Connie

Well apparently he's got one more to go. Looks like it's gonna be a 5 book series. Waiting impatiently for book 5 (ha ha, and book 4 just barely came out). HURRY UP, MR. MULL, I GOTTA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! I think i have a while to wait.

You know, it's funny, i've known about these books nearly all my life because i grew up in the same small town. A family in the area were really into these books and doing some research found out what house these boys grew up in. It is still standing, as far as i know, and is merely four houses down from the house i grew up in. And yet i've only ever read the first book of the series. If you go on Amazon you can get all of the Great Brain books, but it looks like Papa Married a Mormon might be out of print. That's a shame, it sounds interesting.

I have been re-reading some of the talks from last conference, and i was really struck by this talk by Elder Gérald Caussé Of the Seventy: LDS.org - Ensign Article - Even a Child Can Understand Here are some of the things he said: "People who try to find God sometimes think that they have to look for Him in intellectually complicated concepts. However, our Heavenly Father is always available to us. He adapts to our level of understanding." "God would indeed be unjust if the gospel were only accessible to an intellectual elite. In His goodness, He has ensured that the truths regarding God are understandable to all His children, whatever their level of education or intellectual faculty." "In reality, the fact that a principle can be understood even by a child is proof of its power. President John Taylor said, “It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it” (“Discourse,” Deseret News, Sept. 30, 1857, 238). Far from diminishing its impact, purity and simplicity of expression allow the Holy Spirit to witness with greater certainty to the hearts of men." "During His earthly ministry, Jesus constantly compared the simplicity and authenticity of His teachings to the tortuous logic of the Pharisees and other doctors of the law. They tried time and again to test Him with sophisticated questions, but His replies were always crystal clear and childlike in their simplicity." "Rejection of the principle of simplicity and clarity has been the origin of many apostasies, both collective and individual." "Little children have a marvelous disposition to learn. They have total trust in their teacher, a pure spirit, and great humility—in other words, the same qualities which open the door to the Holy Spirit. He is the channel through whom we gain knowledge of the things of the Spirit. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11). And he added, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14)." "In the same way, our knowledge of God does not depend on the amount of information we accumulate. After all, all the knowledge of the gospel which is meaningful for our salvation can be summarized in a few points of doctrine, principles, and essential commandments, which are already there in the missionary lessons we receive before baptism. Knowing God is a matter of opening our hearts to gain a spiritual understanding and a fervent testimony of the truth of these few fundamental points of doctrine. Knowing God is having a testimony of His existence and feeling in one’s heart that He loves us. It is accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and having a fervent desire to follow His example. In serving God and our neighbor, we witness of Christ and allow those around us to get to know Him better. These principles find concrete application in the teaching which is given in our wards and branches. For you teachers of the Church, the principal goal of your lessons is the conversion of hearts. The quality of a lesson is not measured by the number of new pieces of information that you give your students. It comes from your capacity to invite the presence of the Spirit and to motivate your students to make commitments. It is by exercising their faith by putting into practice the lessons taught that they will increase their spiritual knowledge." I would just like to encourage everyone to read this talk. And would also like to add my testimony to his. May we delight and glory in plainness and truth as Nephi did (see 2 Nephi 25:4 and 33:6). May we delight and glory in the simplicity of the gospel.

Well, i'm glad i asked! I haven't read any of these. Thank you!

I'm a sucker for kids books. Can't get enough of 'em. I especially love fantasy such as Fablehaven. Love those books! I recently read some books by Gail Carson Levine that were really fun. I read Fairest, Ella Enchanted, and The Two Princesses of Bamarre (which was easily my favorite of the three). But i also love some of the more classic ones like The Secret Garden, Little Women, or The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. So tell me what kids books you like, either now or when you were a kid. I don't want to pass over any good ones i may have missed.

Did anyone read Fablehaven 4: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary? Wow... i didn't see that ending coming!

To Apple:

The below is from this resource put out by the church: LDS.org - Family Table of Contents - True to the Faith “Prophets,” True to the Faith, (2004),129–30 As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, just as Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as our prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit. You can always trust the living prophets. Their teachings reflect the will of the Lord, who declared: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). Your greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will fall (see D&C 1:14–16). He promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church: “Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; “For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. “For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:4–6). Additional references: 2 Chronicles 20:20; Amos 3:7; Ephesians 2:19–20; 1 Nephi 22:1–2; Mosiah 13:33–35; D&C 107:91–92; Articles of Faith 1:6

This is a very educational and interesting video. It's about 10 minutes long. Enjoy. The American form of government. (Video)

