PapilioMemnon

In THAT case that you pointed out of David, yes, that was an affair, adultery, and was NOT commanded or condoned by the Lord at all! The Lord did not give BathSheba to him as a wife or concubine, David lusted after her, planned to get rid of her husband who was a just man, to have her as his wife... that's when David failed and brought upon himself the judgements of God... He acted on his own! That's when I said David made a poor choice. David & Bathsheba's issue is not an example of polygamy being sanctioned/commanded by the Lord. D&C 132 - Doctrine and Covenants 132 34 God acommanded Abraham, and Sarah gave bHagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises. 35 Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation? Verily I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord, acommanded it. 36 Abraham was acommanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not bkill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for crighteousness. 37 Abraham received aconcubines, and they bore him children; and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law; as Isaac also and bJacob did none other things than that which they were commanded; and because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their cexaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods. 38 David also received amany wives and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses my servants, as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things which they received not of me. 39 aDavid’s wives and concubines were bgiven unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the ckeys of this power; and in none of these things did he dsin against me save in the case of eUriah and his wife; and, therefore he hath ffallen from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I ggave them unto another, saith the Lord.

In this mortal probation, we are to follow the lord's footsteps in all things. As we progress, we gain (or should) be gaining understanding, and as thins happens, we begin to see things through Heavenly Father's eyes, and not mortal ones; we begin to be like Him. In mortality, we are all affected with the disease of pride and all sort of spiritual infirmities that spring from it; jealousy/competition are part of it. As President Benson said on his talk "Beware of Pride," the core of pride is enmity (state of opposition/hatred) towards God, and others. We pit our will/intelect against His, and others... Eliminate the element of competition, and pride is gone! Humility is the antidote for that poison. Here's the link if you'd like to read the talk (Highly suggest): http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1989.htm/ensign%20may%201989.htm/beware%20of%20pride.htm As we progress towards Heavenly Father, as we get rid of the "natural" man/woman, we begin to see things with different eyes...because we have understanding... and as we gain more and more understanding, and grow in knowledge of truth, we are more willing to do Father's will instead of ours. Also, we are filled with charity (Charity is a required gift we must come to possess by the way), and when we have charity, we have the pure love of Christ and that does not include jealousy, envying, etc... common to men/women in mortality. Charity is above all other gifts, and the one we should diligently seek after, and great will be the blessings to those who possess it. Any person who makes to the Celestial realm will not have the same mind of a mortal becasue the same has worked to improve it, has grown in pure knowledge of the truth, and has come to see & understand things as the Lord does, and they are the ones who accept the will of God above anything else, especially above thier own. I know Heavenly Father has my best interest in mind, and yours too, and I have come to know that without a shadow of a doubt, and I completely trust Him, and his ways. Consider the fact that women outnumber men by far... really far...; consider the fact that Heavenly Father wants to give ALL His daughters the opportunity to receive the blessings of eternities, but unfortunately, there are not enough men available... or willing... or believing...or faithful... whatever it is... So, should women not be given the same benefits for lack of men? Consider the fact that the Lord would never command something just to satisfy someone's own desires, but righteousness; the other issue to consider is the ability to bring children into the world or through out the eternities... If we try to see the issue of poligamy in the celestial realm with the eyes and feelings of mortal beings, we will never understand or accept it, at least not easily! Do you attend institute? If not, I highly recommend it! I definitely suggest you to pray and ask about this in faith, that you approach your Heavenly Father as you'd a best friend, and as you have approached this forum... and ask Him those things, and ask Him to help you with your feelings and understanding. I attended an Institute couse on Eternal Marriage a few years ago, and it clarified many, many things.... It was the best thing I did! I did my research, studied all the lessons given, went prepared, and asked lots of questions I would never want to give up a place in the Celestial realm, where I can see my Heavenly Father & Mother again because of something so little... as I have come to understand... I'm suggesting you that because I have walked the walk... I had the same feelings about it, although my testimony never faltered because of it... I just had a hard time accepting it... until... through time... I was answered in increments... and my understanding was expanded and then... I came to see and understand things... and this has really become insignificant... if not completely insignificant as He has expanded my eternal perspective... I hope this helps! If you'd like you can pm me... p.s.: About the sealing to THREE men... if a woman is sealed to a first husband, and then gets divorced or becomes a widow, she can marry again, either for this life only, or she can request to dissolve her previous sealing (She has to have someone to be sealed to to request that), and then be sealed to the second husband, and so forth (Some procedures need to be done for that though) I've searched, inquired, and talked to my bishop about it, and that's what I've been told Now... if I can only find .... Children remain sealed to the parent who is faithful to the covenants made. The Lord sorts out any other issue we really have no answer for it... or knowledge of how it's done. I just trust Him!

