Connie

Away in a Manger - Hymn #206

Thanks Dravin! Love it! Tuvok Obama, lol! That is so awesome!

Oh. my. gosh., no way!! I could have sworn he was Vulcan! It must have been the ears that fooled me.

Here are some good articles to consider: LDS.org - Ensign Article - Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship LDS.org - New Era Article - Q&A: Questions and Answers

You should probably read this thread: http://www.lds.net/forums/general-discussion/23666-why-do-you-homeschool.html

I think Snow is arguing semantics again. Most of us don't want to accept such a narrow definition of "proof" as just scientific evidence. Here is something i found actually in a Physical Science textbook from Brigham Young University that i thought was interesting: From studies over the centuries four sources of knowledge are often identified: authority, intuition, reason, and sensation. But individuals do not weigh the value and validity of these sources equally. The psychologist-philosopher William James thought that people could be divided roughly into two camps depending on their temperament: the "tender-minded" and the "tough-minded." The "tender-minded" are idealists. They see the world as being imbued with such absolutes as Truth, Good, Beauty, and God, with purposes centered on man--a world that is friendly to man's existence and aspirations. Religious people fall within this division and for them authority and intuition (direct, extrasensory knowledge such as the promptings of the Holy Ghost) are often highly valued. The "tough-minded" tend toward naturalism. They see the world as sensation and reason alone present it to them--nothing more. The world is indifferent to human existence. The world is matter and motion. Nevertheless, the physical world as revealed by sensation and reason inspires awe and wonder and forms the passive environment in which humans develop and build individual lives, create meaning, and seek happiness. Notwithstanding the division, each person develops his own worldview, which is likely to be a mix that does not fall cleanly into either camp. So hows about lets all give each other a break and not think our own worldview or source of knowledge is the only "right" one.

I think a big part of this is coming to the realization that failure is how we learn. We learn more from our mistakes and failures than we do from success. This is one of the reasons i really love the movie Meet the Robinsons. I love the idea of celebrating your failures. But i can definitely say i'm not there yet. I like how Thomas Edison put it when inventing the lightbulb, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

((LOL, that's exactly what i was thinking when i picked it!)) This one makes me think of my brother. When he returned home from his mission in Australia he brought home a whip as well as some kangaroo skin scripture covers and vegemite (yuck!). Next:

"Weasley is our king!!" Next:

D&C 130:20-21 states: There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated-- And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. So let's say you have this great blessing but don't know the law upon which it is based. Then you all the sudden lose that blessing. Does it necessarily follow that it means you are no longer living that law? When God revokes a blessing do you have no one to blame but yourself or could it be for a different reason? And is it possible to know what law a particular blessing is based on? I mean i know we have covenants so we know some of them but it just seems like sometimes we don't know exactly which law gives what blessing. Is it possible to know?

This one makes me think of the movie Young Sherlock Holmes. Next:

Wow, freaky situation! Hope everything works out for the best! :)

Good to see this topic finally being picked up by a few. Thanks for the insights. I actually finished this book a while ago and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I read it twice, though it's been a while. Very interesting read.

Do this. You don't have to put any of your dating of other guys in a letter. In fact, you shouldn't. One of the reasons i really can't stand the movie The Other Side of Heaven is because she is always mentioning the guy who continually proposes to her. Uhggg, you just don't put that in a letter to a missionary unless the answer to the proposal is yes (it's called a Dear John). I think Jean Groberg had enough sense to know that and it drives me crazy that that is how they portrayed her. My story: I waited for my missionary. Yes, i did do a little bit of dating of other guys and feel it served to strengthen my resolve to marry my missionary. He was/is the right one for me and dating others only served to confirm that to me. Good luck to you. I hope everything works out the way Heavenly Father would want it to for you. If that means you marry your missionary, that's great. If it means you find someone else, that's great too.

This thread reminds me of this song: YouTube - Popular-Wicked

I honestly don't get why everyone keeps picking on Apple. If one reads page 4 of this thread, one would find where rameumptom already corrected her on this. And she thanked him for it. So to reiterate what Apple said above, read the entire thread before making judgments, chances are someone already corrected it in a kind and edifying manner.

