Hemidakota

Then why get married in the first place? In stating your obvious opinion, eternal marriage becomes meaningless point. Outside of the Godhead, where do you think your friends are going to be? Not with you….

More bad news: Recall of one million beef patties announced -- what's in your freezer?

Sad to think, you cannot even trust Taco Bell now. EXCERPT: Taco Bell has been linked to two Salmonella outbreaks involving two different strains of the bacteria that has sickened more than 150 people in 21 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. In the CDC's new release, the chain is identified as "Mexican-style fast food Restaurant Chain A," but has since been confirmed as Taco Bell. The CDC said both strains -- Salmonella Baildon and Salmonella Hartford -- detected are rare. The illnesses connected to the outbreaks peaked in June, but have yet to be linked to any specific source other than something consumed at the restaurants themselves. "Among persons eating at Restaurant Chain A, no specific food item or ingredient was found to be associated with illness for either outbreak," the CDC said. "The FDA also sampled and tested produce items and did not find either outbreak strain. As with previous outbreaks in which contaminated produce may be the factor, produce tracebacks present substantial challenges because of the short shelf life of the product and the industry's comingling of product from multiple sources." LINK: Taco Bell linked to nationwide Salmonella outbreaks

It is new CHoI and the old one (2006 version), pg. 67

Then she must be a "10 COW woman!" (Johnny Lingo)

What is a folly? It could be described as an honest mistake, an unwise decision, or a sincere error in judgment. So many misunderstandings that occur among families, friends, associates, etc. are the result of follies. Normally, there is no intention to hurt or offend. However, honest mistakes are made. The major problem isn't the folly, or unwise behavior, itself, but the lack of spiritual maturity to recognize a folly and deal with it properly. When a folly is committed and not recognized as such, the general result is the ego or self-esteem of the individual, as well as his personal dignity, suffers abuse. From the first verse of this revelation, we may begin to see the wisdom and perfection of the Savior: I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies. (D&C 111:1) The recognition of follies by weak mortals is a giant step forward along the path of spirituality. The following is an illustration of such growth and advancement.A father had a new windshield installed in his automobile. As he arrived home and drove into the driveway, he noticed his daughter playing on the lawn with the family dog. She was throwing rocks for the dog to retrieve. She threw a rock in the direction of the driveway and mistakenly hit the windshield of the car. The new windshield was shattered. What might be the usual reaction of the parent? Verbal or physical abuse would be the norm. However, this father was sensitive as to how the Lord would have him respond to this unintentional mistake and proceeded to assess the situation spiritually. "Folly," said he. "This behavior was not intended to do harm." The spiritual maturity here portrayed demonstrates that this father had the ability to recognize a folly. It seems such a simple thing, yet many people fail to separate the intent of the deed from the result of the act and the accompanying emotional climate. Hence, they launch forth on a course that is detrimental to the individual as well as to themselves. The Handling of Follies What is the mental or emotional condition of the child of God at the time he or she commits a folly? In most cases, their self-esteem plummets to a low level and their embarrassment is obvious. It is important to observe, in the case of Joseph Smith, how the Lord, after assessing the behavior to be a folly, moved to protect the ego of His youthful prophet; to salvage as much as possible from a difficult situation. We note His positive course of action: I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality. Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you. . . . Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them. . . . . . . And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city; For there are more treasures than one for you in this city. (D&C 111:2-3, 5, 9-10) We would call attention to three important principles: 1. The most valuable treasure on this earth is the soul of a man. Apparently, Joseph Smith had allowed his concern for the church's financial needs to, momentarily, take precedence. Priorities were reestablished by the Savior. 2. The sincerity of the prophet's intent was recognized and help was assured. 3. The Lord helped Joseph to make the best of the situation. With reference to the Lord's direction for Joseph to "inquire . . . concerning the . . . ancient inhabitants. . . . ," (D&C 111:9) we quote the following: . . "ancient inhabitants" refers more particularly to the ancestors of the Prophet. The Revelation was given at Salem, the county seat of Essex County, Massachusetts. It was in that county that Robert Smith, the first of the Smith family in America, settled. It was the residence of many more of the pioneer immigrants to America, whose descendants joined the Church. At Salem, the county seat, the records for all the towns in the county were kept, and the Smiths' record, among others, were there. The matter of genealogy evidently entered into the inquiry concerning the "ancient inhabitants". . . . (DCC, p. 729) (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell, p.253-255)

