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Gerasim, it would be "spooky" to see and shake the anti-christ hands. Vivid dream: Personal Beliefs » LDS Mormon Network

I thought it was 2200 (for civilians, this means 10:00pm). This is when the cockroaches come out.

Google has a wonderful spider engine that can sift through any daily hits for automotive recalls. You will be surprised the amount of different brands that are recalled world-wide. Link: https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=alerts&hl=en&gl=&continue=http://www.google.com/alerts/manage%3Fhl%3Den%26gl%3D&followup=http://www.google.com/alerts/manage%3Fhl%3Den%26gl%3D&nui=1 Someone asked me to put together the most problematic North America automotive brands for 2010 (NHTSA data for January to May 2010). I suspect it was more to insult Toyota for their usual claim quality. It never fails to see both Toyota and Honda in the top six spots for the last six years. This year research, reveals, Toyota is number one, followed by Honda as number 2…beating out Ford. Ford took over Chevy position for the last couple of years (08 & 09) as the most problematic brand in North America. Current analysis given back 07, three Japanese brands increasing build rate and constant model changes will bring the quality of the vehicles down to a point that it will surpassed (quality issues) some of the American built vehicles. Today, we see it happening. Former North America President, Jim Press of Toyota, stated the same facts.

I have done enough automotive research in the past between 2003 to 2007 to know, Toyota is in serious trouble. Even the last American regional president stated the same. A lot cover up was being done back then and now beginning to surface. I know there is a lot of PR effort to prevent the sale slides, but, in reality, the quality stated is nothing more than subjective if done by JD Powers or even Consumer Report. The facts versus fiction lay with the amount of recalls per year. Being a former owner of Toyota vehicles, I know what is quality and what is not.

As the early reformer John Huss was about to be burned at the stake, he prophesied of Martin Luther. Both the date of that prophecy and of Luther's birth appear to be significant. EXCERPT: There were many great reformers during the Renaissance in Europe. They compared the scriptures to their church's teachings and discovered significant problems. When the movement began, most of them were in the clergy of the Catholic Church, which was the only Christian Church there at that time. Nearly every one of them wanted only to "reform" the church, to get it back to the original principles, but when that effort met incredible resistance, the many Protestant churches began to form. The most famous reformer was Martin Luther (1483-1546) of Germany, for whom the Lutheran church is named. His success was due in part to avoiding being slain for his cause. Many preceding him had been executed for heresy (disagreeing with the pope). Luther began his work after being inspired by the work of John Huss, a Czech (Bohemian) reformer who had been burned at the stake a century before him. One article summarizes Huss's influence on Luther thus: Early in his monastic career, Martin Luther, rummaging through the stacks of a library, happened upon a volume of sermons by John Huss, the Bohemian who had been condemned as a heretic. "I was overwhelmed with astonishment," Luther later wrote. "I could not understand for what cause they had burnt so great a man, who explained the Scriptures with so much gravity and skill." Huss would become a hero to Luther and many other reformers, for Huss preached key Reformation themes (like hostility to indulgences) a century before Luther drew up his 95 Theses. But the reformers also looked to Huss's life, in particular, his steadfast commitment in the face of the church's cunning brutality.[1] LINK: http://www.ldsmag.com/sci_rel/100714dream.html

Good morning Change...I was not referring to time but his statement of GOD being outside of the physical Universe. Here is why I didn’t mentioned space and time. In respect to your post, in the Doctrine and Covenants to Joseph Smith, in the 1800s, prior to the support for understanding of the theory of relativity is remarkably seen in the D&C section 3. Space and time equivalence in a celestial sphere is indicated in verse 2, "For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round." To me, this verse implies that the shortest distance between two points in a 4-D realm is a curved path. Notable this is also the basic concept of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The concept of physical time, telestial world, Joseph was familiar with Alma's teaching that "time only is measured unto men" (see Alma 40:8). In D&C 88:110, Joseph writes, "…there shall be time no longer…" Turning to D&C 84:110 it reads, "…time is no longer", which refer to the end of man's mortal probation prior to the end of the Millennium. It may have further implication about the vanishing of time as suggested by Einstein's Special Theory, when travel velocities reach the speed of light. There is another similar D&C statements (See D&C 88:109-10, 84:100) may suggest the vanquish of physical space and time. Change, using the full possibilities of the theory of relativity involving infinite space-time contractions in a 4-D space is clearly manifested in D&C 130:7, where Joseph Smith writes, angels "reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord." Speaking of God, it reads, "He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him" (D&C 88:41). Obviously, we clearly see GOD is not limited by physical time or physical space as telestial man limitation. Using some of known theories today, able to see the past, present and future, is a science phenomenon when traveling approaching and exceeding the speed of physical light. Again, this postulation is for a celestial glory description only and not to be construe of anything resembling telestial based.

Maybe they should be called "YIN and YANG.":p

Excellent thought. For him, this is not so. He already stated his intentions and this is why in the past, avoid playing cards if this is used beyond the means of social pleasures. Urbanfool posting ask, if it was the promptings of the Holy Ghost for him to seek further guidance of this issue.

