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No one, but NO ONE, beats Seattle for virtue-signalling. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/both-have-crosses-so-norwegian-flag-mistaken-for-confederate-flag/

Thanks everyone, that really helps, I originally gave up meat when I first read the Word of Wisdom, at first I felt great, but lately I'm tired all the time and am wanting to go back to eating meat (not gorging on it or anything!), I was feeling really guilty about it but I think I'm ok with it now, so thank you

@wenglund it was a total shock for me my goal.was to be the oldest elder in our ward. Now i am one of youngest high priest. It has been a humbling experince so far.

Sit down with your 11 y.o. and talk to her. Let her know that you know some people have misconceptions about what LDS believe. Asking questions is not a bad thing, but a great thing- after all that's what sparked the restoration and what each of us are commanded to do. She can ask you anything. When you have FHE and other teaching moments, double down on doing Christ-like teaching. Encourage your children to ask questions. Don't shy away from any topic, but dissect them, starting with Christ-centered principles. If you know there's something big on their minds, hit that topic. Do you best to encourage your children to build-Christ-founded testimonies, because the fiery darts of the adversary are here. Kids are smart. They will see with their own eyes how your faith is very real. And (hopefully) build their own very real testimonies. They will be able to see who is loving, intelligent, and who is hateful and bigoted. Sitting down with a lawyer and seeing your options could indeed be, if this is coming to downright slander. There's also things to be discussed as far as religious educations. But I would hold off on bringing these up to the kids.

The thing I find fun about this is how much research has been done about the specific ones you listed. I also think there are spirit and letter of law to be considered as well as applying it to modern day of how we eat and drink. And one of my favorite insights is to remember moderation in all things. Example, Caffeinated drinks: Coffee does a lot of things to the body, positive and negative. Some negatives is that it can decrease the amount of calcium we absorb and dehydrate the body. But man can it really help as a natural form of laxative to clear the bowels. Caffeine is a stimulant and can help and hurt, as stimulants tend to be an addictive substance. Joseph Smith didn’t have Coca Cola so how does it apply to this? *this is all opinion based* Caffeinated sodas has recently been “ok’d” by the church leaders where for years it was looked down upon (sorry I don’t know for sure if it was actually something against the WOW or if this was more cultural). Caffeinated sodas vs coffee. 1) a cup of coffee has WAYYY more caffeine than a can/cup of soda (generally speaking). But, if it’s regular soda it’s also paired with sugar—another highly addictive substance. If it’s a diet soda there may not be sugar involved but there are addictive reactions that happen from the combo of something like aspartame and caffeine (look it up, it’s kind of cray). If not drinking coffee is something in the doctrine back then (and there were nutritional/affects on the body back then from coffee that might not be the same today) what can we learn from it today? **personal opinion** 1) I think we shan’t forget moderation in all things. If having the green light to drink caffeinated beverages from the leaders now makes it ok to drink excessive amounts of caffeinated sodas, how is it any different than someone drinking a cup of coffee every morning? If the only answer is “because it says so and sometimes we just need to obey” then I say we are missing the opportunity to apply knowledge in our lives. Because 32+ ounces of soda on the regular is the same as drinking a cup of coffee, in my opinion. And I’d so rather people drink a cup of coffee in the morning than down caffeinated sodas or energy drinks ??‍♀️. But no judgement to anyone who chooses to drink any of these because they are delicious, they are addictive and hard to quit. You’re an awesome person and there are a lot of things in life we have to deal with, you are enough. I’ve happily cut out my addiction to Diet Coke, have pretty much given up coffee and love the benefits of not relying on caffeine everyday ????. I’m still addicted to sugar, that’s another battle moral of post, expand beyond the black and white and discover for yourself how things apply to you! My favorite is obviously moderation in all things.

The Jordan River Temple is on Temple drive.

We had a rottweiler named Porter Rockwell, does that count?

I used to have a chemistry teacher in high school who would always advise "think twice, before you speak once". This Rebecca Morris never had such a teacher; or if she did, didn't take that advice. M.

Here's a version that isn't behind a paywall: http://time.com/5171239/woman-assumes-norwegian-flag-is-confederate/

This reminded me of something I did with a long distance friend a few years back. I got her a blank journal, mailed it to her, she wrote in it for a few days and then mailed it back. I wrote in it for a few days and mailed it back. We did this until it was full and then got a new one, even though we continued to talk regularly online. Something like this would be really cool for your grandkids to see.

