MaidservantX

"Successful people build good relationships. They're sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. They're considerate and respectful. They have a way of bringing out the best in other people." Hal Urban Relationships are my greatest weakness. You know any or all of those personality categorization theories -- melancholy/ sanguine/etc, or blue/red/yellow/white, or, or? Well, I didn't get any bone in my body that causes me to relate naturally to other human beings. It's completely missing. As I was telling my mum last night, I see every body and everything through the lens of "me". I warned my employer that I always think in terms of the things that needed to get done and I was perfectly capable of forgetting I was dealing with people as I went along; I told him I wanted to accept correction from him on the matter if I crossed the line ever in that area. I embarked some time ago, of course, on a journey of trying to learn better. To try to stop talking about myself, and instead ask others about themselves -- for one example. I have a long way to go, but I'm thankful for the gospel and for the example of my Savior so that I can have hope that I can be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend. What have you learned when it comes to defining life success as "good relationships"?

I usually think of it like this: the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus. No more, no less. Revelation 19:10.

The presentation in Genesis is not a historical presentation and was never meant to be. That said, it will align perfectly with what history is (eventually) discovered or revealed to have been in ancient times. I, as well, have been thinking about the things you bring up, tomk. It is interesting the places my mind has been going with it. I have no conclusions. I need more information. :)

THANK YOU! HiJolly for the OP. NICE! BTW, tomk and hemi, could you do some (private) emailing about that book and its contents . . . so that this thread can remain on topic? Thanks. :)

Do you mean the idea of gathering the elect from the four quarters of the earth? That is a cool tie-in. Which is even cooler when you go on to read further in Alma 16. So basically there is a story in the beginning of chapter 16 about going and rescuing others from a physical battle. Then the rest of the chapter describes the great gathering, missionary, and rescuing work that Alma and his colleagues are doing continually. Even in verse 21 we end with a battle image: "having got the victory over the devil".

Nice to meet you.

Welcome to the site. I have a feeling that we will enjoy your voice here a great deal on the site. Hope you feel like blogging!

Welcome. :)

Nice to meet you. Join us in chat. :)

Hi. :)

Nice to meet you, Lucy. You can join us in the chatroom here, we'd love to have you. Also, there are online missionaries somewhere on Mormon.org. There is also a way to find the closest place for you to attend church online, I think also somewhere on Mormon.org. Sigh, love how exact I am? (Sorry!) God bless and see you around. :)

Number Three. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by the living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. God has called prophets in the latter-day just as he did of old. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by the living prophet, President Thomas S. Monson (16th President of the Church [counting Joseph Smith as the 1st]). At the twice a year General Conference that is held, members of the Church raise their hands to sustain their prophet. Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The living prophet teaches us what Jesus Christ would have us know and do in the current time we live in. Members of the Church believe that following the counsel of the prophet will keep us spiritually and temporally safe from the Adversary, help us in the challenges we face in this mortal world, and lead us in returning home to live with our Father in heaven. *** Joseph Smith - Home Joseph Smith—History 1 LDS.org - Ensign Article - Safety in Counsel LDS.org - Ensign Article - Heeding the Voice of the Prophets The following two links are the talks President Monson gave at the most recent General Conference. It will give you an idea of how the church is being instructed at the present day: Looking Back and Moving Forward LDS.org - Ensign Article - Abundantly Blessed Links to learn more about President Thomas S. Monson: President Thomas S. Monson LDS Newsroom - President Thomas S. Monson LDS.org - Ensign Article - Maintaining the Course A little bit of President Monson bio published in 1994 Ensign LDS.org - Ensign Article - President Thomas S. Monson: Finishing the Course, Keeping the Faith A list of all of the latter-day prophets/ presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and their witness of Jesus Christ. LDS.org - Ensign Article - He Lives! The Witness of Latter-day Prophets go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Library, Gospel Topics, A-Z Index, ‘P’, Prophets *** Article of Faith 5 “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” Article of Faith 9 “We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Alma 12:28-30 “And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them; Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works.” Moroni 7:20-32 “And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing? . . . God knowing all things . . . he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come. And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ . . . Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name . . . Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men? For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him . . . my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him. And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.” Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servant the prophets.” Exodus 33:11 “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” 1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets . . .” Ephesians 2:19-20 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” Matthew 16:15-19 “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered . . . my Father which is in heaven [has revealed it unto thee] . . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Doctrine & Covenants 84:36 “For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;” Doctrine & Covenants 21:1-6 “Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ . . . which church was organized and established in [April 6, 1830]. Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good and his name’s glory.”

This gentleman is awesome. I love the spirit on his site. Plus, he is teaching from the Journal of Discourses, which most of us don't get to read, and we hear a lot of JofD from detractors. Life On Gold Plates

Links for help in teaching children about Procreation and Chastity Home & Family- Teaching about Procreation and Chastity

Home & Family- Building a Strong Family

lds.org has a webpage full of suggestions for family activities for a variety of purposes. Home & Family- Activities

Iggy, thanks for sharing that. That was probably very hard. I am sending supporting thoughts for you that you will find spiritual courage to find your way through this time of learning for you. :)

