Connie

You're killing me, Smalls.... i mean, Just_A_Guy!!

I don't know if this has been posted yet, but it's from the Ensign, February 1996: LDS.org - Ensign Article - I Have a Question Why did the Lord command Nephi to slay Laban, when to do so was contrary to the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill”? Rodney Turner, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Feb. 1996, 62–63 Rodney Turner, professor of ancient scripture, Brigham Young University. Nephi was a man of astonishing faith, profound humility, and consistent righteousness. While still a youth, he had such faith that he conversed with the “Holy Spirit” and was shown what his father had seen in a dream. He also beheld Mary bearing the infant Son of God in her arms and saw Christ’s baptism, ministry, and crucifixion (see 1 Ne. 11). Because of his great faith, Nephi was convinced that the brass plates could be obtained from Laban, no matter how difficult the task might be. He told his father, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Ne. 3:7). Nephi was soon to learn that God’s ways are not always easy. After two failures to obtain the plates, Nephi and his brothers once more faced the walls of Jerusalem. Laman, Lemuel, and Sam hid themselves while Nephi crept into the darkened city alone. Because of his faith and willingness to obey the Lord’s commandments, Nephi was sensitive to the whisperings of the Spirit. He was therefore “led by the Spirit,” as he says, “not knowing beforehand the things which I should do” (1 Ne. 4:6). By following the Spirit, Nephi discovered Laban lying drunk in the street. “I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban,” Nephi wrote (1 Ne. 4:10). Appalled, he at first resisted the command, saying, “Never at any time have I shed the blood of man” (ibid). But the Spirit spoke again, saying, “The Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. … “Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief” (1 Ne. 4:12–13). Some people might claim that by saying the Spirit commanded him to kill Laban, Nephi was rationalizing to justify what was, in fact, murder. They might argue that God would never have commanded Nephi to take a life. However, Nephi was a righteous man; he was well acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost and knew the difference between his own thoughts and divine revelation. Nephi did not have to include the account of his slaying of Laban in his record. He was not caught in the act, and he might have left his account of obtaining the plates vague. He could even have lied, saying that Laban was already dead when he found him, or providing some other plausible explanation. But Nephi was a truthful man; despite the fact that it was a difficult subject, he wrote it as it happened. The incident may well have been a trial of faith for Nephi. The Lord could have helped him procure the record in some other way. Instead, the Lord allowed Nephi to struggle with a dilemma: obtain and safeguard the plates as he had been commanded, or let Laban live. But if Laban had lived, the consequences would have been disastrous. The mission to obtain the plates would have failed, and without the plates, Lehi’s posterity would have perished in unbelief (see 1 Ne. 4:13). The history of Lehi’s descendants would have been far different, and there might have been no Book of Mormon as we know it. Had Nephi not procured the plates, the “keystone of our religion” would be missing. But there is a larger issue: the moral nature of God. What are its bounds? Who can say what the Almighty can and cannot do? The Prophet Joseph Smith observed, “It is the constitutional disposition of mankind to set up stakes and set bounds to the works and ways of the Almighty.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 320). Yet the Lord “willeth to take even them whom he will take, and preserveth in life them whom he will preserve” (D&C 63:3). Evidently God had judged Laban and found him guilty. He had, as Nephi noted, defied God’s commandments, stolen Lehi’s property, and sought to kill Nephi and his brothers (see 1 Ne. 3:12). Nephi was only doing what God had commanded. Did God have a right to do this? Of course. Man’s agency cannot delimit or circumscribe the agency of God. For his own reasons, God can temporarily suspend or revoke that which he has previously commanded. For example, he told the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness” (D&C 132:36). The God who proved Abraham is the same God who proved Nephi. Like Abraham, Nephi obeyed and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. The principles of the gospel are unchanging, and God is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (D&C 20:12). But our mortal circumstances change, and the application of divine law is sometimes adapted to those changes. That is why a living prophet is indispensable. Man does not have the right to adjust the application of God’s laws. But God has every right to do so; and when he does, he will reveal his decisions to his servants, the prophets (see Amos 3:7).

No, you are Vort. You can find missingsomething here: missingsomethings Profile » LDS Mormon Network Sorry.... couldn't resist.

I just finished reading section 42 of the Doctrine & Covenants and also watching some BYU professors discussion of it at byutv.org. I'd love to hear everyone's ideas. What is sufficient for our needs? How do we know when we have it? How do we know when we have surplus that can then be turned over to the church?

Wow, an LDS member who actually believes in sustaining their local leaders! Kudos to you, sir!

We, as a family, like to do what are called "mad libs" sometimes. You're given a list of words to fill out such as: plural noun, adjective, adverb, color, animal, etc. And you just fill them out with whatever you want and out pops a story using those words. It can be really funny! Just google "mad libs" and a bunch of different sites will pop up that have some you can do. Anyway, some phrases that we've had that we still enjoy laughing over are: "Resist the urge to hope. Change instead." "She thinks you're spicier than Karl Marx!"

lusciouschaos: Do you have any thoughts on Stargirl's methods of giving service? The more i think about it, the more fascinated i am with it. I love that she didn't even consider recognition, always doing stuff anonymously. And yet it's slightly disturbing as well, in a Harriet-the-spy, creepy-stalker kinda way. What do you think?