Good morning Mordorbund. Thanks for the answer. Though, we may not agree on the same interpretations that are written, it reveals that members are thinking beyond the ‘black box’ and allow the Spirit to work greater miracles. Could GOD live in the Universe and still be Omnipresent? I believe HE could. It is done through the world HE resides on is nothing more than an Urim Thummim. I believe you already know the operating principle of a UT. One can view the past and present. If I was GOD, I could sit on my throne; still view my creation from where I sit. It is true; HE has messenger, watchers, and vast army of intelligence that honor this great MAN. They even gravitate to HIM and what to be next to HIM. Yet, HE lives under the laws of the Celestial realm and not physical as us. HE is not bound by any physical law but uses it to do HIS bidding. Even Christ walking across the water is a witness of one overriding our physical laws. There means of travel, communications, and living, is bound by this celestial law. Even our physical light, could not be in HIS present. Considering in our own galaxy, there is over more worlds (stars) than the sand of the seashore. To me, that is a lot worlds to watch over. It is true as you stated, this is a telestial world and we live in a telestial belt of worlds, apart from those worlds considered to be terrestrial or even celestial in measure. I believe, the closer we get to the core of Milky Way; we see the colorization and size of the stars change. Close to the core, there is debris field that maybe considered spent worlds, element to fashion new worlds. Between this field and what the Astrophysics called a Black Hole (I don’t see it as that now), are yet more stars (seen by our latest X-Ray space imagery). This stars who illumination and size, comparably, would shun our telestial Sun. Beyond that, we see, what I term, dark energy (Black Hole) of a measure of two million light years across. Even with our latest X-Ray imagery, one could faintly see a massive bright light. When GOD gives us technology to invent to see beyond the cosmic range spectrum, this paradigm will be rewritten. Then we could now ask who resides at the very core? If anyone in our day would know it all among the living prophets, Joseph Smith would be the one I would rely on for a depiction of the universe. Only disagreement I have with his perception, based on his observation location, Joseph believes the universe is infinite. In my opinion, I don’t believe it is. There is a boundary at the very edge of this universe. Even Abraham and Moses did not see the whole universe but only the creation that belong to our FATHER. The difference now, they were only shown our own galaxy and its creation, not the universe. Seeing Abraham and Moses were not Astro-physicists, I can understand their reasoning in trying to describe what was being shown. It resembles the same issue with John in describing our day technology, witnessed in his vision. The best part, Abraham described what was seen at the core of our own galaxy and wrote it down (see the papyrus). I believe, it was Abraham who taught the Egyptians in his day of what was taught to him. Question is, if the Universe has boundaries, could GOD still be outside of such? I don’t believe it is so. I believe, we are part of the collective of GOD, which GOD is part of a bigger collective them HIMSELF. Thanks again for your warm response...

Interesting concept of God living outside of the universe. Is there any quote in the scripture or statement made by any prophet? Just curious.

Looking at the references of first hand accounts of the cave or records, this also could mean, the room or storage area of plates (records), which Amaleki already had in his possession. It is an assumption that Amaleki gave Benjamin two set of records. We simply do not all if this is all of which was given. Though, I do see your point if it was only two set of records. The gap of time from Nephi death, the mixing of both Jaredites and Mulekites in the area, what other records by this timeframe, was in this man possession? Professor Nibley stated the same: “Amaleki is writing this, you see. "Behold, I, Amaleki, was born in the days of Mosiah [he's looking back on history]; and I have lived to see his death; and Benjamin, his son, reigneth in his stead." And under King Benjamin the two governments fuse, of course. Benjamin defended Zarahemla from Lamanite attacks; he drove them out of the land of Zarahemla. Verse 25: "I began to be old; and, having no seedÂ…" Amaleki has no children, so he hands the records over to King Benjamin. Remember that they had been kept in separate archives-the royal archives of the doings of state and the wars, etc., and the family archive of the revelations and inspirations that's been handed down. (That's the one we're getting.) But here they're joined in one, and from now on King Benjamin keeps all the records in his archive. And Benjamin has a passion for these records. He's a great antiquarian, we'll find out. He's keeping the records after he ceases to be king. Benjamin is the man to have them, so the two governments fuse, and the plates are now in the hands of one king again. And Amaleki says, "I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues." Notice "in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting of languages." They had these gifts among them, which indicates they had more than one language. They must have had quite a number of languages or dialects, as far as the case may be. Then in verse 26 he testifies to the Atonement. "Yea, come unto him, and offer your souls as an offering to him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end [that's the formula: fasting, praying, and enduring to the end] and as the Lord liveth you will be saved." (Teachings of the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, Nibley, by Hugh Nibley, p.433) Your statement on the other hand is in agreement with both Robert Millet and Joseph F. McConkie (see Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 2, by Robert L. Millet, Joseph Fielding McConkie, p.123): 10. Put them with the other plates] The "other plates" are the large plates of Nephi, kept by the kings (see Jarom 1:14; Omni 1:11).

Unless it is home made, then YES!

Some interesting stories: Meridian Magazine :: Family Connections: I'm Single! I'm Happy! And You Can Be Too!

