Magen_Avot

I heard this said in 1980 in the Canada Toronto Mission. It was meant as a thought provoking statement about not being on a mission to find a spouse. So it can be taken as a possitive or negative statement, depending on your view point or circumstances. It's not about a knight or damsel, if you will, it's about one's eye being single to the Glory of God. So in context to the OP, will he go on a mission with the thought that maybe she'll wait for him, and if so,... and they do hook up,... then they deserve it. Ah,... my kind of humor, but meant to be a chuckle, not serious.

Hmmmm. One of my mission presidents said, "If you marry someone from your mission, you deserve it!" Just sayin'

My ward would be so lucky to have even "one" testimony that hinged on Jesus Christ, the church and/or (Joseph Smith, BoM) let alone any number of other prophets found in the scriptures. There are leaders in my ward that would "outlaw" stating a testimony of the church if they could. But as testimonies go,... It is nice to hear any testimony that is sensitive to the spirit rather than someones idea of a needed lesson for the ward... or worse. I usually settle for anything coherant.

Did... you just answer your questions?

I believe that what Timpman was saying was that the discussion was fruitless because your questions were asked with a hidden agenda to catch members in a cross-fire of your 'planned' responses. And that this type of "discussion" does not normally invite the spirit. Therefore it is pointless. But I think you are just trying to weaken the testimonies of members here. It is my opinion, of course, but it is mine to have. Regardless, I think the best answer is found in the eleventh article of faith: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." As you pointed out, some members say we worhship Christ also, and others say the Father only. We should consider true doctrine. I would ask (in context to LDS theology): Where does Christ say that we should worship Him (Jesus)? Doctrinally speaking... Any modern revelation say we "worship" Christ? This may help a little. It is at least based in doctrine:Worship No doubt we should look to the scriptures and prayer in considering the true doctrine of Christ concerning worship.

I really don't know what the big deal is in this case. It seems to me this is an over reaction of a parent. In some aspects it seems understandable but it's not, IMO. Our children should be allowed and need to take responsiblity for their own actions. People need to get the heck off the ball field and let the players and refs do the best they can. Things like this weakens the fabric of our otherwise free and safe society when elevated to the courts. I don't think thats the case here though. And anyone who thinks it's ok to kill someone (let alone a police officer) for searching their vehicle (with or without permission) is a danger to every society except maybe Darfur... no,... even there.

Love the OP! & Elder Christofferson's talk on "The doctrine of Christ". This has been my journey over the last year or so and it has been difficult but worth it. I especially agree with JM. There are a lot of ways to say it but JM's comments should be clear enough IMO. A good point. This reminds me of times when I took a test that tells me to choose the "best answer"? Surely, it's a no brainer for some, and not for others. I would ask, "is it possible to let others to catch up to me?" or in some cases, "Can I catch up?" instead of pounding that square peg into the round hole. (Emphasis added) Most LDS emphasize the first part and totally ignore the middle aspect. Really like that you put the two together JM. Nice! I think what you said helps to put into perspective that members are being asked to rely on the spirit more and continue on a Godly walk, which may not look the same as some one elses Godly walk (from different perspectives). Thanks ...now to put all this into practice...

Meee toooo! Try and translate that I um,... I recorded conference and fast forwarded through the music.

Me neither. But I'm pretty sure it did.

There are many levels of being prepared. From what's now in your cupboards to a couple years supply of food and water neatly tucked into a re-purposed missile silo with an arsenal sufficient to quell a large suburban army. There are a couple of shows like Doomsday Shelters & Doomsday Hoarders. Fun to watch with an occasional neat bit of info. Like rubbing vegetable oil on eggs to make 'em last up to a year. You can start out slow. Put a 72 hour emergency bag together (a little at a time if needed), then just buy an extra can of this or package of that when you shop. Go from there. Lots of info can be located on line.

This can be found at: Opportunities to Do Good - general-conference The statement made was: Is this... doctrine?

Wow. I've lived a sheltered life as I consider all that has been said. I'm also glad this thread hasn't been locked out yet. Skippy 740 provided a great response in the quote from "Pauls Search for Happiness". Loved Suzie's links and responses. I personally find many LDS people closed minded though. I'm not speaking of the digital world but the real world. As always I enjoy reading other's thoughts even if they like/believe/convinced of the AGT or MMP 99.9% or even 99.99%. While I do believe it comes down to following the prophet or not, there is historical information I wished would be openly presented. The truth should be known ~ only then can we actually improve. I dislike most that opinions of doctines/rules/administrative content of any kind are used like a stick... Hmmm... the WoW comes to mind... I prefer gentle encouragement, although things can get pretty frustrating at times. The article was a keeper. I put it on my nook. Do I believe it speaks the whole truth?... I can only answer that when I use my golden pass into the church's historical vault.

Concerning Jobs problems, I am reminded of the Saviors words to Joseph Smith while in jail where He said that the experience would be a small moment and be for his good. Hope I don't get that much 'good'.