August 6, 1836— Salem, Massachusetts. Joseph Smith received D&C 111, a revelation concerning his journey to Salem with Sidney Rigdon, his brother Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery. (History of the Church, 2:465–66) Historical Setting: Robert L. Millet/Kent P. Jackson - In order to understand the Salem revelation (D&C 111), one must have some knowledge of the financial situation of the Church in 1836. The Church in that period was in debt, or at least had severe shortages of capital. Some of the debt had been incurred in the construction of the Kirtland Temple. This expensive building had taxed the resources of the members. Another source of financial distress was the aid rendered to the Saints in Missouri—both in direct aid and in paying for Zion's Camp. Given this situation, Church leaders were anxious to find ways to relieve the debt and increase the amount of usable money. When Jonathan Burgess came to Kirtland telling of treasure located in Salem, he found believing listeners. Ebenezer Robinson recalled it this way: A brother in the church by the name of Burgess, had come to Kirtland and stated that a large amount of money had been secreted in the cellar of a certain house in Salem, Massachussetts, which had belonged to a widow, and he thought he was the only person now living who had knowledge of it, or to the location of the house. We saw the brother Burgess, but Don Carlos Smith told us with regard to the hidden treasure. His statement was credited by the brethren, and steps were taken to try and secure the treasure. Concerning the matter of treasure hunting, two points warrant consideration. First, Salem was a prosperous seaport with a world trade. The possibility of treasure being located in Salem was very likely. Second, treasure hunting was widespread among Americans in that era. Consider, for example, the following story from a Salem newspaper during the time when Joseph Smith and his party were in Salem: MONEY DIGGING. There are many spots in Long Island where tradition holds that Capt Kidd buried sums of money. A number of men are now engaged making excavations about a ledge of rocks in the vicinity of Sand's Point. The ledge is called "Kidd's Rock," and the men are adventures from Boston. More labor has been expended on Long Island in following the delusions of men in regard to buried gold, than if properly bestowed would have sufficed to make many fortunes.—Long Island Star. In addition to treasure seeking in Salem, there is another financial element in the story. En route to Massachussets, the Prophet and his companions visited New York City, where they consulted with creditors concerning their debt. (Studies in Scripture, Vol. 1: The Doctrine and Covenants by Robert L. Millet, Kent P. Jackson, P.432-433) Joseph Smith, Jun. – On Monday afternoon, July 25th, in company with Sidney Rigdon, Brother Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery, I left Kirtland . . . and the next evening, about ten o'clock we arrived at Buffalo, New York. . . . we took passages on a line boat for Utica, where we arrived about eight o'clock A.M. of the 29th, just in time to take the railroad car for Schenectady, the first passenger car on the new road. . . .On the 30th, at seven o'clock A.M., we went on board the steamer John Mason, which took us to the Erie, lying over the bar. . . .From New York we continued our journey to Providence, on board a steamer; from thence to Boston, by steam cars, and arrived in Salem, Massachusetts, early in August, where we hired a house, and occupied the same during the month, teaching the people from house to house, and preaching publicly, as opportunity presented; visiting occasionally, sections of the surrounding country, which are rich in the history of the Pilgrim Fathers of New England, in Indian warfare, religious superstition, bigotry, persecution, and learned ignorance. . . .I received the following: [section 111, follows.] (HC 2:463-65, July 25-August 6, 1836; Salem, Massachusetts.) Background Narration: Joseph Smith letter to Emma Smith: Salem, Mass., August 19th, 1836. My beloved Wife:—Bro. Hyrum is about to start for home before the rest of us, which seems wisdom in God, as our business here can not be determined as soon as we could wish to have it. I thought a line from me by him would be acceptable toyou, even if it did not contain but little, that you may know that you and the children are much on my mind. With regard to thegreat object of our mission, you will be anxious to know. We have found the house since Bro. Burgess left us, very luckily and providentially, as we had one spell been most discouraged. The house is occupied, and it will require much care and patience to rent or buy it. We think we shall be able to effect it; if not now within the course of a few months. We think we shall be at home about the middle of September. I can think of many things concerning our business, but can only pray that you may have wisdom to manage the concerns that involve on you, and want you should believe me that I am your sincere friend and husband. In haste. Yours &c., Joseph Smith, Jr. (Jessee, Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, pp. 349-50.) Steven C. Harper Just as the Saints in Missouri were being forced from yet another county, (Clay County), Joseph and the Saints in Ohio finished the house of the Lord in Kirtland at great expense. The resulting blessings far surpassed the value of every penny, but the process left Joseph in debt approximately thirteen thousand dollars, with more expenses looming. Under these circumstances Joseph took a risk. "A convert named Burgess had persuaded Church leaders that a large sum of money was hidden in the cellar" of a house in Salem, Massachusetts. Joseph, his brother Hyrum, Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon set out for Salem in July to meet Burgess and hopefully find the treasure. They searched in frustration for the house. On August 6, 1836, the Lord gave Doctrine and Covenants 111. (Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants by Steven C. Harper) Section Header Notes:Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, 6 August 1836 (see History of the Church, 2:465–66). At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. Several of the factors prominent in the background are reflected in the wording of this revelation. 1–5, The Lord looks to the temporal needs of his servants; 6–11, He will deal mercifully with Zion and arrange all things for the good of his servants. Versus amount: 11 Suggested link: Summary and Conclusion: So many mistakes fall into the category of follies. The ability to recognize a folly is Christlike. A positive approach to protect the ego of the individual might include a review of priorities, the acknowledgment of a sincere intent, and the implementation of the kind of action that becomes helpful and useful. (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell, p.255)