Ryan, excellent quote. Card games remains what it is, virtual or physical, fake money or real money. It remains a game of chance. Funky, Well, let us compare an apple to an orange and call it the same. Here is an orange, my game of ‘Life’, where we play together as a family, to be sociable, no different than playing virtual gaming with fake money or real money? Right? Funky, I know I am old school when it comes to past prophets admonishments, but unless there is current prophet said it is “now ok” to continue to play cards, whether it is fake or real money, at home or on the internet, then I would have not bother to post. Whether you give it another name or not, it is still the same. Game of chance. Entertainment years ago before the invention of the TV to occupy our time, was a radio set or those in the church, use to setup card game tables was problem. Listened to what President Harold B. Lee stated: Let me suggest a test in choosing the kinds of socials that you could wholeheartedly participate in "with an eye single to the glory of God." Ask yourself these questions: Is this the kind of a party or social that I in all good conscience could pray the Lord to bless with His Spirit? Would I be ashamed to have my mother or sister come to this place for their recreation? How would I feel if I were to see the Church leader for whom I have the greatest respect playing the kinds of games I am playing tonight? Your answers to that test should suggest several conclusions in making your selections. First: Your socials should be characterized by wholesome environments. Second: Those who frequent these places of amusement should be of a good character. Third: Such amusement places should have the stamp of approval of your parents and your Church leaders. Fourth: These social activities should be of such a nature as to be only incidental to your work or school and your obligations to home and family and should never be allowed to become the controlling forces in your lives. (45-18, pp. 157-58) Socials have another prime purpose. They bring you young men and women together during the mating time of your lives, for remember this, that one day you will more likely than not find your life's companion in the social atmosphere that you frequent most. The safest place where such companionship can be fostered is where parents and the Church have a guiding hand. (45-18, p. 158) Shun games of chance. Leisure-time activities that promote idleness should be shunned. For this reason principally card playing is discountenanced by the Church. There seems to be something so all-absorbing in this type of game that those who indulge make of it almost their ruling passion in life, with certainly little compensation in mental development in comparison with the time spent. Our leaders have advised us that the same time expended in other enjoyable diversions—such as good music, good literature, art, poetry, history, or drama—would pay greater dividends with the whole of life and its purposes in view (see J. Reuben Clark Jr., "Restraints and Conventions—Why?" Improvement Era 36 [November 1933]: 807). The kinds of card games [i refer to are those] that seem to require bets or prizes or other inducements to give them the "proper" appeal. The kind of skill that is developed in games of chance is the kind of skill that endangers the moral qualities of the possessor and leads him on a questionable practice. If you could ride with me over the country and view the curse of card playing among our young people that has ripened into gambling with all its trickery and soul-destroying evils, you would agree with me, I am sure, that homes and social groups who, in their shortsightedness, were teachers of such a game to young boys have done grave harm to the characters of youth. Certainly no leader worthy of a leadership in a home or in the Church would knowingly become a party to activities that would result in such practices. (45-18, pp. 158-59) (Ref: Teachings of Harold B. Lee by Harold B. Lee) Nothing changed since then. We still shun the game or the appearance evil.

Enlarge This Image Robert Caplin for The New York Times George Steinbrenner in 2007. LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/sports/baseball/14steinbrenner.html