The 2nd Article of Faith is based on our belief that each person is accountable for his/her own choices; we have been given the ability to make choices, and have to be responsible for them. No, Adam is not to blame for the poor choices I've made in my life!!! and it's my privilege to make another choice which is to repent, and choose the right! Agency, the ability to choose for ourselves, is a gift from God, that allows us to be agents unto ourselves, act, and not be acted upon; freedom of choice is an essential tool that helps us progress according to our choices (2 Nephi 2 2 Nephi 2). D&C 58 26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. D&C 101 78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. LDS.org - Topic Definition - Agency Agency - Topical Guide: Agency Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves. Agency is essential in the plan of salvation. Without it, we would not be able to learn or progress or follow the Savior. With it, we are "free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil" (2 Nephi 2:27). God's children have power to choose; they had this ability even before they were born. In the premortal life, Heavenly Father presented His plan, which included the principle of agency. Lucifer rebelled and "sought to destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3). As a result, Lucifer and all those who followed him were denied the privilege of receiving a mortal body. All who have been or will be born on earth chose to follow Heavenly Father's plan. In this life, people continue to have agency; even if their personal freedoms are restricted or taken away, they can choose how to feel and react. Their use of their agency determines their happiness or misery in this life and in the life to come. People are free to choose and act but are not free to choose the consequences of their actions. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow. Choices of good and righteousness lead to happiness, peace, and eternal life, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to heartache and misery. See also Obedience; Plan of Salvation; Temptation —See True to the Faith (2004), 12–13 Accountability - Topical Guide: Accountability

Alma taught us about foreordination on Chapter 13 of Alma (We discussed that in our Sunday School class yesterday); it's really interesting! In the pre-mortal life, we also had our agency, and were in different levels of intelligence, understanding, obedience. The Lord foreordained those based on His foreknowledge of our abilities, inclinations,... especially "faith and good works." I love Sunday School!!! :)

It is my understanding the church is not politically involved in anything, but it is involved and encourage the members to be involved citizens, and involved in the community. This is about a law, not politician; and the church is asking us to be united by standing up for our beliefs, i.e., voting or supporting a law, the marriage ammendment, that will keep the definition of marriage intact, only between a man & a woman.

