classylady

We have over ten BaoFeng radios in the house.  They’re relatively inexpensive and not too difficult to program by computer and cable. Of course these are for VHF/UHF, which is mostly local. If your area has linked repeaters you will be able reach greater distances. The more you use your radio the more you learn. You’ll want an HF radio for long distances. Antennas make a big difference. A directional yagi antenna will get you greater distance with lower power, but is directional.

Look at Hamstudy.org. It is a good resource for what you need to study for the exam. At least here in the U.S.  Morse code is no longer required for the exams. But, it is a hobby within the hobby of ham operators. Back when I was a teenager, and Morse code was required, I would listen to my brother transmit and receive. I tried learning it, but didn’t stick with it. I’m thinking if I ever have the time, I’d like to learn code.

So, this may be terribly condescending on my end, but . . .
There is a staggering number of people out there whose brains just don’t work right.
It may be due to chemical addiction, or trauma in the early phases of childhood development, or bad culture, or bad genetics, or a bunch of other things.  But this is just how their brains (don’t) function, and they go through life from one train wreck to the next because certain things just don’t “click”; and the ability of therapeutic/chemical/surgical interventions to correct those kinds of cognitive errors is limited.
I was at a seminar a couple years ago that made this point in a much more delicate way, with something called The Brain Architecture Game.  At the time I was defending indigent parents whose children were in DCFS custody, and my takeaway (which maybe wasn’t what its creators intended) was:  your ability to fix these people is somewhat limited; so don’t knock yourself out trying.  If you can show kindness, and find a meaningful way to help the next generation be a little less dysfunctional than the last one, you’re doing the Lord’s work.
There’s more wisdom in the saying that “the poor you have with you always” than most of us are willing to admit.  

I think of gospel and doctrine as pretty much the same thing. I probably haven’t given it a lot of thought. And, it doesn’t overly concern me. 
 
For me, I think about one of the rawest of emotions: grief. For many, the death of a true loved one is heart wrenching. That’s when the basic fundamental questions are often asked. Where do I come from? Why am I here? Where do I go after death? And, many people in the world wonder, is there a heaven? Is there a God?
And, what knowledge do we have as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? We know the answers to those questions. Answers, that we often take for granted. Answers that a young child who has been brought up in the church knows. It is the gospel of good news! Most in the world do not have the answers to these questions. At least not as thoroughly as we do. So, the death of a loved one is almost more than they can bear. It is still difficult for members, too, for we too grieve and mourn, but we have a knowledge that is a wonderful blessing. It helps to know that our loved one is on the other side of the veil. We know we will see them again. And, we have hope in the atonement and in the resurrection. We know who our Heavenly Father is. We are His spiritual children. We know who Christ is. He is our elder brother and our redeemer.
For those who have searched for those answers, and then was taught them: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 52:7.  What greater blessing is there than to know the gospel of Jesus Christ and living those principles and obtaining the ordinances in order to receive exaltation? I am so blessed! My testimony is what has brought peace through some nearly unbearable  times in my life. And, honestly, I have a hard time understanding how someone who has had this knowledge can throw it away and leave the church. I love the gospel. I love the “good news.” 

Thanks everyone for your input. It has been very helpful.  My husband and I are trying to prepare a Family Home Evening lesson that we will personally teach to our children and grandchildren.  We want to incorporate actual spiritual experiences we have had, or our ancestors have had. We are trying to get across the blessing of knowing where we came from (who we are), why we are here, and where we go after death. I’m trying to decide if my grandmother’s experience might be too controversial. Yet, it is very profound. Some of the experiences I will be sharing are experiences we, my husband and I, and our ancestors have had as to help from the other side of the veil. These are experiences that I feel very strongly need to be shared with my posterity. They are sacred. And, I feel there is a purpose to them and it can help strengthen their testimonies. I want them to know we are watched over, and at times help is given us. But, there are also times when the Lord stays his hand. And I also want them to know the adversary is real, and we can command an evil spirit to leave our presence. I’m just wondering how much I should share, or even really go there. I’m still praying for inspiration.
Last night as I was sorting through some family history papers, I know I was led to a very specific experience my husband’s grandmother had after the death of her husband. My mind keeps flooding with events I remember being told about as a child. Some of the experiences are recorded. Others are not, such as my grandmother’s experience with commanding an evil presence to depart. My mother told me that one, and as I’ve talked to a few other extended family members, they remember being told it too, but some had forgotten until I brought it up. It needs to be recorded. 