As stated above, on January 19th, 1841, a revelation was given to the Church at Nauvoo, from which the following was copied: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings. "And the iniquity and transgression of my holy laws and commandments I will visit upon the heads of those who hindered my work, unto the third and fourth generation, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. "Therefore, for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson County, Missouri, and were hindered by their enemies, saith the Lord your God. . . . "And this I make an example unto you, for your consolation concerning all those who have been commanded to do a work, and have been hindered by the hands of their enemies, and by oppression, saith the Lord your God." (D&C 124:49-53.) At the October Conference of the Church (1890) following the publication of the Manifesto issued by President Woodruff, the document was read before the assembled congregation, after which Lorenzo Snow, at the time President of the Council of the Twelve, arose and made the following motion: "I move that, recognizing Wilford Woodruff as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the only man on earth at the present time who holds the keys of the sealing ordinances, we consider min fully authorizzed, by virtue of his position, to issue the Manifesto which has been read in our hearing, and which is dated September 24th, 1890, and that as a Church in General Conference assembled, we accept his declaration concerning plural marriages as authoritative and binding." This motion was unanimously sustained. Notwithstanding this covenant, a few misguided members of the Church, some of whom had been signers of the petition praying for amnesty, and beneficiaries of its provisions, secretly associated themselves together for the avowed purpose of perpetuating the practices of polygamous or plural marriage in defiance of the pledge made to the government, of the terms of the Enabling Act, and of the provisions of the State Constitution to which they had sworn allegiance. Sworn to secrecy, these people promulgated their lawless propaganda, the result being that reports reached the Presidency indicating that certain professed members of the Church were teaching and in some instances entering into polygamous or plural marriage. At the General Conference of the Church, April, 1904, President Joseph F. Smith, who had succeeded President Lorenzo Snow as President of the Church, made the following statement to the assembled congregation: "Inasmuch as there are numerous reports in circulation that plural marriages have been entered into contrary to the official declaration of President Wilford Woodruff of September 24th, 1890, commonly called the Manifesto, which was issued by President Woodruff and adopted by the Church at its General Conference, October 6, 1890, which forbade any marriage violative of the law of the land, I, Joseph F. Smith, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do hereby affirm and declare that no such marriages have been solemnized with the sanction, consent, or knowledge of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "And I hereby announce that all such marriages are prohibited, and if any officer or member of the Church shall assume to solemnize or enter into any such marriage he will be deemed in transgression against the Church, and will be liable to be dealt with according to the rules and regulations thereof, and excommunicated therefrom." The following resolution was presented to the congregation, and unanimously adopted: "Resolved, that we, the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in General Conference assembled, hereby approve and endorse the statement and declaration of President Joseph F. Smith, just made to this conference, concerning plural marriages, and will support the courts of the Church in the enforcement thereof." October 5th, 1910, Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and John Henry Smith, the First Presidency of the Church at the time, addressed a letter to the President of each of the Stakes of the Church, which contained the full text of the statement made by President Joseph F. Smith, at the General Conference, April, 1904.In this letter the Presidents of Stakes were definitely instructed to notify the members of the Church in the Stakes over which they presided, to report any case in which a person had entered into a pretended marriage violative of the civil law, or taught others to do so, and to take action against such persons and excommunicate them from the Church. Notwithstanding all that had been said and done upon this question it became necessary again to call attention of the Presidents of Stakes to it in 1914, as follows: "To Presidents of Stakes and Counselors, "Dear Brethren: "Having reason to believe that some members of the Church are secretly engaged advising and encouraging others to enter into unauthorized and unlawful marriages, we have deemed it advisable to call your attention to the communication we addressed to you on this subject on the 5th of October, 1910, a copy of which is herewith appended. "And believing, as we do, that these people are at the bottom of all the violations referred to in our communication, we direct your special attention to them, with a request that any information received by you from time to time relating to cases of this character, be followed up and investigated with a view to having this class of offenders placed on trial for their fellowship in the Church, as we regard them equally culpable with actual offenders. Please make the same request of your bishops. "Your brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTON H. LUND CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency." From the attitude of the Church, the statements of its authorized Priesthood, and the revealed will of the Lord, as shown in the revelations quoted, it is made plain that the discontinuance of polygamous or plural marriage was obligatory and justifiable. In the revelation given September 22-23, 1832, Jackson County, Missouri, was designated as the gathering place of the members of the Church, the spot where a city was to be established, and a temple built. This work was to be accomplished by the people of the present generation. Because of an order issued by its Governor in which the removal of the people from the State or their extermination was ordered, the Church was obliged to leave the State of Missouri. In the revelation given January 19th, 1841, nine years later, the Lord absolved the Church from responsibility, and told them that he required that work no more at their hands, and makes this an example in all things where the people are commanded to do a work, and are prevented by their enemies. This principle applies to plural marriage as it does to all other commandments. The members of the Church are reminded that the practice of polygamous or plural marriage is not the only law whose suspension has been authorized by the Lord and adopted by the people. The law of animal sacrifice, in force in ancient Israel, has been suspended, but the Prophet Joseph asserted it would be again restored, and such is the effect of the statement made by John the Baptist when restoring the Aaronic Priesthood. [Sec. 13.] The law of the United Order has likewise been suspended, to be reestablished in the due time of the Lord. [Sec. 105:34.] Other laws might be mentioned. . . . At President John Taylor's death, the keys of the sealing ordinances, with their powers and limitations, passed by regular devolution, in the way and manner prescribed by the Lord and in accordance with the custom of the Church, to President Wilford Woodruff. At the latter's death they similarly passed to President Lorenzo Snow; and upon his death, they similarly passed to President Joseph F. Smith; and at his death the same keys passed in the same way to President Heber J. Grant. There has been no change in the law of succession of the Priesthood and of the keys appertaining thereto, nor in the regular order of its descent. The keys of the sealing ordinances rest today solely in President Heber J. Grant, having so passed to him by the ordination prescribed by the Lord, at the hands of those having the authority to pass them, and whose authority has never been taken away by the Lord, nor suspended, nor interfered with by the Church. President Grant is the only man on the earth at this time who possesses these keys. He has never authorized any one to perform polygamous or plural marriages; he is not performing such marriages himself; he has not on his part violated nor is he violating the pledge he made to the Church, to the world, and to our government at the time of the Manifesto. Anyone making statements contrary to the foregoing is innocently or maliciously telling that which is not true. Anyone representing himself as authorized to perform such marriages is making a false representation. Any such ceremony performed by any person so making such representation is a false and mock ceremony. Those living as husband and wife under and pursuant to the ceremonies prescribed by President Smith or the ceremonies performed by any person whatsoever since that proscription, are living in adultery and are subject to the attaching penalties. We reaffirm as true today and as being true ever since it was made in 1904, the statement of President Smith which was endorsed by a General Conference of the Church "that no such marriages have been solemnized with the sanction, consent, or knowledge of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Finally, we are in honor bound to the government and people of the United States, upon a consideration we have fully received—Statehood—to discontinue the practice of polygamous or plural marriage, and Latter-day Saints will not violate their plighted faith. The Church reaffirms its adherence to the declarations of Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith. It adheres to the pledges made to the government of the United States, and to Constitutional law of the State of Utah. We confirm and renew the instructions given to Church officers by President Joseph F. Smith in 1904, in 1910, and in 1914, and direct the officers who administer the affairs of the Church diligently to investigate reported violations of the adopted rule, and if persons are found who have violated President Smith's ruling (adopted by the Church) or who are entering into or teaching, encouraging, or conspiring with others to enter into so-called polygamous or plural marriages, we instruct such officers to take action against such persons, and, finding them guilty, to excommunicate them from the Church in accord with the directions given by President Smith. We shall hold Church officers responsible for the proper performance of this duty. (DNCS, June 17, 1933, pp. 3-21.)

