Fether

Arming teachers is not about having the cafeteria lady and pre-algebra teachers patrolling  the playground with M4s. It’s about school districts allowing, and maybe even paying for, concealed carry permits, classes, and regular trainings. It’s also not about saying the teachers are in charge of safety, but just having an extra precaution in case of a shooter situation.
It’s not a solution, but rather another roadblock to prevent a bad situation becoming worst.
The problem is mental health and having 1,000 kids, who are trying to figure out who they are, all trapped in a building together 8 hours a day half the year.
The fix? Easy. Everyone is homeschooled by parents who are morally pure and have the ability to teach their kids. If a child shows signs of mental health struggles, they get to meet with a good therapist to help them…Actually… nvm… that isn’t simple, finding a good therapist is nearly impossible. This plan won’t work.

I was going to say “your simple answer has a lot of complex words and sentences” xD
But the overall “bigger punishment” idea is simple. Just took a minute to get there

I was going to say “your simple answer has a lot of complex words and sentences” xD
But the overall “bigger punishment” idea is simple. Just took a minute to get there

Trav, your answer seems much more complex than any of the other answers I’ve seen! Lol! 

Is the gun violence / mass shooting issue not something worth addressing? Do you have better solutions?

We only do the most recent week

Had an idea for a series premised on a couple of characters being in witness protection. 
This led me to wonder...
 
What would the church do if a member wound up in witness protection?
Would there be some way that they could signal church authorities of who they really are so that their membership could continue? 
Would they be required to join the church all over again and have their ordinances done twice? 

I don't know anything about Google sheets, but I am a data nerd, so here's my data:

~$19k across 13 years, so around $1500/year?  This is for a house with a family of 4 living there.
 

There are numberless platitudes, one liners, phrases and words we use in the church that I feel we use in more situations than is called for this leads to ambiguous definitions. I can see “joy” being in that pile.
To me, I understand joy just meaning peace in the direction are going. I am without a doubt happier playing video games than I am at the temple. But the peace and self assurance I get from the temple is essential for my life. Plato t video games does not give me peace or provide a sense  that what I am doing is good.
I would not connect joy and happiness in anyway.

A number of years ago I did what I would consider an exhaustive study of the "Tree of Life" and the Cherubim (with a flaming sword) associated with the Tree of life.  I am somewhat convinced that all these things are symbolic.  I will summarize what I have come to think these symbols reference.  But before I begin, I want to make clear that I am not 100% sure I am correct and that I am willing to consider other options and discuss in detail any point - and I promise I will not get upset with any disagreements.
Besides the references in Genesis we also have references in the Book of Mormon.  I had several long discussions with an Muslim friend about the tree of life references in the Book of Mormon from Lehi's dream.  Being from the middle east my friend was associated with Middle Eastern Tradition and Culture.  There is a particular date palm tree that grows in the middle east called "the tree of life" and produces white fruit.  The fruit is very nourishing.  The reason this tree is called the tree of life is because the ripen fruit can be packed on camels and last for months without going rotten in the hot desert.  It is one of the very few foods for sustaining life for long trips in the desert.  The best variety of this tree grows naturally south of Israel on the eastern shores of the Red Sea. (BTW this is something that Joseph could not have known except by revelation when translating the Book of Mormon).
I believe the fruit of the Tree of Life is symbolic of the spiritual light and truth that sustains eternal life.  In careful reading of the KJV Bible the particular word used to describe the Cherubim with the flaming sword does not say that the Cherubim "guards" the way but rather "Keeps" the way to the tree of life.  In the New Testament Jesus says that he is the way.  I believe Jesus is that Cherubim symbolized as the keeper of the way to the Tree of Life in Genesis.  Jesus also said that if we search the scripture we will discover that the scriptures testify of him.  I believe this is one of the examples of how ancient Biblical scriptures testify of Jesus Christ.  I would also point out that in all of scripture there is only one other place where an individual displays fire and a sword in relation to man's salvation - this reference is in the 19th chapter of Revelation verses 12 and 15.  If any one has a better explanation - I would be interested in your explanation.  I would also point out that we are taught in the temple that Jesus is put specifically and uniquely in charge of the Cherubim that controls all access to the Tree of Life when Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden.   One last point - Mostly the scripture use the word Cherubim which is actually a Greek term that anciently referenced a "type" of G-d and that the word Cherubim has come to mean a type of angel somewhat after the time of Jesus.
In my mind the symbolism is clear and that the only way to eternal life (the Tree of Life) is by the Word of G-d (that John tells us - both in his Gospel and the Book of Revelation) that Jesus is the Word of G-d or the Iron Rod - both the iron rod and the word of G-d are referenced in the Book of Mormon, which is a testament of Jesus Christ.  All this make very clear sense to me.
 
