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I’m pretty stoked! I actually passed the exam! If you knew how little I know about electronics you would have been surprised I was able to pass. It was an all morning and afternoon class with the test afterwards. I was dismayed at the material that needed to be learned, especially as it was in an area I know very little about. The terms were all Greek to me. My husband has had his license for over 20 years. He’s quite happy I was able to pass the test. I think he had his doubts. Two of my sons took the test with me and they both got their licenses too. Yay! Can you tell I’m excited?

Really cool. If you have Google Ear th, here is the kmz file: Blue Ponds.kmz

It has been said of a recent high-profile politician (who shall remain nameless due to forum rules!) that his followers take him seriously but not literally, while his critics take him literally but not seriously. I take Isaiah very seriously. But I also view it as a work of literature that deploys a variety of techniques—including hyperbole, at times—to make a larger point. Isaiah was condemning wicked peoples and cultures, not arbitrarily cursing particular geographical locations. Even assuming that Hillah indeed corresponds with the location on of ancient Babylon, I’m not particularly worried that its modern habitation constitutes a violation of prophecy.

“It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself, and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it” John Taylor

I am in SS presidency, so I sit in on every youth class (I have to start the meeting) and have had to pinch-hit teaching a couple times. And I agree—the challenge with Zoom teaching is to make it a *discussion*, not a *lecture*, even though the format really lends itself to the latter and not the former. I look at teaching in church as comparable to surfing—you can’t precisely follow a pre-charted course; rather, you look for (and sometimes, make) waves and then try to ride them wherever they take you, making course corrections as the wave evolves. I care less about imparting an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject matter, and more about leaving the students *wanting to know more* about the day’s key concept, knowing where to find more, and having had an enjoyable and spiritually edifying experience during the day’s class. A few things I’ve seen and/or tried via Zoom that, taken together, have given some moderate success: —one teacher makes it a point to log in before any of the kids. As each one logs in he greets them in turn, by name, and builds a little rapport; with I find is reciprocated later in the lesson. —I expressly ask the kids at the beginning of the session to turn on their video if possible. —The really great teachers I’ve seen a) are careful to ask well-thought out, engaging lessons that don’t always have clear or easy answers (in other words—they don’t just ask whatever questions are in the manual); and b) are willing to offer their own insights in answer to those questions. At least for me—I’m an introvert, and I consider it somewhat invasive for someone to ask me to share an opinion about a gospel topic. I won’t usually open up and give a personal perspective unless I see the teacher willing to do the same thing. —I’m still looking at new ways for students to interact. Zoom has some polling features that we’ve had some fun with. I’ve sometimes shown a Gospel-related piece of art (preferably a semi-obscure one that the students aren’t likely to have seen before) and invited the students to offer reactions to it; soliciting special input from students who I know are into art/drawing about the composition, lighting, and so on. Sometimes I’ll announce that we’re going to show a video—and before starting the video I’ll call on 5-10 students and let each of them know that after we watch the video I’ll ask them to answer a specific question about a part of the video. (I find people are more willing to speak out in class if they’ve had some time to think about their answers.). Zoom has a whiteboard feature that I need to explore more. —I am finding that PowerPoint, during Zoom lessons, is generally overrated. Too often it locks the teacher into a structure and the teacher doesn’t feel free to spontaneously explore topics that students may raise during the class; and it also pre-programs classes into trying to offer a “right” answer instead of speaking from the heart. Plus, visually, it reduces me to a tiny little window and removes the human aspect of the lesson. I want my students to see ME and talk to ME, not some disembodied voice-over while they stare at pre-programmed blocks of text. —Also: I’m not a great video producer by any means, but I try to make sure that the video of my headshot is as appealing as possible—decent lighting, proper camera position, nice but not overpowering/distracting background, good posture, etc.

1. Certainly more kids—and plural marriage, if it enables you to have more kids—would be an “advantage”, if there were some sort of competition between exalted beings. But of course, there isn’t. They exist in perfect harmony and righteousness; and whatever state of progression any exalted being is currently at, all the others are sure to get there—eventually, at their own pace, but they’ll get there. And yeah, I definitely see the Celestial Kingdom as a place of advancing in knowledge and personal qualities. But at some point one is just plain perfect and omniscient; and I think at that point the primary opportunity for progression is through human relationships—both qualitatively and quantitatively. 2. Yes, and that’s the thing I love about the patriarchal order: it runs both ways, backwards and forwards through time and eternity. Kingship isn’t just a function of the power and authority you wield, but of the venerable legacies to which you are a lawful heir. As a son and grandson and so on, I rejoice in the legacies and goodness and accomplishments of my parents, and their parents before them, and on back through eternity as I get to know that line more perfectly. As a father and grandfather and so on, I glory as I have opportunities to mentor and see the accomplishments of those who come after me and reflect upon my own role in maintaining and continuing that chain of righteousness and watch the sheer number of my posterity increase on into infinity.

