Sicily510

I don't know the conscientious of those who are LDS militants and I know it's not my place to judge them. This post is an open discussion about how one may feel in regards to mandatory military service and I don't and wouldn't agree with it. I truly disagree that military service promotes peace when it's created for enforcing political coercion among human beings. What does a militia have to offer that implements Christ-like characteristics? I understand if you are just preparing to combat in defense, while learning societal traits for a career everything seems fine. However, for example when the government sends troops across sea for transient causes that has been flipped and flopped, the question comes down to what are we fighting for? Governments have spiritually endangered many souls that are caught in the battlefield of confusion. In my opinion, when you are in the military you've signed your soul to the government. That your duty is to protect that country even if the politician ends up being a person whose character is of opposition to your religious faith. Death is conquered by a sure foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, is this not what his atonement exemplifies? To prove to us that we are capable of attaining eternal happiness if we live our lives in sync with the Gospel, if we have humiliation for all the wrongs that we may have committed, pray and walk by faith in Jesus Christ. We are living in these latter-days where the adversary is prevailing like the wind to and fro. Our only dignity is our hopes in all things, our only strengths is our faith in Jesus Christ, our only actions is our service of good deeds, charity, and healing. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that we must heal each other from anger, retaliation, hate, grudges and greed. These are afflictions of emotions that human beings are bound to possess regardless of race or creed. To each is own, I just feel that joining the military is only making the Government stronger and more capable of controlling and owning its citizens through indebtedness and a physical contract that most citizens who are in desperate need of something from their society incoherently sign. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind - Ghandi The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -Ghandi

Militia's is for the profane, it is a secular involvement mixed with political psychological and scientifical reasonings. When one believes fear is of the lost of their life and not the wrath of our Heavenly Father, one does not believe in the eternal salvation and the masterplan of peace and prosperity. We have been living these latter-days in the uprising of warfares, to think that otherwise would be like Peter denying Christ unto the pharisees. I think of our savior and I think of politicians and it's really not that hard to differentiate their purpose and causes from Jesus Christ. I don't know how one can serve two Gods, a military is created by the abominable organization "Governments". There is the mankind laws and the divine and Holy laws and we are in the middleway. How can one be spiritually in tune but physically out of touch with Jesus if they actively killed kids in other countries but given justification through political reasonings that these kids were born into a "guerilla" family to lighten the guilt. In many countries "Governments" has been extremist regardless, to think that freedom exist because of capitalism and consumerism is preposterous. There is this saying that "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is Freedom" 2 Corinthians 3:17. I have only felt freedom when I go to church and during that momment in time and space does it seem like a split second and then right back to the consumer demands of the material world. I'm hopeful for people to be enlightened and seek for peace in America and in the Middle East. It's unfortunate that so many are hopeless that they share there doubts just to support another in doubt and become doubters. But I am thankful for the church that encourages to uplift the spirits of those in need of comfort or to bless those who are afflicted and those who may be in need of shelter, food and jobs. The problem is consumerism, militia's are created in the false pretense to protect its citizens yet enslave them in the policy yielding corporate society through political coercions. Everything I've stated is just my opinions and the way I feel about these days. I apologize if I offend anyone, I have family members in the military who before they served were loving and caring now they are like robots serving the purpose of the "Government" just to provide for their family.

Thanks so much all! I'm so thankful for your enlightenments on the subject and still have much to learn to understand about Jesus Christ and be able to witness of his teachings that blesses me. Take care and happy holidays each of you!

Hi, I had family home-evening with my sister and her husband, Chapter 7 was there area of reading and discussion that night. I'm just curious as to anyone and everyone's thoughts on this chapter and specifically the verses in the thread 24-30 of Chapter 7. What was going on? Where did this take place? What was the problem? How was it handled and by whom? And what's the purpose of this story in the scriptures? I appreciate your time. I just want to know what others understanding is upon these verses. Possibly to better clarify my understanding of this scripture. Thanks.