The Traveler
 

I am very frustrated by the way the English word "joy" gets used in gospel discussion and would maybe like to find a different word or just be clearer on what we mean when we say "joy."  To me "joy" is not a productive word because it makes lots of people feel they are failing when they are living the gospel teachings the best they know how but are still not feeling "joyful."
I know there is a lot of discussion about the difference between "happiness" and "joy" - "joy" meaning more durable happiness -- but there seems to be an implication in the church that "joy" is an unending absence of sorrow or stream of contentment that comes from living the gospel to its fullest.  President Nelson's recent talk on joy gives some insight to a possible, better definition of the word saying, "If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?" (emphasis added).    In this case he is not really talking about "joy" in the sense of persisting, current contentment but  talking about how we should focus on the idea of potential  "joy" in the future which thought will give us the strength to endure this life.   In the body of his talk, he seems to suggest that joy is not a persistent feeling but a potential, temporary state amidst affliction. 
I don't think Jesus was "joyful" at the very moment he was bleeding at every pore or having nails put in his hands.  I can believe he may have been anticipating great joy in the future and as a result was able to endure, but was he really feeling "persisting contentment" when he called out "why has thou forsaken me?"   Jesus, the most perfect of us all, is described by Isaiah as "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Multitudes of prophets -- from Jeremiah to George Albert Smith -- seemingly had moments of immense anguish.  Did they still have "joy" even in their despair or did they just have a faith in future joy??? 
Should we maybe stop using the word "joy" in gospel discussions and instead find words that better describe the satisfaction the gospel might bring? 

I would say, not becoming a son of Perdition is a great advantage of faith over knowledge (in this scenario for sure).
There is one aspect I think is very important to "faith" given in the book by Joseph Smith that faith is the power and action of all intelligent beings. Knowledge and faith form a symbiotic relationship of principles. We may have the knowledge of how to build a house, but the action to build that house is accomplished through faith.
At times, the desire for knowledge is the reason why there is no action. I won't move until "I know", as doubting Thomas is a great example of this. Another example, think of Laman and Lemuel who said, paraphrased, "God has made no such thing known to us." In contrast, Nephi acted in faith, faithfulness, and as a result of his faith he gained knowledge -- the Lord softened his heart toward his father and made things "known" unto him that Laman and Lemuel did not because Nephi acted with faith, while Laman and Lemuel were "waiting" for knowledge. Abraham 1:2, is a great verse of scripture that highlights faith leading to obedience which leads to more knowledge.
So, I would say the biggest benefit of faith is "action." Knowledge doesn't always lead to action, as has already been mentioned with Satan and his minions who followed him. They know, but do not believe in the Father's plan and fight against it.
A marriage works through faith, and more so it works even better where there is faith in Jesus Christ or in true principles. I would make mention again, the greatest gift/benefit of faith is the power to act -- action. Without action there isn't any faith, it is either knowledge or belief. With faith there is action, or wisdom. Wisdom being who we place our trust in, and who we act for.

Mental Health Awareness and Overdose Awareness--two causes that came onto my radar with the death of a great-niece. At 20 Fetinol took her life. She believed there is a God, and in some ways showed openness--though she never agreed with "religion." What we can agree on is that she now sees much more than she did. She now knows God the Father is real and that Jesus is the way to reconcile with Him. This story might cause some here to renew their dedication to Baptisms for the Dead. For me, it is a reminder that life is short and our love must be intentional and out loud.  

knowledge and faith produce different powers. You need them both. I’m also not so sure faith is meant to evolve into knowledge. I think belief evolves into knowledge, but faith seems to be it’s on factor unrelated to knowledge.
I have beaten this topic of faith and knowledge I’ve met head for years. I dont really understand it all.
here is a link on another forum where I recently offered similar questions: https://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/74511-belief-knowledge-and-faith/#comment-1210092801
Personally, I think faith has greater power than we think. I’m bothered when I hear people emphatically state that they KNOW the church is true and that they KNOW there is a God (and so on). I have a couple  of arguments and thought experiments that tend to disprove their proclaimed knowledge… but really what bothers me is that people seem to value knowledge above faith.