August 6, 1833 — Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received D&C 98, a revelation regarding the persecution of the Church in Missouri and including instruction on how the Saints should react to their enemies. (History of the Church, 1:403) Historical Setting: Steven C. Harper - Oliver Cowdery wrote from Independence, Missouri, to Church leaders in Kirtland, Ohio, informing them that opposition from the Saints' Missouri neighbors was rising. By the time the letter arrived in Ohio, in Missouri Bishop Edward Partridge had been tarred and feathered, the Church's press destroyed, and the Saints given an ultimatum to leave Jackson County or face continued oppression. Joseph had not received reports about the full extent of this persecution when he received Doctrine and Covenants 98, but the Lord braced the Saints with a revelation on how to respond when attacked (Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants by Steven C. Harper) Joseph Smith, Jun. – "August 6.—I received the following: . . . (HC, Vol. 1, p. 403) Background Narration: Joseph Fielding Smith Seventeen days after the mobbing of the Saints in Missouri, the Prophet received a revelation [section 98] in which the Lord said that the prayers of the Saints were heard in heaven, and counsel was given them to be patient in their afflictions and not seek vengeance against their enemies. Oliver Cowdery did not leave Independence on his special mission until after the 23rd of July [1833], and if he arrived in Kirtland before the 6th of August when this revelation was received, it certainly was a miraculous journey considering the distance and the means he had of transportation. Just when he arrived we do not know, but the Prophet had learned that difficulties of a serious nature had commenced in Jackson County. Naturally the members of the Church were extremely aroused and it was only natural that in their hearts there should be some spirit of retaliation and revenge upon their enemies. Because of this the Lord gave this revelation. (CHMR,1948, 2:191.) Boyd K. Packer Learn how to pray and how to receive answers to your prayers. When you pray over some things, you must patiently wait a long, long time before you will receive an answer. Some prayers, for your own safety, must be answered immediately, and some promptings will even come when you haven't prayed at all. Once you really determine to follow that guide, your testimony will grow and you will find provisions set out along the way in unexpected places, as evidence that someone knew that you would be traveling that way. (CR, April 1976, p. 47) Steven C. Harper Foreseeing the Saints' emotional reactions to the violence, in Doctrine and Covenants 98 the Lord prescribes "be comforted," "rejoice," "give thanks," and wait "patiently" for him, the Lord of Hosts, the defender of his people, to answer their prayers, for he has sworn to do so (vv. 1–2). This is his covenant with them. He promises that "all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory" (v. 3). The revelation upholds the rule of constitutional law applied without bias. The principle of freedom "belongs to all mankind," and it comes from God (v. 5). The Saints should therefore do all that lies in their power to preserve freedom for themselves and everyone else. Section 98 reiterates the law of sacrifice described in section 97. The Saints are being tried and proven to see "whether you will abide in my covenant," the Lord says, "even unto death" (v. 14; see also Mosiah 18:8–10). He commands the Saints to "renounce war and proclaim peace" (v. 16). The Saints' work is proclaiming peace, the good news of the gospel, and the binding and sealing of hearts and families. At verse 