is simple. 3 is false.

Are you saying scientists are impure?

I was heavy into punk growing up, and for me, getting tattoo's was too conformist..lol. So, I never got them. But I don't judge people who do. I think some can be pretty cool. My nephew wants hardware (rings and studs) in his face. Now that stuff I really don't like. I will allow tattoo's once they are 18 but not facial piercings. Anyway, I'm amazed at all those who come to church each week to worship. Each person has their own reasons for being there. They come with their own burdens. Some have left and come back strong, some never left and are strong, some never left and were strong their whole lives and are barely hanging on now. The important thing is that we are there.

They didn't have much to say.

When one "feels" strongly that a sealing should be cancelled, has prayed about it, and has received an answer to that prayer, then why not get the sealing cancelled? In the hereafter the sealing will be cancelled anyway. Why wait until then if it can be done now? No eternal blessings will be denied anyone. If it wasn't "okay" then the First Presidency would not cancel Sealings.

I listened to a talk by John Bytheway recently called Come Unto Christ. (Not a new topic). In the talk he makes the point that instead of using the word "can't" we should use the word "won't". Maybe its a talk that would help your husband. Its not about "I can't drink coffee." Its about "I won't drink coffee because coffee isn't good for my body." OR Its not about "I can't drink alcohol" but rather "I won't drink alcohol because alcohol fogs up my brain and I am less in control." OR ....... you can fill in the blanks. :) When we use the word won't instead of can't is shows that we are choosing to act for ourselves. I've never viewed the WoW or commandments as restrictions. I can see how some do. My children all think its restrictions. I see the commandments God gives us a safety rails on the freeway of life. Sure I can choose to smoke, drink, not go to church, not pray, etc., but when I follow the commandments I'm happier and I'm healthier. I hope that helps a little. Addition: Don't judge yourself too harshly over the tattoos. Yes they are visible but some people have worse sins that aren't visible. Just do your best and know that Christ will forgive anyone who wants to come to Him. Best Wishes!

IMO, whom you are sealed to "matters". Otherwise, we would be going back to the early history of the church and just seal ourselves to whomever (prominent church leaders) we chose.

The cause of divorce is irrelevant to whether higher divorce rates is good or bad. It's bad. The cause enhances the bad. There shouldn't be abusive relationships. Sure, divorce is the lesser of two bads in that case. Definitely. But either way...higher divorce rates is entirely valid as an indicator of things worsening in society. Um...because of all that stuff the church teaches about why.

For years your wife has looked up to church leaders. Now she’s found out that they’re not what she thought, and she feels betrayed. She’s angry, she’s bitter. And she needs a hug. Love you wife as you always have. She’s going through a really tough time, and needs you to be there for her. Listen to what she feels—you don’t have to agree with her, but let her speak her very real emotions. Wherever her path leads, listen to her and love her. Healing from this level of hurt will take a long time, and she needs you. As to the children… my two cents would be rather than telling them “don’t believe this, don’t believe that”, is to tell them things TO believe. Your wife believes that Jesus is her savior, have her teach them that! Teach them positive things you believe as well (like their values as children of God). Join forces with your wife in that regard. As to things like whether or not JS was a prophet, take that off the table for 6 months or so, until your grown-up wounds have healed.