I've never heard of a patriarchal blessing stating they would come in the second resurrection. That's interesting. The only thing i know about the second resurrection is what is in chapter 43 of the Gospel Principles manual which you can read here: LDS.org - Family Chapter Detail - The Second Coming of Jesus Christ 4. He will complete the Resurrection. Those who have obtained the privilege of coming forth in the Resurrection of the Just will rise from their graves. They will be caught up to meet the Savior as he comes down from heaven. * After Jesus Christ rose from the dead, other righteous people who had died were also resurrected. They appeared in Jerusalem and also on the American continent (see Matthew 27:52–53; 3 Nephi 23:9). This was the beginning of the First Resurrection. Some people have been resurrected since then. Those who already have been resurrected and those who will be resurrected at the time of his coming will all inherit the glory of the celestial kingdom (see D&C 76:50–70). * After the beginning of the Millennium, those who will receive a terrestrial glory will be resurrected (see D&C 88:99; 76:71–80). When all these people have been resurrected, the First Resurrection will be completed. * The wicked who are living at the time of the second coming of the Lord will be destroyed in the flesh. They, along with the wicked who are already dead, will have to wait until the end of the Millennium before they can come forth from their graves. At the end of the Millennium, the Second Resurrection will take place. All of the remaining dead will rise to meet God. They will either inherit the telestial kingdom or be cast into outer darkness with Satan (see D&C 76:32–33, 81–112).

Exactly! And that is what it said in my above post, "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." And, by the way, these are words sanctioned by The First Presidency. Here is what they say about the True to the Faith book which my above post comes from: "This book is designed as a companion to your study of the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. We encourage you to refer to it as you study and apply gospel principles. Use it as a resource when you prepare talks, teach classes, and answer questions about the Church. As you learn gospel truths, you will increase in your understanding of Heavenly Father’s eternal plan. With this understanding as a foundation for your life, you will be able to make wise choices, live in harmony with God’s will, and find joy in living. Your testimony will grow stronger. You will remain true to the faith. We are especially mindful of youth, young single adults, and new converts. We promise you that through regular personal prayer and study of the scriptures and the doctrines of the gospel you will be prepared to withstand evil influences that would deceive you and harm you. May this book strengthen you in your efforts to draw near to the Savior and follow His example. The First Presidency "

This 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

I love Nim's Island! Have you seen Because of Winn Dixie or Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium? Our family really liked both of those as well.

This may be helpful to you: LDS.org - Young Women Chapter Detail - Family It is the Family Proclamation put out by the first presidency in 1995.

Thank you. That's all i was looking for. I had figured out the others on my own. p.s. That eye is pretty creepy.

I would venture a guess that he is referring to the idea that wealth equates to righteousness and poverty equates to unrighteousness (is that a word?). I could be wrong, however. a-train: thank you for your posts, you have given me much to think about.

God gave us this world and all the things in it without our working for it. Everything is a gift of God. We have earned nothing. We are not to reject the free lunch given by God. "without a sincere religious awareness, the free lunch corrupts rich and poor alike. It is the recognition of divine law that both sanctions and requires the free lunch for everybody." -Hugh Nibley This is exactly my dilemma: Is it right to use these powers of positive thought just to obtain wealth? My tentative conclusion is that if God commanded me to use it because He knew i would use it well and for the good of others as part of my mission on earth, then i'd better do it. But if He knows i would only use these powers for selfish reasons and therefore tells me not to, then i'd better not. I guess, then, the crux of the whole thing is to have a great relationship with God and take the counsel He gives through personal revelation and make sure there is a sense of what ones mission on this earth is. I can think of many who have wealth as part of their mission in life and also perhaps as part of their test. Wealth is a huge burden and responsibility--one that i'm not sure i want.

I'm still waiting for your proof of these claims that you stated you had. I wonder how you were even able to find such proof. I'm wondering if you even have any since all you seem able to do is state your claims over and over and over again without offering any proof. sgrGODSway: I do not know Leslie personally. I watched her Stickman presentation on her website and read The Jackrabbit Factor many months ago. I came away from it with an appreciation for the power of thought (which i should have learned just by listening to my own mother but needed an extra kick in the head). My next step will be to re-read that and really focus on the financial aspect of it. It's funny i didn't really focus on the financial part of it since that's 90% of it.

Except maybe Sodom and Gomorrah.

I have been able to confirm much, but not all, of this information. I appreciate the trouble you went through to gather this information, though i have not been able to confirm all of your statements. Just a friendly suggestion, Snow, if i may, You would get a lot farther, with me at least, if you cut the condescending tone out of many of your posts. Not to mention the flaming and name calling are against the rules (regardless of whether or not they're true).

