Gargantuan

That's too bad that a panick like water shortage would cause civilzed individuals to fight for it. I can see where some would fight for it. It's a shame that these same people have not prepared for a time against the storms and disasters life can present. Gargantuan

You're right and those who do possess the gift of true Charity will not only bless the lives of Singles who suffer, but their own understanding of the Pure Love of Christ will be enlarged.

That's good heads up thinking. Let's hope that our society doesn't decay that much. However, if it does happen we should pay strict heed to ther counsel of our inspired and chosen by God leaders. Eh?

The Lord is kind to us when he lets us get into positions where there is nothing left to do, but to turn to Him. —Elder Boyd K Packer If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear, October 12, 2008 Gar

Hello farmer, Your advice is well "worth a measly 2 cents . . . " and is very valuable to any who may read it. I hope, no I pray as I'm sure you and your husband have done that many are ready when disaster strikes. Years ago, when the Teton Dam broke in Idaho I helped with the clean up. That was a terrible mess. Many were ready and some were not for the destruction that fell quickly upon so many. Please encourage all to pray for those who need to be ready for what seems to coming quickly upon the world. Gar "Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped." Marvin J Ashton

Anatess, Your logic is basically sound, but it also makes good sense to have a sound and organized survival plan for wherever you may live or take shelter in case of an emergency. Water, food, medicines, clothing, and communication supplies are important elements of preparation. Having a plan of survival is good if it is coordinated in your area with other plans for survival. That is why I outlined in the Block Captain Booklet specific procedures which outlines to the Block Captains (either rural or city) a detailed procedure to follow in helping the individual families and consequently the entire block area of homes for survival. The underlying concept behind the Block Captain concept is that individual families will have a higher percentage of survival in a disaster if they are working together as the whole group rather than alone. Gar

Hello pepperann27, It’ always a personal matter as another person gets involved with dating. He or she should always date for the right reasons. The right reasons should always be unselfish. I think I know how you feel. It's a lonely road to feel rejected due to a physical disability. I remember what President Monson said once in a talk he gave at a General Conference. In his talk he was talking to a boy named "Tommy" about death, because I think one of Tommy's pets had died. He said that there would be other worlds in which to climb mountains, see blue skies, breath fresh air, hear the birds sing, and walk with a loved one. The purpose of this life is to test your faith and obedience. Regardless of the hardship of carrying a personal cross of affliction, it can be done. When you feel depressed and lonely, get your mind immediately on those things that are positive and uplifting. At first, this is hard to do, but after you keep trying and asking for God's help it will work out right. So, I say to you pepperann27, it may matter a lot to you now what others see in you. If men don't see your finer qualities, then that is their problem. Your challenge is to always show the kindness you have inside. As you continue to do this day after day, you will find that you have a great treasure inside that few possess. This is your gift from God and it will continue to grow within as you endure. It will never be lost and there will come a time when the afflictions you bear now will become great blessings to those who know you. I hope this has been of some help with your question.

You make a lot of sense to me. I think it is important to one's survival if he'll prepare where he lives and make the best of his current situation. I have always thought preparation [prevention] is worth an once of safety [cure] . Gar

That's just my way of saying that even the best of us need to ask God for help in any sincere pursuit of truth. Blessings, Gar I don't know if this will make any sense to anyone about the need to have a little faith when praying. I worked with the American Indians for two years living on Reservations. To me, many are humble people. Many that I associated with had serious personal problems. I tried to help them understand about God's love for them. Most understood Wakan Tanka's (Big Holy or God) love for them, but they just didn't understand why they were so impoverished if He loved them and why life was so hard for them to endure. Some were very bitter over the hardship of plain living. Some were not bitter even after extreme hardship. I wondered why they had such a good attitude about life. I asked why they were not bitter as others were and had encouraged them to be. A wise old Indian, who may have been a symbolic tribal chief told me that some had suffered so much that when they knew they could not endure any more they turned their hearts and thoughts to the Big Holy (Wakan Tanka) and some turned to Hoke Sheila (Jesus Christ). He said the hard times humbled the hardest and helped them see that the Great God was always near them and had always been. He said that their God only wanted them to pray for help and it would come in the way they needed it to come. The people needed to realize their blessings had arrived and then they would be blessed. Blessings, Gar