Yeah, I had to explain to a colleague last week the phrase "take a page out of their book". My colleague has twenty years on me and was born and raised in Utah. I know we teach kindergarten, but come on. I had some guy with deplorable grammar declare to me "thrice" wasn't a word. Archaic, arguably, but I think it has character and its meaning can't be that hard to figure out. He basically used his lack of comprehension as an attack against me. One I had to explain to a professional twice my age "coy". I don't think I have a crazy vocabulary (do I?) Yet these are my experiences. My view is people should take the opportunity to just learn words before our language crumbles.

No being is chosen (by God) for damnation. The damned select themselves. Demonology forms no real part of LDS theology. Anyone, spirit or flesh, who serves and loves Satan is a demon, at least in my definition. Yes, all who fell were "human spirits", as you call them. They were spiritual children (creations) of God, and as far as I know, only such beings are capable of choosing their destiny. Our conception of "hell" differs from yours. In normal LDS usage, "hell" refers to the state of the spirits of the wicked after death and before their resurrection. During this time, they are in what we call (for lack of a better term) spirit prison. They are subject to the temptations, torments, and depredations of Satan and of those spirits that love and serve him. (Those among the deceased who embrace the doctrine of Christ and repent of their sins may accept the covenant of baptism—performed among the living using a living person as a proxy—after which they may enter the rest of the righteous to await resurrection.) Many Latter-day Saints use the word "hell" to refer to what we normally call "outer darkness", the term used in the Book of Matthew. This is a post-resurrection kingdom of no glory, a place of filthiness reserved for those who remain filthy and will not abandon their sins. It is probably appropriate to call those who reside in this place demons, but it hardly matters what you call them. They are lost, and as far as has been revealed, irredeemable. As I understand our doctrine, after they are cast out, they have no more interaction with those serving in the various kingdoms of God. Judas Iscariot is called a son of perdition, but I am not convinced his infamous actions damned him to eternal torment. Throwing the price of betrayal back at those who paid him and then going and hanging himself in shame and despair do not strike me as the actions of someone who embraces and loves their wickedness.

Thanks everyone for your input. It has been very helpful. My husband and I are trying to prepare a Family Home Evening lesson that we will personally teach to our children and grandchildren. We want to incorporate actual spiritual experiences we have had, or our ancestors have had. We are trying to get across the blessing of knowing where we came from (who we are), why we are here, and where we go after death. I’m trying to decide if my grandmother’s experience might be too controversial. Yet, it is very profound. Some of the experiences I will be sharing are experiences we, my husband and I, and our ancestors have had as to help from the other side of the veil. These are experiences that I feel very strongly need to be shared with my posterity. They are sacred. And, I feel there is a purpose to them and it can help strengthen their testimonies. I want them to know we are watched over, and at times help is given us. But, there are also times when the Lord stays his hand. And I also want them to know the adversary is real, and we can command an evil spirit to leave our presence. I’m just wondering how much I should share, or even really go there. I’m still praying for inspiration. Last night as I was sorting through some family history papers, I know I was led to a very specific experience my husband’s grandmother had after the death of her husband. My mind keeps flooding with events I remember being told about as a child. Some of the experiences are recorded. Others are not, such as my grandmother’s experience with commanding an evil presence to depart. My mother told me that one, and as I’ve talked to a few other extended family members, they remember being told it too, but some had forgotten until I brought it up. It needs to be recorded. I was questioning this idea of even doing a Family Home Evening for the kids and grandchildren. Is this inspired? Or is it just my wishful thinking that my husband and I can help influence the kids and grandchildren. Some are really struggling with their testimonies. But, after finding that experience on my husband’s grandmother, I feel I’m being led. There is no stupor of thought here. There is so much evil out there. My desire is for them to have rock-solid testimonies. For some, I’m afraid it may already be too late. Hopefully, something we say will get through to them. There is always hope. And, we will never give up. I have a 15 year old granddaughter who is already questioning her sexuality. She’s a baby! Why does she need to worry about this at her age? Kids are bombarded at such a young age with this, and made to think they need to choose. Im so tired of all this worry for my family. I’m looking forward to the Second Coming.

