RanMan

Speaking as one of several LDS that participated in a religious debate forum that came over here to escape the conflict and hatred that results from it, I would advise to avoid it. It may start out as a need to educate or defend our doctrines, but I think it too easily draws a person into conflict and leaves them feeling the incredible negativity that goes with it. Those who I have seen most successfully seen participate and not get dragged into the pit participate infrequently. Although I would counsel against any participation at all. :)

Welcome. This is a good place to reach out and not feel alone. Participate in a couple of threads and see what that does for you. :)

Welcome to the forum. :)

welcome. I enjoyed the experiences you shared with us. :)

Hi. I write too. What do you write? :)

Welcome to the forum. Hope you like it here. Would you mind sharing what Stake you are in in Phoenix. I am in Phx North Stake. I might know someone in your area. Goth. Left. Single. Those do stand out a little. Still, I have good friends that share those qualities with you, I hope your ward will have the sense to ignore the differences and embrace a brother in Christ. :)

I can't quite say hourly, because I'm a sleep for several of those. And, of course, during that time I'm pretty well behaved. :)

Happy birthday!!!

I'm not surprised that Russell didn't win. It is true that he was clever and found the immunity idols. He masterfully manipulated the situation - after all, look who dominated the end game, the tribe that lost probably the most elimination challenges of any season. Still, the game is outwit (which Russell did), outlast (which Russell did), and out play. I don't think Russell outplayed the others. Part of the game is making sure your actions will win the votes of the people that you help oust. An arrogant attitude is not outplaying your competition. Not that Natalie outplayed Russell, but Russell outplayed himself in as much as he generated negative reaction during the money decision part of the competition. Still, it was a fun season. What parts of it I saw. :)

That's good. I see we think alike. :)

Well along this line of thought, let me ask thekabalist a question. Would the kind of understanding you are applying to these readings of the Book of Mormon be something that less diligent members of the Jewish community have problems understanding? For example, in chapter 9 you discuss the word plates, which can be understood as calender, being used 12 times and that would have an underlying significance. Is it possible that this sort of understanding of scripture would be beyond Laman and Lemuel? :)

When I was single I did not make the bed. However, my wife is insistent that it get made, even when we stay at a hotel. So, for her, I make the bed when I get the chance. :)

I missed the last episode. I'm guessing Shambo is out. Who is left? :)

Does my mind count? :)

I will have to disagree with you here. In order to obtain the highest level of the Celestial Kingdom, an eternal marriage is required. And you can't get much spiritual in your goals than obtaining exhaltation. Not only is God not saying "I will let this relationship continue" in this matter, He is in fact saying that He expects us to marry so that we can fill out our full potential. Or a shorter view of the matter would be - Families is what it's all about. :)

Ditto. :)

I think it is possible women who lived worthily and were unable, through no fault of their own, to gain a worthy husband, will be given the chance for a husband. In that case, during the millenium, I think it would be possible to do proxy work to make this happen. Although, I don't have any scriptures in mind that would verify that. :)

Is that the arrival of the Lord here, or your arrival where the Lord is at? :)

Good music leads you toward enlightenment, bad music leads you away. While it might not keep you out by itself, it makes it harder to do what you need to to gain exaltation. :)

I think the statistics that are significant in this situation, is not how fast the Church is growing, but that it is still growing when many of the rest of the Christian churches are showing a decline in membership. I believe that I have heard that activity rates are usually around 45% and that is a number that is consistent for most Christian denominations, not just ours. So, 45% of 13.8 million is more than 45% of 12.5 million (duh). We have growth and that is good. :)

I think we may see the definate signs of the second coming within 15 years. That would be the war of armegeddon and other such signs. :)

I'm picturing Mike Meyers doing a scottish accent. Maybe "So I married an axe murder." :)

"I'm not kidding and stop calling me Shirley." :)

Exactly. I saw it with my oldest son and about every five minutes I'd turn to him and say "I love this movie" or "This movie is awesome."

I think this symbolism is beautiful. A bright foundation built on the word of the Lord. Awesome. :)