Rameumptom, could you clarify who Kathryn Danes is, and the source of that quote? Thanks. :) :) When you say, 'it' what are you referring to? The methods of Joseph Smith's translation? The fact that details of the methods of translation have in the past not been plainly referred to in Sunday School? Or . . .? If 'it' is either of those two items, I can respect that it matters to you, YellowLight; and I hope that you can respect that neither of those two things matters to me in terms of my spiritual progression and my choice to be a member of Jesus Christ's church. God is a God of a lot of things . . . :) You are framing the information you are learning about now as "contradictions". That's a frame not a reality. My frame for the same information is that they are "interesting details" or "in-depth details" or "clarifying details". Both of our frames are valid in that we can choose our own frames for all types of information and knowledge (not just religious or spiritual). You sound like you are a person to whom evidence is important. I respect that. Evidence is not how I enjoy gaining knowledge in the main. I trust personal experience, my own and others. I never check for evidence and I don't trust evidence. I always check for experience; evidence is nice, but not the crux. Again -- your way is valid in general; my way is valid in general (for any arena of knowledge). We're just different. It is interesting that you mention a conversation with Joseph Smith. For me I always think of my belief in his report that the Father and the Son appeared to him as a conversation that Joseph Smith could have had with me. We (Joseph Smith and I) would be friends, and he would tell me about his experience, and I would believe him. I'm describing myself only with this. (My commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and my belief in Jesus Christ as taught by latter day prophets is not based on a singular, spiritual witness, btw.) How can we know if something is right? The scriptures teach us how. I hope you enjoy :) seeking for and applying that knowledge. I have a relationship with my Father in heaven. I try to do what I believe he wants me to do. Joseph Smith, the prophet, my bishop -- no one is between me and my Father and his Son, my Savior. It's a direct relationship, a direct communication, and my lessons are directly from my Father. Upon occasion I forward the question to Him -- "Do you still want me to be in this church?" He usually grins and winks. In any case, I just know I wouldn't enjoy any other religious discipline or pathway other than the one presented in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I experience this Church as a feast, and when I look at other possibilties, the tables look a little bare. I believe Joseph Smith's claims; I believe the Savior's promises. But that's me.:) I honor everyone else's journey of where they are at, including any church they want to be a part of. I have learned as a matter of human relations principle never (or rarely) to tell another human being that they are wrong. It's simply not my place. God is actively teaching them too. I wish you God's blessing, YellowLight, in coming to terms as to how you want to conduct your life to reach your full potential and to obtain the greatest joy. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of that journey for a short period. :)

You can read the account here of a battle experience the Nephite nation was faced with (concentrating on verses 3 through 8): Alma 16 I found in these passages an interesting metaphor. Verse 5: " . . . go into the wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been taken captive . ." Are our brothers and sisters held captive in the wilderness? Yes. We know many children of God in our own lives and in our society in general that are held bound by the chains of the adversary. The feeling in our heart is to be one of fervently desiring to rescue and release them, and act upon it hastily and decisively. Who is captive? The favorite and familiar scripture comes to mind: Matthew 25:35-40 "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me . . . And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." One great captivity that our nation and our world is carried away in is the epidemic of addiction. I hear the lamentation of addiction and its fruits in Isaiah 1:5-7 "Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Your country is desolate . . ." (Later in that chapter, the healing is presented.) Our Savior Jesus Christ came to this earth to bring life, not condemnation. (John 3:16-17). As his servants, our opportunity is the same: to meet our captive brethren and sisters with life and not condemnation. The metaphor in Alma 16 also offers some insights as to how we might begin this work. You can determine what these things mean to you. v5 "knowing that Alma was high priest over the church, and having heard that he had the spirit of prophecy, therefore they went unto him and desired of him to know whither the Lord would that they should go into the wilderness in search of their brethren who had been taken captive" v6 "Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the matter" v6 "there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken captive" v7 "Zoram and his sons crossed over the river . . . with their armies, and marched away beyond the borders" v8 "[captors] were scattered and driven into the wilderness" v8 "there was not one soul of them had been lost that were taken captive" v8 "they were brought by their brethren to possess their own lands" I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Welcome, Ferris. If your first thread is going to be typical of what you have to offer the board, then I look forward to your contributions! See you around. :)

One of the ordinance rooms in the Snowflake, Arizona Temple has a huge mural.

I like many verses in Isaiah 54, centered on verse 10: "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." I like 1 Nephi 11:17 -- has been a bit of a mantra when needed. "I know that he [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." I love much that is in Moses 6 and 7 (the Pearl of Great Price). I love the joy that is in this verse Moses 7:63: "And the Lord said unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other;" I love this triumph in Doctrine and Covenants, several verses at the end of section 128, starting with 19: "Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth . . . glad tidings of great joy . . . Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them! And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings . . . Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfillment of the prophets . . . shall we not go on in so great a cause? . . . Courage . . . Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing . . . anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel . . . the prisoners shall go free. Let the mountains shout for joy . . . tell the wonders of your Eternal King!" For the New Testament, I think the one in Romans that Listener and Hiz quoted was really strong for me several years back -- healed me. :)

I always like learning about ancient civilizations. However, I'm not sure what part of the information in this article is supportive of the (alleged) factual background of the Book of Mormon stories. Perhaps simply that sea travel always has been an option available to ancient migrating groups? Perhaps that animals we don't see today (that elephant) did nevertheless exist in the recent past? Okay, I can see the support a little. However -- the timeline presented in this particular article misses the Book of Mormon chronology by a long mile. :) Thanks for starting a great conversation though. (BTW, the Book of Mormon is true! )

The Curitiba (Brazil) Temple is having its Open House this month. On the lds.org Newsroom there is a nice article as well as pictures of the exterior and interior of the temple. Beautiful, and I thought of interest to many here on the board. LDS Newsroom - Strength of Church in Brazil Celebrated as Curitiba Temple Opens Doors to Public

lds.org has a page all about Family Home Evening and assistance and ideas for it. There is even video content. Family Home Evening