Magen_Avot

So,... are you saying that the sheer numbers of sister missionaries are a sign of the times?... as in the "end of days"?

Good one from Doctrine. I don't lean on the arm of flesh but on Christ so it'd take a minimum of the still small voice to depart... Hey! It saved my marriage!

I have given much thought and prayerful discussion on the "days" ahead. It all just boils down to the following: Alma 34:33 33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. If we are prepared to 'meet God' then we are prepared for 'our mortal passing' or 'the end of days'. With that,... put away for the day of scarcity and watch.

Well,... ok, but we can stamp the whole bible with that rubber stamp IMO. That would wipe out nearly all of the discussions on this site wouldn’t it? I have no argument over that fact that mental illness can be attributed, but perhaps we should ask what is meant by possession? So,… first mental illnesses. Ok done. Second: Lets consider being filled with the Spirit of God. If we allow that we can be filled with the Holy Ghost, then why not an unclean spirit? Certainly we seek the spirit, is it possible for someone to do the same with an evil spirit? Put aside, for this conversation, the possibility of an evil spirit forcing its way in. What we mean by 'possession'?... I believe most of us (IMO) think of mortal bodies being co-habitated with an unclean spirit, but what about being 'filled' by a spirit similar to the spirit of God mentioned above, but unholy obviously? Third: An evil spirit co-habitating with our spirit in the physical tabernacle. We know of events in the bible, here are a couple, um... unspicific ones in the Book of Mormon: Mosiah 3:6Â* 3 Nephi 7:19Â* There are recorded events in early church history where unclean spirits were cast out as well, but I'm not sure of the specifics at the moment; however, the term "casting out unclean spirits" are most often characterized as ‘out of people’ as I recall. I could be wrong, but again... what do they mean? I don’t really limit the meaning of being “possessed”, per say, but I have seen it once. You will never forget looking into the eyes of a knowing stranger in the face you know.

Miracle Whip... yeah, it's that good! Heinz Ketchup A-1 Steak Sauce (FAMILY Size,... cuz the kids apparently drink the stuff!) ...oh, and La Choy Soy Sauce.

Oh,... and by the way.... Ninja's are either Japanese or Middle Eastern Women.

Google translates Psshaaww... smoke... as Psshaaww烟 So howee explain "Psshaaww"? On a sadder note.... I lost my wedding ring years ago... um, twice! I've had 5 in 30 years. Funny though,... the current one has CTR on it.

So... are you suggesting that Jesus did cast mental illness into swine as one possible explanation? How do the swine fit in? I'm just trying to wrap my head around the logic, you seem to be suggesting, in a specific biblical story.

Specific to the OP, I have not read or heard of any "official" stance on the subject. Twort, You said, "I've heard a number of Mormon myths about exorcism and possession..." The use of the word 'myths' suggests, to me, that you do not believe in such things or are skeptical? Would that be a correct deduction? What 'myths' do you refer to? Are there any related 'stories' that you can bring to your OP that you, at least, embrace with some belief?

So,... Jesus cast disease into pigs? I understand you are explaining to Annatess what Seminarysnoozer was saying, so this isn't directed at you personally, Slamjet, but to the logic that "possession" is/was a misdiagnosed mental illness specific to the New Testament story being used... at least how I understood the logic.

No such thing as Demon possession? Are you saying the scriptures teach falsehoods where Jesus cast out evil spirits? ...back then as a missionary, how did you 'diagnose' (recognize) schizophrenia as the real problem? The spirit or a doctorate? Forgive me for my bluntness, I'm not trying to be argumentative, my interest is peaked by your 'testimony" that seems counter intuitive to 'The Word".

I'm sorry if I wasn't well stated, but as I see it we live by faith (which goes hand-in-hand with not knowing everything we are to do IMO) and it's difficult for me to follow your logic how following the spirit with little understanding about it makes the leap to God being irresponsible for not revealing 'everything' or how all eternity hangs on the outcome. Sorry if I missed what you meant. In short... what Q said. But it makes sense to me what PC said to you here (... and I think it applies,... well, to everyone): http://www.lds.net/forums/lds-gospel-discussion/56442-would-savior-apologize-ask-forgiveness-3.html#post781042 Maybe to clarify. The conversation in the other post, at the core, just seems linked to me. Again, sorry if I don't get it.

Hmm, well... sounds like vicarious baptism of avatars is just around the corner. Digital communion?,... not for me either.

