richlittell

But wait.. if a demon can possess our body then maybe it could discern our thoughts and inject its own thoughts... thinking of someone else inside my body makes me think ewwwwww! Ok, back to topic.

I'm not sure, Elphaba, but my first thought would be how could the adversary tempt us if he couldn't inject some element of communication into our minds? Maybe he isn't allowed to read our minds but only inject thoughts, not sure though.

Believing that Linux is a good FREE system does not undermine Windows, though in jest we Linux users sometimes poke fun at it (and, yes, some Linux users are a bit fanatical). There are just some things you can't do on Linux. However, Linux is starting to be taken more seriously by more software companies and you can buy some good applications for Linux if you can't find anything for free. Some people are also good at running Windows inside of Linux so they lose nothing when they convert to Linux, but you have to be pretty committed to tweak things enough to get it all to work together, and that's no picnic. However, that should show the potential of a completely free operating system. Potentially, It could do what windows does and more. I disagree just a little (though there would be some truth in it) about the junkware (crapware) point and Windows being a bigger target. First, Linux is free and I don't have to pay to get software that is free of junkware. I have Firefox and Thunderbird (which is excellent at cleaning out the junk mail), and Open Office (spreadsheet, word processor, database) and as University professor I have to edit Word documents at publication quality. There are also some excellent graphics programs like Gimp. Basically, an entire quality production system for free without any junkware. As I said before, not a single reboot in 4 years, and I have installed and tested over one hundred different FREE apps/games without any problems (not single piece of hidden junkware). I can't tell you how many times I did a System Restore in Windows when testing out apps. As far as security, Linux is a UNIX based system that was from it's inception a networking system. Windows was first and foremost a single user desktop system and that's why it has inherited so many troubles (security, freezing up) as it has grown. For Linux, a lot of security is built into it by the nature of its design, flaws rarely show up, and when they do, they are much simpler to deal with; and since it's open source, there is an entire army ready to meet the task. How does Vista compare? The last I used was XP. Anyone? BTW, this from Apple.com Apple - Mac OS X Leopard - Features - 300+ New Features : I guess that makes Linux, BSD-unix, and Mac OS X siblings. (does that make MS Windows the proverbial stepchild?) :) Also, I have always assumed that while some major corporate or government agencies may use Windows as administrative desktops, I have always assumed that the core mainframe/server system for most major organizations is a Unix based system. Anybody know? What do agencies like FBI and DOD use? Any one work at IBM? What is your mainframe/server system? Anyone work at a Bank? What do you use?

agree. (though I don't mind on rare occasions a joke that pokes fun at ourselves and our beliefs)

I don't want to be misunderstood. I didn't say that people weren't welcome and should not be allowed to express their views. My concern was one of identity. And my concern is not for members of this forum, but rather for those who may peruse this site for answers from an LDS viewpoint (although, even as a member, I find myself from time to time trying to figure out which perspective someone is coming from). Everyone IS welcome here, otherwise, it just might get rather boring around here, however, let not us nor our non-member friends forget, this IS an LDS forum. In my particular example, an individual (who, by the way, had a perfectly valid view from his/her perspective) quickly responded to a post that was specifically an LDS issue. He/She did so by simply stating the answer in an authoritative manner and backing it up with scripture without any indication that it was not an LDS view (and it was in complete contradiction to our teachings). I'm all for varied opinions on a topic, it just struck me that if I knew nothing about the church and came across that thread I would have just assumed it was an LDS member speaking on LDS doctrine. That could be very confusing to some. As for profiles, as I said earlier, I can't figure out how to update that, but also, it's not a very efficient means of identification, as those who peruse this site, I would hope, would read many posts and it would be impractical for them to keep opening up people's profile to figure out what's going on.

The first time I came across this scripture I too was a bit troubled by it, thinking it meant the Lord required a serious-minded people. Last night when I came across this it was the first time I considered the context that it might be referring to assemblies, although the language does seem to speak to a general way of life (after all it asks us to cease "from all your wicked doings" and I doubt people were selling snake oil in the assemblies). I think somewhat along the lines of what Loudmouth was saying in that I believe light-mindedness is not taking the gospel or our duties in life seriously, while light-heartedness is being responsible in our life's duties and callings but being able to recognize humor when it comes along, or even seeking out humor when we know we are in need of it.