I was questioning this idea of even doing a Family Home Evening for the kids and grandchildren. Is this inspired? Or is it just my wishful thinking that my husband and I can help influence the kids and grandchildren. Some are really struggling with their testimonies. But, after finding that experience on my husband’s grandmother, I feel I’m being led. There is no stupor of thought here. 
 
There is so much evil out there. My desire is for them to have rock-solid testimonies. For some, I’m afraid it may already be too late. Hopefully, something we say will get through to them. There is always hope. And, we will never give up. I have a 15 year old granddaughter who is already questioning her sexuality. She’s a baby! Why does she need to worry about this at her age? Kids are bombarded at such a young age with this, and made to think they need to choose. Im so tired of all this worry for my family. I’m looking forward to the Second Coming. 

Thanks everyone for your input. It has been very helpful.  My husband and I are trying to prepare a Family Home Evening lesson that we will personally teach to our children and grandchildren.  We want to incorporate actual spiritual experiences we have had, or our ancestors have had. We are trying to get across the blessing of knowing where we came from (who we are), why we are here, and where we go after death. I’m trying to decide if my grandmother’s experience might be too controversial. Yet, it is very profound. Some of the experiences I will be sharing are experiences we, my husband and I, and our ancestors have had as to help from the other side of the veil. These are experiences that I feel very strongly need to be shared with my posterity. They are sacred. And, I feel there is a purpose to them and it can help strengthen their testimonies. I want them to know we are watched over, and at times help is given us. But, there are also times when the Lord stays his hand. And I also want them to know the adversary is real, and we can command an evil spirit to leave our presence. I’m just wondering how much I should share, or even really go there. I’m still praying for inspiration.
Last night as I was sorting through some family history papers, I know I was led to a very specific experience my husband’s grandmother had after the death of her husband. My mind keeps flooding with events I remember being told about as a child. Some of the experiences are recorded. Others are not, such as my grandmother’s experience with commanding an evil presence to depart. My mother told me that one, and as I’ve talked to a few other extended family members, they remember being told it too, but some had forgotten until I brought it up. It needs to be recorded. 

I was questioning this idea of even doing a Family Home Evening for the kids and grandchildren. Is this inspired? Or is it just my wishful thinking that my husband and I can help influence the kids and grandchildren. Some are really struggling with their testimonies. But, after finding that experience on my husband’s grandmother, I feel I’m being led. There is no stupor of thought here. 
 
There is so much evil out there. My desire is for them to have rock-solid testimonies. For some, I’m afraid it may already be too late. Hopefully, something we say will get through to them. There is always hope. And, we will never give up. I have a 15 year old granddaughter who is already questioning her sexuality. She’s a baby! Why does she need to worry about this at her age? Kids are bombarded at such a young age with this, and made to think they need to choose. Im so tired of all this worry for my family. I’m looking forward to the Second Coming. 

Thanks everyone for your input. It has been very helpful.  My husband and I are trying to prepare a Family Home Evening lesson that we will personally teach to our children and grandchildren.  We want to incorporate actual spiritual experiences we have had, or our ancestors have had. We are trying to get across the blessing of knowing where we came from (who we are), why we are here, and where we go after death. I’m trying to decide if my grandmother’s experience might be too controversial. Yet, it is very profound. Some of the experiences I will be sharing are experiences we, my husband and I, and our ancestors have had as to help from the other side of the veil. These are experiences that I feel very strongly need to be shared with my posterity. They are sacred. And, I feel there is a purpose to them and it can help strengthen their testimonies. I want them to know we are watched over, and at times help is given us. But, there are also times when the Lord stays his hand. And I also want them to know the adversary is real, and we can command an evil spirit to leave our presence. I’m just wondering how much I should share, or even really go there. I’m still praying for inspiration.
Last night as I was sorting through some family history papers, I know I was led to a very specific experience my husband’s grandmother had after the death of her husband. My mind keeps flooding with events I remember being told about as a child. Some of the experiences are recorded. Others are not, such as my grandmother’s experience with commanding an evil presence to depart. My mother told me that one, and as I’ve talked to a few other extended family members, they remember being told it too, but some had forgotten until I brought it up. It needs to be recorded. 

