askandanswer

"Name them two by two, and it will surprise you what the Lord can do"
(Not as amusing as "While shepherds wash their socks" or "Jingle bells, Batman smells")

Another way of putting that is that a girl would never be alone with @LDSGator 

Another way of putting that is that a girl would never be alone with @LDSGator 

Another way of putting that is that a girl would never be alone with @LDSGator 

I think the real question is what happens on your next trip alone, what happens next time you are in a similar situation for a prolonged period of time, what happens next time a man tries to flirt with you? And you dont have to be on a long flight for this to happen, it could happen next time you go shopping. Having once participated and enjoyed it, will you want to do so again? Will this be a once only experience or the beginning of a pattern?
Some possible responses to those questions could be a) I feel bad about this, that's my conscience telling me that it was wrong, so I won't do it again, and I'd better take some preventative steps to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. b) That was a test, I enjoyed it, I passed the test, so if the opportunity arises, I'll do it again or c ) I enjoyed that, nothing bad happened, I want it to happen again so I'll look for or create similar opportunities. B and C are dangerous choices. Any sort of action that releases endorphins often becomes an action that we want to do more of. For some people it only takes one drink to become an alcoholic. 
Welcome to the forum, its a great place to get advice and discuss ideas. 

I think the real question is what happens on your next trip alone, what happens next time you are in a similar situation for a prolonged period of time, what happens next time a man tries to flirt with you? And you dont have to be on a long flight for this to happen, it could happen next time you go shopping. Having once participated and enjoyed it, will you want to do so again? Will this be a once only experience or the beginning of a pattern?
Some possible responses to those questions could be a) I feel bad about this, that's my conscience telling me that it was wrong, so I won't do it again, and I'd better take some preventative steps to reduce the likelihood of it happening again. b) That was a test, I enjoyed it, I passed the test, so if the opportunity arises, I'll do it again or c ) I enjoyed that, nothing bad happened, I want it to happen again so I'll look for or create similar opportunities. B and C are dangerous choices. Any sort of action that releases endorphins often becomes an action that we want to do more of. For some people it only takes one drink to become an alcoholic. 
Welcome to the forum, its a great place to get advice and discuss ideas. 

Dear Friend @SparksFly; (For some reason your handle is not registered with the forum?)
You are very lucky and fortunate to have dodged a bullet.  Perhaps I should say a deadly fiery dart of the adversary.   Scripture tells us that Satan flatters us into following a course that leads to destruction and bondage.
Though I am retired now I spent much of my professional life traveling.  I would say about ¼ of my life.  Sometimes for several weeks at a time.  Joining me in my travels have been several good LDS serving in what many would call high positions.  Also, I traveled with many rather shady characters.  I think there is something about traveling that tends to get a person out of sorts and venerable to flattery.  Especially from seemingly good looking and smart seaming others.  I witnessed those that under such circumstances succumbed to the temptations of the moment.  I would say that without a single exception (good LDS or wild heathen) that never did anyone falling for the flattery of predators and pursuing pleasures contrary to the Law and covenant of Chasity end in anything even remotely close a happy ending.  Much more, if for any reason you would become the predator.  It was (is) always a heartbreaking disaster for all involved – even for the remotely involved.
The guilty feeling for being flirty is nothing compared to the guilt Satan has planned for you.  I personally do not know you nor do I know anything about your marriage relationship.  I will not pretend I know how to advise you moving forward beyond the admonition to repent.  Let the spirit guide you through the process as to what you should do and who to tell.  It is possible that your husband could be devastated and unable to cope even though for now it seems quite harmless.
I can truthfully say that there is great rewards for remaining loyal and faithful to sacred covenant.  There is spiritual strength and great happiness in keeping divine covenant – especially the covenant of marriage.  I am personally grateful that in the few times my beloved wife has asked, that I can honestly look her in the eyes and say I have never strayed (though tempted) and remained loyal to our covenants to G-d and each other.  I believe there would be joy in your life knowing that your husband is faithful to you.
I remember the Prophet David O. McKay saying that it is a greater honor to be trusted than to be loved. 
 