I was contemplating some things and came across this scripture. How are we to interpret the following scripture? Do you think that Heavenly Father intends for us to be a "serious" people (paying special attention to light speeches, laughter, and light-mindedness)? Or was this just referring to when we gather in our solemn assemblies? What do you think? D&C 88: 121 121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings. Here is the context of the foregoing verse: 117 Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, call your solemn assembly, as I have commanded you. 118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. 119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; 120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High. 121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings. 122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege. 123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires. 124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. 125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace. 126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.

I enjoyed that, Thanks! :)

Oh, truly, the games are the best reason to have Windows. Actually, I used to dual boot (or should I say "duel" boot haha) so that I'd have Windows for my Madden NFL game. But for my everyday school/business affairs, Linux wins hands down. Do you know in four years I have NEVER had to reboot my system because of lock up. Can you Window users imagine that?

Yes, I do agree with you. But I think that most people would not do that, and the few that would, it would be much easier for admin to discipline them or delete posts or whatever, since that kind of deceit would be so blatant and obvious (you couldn't really argue against it), the discipline would stand ( isp banned or whatever). Whereas, like in the example I gave, what can we really do? The poster did not lie, just gave an honest opinion (would be his/her argument). But they opted not to state that their position was a non-LDS view, but neither did they go so far to say they were stating an LDS position, but it could sure give that appearance to others outside our faith. So there isn't really any thing we can do. In the example given, I sure wouldn't want to actually delete the post or ban the user. Still, I'm not saying may suggestion is a good one, as I'm not sure what to do. Thanks Pam. Anyone else?

I think too many LDS cling to their belief in property as some inalienable right because we are told the founders of our country were men inspired by God. But they were men inspired for their times according to the hearts of the people. In fact, this quote from the declaration of independence: "...that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" Had initially been written by Jefferson as: "... that among these are life, liberty and property" And that was a hotly debated topic. I think it was an inspired change. What makes our glorious Constitution unique is that our founders had no misconception about utopian societies. This being impossible, theirs' was a practical approach to government. In fact, they wrote the Constitution specifically for a wicked people based on the fact that human nature is greedy and seeks for personal power and gain at the expense of others, that is why they built into the Constitution the voice of the people through their rights to vote, and more specifically, the balance of powers so that no one man or group of men could usurp their Constitutional appointment. My point is that personal property, just like money, is a fiction created by man, not God. We give 10% to the church, but it is not really ours to give, it is a test to see if we truly understand that all things are God's from the beginning, and we are all just stewards. Can anyone really "own" land? there is not a piece of "owned" property in this world that was not, at least initially, first gained by conquest (don't think so? ask an American Indian). I never new conquest to be a righteous principle. Setting aside communism, for the moment, what distinguishes the United Order or what might be referred to as the full/complete law of Consecration from Marxism, socialism, philospher-king governments or any other government are the hearts of the people. If a righteous people practiced socialsim, or any other form of Governement it would work. Any one remember King Mosiah, a monarchy? Communism would work too but we would have to take out the anti-religious nature and the fact that it would be achieved by revolution (which, by the way was a Leninnist position, not Marxist, Marxism was first and foremost, an economic system--based on the utopian assumption that man would be at least unselfish enough to administer the system faithfully) Now I'm not siding with communism, Marxism, or socialism, but just bear in mind that all systems not from God are manufactured by man-- whether based on individual or group property. Imagine this conversation between a legislative hall full of righteous people and let's say it was a group of people who had just been converted to the church and their system of government was a socialist or even communist society. "Okay, what are we going to do with Marion's big castle on the hill, Mark?" "Well, I don't want it, I mean, I don't need it, there are plenty of others who might need it." "Joe? Want it?" "Of course I don't want it, I only have a family of four, what would I do with such a castle?" "Susan?" "I move that we make the castle into a lodging house for the destitute or sell it and tear it down and put it up for sell in amounts that anyone can afford it." "I like the idea of a lodging house, it's quicker, easier, and we can get some of these destitute people in there right away." "Move to vote." [ voted; proposition accepted] [P.S. After twenty years, because the people living in it were also righteous, the Castle had NOT been run into the ground. The grounds had been improved upon and the people voted that the back lot be devoted to a factory which would employ the less fortunate in making pottery ] That's my take on government systems verses the United Order. We as a people have never been righteous enough to live it. And we are not today. It all comes down to the fact that the United Order/law of Consectration is based on pure, true, and full charity in their hearts of the people.