I was questioning this idea of even doing a Family Home Evening for the kids and grandchildren. Is this inspired? Or is it just my wishful thinking that my husband and I can help influence the kids and grandchildren. Some are really struggling with their testimonies. But, after finding that experience on my husband’s grandmother, I feel I’m being led. There is no stupor of thought here. 
 
There is so much evil out there. My desire is for them to have rock-solid testimonies. For some, I’m afraid it may already be too late. Hopefully, something we say will get through to them. There is always hope. And, we will never give up. I have a 15 year old granddaughter who is already questioning her sexuality. She’s a baby! Why does she need to worry about this at her age? Kids are bombarded at such a young age with this, and made to think they need to choose. Im so tired of all this worry for my family. I’m looking forward to the Second Coming. 

Here's a summary of all that has been already said:
The quote that Mordor provided has some insight into what happened, and what is allowed.  As Jane said, casting out devils is a matter of faith in Christ, not necessarily the Priesthood alone.
I have wondered, what is the difference between having the gift of healing per the gifts of the Spirit, vs the power to heal through the Priesthood.  There may be a difference in form.  But what is the difference in function/power?  I'm not sure there is any.
At some point (I'm sorry I don't have the reference) the Brethren decided that the fact that many people asked the question you did also opened the door to people thinking that women held the priesthood.  While (as Vort said) women can hold the priesthood through their husbands, I believe it is more vicarious than by investiture or extension.  So, they were discouraged from using the same forms (arm in the square and laying on of hands).  Obviously there are some exceptions to this.  But there is a reason why it is restricted.
So, in the end, no there was nothing wrong with what she did.  But the impression you got from it was exactly why it has been discouraged in later generations.

Depends on what you consider doctrine and what era (I know this is a vague answer, but unfortunately, many things change and so a straight answer is hard to give).
Up until at least around the mid 1970s, the answer to your question would be yes.  She did.
This was somewhat inferred by Joseph Smith but later reinforced by Brigham Young.  The teaching was that woman could exercise their husband's priesthood in the absence of their husband, as they were one in sealing under the order of the Lord and thus under the Patriarchal and Celestial orders of the Priesthood.
We see examples of this in Church history (mostly with them doing healing, but occasionally in other matters), with the most famous being Joseph F. Smith witnessing his mother exercising this at times in his youth.
Today, this is no longer taught.  It is no longer mentioned.  In that light, if we go by modern Church resources, it is a much harder question to answer.  If we go off what we can normally read, it is generally inferred that these things are not performed by woman and thus any priesthood actions such as the blessing of the sick need to be done by the Elders of the Church or those who are of the male gender (and it should be noted that previously, it was normally okay for woman to utilize the priesthood, normally only in the absence of their husband, though they could also aid in a priesthood blessing if there was no other to assist in the home, for example).  My guess is that in the modern day church, that the general feeling is that this is not done, and only the men who have had the priesthood granted to them are the ones to do any of these things.
However, there is not a lot of guidance for or against a woman doing this, but the lack of instruction of teachings on it seem to infer to me that generally woman do not perform any priesthood functions for any reason in the  Church.
A recent talk by the Prophet has tossed some mystery on this though.  In this, he inferred that the priesthood was not actually how it has been taught, thought, or instructed as in the past.  There is no need for it to be passed on by the laying on of hands for many things, and thus EVERYONE has the priesthood who is a faithful member, including woman.  However, he did not really elaborate what that means regarding what woman can do exactly with the priesthood that they supposedly have.  It has been inferred later that woman have priesthood authority over their church positions, and if we see being a mother or wife as an official position in the church, that would infer that they have priesthood authority to do whatever they want in the Home...BUT (and this is a BIG BUT) that is really an unknown and has not really be specified.
In addition, the latter inference from the talks are actually directly countering talks that were given regarding the priesthood and how it operates all the way up until at least 2012, which can be confusing to many.  As per many of those talks, only men have the actual priesthood in the formal sense of church ordinances, blessings, keys, and powers.  This means, it is unclear in our present day church what the priesthood allows woman to do or not to do in the current church doctrine except with the idea that woman in leadership positions (such as Relief society President) can have some authority under the priesthood and as such the power to utilize their own preisthood (as per Nelson and other speakers after his historic talk a few years ago).
That said, when threatened by such as you describe, I think any Saint can call on the Name of the Lord to ask for help and to try to cast such a thing out from the home.