The Traveler

Let's try a different set of numbered points:
 
1. You passed. You were tempted but you stayed true to your marriage, your vows, your faith. Not only did you not break the Law of Chastity, but you were tested and passed.
2. We men should value the women in our lives more. If we don't treasure our treasures, there are always others who will.
3. It speaks well of you that your husband trusts you take such long journeys without him. His discernment appears to be spot on.
4. Don't allow your desire for more attention to turn to bitterness. Again, we men should do better. Perhaps your husband should.
5. Nevertheless, don't underestimate what you have. 16 years? Three children? Blessings all! You did it together. Love/respect him openly. You'll be reassured. 

I’m in the process of marking 148, 1,500 word first year “reflective essays” in which students were asked to watch, reflect, and respond to this video 
by Dr Wray. In this video Dr Wray raises the question about the morality of having children during a time of climate change. I didn’t keep exact track of the figures but my feel is that probably a little over 2/3rds rejected the idea that climate change should be a significant consideration to take into account when deciding whether or not to have children. Again, I haven’t looked at the results too carefully, but my impression is that by far the largest percentage of this 2/3rds would have been from non-western, third world, mostly Asian countries. Most of those who seemed persuaded by the idea that this was not a good time to have children were white western females.

Count your many blessings, name them one, by one...........   

Count your many blessings, name them one, by one...........   

Count your many blessings, name them one, by one...........   

I don’t believe that the general church membership had demonstrated the ability to discern truth from error beyond recognizing the truthfulness of the restored gospel in general. Speaking of these same people, Joseph Smith had said:
“[T]here has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation. It has been like splitting hemlock knots with a corn-dodger for a wedge, and a pumpkin for a beetle. Even the Saints are slow to understand.
I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions: they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen.” (Jan. 20, 1844.) DHC 6:183-185.
Many church members received the Adam-God teaching with gladness and considered it to be light and truth revealed from heaven. This included apostles like Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Franklin D. Richards. 
Others had difficulty accepting it as it went against their traditions. 

Thanks for posting this @mikbone I was unaware of this guy. After reading your post I watched two of his episodes. 

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Today, I have been given the opportunity to bear a short 3 Minute testimony in our Branch Conference. (This is Branch a organized for the local prisons)...
You will realize someday the importance of your calling to God and the heavens. 
Members would be clamoring to volunteer if they knew the blessings that will come to those who minister to the prisoner.
 
Heavenly Father loves us with a love that we can barely even conceive of. 
As the Lord's newest Apostle, Elder Patrick Kearon, said, and as I can personally witness, “God is in relentless pursuit of you. He “wants all of His children to choose to return to Him,” and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.”
 
Jesus Christ is our Messiah, Redeemer, and King. 
He voluntarily suffered, bled, and died so that we could repent and we receive forgiveness. He is our only hope of forgiveness, salvation, and exaltation.
By His Resurrection all of God's children will gain immortality. 
He is the Light and Life of this world and all creation. He is creation's only hope. Without Him all would be darkness and chaos. 
He is coming again soon to establish His Kingdom of Peace.
 
Joseph Smith holds the keys of, and is the head of this, the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times and those keys will never be taken from him- “Forever and ever the keys he will hold!”. 
He is the Servant of the Lord in the parable of the Vineyard. He will stand again on the earth to lead forth in the redemption of Zion- “Millions shall know Brother Joseph again!”. 
The Lord gave me a testimony of the calling of Joseph Smith Jr. at 16, and the all  devils in hell haven't been able to, and never will, take that witness from me!
 
The Book of Mormon is a real history, of real people, that really lived. It contains the fullness of the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ. 
It is the keystone of my religion. 
It is my Latter-day survival guide. 
I have, and you will, come closer to God by abiding by it's precepts than any other Book.
 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church. 
It was established through the ministry of angels.
Only in it are found the keys of salvation and eternal life. As President Nelson recently said, “no other organization can and will influence your life after death.”
 
Russell Marion Nelson is the Lord's Presiding High Priest to direct His work in these days. 
He is the prophet, seer, and revelator to the Church and the world. 
If we obey the counsel given through him we will receive the power to endure and survive the sorrows that are coming upon the earth, and receive a fullness of joy in the mansions of our Eternal Parents.

They’ve always been pretty shady. 

We got another one.
My wife was following him prior to his baptism.  
He loved the temple open houses.  Our clear communication.  And Robins (the birds).
 