These five common misconceptions of the Bible is a work of contention, the Bible is not a book that you read and move on to the next one. The Bible is a book that you read again and again to replenish the soul with comforts from the stories of the many different humans who've faced trials and tribulations spiritually, yet were able to overcome through the grace of Heavenly Father and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I totally feel what you're stating "Anatess", times is getting rough and our government is falling short. I mean I'm sure you know of the G. Patreaus issues. We as members of the LDS faith can only implement so much in society as role models. However, our priority is our families and those we've introduced into the gospel and encouraging them to become people who are worthy to stand in holy places. When I heard the roast that Romney gave, I was pretty stunned and enjoyed it. It didn't seem like him though to enjoy that type of environment but when you become a politician you have to convey the whole memoir of a politician. I'm very grateful that Romney isn't the President because I truly believe that Heavenly Father wouldn't jeopardize a valuable son of his to a corrupted organization. The political organization is the abominable church that is falling further away from acknowledging "God" in our Declaration of independence and reforming legislatures to accomodate to the human natures of inclinations. I see things like politicians coming out of the closet about their bi-sexuality and the General that's resigning due to having an affair. The time is nigh, I'm happily helping family and friends in making a difference with the light of Christ that I love to shine. Take care...

It's the abominable church of politics where it can divide families into supporters of two opposite Grand Old Parties of liberals and conservatives. It can turn a love one into a mad hatter that wants to run over someone thought to be so dear to them. What do you make of this? Well, for one those who think the government is the answer to all problems have just been warned that if the house of congress cannot come to an agreement on the issues at stake everyones taxes will be raised regardless of income bracket. LOL -The End-

I'm just so grateful for the Conference, everytime I hear the stories of experiences and testimonies it fills my eyes and I try to resist showing my tears and turn my head from my kids seeing me cry, which I recommend people shouldn't. Kids are really spiritual and humble in such a young age and when they see such sentiments they know what one is in need of which is Heavenly fathers compassion and Jesus Christ atonement. Truly, it's a blessing worldwide to have this uniqueness in this church of Jesus Christ. Everyone is going through hardships whether it's political, physical, emotional and social. We have so much division and turmoil going on even within our own homes but to be able to unite and remind each other of our beloved brethren Jesus Christ who leads us the way and the love our Heavenly Father has for us, we are able to help one another in uniting with charity, uplifting each others spirit and hope for better days to come. We must truly strive to make a difference in others lives as Latter-day Saints because those are the imprints that our Savior has done for us. I understand that we must come out from Babylon, but we must also cultivate the goodness out of people so that they may in their own revelations and desire turn their lives around to Heavenly Father. I'm so blessed and thankful, and God bless everyone and have a wonderful sabbath day, afternoon, evening or night. :)

When I read of Rev 17:5 " And upon her forehead was a name written, (a)MYSTERY, (b)BABYLON THE GREAT, THE ©MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.", this verse has footnotes a,b, and c. (If you are reading a Joseph Smith Translated version of the King James Bible.) Footnote (a) is Mystery: when you read the footnote it's referencing to the Topical Guide Secret Combinations. If you would like more basic information of what we believe secret combinations consists of you may read this link:TG Secret Combinations, however, I would like to share a quote: Footnote (b) is Babylon: TG Babylon, basically Babylon is the influence of wickedness, I think of people who don't believe in God, peace, it's not necessarily a society with moral conduct/structure but a band or group of people with personal agenda's that is not united in God yet used with physical coercion. Footnote © is Mother: D&C 88:94 "And another angel shall sound his trump, saying: That (a)great (b)church, the ©mother of abominations, that made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her (d)fornication, that (e)persecuteth the saints of God, that shed their blood-behold she who sitteth upon many waters, and upon the islands of the sea-behold, she is the (f)tares of the earth; she is bound in bundles; her bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore, she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound his trump both long and loud, and all nations shall hear it." There is 6 footnotes which are: Footnote (a):1 Ne. 13:6(4-9) Footnote (b):TG Devil, Church of. Footnote ©: Rev. 17:5 (5-15) Footnote (d): Rev.14:8 Footnote (e): TG Hate; Persecution Footnote (f): Matthew 13:38;D&C 64:24(23-24);D&C 101:24(23-25). TG Earth, Cleansing of. As I read this excerpt it becomes clear to me that we are living in Babylon and the mother of the abominable church it's everywhere in organizations, politics, society. We must be able to physically discern away from the ways of sodom and gammorah, greed, hate, malice, violence, warfare, stealing and keep our eyes single to the glory of God. By doing so we are remembering our individual covenants we make with Heavenly Father and choosing to follow the light of Jesus Christ in what we do and how we live. Anything pertaining contrary to natures or creed of Jesus Christ is of the devils way and leads people to become spiritually enslaved by the adversary until they die as unbelievers.

