DMGNUT

Are you talking about the difference between "want" and "need"? For most... somewhere in the back of their mind, ice cream is there, and they want it, they always want it... but it's a latent desire. They know about it, they've had it before, they will eventually have it again. Then someone says it's available, or they're about to go to the ice cream store... you no longer "want" ice cream... instantly you "need" ice cream. There's a mysterious part of the brain, which using algorithms that are only understood by the adversary, which subtly change the wiring in our "desire" matrix, (his favored tool was evidently many years of mind numbingly innocuous cereal commercials), but I digress... In short, he has managed to supplant a simple "want", with the much more demanding, yea even irresistible "need". Although many have managed to resist this "update" to their brain, in most it has taken hold, and in it's insidious way, has spread through out the brain taking over other functions as well. Thus, this newly created and mostly irresistible compulsion, is simply the joining of a "want" and a "need"... or as referred to by the adversary, a "weed". This is only one of the adversary's many masterpieces... the ability to have a latent desire, or "want", that upon hearing a select word or phrase, is instantly changed to a "need". Unfortunately, once the "weed" algorithm is introduced to the fertile soil of the mind, it's virtually impossible to be rid of. Best of luck to you Fether. 😎

Ditto

Happy super late birthday Mirk! 😎

Been a member here for quite a while, but never much of a "poster" as I always seemed to find what I was looking for elsewhere. But as was already pointed out... many of the other sites have gone the way of Sears and Roebuck. I'm not looking for anyone to agree with me, just offering my 2 cents with the following. 1) I love forums and wished there were more (or at least some) that were still active. I say this because I'm pretty much computer illiterate (and yes, that's kind of by choice), so I don't do the facebutt, discord, or other things that I would place in the category of social media. 2) The other thought I'll offer up, is I find all the interesting and thought prompting discussion I need on a wide variety of Spiritual topics from my own Ward members, full-time missionaries and long time LDS friends. As was also pointed out, there's not really much new under the Sun, in regards to even the most "in depth" Spiritual topics. So really... in a forum, I tend to be looking for the latest and greatest in the realm of temporal items and topics... meaning preparedness stuff. Maybe it's just me, but with the state of affairs in the world today, I find it interesting that there isn't much being brought up or discussed about that. Instead I'm seeing (and although it's heartfelt and sincere), discussions about whether treats at a church activity should be gluten free or not. Not to sound uncaring, but in the calamitous times in which we live, that's pretty low on my list of concerns. And as a side note... I'm completely allergic to dairy, so I simply bring my own treat, or skip the treats. I'm seriously not seeing the big deal about this. Seriously hope no one is offended or takes this the wrong way, as that's not my intent... it just seems that the few topics here that get traction, are almost pointless. Sorry if I've rained on anyone's parade.

It was my wife's and mine's great pleasure to assist our sons financially so they could serve missions, but our little family of 4 has only been members of the church for 8 years. The wife and I being 43 when we joined and our sons were 10 and 13. The oldest has been home for about 4 months now and the younger has been out for about 2 months (he's serving in Monterrey, Mexico). Although I'd like to think that perhaps I did something right, somewhere along the way, for the most part I stand by the claim that my sons chose to serve missions not because of the way I raised them, but in spite of the way I raised them. Any positive influence most certainly came from their Mom.

Wingnut, thanks for your comments, but in AZ, during the summer, 5 minutes is 4 1/2 minutes too long. And (in Arizona), its the person who left the child who would be charged, if anyone was. Anddenex, the "Being stupid should be expensive", is a twist on an old John Wayne quote, that many have used and modified for the sake of humor. As the gate keeper of poor attempts at humor, I will bow to your obvious disgust at mine, and be more mindful in the future. I would however, point out once more, that was not the point of my original post... it was that saving a child (in my opinion) was more important than someone's window.

I apologize if I'm taking your post the wrong way, but breaking one of the windows to save a child (regardless of which window you choose), doesn't fall into my definition of stupid. :)

Wow, From all the, "I'll call the cops..." responses... I guess I'll be the bad guy... Let me start by saying, I have several family members that are cops and I live in AZ. The "bad guy" and "older children" issues aside (those would have to be topics for other discussions)... If I see an infant, toddler or pet, in a car that is closed (or even mostly closed) and unattended, the first thing I'll do is break out the driver side window, get them out, and then and only then, call 911. In a hot environment, the small child or pet will be dead before 911 arrives, unless you get them out of the vehicle that very moment. This would be the same as seeing a child drowning in a pool and saying I'll call 911 to have the paramedics get them out. Seconds will count... and minutes will simply be too long. Sorry for any toes I may have stepped on... PS. My sister (one of the family cops I mentioned) is the one who said break the driver window. Usually its not where the child or pet is sitting and it has to be repaired pretty soon, if you want to drive the car. She says being stupid should be expensive.