My vice is diet coke! I'm probably going straight to ****. I don't like the word coffee substitute, that sets one up to be mentally disappointed when it's nothing like real coffee. I prefer coffee alternatives, which is not an attempt to replace the coffee. These mental games we play with ourselves are silly but important, as you'll just keep going back to coffee if you try to replace it rather than develop a new taste for life--in the which coffee alternatives might just be the thing.

What are we to do about those who are not LDS but like to spout off their answers to specific questions on LDS doctrine without giving any disclaimer that they are not LDS (with what I believe is an intentional effort to deceive? My concern is that this could only add to the confusion of our beliefs to people who come here asking sincere questions about our church (I am not worried about us LDS as we can spot these quite clearly). Maybe an example is needed. I recently saw a post concernng the Holy Spirit which was obviously seeking an LDS perspective. The second poster gave a rather lengthy response saying how the the Holy Ghost is not a son of god but but was Jehovah without any sort of disclaimer that he was non-LDS. I started to respond with a post making my own disclaimer that that was not an LDS perpective but as I'm practicing restraint these days, decided not to. Especially since the fact is the post was long enough and my post a few posts down that a non-LDS perusing our site might never even get to that disclaimer. They might see that person's post and then just decide to never come here again. I'm thinking that since we are a public forum, we are going to have only more and more people who like to come in and cause contention intentionally or try to mislead others who come here in sincerity. I would make a suggestion that when people sign up they should be required to claim a faith and that this should be posted along with their user name (e.g. Markleberry LDS) the choices could be just two: LDS, non-LDS; or several: LDS, Protestant, Catholic, Agnostic, Atheist, Other. People could still be dishonest, but they'd be easier to spot and easier to discipline for deceit if it became obvious they were not LDS but claiming to be, and I don't think most would go that far to deceive as that is much more blatant than what they can do now which is just say nothing at all (so they didn't deceive, right?) But, that was just a suggestion. Are there other suggestions? Or maybe this isn't really such a big deal, just my own feelings. But I am concerned as this site continues to grow that we might need to do something, not for our sakes, but for those who come here seeking sincere answers to sincere questions. btw, I can't figure out how to post to my "statement of faith" in my profile, but I don't think that is the answer to the problem because a non-member just glancing at our posts won't bother to check out the profile on everyone who has posted. Thoughts anyone?

Just wondering how many of you are using Linux? I have two laptops with Ubuntu and NO Microsoft Windows at all. I don't even use my computer that the University gave me at my school (with Windows, of course), it's just sitting there gathering dust ( I tried to give it away, but they won't let me). I know Linux is very popular overseas (I'm in Taiwan), but don't know if it's caught on in the States yet. Anyone Else?

Hi Still, I am an Ubuntu user too, NO MS Windows in my home, not even for backup!! So are you saying there must be comptures in Heaven? OH, I think we'll have things much better than computers in heaven. Maybe you'll make a thousand trillion posts on your handheld urim and thummin (version Ubuntu 999922322.993.9922). go Ubuntu!!!

the Holy Spirit is a personage, and that implies a spirit body. Author: McConkie, Joseph Fielding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Holy Ghost is a spirit man, a spirit son of God the Father. It is fundamental Church doctrine that God is the Father of the spirits of all men and women, that Jesus is literally God's Son both in the spirit and in the flesh, and that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit separate and distinct from both the Father and the Son. ( Holy Ghost - The Encyclopedia of Mormonism )

Mark 5: 8-9 8 For [Jesus] said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. 9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