First Presidency (Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, J. Reuben Clark, Jr.): The First Presidency have recently received letters making inquiry concerning the position of the Church regarding the contracting of polygamous or plural marriages. It is evident from these letters, as well as from certain published material—some of it distributed during our last General Conference—that a secret and, according to reputation, an oath-bound organization of misguided individuals is seeking to lead the people to adopt adulterous relations under the guise of a pretended and false polygamous or plural marriage ceremony. While the position of the Church since 1893 has been repeatedly set forth, namely, that polygamous or plural marriages are not and cannot now be performed, yet in order that there may be no excuse for any Church member to be misled by the false representations or the corrupt, adulterous practices of the members of this secret, and (by reputation) oath-bound organization (of which the history of the Nephites and Lamanites show so many counterparts), it is deemed wise again to set out the position of the Church on this matter, at the same time tracing the outlines of the historical facts lying behind the Church's position, of which many young Church members may not be fully aware. . . . At this period in the history of the Church [1831-1832] the doctrine of the eternity of the marriage covenant and plural marriage had not been revealed. It is obvious that the Church at that time recognized the monogamic system of marriage which prevailed among Christian people of the world. [D&C 42:22-23; 49:15-17.] Twelve years after the foregoing revelations—that is, on July 12th, 1843—the revelation on the eternity of the marriage covenant, including plurality of wives, was announced, one year before the martyrdom of the Prophet and of the Patriarch of the Church. . . . Any ceremony pretending to bind man and woman together beyond the period of mortal life, which is not solemnized by one who has been commissioned and authorized by the man who holds the keys of authority to bind upon earth with a covenant which will be binding in heaven, is of no efficacy or force when people are out of the world. [sec. 132:7.] There is but one person on the earth at a time upon whom the keys of this sealing ordinance are conferred. That man is the Presiding High Priest, the President of the Church. He is the bearer of this authority, which he may exercise personally or he may commission others to exercise it under his jurisdiction, for such time, long or short, up to the end of his life, as he may desire. It was after the revelation of July, 1843, which provided that under certain conditions, which are clearly defined, a man may receive more than one woman to be his wife, that plural marriage became a recognized doctrine of the Church. Under this system family ties were established and relationships entered into which were held sacred and binding, not alone by those who accepted and entered into the order of plural marriage, but by all those who had become members of the Church. While the practice of plural marriage was severely criticized by the ministers of various religious denominations and others, it was not until 1874 that the Congress of the United States took definite steps looking to the suppression of the practice. A member of the Church who had entered into the order of plural marriage was arrested, tried before a jury, found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of five hundred dollars, and be incarcerated for two years at hard labor. An appeal was taken to the Supreme Court of the Territory, which confirmed the decree of the lower court. The case was then carried to the Supreme Court of the United States, which ruled that the law prohibiting the practice of plural marriage was constitutional and enforceable. From August, 1877, the date of the death of President Brigham Young, until October, 1880, the Council of the Twelve, with John Taylor at their head, directed the affairs of the Church. At the October Conference, 1880, the First Presidency was reorganized, John Taylor was sustained as President, with George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his first and second counselors. During the entire period of the presidency of John Taylor, 1880 to 1887, relentless prosecution of men who had entered into the relationship of plural marriage was intensified. Under the provisions of the Edmunds-Tucker law The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was disincorporated, the Perpetual Emigration Fund company was dissolved, and all property belonging to the Church, with the exception of buildings used exclusively for religious worship, was escheated to the government. Hundreds of men who had contracted plural marriages were heavily fined, and imprisoned. All persons who could not subscribe to a test oath which was provided especially for those who practiced or believed in the practice of plural marriage, were disfranchised. It became obvious that no human power could prevent the disintegration of the Church, except upon a pledge by its members to obey the laws which had been enacted prohibiting the practice of polygamy. It was under these circumstances that Wilford Woodruff was sustained as President of the Church in April, 1889. September 24th, 1890, President Woodruff promulgated his official Declaration to the Church and to the people of the United States, commonly referred to as The Manifesto. On the day that The Manifesto was issued President Woodruff wrote in his journal: "I have arrived at a point in the history of my life as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where I am under the necessity of acting for the temporal salvation of the Church, and after praying to the Lord, and feeling inspired, I have issued the following proclamation, which is sustained by my counselors and the Twelve Apostles." After reviewing the enactment