Welcome to the site. And nice sig line. :)

Whenever i see the title of this thread, it makes me think of the Borg. "We are Borg. Resistance is futile." For all i know, that might even be right on topic. :)

Frapdoodle!! (from Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium) Sticklebats!! (from Bilbo in The Fellowship of the Ring movie)

Russian composers' names lend themselves well as alternative swear words. My favorite is Schostacovich. You just yell out the name, it sounds great. SCHOSTACOVICH!! Or how 'bout Funk & Wagnalls (as in the publishing company). You gotta really emphasize the Funk. AH, FUNK n WAGNALL!

Definitely, very amazing voice. One more suggestion: We recently watch Bedtime Stories and totally loved it. We usually try to avoid Adam Sandler movies, but this one was really good.

Oh, tarps are always a good idea. Especially if your out camping and it starts to rain....

I read Loser by Jerry Spinelli today.

Here is the one from the youth booklet For the Strength of Youth: LDS.org - Youth Table of Contents - For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God “Dress and Appearance,” For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 14 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). Your body is God’s sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you. Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient. Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest earrings. Show respect for the Lord and for yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities, whether on Sunday or during the week. If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your parents or leaders for help. Alma 1:27

The below is from this resource put out by the church: LDS.org - Family Table of Contents - True to the Faith “Modesty,” True to the Faith, (2004),106–8 Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. If you are modest, you do not draw undue attention to yourself. Instead, you seek to “glorify God in your body, and in your spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:20; see also 1 Corinthians 6:19). If you are unsure about whether your dress or grooming is modest, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” You might ask yourself a similar question about your language and behavior: “Would I say these words or participate in these activities if the Lord were present?” Your honest answers to these questions may lead you to make important changes in your life. The following information will help you in your efforts to be modest. Dress and Grooming Prophets have always counseled us to dress modestly. This counsel is founded on the truth that the human body is God’s sacred creation. Respect your body as a gift from God. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. Your clothing expresses who you are. It sends messages about you, and it influences the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you can invite the companionship of the Spirit and exercise a good influence on those around you. Central to the command to be modest is an understanding of the sacred power of procreation, the ability to bring children into the world. This power is to be used only between husband and wife. Revealing and sexually suggestive clothing, which includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, and shirts that do not cover the stomach, can stimulate desires and actions that violate the Lord’s law of chastity. In addition to avoiding clothing that is revealing, you should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. In dress, grooming, and manners, always be neat and clean, never sloppy or inappropriately casual. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If you are a woman and you desire to have your ears pierced, wear only one pair of modest earrings. Maintain high standards of modesty for all occasions. Do not lower your standards to draw attention to your body or to seek approval from others. True disciples of Jesus Christ maintain the Lord’s standard regardless of current fashions or pressure from others. Language and Behavior Like your dress and grooming, your language and behavior are expressions of your character. Your words and actions can have a profound influence on you and on others. Express yourself through clean, positive, uplifting language and in actions that bring happiness to those around you. Your efforts to be modest in word and deed lead to increased guidance and comfort from the Holy Ghost. Avoid the filthy language and the casual, irreverent use of the Lord’s name that are so common in the world. Withstand any temptation to participate in extreme or inappropriate behavior. The irreverent nature of such language and behavior impairs your ability to receive the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost. Additional references: D&C 42:40–41; Articles of Faith 1:13

anatess: thanks for the recommendations. I'm not much for Star Wars but my hubby is a bit of a Star Wars dweeb, so i'll let him know about these. He might like to read them. TheyCallMeMom: I also read the Magic Treehouse books to my kids. They love them but are definitely not my cup of tea. But hey, we moms just gotta keep the kids happy sometimes. It's been a long time since i read Nancy Drew but i always enjoyed them, never cracked the Hardy Boys but have always heard they're good too. I always enjoyed Agatha Christie books as well. I just love a good mystery!

Thanks for all the recommendations, i'll be off to get a couple more in the next few days.

Just finished Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It reminds me of that movie A Walk to Remember, which i loved but can't watch cause it's so sad. These stories always remind me of my own story a bit. But why is it always the girl who is the mysterious, intellectual, nonconformist one? With me it was the opposite. Though i'm glad i had a little more courage than poor Leo, though i like that the ending kind of leaves it open a bit to imagine a happy ending.

Anyone out there into aerobics and know of any good DVDs? I used to do one of Kathy Smith's that wasn't too bad. Just looking for recommendations.

Well, i know i'm a terrible liar. I'm pretty much who i am, but like most introverts i find it easier to share my opinions online. So one would probably be surprised at how little i talk in real life.

People have images of me? Hmmm, would anyone mind sharing?

Wow, i haven't seen Rigaletto for ages. That movie was filmed in Helper, Utah, which is very close to where i grew up in Price. I could sit and point out all the extras i know who are in the background of this movie.

Hee, hee, i knew that's what you meant. By the way, i second Meet the Robinsons. I LOVE that movie. I love the message of not dwelling on the past but learning from our mistakes.

We recently watched a cartoon called The Tale of Despereaux. It was pretty good with a surprising message about forgiveness.