The teaching of additional light and truth to those who have already demonstrated an ability to discern truth from error does not generally cause the sort of reactions that you claim were caused by teaching the Adam-God theory. So that raises a question in my mind as to whether what was taught was indeed light and truth. It doesn't seem to be quite consistent with Doctrine and Covenants 88:40
For aintelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; bwisdom receiveth wisdom; ctruth embraceth truth; dvirtue loveth virtue; elight cleaveth unto light; fmercy hath gcompassion on mercy and claimeth her own; hjustice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.

The teaching of additional light and truth to those who have already demonstrated an ability to discern truth from error does not generally cause the sort of reactions that you claim were caused by teaching the Adam-God theory. So that raises a question in my mind as to whether what was taught was indeed light and truth. It doesn't seem to be quite consistent with Doctrine and Covenants 88:40
For aintelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; bwisdom receiveth wisdom; ctruth embraceth truth; dvirtue loveth virtue; elight cleaveth unto light; fmercy hath gcompassion on mercy and claimeth her own; hjustice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.

The teaching of additional light and truth to those who have already demonstrated an ability to discern truth from error does not generally cause the sort of reactions that you claim were caused by teaching the Adam-God theory. So that raises a question in my mind as to whether what was taught was indeed light and truth. It doesn't seem to be quite consistent with Doctrine and Covenants 88:40
For aintelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; bwisdom receiveth wisdom; ctruth embraceth truth; dvirtue loveth virtue; elight cleaveth unto light; fmercy hath gcompassion on mercy and claimeth her own; hjustice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things.

From the Webester 1828 Dictionary 3) law
the railing in a courtroom that encloses the place about the judge where prisoners are stationed or where the business of the court is transacted in civil cases
the whole body of barristors or lawyers qualified to practice in the courts of any jurisdiction
And from the BoM
1 Nephi 12:9 And he said unto me: Thou rememberest the twelve apostles of the Lamb? Behold they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them; for ye are of the house of Israel.
10 And these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy seed. And, behold, they are righteous forever; for because of their faith in the Lamb of God their garments are made white in his blood.
I bet that we will be judged by our current apostles.
I'd prefer to have Elder Monson or Erying pead my case.  But I'll probably get McConkie or Packer.  

The "bar" has a footnote to Moroni 10.  
I noted that the "bar" (from Moroni 10) used in conjunction with "Eternal Judge" indicates that the "bar" spoken of is about the final judgement.  Maybe, maybe not.  I was thinking of "the bar" that is used in modern settings for the inner area in the courtroom for the judge and lawyers.  So, I could see this referring to God as the ultimate judge. Therefore, we meet at his bar.
The problem is that this usage of the word "bar" is of modern origin.  It was far later than Moroni, and certainly later than Jacob.  So, why is this "bar" used in these verses?
It is easy enough to say that these were simply the best modern language equivalents to ancient figures of speech.  And it could be.  But I just don't feel right about it.
Another answer didn't occur to me until I re-read the words:
This isn't the bar of a modern courtroom.  This is a scepter, either of the Egyptian Pharaoh or a Judge of Israel (or possibly some combination of the two).
I prefer that dual symbolism of the Egyptian Pharaohs.  The flail and scepter were double-dual symbols.  
The flail could punish disobedient servants, or it could be used to thresh wheat, thus providing for the people. The shepherd's crook was either a way to STRIKE down a criminal, or to bring a repentant soul into the fold. To say that the bar (staff, rod, etc.) was "pleasing", and then say that is striketh fear and dread, would indicate a dual symbol.

I like to think that I'm too well-mannered to laugh at the views and opinions of others, but sometimes the temptation arises. To think that God would allow His prophet to teach false doctrine about His character and nature for 25 years, especially after he and His Son appeared in person to Joseph Smith - well that's an example of when I'm tempted. 
To quote again from a previously quoted from talk:
Fourth: The prophet will never lead the Church astray.
President Wilford Woodruff stated: “I say to Israel, The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as president of the Church to lead you astray. It is not in the program. It is not in the mind of God.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, selected by G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946], pp. 212-213.)
If Brigham Young did indeed teach the Adam-God theory - and I have never looked into the matter myself, and nor do I intend to because it is so unimportant - and God allowed him to continue teaching this, I would be inclined to accept that there must be some truth to it. However, I say this from the position of one who has never looked at the idea or its associated teachings.

Why limit the choice to 2? How about simple fallibility, misunderstanding and miscommunication, or practice with councils and group revelation and continuing revelation in council, or expediency in the Lord changing priorities and emphasis to best convey His plan of redemption?