All I can say is Wow. My son and I are home. It was a wonderful time, in a beautiful country, with a loving and humble people. So I'm not really sure what to say about my trip, or rather, where to begin... I know there's poverty in the world... I've seen it on TV. However, there's a vast difference between having been aware of such a thing... and then sitting in someone's home and having them insist on you having something to eat and drink, when they have dirt floors, no windows or doors and might have only 2 light bulbs (and will bring one of those bulbs from another room, to illuminate the one you're visiting in), simply because you honored them by making the walk to come visit them. Its amazing what I (and most all Americans) take for granted. I asked my son before heading down there, what I might bring as a small gift for the families we would visit? He said they take a great deal of pride in dressing nicely for church, but only some of the men own a tie (they are too expensive), and that American chocolate was highly sought after (but due to the cost, only available to the very rich, upper class). I know it may seem shallow, but I took 6 dozen ties and 30 pounds of assorted chocolates. A tie went to every male member of every family we visited, as well as a pound of chocolate to the woman of each household. For me, it was a very emotional trip, filled with excitement and spiritual experiences. We even went through the Temple with the Mission President and his wife. On a side note, the wood work in that Temple is magnificent. Having said that, I thought I'd share something funny that also falls into the category of being prompted by the Spirit. I know this will sound "girly", but I put a great deal of thought into what I'd wear while I was there. This is not like me at all, but I was concerned with wanting to look nice, but not wanting to look "too" nice... due to the poorness of these fine people... (I hope that makes sense). Anyway, my concern was whether to take slacks or jeans, button-up shirts or pull-overs, and should I take a hat (which my doctor insists I never go anywhere without, due to past skin cancers). I began to feel sure that I should just take jeans with button-up shirts (and I dressed the same everyday, with the only difference being a white shirt vs. a grey shirt, for each day). I also felt sure I should take my black hat and black boots. Although all of this is pretty much normal for me (being a country boy from Texas), I admittedly stood out among the Paraguayan people. The first couple days we were out visiting, we went into areas that the missionaries are not allowed into after dark... as it is just too dangerous. For some reason, the Mission President gave my son permission anyway (after having seen me). I was unaware of the danger, or the "special" permission which was given. Remember, most of the conversations were in Spanish. The areas we were in (those first few nights) had lots of open air markets, taverns, etc. Considering how run-down these areas were, there was lots of activity, with lots of people moving about (on foot, and via mopeds, motorcycles and even a few older cars). Although some light spilled into the rough stone streets from open air businesses, most of the limited lighting was from the few street lights and the head lights of traffic. So as we're out walking these very old, and run-down areas, I begin to notice that some of the groups milling around outside certain businesses, would rapidly disappear as we approached. Others would almost stare as we went by, and some even offered what seemed to be "odd" greetings (like, Its good to see you here, Thank you for being here, etc.), a couple even shook my hand while offering their greeting (not my son's or his companion, but just mine). I asked my son several times, if he knew these people, if they were members, or just in general... what was going on? He and his companion just smiled and said we'd discuss it later... Mucho Gusto, was all I said in return... as my son said this was a typical and respectful reply, meaning roughly, Much Pleasure. It was days later when I was told of an enclave of Mennonites who live in a remote area of Paraguay. They are seldom seen. They are of German descent (the men being 6'+ tall, and of course white... and by the way, I'm 6'2"), and they only wear jeans with white, black or grey button-up shirts, and always wear black boots and black hats. But here's the kicker... many years ago, some small gang decided to cheat the Mennonites, and a short time later, the entire gang disappeared. Although no one really knows what happened, it started the belief that the Mennonites either killed them or had them killed. Apparently it is now common knowledge that the Mennonites are a peaceful and fair people, but that if you cross or harm them in anyway... you will be "dealt" with. Evidently it is considered good fortune to even have them in your general area, due to the lack of law enforcement, as they are looked upon as "peace keepers". My son and his companion even laughed later, as they told me the moment I stepped off the airplane, upon my arrival in Paraguay, my son's companion turned to him and said, "You didn't tell me your Dad is a Mennonite". I wonder if there's a new rumor now, that you better not bother the missionaries, as they're close friends of and under the protection of the Mennonites.

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Where'd that bus come from!?

I don't recall this being mentioned by anyone yet, but it was brought up to the wife and I before we entered the Temple for the first time (the wife and I joined the Church in our early 40s... which was 8 years ago this month, so our first time in the Temple was a short 7 years ago)... Have you received your Patriarchal Blessing yet?