ANY disciple of Christ has the right to ask Him for aide, including driving out negative spirits. For example, Joseph Smith did so during the preamble to the First Vision-- he had no priesthood at all, wasn't baptized, or even taught the fullness of the Gospel.

Joseph Smith taught that many of the early Relief Society sisters had the gift of healing, that it was a gift of the Spirit, and used Mark 16 to justify the practice among the sisters. Those same verses speak of casting out devils and I think the same applies for that.

Well, I passed the Technician’s exam yesterday. I ordered a Yaseu FT-60r along with a Diamond exchangeable antenna. I plan on getting an Icom for our base station, but I’m taking more time with that as I research what I need, and how I want to set it up.

I think it is a greater work than what he, John, has done before in the Lord's service, and not a greater work in the eyes of the Lord regarding His own ministry on both sides of the veil.

This seems to be a perennial idea - that things are ever becoming more themselves, and distinct from other things. Things which were tolerated in the past are not tolerated now, and things tolerated now will not be tolerated in the future. Alcohol is a case in point. Some people will tell you that alcohol was always forbidden to God's people, and that "wine" in the Bible actually refers to unfermented grape juice. This is utter nonsense: Noah did not get drunk on Dr. Welch's Grape Juice. Neither would the guests at the wedding at Cana have talked about "serving the inferior wine later, once everyone was drunk" if what Jesus had turned the water into was non-alcoholic grape juice. On the day of Pentecost, no one would have claimed the disciples were "drunk on new wine" if "new wine" were 0% proof. "Wine", in Biblical times, was alcoholic. On the other hand, if you say that God instituted a new commandment for the "Latter Days" - that idea I can respect. I can understand how the distinction between the Saints and the World has widened, and the "middle ground" where one could be both a wine drinker AND a disciple has now disappeared.

Mega dodge. Didn't even answer his question.

@Jonah, you do realize when you repeatedly ignore poeple's responses here (including punting with another question), that is further solidifies the impression that you're not interested in the answers or truth-seeking, but rather just trolling?

Yes, it's standard practice to make folks head of household when they turn 18. No, it is not automatic. It requires the membership clerk to do some typing in the ward computer. From what I've seen in a decade and a half in the clerk's office, Bishop discretion is a thing, and we try hard to structure our membership records to best serve the individual needs of members and families. Also in my experience, most of the times I've seen an "18 yr old unbaptized member", we're scrambling to find an accurate address. It's quite common to see names that nobody recognizes, addresses where nobody recognizes the name, and if the parents are active, they'll often not be too invested in the accuracy of the unbapitzed member's records.

Ah, the age old question. When I'm misunderstood, is it my fault for communicating wrong, or is it their fault for understanding wrong? How much ownership should I take for crafting a message such that it will be understood? How much responsibility is on the recipient to work until they've dug out my meaning?

Learn to ignore those who would shame you for how you talk. I heard someone say, "I was a people person until I got to know some people." Over many years, I have developed some kind of weird speech patterns. I don't really know how, but I have always been concerned with expressing myself precisely. I think initially this was to avoid being blamed for miscommunications, but I discovered a taste for words and expressions. Participating in online discussion forums and becoming a professional writer both exacerbated those tendencies. ("Exacerbated"—really? See what I mean?) I'm much worse in this way when I write than when I speak, but it affects me in both areas. In the past, I have tried to take "corrective action", but that mostly involved "dumbing down" what I was saying, and I found that simply intolerable. So I finally figured, You know what? I am who I am and I speak as I speak. I will try to communicate honestly, clearly and unpretentiously with others. Beyond that, if they don't like my vocabulary, that's their problem. And if they're going to roll their eyes or laugh at me, whatever. It's a free country, at least until Biden's executive orders start taking effect.