Satan Satan, also called the adversary or the devil, is the enemy of all righteousness and of those who seek to follow God. He is a spirit son of God who was once an angel "in authority in the presence of God" (D&C 76:25; see also Isaiah 14:12; D&C 76:26–27). But in the premortal Council in Heaven, Lucifer, as Satan was then called, rebelled against God. Since that time, he has sought to destroy the children of God on the earth and to make them miserable. _________________________________________________________________________________ One primary issue in the conflict between God and Satan is agency. Agency is a precious gift from God; it is essential to His plan for His children. In Satan's rebellion against God, Satan "sought to destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3). He said: "I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor" (Moses 4:1). Satan persuaded "a third part of the hosts of heaven" to turn away from the Father (D&C 29:36). As a result of this rebellion, Satan and his followers were cut off from God's presence and denied the blessing of receiving a physical body (see Revelation 12:9). Heavenly Father allows Satan and Satan's followers to tempt us as part of our experience in mortality (see 2 Nephi 2:11–14; D&C 29:39). Because Satan "seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27), he and his followers try to lead us away from righteousness. He directs his most strenuous opposition at the most important aspects of Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. For example, he seeks to discredit the Savior and the priesthood, to cast doubt on the power of the Atonement, to counterfeit revelation, to distract us from the truth, and to contradict individual accountability. He attempts to undermine the family by confusing gender, promoting sexual relations outside of marriage, ridiculing marriage, and discouraging childbearing by married adults who would otherwise raise children in righteousness. Individuals do not have to give in to Satan's temptations. Each person has the power to choose good over evil, and the Lord has promised to help all who seek Him through sincere prayer and faithfulness. See also Agency; Sin; Temptation _________________________________________________________________________________

When I watched Johnny Lingo it's deeper than what people just see from actions. Mahana grew up in a home where her father puts her down, the village she was raised puts her down. Johnny Lingo saw pure interest in Mahana not for her looks but for what she did, she was a girl of talents she knew how to cook, prepare a home yet people saw little of value in those type of things. Johnny Lingo sought for Mahana because he knew she would be a suitable wife/mother to raise a family. This is from my own interpretation....

Satan is the father of contentions, misdirections and lies, when one lies and misdirects they are cut off from the literal blessings of exaltation. It may not be an instant that those who choose to lie go punished, but through time and season will what once was in darkness come to light. We cannot be bothered by others and the choices they make in how they live, but we can help them if required of us. With the knowledge that Satan is evil we already have a written consent through the scriptures that his ways is not the ways of the Lord. These written testaments of old expresses many similar cases of what many of us face in these Latter-days. Accountability is a essential factor in our spiritual merit, in my opinion, when we have the knowledge of Jesus Christ and choose to adhere and administer as disciples we must understand the sacred/holy authority that's being engaged in this manner. Sins is not brought upon because of Satan or Adam, but because one chooses to give into whatever sin is upon them in that momment. What I'm stating is that we have the idea that Satan is not of righteousness, when one does not choose the right one is succumbing as his follower. Thus when we do good we are trying to be like Jesus and seeking to follow in his ways. Being a Saint is an enduring process and is not accomplished in this temporal state but sought in achieving spiritually (for those who is seeking to do the will of Heavenly Fathers). One cannot compare lies when its entirety is unrighteous. To believe in something so sacred and holy such as covenant with Heavenly Father is wonderful, but when one try's to shake the very foundation of that belief it's too late for it was built upon the rock of Jesus Christ. For those whom do not believe in Jesus Christ and his ways they have built their lifestyle, homes, all means necessary upon what? Upon themselves, there personal wants or needs, and when you think of this it becomes apparent that there is no one to gain glory but themselves. Now, when you think about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how everything evolves around him and his teachings everyone is able to give, do good deeds, be spiritually inspired on a common denominator. It becomes clear that the glory is an eye single to our Heavenly Father, Jesus is the one and the last way to our salvation and exaltation with our Eternal Father. Who else on earth can help us to return to Heavenly Father, even in these Latter-days? Our prophets, bishops, missionaries, young women and young men leaders, visiting teachers, and family home evenings must evolve in teaching about Jesus Christ. Not one lesson in church or in the scriptures have I encountered had nothing to do with our Savior, for everything was a testament to his coming and resurrection.