Thanks Vanhin for your prompt post regarding prayer!!! Prayer is an essential tool we need to communicate with the Lord. There's no one here hushing your questions and telling not to find the answers; The opposite is true: we have cited several places, reading materials. When we say to you to pray, we are not hushing questions, rather, we are saying to you to go to the source of all wisdom and truth, to go to the Lord Himself. If you have ever prayed and received an answer, even an answer to your thoughts... you KNOW the Lord does answers our prayers, and you know how important prayer is! We have counseled you to pray because most of us know how important this too is; we have said to you to continue doing the things you need to (Especially to qualify to receive answers); we have said that you need to search the scriptures, the church books, and even reading the book written about Joseph Smith "Rough Stone Rolling" (I own that book as well). There are plenty of evidences no one is trying to divert your questions! Yes, i said once, and will say as many times as needed: ANY PROBLEM CAN BE SOLVED THROUGH HUMBLE/MEEK PRAYER, ANYTHING CAN BE UNDERSTOOD! As we approach Heavenly Father in meekness & humbleness and continue to act upon those things that we know to do: Read the scriptures, pray for understanding (and much more), keep our covenants,... and a very important thing: WAIT UPON HIM! The Lord Jesus Christ Himself told us to "Pray always!" Why would He counsel us to do something if He knew it's ineffective and something trivial??? Did He pray? When did He pray? For what things did He pray? What happened the many times He prayed, and people prayed in the scriptures??? Angels have come, spoken,... and then, the most glorious thing happened in our dispensation: In answer to a meek/humble prayer, Heavenly Fahter Himself, and the Lord Jesus Christ answered in person a prayer!!! Prayers are heard and answered! I'm sorry for anyone who does not know that, who has not yet found out the power of a humble prayer!!! And I'm more sorry they actually counsel other not to pray to receive answers to their questions!!! Here is an article about prayer; please read carefully Elder Eyring's words; he's an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and testifies of the power of prayer! (I posted parts of the talk I found most relevant) (Emphasis added) Prayer - Elder Henry B. Eyring Prayer Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles October 2001 "With . . . faith, we will be able to pray for what we want and appreciate whatever we get. Only with that faith will we pray with the diligence God requires." The world seems to be in commotion. There are wars and rumors of wars. The economies of whole continents are faltering. Crops are failing from lack of rain in places all over the earth. And the people in peril have flooded heaven with prayers. In public and in private, they are petitioning God for help, for comfort, and for direction. You have probably noticed, as I have in recent days, that prayers have not only become more numerous but more heartfelt. I often am seated on the stand in a meeting near the person who has been asked to pray. I have listened recently with wonder. The words spoken are clearly inspired by God, both eloquent and wise. And the tone is that of a loving child seeking help, not as we might from an earthly parent but from an all-powerful Heavenly Father who knows our needs before we ask. Such a turning to fervent prayer when the world seems out of joint is as old as mankind. In times of tragedy and danger, people turn to God in prayer. Even the ancient King David would recognize what is happening. You remember his words from the book of Psalms: "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."1 The great increase in heartfelt prayer, and the public acceptance of it, has been remarkable to me and to others. More than once in recent days, someone has said to me with great intensity and with a sound of worry in the voice, "I hope that the change lasts." That worry is justified. Our own personal experience and God's record of His dealing with His children teaches us that. Dependence on God can fade quickly when prayers are answered. And when the trouble lessens, so do the prayers. The Book of Mormon repeats that sad story over and over again. From the book of Helaman, "O, how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he has delivered you?"2 And later from the same book, after God had answered prayers with gracious kindness, the awful pattern is described again: "And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him. "Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity. "And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him."3 And now, from the next words of that same scripture, we learn why it is we forget so easily the source of our blessings and cease to feel our need to pray with faith: "O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world! "Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths! "Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide."4 From those three short verses of scripture, we see three causes for the sad drift away from humble prayer. First, while God implores us to pray, the enemy of our souls belittles and then derides it. The warning from 2 Nephi is true: "And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray."5 Second, God is forgotten out of vanity. A little prosperity and peace, or even a turn slightly for the better, can bring us feelings of self-sufficiency. We can feel quickly that we are in control of our lives, that the change for the better is our own doing, not that of a God who communicates to us through the still, small voice of the Spirit. Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear. And soon, in our vanity, we no longer even listen for it. We can come quickly to think we don't need it. The third cause is rooted deeply within us. We are spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father who placed us in mortality to see if we would choose—freely choose—to keep His commandments and come unto His beloved Son. They do not compel us. They cannot, for that would interfere with the plan of happiness. And so there is in us a God-given desire to be responsible for our own choices. That desire to make our own choices is part of the upward pull toward eternal life. But it can, if we see life only through our mortal eyes, make dependence on God difficult or even impossible when we feel such a powerful desire to be independent. This true doctrine can sound hard: "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."6 Those who submit like a child do it because they know that the Father wants only the happiness of His children and that only He knows the way. That is the testimony we must have to keep praying like a submissive child, in the good times as well as the times of trouble. With that faith, we will be able to pray for what we want and appreciate whatever we get. Only with that faith will we pray with the diligence God requires. When God has commanded us to pray, He has used words like "pray unceasingly" and "pray always" and "mighty prayer." Those commands do not require using many words. In fact, the Savior has told us that we need not multiply words when we pray. The diligence in prayer which God requires does not take flowery speech nor long hours of solitude. That is taught clearly in Alma in the Book of Mormon: "Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you."7 Our hearts can only be drawn out to God when they are filled with love for Him and trust in His goodness. Joseph Smith, even as a boy, gave us an example of how we can come to pray from a heart filled with the love of God and then pray unceasingly through a life filled with trials and blessings. Joseph started for the grove to pray with faith that a loving God would answer his prayer and relieve his confusion. He gained that assurance reading the word of God and receiving a witness that it was true. He said that he read in James, "Let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."8 His faith to ask of God in prayer came after pondering a scripture which assured him of God's loving nature. He prayed, as we must, with faith in a loving God. He prayed with the intent not only to listen but to obey. He did not ask only to know the truth. He was committed to act upon whatever God would communicate to him. His written account makes clear that he prayed with real intent, determined to comply with whatever answer he received. He wrote: "Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible."9 The Father and His Beloved Son appeared to him in answer to his prayer. And he was told how to act, as he had desired. He obeyed like a child. He was told to join none of the churches. He did as he was told. And because of his faithfulness, in the days and months and years ahead his prayers were answered with a flood of light and truth. The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the keys of the kingdom of God were restored to the earth. His humble dependence on God led to the Restoration of the gospel, with authority and sacred ordinances. Because of that Restoration, we have the chance to choose the most priceless independence to be free of the bondage of sin through the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith's mission was unique, yet his humble prayer can be a helpful model for us. He began, as we must, with faith in a loving God who can and wants to communicate with us and help us. That faith was rooted in impressions which came to him as he pondered the words of God's servants in the scriptures. We can and must go often and carefully to the word of God. If we become casual in our study of the scriptures, we will become casual in our prayers. We may not cease to pray, but our prayers will become more repetitive, more mechanical, lacking real intent. Our hearts cannot be drawn out to a God we do not know, and the scriptures and the words of living prophets help us know Him. As we know Him better, we love Him more. We must also serve Him to love Him. Joseph Smith did that, finally surrendering life itself in His service. Joseph prayed with the intent to obey. That obedience always includes service to others. Service in God's work allows us to feel a part of what He feels and come to know Him. "For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"10 As our love for Him increases, so will our desire to approach the Father in prayer. The words and the music of this conference will lead you to do what will strengthen you against the danger of a drift away from heartfelt prayer. From what you hear you will feel promptings to go to the scriptures. Follow the promptings. You will be reminded in this conference of service you committed to give when you entered the waters of baptism. Choose to obey. If you ponder the scriptures and begin to do what you covenanted with God to do, I can promise you that you will feel more love for God and more of His love for you. And with that, your prayers will come from the heart, full of thanks and of pleading. You will feel a greater dependence on God. You will find the courage and the determination to act in His service, without fear and with peace in your heart. You will pray always. And you will not forget Him, no matter what the future brings. I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He loves us. He hears our prayers, and He answers with what is best for us. As we come to know Him through His words and in His service, we will love Him more. I know that is true. The fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the true Church of Jesus Christ have been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The keys of the priesthood are only in this Church. I know as surely as I live that President Gordon B. Hinckley holds and exercises the keys on the earth. Jesus Christ lives—I know that—and He leads His Church today. He will teach you through His servants in this conference. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. NOTES 1. Ps. 9:9–10. 2. Hel. 7:20. 3. Hel. 12:1–3. 4. Hel. 12:4–6. 5. 2 Ne. 32:8. 6. Mosiah 3:19. 7. Alma 34:27. 8. James 1:5; see JS—H 1:11. 9. JS—H 1:12. 10. Mosiah 5:13.