Could you expand on the problem? I'm not a psychologist by any mark or means. I'm not even close. I may also be the last person to listen to regarding any advice on how to write or speak simpler or shorter. I tend to have a problem with people misunderstanding me in many instances. One of the reasons I have long posts here at times is trying to elaborate and simplify what I mean to the point that people will understand...and I STILL get misunderstood all the time. However, I will give perhaps some foolish ideas. 1. Try to break down what she is saying into simpler terms. This probably will make her talk a lot more though, and it may not solve the problem. 2. Approach talking to her companions and fellow missionaries the same way one would a foreign language. They speak a different language or with a different way of speaking. One would need to break it down into their language or say it in their language for them to understand. This can be hard at first as the way to talk to them can be difficult to learn, however with practice their forms of dialect and speech should become easier. 3. Keep it short and simple. Almost the opposite of #1. Interact with them with short and simple phrases. If you go to a foreign nation where you do not know the language, sometimes (at least my generation, they probably have apps on phones that do it or do it better these days) you get a phrase book. It has short phrases that are normally understood and which includes common phrases that locals may say to you. Keep to the short and simple phrases that are used by others in their everyday speech. The obvious weakness is that you cannot really communicate anything deep with others. Just some ideas, but as I mentioned above, I'm probably not the best individual to comment on this.

That is a good question, and I think verse four adds more to the conversation. John the Beloved's desire, "he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me." Peter's desire, "that thou mightest speedily come unto me in my kingdom." If we are looking at the desires, it would be similar to the twelve disciples of the Nephites and how three desired to continue to serve God -- in this life -- to bring souls. In this light, the desire to continue to bring souls in this life means -- temporally -- the time of "rest" is not yet for them. Life after death, although work, is still a time of rest (think of scriptures pertaining to paradise) -- so to speak. The Lord tells Peter it is a good desire, yet, John has desired to do even a greater work than he has already done. It appears also that Peter is a ministering angel unto John and James. I would liken this unto a Father who is working in his vineyard. An agreed upon time for the work to be completed is given to two sons. At the end of that time, one son says to the father, "Father, I would like to continue working with you in your vineyard." The other son says, "Father, I would like to go home now." The agreed upon time is completed, both have served faithfully. One desires further to work with the Father, and continue to perform a greater work. The other desires to go home, as his work is also finished -- according to the decree given by the Father. Verse eight is nice also, giving more clarity, "ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired." As their work, time period, is finished the Lord finds joy in their joy that they have desired. Neither are wrong. One simply wants to continue -- temporally -- working with the Father in his vineyard and in his work.

I believe Fox News 'was' a lone light house at one point. More and more actual conservatives are switching over to alternatives: NewsMAX, OAN, or independent Shows like: Beyond the Noise, War Room Pandemic, etc. Fox News first stabbed conservatives in the back with the Chris Wallace presidential debate, then with the premature election results for Arizona on Nov 4th, then, then, then, etc. Commentators like Sean Hannity can be found elsewhere, like the 'Patriot' channel on SiriusXM, etc. so no need to watch Fox for him. So, to answer your question: I've been to Fox's website maybe twice ever. The only place I can find something that appears to be soft porn/swimsuit is in the 'Entertainment' section of the site. It all appears to be trash from TMZ. Why is it on Fox? I don't know. I'm not sure how long it has been on their site. Is this recent or has it been this way for a while?

That would be my concern as well. GameStop is a failing company. Its current valuation is not about what it is worth but more about sticking it to the 'man.' That only last as long as the outrage does. Once the little guys start 'cashing out' its going to fall hard, and the ones that are not fast enough are going to get hurt. Not to mention anyone foolish enough to think now is a good time to buy.

Pretty much. Wall Street's mad that a bunch of poors beat them at their own game. And while I don't think the support of what's happening is as partisan as you say, the schadenfreude is certainly a lot stronger on my side of the political aisle. Maybe. I think Wall Street will adapt quickly. RobinHood (the trading service of choice for the Redditors) has already shut down trade of certain stocks due to what they're calling "market volatility". The Reddit investors are MAD. I'm curious to see what transpires today, but I'm worried that some very inexperienced "investors" are going to find themselves in a financial hole.

And that's the issue, really. Norway, as I pointed out, suggested the risk of the vaccine isn't worth the supposed benefit. It really depends on your age, condition, and potential reactions to mRNA vaccines. The groups that appear to have less concern from catching the virus also have less concern from the vaccine. The inverse is also true. Your closing statement is one of the biggest issues I have with this. Data is hard to find and information that doesn't fit the message is spun or suppressed. People refuse to be objective, as we've seen in this thread, even. Fortunately, the DOD isn't making this mandatory. I've opted to pass thus far. There are just too many variables. How often will I have to get the vaccine? How long does it last? Is it protection from all strains? Can I stop wearing the mask since I'm immune? Can I stop social distancing since I'm immune? Am I even immune?