Our sufferings is what chastens us, improves us, builds us, the compassion our Heavenly Father has for us if we are willing to endure along the gospels of Jesus Christ.

Being with family and helping my brothers and sisters with family task from going out to family reunions. Making my grandma smile, giving to others, and doing things in my community that's making a positive difference. The Church of Jesus Christ of these Latter-day Saints brings joy to my life constantly!!

To believe in Jesus Christ and live like him in thoughts and deeds is orthodox LDS.

Dreams are what you make of it, I had bad dreams and they've derived from stress, the environment I was in, ideas, and negative thoughts. It comes down to whether your a positive person with thoughts that will sustain a positive influence in actions of deeds, charity, caring and helping others. When I think of myself I become consumed with self-gratification and dwell on past poor choices I've made. These are all common factors of how the adversary wants us to think. But when I think of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ my yolk and afflictions become lightened inspiring me to have a better wonderful dream. I didn’t know which was louder—my footsteps in the big, silent house, or my pounding heart. I hurried through the darkness and down the stairs to my parents’ room. I tried to step softly so the stairs wouldn’t creak. Our hundred-year-old house often creaked and popped at night. Dad said it was the sounds of the old wood and adobe settling as the night cooled down. But it still sounded scary. Dad was out of town for work, and I felt bad waking Mom up, but I had to talk to her. I stood in the doorway. The moonlight shone through Mom’s white curtains. I felt a little less frightened already. “Mom?” I called softly. She turned over. “What’s the matter?” “I had a bad dream again.” “Oh no. Come snuggle with me, OK?” Relieved, I climbed into the big bed. The sheets felt cool and soft. Mom hugged me tightly. “Do you want to tell me about it?” “It was the dream with the giant shark.” “You’ve had that dream before,” Mom said. I nodded and tucked my head under Mom’s chin. “Well, you’re safe, sweetheart. Sleep here with me until morning. After school tomorrow, we can talk some more.” All day I wondered what Mom would say after school about my scary dreams. The shark dream wasn’t the only one. Sometimes I dreamed about a prickly monster. One night I even dreamed that my family was in a car accident. My dreams really bothered me. Sometimes I screamed and cried in the night. I even felt afraid to fall asleep. After school, I sat down with Mom. “Are you still thinking about the giant shark?” Mom asked. I nodded. “What do you think you’re going to do about those scary dreams?” “Mom, they’re dreams. I didn’t make them start. I don’t think I can make them stop.” “Probably not by yourself,” Mom said. “But there’s someone I ask for help when I have a problem I can’t solve by myself.” “You mean Heavenly Father!” I said. “Right! You can ask Heavenly Father to help you sleep well at night, with no bad dreams.” “In my prayers before bed?” “Then, and any other time you’re thinking about it. I know He will listen to you and help you.” “How do you know?” I asked. “I ask Heavenly Father about problems a lot, and He helps me. Just this morning I asked Him what to do about your scary dreams.” “Did He help you?” “Yes. I had the idea that you should pray about your dreams, and when that idea came to my mind, I felt the Holy Ghost telling me it was a good thing to do.” “How did it feel?” “I felt warm and happy, and I felt sure everything would be OK,” Mom said. “Do you know what I mean?” “I think so,” I said. And then I noticed that I felt warm and happy inside. “Mom, that’s how I feel right now!” I said. “That’s the Holy Ghost telling you that what you’re learning is right,” Mom said. That night, and every night for a long time afterward, I prayed that I could sleep well with no bad dreams. My bad dreams didn’t come back. Heavenly Father answered my prayer.

Welcome I prefer LDS, there may be similarities yet there is a spiritual difference our focus is on the promise we make to accept Jesus Christ for our eternal exaltation through striving to live like him and evolve our lifestyle upon his teachings. Clearly this is my own testimony of why I believe that this church is a true church of Jesus Christ, it has taught me distinctively the sacredness we possess to choose to live like he did.