Here is what the Old Testament Student Manual from the Church Education System says about that scripture: Verse 1 of chapter four seems to continue the thought of chapter three rather than to begin a new thought. This phrase suggests that the condition mentioned in verse 1 is caused by the scarcity of men, a result of the devastation of war mentioned in Isaiah 3:25–26. The conditions under which these women would accept this marriage (“eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel”) are contrary to the Lord’s order of marriage (see Exodus 21:10; D&C 132:58–61). To be unmarried and childless in ancient Israel was a disgrace (see Genesis 30:23; Luke 1:25). So terrible would conditions in those times be that women would offer to share a husband with others and expect no material support from him, if they could claim they were married to him. link provided: Old Testament Student Manual 1 Kings–Malachi

Hey, yeah, i didn't think any human could save another human. I thought we all had one and the same Savior. BTW, here's the Brigham Young one i was able to find: I have said a number of times, and I will say again, to you ladies who want to get a bill of divorce from your husbands, because they do not treat you right, or because you do not exactly like their ways, there is a principle upon which a woman can leave a man, but if the man honors his Priesthood, it will be pretty hard work for you to get away from him. If he is just and right, serves God and is full of justice, love, mercy and truth, he will have the power that is sealed upon him, and will do what he pleases with you. When you want to get a bill of divorce, you had better wait and find out whether the Lord is willing to give you one or not, and not come to me. I tell the brethren and sisters, when they come to me and want a bill of divorce, that I am ready to seal people and administer in the ordinances, and they are welcome to my services, but when they undertake to break the commandments and tear to pieces the doings of the Lord, I make them give me something. I tell a man he has to give me ten dollars if he wants a divorce. For what? My services? No, for his foolishness. If you want a bill of divorce give me ten dollars, so that I can put it down in the book that such a man and such a woman have dissolved partnership. Do you think you have obtained a bill of divorce? No, nor ever can if you are faithful to the covenants you have made. It takes a higher power than a bill of divorce to take a woman from a man who is a good man and honors his Priesthood - it must be a man who possesses a higher power in the Priesthood, or else the woman is bound to her husband, and will be forever and ever. You might as well ask me for a piece of blank paper for a divorce, as to have a little writing on it, saying - "We mutually agree to dissolve partnership and keep ourselves apart from each other," &c. It is all nonsense and folly; there is no such thing in the ordinances of the house of God; you cannot find any such law. It is true Jesus told the people that a man could put away his wife for fornication, but for nothing short of this. There is a law for you to be obedient, and humble and faithful. JD 17:120 - p.121, Brigham Young, June 28, 1874 link provided: Volume 17 | Journal of Discourses It's my understanding that the Journal of Discourses is not a source of canon for the church.

Correct! From the Church publication True to the Faith: "Remember that only God, who knows each individual’s heart, can make final judgments of individuals (see Revelation 20:12; 3 Nephi 27:14; D&C 137:9). " link provided: LDS.org - Family Chapter Detail - Judging Others

Proverbs 13:10 "Only by pride cometh contention..." Proverbs 28:25 "He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife..." "Another face of pride is contention. ... Contention ranges from a hostile spoken word to worldwide conflicts." -Ezra Taft Benson I agree, this type of contention is most definitely "of the devil." Purposefully using a condescending tone and being disrespectful of another. It is based on pride, to 'pit ones intellect or opinion against another' to paraphrase Pres. Benson. Debate and discussion of ideas and truths is another matter entirely (though unfortunately contention can often be used in those venues as well).

Ever read the Proper Role of Government by Ezra Taft Benson? It's an interesting read. The Proper Role of Government by Ezra Taft Benson

I just watched the discussion of D&C 46 by some BYU professors on byutv.org. One of them mentioned a talk by Elder Ashton on spiritual gifts, so i went to find it. It is very good, and you might be able to add a lot more to your list after reading it. Here it is: LDS.org - Ensign Article - “There Are Many Gifts†By the way, thanks for starting this thread. I've been very interested in spiritual gifts for a long time from something my patriarchal blessing says. EDIT: Looks like rockwoodchev already posted Elder Ashton's stuff, guess i should read these posts more carefully. Oh well, there's the link anyway.

