NeedleinA

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  1. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to anatess2 in From the news....   
    BYU is caving in to special snowflakes now too?
    Onwards, millennial wimpification!
  2. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Older/Wiser? in A lonely mormon   
    Hello Tbone,
    I am sorry that you find yourself in a situation that you feel lonely. Being lonely, is well, a lonely place to be. I am glad you found "us" here. We are happy to be a support to you and act as surrogate members of your branch. There are several members here that find themselves in similar circumstances when it comes to a small branch and few members in their area. One of the blessings of modern times is that you can connect with others like us remotely and find spiritual strengthen that way. I greatly enjoy my interactions here on lds.net and find the quality of members here to be uplifting and a strength. So again... welcome!
    When it comes to member's "outreach" or the lack thereof, I am reminded of a couple of key points:
    1. No one is paid in the Branch. Every bit of outreach is done out of free service. Every time someone is off visiting another it is time that they are not doing something they might need to personally do themselves, at their own home, with their own family. 
    2. As we look at others and wonder "why aren't they visiting ME?", we should also look in the mirror and say, "When was the last time I went and visited them?". Service to one another is a two way street. I would encourage you to visit others in your Branch. Take a little treat, say hi, reintroduce yourself if haven't been to church in a while. There is no requirement to wait for them, you can take the first step instead!
    3. Become friends with members, not simply "Brother and Sister". As friends, you will naturally look out and visit each other anyways. 
    4. Make sure you have a calling. Callings will naturally put you in contact with other members and help open doors to becoming a friend.
    Well, those are just a couple of thoughts. Welcome again! 
  3. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to Sunday21 in Did you know? Fun little LDS/Semi LDS facts...   
    Thanks so much for this!
  4. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Vort in Did you know? Fun little LDS/Semi LDS facts...   
    1. Will you or someone you know (none member) have a layover at SLC Airport? Catch a Free Church shuttle to go tour Temple Square instead of sitting at the airport!

    2. The debate still lives on: Are the "White Indians" found in Central & South America albinos or not? 

    3. As the Church asks for our help in aiding refugees, remember that President Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency was once a refugee himself.  Desert News Article  Also, in Church history, we as a Church body were once refugees: 
    “The refugee story is not well known among most members of the Church, but it is a very important and positive story from Mormon history,” said Michael L. Hutchings, a trustee of the foundation. “Many of us have ancestors that arrived in Quincy from Missouri during that winter of 1838–39. The 1,500 citizens of Quincy received and assisted over 5,000 Latter-day Saints in their time of great need during that cold winter. The Mormons were in need of shelter, food, clothing, and jobs and were received with great humanity. There was perhaps no greater time of need in Latter-day Saint history than in Quincy during that winter.”

    More later perhaps, but I need to get ready for work now
  5. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Sunday21 in Did you know? Fun little LDS/Semi LDS facts...   
    1. Will you or someone you know (none member) have a layover at SLC Airport? Catch a Free Church shuttle to go tour Temple Square instead of sitting at the airport!

    2. The debate still lives on: Are the "White Indians" found in Central & South America albinos or not? 

    3. As the Church asks for our help in aiding refugees, remember that President Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency was once a refugee himself.  Desert News Article  Also, in Church history, we as a Church body were once refugees: 
    “The refugee story is not well known among most members of the Church, but it is a very important and positive story from Mormon history,” said Michael L. Hutchings, a trustee of the foundation. “Many of us have ancestors that arrived in Quincy from Missouri during that winter of 1838–39. The 1,500 citizens of Quincy received and assisted over 5,000 Latter-day Saints in their time of great need during that cold winter. The Mormons were in need of shelter, food, clothing, and jobs and were received with great humanity. There was perhaps no greater time of need in Latter-day Saint history than in Quincy during that winter.”