Thanks for posting this article. We never know or have the whole story... We need to learn to ask for clarification when we don't quite understand, resist believing that what we perceive/interpret the other is going through/saying/doing is what it is!!! I have no doubt we must "fluff out our feathers" and resist taking offense because the we are the ones to lose if we don't! Elder Bednar has great insights and explains them very, very well! I loved his conference address "And Nothing Shall Offend Them." Every now and then, I reread it... It really refreshes the spirit/mind!

Hello Ocean, That's very good that you want to know and ask questions about issues that happened in the history of the Restored Church. There were some occasions the Lord consented some men to have more than one wife as we have seen in the Old Testament. If you think Joseph might have abused the Lord's consent... I wonder what you think of Solomon! Why people always talks about Bro. Joseph, but somehow manage to deal with Abraham's, David's, and Solomon's??? Anyways, I am a woman, and have some feelings regarding this particular law, but as I have pondered it much,... the Lord has been teaching me line upon line about it, as I am meek and humble before Him, as I tell Him that I would and will do His will no matter what that is! (This subject wasn't an easy one for me to learn about it, and accept it as a commandment of the Lord when He consents). I don't feel that Joseph, our Brother Joseph abused Heavenly Father's law... I have the best feelings towards Bro. Joseph, Brigham Young, Abraham, David (Just very sorry for his bad choice and Solomon's ). Bro. Joseph was a man of God, a true prophet!!! He was not malicious or took advantage of the circumstances!!! I regard him with all respect for all that he committed himself to do, and to go through for my Heavenly Father and my Savior, to establish Their, not his, Church in the midst of great persecution and threats... who suffered much to bring to pass all that we have... I love Bro. Joseph!!! He was not malicious! Malicious are the ones trying to twist & distort things to disrupt peace and truth! It's interesting how people mention only the number of women or the young woman he might have taken as spouse, but how about the elderly ones? How many of them were elderly and widows, and couldn't take care of themselves? Were they to perish? If they could have benefited of having a righteous husband that could've possibly opened up the way and blessed them with the opportunity to be sealed and receive the blessings of exaltation, do you thing that's a bad thing? How many men do you know that is a righteous priesthood holder and are married and sealed to a wife? Now, how many do you know who hold the priesthood, but really slack and for one reason or another cannot enter the temple, and some even don't really care? Now, how many women do you know are waiting for an opportunity to be find one man out there that is righteous and want to be sealed in the temple? In my ward, there's way more women than men available... and some of them I know (Men), even though they are in their late 30s, early 40s... they are picking and choosing.... are playing around, are takng their time, not really interested, don't want responsibility, etc... I could go on and on and on... Waht do you think Heavenly Father thinks when He sees this going on with the men in His church who hold or don't want to hold the priesthood, and make commitments? And many, plenty, many of His daughters have not even been able to be sealed in the Temple yet and receive the blessings of the covenants & ordinances we do there; others that are divorced and are waiting for a good chance to make eternal covenants and be sealed to an eternal companion who actually cares and wants to do that, and wants to serve God (I personally know this one pretty well ) We do not know all the circumstances surrounding that subject, why it was permitted, and how many was allowed, if there's a certain number established... We just don't really know all things that led to it! (At least I don't know for sure all those things) Anas13 offered really good advice: "...There are many people who want to decieve us from our teachings. They want us to let go of the Iron Rod because they already have. I must caution you to stay off those anti-mormon websites, and take comfort in our Heavenly Father, that he'll make these things right in the end. For in the end all things shall be revealed to us. " Knowing if this was right or not, how many, etc. is NOT the main thing we need to focus on because we don't have the whole story, and our salvation DOES NOT depend upon this knowledge. If I can offer you anything, I'd say for you to think about it as you continue to read other things, as you continue in prayer, asking for understanding. Approach Heavenly Father as you'd a very close friend and pour our those thoughts and feelings to Him... Allow time to receive the answers as you continue doings what you're supposed to do, and reading His words! Yes... hold tight to the iron rod right now! If you have any church history book, read on the topic; search the topical guide, dictionary of the Bible. Read about Abraham, David, Solomon... let it rest upon your mind, and in time... in time you'll come to understand little by little... Just keeping holding to the iron rod!!! As you think upon these things, research Celestial Marriage and the talks given by our leaders, and try to understand the conditions and why Heavenly Father would ever give and allow this commandment. Polygamy, commanded by the Lord, is not sin; it does not matter the number of women either as my understanding (David was allowed and given many, as so was Solomon until he took another route that is not related to the topic); we don't know why some would take so many, and some more, or less... Maybe some were more willing to do than others? Remember, it's a LOT of responsibility to do that! It's not only pleasure!... It's not a sin if the Lord allows and I'm sure the Lord does not allow only for pure physical satisfaction! I first learned about it before I was baptized; I don't know (can't recall) how the subject arised, but it did, I questioned, and listened to their comments (The sister who introduced me to the Gospel, and the Sisters who taught me). I had already knowledge of such commandment in the Old Testament. I let it rest upon my mind, and let it be... as I focused on the doctrine I KNEW was not wrong, and to drop all of the truth and all the greatness I found because of this issue (And the MMM, and others...)... I wasn't going to let it happen!!! I didn't and don't dwell in things that are not essential. Once I came to understand this principle, I let it be... One day I will understand, and I KNOW Heavenly Father will reveal all things... and I will come to know all things if I just hang in there until it's done!!! As the years went by and as I have researched and read about it in many different ways (Church books, etc...) I have come to learn and understand more and more about it! DO NOT let go of all things that you know it's true because of a little thing that will have no impact on your salvation/exaltation; however, letting go of all the other essential things will have a tremendous impact in your life now and in the eternities!!! I don't know if you know the analogy of the pebble, but if you do, remember it... and hold on tight!!! Yesterday, as I was driving, I heard a talk from Elder Maxwell whom I love as well, and the topic was "Taking Up the Cross,' and he said at some point: "WEAK MEN MAKE GREAT DOMINOES." In simple words he said much as he was well known for his ability to do that!!! Think about that! Have a good evening!