@000Zero000 Are your children getting some form of professional counseling? Even some regular (weekly/biweekly) time with a school guidance counselor can help them figure out how to sift the conflicting messages they're getting from their parents. Especially if they're being taught in Primary and in your home to "honor thy father and mother." Be open and honest with them in a gentle way. Try not to let your frustration with your ex influence your tone when you ask them what kinds of things they've been talking about with Mom, because they could very easily interpret that as frustration with them, especially at that prepubescent age. Smile and tell them you love them. Keep cheerfully doing what you've been doing and have faith that your kids will turn out all right when it's all said and done. As President Monson said, "Your future is as bright as your faith."

When I decided to read my scriptures before I did homework in college, I looked at it as putting the spiritual before the temporal. I can't say I noticed a huge difference in anything once I changed my habits, but it was enough of a difference to keep it as my goal. (Even if I didn't always meet that goal.)

Well, I'm sure everyone learned their lesson. Oh wait: Editor’s note: Due to the number of comments on this story that violated our Terms of Service, the comment thread has been removed.

I see compassion as a spiritual gift, and the scriptures teach us how to obtain them. Seeking, asking, and acting in faith, hope and charity. We have good examples all around us to follow, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost to inspire, prompt, teach, guide and strengthen us. We have our covenants to remember, and the privilege of a weekly Sacrament. We are community, so we can takes steps to get involved with others, beginning with our families and friends and extending to ward and stake members, neighbors, and strangers.

We practice it in two ways: one, the requirements for a temple recommend, which are pretty minimal; and two, by personal revelation (the "wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures" promise, which I believe includes spiritual blessings). In modern times, we learn that the mind is also very much physical, so the "temporal" and "physical" blessings mentioned in the Word of Wisdom refer to mental blessings as well.

The Word of Wisdom was initially not a commandment (see the verses below) 2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— 3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints. But over time certain parts of it became commandments namely the do nots aka No Coffee and Tea (That is what Hot drinks meant in Joseph Smith's time and it has been clarified by him back in the day) No Alcohol period. Other non-alcoholic drinks can be made from barley but beer is out. Once can debate that beer is not a strong drink, but that is not the current understanding No Tobacco... The church has also added the abuse and misused of various Drugs (The kind that are illegal) Everything else in the Word of Wisdom is considered a good idea up for personal interpretation. And that is were all the debate happens. Some people are content (or just limited) to just do the commanded parts, and that is fine. Some people take there personal interpretation and run with it. This is also fine. The problem occurs when each group (usually the personal interpretation group) tries/demands that everyone else needs to live according to their "interpretation". Meat is a perfect example of this. Some read that passage and go vegetarian, and that is fine for them. Others read that passage and remember not to be wasteful or take more then they need, that is fine for them too. But generally speaking the two groups do not get along because each feels the need to defend their choices by trying to convince the other they are wrong Thus you see that individual members very much do live the Word of Wisdom differently... And once you pass the Do Nots this is perfectly ok. The important thing is when you Read the Word of Wisdom... What does the Lord tell/teach you that you need to be doing? Only you and the Lord can answer that question.

The sheriff said their policy is to make entry. As far as I know, we have all gone to the rapid response policy. I can't imagine any department that hasn't.

Oh geez. The other three need to be gone too. I can't imagine the reason not to make entry. I would have, preferably with backup, but I would go alone.

One word: Utchdorf

Fact is, we are all afraid. And that's the problem. Here's from a news article: But you really want a scare, look at these stats: These are just the kids that NCMEC assisted with. But are we freaking out about child abductions? No. Why? Because it's not beaten down on our heads every time one happens. This is why I hate the news coverage of this. It sensationalizes an extremely rare thing, to the point where you think you are more likely to lose a child from a school shooting than just being abducted randomly on the street. And you start living in fear. So much so, that you want to ban all guns, when the fact is, gun owners, unless they are criminals, in which case, they aren't allowed guns anyway, are responsible, and more than likely to save lives with their gun than without. One more thing to ponder: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defensive_gun_use Weigh the lives lost to bad people with guns, vs the lives lost because good people didn't have guns.

Well, best of luck to you. Or to be more appropriate, may the Lord bless you in your efforts. You can do a whole lot of good in the lives of your men and the families in your ward as the HPGL.

You just got called as a high priest to be the new group leader? That's what we call baptism by fire.

