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I would not like a Father who said, "Do as I do, not as I say." So, why would we imagine God saying such a thing? He does not ask of us that which He is not willing to extend. He commands us to love, He loves. He commands us to love our enemies, He loves his enemies. He commands justice, he proffers justice. That God is able to demonstrate what he dictates reinforces my belief in his awesome power. If he had to break his own standards, in the name of being the author of those standards, I might be tempted to think he was little better than most petty dictators. Since he abides by his own standards, I think him as both powerful and worthy.

In order for us to trust God He must be trustworthy. That means He must be perfectly fair. That means He must be perfectly just. If he were not perfectly just, he could just as easily condemn us unfairly as save us unfairly. The only way we can absolutely trust in Him with no reservation whatsoever is by His perfect justice. Perfect justice is, contrary to implication, a very, very, very good thing.

They are ALL fantastical blessings. All blessings from God are great and fantastic. -Finrock

Executing Christian employees--non-combatants--in country, was an act of religious terrorism. They died for their faith, not their country or their politics.

I'm not LDS but to me it makes sense that you don't bring electronics into the temple. And if you do, leave it off, entirely - don't access it. I do the same thing for cinemas. I turn my iPhone completely dead off. I don't sleep it, I kill it off. While a religious building and a cinema are different, the two require a degree of no disturbance, so that's why I compared the two. Though I should probably add, for religious buildings, I would guess many "temple types" prefer or have a rule about keeping worldly possessions outside.

Well, this weekend we had stake conference and our temple president was there. After the meeting my wife spoke with him about her experience. While he did explain that all electronic devices must be turned off and put away, temple workers are not to police their use. Just to mention that they are not allowed and leave it at that. He did say that the temple worker did not handle the situation appropriately and he would be having a meeting with the temple staff to explain how to handle these situations. He explained that the reason for the policy is, as some you mentioned, that we shouldn't make worldly items part of our temple experience. Also, because they have cameras. He said 24 hours after the newest temple video was shown it was already up on YouTube. Yikes!

Perhaps I misunderstood the intent of the wearing of orange. I thought it was to express solidarity with the Christian martyrs--not to make some political point.

I read it a couple of years back and am re-reading now. My initial impression was very favorable...now, not so sure. It lacks something....can't put my finger on it. I think it gives a good description of the early church, but as far as an intimate description of the Prophet...not so much

One of my son in laws in a Deputy. I knwo there is good and bad employees in all jobs. I don't lump my son in law with the opinion of a bad cop. Interesting that people will bad mouth officers ... They love em when they need one.

My marriage is interracial--international even. It works well. We communicate, understand each other, know that we come from different upbringings and cultures, but that we share like precious faith. We are Christians first, and we do share blood--that of Christ! So, I can understand those who are cautious about interracial marriage. To me it's archaic, but I get it. Interfaith marriages? I may be the most conservative poster on the board, when it comes to that. In my mind it's not just a real big gamble, it is rebellion against the clear command of God, through the Apostle Paul, that we not be unequally yoked. Of course, exception is made for those who converted after marriage.

There is a factor that I have not seen discussed yet about the safety. Accidents are so much worse for Motorcycle... Lets assume (for this point) that the accident rate for a person is the same no matter if they are in a car vs on a bike... A minor fender bender for a car will probably put him in the hospital if he was on a bike instead. Simple physics is that bikes do not have the mass to absorb the energy of hits like cars do.

When attending the temple, take as little as possible inside. Bathe before going, if possible. Leave your wallet, money, phone, etc, in the car or the locker. Richard G. Scott said to "remove you watch when you enter a house of the Lord." Although your wife's use of the phone to read scriptures was appropriate, there was no way for the temple worker to know, or anyone else that was there. The appearance of your wife looking at a phone in the temple is not appropriate. The temple worker was correct in what they asked. The temple is a refuge from the world. I am sure that the world has been trying to creep inside the temple with electronics at an increasing rate, and the workers will do their best to keep the temples as heavenly as possible. The temple that I attend has many sets of scriptures located throughout the building. I am certain if you asked a worker to get a set for you they would do so.