Humm... my screen went blak when I tried to post the first one... and I though it didn't go thru... Sorry for the double postings!

Omega, You pointed out great things! Yes, Our Heavenly Father does want us to be there, and achieve that glory so that we can see Him again! How glorious is that> Is there anyone who doesn't want to be there? Who doesn't want to become like Him? However, I believe the point Traveler tried to convey (Correct me if I'm wrong) was that some people aim towards exaltation only for its benefits as people covet material things/rewards. I do agree to some extent with what Traveler said; howeverI don't think someone who has an eye only for that will persist/endure till the end! What motivates true followers of Jesus Christ to endure/persist is knowing Him, our Savior, & feeling/partaking/experiencing of His love! The Lord KNOWS our thoughts and intents of our hearts... He'll judge that which no one can! D&C 6: 16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart. Good evening to you all!

Omega, You pointed out great things! Yes, Our Heavenly Father does want us to be there, and achieve that glory so that we can see Him again! How glorious is that> Is there anyone who doesn't want to be there? Who doesn't want to become like Him? However, I believe the point Traveler tried to convey (Correct me if I'm wrong) was that some people aim towards exaltation only for its benefits as people covet material things/rewards. I do agree to some extent with what Traveler said; howeverI don't think someone who has an eye only for that will persist/endure till the end! What motivates true followers of Jesus Christ to endure/persist is knowing Him, our Savior, & feeling/partaking/experiencing of His love! The Lord KNOWS our thoughts and intents of our hearts... He'll judge that which no one can! D&C 6: 16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart. Good evening to you all!

D&C 6: 16 Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.

We were reminded of that a few weeks ago when a letter of the First Presidency was read to us. It reminds me of theses scriptures... thank you for reminding me! D&C 124 110 Verily I say unto you, even now, if he will hearken unto my voice, it shall be well with him. Even so. Amen. D&C 45 1 Hearken, O ye people of my achurch, to whom the bkingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who cmade the heavens and all the dhosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which elive, and move, and have a being. 2 And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest adeath shall overtake you; in an bhour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the charvest ended, and your souls not saved. • • • 6 Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called atoday, and harden not your hearts; • • • 11 Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my awisdom—the wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of bEnoch, and his brethren, • • • 15 Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will aspeak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old. D&C 43 17 Hearken ye, for, behold, the agreat bday of the Lord is nigh at hand. D&C 21 4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give aheed unto all his words and bcommandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all choliness before me; 5 For his aword ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

:) :) :) I saw that.... I'm so glad the work of the Lord is expanding there!!!

You made a wonderful point... and yes... I am too thankfull in ALL things... especially my trials/challenges... One of my greatest challenges/trials a few years ago was my greatest blessing!!! And I'm so thankful for that!!! Thank you so much for stressing this point!!! It reminded me of a conference address given (I can't remember now who spoke aside that it was a woman who made that point), and that's when I understood that point!!! :) I created this thread so that we all can remember the Lord blessings, the little, simple things... that in truth, nothing is little and simple... we are the ones that overlook His hand in all things!

