bytebear

I didn't even notice they had removed the spirit world. That's a key in the plan, and it's clearly laid out in the Bible (probably why they wanted to avoid it).

Article of Faith #4.

I do like the First Estate and Second Estate. I think we don't study that enough, and it's well documented in the Bible (for those who insist on such things). And I agree, you need to put the sacrifice of Christ in there, and the bridge representing grace perhaps. I do like the "strait gate" of baptism. I know the producers of the chart consider that a "work" but it's clearly a requirement for celestial glory. And the path should always be paved with faith in Christ and Repentance.

There were a lot fewer temples.

After seeing the last episode, I swear they found the most worldly LDS girls they could so they could show them immodest clothing and night clubbing.

Saving Mr. Banks. Being a Disneyland regular, I was hoping they would do special effects to show how the park was in the 1960s. Nope, they just filmed it as-is. In fact, they really didn't do much to try to fit with the period other than a few token balloons. I was pretty disappointed at that. And Tom Hanks simply doesn't have the voice to play Walt Disney. Otherwise, the movie was fine.

IKEA has LED Bulbs for 3.99. Yeah, they're not 50c, but they're not that expensive. And they will last FOREVER. I have a couple sets of these LED strips. They're fun, and you can get color changing ones too. DIODER LED 4-piece light strip set - IKEA

I must have missed that episode.

I've been dealing with Diabetes for over 10 years. I have taken a variety of medications over the years, and try to watch my diet, but as the years go on, it's harder to keep blood sugar down. I had some medications that worked great, but cause cancer so I am not taking them any more. I don't take insulin, but am trying out Victoza. Not working great other than I am losing weight but we'll see. I had a pancreatitis so my pancreas went through the ringer, and normal techniques aren't all that effective at keeping my sugars low. I have found you can't change someone else's habits. I had a friend pass from complications of diabetes. He stubbed his toe. That caused an infection and his immune system couldn't keep up. So, even if you feel healthy, and have no immediate symptoms, things can happen, and fast. I am working toward reducing my medication intake, and believe me, the holidays suck. Too many treats lying around. But it's more than diet, and it's not sugar as much as it is carbs, and knowing which carbs affect you. For me, it's rice, so I never eat rice. Best thing you can do is have healthy snacks around, so at least there's a choice. Eaters eat. I am starving at 8pm and I have to force myself to not snack. It's really hard. REALLY hard. But if I have nuts or carrots, then at least I don't eat cookies or muffins. So, have healthy snacks around and maybe get your friend to walk around the block. Nothing strenuous, just maybe a stroll. a 20 minute brisk walk will drop my blood sugar a lot. She may not be the walking type, but if you just stroll and have a nice conversation about the neighborhood or your family, or whatever, then she won't notice you are exercising. Bottom line: Snack healthy, no carbs, walk around the block.

LEDs are more expensive, but they will last longer and save on energy cost enough to be totally worth the extra up front costs. And they look better, and give off much better light than either incandescent or fluorescent. And you can do funky stuff with colors if you really want to get crazy.

I would go, but after making that decision, I would prepare yourself. You will be serving with people who have grown up in the church. Focus on the basics, but take some institute classes, and study the scriptures and doctrines of the church.

I've been using LEDs for years. Great light, not hot, way cheaper to run, and the ceiling pot lights even look better. I hate the fluorescent twisted tube bulbs, but the LEDs are really nice.

I've seen the show. From what I understand, they really are FLDS, but the reality is taken from past experiences, and isn't real, but reenactments based on their past experience. I am glad they are distinguishing between Mormon and FLDS, and that is very good. They are interacting with LDS youth and make it clear that the Mormons are not FLDS (and are in fact the worldly "Gentiles"). It's kind of funny because those Mormon girls wear provocative clothes and dance and listen to music and ride bicycles. Those heathens.

I reject the reasons for the ban. I do not reject the decision. The leaders, most evident in the 60s and 70s were obeying the Lord's will.

It's not a saving ordinance, so it won't affect your eternal salvation. And it's not a sin, so it won't affect your immediate spirituality.

It's kind of funny and I think this is why we tend to avoid crosses. We make things holy outside of their purpose. The bread and water isn't magical, and is still just bread and water. It's our act and remembrance that makes the covenant complete. Some things are sacred like garments, but after their purpose has been fulfilled and the sacred symbolism removed, they become common rags. We don't bless scriptures, and I think rightly so, try to remove the idea that tangible items are holy. They are only holy in their meaning, not in their substance.

I think the obvious answer is the Book of Mormon, as a single item of evidence. But really, its the whole story of the restoration. Even non-LDS scholars look at Joseph Smith's insight into doctrinal issues as genius. He retold the story of Christianity in a way that is foreign to today's churches, but fits incredibly well with the Biblical and historical record. Was he a genius, incredibly insightful, or was he simply explained it all through translation and angelic tutelage? Lastly, I would point to prophecies that have been and are continuing to be fulfilled.

I do the mini quiches they sell at Costco. And meatballs are the bomb. I get the frozen packed of them from Costco, add a bunch of bbq sauce and other secret sauces, and crock pot it. Super easy to make, and ALWAYS the hit of the party.

I'm still reeling on the idea that the government takes your money, then tells you you can have it toward the end of your life, but you can only give it to certain people, and people call it a benefit.

I believe Kolob is a metaphor for Jesus Christ. Taking your theory and understanding that the star nearest the Father is Jehovah, I think works quite well.

Actually, Lake Forest. But you may know it as El Toro. But, yes, you got the general area. :)

Just know that you can drive up to Salt Lake when you need a change of pace.

Maybe I am too old, but if a woman uses Ms. or has a hyphenated last name, I might assume she is a feminist. But if I also notice a man or woman doesn't have a ring on their wedding finger, I might assume they are single too. And if they have a nose ring or a mohawk, I might assume they are fairly liberal in their thinking. Simply put, I believe people do put out signals. If a person doesn't have a visible undershirt, does that mean they aren't LDS? I remember living in Utah and playing the "are they or aren't they game," waiting to see if they order coffee or not.

I live in the land of mega churches. I am about 20 minutes from the now defunct Chrystal Cathedral which was sold to the Catholics after the death of Bob Schuller. On the way, you might pass the Trinity Broadcast Network's big wedding cake building with "Happy Birthday Jesus" written in neon on the top. Down the street is the Mariners mega church, and just a few miles from my house is Saddleback church, home of Rick Warren and the "Purpose Driven Life" found on, you guessed it, Purpose Drive. Each church is a full campus of buildings and huge parking lots.