mordorbund

Gilt
 
Highlight to read it.

While Mormon teaching doesn't really delve into the idea of the Book of Mormon as a testament in the sense of being a covenant, the notion does have support in our scripture in the form of Doctrine and Covenants 84:57:
 

I like Mitt a lot and think he could run a powerful "I-told-you-so" campaign, especially with regard to foreign policy. 
 
That said, I'm not impressed by the whispering campaign he seems to have been running these past six months--the "I won't run" "I won't run" "No, really--I won't run" "Well, I suppose it'll depend on who else runs" "I won't run if Jeb Bush runs" "It looks like Jeb Bush is running, but what the heck--I'll run anyways!" routine makes Romney look indecisive and disingenuous.

Hi Ruthiesmom -
 
I can understand being thrown for a loop by some of the newer stuff that's out there.  That said, I do think there's good scholarly evidence out there that leaves room for belief.  Given the way the Church has traditionally told its story, there may be some preconceptions you'll have to leave behind--but be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater.  What factors led you to have a "testimony"?  Have those specific factors really changed?
 
Generally speaking:  Fairlds.org is a good apologetics site; so is JeffLindsay.com.  Joseph Smith's polygamy is covered in-depth by Brian Hales' website at josephsmithpolygamy.org.  FARMS/Maxwell Institute has some good info; so does MormonInterpreter.com.  Lots of folks here will also be happy to discuss your concerns, with the caveat that you'll probably see a better response if you open a new thread specifically dealing with each concern as opposed to simply creating a "laundry list thread" and continually shifting from one concern to the next (makes it easier to stay on topic).  :)
 
Pres. Uchtdorf's advice to "doubt your doubts" also has some merit.  Be sure to ask critical questions of those who are asking critical questions.  For example:
1.  Why is it so much worse if Joseph Smith translated most of the Book of Mormon through one magic rock (the Chase seer stone) as opposed to two magic rocks (Urim and Thummim)?
2.  Why would Smith bother to develop an Egyptian Grammar/Alphabet at all, if he knew it would be useless in translating any other Egyptian texts that might fall into his hands and might actually be used by his associates to constrain or undermine any future translations he might produce?
3.  Why did some of Joseph Smith's most bitter detractors nevertheless maintain that Fanny Alger was, in fact, sealed to Joseph Smith?
4.  If William McLellin's report was correct that everyone--or even a critical mass of attendees--was smashed at the Kirtland (not Nauvoo) Temple dedication, then why did McLellin--by his own account--try to conceal the visibly drunk Samuel Smith from the view of the rest of the congregation?
5.  Mormonism has a reasonably coherent theological rationale for why requests for some miracles--even when made via priesthood blessings--can go unanswered.  Can atheism produce any secular rationale for the miracles that do happen, other than the same "frenzied mind" "anyone-who-disagrees-with-me-is-mentally-ill" psychobabble that Korihor was spouting two millennia ago?
 
Anyhow . . . by all means, study it out; but remember that nobody discusses Mormonism without bias.  Those who claim to, are lying.  Be willing to admit what you don't know, and beware of anyone--inside or outside of Mormonism--who claims to have easy, pat answers for anything. 
 
And, don't buy into the idea that you Must Do Something Right Now.  You've lived the lifestyle.  It's not a bad one.  Your kids aren't being secretly introduced to cocaine, or groomed to participate in someone's harem.  Nothing's going to happen with your kids inside of Mormonism for the next few months--or even years, if that's what it takes--that won't be substantially reversible if you ultimately decide your conscience requires you to leave.  Take your time, do your research, fast, study, pray, and when you feel ready--make a decision and stick with it.

Most of my experience with counsels has been as an observing and recording clerk for many years at the ward and stake levels rather than as a major participant. I haven't really thought of how earthly and heavenly counsels might be different, but when I think about it now, I'm not sure if they would be very different - I suspect that both types of counsels would involve groups of people drawing on their wisdom and experience, trying to work out to best achieve a desired outcome within the broader framework of the Plan of Salvation. 

The short answer is that receiving counsel from (being guided) does not equate to counselling together (trying to come up with solutions).
 
The Lord counsels us all the time. It means He's guiding us. It doesn't mean He doesn't know the beginning from the end.

I confess ... I really enjoy seeing others' flaws and failures.
 
I confess ... I'm following this thread very closely.

Um...did they change it then since my last one? 'Cause they sure asked me that.

I thought that was Neurotypical. Now I'm all confused.

Just got back from the third Hobbit movie. Three movies were one too many, and the battle scenes were comically overdone (as usual for a Peter Jackson film). But not a bad movie by any means.

Body cameras are great. Escalations are reduced because both parties know they're being recorded, so it puts all parties on better behavior (and reduces false positives).
 