Thanks for sharing, I truly believe that Jesus Christ's gospel is not a secret but "Sacred". And if people truly understand what sacred and holiness means might they learn to know how to keep better promises, do good unto each other, and live unitedly in its divine way.

I hope you do feel the spirit that you must speak of everything that burdens your spirit negatively with the Bishop, the purpose of them is to help you heal from sickness, depression, and all that's caused you to dwell on your past wrong choices. The fact that you know that you want to be worthy is wonderful, we are all striving to be spiritually worthy and seeking for that is all we need along with charity and faith.

The best thing I would think of doing is praying all those emotions pray it out to Heavenly Father with humility, sincerity, and ask for comfort and strength.

Why is it so easy to interpret something so sacred and simple into ones own understanding ,yet, it's hard to unite in one mind the gospel of Jesus Christ? Everything that is taught that is of righteousness can only come from Jesus Christ, he is the framer and the laborer that was willing to do the will of our Eternal Heavenly Father. In my opinion, it is the freedom of choice which Adam and Eve inherited and Heavenly Father granted. Although their freedom of choice was not right they were not condemned eternally but temporally, for through our Eternal Fathers grace are we able to repent and return to him. Just like a teenager whom may disobey his/her parent some parents have so much compassion to let their teenager choose of their own free will what they want in life hoping that he/she will return and know what's right (unfortunately, some do not return when they are not taught the foundation of Jesus Christ). In my opinion, sometimes analyzing the knowledge of our Heavenly Father can lead to destruction, because we cannot truly comprehend or even know everything thus why we live and walk by faith. Hoping that through the grace of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our family can heal from a broken home to protecting our families that by living the gospel and sustaining our homes upon the rock (Jesus Christ), our foundation. Helaman 5:12 My understanding of what's been described in the scriptures of Jesus Christ is that he was a prophet in the Old Testament attesting to the truth that Heavenly Father lives. He was doing service for the sick, the lowly in heart, poor and elderly. He was exemplifying the ability to be foreordained and administer the sacrament, laying on of hands to heal etc. I truly believe that if one can focus on Jesus Christ and his doctrines and principles one can fully be enlightened with Heavenly Fathers wonderful and marvelous plan.

I heard that there is this sequence in a quote by Lao Tzu: How important a covenant is to oneself will reveal through actions, one cannot judge another but one can discern their individual loyalty to Jesus Christs gospel. I'm so very thankful to have the knowledge of covenants with Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ because it has helped me to truly value promises I make with others, although I am not perfect in sustaining such promises I am always seeking to achieve perfection through Jesus Christ in keeping covenants.

I'm not suprised with all this city code mambo jumbo, my mom was getting fined for having her Nova parked on her drive way for 6 months, she had to pay her property tax, mortgage, and bills aside from not being able to fix her vehicle. This is the work of the State governments, California is the worse of all the states as far as city codes etc. Good luck on fixing your vehicle though. :)

As Latter-day Saints we are to visit and help the sick, the poor and the elderly it's asked of us once we have decided to be Saints we are choosing to live like Heavenly Father's sons and daughters live like Jesus Christ. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of these Latter-day Saints I know I have my role and duties as member to do good deeds, charity, and with my faith and consistency in prayer, reading the scriptures, going to church I will be able to perform such duties. It's okay to challenge youths to serve Heavenly Father before their own personal goals, it's old traditions to pursue our own happiness. Once one understands how to serve others will they truly find unselfish happiness, and become pure in heart.

Respect is a human expectation for a human authoritativeness. I think about the gospel of Jesus Christ is our inheritance and Heavenly Father so freely blessed us with this spiritual intellectual knowledge. He didn't demand respect from us, but with his grace delivered a spiritual seed among us his children. The LDS church is sharing this restored full gospel of Jesus Christ knowledge with all whom willingly will feast upon it and seek out it's truth spiritually. This OP brought to mind a talk that was given in General Conference: Respect, I feel has nothing to do with being understanding, humble and forgiving. However, if one is capable of understanding, humility, and repenting and forgive will they know self-respect and inherit respect from others. Just like the Merciful will obtain the mercy, the respectful will obtain respect.