Not knowing the finer details I would ask, in this case: What does it mean to be a peacemaker? In what way can one walk twain? or give their coat and cloak? To turn their cheek the other way? Or forgive 70x70? Can we use the knowledge of our innocence to bring unrest? Or should we suffer wrongs for His sake? Can the better thing (in Christ) be done without lying? Anyway, if it doesn't work out well, I promise I'll write you in prison. ...and I'm sure PC will visit

Le_chocolat, It's water under the bridge in certain aspects. I doubt any of us ever know much of the planned purpose(s) when we follow the spirit, or actual outcome(s),... who is affected (or saved) or how many. Was it even about that guy? What more can one do than act when prompted? Lay it at the feet of the Savior; how can He not count it to your blessing?

I have a flip phone. No texting and easy to use, and butt dial resistant. My employer has me use a Blackberry for work. Now I have a smart alarm clock and a nite lite too. I bought a 'used' nook color and loaded some productivity apps but one of the first was the church library and it's by far the most used app on my nook. :)

Carlimac, I have known someone like you describe. I always said she was "sickly sweet". After several years I had a spiritual experience that caused me to suddenly shift in my attitude of her so much I called and talked to her about how I had felt and that I had changed. I realized she was 'legit' and I was able to accept her. What others are saying may not sound very 'soft' but I agree. Here's how I would say it... "Come unto Jesus". Pray for her and yourself. Struggle through it and you will learn to love her. Really love her. You will be able to see that we are all in different places and it just doesn't matter what someone else is doing or why. It matters what "I" am doing and if I'm progressing on the path to Christ. You can find peace regardless of what you are dealing with now. It just won't matter like it does now and the spirit will lead you to serve her in ways she really needs and you both stand to gain everything. I wish you well.

I kinda get lost in some of these discussions, but a thought came and I wonder if the experience of being "touched" by a spirit is a "spirit to spirit thing" or experienced through the connection of our spirit and body. Just thinking out loud.

In my 44 years in the church I have heard of stories of temple experiences, but I have never had any to speak of. I have had many outside though. I was also visited by three members of my family who passed many years ago and know they pay attention to the goings on in our lives. Dahlia said it well for me.

I have been contemplating this topic for the last couple of months myself. As I read the post I began looking at what I have posted in the forums in the past,... like yesterday even. Easier said than done but now I think I see that using any example in the past to illustrate my own intolerance of something... like dress length, even if the person is far removed is a reflection in my own mind of judgemental thoughts. Can that get me one more step closer to Christ? I don't think so. I might be able to wiggle into thinking it's no sin, but a Christ like attribute? No way! Intent may just be a type of "philosophies of men" regardless of scriptorial support unless done by the spirit. I have seen some pretty messy discussions in ward counsel under the cloak of intent. But anonymous? The Lord knows. Just my opinion though,... and thanks for the food for thought Dravin, this is worthy of more introspection.

A young man (complicated story) has been with us for a couple of years. His mom remarried after the death of his father (just months later) and the mother promised ten grand for his mission. In the end she forced him to quit his job and while he was with my family, she spent the money on a vacation to Hawaii for the new husbands kids (who were grown). It looked like he wouldn't go but I and a few others enlisted to get him out there. It was close. I get the need for fiduciary responsibility. There are other concerns too... desire to serve our God, worthiness and the capacity (mental or otherwise). We are all going to take all our lives to come to Christ, why judge a young woman harshly when a way was found. The opportunity for blessings was seized by someone and lost to another. If a way had not been found then she would have had to wait... another opportunity for blessings. I'm certain the Lord was aware of things, and I can only hope that He was consulted and His will carried out. Regardless of a bumpy start, the lives of some of Gods children may rest on her service. I'd say... let it rest with the Lord and pray for all concerned.

I'm stuck between but lean toward night owl traits/desires. With no schedule I sleep in and stay up late. I like to get up early on a work/project day and get breakfast but loathe any conversation for the first two hours. Right now I get up at 5:25am and might go to bed from 8pm to 2am depending. On the Sabbath I get up at 7am with church at 9am.

If you remember bringing food to a pot-luck and then paid to eat it. If you remember Elders serving a three year mission. If you carried D&C sections 137 & 138 as an insert. If you remember code names being used for certain people and places in the D&C. If you remember the Duty to God Trail Award

I relate to what Anddenex said about an experience that occurred to someone on his mission. The experience I had happened at an early age and I wrote of it in other threads. Whatever the difference a physical body makes over a spirit body in the hereafter, it is important enough that we are here to get one.

I used to cringe when I heard what I'd call "born again" phrases. Ya know, "are you saved", "have a personal relationship with Christ", ect. One day that changed and to say "My God is an Awsome God" now has taken on a much more personal experience from within my heart that is deeply spiritual and a praise of Him. I guess you "gotta be there" for it to mean anything. It's ok to cringe, I understand. However, when missionaries go out to serve the Lord for 18 mos or two years the terminology used is "my mission". My my!.