I'm in AZ, so maybe I'm missing something that UT Mormons are more aware of. Also I'm in my 50s and although tattoos were not rare when I was young, they have definitely taken a place in society which they didn't use to hold. They are common now... much more so than ever before. Maybe they're just more common in AZ (than UT) or maybe we have more converts here, but either way, there are lots of people in my ward with tattoos. Both men and women. Some wear long sleeves, and some have tattoos that can't be concealed (or at least not completely). No one seems to notice... or care (at least not here). Maybe some do judge, but if so, they keep it to themselves. I will also add my 2 cents to the prevailing opinion that what others think, is of minimal importance. On a side note... I saw a bumper sticker once that said, "Don't hate me because my sins are different than yours". I'm certainly not implying that you're a sinner because you have tattoos. But I am saying that "if" in someone's eyes, you are less than them because you have tattoos... Just remember that no one is perfect, so anyone who would say such a thing, is a total hypocrite. :)

The first time we went to a Sacrament Meeting (as investigators, and with the Missionaries), I asked them, if we should take the Sacrament. They said if we would normally take communion (generic Christian term for Sacrament), where we had been going to church, then yes, we should feel free to do so here as well. Since I'm a convert and don't have the advantage of having grown-up in the church, I'll add (not knowing whether it really makes a difference or not), that sometimes a policy might change or be regional, so for the sake of, "maybe" it makes a difference, this was 8 years ago, and in the Phoenix, AZ area.

But... no pun was intended.

Do dry practice drills and work on your presentation from the holster. Remember, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Don't for get proper sight alignment, sight picture and trigger press.

On the surface this seems to be a case of an officer over stepping his bounds (and/or authority), but I wasn't there and would wonder why the Veteran didn't simply offer up his CCW permit without being asked? Its my experience that once an officer knows you're one of the "good guys" (i.e. they've seen your CCW, and therefore know you're a productive member of society, and not the common riff-raff they're used to encountering), they have no issue with you holding your own gun. I'm not familiar with the laws in TX, but I think pretty much anywhere, an officer of the law is allowed to secure himself from imminent danger in a given situation, until he understands what's going on. I know this doesn't allow him to step on one's rights, but he's allowed a lot of "latitude" to investigate something "suspicious". On a side note regarding the charge of "rudely displaying his gun"... In AZ we recently did away with the "brandishing" law. Of course this is irrelevant if you're interacting with law enforcement, but based on the title alone, I initially thought the article was about him interacting with another citizen who claimed to have been threatened or something like that...

Guy, thanks for the response, and I can find no fault with your point of view. In my defense though, I wasn't protecting my son from a bully... he did that very well on his own. As simply as I can put it, I viewed the school's arbitrary rule on punishment for "fighting", as being part of a corrupt system of justice (blind justice, might be one way to describe it). That's what I was standing up to, and I knew there could be consequences for doing so... but I was willing to accept them. Fortunately for me, it ended ok. :) On an interesting side note, I expect that a similar confrontation will be coming with our government (possibly in the not too distant future). When we begin to be treated in a similar fashion, i.e. losing our rights to defend and/or protect ourselves, or others, without there being consequences for doing so. When this happens, I wonder who among us will stand up and say, "No", to the government? And when those who will say "no", actually do it, will they be called bullies... or patriots... or maybe even terrorists?

I'm sorry if the post was unclear (it was pretty late when I wrote it), but no, I did not touch the principal. He decided "against" calling the police and asked what I thought would be a fair resolution. I told him that in real life, someone might get away with bad behavior for a while, but eventually, there would be a consequence for their meanness (or as I saw it, lawlessness). I further said that I thought it was pretty much one of the basic laws of nature. I said, as long as the instigator bore the greater part of the punishment, I'd be happy... often, even doing the right thing will bring about a consequence... He came up with the reversal on who would be suspended for 1 day versus 3 days. I'd like to think that in the time I've been a member of the church, I've learned a lot and become more understanding... but I'm not sure if I wouldn't do the same thing again.

Yes.