On-topic joke: The Pope is infallible, when speaking ex-cathedra, but nobody believes it. The LDS prophet is fallible, even when speaking in general conference, but nobody believes it.

She might throw herself at him and convince him to go on a date with her. That's not revelation.

I wish every member would take a moment to read this fireside talk by a member who was inactive for many years. It’s simply beautiful https://mormondom.com/why-people-leave-the-church-and-never-come-back-410e3e817a3a

For comparison, Billy Graham was born before the formation of the Soviet Union and didn't die until well after it collapsed. Feel free to use this as an object lesson of how fleeting mighty empires can be, how fickle our historic memory can be, how much can change in a single lifetime, or how much stays the same.

Hope I'm not offending anyone by saying that I find the longevity of the British royal family interesting and somewhat inspiring, especially given that they are so often used as the poster child for avoiding inbreeding. You don't get to be 101 by inheriting inferior genetics. Elizabeth II seems to be treading her mother's path in that respect.

The real answer is probably...it just depends. There are various variables so that sometimes it happens very quickly, and other times it takes a while. Sorry that there isn't anything more specific than that. Adding: I tried doing more research but to be honest, the ones that would know the current status (whether all the paperwork needed is even collected yet, or if it's been turned in....etc...is probably the Bishop or Stake President. They would be the ones that would know the most in regards to the updates at this point most likely). My research seemed just to point to previous threads on this question here, but nothing really that new. All I can say is, if what you said is correct, there shouldn't be too many problems. However...it's impossible to say. I'd suggest patience. My suspicion (your bishop would know though) is that the hold up is the letter request...but that's just my suspicion. There is one site I found that may be useful for you to read that may help in understanding the timeline... One couple's journey with temple cancellation and clearance

Haha sorry everyone. Let me try again. I am a female. My fiancé is a male. He has been married previously married in the temple but since divorced. His ex wife has gotten their sealing cancelled and is remarried in the temple Me and my fiancé are trying to get married and Were told we need a sealing clearance and I was wondering how long it usually takes. We submitted it about a month ago. Thanks for for your patience everyone!!

If you study the Old Testament, it becomes clear (to me) that sacrifices (firstlings, firstborn) and offerings (firstfruits) were to be first (best) in quality and first in sequence. IMO, this principle could be applied as a broad truth when doing what the Lord has asked us to do - put it first sequentially, and do your best quality work for Him, then let the rest follow. I know more than one person who has testified of the blessings which come from following this principle (myself included). This is the closest principle I can think of from scripture. I think you could find conference talks that say similar things.

No, and No. We have a general authority who played professional sports for six years. If I read the article correctly, we have a new mission president who played professional sports for 15 years or so. Last time I checked, Sunday is a common work day for these folks.

This may be your best choice. If your children are STRONGLY in the church (which it sounds like your 3rd child may not be) what she is doing may also constitute emotional abuse.

You can try the legal route. You can try to reason with your ex. At the end of the day, though, all you have is your testimony. Children remember. If your wife is slamming your religion, it will stand out to your kids as they age. In the meantime, be the example that shows false everything she is saying. Show them love. Let them see you living the Gospel. That speaks volumes all by itself. Defending your religion looks exactly like it is, a defense. Continue your teachings and be the rock they need in this broken marriage that they didn't ask for.

Boys, boys. Newbie in dah house. Behave. As you can see @Adrian_Liam, we all have different opinions on everything. But there's one thing certain - we want you to follow Christ the best way you can manage. Talk to the missionaries/bishop about it and they'll help you work things out so you can get that out of the way and move you closer towards your baptism. God bless and may you find joy in Christ and his Church.

Didn't REO Speedwagon answer this question back in the 80s? <gdrvvf> Meanwhile, I recommend searching for and learning from letters written in the 1800s. Somehow, our modern technology has erased from our minds all understanding of how to communicate. Seriously, today: "thx 4 the present luv it"; back then: "Your beautiful birthday gift almost reconciles me to the fact that I am today a year older than I was last May." Now which of those makes you think the writer truly appreciated your gift? Which of those shows emotion was involved in the composition and sparks emotion when reading it? "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." - Benjamin Franklin PS: Welcome back, @Nick0123! PPS: As I neglected to thank you earlier for your last thread, please accept my belated gratitude. I have just re-perused it and was thoroughly amused once more by the various hijacks it suffered. I hope you found at least a little pertinent advice in response to your question there.