It is interesting to note that the whole, "Johnny got 2 oxen, when he only needed 1" sort of complaining is a good part of why the United Order failed.

I wish Wish WISH that people would actually post more about their families or real life and LESS about funny cat videos, political or news links etc... That is what drives me nuts. I removed someone a few weeks ago for posting WWE links 5 times a day. Grrrrr. I love seeing and reading about peoples lives. However, I don't have anyone on FB that I am not interested in, so it's easy.

The orange-clad martyrs were executed because they were Christians. That ISIS targets others for other reasons does not detract from the fact that these individuals were killed soley for their faith in Christ. To honor slain martyrs, brothers in the faith, must not be construed as some kind of political statement--certainly not in an American church or ward. IMHO, unless a bishop forbids this action, the wearing of orange by Christians should be viewed much as flying a flag at half-mast.

Or, perhaps Zion will have the resources, knowledge, experience, and power to make their own vehicles as needed. Or, perhaps all things will be done by the power of the priesthood. It is very exciting to think about how different our motivations, thoughts, minds, and feelings will be as a society. Imagine a whole community filled with the spirit of God. How different and how wonderful such a society or community will be as compared to modern day Babylon, or Western society. -Finrock

I should share a little more context for this. I've also been thinking about Joseph Smith's revelations and Brigham Young's teachings with regards to Zion. Joseph took so many religious teachings and transformed them from ethereal to tangible. The Bible talks of ministering angels? They're just people, like you and me, who are in the next state of progression. The dead will be judged by the records? Then we should write and ensure they're accurate. Christ will reign personally over the earth? Then we better have a city built with a government He can lead when He gets here. Brigham continued many of these ideas, trying to build a society such that, when Christ came, it was already prepared to receive Him at the head (hence the co-op stepping stone). So I've been thinking about similar things as well. When Christ comes, will I need a different job? If I start free-lancing, what does my business look like such that I won't get a culture-shock at that time? So although I ask specifically about the Zion business when the city is set up, I'm pondering more about what should business look like so we can better build Zion.

You can have a wagon and some oxen...maybe even horses. But no cars. Really though. This question, imo, is perhaps the most fascinating thing about consideration of the return of communal, United Orders style living. Playstation/Xbox? TVs? Carpet? Motorcycles? Snowmobiles? ATVs? What about iPads? Computers if you don't work on them? Stereos? Musical instruments? Etc. New cars vs used cars? Pets? How does this sort of stuff balance out? Johnny drives a used Corolla but Timmy gets a new Ford Superduty, both covered by the United Order fund -- but neither make a living with their vehicle? So do they both get a Superduty (or equivalent cost wise) or are they both forced to used economy cars?

Hellow mordorbund. I hope you are well! :) Although there will be an acutal city of Zion it is important to note that: From what I have read and learned from reading the scriptures and listening to prophets is that city of Zion will be the envy of the world. The good, the poor, the downtrodden, etc. will come to Zion because it will be a bastion of all good things. God will be with the inhabitants of Zion and His power will be there. The inhabitants of Zion will be of one Spirit. They will have the Spirit of God and so they will be in constant and direct communion with God. The wicked will fear Zion and dare not come up against it. Zion will be independent and will not need anything from the outside world. Something else to think about too: -Finrock P.S. I added the name of the person or scripture who gave the quote but it didn't show up so here are my references in case any one is interested: First quote Elder McConkie: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1977/04/come-let-israel-build-zion?lang=eng&query=zion Second Quote Moses 7: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/moses/7.18?lang=eng#17 Third Quote 2 Nephi 26: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/26.31?lang=eng#30