Wow, the emotional roller coaster ride this thread has taken me on, makes me dizzy. It also upsets me that some here, who strike me as being good and gentle, would have to suffer so much, at the hands of uncaring buffoons. Some of the things that some of you on this thread have endured amazes and impresses me beyond words. You have the patience of Job. I do not. So..... at the risk of being banned, I will share a story. I will not offer it as advice, because it would not be very good advice. Mind you (as my introduction says), I'm a red-neck, country-boy, truck driver. My wife has often described me as kind and friendly, with a bit of a twisted sense of humor, and I believe I am (kind and friendly). But, I also have an over-developed sense of fair play. And I have no room in my life for the sycophant progressive mind-set, or "touchy, feel-good" political correctness. I am polite, but only to a point... and once I reach that point, I call things the way I see them... (often with great bluntness). So... a year(+/-) "before" I joined the church... is when this occurred. According to 3 teachers, a "known" bully picked a fight with my son (they were both 9 at the time). My son wouldn't let him cut in line for some activity in a gym class. When he hit my son and knocked him to the floor, my son did just what I told him to do if a bully picks a fight with him, he got up, knocked the bully down, then fell upon him and beat him until a teacher pulled him off. (Let the flaming begin) My son got suspended for 3 days. And I got called to the Principle's Office. I'm guessing it was the principle's intention to lecture me about my parenting skills. It was my intention to find out why my son was being suspended for an altercation that was started by another child... a child who was known for "starting" things, and never suffering consequences for them. The details are not important... but suffice it to say that after about 20 minutes of not seeing eye to eye, the principle decided to call the police to have me removed from his office (and that the suspension would stand). I asked how long it would take them to arrive... and I told him that's how long I'd beat him... until they arrived to pull me off. I told him that decisions have consequences, and that I was willing to go to jail for my decision to stand up for my son's wrongful punishment... Was he willing to take a beating for his decision to be politically correct, and punish my son for standing up to a bully? In the end, my son's suspension was reduced from 3 days to 1 day, the other boy's was increased from 1 day to 3 days... and they never again called me when there was a problem at school... from then on, they always called Mom.

So... here I sit in my early 50s, having been a member of the Church for a little less than 8 years. My wife and I have known each other since we were 13, married at 21, and had our first of 2 sons at 30. When we joined the church in our early 40s, our boys were still 13 and 10. Both have earned their Eagle Scout awards. And for the last 2 years, our oldest has spent his mission, serving the people of Asuncion, Paraguay (and I'm very excited at the thought of flying there to meet him and his Mission President in just a few short weeks). Last night we had a crowd of youth and their leaders in our home for the occasion of my younger son opening his mission call letter. He will be reporting to the Provo MTC in late July, to begin his mission to serve the people of Monterrey, Mexico. It amazes me that in spite of the many mistakes I've made throughout my life, that the Lord has blessed me with such choice Spirits as my two sons and my wife. I feel unworthy of the blessings the Lord has generously and abundantly provided to me. But these blessings serve only to strengthen my testimony, that God's focus is on love, forgiveness and a desire for us to return to Him. Just a note of sincere thanks, to all of those parents who have sent their kids forth, as missionaries, to find people like me.

I apologize for jumping in when I have so little time, but there are a couple of short comments I'd like to toss into the thought stream. The Beach Ball Theory; A giant beach ball in the middle of a room full of people begins to expand. Everyone is pushed to the walls, and due to the pressure of the expanding ball, they can't breathe and begin to pass out. Finally someone is able to puncture the ball, and later, as the paramedics offer oxygen to those in need, and the police begin to take statements. Some saw a giant red ball, some saw a giant green ball, or blue ball, or yellow ball... They were all in the same room at the same time and witnessed the same thing... why are their descriptions all different? This is probably best applied to one's view of the creation of the Universe. The Universe, just like the beach ball, doesn't change just because my perspective, opinion, knowledge base... etc., is different than someone else's. The Universe doesn't care about my thoughts.. it just is, what it is. Humans are not perfect (in thought or otherwise); This second thought comes from when I (also a convert... at the age of 43) was taking the lessons. The Missionaries once said they thought I was waiting for something... for some great "ah-ha" moment. And they were right... I was. I was waiting for proof. Proof from them, that the Church was true. (Remember, this was when I was still an investigator) They surprised me by saying they couldn't prove the Church was true. They said that they are (as are all of us), fallible, subject to making mistakes, etc. In short, we're mortal, we're only human. The only truth we'll ever receive, comes to us from God, through the Holy Spirit. We receive it by praying, but remember, God will only tell us what we're ready to hear. The more we read, study and ponder the scriptures, the more He'll reveal. I fully expect (at least with me) that there is a great deal of knowledge I won't receive until I'm on the other side of the veil. I know these two thoughts have already been covered, but sometimes hearing something expressed in a different manner, makes a difference, even if only a small one.

Hey Richar... welcome aboard. Please help out a convert who doesn't get all the acronyms... what is BMAF archeology? I've never heard of that. I'm thinking RLDS is Reformed Latter-day Saint, but correct me if I'm wrong. Totally cool to be so close to so much of the Church's early historical sites. So what are some of the differences between what you believe, or are taught, compared to (what I'll refer to as) Utah Mormon's beliefs?

Watch out for this Mirkwood guy... he succumbed to the lure of the dark side, and now owns Glocks.