Forgiveness Quotes "God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see." —Howard W. Hunter "It is easier to forgive and to forget than to carry the burden of an offense." —Gargantuan "If we are stuck and cannot find it in our hearts to forgive, let us be willing to be willing to forgive." —Gargantuan Forgive everyone everything —Gargantuan

Keep trying to work it out, don't get discouraged for too long if you do. Keep busy physically and eat right for that'll help clear up your thinking and help you as you make decisions. Stay close to your Bishop and he'll help you work it out. Don't give up. It'll work out 4 U. Gar

Dear aj4u, Thanks for your research into the history of tithing. I'm sure there may be more to research and understand. As I read your material, I couldn't help but marvel at the eternal foresight and wisdom of God whom in his mercy has prepared the world and a Covenant People for the time of the Great Restoration and Last Dispensation. Please refer to D&C 64:23 (Tithing), 97:12,13 (Tithing), and to D&C 119:3 which says "VERILY, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion, 2 For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church. 3 And this will be the beginning of the tithing of my people. 4 And after that, those who have thus been tithing will pay one-tenth of all their interest annually. This will be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord. 5 Verily I say unto you, it will come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion will be tithing of their surplus properties, and will observe this law, or they will not be found worthy to abide among you. 6 And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it will not be a land of Zion unto you. 7 And this shall be an ensample unto all the stakes of Zion. Even so. Amen." The great prophet of this last Dispensation, Joseph Smith had revealed to him as have subsequent prophets after him the importance of paying honest tithes and offerings. It would have been more difficult for the latter-day people to accept the doctrine of sacrifice had not the Lord prepared from time to time in ages past some specific peoples who were willing to live His laws concerning sacrifice. Regards, Gar

Thank you,Gar

Pay your tithing and the help will come from the Lord after the trial of your faith. I had always been taught as a young boy that paying tithing was what I should do and that the "windows of heaven" would be opened to me to bless me in ways above measure. I had never made it a matter of prayer and consequently never really understood the principle of tithing. At one time in my life, I was in desperate need of help. It seemed like months and years had passed and I was still in need of help to pay my smallest expenses. I humbled myself and prayed for God's help. I foolishly reminded God that I had always paid my tithing and fast offerings. Many days went by and nothing happened to help me. Help finally came to me in unexpected ways. I knew it was God's blessing to me, because I had paid my tithing. Having faith in my belief has helped me through hard times and I know as it will in the future. Please be patient and the blessings will come to you as you continue to develop your Faith obeying the privilege of paying tithing. Blessings, Gar

Hello Spirit Seeker, Thank you for initiating the discussion. I'm sure it was helpful to the many who read some of it. Many times, we need to read something that can be a helpful boost to our determination to continue in life. The following statement by one of our great prophets has been helpful to me at times. Many Blessings, Gar Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Be Happy. Don't get discouraged. Things will work out. President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, June, 1995, p.12 Thank you, Gargantuan

Thank-you for the sensitivity of that kind response. Gar "Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped." Marvin J Ashton

If this is a duplicated text, I apologize for my ignorance. I'd just like to communicate the response, so that it is easily read. Many lonely hours are spent by those who are single. And, some who are married are very lonely as well. Either way, it is a similar challenge to come closer to God and find the peace He offers. I know I don't know everything, but the following quote may help someone. Please read this short quote from Elder Ashton as a humble method for handling any type of suffering we may have. Carry Your Own Cross By Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve; Taken from an edited version of a talk given 3 May 1987 at a BYU sixteen-stake fireside. "In Matthew 16:24-25, we read, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. But what kind of cross do we each bear? What is its shape, weight, size, or dimension? The crosses we may carry are many: the cross of loneliness, the cross of physical limitations-loss of a leg, an arm, hearing, seeing, or mobility. These are obvious crosses. We see people with these crosses, and we admire their strength in carrying them with dignity. Poor health can be a cross, as can transgression, success, temptation, beauty, fame, or wealth. Financial burdens can be a cross. So can be criticism or peer rejection. Count Your Blessings There is an aid, there is a strength, there is a power when we count our blessings as we labor under crosses that sometimes seem unreasonable and unfair but that can be for our good and for our strength. I bear special witness to you that carrying our crosses and following our Lord will bring strength, peace, and purpose in our quest for the abundant life. God has made this promise. Carry your crosses with strength, with purpose, and while you do, count the blessings of God's strength. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. (Hymns, 1985, no. 241.) There is a strength that comes to us when we count our blessings as we labor under crosses that may sometimes seem unreasonable and unfair, but that can be for our good. I bear witness to you that carrying our crosses and following the Savior will bring us strength, peace, and purpose in our quest for the abundant life. God has made that promise."