Hello HG, In Matthew 18, the Apostles were given the keys to the kingdom by Jesus Christ 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall abind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall aagree on earth as btouching any thing that they shall cask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Whatever was/is done in this life, on earth, it will continue throughout the eternities as the word "bind" is the key word. "The covenant of eternal marriage is necessary for exaltation. The Lord revealed through Joseph Smith: "In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; and in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; and if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase" (D&C 131:1–4). After receiving the sealing ordinance and making sacred covenants in the temple, a couple must continue in faithfulness in order to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and exaltation. The Lord said: "If a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; . . . and if [they] abide in my covenant, . . . it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world" (D&C 132:19)."" LDS.org - Topic Definition - Marriage * The Importance of Celestial Marriage - By President Spencer W. Kimball LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Importance of Celestial Marriage * Temples and Eternal Marriage - President Spencer W. Kimball LDS.org - Ensign Article - First Presidency Message Temples and Eternal Marriage "The Lord knew that those who were sincere in heart and who really wished to know the mysteries of the kingdom would seek and search prayerfully until they informed themselves. It will be remembered how the Lord answered the hypocritical Sadducees who, trying to trap him, propounded this difficult problem: The husband died leaving no posterity, and the wife married his brother who also died without seed. She in turn married a third brother, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, and a seventh all in accordance with the law of Moses, and then the woman of the seven husbands died also. Now the frustrating question is: “In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.” (Mark 12:23.) The Redeemer’s answer was clear and concise and unmistakable: “… Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?” (Mark 12:24.) And now, we ask you, what does this mean? The Sadducees were discussing matters about which they knew little or nothing. Was there accusation in his voice? Was he saying to the Sadducees, “Open your blind eyes and see? Open your stony hearts and understand?” My friends, do you understand the implications and truth of this statement of the Lord? Though somewhat veiled in scripture, it is clear and understandable when supported by modern revelation. Dr. James E. Talmage writes: “The Lord’s meaning was clear, that in the resurrected state there can be no question among the seven brothers as to whose wife for eternity the woman shall be, since all except the first had married her for the duration of mortal life only. … In the resurrection, there will be no marrying nor giving in marriage; for all questions of marital status must be settled before that time, under the authority of the Holy Priesthood, which holds the power to seal in marriage for both time and eternity.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 548.) Undoubtedly, the first husband married the woman for eternity by a ceremony which was not limited by time. She became a widow at his demise until she should also die and join her husband. Now, she married brother number two, “until death do you part,” and it definitely parted them even before posterity, and he went into the spirit world through the veil and with no wife, for their contract also had been terminated by death. And brothers number three and four and five and six and finally number seven in turn—all married her in temporary marriage, in which ceremonies were the limitations, “so long as you both shall live.” And death terminated what happiness they had had and their promise of future bliss. Civil marriage is an earthly contract, completed in the death of either party. Eternal celestial marriage is a sacred covenant between man and woman, consecrated in the holy temple by servants of God who hold authoritative keys. It bridges death; it includes both time and eternity. The Lord then further clarifies the eternal marriage: “… All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, … are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead.” (D&C 132:7.) The marriages then which are made only “so long as you both shall live” or “until death do you part” are sadly terminated when the last mortal breath is gasped. The Lord is merciful, but mercy cannot rob justice. His mercy extended to us when he died for us. His justice prevails when he judges us and gives us the blessings which we have duly earned. “… no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory,” says the Lord. “For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.” (D&C 132:4–5.) A civil marriage may be performed by any of the numerous people approved by laws of the respective countries, but the eternal marriage must be solemnized by one of the few properly authorized. Christ says: “Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name? “Or will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed?” (D&C 132:9–10.) It is the Redeemer who postulates: “Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.” (D&C 132:15.) He then reiterates that “… everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God.” (D&C 132:13.) How final! How frightening! Since we know well that mortal death does not terminate our existence, since we know that we live on and on, how devastating to realize that marriage and family life, so sweet and happy in so many homes, will end with death because we fail to follow God’s instructions or because we reject his word when we understand it. It is clear in the Lord’s announcement that righteous men and women will receive the due rewards of their deeds. They will not be damned in the commonly accepted terminology but will suffer many limitations and deprivations and fail to reach the highest kingdom, if they do not comply. They become ministering servants to those who complied with all laws and lived all commandments. He then continues concerning these excellent people who lived worthily but failed to make their contracts binding: “For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.” (D&C 132:17.) How conclusive! How bounded! How limiting! And we come to realize again as it bears heavily upon us that this time, this life, this mortality is the time to prepare to meet God. How lonely and barren will be the so-called single blessedness throughout eternity! How sad to be separate and single and apart through countless ages when one could, by meeting requirements, have happy marriage for eternity in the temple by proper authority and continue on in ever-increasing joy and happiness, growth and development toward godhood. '' Presidents of the Church Speak on Temple Marriage - LDS.org - New Era Article - Presidents of the Church Speak on Temple Marriage No one will be married at the resurrection; I think I said that before, but I did made mention of what happens when somone was not able to be sealed (Entered into the eternal marriage covenant) in this life, and that is another principle we believe. Let me see what I can find about it. "Some people, because of circumstances beyond their control, may not be able to enter the temple in this life. It is comforting to know that they can receive the ordinance of sealing for eternity vicariously in the temple." Eternal Marriage - “Lesson 10: Eternal Marriage,” The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part A, 66 LDS.org - Relief Society Chapter Detail - Eternal Marriage For people who are single as I said, if a person had not a good chance to be married, that is, make the eternal covenant of marriage - selaing - in the temple: A Vision of What We Can Be - President James E. Faust - LDS.org - Ensign Article - A Vision of What We Can Be "Problems, challenges, and heartaches come to all of us regardless of gender, whether we are married or single, or whether or not we are limited physically or mentally. Many of the blessings of membership are the same for all members of the Church, regardless of marital status. All must be baptized. All, if worthy, can attend the temple. Missionary service is an opportunity. All may receive priesthood blessings, including patriarchal blessings. The key to happiness does not lie alone in gender or marital status or parenthood or being free of physical challenges. Happiness comes from living the teachings of the Savior and having the vision to see what He would have us become. Remember what he said: “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt. 10:39). Because we have been given the challenges of mortality, this life is a proving ground for the eternities. “This is the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of marrieds or singles or any other group or individual. … “… While it is true that worthy couples will obtain exaltation in the celestial kingdom, each man and each woman sealed in an eternal relationship must be individually worthy of that blessing” (Ensign, June 1989, p. 76). I wish to reaffirm what has been said by so many prophets. No righteous person will be denied any blessings which come from God. President Spencer W. Kimball said this most eloquently: “I am aware of some … who seemingly have not been successful in total fulfillment. Some have been on missions; some have completed their education. And yet they have passed the period of their greatest opportunity for marriage. The time has passed, and while still attractive and desirable and efficient, they find themselves alone. “To [the large group of young men and women in this category] we say this: You are making a great contribution to the world as you serve your families and the Church. … You must remember that the Lord loves you and the Church loves you. … We have no control over the heartbeats or the affections of men [or women], but pray that you may find fulfillment. And in the meantime, we promise you that insofar as eternity is concerned, no soul will be deprived of rich and high and eternal blessings for anything which that person could not help, that the Lord never fails in his promises, and that every righteous person will receive eventually all to which the person is entitled and which he or she has not forfeited through any fault of his or her own” (Ensign, Oct. 1979, p. 5). I promise you that if you are faithful and true, you will receive the great promise of the Savior—peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come.'' This link: LDS.org - Topic Definition - Marriage has much information about marriage, what we believe about marriage. I posted few parts of some talks, and their links if you wish to research some more. If I can help you further, let me know! Have a wonderful day!