The default business structure in capitalism (and, I submit, in fallen human nature) is management trying to get as much labor for as little compensation as possible; and labor trying to give as little labor for as much compensation as possible. I like the ideas of profit-sharing, prolonged employee leave, accommodations for family life, etc; but I think these need to be reciprocated by a labor force that puts in a full day's work, doesn't produce shoddy workmanship, and is as willing to suffer financial hardship with the ownership in the hard times as it is willing to take a share of the profits during the good times. I am, frankly, highly skeptical that any Zion business can remain viable for long if it must continually negotiate with a Babylonian labor force. Zion capital and Zion labor are interdependent; and in a Zion society both sides understand this symbiotic relationship. As for a consumer market: I can see the economy becoming sufficiently prosperous that very fine goods are indeed available. But I think you'd see them being priced according to their actual quality rather than snob-appeal. I don't think people will care whether the bag is Gucci so much as they'll be interested in the actual quality of the materials and the workmanship. I think competition will be very much part of the economy--but it will be a friendly competition, with an ample safety net for those who are out-competed and decide to try their hand at some other sort of labor.

Well, from this point of view...I agree. :)

Correct. But it should also be noted that these "changes" were also to bring the text in line with the actual translation (edited by Joseph Smith himself) as compared to the mistake that came from...who knows where...printer error, scribe error, or even Joseph mispeaking or something. The edit was made by Joseph in 1837 but was missed in later editions of the Book of Mormon until 1981.

I would like to address the parenting comparison... Of course a parent can forgive their kids... But that is different then handing them the keys to the car when they have proven that they can not handle it. After all if your three year old ask for the keys to the car because they really want to drive... Would the wise, kind, and forgiving parent give the keys to the three-year old? Or would they stop them, tell them no? The scriptures are very clear that God is all powerful, but the scriptures are also very clear that God is working with material (us) that has lots of flaws and limits. Thus the limiting factor is not God but Us.

People who use the Book of Mormon to try to justify racism have clearly never read it all the way through... they simply cherry picked verses out of context. The Book of Mormon clearly shows that God favors the righteous and those that are striving to be so, over race, linage, or any other worldly status symbol. And the disfavor of God toward the wicked and rebellious no matter their race, linage or any other worldly status symbol. It does this by following different groups as they move from righteous to wicked and back again

A couple of people were arrested in my home town of San Diego. http://www.10news.com/news/shock-fear-over-men-arrested-for-terrorism-in-san-diego-and-minneapolis?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fanpage

That is not what I'm choking at or asking WHAT over. I'm questioning your ridiculous claim that the church has "refuted" parts of the Book of Mormon -- you know..."the most correct of any book on earth"...

Like I listen to you.

I the Lord am bound when he do what I say ....DC 82:10

Relax. Unless he rides regularly with friends or a club, he won't be on it much. Average motorcyclist rides 1,500 miles per year. If he has no experience, insist he take a rider safety and proficiency class. Most States require this for novices anyway.

I am pleased to report that I went thru the Nauvoo Temple today while visiting here this weekend and I never got into trouble while in the Temple. That is all !!

Did he ride before? If not it's a long and difficult road. If he started riding as a kid and has many years experience, it's a different thing. You can't do it "to save gas". It's not worth the risk. You have to do it because you want to. And then there is a huge amount of new learning to do to update on todays road hazards. What is dangerous; what you should look for. There are at least 1000 easy pitfalls. I put a lot of miles on a lot of bikes. I love it. dc

There are lots of gospel promises or blessings we can obtain. I have a list of 23 possible blessings that come from studying the scriptures. I compiled the list for a talk i gave a couple of years ago based off some quotes from modern-day prophets i found in my studies. So it is by no means a comprehensive list. I think it was Elder Scott who said that we would receive a "wealth of blessings [as a] result of scripture study." I don't know if you would consider some of these as promises. Many of them are fairly basic but some are kind of fantastical sounding. If you're interested in the quotes, let me know. I still have them. Here's the list: 1. Learn how to live in times of war. 2. Learn how to deal with persecution and apostasy. 3. Learn how to do missionary work. 4. Learn how to respond to the dangers of materialism. 5. Help us keep our thoughts clean and pure. 6. Increase the Spirit in our homes. 7. Increase reverence. 8. Increase mutual respect and consideration for others. 9. Decrease contention. 10. Parents will counsel with their children in greater love and wisdom. 11. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. 12. Increase righteousness. 13. Increase faith, hope and charity. 14. Increase peace, joy and happiness. 15. Strengthened resolve to obey commandments. 16. Strengthen our testimony of Christ. 17. Increased power to avoid temptation. 18. Increased ability to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost and receive revelation. 19. Increased confidence in ability to overcome the challenges of life. 20. Give direction to our life. 21. Calm an agitated soul. 22. Heal emotional challenges. 23. Accelerate physical healing.

