David13

I use self hypnosis. But I guess I'm now old enough or know the system well enough, that it works on it's own. dc

I have returned from a motorcycle trip thru' Utah of 10 days, one of at least two annual trips I have made to meet with other BMW motorcycle riders in Torrey Utah for years. I first visited Utah 52 years ago as a fairly young teen, and saw the Temple and listened to the organ recital at the Tabernacle. Those who have followed my introduction and posts on my Baptism and conversion know what I have been doing the last three months. I did attend services, Sacrament Meeting, Gospel Study and High Priesthood Study in St George and Torrey Utah. And I went the Temples in St George, Manti, SLC and into the Payson Temple for the open house. And I have come to understand that I have a great regret about the whole thing, in that I did not make this conversion years ago. Many years ago. Going back 52 years, there were certain signs present. Certain indications. But for whatever reason I did not actually walk in the door and join until 3 months ago. And now I realize it really doesn't have to do with moving to Utah. But I do realize why I have been going to Utah. The faith there is solid. It is like a rock. A beautiful thing to behold. dc

Anatess, you are a young mother, and that is a great and appropriate thing for you. Myself, an old man with no children and therefore no grandchildren I'd rather have cats. But I want to say this. Sunday the 10th in St George 4th Ward where I visited, all the primarys got up, so many the entire front of the chapel was filled, and sang to their mothers. Absolute beauty. A glorious event. dc

One week. I only have 3 weeks myself. And yes, I also find it exciting, but I'm on a special trip. Thru' Utah, visiting Temples in St George, Salt Lake City, Payson, and Manti. And services in St George, and tomorrow, in Torrey, Utah. Congratulations. Endure to the end. I regret that I did not do this before age 65. You have your whole life ahead of you with this glory. dc

I applaud your decision. I have for a long time seen much of tv, movies, anything of the sort as having not only the overt evil aspects that you see, but also all kinds of subtle messages and insinuations coming to evil conclusions. So my opinion is that most or all of it is corrupt. Most or all of it is actually propaganda, indoctrination into the agenda. So look for that rare good stuff and take delight in it. The great rule that we must all learn, which I learned as a child, from my parents, was, just because 'everyone' is doing it, seeing it, reading it, does not mean it's okay. Or good. Or right. dc

I also had on Tuesday of this week a tour of the Convention Center. I only became familiar with this venue at Conference time last month, as I am a recent convert to the faith. My tour, a walk in consisted of myself and a 'geologist' from Wharton College group on a geology tour who spoke not one word on the tour. Which gave me 40 minutes or so to hear the tour and find out extensive personal info about the tour guide, how he got there, where he lived, his life in the faith, his family, his politics, after informing him of my recent baptism, getting congrats, then sharing some of my story with him. I think the 'college guy' did ask a question at the end, which must have been "aren't you going to try to convert me?" because I heard the tour guide answer "oh, we can't prosetlyize (something like that, I think), only the missionary sisters can do that, talk to them". I guess the tour guides have rules about what they can say, but I sure enjoyed the tour, the miracle that is the center, the faith and the people in the faith. dc

Prison Chaplain A very good point. I'm a convert. At one point maybe 25 years ago I objected to the term born again. I thought it meant I had to be dead or something. I was baptized just a few days after birth into the Catholic Church. So I thought I was still alive. Today I realize my faith was dead or dormant; sleeping and is now reawakened. I am born again, as Mormon. Catholicism did not have the living vibrancy that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does. So I have really come to life. I am born again. dc

Either/Or I am quite familiar with these 12 step programs. You (OP) must have a sponsor. Your counselor may have been your sponsor. A sponsor is a person who has successfully gone thru' the 12 step program and basically walks you thru' it. There is a requirement that you confess your sins to God, and to one other person. Your sponsor. It's sort of like the Bishop, but in the program. And then make restitution. But if it works long term, you can adapt the program as you see ft. But be careful with that. Most people do not make it. Long term is not measured in months or a few years, long term is for the rest of your worldly life. dc

Still Small Voice I have seen that. I could not believe it. You would think it would be old men. Crypto That was my thought. dc

I spent yesterday afternoon and this morning exploring Temple Square, the Temple, the visitors centers (2), Beehive House, Lion House, the Convention Center, Tabernacle organ recital, and talking to at least a dozen missionary sisters and other Temple Square employees and visitors. In all it was extremely beautiful. I can only encourage any and all of you who have not been there, or who have not been there in a while, to go. And take family, friends, neighbors or anyone else you can with you. I had not been there in 52 years. All too long. I didn't take any photos. I usually don't. But I have images in my head that will last forever. If you want photos, they are available online. If you go you will have your own beautiful memories. dc

There is an old mill to the east of Bicknell, with a turn-out, park bench, and commemorative plaque. I stopped out there last year and lay on my back one night looking at all those stars for an hour. It reminded me of sailing in Mexico, off the coast in the Pacific, and doing the same thing. I think I saw more out at sea, tho'. dc