No reason she couldn't do it if she had enough faith. The priesthood is not always necessary to overcome the adversary and his followers. God would not leave one of His daughters subject to torment and/or fear just because she does not hold the priesthood.
"Although the devil laughs, his power is limited. Some may remember the old adage: 'The devil made me do it.' Today I want to convey, in absolutely certain terms, that the adversary cannot make us do anything. He does lie at our door, as the scriptures say, and he follows us each day. Every time we go out, every decision we make, we are either choosing to move in his direction or in the direction of our Savior. But the adversary must depart if we tell him to depart. He cannot influence us unless we allow him to do so, and he knows that! The only time he can affect our minds and bodies—our very spirits—is when we allow him to do so. In other words, we do not have to succumb to his enticements!
We have been given agency, we have been given the blessings of the priesthood, and we have been given the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost for a reason."
Robert D. Hales, Apr 2006 General Conference

My guess: Maybe the driver of the other car thought he saw a patrol car and quickly decelerated and backed off, which you didn’t notice.

I have no reliable insight to offer. If you want opinion, mine is that since a married and endowed (i.e. sealed to her husband) woman is a member of the highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood, she has access to Priesthood power even though she herself does not hold the Priesthood. I personally see no fault in what your grandmother did, though admittedly all I know about it is the brief description you gave. So there's an unreliable opinion, for whatever it's worth to you—which is probably not much.

ANY disciple of Christ has the right to ask Him for aide, including driving out negative spirits.  For example, Joseph Smith did so during the preamble to the First Vision-- he had no priesthood at all, wasn't baptized, or even taught the fullness of the Gospel.  

Joseph Smith taught that many of the early Relief Society sisters had the gift of healing, that it was a gift of the Spirit, and used Mark 16 to justify the practice among the sisters. Those same verses speak of casting out devils and I think the same applies for that.
 

It has long been my impression that many of the principles of doctrine given to us in revelation are more vague than precise.  Without going into a long drawn out discussion - I believe this is because G-d wants us to learn to rely on spiritual guidance and exercise faith rather than to rely on our logic and understanding.  I realize this is somewhat of an oxymoron, especially in a forum like this where we speak mostly in terms of our logic and understanding.  With all this said I will respond according to the understanding of The Traveler.
First, I would express that I have had extensive experience dealing directly with unclean spirits.  These spirits are bad children and will push whatever boundaries they can get away with whenever it is possible for them to do so.  As expressed in D&C section 10 - they will lie, deceive and destroy whatever truth they can to make it appear that you are being caught in a lie.  There is no way possible to negotiate or compromise with them.  Unlike many fables you cannot make a deal.  Their very coordinated and well planed objective is to destroy any effort to resist them and subject you to their control.   The only way overcome their influence is through the atonement of Christ and thus in his name.  In short we cannot cast them out of ourselves.  Rather we must through various means petition our redeemer for deliverance.
Part of the circumstance of our fallen state requires that we are subject to Satan and his host of unclean spirits.  However, we also have a covenant with G-d to be delivered by Christ our redeemer.  The greatest gift that has been granted to us for this is the Gift of the Holy Ghost that is given to all those baptized by an authorized servant of Christ.  Anyone with the Gift of the Holy Ghost has power available to them to deal with any circumstance that may arise concerning unclean spirits.   If I can I will call upon the Melchizedek to stack the deck sort of speak, as much in my favor as possible but realizing that deliverance comes only from Christ.
One last warning, unclean spirits will return with increased vengeance if a way is opened for them.  It is my understanding that the best way to keep such a way closed to them is a considered resolve to repent and draw closer to Christ.
 