Why? What if someone looked good in an orange tie. Do you think orange ties are not serious enough? What do you think of this description of a person who wears an orange tie? One who wears an orange tie may be perceived as enthusiastic and creative with a fun personality. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705364198/What-does-your-tie-say-about-you.html?pg=all M.

I've read only through a portion of what is available as a sample on kindle, to determine if I wanted to read the whole book. I'm so far not finding anything of too much interest that I haven't already read in "Life of Joseph Smith by his Mother"

One could not be saved if one did not believe. If I don't believe in a God or in Jesus Christ, surely I would never need to exercise faith in someone that doesn't exist. But if I investigate the matter and begin to learn about Him and why I need to believe in Him, it becomes necessary for me to change my ways. This is called repentance, or rather "turning to Him." It is a turning from whatever strange path we are on to a path of light. God is light. But there's more. Jesus Christ declared that unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. That sounds an awful lot like being hedged up. Even damned. By being baptized in water, I am exercising faith that there is a Jesus Christ in heaven who wants me to be cleansed of my own worldly ways. It seems to me like work. But ok, I will experiment upon the word. I will do this with all my heart and hope and pray that there is a loving God who wants me to come home. I have been baptized. And because of the desires of my heart; because I have experienced a mighty change of heart, Jesus Christ baptizes me with fire and with the Holy Ghost, exactly the way Christ was baptized with fire when He chose to obey His Father in heaven. The Holy Ghost descended upon Him as a dove. And my only labors to receive this gift were to change my old ways and be baptized. And the journey continues.

This incident is just another syndrome of the “it takes a village to raise a child” disease. We should always remember that when villages are allowed to raise children the village idiots will have their say.

I saw a facebook post a couple of months ago where someone had recorded a storm that was going on outside our local temple. The recording was taken from inside the temple, looking out through a window at the wind and chaos going on outdoors. I also wonder if the phone ban in temples might be a reaction to the social media obsessed generation we have become. So many people now feel the need to record absolutely everything, even what should be the most private and sacred moments of their lives (eg. births, precious moments with children, intimate moments with lovers and friends or sick relatives, funerals, etc). If there wasn't a specific prohibition on speaking of sacred things outside of the temple (let alone recording them), I imagine we'd be seeing 'my first endowment session' recorded in glorious technicolour detail on facebook the second it happened.

Stalked by a temple worker...that would amuse me greatly.

I got the same talking to while reading an Ensign article on my phone while waiting for my wife to get dressed. Letter/spirit of the law. It wasn't worth arguing with a little old lady about.

I work in a production facility so my work is extremely repetitive and I'm efficient at it. I suppose you could compare it to washing dishes all day. Anyway, we are all allowed to listen to our mp3 players (excluding forklift operators, etc) while we work. It passes the time. I used to listen to music, then I got bored of it. I have not skimmed through anything. I've listened to all standard works multiple times. In the last couple years, I've probably listened to the Book of Mormon at least 50 times in both English and Spanish. When I get home, I spend my free time pondering what I've listened to, researching reference materials, reading books and commentaries by authors such as Gileadi, Nibley, etc. My mind has been opened to up to many wonderful and powerful insights. I have truly feasted on the words of Christ and have been filled with the Spirit. I don't watch TV or spend my free time doing much else. I've read the Book of Mormon almost 100 times in my life and I've finally begun to understand the things that Isaiah taught, etc. I plan to spend more time studying Isaiah, Ezekiel, Paul, etc. Oh, and Joseph Smith. People might say the Old Testament and some of the doctrines, which I study are not relevant, but I tell you they are more relevant than ever. They point to us. They are all telling us exactly where we're headed.