of the law prohibiting the practice of plural marriage, and the effect of its enforcement, President Woodruff, in his declaration, says: "Inasmuch as laws have been enacted by Congress forbidding plural marriages, which laws have been pronounced constitutional by the court of last resort, I hereby declare my intention to submit to those laws, and to use my influence with the members of the Church over which I preside to have them do likewise. . . . And I now publicly declare that my advice to the Latter-day Saints is to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the law of the land." The Manifesto was signed by President Woodruff as President of the Church.After the vote approving the Manifesto had been recorded (October 6, 1890) President Woodruff, addressing the Conference congregation said: "I want to say to all Israel that the step which I have taken in issuing this Manifesto has not been done without earnest prayer before the Lord. I am not ignorant of the feelings that have been engendered through the course I have pursued, but I have done my duty." The Official Declaration by President Woodruff and its approval by the members of the Church in General Conference assembled, was accepted by the government as evidence that the practice of plural marriage would be discontinued. Prosecutions under the Edmunds-Tucker bill ceased and a spirit of neighborly good-will was established between members and non-members of the Church. In December, 1891, one year after the announcement of the Official Declaration of President Woodruff, a petition signed by the Presidency of the Church and Council of the Twelve was prepared and forwarded to the President of the United States, asking that amnesty be granted to all violators of the Federal law which prohibited the practice of plural marriage. This petition was also signed by Governor Arthur L. Thomas, Judge Charles S. Zane, and many other non-members of the Church. The petition was approved and the prayer of the signers granted by President Benjamin Harrison, on January 4th, 1893. The prayer of the petitioners was granted with the definite understanding that the practice of plural marriage was to be discontinued. September 6th, 1893, the Enabling Act, granting the people of Utah permission to meet in convention and frame a constitution under which Statehood might be granted, was presented by Joseph L. Rawlins, Representative in Congress, was passed by the Congress, and approved by the President. The Enabling Act provided (Section 3—First): "That perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured, and that no inhabitant of said State shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship: Provided, that polygamous or plural marriages are forever prohibited." The Convention met March 4th, 1895, an acceptable Constitution was framed, and by proclamation of President Grover Cleveland, Utah was admitted to the Union as a sovereign State. Article III, of the State Constitution provides as follows: "The following ordinance shall be irrevocable without the consent of the United States, and the people of this State." Religious Toleration—Polygamy Forbidden"First: Perfect toleration of religious sentiment is guaranteed. No inhabitant of this State shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship, but polygamous or plural marriages are forever prohibited." March 28th, 1896, President Grover Cleveland, in response to a memorial which had been presented to and approved by Congress, restored to the Church the property which had been escheated to the Government in 1887. This petition was signed by Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith, who then constituted the Presidency of the Church, and by the Council of the Twelve. It was also endorsed by Arthur L. Thomas, Governor, and Charles S. Zane, Chief Justice of the Territory. From the foregoing it will be seen by any person of normal intelligence that it was the practice of polygamous or plural marriage which led up to the enactment of the Edmunds-Tucker law and later the enforcement of the law by representatives of the government. It is also obvious that every available means in defense of the contention that polygamous or plural marriage was a religious rite, and therefore could not be attached under the Constitution of the United States, had been exhausted; that thereafter the Church pledge itself, by its Presidency, by its members in General Conference assembled, and by its support of the State Constitution, to discontinue the practice of polygamous or plural marriage. Thus our people sacredly covenanted with the Government of the United States that they would obey the civil law. That the Lord requires from his people no more than that they shall exhaust all human means to obey the law is shown in the following quotations, which are from revelations given to the Church, the first on September 22-23, 1832, and the latter January 19, 1841, nine years later. Revelation, September 22-23, 1832 "A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six Elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. "Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his Church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem. "Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased. "Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation. "For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house." (D&C 84:1-5.) In this revelation the Lord definitely declares that a city and temple are to be built at Independence, Missouri, and that this was to be accomplished during the existing generation. Because of wicked persecutions the Church was obliged to leave the State of Missouri, which had been designated as the gathering place of the saints. Under orders signed by Lilburn W. Boggs, Governor of Missouri, twelve thousand members of the Church were compelled to abandon their homes and flee to the State of Illinois, where they established the city of Nauvoo.