    More later perhaps, but I need to get ready for work now
  6. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to tesuji in Sunday school answers   
    Regarding Sunday School answers, I agree with what has been said that I wish people would be willing to go deeper, ask more questions, just be more curious.
    However, also regarding Sunday School answers:
    I taught a 14 year old LDS Sunday School class a few years ago. When I asked the questions the lesson told me to, they would often give me the simple "Sunday School" answers. What often struck me, now as an older adult, was how profound those answers can be. I guess because I understand them better, simple as they may be.
    "Simple" concepts like faith, charity, sacrifice, and all the other so-called basic principles. Wow, they are all amazing.
    Perhaps I'm finally seeing a bit of the following in my older age:
    "We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." - T. S. Eliot
  7. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to David13 in Sunday school answers   
    No, that's just to say that I think the proper point of view is that we do not believe in reincarnation.. I think to indicate that I do not think I speak for the church here. I did ask about it when it was brought up.  So I did have confirmation from someone in the church all their life.. 
    But I can't speak for the church.
    dc
  8. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from zil in Did you know? Fun little LDS/Semi LDS facts...   
    1. Will you or someone you know (none member) have a layover at SLC Airport? Catch a Free Church shuttle to go tour Temple Square instead of sitting at the airport!

    2. The debate still lives on: Are the "White Indians" found in Central & South America albinos or not? 

    3. As the Church asks for our help in aiding refugees, remember that President Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency was once a refugee himself.  Desert News Article  Also, in Church history, we as a Church body were once refugees: 
    “The refugee story is not well known among most members of the Church, but it is a very important and positive story from Mormon history,” said Michael L. Hutchings, a trustee of the foundation. “Many of us have ancestors that arrived in Quincy from Missouri during that winter of 1838–39. The 1,500 citizens of Quincy received and assisted over 5,000 Latter-day Saints in their time of great need during that cold winter. The Mormons were in need of shelter, food, clothing, and jobs and were received with great humanity. There was perhaps no greater time of need in Latter-day Saint history than in Quincy during that winter.”

    More later perhaps, but I need to get ready for work now
  9. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to NeuroTypical in How to Keep Your Goals -- Guaranteed   
    I find it interesting to see the polarized opinions here.  This seems to be a People of Ammon/Stripling Warriors moment.  How cool is it, that the church's tent is broad enough to cover us all!
    I'm still this guy.  
     

  10. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to Backroads in Things I learned at work   
    Beware of the children of parents who over talk gentle discipline.
     
  11. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to Vort in Things I learned at work   
    It's hard to imagine, but writing is a skill unto itself and not directly related to intelligence. Lots of very smart people can't write their way out of a wet paper bag. Politics are important. It is worth your while to learn how to say things such that others don't get offended. If you don't develop this gift and instead choose to focus on being honest and very precise, prepare yourself for a lifetime of being viciously misinterpreted. (Feel free to complain about it, if you like, but it won't do you any good.) Many people are wonderful under the right conditions. Seriously, it's like being in the presence of God. Under the wrong conditions, everyone is a jerk. No exceptions. The only question is how big a jerk they are. Sometimes, you should be grateful that someone is only being a little bit of a jerk. No job is often preferable to a miserable job, but nothing beats a good job.
  12. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to NeuroTypical in Men who don't get sports   
    I totally get sports!  What's not to get?