Before coming into the church, I smoked, chewed, dipped and drank one pot (minimum) of coffee every day. First, you will NOT go to hell. The Word of Wisdom is primarily a health code, although now it is a condition for entering the Temple, and I can't remember, but I'm sure Ben is right that you probably can't get baptized. The Lord has found this a good measure of one's commitment to his gospel, and if one can't conquer this before Baptism, then one would probably soon begin to have much larger issues with the gospel later (or sooner rather than later). The Lord loves all his children, but doesn't want to burden anyone with living standards and principles for which they are not ready. It's like not forcing a child to ride a bike when they are too young and not ready or they could get seriously hurt. If you are not interested in joining the LDS church, by all means, keep your coffee habit, that is your choice--I would hope you give up the tobacco because there is nothing but universal agreement that tobacco is bad for the body. Coffee, from a non-LDS perspective, has research that makes claims to both its benefits and detriments that are not yet in agreement. So it would be hard for an LDS to convince a non-LDS to quit the habit for health reasons, so I never even try. Of course, we LDS would say God knows best, but that is a spiritual argument based on faith and modern revelation.

Never saw Bee Movie. I asked my wife what she'd say to the cockroaches, she said "Get the h*ll out of my kitchen." My wife's a really funny gal, it's why I married her.

You speak with fork-ed tongue my young whipper-snapper. If social security is voluntary is can't be socialism---a bad program, bad investment or whatever other thing you'd' like to call it, but not socialism. By that reasoning, an annuity program offered by an insurance company would be considered socialism. I would say, in this particular case, that it's bad because governments do not know how to manage anything.

Here's a hint (not directed at anyone because I have no idea who you all are). the best way to stay on topic is for only ONE of the offenders to simply stop replying to the other offender. That's it, problem solved. Just ignore it and make your contribution to the topic at hand. You don't even have to lay down your pride, as everyone will see the better of you for it. (not directed at you fent, as I don't know you or haven't followed the post, this is directed to "you" in the general audience sense).

I got it in my head somewhere that we'll be able to communicate with all living things in the Celestial kingdom. My thing is, exactly WHAT are we gonna' talk about? Anyone care to venture a guess? scenario: Spider to his once Homeowner. "Hey Joe, You remember that time my uncle Fred slipped from the ceiling and accidentally ended up in your wife's soup." "I sure do, and she made me flush him down the toilet." "Right, which reminds of the time you chased my cousin Mary around with that nasty bug spray you have." "That was your cousin? And when I finally got her, she just sorta' rolled over and twitched before her legs all curled up." "Yeah, and you remember the time when you finally whacked me with that magazine?" "Sure. You were pretty quick, but I finally gotcha." "Yeah, I've never prayed so hard in my life--legs don't fail me now. Well, everything in God's due time." Scenario: Shark to a once one-legged man. "Hey, remember that time a snuck up behind you and got a chunk of your surf-board?" Scenario: Dog to owner. "And just why did you think speaking louder to me would mean I'd understand it any better." or "Your lucky that here your not my pet, or I'd take away your manhood." or "YOU try holding it in for half a day!" Scenario: Shark to a once one-legged man (sneaking up behind him). "Boo!"

Oh, I got it! We can just go down to our favorite world and take in those mortals' games. We can record them for Saturdays, sort of a 3D live actual size recording--oh wait, that's the urim and thummin, or was that the white stone.

We could have a special Stadium that nulls everyone's special powers and the only athletic abilities we could have would revert to the prime of our youth! There's just gotta be a way to do sports! I mean, if not, what else am I gonna' get crazy about?

I don't think the third knew at all that they would get kicked out. I think Satan flattered them just as he does us now, and that many of them bought into the lie. In the beginning when they were gathering up their army or shoring up their minds or whatever, they probably didn't know how many could eventually get to join them. Free agency existed in the premortal existence and they may have thought they could have won over more spirits. I think they may have known the odds were against them, maybe, but had hoped for a better turnout. Or maybe they thought they had a "plan B" strategy that was failproof, or maybe even Satan convinced them it would be better to exist without a body than to accept God's way and live under his rule. On a similar note, I think there were many spirits who probably rooted for Satan or even preferred his plan, but felt that it was best to sit on the fence and not get involved since they had the smarts to see that God would win regardless of Satan's effort. fun speculation