The below is from this resource published by the church: LDS.org - Family Table of Contents - True to the Faith “Kingdoms of Glory,” True to the Faith, (2004),92–95 Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected (see Alma 11:42–45). After we are resurrected, we will stand before the Lord to be judged (see Revelation 20:12; 3 Nephi 27:14). Each of us will be assigned to an eternal dwelling place in a specific kingdom of glory. The Lord taught this principle when He said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2). There are three kingdoms of glory: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. The glory you inherit will depend on the depth of your conversion, expressed by your obedience to the Lord’s commandments. It will depend on the manner in which you have “received the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:51; see also 76:74, 79, 101). Celestial Kingdom The celestial kingdom is the highest of the three kingdoms of glory. Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This should be your goal: to inherit celestial glory and to help others receive that great blessing as well. Such a goal is not achieved in one attempt; it is the result of a lifetime of righteousness and constancy of purpose. The celestial kingdom is the place prepared for those who have “received the testimony of Jesus” and been “made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood” (D&C 76:51, 69). To inherit this gift, we must receive the ordinances of salvation, keep the commandments, and repent of our sins. For a detailed explanation of those who will inherit celestial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70, 92–96. In January 1836 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that expanded his understanding of the requirements to inherit celestial glory. The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the celestial kingdom. He marveled when he saw his older brother Alvin there, even though Alvin had died before receiving the ordinance of baptism. (See D&C 137:1–6.) Then the voice of the Lord came to the Prophet Joseph: “All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; “Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:7–9). Commenting on this revelation, the Prophet Joseph said, “I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (D&C 137:10). From another revelation to the Prophet Joseph, we learn that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom. To be exalted in the highest degree and continue eternally in family relationships, we must enter into “the new and everlasting covenant of marriage” and be true to that covenant. In other words, temple marriage is a requirement for obtaining the highest degree of celestial glory. (See D&C 131:1–4.) All who are worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage will have that opportunity, whether in this life or the next. Terrestrial Kingdom Those who inherit terrestrial glory will “receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father. Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun” (D&C 76:77–78). Generally speaking, individuals in the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people “who were blinded by the craftiness of men” (76:75). This group will include members of the Church who were “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:79). It will also include those who rejected the opportunity to receive the gospel in mortality but who later received it in the postmortal spirit world (see D&C 76:73–74). To learn more about those who will inherit terrestrial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants 76:71–80, 91, 97. Telestial Kingdom Telestial glory will be reserved for individuals who “received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:82). These individuals will receive their glory after being redeemed from spirit prison, which is sometimes called hell (see D&C 76:84, 106). A detailed explanation of those who will inherit telestial glory is found in Doctrine and Covenants 76:81–90, 98–106, 109–112. Perdition Some people will not be worthy to dwell in any kingdom of glory. They will be called “the sons of perdition” and will have to “abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory” (D&C 76:32; 88:24). This will be the state of “those who know [God’s] power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy [God’s] power” (D&C 76:31; see also D&C 76:30, 32–49). Additional references: 1 Corinthians 15:40–42, including footnote 40a;D&C 88:20–39; 130:18–19 Hope that helps. :)

I've read the opinion by many on this site that one can't possibly keep all the commandments, we all pick and choose. I agree that in and of ourselves, in "depending upon our own strength" we cannot possibly keep all the commandments all the time. However, that way of thinking is forgetting one very important aspect of the gospel, namely, the Grace of Christ. Through this grace we gain a strength greater than our own and are able to do ALL things. As Ammon said in the Book of Mormon (Alma 26:12), "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things". Here is what one of my favorite church publications says about Grace: LDS.org - Family Table of Contents - True to the Faith “Grace,” True to the Faith, (2004),77–78 The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter taught that we should “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Salvation by Grace Because of the Fall, everyone will experience temporal death. Through grace, made available by the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, all people will be resurrected and receive immortality (see 2 Nephi 9:6–13). But resurrection alone does not qualify us for eternal life in the presence of God. Our sins make us unclean and unfit to dwell in God’s presence, and we need His grace to purify and perfect us “after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). The phrase “after all we can do” teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fulness of the Lord’s grace and be made worthy to dwell with Him. The Lord has commanded us to obey His gospel, which includes having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end (see John 3:3–5; 3 Nephi 27:16–20; Articles of Faith 1:3–4). The prophet Moroni wrote of the grace we receive as we come unto the Savior and obey His teachings: “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. “And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot” (Moroni 10:32–33). Receiving Grace throughout Your Life In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life. As you draw near to your Heavenly Father in diligence, humility, and meekness, He will uplift and strengthen you through His grace (see Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5; D&C 88:78; 106:7–8). Reliance upon His grace enables you to progress and grow in righteousness. Jesus Himself “received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness” (D&C 93:13). Grace enables you to help build God’s kingdom, a service you cannot give through your strength or means alone (see John 15:5; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 12:28; Jacob 4:6–7). If you ever become discouraged or feel too weak to continue living the gospel, remember the strength you can receive through the enabling power of grace. You can find comfort and assurance in these words of the Lord: “My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). Additional references: Acts 15:11; Romans 5:2; 2 Nephi 10:24; 11:5