A quick one (I'm out of time ): Analyze HOW the Lord parents us... :) The Temple/Sriptures shows us in such great way!!!!

I have researched and read some of those literature a looooong time ago, and just found interesting the way they think, and go way out of their way to do that to the LDS church/members! It helped revise my beliefs, and really find out if I did indeed believed in what I stand for, and I'm glad I found at the time that I indeed had a strong witness & testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints and its teachings... so... I have left those things/people/site behind... Why?... In a different way, I learned not to flirt with Satan... He thought me a great lesson that I will never forget !!! He is much more clever, cunning, and suble... You just can't see him coming,... and then... it might be too late... you may not even realize! I read an article on "Your strengths can be your downfall''... and indeed... I thought I was too strong to "flirt a bit" with him in a subject I took too lightly the counsel of the Prophets/Apostles... and then... .... .... .... I fell big time! I'm just glad the Lord allows us to repent :), and I've learned to listen carefully to the Special Witnesses of the Lord, and dismiss him (Enemy) as soon as I notice... Hopefully I will learn to notice sooner, and sooner... I feel it's much more important to me to focus on the things that will save me, and try to help others see those things...

Mosiah 18: 9 9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Alma 1: 25 25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them. I feel it's really hard for those who have chosen a different path from heavenly Father's teachings and ways; I can try to comfort, and mourn with them, but I can't go against my beliefs and covenants to stand as a witness of God in all things at all times! So, I must actively do something within my community! I can't be lukewarm... I'm not trying to hurt or hinder anyone's way or "happinesss'' or "rights,'' I'm just trying to stand for what I believe because what I believe comes from Heavenly Father to whom I answer, and not men. I say that I can feel their suffering because in other things, I have also chosen different ways from the Lord's and suffered for those choices until I repented, and chose His ways, and yes, He showed me how much better it is; His ways are always better! p.s.: Somebody should come up with a "tone/feelings'' button... It's so hard to express in printed words some feelings... It's so easy to be misconstrued, especially the tones & feelings one tries to express through writing & on a forum, and talking about sensitive issues... The reader tends to interpret the other person's tone/feelings, and see through their own eyes... and this can cause lots of confusion/problems aside from completely missing the point the person writing tried to make/convey...