July 12, 1843— Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received D&C 132, a revelation about the eternal marriage covenant, while in the presence of his brother Hyrum Smith and William Clayton, recorder. (History of the Church, 5:500–7) Historical Setting: Orson Pratt (Joseph F. Smith): [Elder Pratt, in company with President Joseph F. Smith, spoke at a meeting of the so-called Reorganized Church in 1878.] He explained the circumstances connected with the coming forth of the revelation on plural marriage. Refuted the statement and belief of those present that Brigham Young was the author of that revelation; showed that Joseph Smith the Prophet had not only commenced the practice himself, and taught it to others, before President Young and Twelve had returned from their mission in Europe, in 1841, but that Joseph actually received revelations upon that principle as early as 1831. (HC 5:xxxi, "Introduction," 1878.) George A. Smith: In [July 12] 1843, the law on celestial marriage was written [at Nauvoo, Illinois] , but not published, and was known only to perhaps one or two hundred persons. It was written from the dictation of Joseph Smith, by Elder William Clayton, his private secretary, who is now in this city. [salt Lake City, Utah.] This revelation was published in 1852, read to a general conference, and accepted as a portion of the faith of the Church. Elder Orson Pratt went to Washington and there published a work called the Seer, in which this revelation was printed, and a series of articles showing forth the law of God in relation to marriage. (JD, August 13, 1871, 14:213-14.) William Clayton (scribed to Joseph Smith): "On the morning of the 12th of July, 1843, Joseph and Hyrum Smith came into the office in the upper story of the 'brick store,' on the bank of the Mississippi River. They were talking on the subject of plural marriage. Hyrum said to Joseph, 'If you will write the revelation on celestial marriage, I will take and read it to Emma, and I believe I can convince her of its truth, and you will hereafter have peace.' Joseph smiled and remarked, 'You do not know Emma as well as I do.' Hyrum repeated his opinion and further remarked, 'The doctrine is so plain, I can convince any reasonable man or woman of its truth, purity or heavenly origin,' or words to their effect. Joseph then said, 'Well, I will write the revelation and we will see.' He then requested me to get paper and prepare to write. Hyrum very urgently requested Joseph to write the revelation by means of the Urim and Thummim, but Joseph, in reply, said he did not need to, for he knew the revelation perfectly from beginning to end. "Joseph and Hyrum then sat down and Joseph commenced to dictate the revelation on celestial marriage, and I wrote it, sentence by sentence, as he dictated. After the whole was written, Joseph asked me to read it through, slowly and carefully, which I did, and he pronounced it correct. He then remarked that there was much more that he could write, on the same subject, but what was written was sufficient for the present. . . ." (Historical Record, Vol. 6, pp. 225-226) Background Narration: Daniel H. Ludlow "This Revelation is dated the 12th of July, 1843. William Clayton, who was Temple Recorder and private clerk of the Prophet at that time, relates the following: On the morning of the 12th of July, 1843, Joseph and Hyrum Smith came into the office in the upper story of the "brick store," on the bank of the Mississippi River. They were talking on the subject of plural marriage. Hyrum said to Joseph, "If you will write the revelation on celestial marriage, I will take and read it to Emma, and I believe I can convince her of its truth, and you will hereafter have peace." Joseph smiled and remarked, "You do not know Emma as well as I do." Hyrum repeated his opinion and further remarked, "The doctrine is so plain, I can convince any reasonable man or woman of its truth, purity or heavenly origin," or words to their effect. Joseph then said, "Well, I will write the revelation and we will see." He then requested me to get paper and prepare to write. Hyrum very urgently requested Joseph to write the revelation by means of the Urim and Thummim, but Joseph, in reply, said he did not need to, for he knew the revelation perfectly from beginning to end. Joseph and Hyrum then sat down and Joseph commenced to dictate the revelation on celestial marriage, and I wrote it, sentence by sentence, as he dictated. After the whole was written, Joseph asked me to read it through, slowly and carefully, which I did, and he pronounced it correct. He then remarked that there was much more than he could write, on the same subject, but what was written was sufficient for the present. (HR 6:225-26.) "This was not the first mention of the subject among the Saints. Sarah Ann Kimball and many others knew of it in 1842, and Joseph B. Noble heard of it in the fall of 1840. Orson Pratt says that the Prophet Joseph, in the forepart of 1832, while he was living at the house of Father Johnson at Hiram, Ohio, told Church members that he had enquired of the Lord concerning this doctrine, and received the answer that it was true, but that the time to practice it had not come (Discourse by Orson Pratt, Salt Lake City, October 7, 1869). Consequently, the Law of the Church remained as stated in Doctrine and Covenants 42:22, and as it is to-day, 'Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto her and none else.' "The Revelation is divided into two parts. The first, comprising vv. 3-33, deals mainly with the principle of celestial marriage, or marriage for time and all eternity; the second, comprising the remaining verses, deals with plural marriage. The doctrine of celestial marriage remains in force; the practice of plural marriage was abandoned by the acceptancy by the Church, in Conference assembled October 6th, 1890, of the Manifesto of President Woodruff." (Smith and Sjodahl, DCC, pp. 820-21.) (Companion to Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants, vol. 1, by Daniel H. Ludlow, P. 659-660) Section Header Notes: (see Doctrine and Covenants 132) Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant, as also plurality of wives. HC 5: 501–507. Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, it is evident from the historical records that the doctrines and principles involved in this revelation had been known by the Prophet since 1831. 1–6, Exaltation is gained through the new and everlasting covenant; 7–14, The terms and conditions of that covenant are set forth; 15–20, Celestial marriage and a continuation of the family unit enable men to become gods; 21–25, The strait and narrow way that leads to eternal lives; 26–27, Law given relative to blasphemy against the Holy Ghost; 28–39, Promises of eternal increase and exaltation made to prophets and saints in all ages; 40–47, Joseph Smith is given the power to bind and seal on earth and in heaven; 48–50, The Lord seals upon him his exaltation; 51–57, Emma Smith is counseled to be faithful and true; 58–66, Laws governing the plurality of wives are set forth. Versus amount: 66 Suggested link: Official Declaration 1 Summary and Conclusion: Celestial marriage is ordained of God. Husbands and wives are assured the continuation of their marriage relationship beyond this life, provided they will enter into and live the Lord's law of celestial marriage. By so doing, they will receive all the blessings promised to Abraham. (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell):