19 the revelation turns attention to materialistic Saints in Kirtland. "I, the Lord, am not well pleased with many who are in the church at Kirtland; for they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the pride of their hearts, and their covetousness, and all their detestable things, and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto them" (vv. 19–20). He then repeats the terms and conditions on which he will save or damn them. Beginning in verse 23 the Lord reveals his law of just war, the same law on which Nephi and the Israelite patriarchs acted and which is applicable to all (vv. 32, 38). Simply put, it is to bear attacks "patiently and revile not . . . neither seek revenge" (v. 23). After three offenses, patiently endured, the Saints are to warn their attackers in the name of the Lord to stop. If they do not, the Lord says, "I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands" (v. 29). At that point the Saints can opt to spare the transgressor or deliver justice. "If he has sought thy life, and thy life is endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and thou art justified" (v. 31). The Lord's law of just war includes the commandment that his people "should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them" (v. 33). When an enemy declares war, the Saints "should first lift a standard of peace" (v. 34). If that gesture is rejected three times, the Saints should testify to the Lord of their good faith efforts. "Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation," and then the Lord would be on the Saints' side (v. 36). Beginning in verse 39, the Lord adds another dimension to the law. Enemies are to be forgiven as often as they truly repent. "If he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart," the Lord says, "and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold" (v. 45). The Lord's vengeance is just and sure but it evaporates as soon as there is repentance (vv. 46–48). (Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants by Steven C. Harper) Section Header Notes: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, 6 August 1833 (see History of the Church, 1:403–6). This revelation came in consequence of the persecution upon the Saints in Missouri. It was natural that the Saints in Missouri, having suffered physically and also having lost property, would feel an inclination toward retaliation and revenge. Therefore, the Lord gave this revelation. Although some news of the problems in Missouri had no doubt reached the Prophet in Kirtland (nine hundred miles away), the seriousness of the situation could have been known to him at this date only by revelation. 1–3, The afflictions of the Saints will be for their good; 4–8, The Saints are to befriend the constitutional law of the land; 9–10, Honest, wise, and good men should be supported for secular government; 11–15, Those who lay down their lives in the Lord’s cause will have eternal life; 16–18, Renounce war and proclaim peace; 19–22, The Saints in Kirtland are reproved and commanded to repent; 23–32, The Lord reveals his laws governing the persecutions and afflictions imposed on his people; 33–38, War is justified only when the Lord commands it; 39–48, The Saints are to forgive their enemies, who, if they repent, will also escape the Lord’s vengeance. Versus amount: 48 Suggested link: D&C 1, 97, & 101 Summary and Conclusion: The principles taught in this revelation are just as pertinent now as they were when they were addressed to the saints in Missouri. If people are to stand approved of the Lord, they must follow His counsel and choose to be obedient to laws inspired of Him. (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell)