In recent years I have spent many days and nights in Torrey. I could get used to it. But I certainly am looking all around. Thanks dc

Pam!! My mind must be blind. I have seen people die from smoking related diseases, one of whom was paid more on the job ... if he did not smoke. Yes, the raise with the knowledge that money is being spent on cigarettes is what is known as ... enabling. dc

It is totally irrelevant if said person receives church assistance to pay bills and uses other money to buy cigarettes, or just uses the churches money to buy the cigarettes. Either way, if the Bishop knows, then it's up to the Bishop. Even someone receiving assistance is allowed some items of recreation or entertainment or enjoyment. But of a modest nature as determined by the Bishop. Any moral person will sell the Rolex watch before they receive assistance, and the cigarettes are like the Rolex watch ... only harmful. Read the warning label on them. dc

Yes. Wherever he wants the money to go. If for the missionaries, then to the missionary fund. It's not a rental fee, a purchase amount, it's a donation, a gratuity. dc

Essence. How about essence? I like essence. The thing of it. Why do I like motorcycling. It's the thing of it. dc

I think you should ask the happy couple if they want the Bishop invited. I think you should offer money to the young men, and also donate money to the scout program and that you should also make a contribution to the Bishop for the church for using the picnic area. In other words pay all the way around. dc

I'd rather have guidance and direction, rather than unconditional charity. I'd rather be taught to fish, rather than being given a fish. It only takes one day to loose an addiction. In fact, any alcoholic or drug addict is only sober and clean for one day at a time. Today. And it only starts when they reach that point where they decide to do something about it. Then work a 12 step program to stay clean and sober, and smoke free, one day at a time for the rest of their life. But they have to want that, and if they do, they get it. Here's what I'd do. I'd ask the guy to have a serious talk with the intent of helping him. (And note here that helping him is to help him live smoke free, not buying him cigarettes). I'd ask if he was on assistance. Yes. I'd ask if the Bishop knew he was still smoking, and receiving assistance. Yes. No further involvement. No. I feel it is my duty to inform the Bishop that he is enabling you to continue in this addiction. Unless you are willing to do that in my presence. Yes, it's bold. It's dangerous. But it may save a life. Would you rather let it go and later see him die of lung cancer? I wouldn't. dc Of course I would also help him as mentioned above with 12 step help.

It's a matter of respect. Or showing or indicating respect. However there is some variation in society. California style is all first names, but not for important people. And basically only with people who have okayed that first name stuff. I worked for years with a very formal attorney of the same political party as myself and we always referred to each other as Mr. His wife also. We were Mr and she was Mrs ****. When you are speaking of a person for whom we might/should/do have respect we would say Senator ***** or Elder Monson. If you wanted to be disrespectful and critical you would use a first name and something funny. Senator Bobbie Boy says ... So far here (not long for me) it is instantly Brother first name or Sister first name. Indicating fast friendship. In court I was always Mr Last Name, and the Judge was Your Honor, but if I saw the Judge at a lunch or dinner and we were political compatriots, I was instantly Dave and after a bit then they were Doug etc. If we were political opposites we usually remained Mr. to each other. dc dc

Anatess I didn't. Nephi is a small town in south central Utah. No, just last night I was reading more Nephi. At the Los Angeles Temple I saw the video, You Know Enough, you don't know it all, but you know enough. I still don't know if I will in fact make it to Utah. Other than to visit. But I do have to say I feel more comfortable. Even right here. Anatess, you have found it for me. They have asked me, how do you feel. That is it. More comfortable. dc

Pam I'm not sure what you mean. I do think I joined for the right reasons. I looked long and hard at what pkstpaul said in his post on the link. There is a lot more than is just reflected in my own posts. But all that doesn't necessarily come across on the internet. However, I still do not have a complete idea of the church. Several have asked me 'did the missionaries answer all your questions?' I have met with the missionaries 15 times. My answer is, I have about 10,000 questions, and I think they answered 3 or 4. I have attended services, including Gospel Principles and Priesthood meeting 6 Sundays. Maybe 5 or 6 questions have been answered. I think Capitalist Oinker stated it well, and concisely. I have a long way to go. A long long way. dc

Mr Capitalist I believe I may know exactly where at this time that very aforementioned Lucifer/Satan is, right now, as we speak (post). dc

I really regret not representing you there. I have had clients say some good lines, but that one, well there should be some type of award for that one. dc

yjacket Nothing personal, but I get the impression you have no cop friends and have never worked with any of them. i would like you to watch a video. Yes, it is somewhat rare. But watch this and see if your view (I must say jaded) view of a cops job doesn't change just a tad. Viewer discretion is advised. They get a computer report. The gentleman cop says a profanity; the lady cop says omg the words. And then ... dc Now, tell me being a cop is not dangerous. You see, it's not always dangerous. But when it is, it's really dangerous.

I just don't believe their "frustration and anger" has anything to do with this arrest. I understand you have the facts and the truth, and we only have our opinions, but I say, that's good enough for me. dc