I have a dim recollection of seeing "no phones/cameras past this point" at some TR desks. I think the SL temple might even have a camera-check--or at least, I think it used to. Even if there are no such signs, it just seems like a logical step given how clearly we are told a) that temple proceedings are not to be recorded/disseminated, and b) that the temple is a place where we leave behind the things of the outside world; that recording devices and devices that serve primarily to connect us with the outside world would be frowned upon if not outright banned. I understand the idea of bringing it along and reading scriptures off it, but--for better or for worse--temples are not generally intended or understood to be places for in-depth scripture study. (Meditation? Yes. Prayer? Most certainly. Scripture study? Not really.)

I don't own anything orange...bad look for a man, and you are right. No one would know...my upbringing is NEVER use Church for political statements. I will wear a flag lapel pin, these days learning more toward American / Israel pins. I live in a Ward that has 6 Jews (by linage) in my Ward. Each of them are uneasy about the way Israel is being thrown under the bus and the reemergence of anti-Semitic attitudes rising again in Europe.

Missionaries are constantly seeking day in and day out for people to teach. That is what they do. There is really nothing they enjoy more to do with their time, than to help people understand the gospel. It is good that they are busy. They will do their best to answer your questions when they are able, and you should not feel bad about that. You can certainly ask questions and find answers in these forums, and we will do our best to help you. But keep in mind that the missionaries are called by God to help YOU to learn the gospel.

Don't ever feel bad about bugging the missionaries too much. That's what they are there for.

Nemo, the missionaries are there, called by God, to help people learn. By asking them questions you are letting them fulfill that divine calling, and totally making their day! Don't feel bad about that!! Please, ask all the questions your heart desires, knocking so the truth may be open to you.

If God is one, and is my Creator--THE Creator--then I will worship Him. He is good, He loves me--I will love Him back. I will do what He wants me to do. If I am asked, "To what advantage?" my response is to cut to the chase. "What if God is real--and He really cares?" If I believe that, then the question of advantage becomes meaningless. I will not ask my God to what advantage it is that I serve Him. If He wishes to tell me, then I will know.

This. There is a time and a place, of course, to defend the gospel, even on Facebook. But for the most part, it strikes me that arguing with anyone on Facebook about anything is, pretty much a non-starter, even for those lurkers. What it comes across as is a bunch of people being nasty to each other. Post truths there. Speak your beliefs in your own shares, etc., and then let the comments be. That's my thinking.

Hmm. I definitely did not think of it in such an allegorical way when I saw the film, but I see what he is getting at. I left the film thinking that for a live-action retelling of a classic but rather simple film, they did not add much in terms of dialogue or character depth. But we were shown rather than told a lot of things, and I can't fault the film for that. And frankly, I was just relieved that it wasn't another "Maleficent."

You are asking for opinions so you are going to get lots of opinions... But those opinions are by their very nature based on what the opinion giver thinks and feels, and reasons... They can be good for helping you consider things in ways you haven't before. But the only opinion that really matter, the only opinion you should seek to follow... Is Christ's. Get on your knees and pray... Wrestle with it if necessary. When you believe God approves of your choice then act on it whatever it might be.

Fractured light against the sky As clouds conceal the westward flight. Autumn colors that brightly shine Announce the coming of the night. The day is ending, as it should Content that I have done my best. While others bid me labor on, I desire to be at rest! With the ending now before me To the victor goes the race, The finish line is clearly drawn, In the lines upon my face. Like a warrior from the battle For peace my should doth seek. The spirit strong and willing The flesh, so very weak. Weep not for my family, Weep not for me, my friend. This is a new beginning, And not a tragic end. I am call to other labors In the service of my Lord. I'm not giving up the battle, I'm just laying down my sword. Dedicated to: Mary Margaret Bourne McQuade William Edward Lee Copyright 1998