Of course, departments that use them need to figure how long will they store recordings (storage isn't free after all), and courts need to find the balance between making this data available to the public (for oversight reasons) while respecting the privacy of those involved (imagine someone requesting a weeks worth of video just so she can post it on youtube).

I agree the course would benefit from law enforcement representation. I think what's getting addressed right now is that Black Lives Matter feels that the system is slanted against them. The HS training is to remind them that the police are only one part of that system, and locally, the legal system has their back (it is hosted by the NYCLU). When some trust is regained LEO can come in and show a few examples from their perspective ("is this person armed? are you sure?" "is there a lethal weapon in this scene? take a look at my hip.").
 
Tasers and partners are what came to my mind in watching the second video. The second scenario could have been non-lethal if a taser was employed, but you would need a partner with a gun in case he was armed.

I'm certainly sympathetic to African-Americans' distrust of the police, especially having just seen To Kill a Mockingbird.  
 
I think body cameras can be a big part of the solution.  I'm thinking of using one at my next family reunion, actually.

I agree the course would benefit from law enforcement representation. I think what's getting addressed right now is that Black Lives Matter feels that the system is slanted against them. The HS training is to remind them that the police are only one part of that system, and locally, the legal system has their back (it is hosted by the NYCLU). When some trust is regained LEO can come in and show a few examples from their perspective ("is this person armed? are you sure?" "is there a lethal weapon in this scene? take a look at my hip.").
 
Tasers and partners are what came to my mind in watching the second video. The second scenario could have been non-lethal if a taser was employed, but you would need a partner with a gun in case he was armed.

You can go to the bishop, but you can also go to the Relief Society president and tell her you want to be a visiting teacher. Then serve your sisters. Get to know your VT companion well and befriend her (whether she joins you in visits or not).

I would think the high school course would be much better if cops were actually there to give some of the presentation themselves.
 
The second link is oustanding.  I've noticed cops putting on "citizen police academy" training for interested citizens.  I attended my local small-town cop's academy.  3 hours every Tuesday for 6 weeks.  Fascinating stuff.  I became a firm supporter of tasers after volunteering for a demonstration and taking a 4 second hit. (Hint - when they ask you how much of a hit you want, DON'T say 4 seconds.  Go with 2 :)).

Perhaps additional funding should be spent - not on police forces, but on civilians. That way we know how to stand our ground without escalating the situation.
 
Some examples in play:
 
New High School Course: How to Deal With Cops
Arizona Activist Undergoes Use of Force Scenarios

By not being as active as you could, you are kind of advertising that you have neither the time nor the inclination for a calling. Most callings take some sort of time commitment. I would suggest you reactivate yourself and become more involved. As anatess suggested in her excellent post, you can volunteer for something or ask your bishop for a calling--letting him know what sort of calling you are willing and able to do.
 
I hope you read this post in the kindness it is meant and it does not sound too accusatory. I tried to be careful in my wording, Wishing you the best. :)

In a way, they already have.

Just the way the British folks do.

Wilford Woodruff received angelic visitation directing him to perform temple work for the founding fathers and the dead presidents.
 
He also received a revelation that clarified that children should be sealed to their parents and not necessarily prophets or apostles.
 
Lorenzo Snow received a revelation from the mouth of the Savior to re-organize the First Presidency without delay. The 12 confirmed that it was the will of the Lord before he brought it up.
 
And for an example in the day-to-day affairs, I'll just leave this here:
 

The difference is on whether an activity can or would be distracting, within reason, to yourself and others. I think it largely depends on the individual. doodling to me wouldn't be, phone games certainly would be. Staring would be conductive to day dreaming, which would also be distracting. Same thing can go for notes, if you are so busy taking notes that it distracts from feeling the spirit...don't do it. Is reading scriptures in the middle of a meeting bad if it distracts you or others from the speaker? 
I don't think it's cut and dry yes or no.
Generally as a rule of thumb, if someone can do this and respond in a thoughtful manner to the instructor during a meeting, I personally see no problem with it. (Yes there are potential exceptions to a rule of thumb...like sleeping)
 

The lace covers on temple alters are hand knit - generally using the 'tatting' method. I think that reverent.  
 
I didn't read all of the 163 responses on this thread, but of what I read I didn't see anyone actually say it would be okay to knit in church. My responses may have been favorable to the notion that knitting is meditative, but I never said it is acceptable behavior in church. I am in agreement with more reverence in the chapel and class. I grew up Catholic and am generally frustrated by the lack of reverence in our chapels.

And are certain forms of knitting irreverent?  What would happen if someone brought 100 pounds of steel wool to church and started to knit a stove?

More accurately, that He was not jaded to the temptations the way one who has indulged them may be.