     
  13. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Sunday21 in Things I learned at work   
    1. I've learned that the Home Inspections you order when purchasing a home are superficial at best. The specialized issues/problems that you "hope" they will find and save you from, they don't. They aren't trained well enough. Before buying a home, get a quote from an actual contractor and ask them what is wrong with something. Night and day difference in what they will find vs. a generic Home Inspection service.
    2. Customers will take every minute of everyday IF you allow them to... set boundaries and limit your availability. By being less available, you can appear busier than you might be and in turn create greater demand for yourself because you "appear" to be in great demand already.
    3. Yes Sir, no sales = no jobs for anyone. Doesn't matter if you have the world's best/talented staff if no one is buying your goods/services, you are done for.
    4. Hire the more expensive competent  person. Become the more expensive person. People with actual money want quality not bargains. 
  14. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from LeSellers in Things I learned at work   
    1. I've learned that the Home Inspections you order when purchasing a home are superficial at best. The specialized issues/problems that you "hope" they will find and save you from, they don't. They aren't trained well enough. Before buying a home, get a quote from an actual contractor and ask them what is wrong with something. Night and day difference in what they will find vs. a generic Home Inspection service.
    2. Customers will take every minute of everyday IF you allow them to... set boundaries and limit your availability. By being less available, you can appear busier than you might be and in turn create greater demand for yourself because you "appear" to be in great demand already.
    3. Yes Sir, no sales = no jobs for anyone. Doesn't matter if you have the world's best/talented staff if no one is buying your goods/services, you are done for.
    4. Hire the more expensive competent  person. Become the more expensive person. People with actual money want quality not bargains. 
  15. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from David13 in Things I learned at work   
    1. I've learned that the Home Inspections you order when purchasing a home are superficial at best. The specialized issues/problems that you "hope" they will find and save you from, they don't. They aren't trained well enough. Before buying a home, get a quote from an actual contractor and ask them what is wrong with something. Night and day difference in what they will find vs. a generic Home Inspection service.
    2. Customers will take every minute of everyday IF you allow them to... set boundaries and limit your availability. By being less available, you can appear busier than you might be and in turn create greater demand for yourself because you "appear" to be in great demand already.
    3. Yes Sir, no sales = no jobs for anyone. Doesn't matter if you have the world's best/talented staff if no one is buying your goods/services, you are done for.
    4. Hire the more expensive competent  person. Become the more expensive person. People with actual money want quality not bargains. 
  16. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to Blackmarch in My first talk   
    we had a missionary version of this (depicting the different types of elders) from one of our elders who like to doodle and do cartoony things of that sort for a hobby.
  17. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Jane_Doe in Sunday school answers   
    I'm off to church right now, but great post Traveler. I can't wait to get home and respond with more time. I l-o-v-e learning and thoroughly enjoy all the variety and challenging questions/thoughts/perspectives shared here... this is in big part why I love coming here!
    No apology needed on my end. In my mind, if we were all "yes men/women" it would not give us the opportunity to stretch and grow. 
  18. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from KellyLC in Abinadi's Death - death by faggots   
    Over the years the story of Abinadi has always been a source of strength for me. I have been able to pull from it many personal meanings in my life. 
    Strength to stand alone. Strength to stand alone while standing for what is right/correct/true. An example of holding on to your testimony regardless of how many others around you are unrighteous and how many of your friends/family fall away from the truth. I kept the following painting taped in the front of my Book of Mormon my entire mission. 

    Tonight while doing laundry I turned on a Book of Mormon series that I really enjoy: Book of Mormon Central - Knowhy
    This episode #96 referred to Mosiah 17:13 
    "And it came to pass that they took him (Abinadi) and bound him, and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death." 
    It was interesting enough that I thought I would share it here for those of you who enjoy BOM studies and interesting facts. Viewing this only helps increase my appreciation for what Abinadi did and sacrificed. 
     
     
  19. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to CV75 in Drinking from the bitter cup   
    I think it means to humbly submit to whatever horrible/terrible test we are suffering at the time, trusting in God's promises all the while (preserving faith before every other consideration).
  20. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Sunday21 in Is "vaping" harmful? What every LDS parent should know   
    At least the vaping industry is not targeting little kids with happy fun lovable characters like cigarettes did with Joe Camel  and others.
    Oh wait...

  21. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to NightSG in Men who don't get sports   
    Maybe you're not watching the right sports.  Some of our local Pentecostals treat these the way most people treat the Super Bowl, complete with annual pilgrimage to various ones.

  22. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to Traveler in Sunday school answers   
    This is a little insight to the mind and heart of the Traveler more than a condemnation of others.  As a youth I loved church and enjoyed the spirit of the saints (still do) – but I often found the pace of instruction very boring (too slow).   Often my thoughts were (and still are) somewhere else – not necessarily with worldly things – just other things.   My teachers; realizing I was somewhere else would often ask me a question to get me back inline.  I learned that if I answered – Jesus Christ – I answered correctly, at least as often as if I was intently listening and involved.

    This is what I mean with what I call the Sunday school answer.  The answer at the surface is correct and 100% true – but does not reflect the understanding of the depth of the question often being asked.  Trying to go beyond the surface of Sunday school answers often creates ire and accusations of heresy.  Thinking often involves some speculation – and speculation by many is considered evil.  To be honest, often I enter discussions on this very forum (as well as in other places) not because I actually disagree but because I see some hope in expanding the thinking (especially pondering or ponderizing spiritual possibilities). 