How about the "labeling" you have been resorting to, Snow, i.e. "plagiarist" and "liar." ("Be honest - you have no such friend who had no such student who got a stove and rug. Isn't that so. It's untrue and we both know it...., which by the way I can prove." Since you're so sure you have proof, i wouldn't mind hearing it) Look, i have some of the same questions and suspicions you have but at least i have not resorted to name calling, as that would be against the rules. I'm simply trying to glean as much truth as i can from this. I'm still not convinced this is in accordance with celestial law. I think this is an attempt to mix Zion and Babylon. And, unfortunately, much like trying to mix water and oil, they will tend to separate themselves out over time. But since i am still in the midst of my own study of the law of consecration, i will forebear on any final judgment until i'm sure i am not missing any important pieces of the puzzle. I did find the Wallace Wattles book. It can be read here: http://www.v-j-enterprises.com/scienceofgettingrich.pdf

A second principle to guide our progress to become one is to be humble. Pride is the great enemy of unity. You have seen and felt its terrible effects. Just days ago I watched as two people—good people—began with a mild disagreement. It started as a discussion of what was true but became a contest about who was right. Voices become gradually louder. Faces became a little more flushed. Instead of talking about the issue, people began talking about themselves, giving evidence why their view, given their great ability and background, was more likely to be right. You would have felt alarm as I did. We have seen the life-destroying effects of such tragic conflict. You and I know people who left the fellowship of the Saints over injured pride. Happily I am seeing more and more skillful peacemakers who calm troubled waters before harm is done. You could be one of those peacemakers, whether you are in the conflict or an observer. One way I have seen it done is to search for anything on which we agree. To be that peacemaker, you need to have the simple faith that as children of God, with all our differences, it is likely that in a strong position we take, there will be elements of truth. The great peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences. You can help yourself and others to see that common ground if you ask for help from God and then act. He will answer your prayer to help restore peace, as He has mine. That same principle applies as we build unity with people who are from vastly different backgrounds. The children of God have more in common than they have differences. And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord’s way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better. - Pres. Henry B. Eyring In light of these inspiring words from a member of the first presidency, i am going to list the things in sgrGODSway's book that i feel are consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1. There is abundance (see D&C 104:17). 2. We are to counsel with the Lord in all our doings (Alma 37:37). 3. We are to thank the Lord in all things (D&C 59:7). These are the three that pop immediately to my head, there may be more. But then i was reading the book to find what was right in it and not what was wrong. I still continue to have many questions. sgrGODSway: I don't know if you've done much study on the law of consecration and the concept of Zion but do you feel these laws are consistent with that?

I like Glenn well enough. I've read all his books and the only one i didn't particularly care for was An Inconvenient Book (thought that might have been due to all the references to "hot chicks" and the fact that i was constantly reading it while taking bubble baths ). I think he's just a guy with many deep passions and an abiding love of his country.

sgrGODSway, I have no doubt these laws exist. My concern is whether or not I should personally live them. Satan works by law, too, after all. My concern is whether these laws are consistent with the celestial law of Zion, including the law of consecration. For example, on page 30, you speak of developing a “mental attitude of ownership,” you speak of possession and ownership, and yet the law of consecration is one of stewardship. My understanding is that we should develop the mental attitude of dependence on God. “Are we not all beggars?” King Benjamin asked his people, “Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have..?” (Mosiah 4:19) We should develop the attitude that all we have is a gift from God. That God has the ownership. I'm afraid if I develop an attitude of ownership I will then have a much harder time doing what King Benjamin admonishes us to do next, “O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to another.” (Mosiah 4:21). If I have the attitude that “this is mine” instead of “this is God's” I will not want to part with my substance and it will be all too easy to say, “God gave this to ME, if you want something similar go ask Him for it yourself.” Respectfully, Connie

sgrGODSway, I finished your book recently and wanted to say thank you. I can agree with much of what you said in your book. I find much is consistent with the celestial laws of Zion we as LDS are supposed to be striving for. I would personally like to see more scholarship involved. I would like to see this taken from a pure LDS standpoint and really gone over. Pull in scripture and/or words of modern prophets to support your ideas. Take these ideas from the book you state them as being from (The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles) and show, using scripture and other gospel sources, that they are consistent with the gospel. I know that would go a long way in convincing me as I am really uncertain whether this is 100% consistent with the gospel. I see many things that I believe are inconsistent with what scriptures teach, and I think many of your points are contradictory. I hope you will take this “constructive criticism” in the spirit of love in which I tried to convey it. I still have many questions regarding these things. Again, thank you for your book. I see much in it that IS consistent with the gospel as I understand it. Respectfully, Connie