The Traveler

I’m not sure how to ask this. This is a topic that isn’t often discussed and rightly so. We don’t want to dwell on negativity. But, I’m trying to write some family history, and then discuss it with my family in a Family Home Evening format. The experience I’m writing about is one where my grandmother raised her arm to the square and in the name of our Lord commanded an evil presence to depart. My questions: As a woman, did she have the right to do so? Or, because she was an endowed member, and under her husband’s priesthood could she exercise that power? Or, can any worthy person do what she did? Or was my grandmother wrong to do so? There are a few articles in Ask Gramps about this, but it only mentions men.

I’m not sure how to ask this. This is a topic that isn’t often discussed and rightly so. We don’t want to dwell on negativity. But, I’m trying to write some family history, and then discuss it with my family in a Family Home Evening format. The experience I’m writing about is one where my grandmother raised her arm to the square and in the name of our Lord commanded an evil presence to depart. My questions: As a woman, did she have the right to do so? Or, because she was an endowed member, and under her husband’s priesthood could she exercise that power? Or, can any worthy person do what she did? Or was my grandmother wrong to do so? There are a few articles in Ask Gramps about this, but it only mentions men.

We have over ten BaoFeng radios in the house.  They’re relatively inexpensive and not too difficult to program by computer and cable. Of course these are for VHF/UHF, which is mostly local. If your area has linked repeaters you will be able reach greater distances. The more you use your radio the more you learn. You’ll want an HF radio for long distances. Antennas make a big difference. A directional yagi antenna will get you greater distance with lower power, but is directional.

Look at Hamstudy.org. It is a good resource for what you need to study for the exam. At least here in the U.S.  Morse code is no longer required for the exams. But, it is a hobby within the hobby of ham operators. Back when I was a teenager, and Morse code was required, I would listen to my brother transmit and receive. I tried learning it, but didn’t stick with it. I’m thinking if I ever have the time, I’d like to learn code.

I’m pretty stoked! I actually passed the exam! If you knew how little I know about electronics you would have been surprised I was able to pass. It was an all morning and afternoon class with the test afterwards. I was dismayed at the material that needed to be learned, especially as it was in an area I know very little about. The terms were all Greek to me.
My husband has had his license for over 20 years. He’s quite happy I was able to pass the test. I think he had his doubts. Two of my sons took the test with me and they both got their licenses too. Yay! Can you tell I’m excited?

I’m pretty stoked! I actually passed the exam! If you knew how little I know about electronics you would have been surprised I was able to pass. It was an all morning and afternoon class with the test afterwards. I was dismayed at the material that needed to be learned, especially as it was in an area I know very little about. The terms were all Greek to me.
My husband has had his license for over 20 years. He’s quite happy I was able to pass the test. I think he had his doubts. Two of my sons took the test with me and they both got their licenses too. Yay! Can you tell I’m excited?

I’m pretty stoked! I actually passed the exam! If you knew how little I know about electronics you would have been surprised I was able to pass. It was an all morning and afternoon class with the test afterwards. I was dismayed at the material that needed to be learned, especially as it was in an area I know very little about. The terms were all Greek to me.
My husband has had his license for over 20 years. He’s quite happy I was able to pass the test. I think he had his doubts. Two of my sons took the test with me and they both got their licenses too. Yay! Can you tell I’m excited?

My FaceBook account has been hacked. Someone has managed to change my password, my email, and my phone number, so I can’t change password, or recover my acct.  I’m going through customer support, but it’ s been about three weeks now and I haven’t heard anything back from FB. So frustrating! 

I wanted to invite all of you to join a new facebook group that I started today.  It will be a great way for all of us to stay connected away from the forums.  It's called Latter-day Saint Hangout
https://www.facebook.com/groups/456036979095609

I’m going to be planting my seeds this spring. I’m hoping our Utah climate will grow these beauties and I get some sweet watermelon.