    Sometime I agree with what a person is saying but I want to push them a bit to explore and learn.  Sometimes I push the limits because I wonder if there is more and something I have missed or failed to consider.  I most appreciate those who have opinions and come to conclusions different than mine – and I love to explore why.  But I have found that most are not comfortable enough with their opinions and thoughts to have then challenged or explored in detail.  In so doing I create anger and resentment and often do not even realize it.  In my social circles my beloved wife is quick to reprove me – but she is never present on this forum. 

    So I apologize.  This may seem like a hollow apology because I may be unaware of the actual offense.   Though I believe those of this forum to be capable of much better than the “Sunday school” answers – I do not intend to create anger by my challenges.  But I also believe that being shaken a little and even being a little upset is worth the journey that must be endlessly traveled on the pathway to truth and understanding.   

     
    The Traveler
  23. Like
    NeedleinA reacted to zil in Homosexual journey through the Mormon church   
    Here: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/homosexual-behavior?lang=eng&letter=h
    ...and I strongly recommend you follow the links at the top to the topics of Chastity and Sexual Immorality; then review topics on marriage, family, children, husband, wife, and the like.  It's a lot to study, no doubt, but that's how you come to understand not just that God forbids homosexual behavior, but that he commands marriage between a man and a woman and the having of children - because that is the structure of Heaven.  For more on that, read "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", followed by everything under the "Families and Individuals" menu item.
    If it is truly fraternal, he wouldn't.  But what you described is not a fraternal relationship.  The sort of relationship you describe needlessly subjects you to temptation.  It is unfair to your boyfriend who clearly wants a physical relationship.  It hinders you from seeking an appropriate relationship with a woman.  It violates the "nor anything like unto it" implicit in all commandments.
    IMO, among whatever I don't know, part of this would have to be: increasing temptations by Satan (he does NOT want you to know or embrace the truth, God, Jesus Christ, or any other good thing), and an internal conflict between behavior/thoughts and the things the Spirit has testified to you are true.
    If you're in Kansas, you can't get to Canada by going south*.  If your goal is to one day marry a woman and have children, you don't get there by having relationships with men now.  IMO, this is one of the key things related to all forms of sexual sin (whether it's adultery, fornication or other things forbidden outside marriage, porn use, masturbation, fantasies willfully entertained about any of that, etc.) - all those things get in the way of what is appropriate - whether they harm a good, existing relationship, or prevent or delay formation of such a relationship, they all stand in the way of what God has commanded regarding marriage and family.  To willfully put things in the way of what God has commanded is sin.
    Now I will tell you a story that is pseudo-related: One day I was riding in the car with my dad driving.  I don't remember how the subject came up, but he told me he knew that had he and my mom chosen to delay having children until he was financially more secure, he would never have had the career opportunities he did.  The career opportunities came because they chose to trust God and do as commanded.  It's a sequence worth pondering (obey first, blessings second).
    (*OK, OK for the nit pickers, you could go in a loop, but eventually, you'd be going North (yes, I know, then south again) - but you get my point.)
  24. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from LeSellers in Men who don't get sports   
    @DoctorLemon I'm in the same boat, fear not Brother, you are not alone! My total sports viewing in the past year has been:
    1x - BYU football game vs. National Team (with Members of the Ward)
    1x - Super Bowl (with Members of the Ward)
    1x - NCAA Basketball Championship (Watched to keep my wife company)
    We do have a minor league baseball team in our city. We see them once or twice a year. Every time we leave early and say "why do we come, none of us like baseball?"
    That was it, 3 TV games total!  I never watched sports growing up, so in like turn I have had zero desire now as an adult. I'm sure my kids will be the same. We always find something else more creative/meaningful/significant/interesting to do like: watch water boil or paint dry! 
  25. Like
    NeedleinA got a reaction from Just_A_Guy in Earthquake lights   
    Sorry Pam, but it didn't actually happen unless a credible source like the SLTribune reports it.