Just would like to say that this (Talk below) is the reason I learned this doctrine is essential to our understanding of God, and it is an essential doctrine; it is essential to those who embrace the LDS faith, and those who desire to know what we believe. LDS.org - Ensign Article - Apostasy and Restoration "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many beliefs in common with other Christian churches. But we have differences, and those differences explain why we send missionaries to other Christians, why we build temples in addition to churches, and why our beliefs bring us such happiness and strength to deal with the challenges of life and death. I wish to speak about some of the important additions our doctrines make to the Christian faith. ... We would be wiser if we could restore the knowledge of some important things that have been distorted, ignored, or forgotten. This also applies to religious knowledge. It explains the need for the gospel restoration we proclaim. When Joseph Smith was asked to explain the major tenets of our faith, he wrote what we now call the Articles of Faith. The first article states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” The Prophet later declared that “the simple and first principles of the gospel” include knowing “for a certainty the character of God” (“Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, 15 Aug. 1844, p. 614). We must begin with the truth about God and our relationship to him. Everything else follows from that. In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings. We also testify that God the Father is not just a spirit but is a glorified person with a tangible body, as is his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. Then came the First Vision. An unschooled boy, seeking knowledge from the ultimate source, saw two personages of indescribable brightness and glory and heard one of them say, while pointing to the other, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:17.) The divine teaching in that vision began the restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God the Son told the boy prophet that all the “creeds” of the churches of that day “were an abomination in his sight” (JS—H 1:19). We affirm that this divine declaration was a condemnation of the creeds, not of the faithful seekers who believed in them. Joseph Smith’s first vision showed that the prevailing concepts of the nature of God and the Godhead were untrue and could not lead their adherents to the destiny God desired for them. After a subsequent outpouring of modern scripture and revelation, this modern prophet declared, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit” (D&C 130:22). This belief [I]does not mean that we claim sufficient spiritual maturity to comprehend God. Nor do we equate our imperfect mortal bodies to his immortal, glorified being. But we can comprehend the fundamentals he has revealed about himself and the other members of the Godhead. And that knowledge is essential to our understanding of the purpose of mortal life and of our eternal destiny as resurrected beings after mortal life. Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Apostasy and Restoration "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many beliefs in common with other Christian churches. But we have differences, and those differences explain why we send missionaries to other Christians, why we build temples in addition to churches, and why our beliefs bring us such happiness and strength to deal with the challenges of life and death. I wish to speak about some of the important additions our doctrines make to the Christian faith. ... We would be wiser if we could restore the knowledge of some important things that have been distorted, ignored, or forgotten. This also applies to religious knowledge. It explains the need for the gospel restoration we proclaim. When Joseph Smith was asked to explain the major tenets of our faith, he wrote what we now call the Articles of Faith. The first article states, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” The Prophet later declared that “the simple and first principles of the gospel” include knowing “for a certainty the character of God” (“Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, 15 Aug. 1844, p. 614). We must begin with the truth about God and our relationship to him. Everything else follows from that. In common with the rest of Christianity, we believe in a Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. However, we testify that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings. We also testify that God the Father is not just a spirit but is a glorified person with a tangible body, as is his resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. Then came the First Vision. An unschooled boy, seeking knowledge from the ultimate source, saw two personages of indescribable brightness and glory and heard one of them say, while pointing to the other, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:17.) The divine teaching in that vision began the restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God the Son told the boy prophet that all the “creeds” of the churches of that day “were an abomination in his sight” (JS—H 1:19). We affirm that this divine declaration was a condemnation of the creeds, not of the faithful seekers who believed in them. Joseph Smith’s first vision showed that the prevailing concepts of the nature of God and the Godhead were untrue and could not lead their adherents to the destiny God desired for them. After a subsequent outpouring of modern scripture and revelation, this modern prophet declared, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit” (D&C 130:22). This belief [I]does not mean that we claim sufficient spiritual maturity to comprehend God. Nor do we equate our imperfect mortal bodies to his immortal, glorified being. But we can comprehend the fundamentals he has revealed about himself and the other members of the Godhead. And that knowledge is essential to our understanding of the purpose of mortal life and of our eternal destiny as resurrected beings after mortal life. Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84

Yes, indeed! :) I thought it was very clever whoever did it! Some thought it's was Hulk's long lost cousin with jaundice issues though...

It makes me sad to see people who cannot comprehend the language of the Holy Ghost, and go actively against the Church... I was born into a different faith, but as I moved away because I didn't think it fitted the Bible, I didn't go actively against it, and preached, wrote books about it... I was without anything for about 2-3 years before I learned of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints. I researched many other faiths because I like to know what people believe, and try to understand what they see and believe, but I don't go to any extent against them, to their sites, and write about how they are wrong, and throw my beliefs on them, and contrast with theirs on their turf. That's not logical to me! I only present it if I'm asked; if I go to another faith's website, it is to find out about them, not to throw mine at them! Yes, the Holy Ghost does bear witness of the truth, and the way to discern is through our thoughts & feelings (mind & heart - the two channels the Lord speaks to us, one to confirm the other. Thought of what nature, what do they induce us to think about. - Feelings: Waht feelings follow the thoughts? What are their nature?). Gal. 5: 22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith D&C 9 8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. 9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. Remember that Moroni taught how to discern if something is from God or not, chapter 7; read it carefully - Moroni 7 We need to learn the language, and the way the Lord speaks to us so that we know which Spirit is the one influencing us, the Lord's or not, or even ourselves. I heard quite a few talks on this subject to learn... and have heard from R.G. Scott himself the way to discern. It is essential to learn this...

I have come to love the Sabbath Day and really appreciate it, that it was created for us. I truly like to rest from all worries and daily life stuff, and just rest from that, and immerse myself in the things of the Lord! When I do the things that invite the Spirit, after church meetings, such as keeping the clothes on, serving others, spending time with my sons, resting physically for an hour or so, reading His words, listening to conference addresses, and pondering... especially pondering on heavenly matters,... All daily cares seem to disappear, and I can truly say I rested! As with all commandments, He wants us to keep His day holy! I'm very grateful for this commandment that is for our benefit, and the protection it provides when we keep it. (Rectifyin:, All commandments are for our own benefit!)