Emphasis added I think you made an important point where our willingness to remain supportive of church leaders is concerned. Please explain where you see the WoW becoming a covenant... or rather just that small part of the WoW asked about during the temple interview process. My curiosity comes from the realization that members sometimes use vernacular with a different thought than what I am thinking. As you used the "Who stands under greater condemnation" examples giving only a choice of a non-member and a member I was a little confused at what you meant.

I don't know if this will help and I'm no expert, but I've always wondered if Cains seed was preserved through the flood? Likely not through Noah. One of his wives? Didn't Japeth get cursed by Noah? There was so many non-doctrinal statements made back in the day and so much speculation since. It would be nice if the truth was available though, but annewandering probably nailed it,... "the church has stated very recently, of not knowing why then or why it was changed".

It is sometimes difficult to remember that a quorum president and Bishop needs to consider how to best bless the lives of members they serve. I know that this may sometimes seem contradictory when it means waiting longer for blessings of getting the Melchizedek Priesthood or a Temple Recommend. I am sure this is the case for you. You are doing the right thing by seeking the Lord in prayer about it.

Um,... I didn't post an intro thread...

I was talking to my kids yesterday and they found (on the internet... if you can believe the internet) that when the 2012 date (Mayan Calendar) was calculated to our calendar,... leap year was overlooked and when re-calculated, (gulp!)... the end of the world occured 7 months ago (or there abouts). Ooooops! I didn't see the earlier post.

No news networks are good news networks. But if you need your head exploded, I suggest watching Nancy Grace.

These are the last days, things will get worse. Whether we die first or see the Lord return, the end cometh...

My definition of conservative and liberal? One of them is on the right and the other on the left... Both are... Oh, just... meeee!

My daughters have done battle with those who were entrusted to ensure these ideals of girls camp: Confirming their identity as daughters of God. Recognizing and cultivating the Spirit. Keeping baptismal covenants. Preparing for their future roles. Instead of providing an opportunity where members and non-members would be encouraged to live the gospel at their level (where they keep their baptismal covenants) they were forced, yes FORCED, to have interviews where worthiness was established to go to camp and sign a document that stated they had never had sex and would obey their leaders and keep the commandments. Essentially as if they were taking out their endowments in the temple. Is maintaining standards a good thing? Oh yes. To the point where not one shall be lost? That's the wrong side. My daughters knew these requirements were encouraging young women to lie about things in their lives. Now they carry that guilt too. My daughters didn't go even though they were pressed by several bully women, including the Stake leaders, to get in line with it. My girls knew it was wrong and they stood against them. A bit after that a letter was read from the pulpit from Salt Lake that cautioned against such practices. Vindication? No. Unrighteous dominion is practiced by many and knows no gender boundaries. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. No one has the right to take it for themselves and practice priest-crafts. We may be talking about earrings where a prophet has stated that a woman should only have two piercings, it has not been established as a COMMANDMENT. We should not FORCE, rather, we should teach with love and long suffering, encourage them to embrace the words of the prophet. We are there to bless not hammer into submission. Leaders should start early and the youth should have a stake in the requirements. If any of them walk away with ill feeling about these issues then the leaders have failed to lead. They have only pushed 'em down the road. Bully for them. Just my opinion though...

Well Yeeaaaah! The more elite training they get the more crazy dedicated they are. If caught by the opposing force I'd squeal like a stuck pig. Not the Marines (to a greater extent) nor the special forces. Drunk? Yep, those that drink do get drunk. Not my thing, but consider going out for a year or two with nothing,.... NOTHING! to do. Try that sacrifice. Maybe we should just cut to the chase,... how about standing behind your theory. Go live in any of the uh,... safer third world countries. Forget Darfur and the like. Somewhere like Iran or Liberia ect. Places you don't have to worry about drunken marines off duty, stable governments that to a greater extent do not provide for the common welfare. Then go about with complaints you have about them. Of course, this is America and you don't have to put up or shut up. Those marines? They and all the other drunk military types have made personal sacrifices so you can rattle your tin saber. I'll stop ranting. Sorry.

Oh yeah,... no rules per say where to wear a uniform. Just not for overseas travel anymore nor to places or events that would bring discredit on our country or making oneself a target.

I was in the Navy for 21 years. I was once asked to step down from passing the sacrement because a member was offended by the uniform. BTW swords are only part of the dress uniform for very special occasions. I sometimes wear my uniform with mini medals (Dinner Dress) to church on Veterans day and wish everyone that had one would wear it too. As policy goes, there is no policy. White shirts are NOT even required for sacrement or the temple. Military dress uniforms should be allowed for the Sacrement or Temple, not just because there is no policy prohibiting them, but because they represent (emphasize REPRESENT) the best of our country. I have seen people go to the temple in jeans and a t-shirt once and a uniform is much more classy than that. And ok,... the Marine Dress Blues may be the only good thing going there.