Best of luck to you @Nick0123 LDR's are tough. I had to be seperated from my wife (she was my girlfriend at the time) for three months due to work and summer vacation at BYU. I reccomend frequent contact beyond text messages or online messaging. We talked on the phone every day for an hour. You certainly don't have to talk as long as we did (it was a lot looking back on it now☺) but take time to talk by phone or video chat frequently. I found those loving conversations about our lives kept the fires burning so to speak. Also, depending on how long she is going to be gone, you may want to save up and go visit her or have her visit you for a week or so just to spend time with each other. I think these two things will help you guys make it through this tough time.

Hi Adrian, The 2nd counselor in our Bishopric is an ER trauma surgeon. Sometimes when he's sitting on the stand during sacrament meeting, his pager will go off and he has to run to the hospital. You'll be fine. Here's some basics on the whys and wherefores of LDS thinking about the Sabbath day: https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-24-the-sabbath-day?lang=eng

@Adrian_Liam. I have to work Sundays occasionally and no one bothers me about it. One of the bishopric also works some Sundays; everyone understands. Wecome! I look forward to your posts.

We have many members who, due to the nature of their jobs, have to work on Sabbath at times.

He doesn’t seem to take a hard-and-fast position as to whether Job was a real person or not; though he does suggest a) that as a matter of “genre” the book’s value is primarily literary, b) that its thrust is less the narrative of Job himself and more the issues raised by the discussion between himself and his friends, and c) that the “narrative” of the book, true or not, is something of an ancient near eastern cliche; and that if we pay attention to what the characters actually say it sort of undercuts/satirizes the neatness of the underlying narrative (One example Austin had used is, envision the movie “Cinderella” where, halfway through, Cinderella launches into a soliloquy about what kind of an idiot is this prince who can only recognize her by her shoe size, and who would actually want to live in a stifling palace all day, and why does she need a man at all? And then down comes Fairy Godmother who says “look, I went to a lot of work to get you ready for that ball, so don’t ask questions—go marry your prince!” And so Cinderella does, and she lives happily ever after; but we’re left with the nigglig realization that she raised some really good questions and none of them have really been resolved). Austin also points out that, after about the third chapter of the book, Job isn’t really all that patient and spends an awful lot of time complaining—but that maybe, to some extent, that’s OK. Austin was interviewed by the LDS Perspectives podcast a few months back, and it’s worth a listen.

My husband is getting Workmans comp due to an injury on the job. It is less than half of what he made and to say that it is increase is laughable but if he didn't get it he would have nothing at this point so it is increase. we pay tithing on it as well as my meger income. We Also pay tithing on the value of anything like food and such that is given to us. Which to some may sound stupid but if we get given food then it means I don't have to spend the $$ at the store also someone bought it and giving it to us is an increase to us. That make sense? Anyway... Lacie

Which I think is what Pale meant by his statement "If it's an increase."

Interesting... Is it an increase if it is just to replace what was lost? If someone dents my car, and I have the insurance pay to repair the damages, what has increased? I don't have extra money, and I don't have a nicer car. Seems to me the answer is no, but I also think it is a personal decision between you and the Lord.

I honestly could not stop laughing when I heard this story. It's too bad there isn't some sort of instrument or tool you could use to find out information instantly that would have solved this woman's problem without demonstrating her ignorance. Maybe something with a fun name like "Google"? Oh well we can always dream?.

That's because by partaking of caffeine, you're paying the devil his tithe.

Congratulations. You've earned it.

Now it sounds like there were four deputies cowering outside, not just one. @mirkwood, given what I understand about the modern doctrine of engaging school shooters ASAP, is there any reason the deputies would have failed to enter the building in the absence of a specific do-not-engage order? I mean, I can understand one cowardly deputy—but four?

I don't know about anyone else, but when I go to work I'm not giving away my time, I'm selling it. I'm trading my time, expertise, and experience to my employer for money. When I receive a check for those things, that is an increase. When my check from my employer becomes so small that it isn't worth coming to work, then I have the option of staying home for nothing, and no increase. And if you ever feel like giving away your time and work, I have a lawn that needs mowed. I'll give you $2 dollars if it makes you feel whole, but since you are giving your time and labor, I'm sure you'll understand if I don't pay every time. Because paying you would feel to me like I'm giving you an increase, and we wouldn't want that.