Carry Your Own Cross By Elder Marvin J. Ashton Of the Quorum of the Twelve; Taken from an edited version of a talk given 3 May 1987 at a BYU sixteen-stake fireside. "In Matthew 16:24–25, we read, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. But what kind of cross do we each bear? what is its shape, weight, size, or dimension? The crosses we may carry are many: the cross of loneliness, the cross of physical limitations—loss of a leg, an arm, hearing, seeing, or mobility. These are obvious crosses. We see people with these crosses, and we admire their strength in carrying them with dignity. Poor health can be a cross, as can transgression, success, temptation, beauty, fame, or wealth. Financial burdens can be a cross. So can criticism or peer rejection. Count Your Blessings There is an aid, there is a strength, there is a power when we count our blessings as we labor under crosses that sometimes seem unreasonable and unfair but that can be for our good and for our strength. I bear special witness to you that carrying our crosses and following our Lord will bring strength, peace, and purpose in our quest for the abundant life. God has made this promise. Carry your crosses with strength, with purpose, and while you do, count the blessings of God's strength. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. (Hymns, 1985, no. 241.) There is a strength that comes to us when we count our blessings as we labor under crosses that may sometimes seem unreasonable and unfair, but that can be for our good. I bear witness to you that carrying our crosses and following the Savior will bring us strength, peace, and purpose in our quest for the abundant life. God has made that promise."

Thank you for your comment. I'm new to this sort of cyber-socializing. It's obvious many can people can be influenced for good through this web site. See ya around from time to time. Gar :) "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." —Henry David Thoreau

That should've been "Gracias, mes amis. Gar

Garcias, Mes amis Gar

I was born in Stockton, California and moved to Las Vegas when I was almost nine years old. I had a large paper route and earned the recognition of being the best paper boy for the Las Vegas Sun. I loved to run, play tennis and be active. My father was a Bishop of the 4th Ward in North Las Vegas and when called to be a stake president of the Las Vegas North Stake he ran for Mayor of North Las Vegas. It was a position he held for eight years. I had dreams of running in the Olympics someday. I served a Mission to the Plains Indians in the Midwest. The story is longer and hopefully inspiring. It is posted on my Blog, Race of My Life. I'm well educated and have authored some enacted legislation. I take care of my aged mother and am grateful for each day we have to spend together. I authored a book about my life and am currently working on a revision to that book. It is my life's dream to be able to help and serve others in some way meaningful to them. I love to fish and gopher outdoor walks. It is my hope to be helpful to someone using this network.

You're definitely on the right life track. You'll have plenty of challenges in your short life time. Some of these can weaken your faith if you aren't spiritually prepared. Reading the Scriptures and praying about what enters your heart as you read will add great power and strength to your convictions.

This is a great gift (Holy Ghost) you have. Please continue to treasure it and you'll gain increased understanding, day by day. Gar "Next to life itself, the power [Holy Ghost increasing your understanding] to choose is your greatest gift." —Dr. Steven R. Covey

Please ponder some of the good experiences you've had with Church Members or a time when you felt a closeness to God. It’s almost too easy or mundane to urge another person to pray about something they may have no desire to pray about. Please try it. But, first please read about times when some of your greatest heroes prayed and how prayer helped them. This could be anyone and if you'd like maybe Joseph Smith. Please just ask God to help you with your unbelief and as you study and continue to pray, He'll give you an answer. Please ask Him to help you recognize that special answer that only you will be able to recognize. Please believe that God loves you enough to hear your humble words and you'll get it. Please try it. Next, is a dictionary definition of prayer and its importance. After you read this please read from the Book of Mormon or any scripture concerning prayer. I don't want to sound like I'm trying to preach to you. Please forgive me for my lack of good wording, but my intent is sincere for you to come to a good personal understanding. Your answers may come to you after a special trial of your faith. As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7*11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. [bible Dictionary, s.v. "prayer," 752*53] We pray in Christ's name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ--when his words abide in us (John 15:7). We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ's name at all; they in no way represent his mind, but spring out of the selfishness of man's heart. [bible Dictionary, s.v. "prayer," 753] James 1:5, It works. Gar