Appeal filed over gay-marriage ruling in California | Mormon Times

EXCERPT: Roper, a resident scholar at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at BYU, based his 90-minute remarks on four subjects: 1. Terminology — do terms used by Joseph Smith in his descriptions of the Book of Mormon, such as "this land," "this continent," or "this country," indicate, as some have suggested, any specific American setting for the Book of Mormon? 2. Did Joseph Smith's revelations include details about the geography of the Book of Mormon? 3. Regarding a handful of articles published under the editorship of Joseph Smith in the Times and Seasons regarding Central American discoveries — did Joseph Smith write these articles or were they written by others? 4. Might recent wordprinting studies offer a solution to the question of authorship? LINK: FAIR Conference: Roper's take on Book of Mormon geography | Mormon Times

Not surprising to hear it. Thanks for sharing it.

Are you saying, he holds a temple recommend?

No...but surprising though, not all wards have married couples giving sacrament prayers.

Exactly! This is why the church took it stance in California, along with other major players.

Say it seven times a day and for the next twenty one days, it becomes part of your core beliefs as factual.

Judge Vaughn Walker's sexual orientation sparks ire over fairness on Prop 8, same-sex marriage case

Even in Abraham's account of Genesis, it is never stated that the GODs came forth to create the animals. Listen to what is given by Abraham versus man(woman) being created: 24And the Gods prepared the earth to bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind; and it was so, as they had said. 25And the Gods organized the earth to bring forth the beasts after their kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after its kind; and the Gods saw they would obey. 26And the Gods took acounsel among themselves and said: Let us go down and form man in our image, after our likeness; and we will give them dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27So the Gods went down to organize man in their own image, in the image of the Gods to form they him, male and female to form they them. (https://beta.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/abr/4?lang=eng) Why didn't Abraham specifically spell it out with the creation of animals vice man?

This is why the church has pushed for youths speakers in order to allow them the time to gain confidence. Like you both (kimiko), being a young convert, my scariest moment was giving a Sacrament blessing. There was no card to read from back then and I had to remember each line. It took me more than three times (in Japan) in order to get it right before a Japanese congregation. Man…that was the pits. I was completely red face after that but what a loving people they are.

Exactly...I truly understand her point, [paraphrasing it] if it is not part of my salvation, then I really don't need it. That is a truism in a sense. Focusing on what is more important principles than to enter a tangent road crossing of the mysteries of GOD. For others, it may not be. The case of Abraham, he would need it in order to become a FATHER. I but I do agree on your statement, the quest for any person, whether LDS or not, is the quest of truths, will only lead a person closer to Christ.

Elgama, in which way do you believe it happen?

The problem with this type of law or act (how you want to term it), it will be altered in the end. The goal here for Satan and his cronies, is to return to the same conditions as it was doing Noah days. One step at a time...one law at a time...in using many pawns as possible. Now, one needs to see beyond his or her own blinders to see what is coming.

I wonder I could sue to the state and the Attorney General for violating my rights as a voter - twice now. Or now pursue my rights for plural marriage.

Kagen? What a farce. This is why we need term limits for the Supreme Court judges and not for life.

Credit: Mormontimes EXCERPT: That was the message delivered by Stephen D. Ricks at the 12th Annual Mormon Apologetics Conference at the South Towne Exposition Center Thursday afternoon. Ricks, a professor of Hebrew and Cognate Learning at Brigham Young University, said just knowing Book of Mormon names and their origins would help an individual know these names were authentic. "The Book of Mormon is what it claims to be, a document whose ancient text contains names, dates and places … that were proper to their time and place," said Ricks, a member of BYU's faculty for 30 years. Using a PowerPoint display, Ricks showed slides with proper Book of Mormon names with Hebrew, Semitic, Greek or Hellenic origins, as well as proper names whose origins are otherwise identified. LINK: FAIR conference: Defend the Book of Mormon by studying names, origins | Mormon Times

What part of evolution is true and what is a man made fabrication is really based on your receipt of such a prayerful answer. There is nothing preventing you in receiving such an answer and can open other questioning doors of life upon the receipt of the first. There are only handfuls that have seen it first hand. Now, why GOD doesn’t answers prayer based on this specific topic for any member is still questionable. Nor does HE give a complete detail or allow the complete scenery ‘be written.’ Noticed any real clarity between Abraham, Moses, or even Joseph Smith after viewing such an event? I have not seen it. I only know one individual in this field who is LDS and received an epiphany of this event. Even he does not discuss with any detail of what transpired. Though, what is remarkable, this has transformed his life views regarding this topic. I guess it would for any of anyone to see it as first hand vice reading it. To receive such answer, I believe the Lord will not allow you to write it or be allowed it to be give to the masses unless they are the same caliber of those who already received it. Arguing or becoming a heated topic, becomes meaningless when you view it. Even what was written in great details, Brother of Jared account, Joseph was commanded not to translate it or give it to the telestial world but be allowed for those who are terrestrial level beings or higher after millennium begins. Who resides in the millennium? “Terrestrial beings.”