Gambling is gambling, no matter of using real money or not. Wildbean, any presence or imaginary setting should not be tempted my friend. Any appearance of evil is only an invitation of opening the front door to your soul in allowing those things to be invited, to only later, become desensitized and addiction will ensue. Don't tempt fate my friend. Again, any appearance of evil is just that. Following the precepts of Paul, he admonishes the earlier Saints: 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. (see 1 Thes. 5:22) Beside, I am sure; there are other interests that can occupy and enhanced your life than this form of gaming.

I welcome you to the website. Your journey is only a beginning to a wonderful and joyful life.

My friend, do not despair or be sad, especially, stop listening to those whispering that you are a social idiot. . I am your friend and brother in the faith. Read what President Ezra Taft Benson spoke concerning the 12-steps to overcome disparity: 01] Repentance - Book of Mormon we read that “despair cometh because of iniquity.” (Moro. 10:22.), Every law kept brings a particular blessing. Every law broken brings a particular blight. Those who are heavy laden with despair should come unto the Lord, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. (See Matt. 11:28–30.) 02] Prayer - “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror” (D&C 10:5)—persistent prayer. “Exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me” is how the young Joseph Smith describes the method which he used in the Sacred Grove to keep the adversary from destroying him. (JS—H 1:16.) This is also a key to use in keeping depression from destroying us. 03] Service - When you find yourselves a little gloomy,” said President Lorenzo Snow, “look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.” (Conference Report, 6 Apr. 1899, pp. 2–3.) 04] Work -We should work at taking care of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical needs of ourselves and those whom we are charged to help. In the church of Jesus Christ there is plenty of work to do to move forward the kingdom of God. 05] Health -The condition of the physical body can affect the spirit. That’s why the Lord gave us the Word of Wisdom. He also said that we should retire to our beds early and arise early (see D&C 88:124), that we should not run faster than we have strength (see D&C 10:4), and that we should use moderation in all good things. 06] Reading -reading. Many a man in his hour of trial has turned to the Book of Mormon and been enlightened, enlivened, and comforted. 07] Blessing -In a particularly stressful time, or in the anticipation of a critical event, one can seek for a blessing under the hands of the priesthood. Even the Prophet Joseph Smith sought and received a blessing under the hands of Brigham Young and received solace and direction for his soul. 08] Fasting -A certain kind of devil goes not out except by fasting and prayer, the scripture tells us. (See Matt. 17:21.) Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body and the spirit. The usual fast, the one we are asked to participate in for fast Sunday, is for 24 hours without food or drink. 09] Friends -The fellowship of true friends who can hear you out, share your joys, help carry your burdens, and correctly counsel you is priceless. For one who has been in the prison of depression, the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith have special meaning when he said, “How sweet the voice of a friend is; one token of friendship from any source whatever awakens and calls into action every sympathetic feeling.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 134.) 10] Music -Inspiring music may fill the soul with heavenly thoughts, move one to righteous action, or speak peace to the soul. When Saul was troubled with an evil spirit, David played for him with his harp and Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed. (See 1 Sam. 16:23.) Elder Boyd K. Packer has wisely suggested memorizing some of the inspiring songs of Zion and then, when the mind is afflicted with temptations, to sing aloud, to keep before your mind the inspiring words and thus crowd out the evil thoughts. (See Ensign, Jan. 1974, p. 28.) 11] Endurance -When George A. Smith was very ill, he was visited by his cousin, the Prophet Joseph Smith. The afflicted man reported: “He [the Prophet] told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I were sunk into the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged, but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I should come out on the top of the heap.” (George A. Smith Family, comp. Zora Smith Jarvis, Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Press, 1962, p. 54.) 12] and last, Goals -Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals. Of Jesus’ preparation for his mission, the scripture states that he “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52.) This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” asked the Master, and he answered, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” (3 Ne. 27:27.) Now there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure. Each of these areas if applied will help you to become involved in the gospel and aid you to displace those feelings. As President Benson stated: “Some of you will recall in that great book Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan that the main character known as Christian was trying to press forward to gain entrance to the celestial city. He made it to his goal, but in order to do so, he had to overcome many obstacles, one of which was to escape from the Giant Despair. To lift our spirit and send us on our way rejoicing, the devil’s designs of despair, discouragement, depression, and despondency can be defeated in a dozen ways, namely: repentance, prayer, service, work, health, reading, blessings, fasting, friends, music, endurance, and goals. May we use them all in the difficult days ahead so that we Christian pilgrims will have greater happiness here and go on to a fullness of joy in the highest realms of the celestial kingdom is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.” Ref: LDS.org - Ensign Article - Do Not Despair

Or be in the car or home without another companion - meaning for him - another male member. Keeps them out of trouble. Giving hugs is not hard thing. Just don't be toooooooo manly with her. She is your sister and think of it on that level.

What ever you do, do not accept the Sunbeams. Just kidding. It was my rewarding calling I can attest to as why they required an elder in that room of 32-kids and three sisters. Welcome to the forum.

Ok...now I have to watch it. Thanks in coming forward and telling us. This is great news.

I will ponder this tonight after FHE. Thanks again Justice.