I have seen far more people use “I prayed about it and God said…” to justify all sorts of decisions. One of my biggest frustrations with members is they will use prayer to cover their bad decisions or to do things they are embarrassed to admit it they wanted to do themselves.

And being angry with your brother is not murder, yet Christ condemns both.
Its not a matter of where the line is, it’s a matter of the heart. I would say, at VERY LEAST,  homosexual dating is to breaking the LOC as anger is to murder.

And being angry with your brother is not murder, yet Christ condemns both.
Its not a matter of where the line is, it’s a matter of the heart. I would say, at VERY LEAST,  homosexual dating is to breaking the LOC as anger is to murder.

And being angry with your brother is not murder, yet Christ condemns both.
Its not a matter of where the line is, it’s a matter of the heart. I would say, at VERY LEAST,  homosexual dating is to breaking the LOC as anger is to murder.

Maybe.  Might be worth a different thread to explore; but I don’t want to hijack the discussion here.

I have seen far more people use “I prayed about it and God said…” to justify all sorts of decisions. One of my biggest frustrations with members is they will use prayer to cover their bad decisions or to do things they are embarrassed to admit it they wanted to do themselves.

I have seen far more people use “I prayed about it and God said…” to justify all sorts of decisions. One of my biggest frustrations with members is they will use prayer to cover their bad decisions or to do things they are embarrassed to admit it they wanted to do themselves.

Every time I think about it, I just start laughing. But then it turns into frustration as I think about how instead of going home after work, I have to go teach 4 and 5 year olds how to play soccer… a sport I never liked.
We had a good talk today and she is going to do it with me still

STORY TIME!

A couple months ago, my wife signed my 4 year old so. Up for soccer. While at the signup place, she saw that there was a signup for parents to be coaches. When she got home, she said “Fether! We should coach our child’s soccer team!” I explained to her that we have too much going on and adding another thing to our plate would not Be good. We debated this over the next week or so, sometimes turning into an argument. One day, she got a little frustrated and said something to the affect of “Our child needs to see us doing things like, and you spend so much time at work, you need to spend more time with our son!”
 
(Side note, I have complete control over my schedule and choose to work 40 hours a week. I’ve calculated it many times. The fact that I have the ability to take time off whenever I want and still choose to work 40 hours a week gives the illusion I spend too much time at work. A conversation we have had multiple times).
Anyway… I gave in and agreed to do it with her. Fast forward to last week when we had our first practice. I decided to give it my all and choose to have a good time with the kids. On our way there, my wife told me that she was feeling really really nervous and wanted me to head everything off. Fair enough, I could do that. The practice went great.
The next day, my wife was feeling overwhelmed with being a mom, homeschooling, ministering, and other stuff. She said to me in a very emotional tone “I can’t help you with soccer, I just have too much going on and it stresses me out”. So the very reason I told her I didn’t want to do it is the reason she is now wanting to pass it all off on me.
Wives… can’t live with them… also can’t live with them.

I love this 👍 this is probably the closest thing, if not exactly, what I was describing

Hi Fether, I don't believe the term is used largely by others, but I've come across the concept in studies of environment and behavior that may match what you're looking for. I call it the proximity impulse. Basically, when something we desire is close and easy to access we are more likely to engage in the desire. A classic example is a study called the Office Candy Dish, where visible, open, candy dishes in close proximity to workers leads to more candy consumption than closed off opaque candy dishes or those that are further away.

Thus, just as the candy was not needed before seeing it and being able to grab it, The black hole video wasn't needed until it showed up and became available. I do believe some of these are compounded by an aspect of the fear of missing out as well though, because unless you write down the video name and allot a time to come back later part of you realizes that by not watching it now you may never do so. I think the same can be said of obsessing over responding to a question, except in this case it's an added level of instant gratification as well. By going to sleep and responding in the morning there is delayed gratification in being the one with the answer and the supposed prestige it may bring. There may also be an element of challenge in responding to a text that may be perceived at some level as creating an unsafe environment that needs to be resolved before sleep.

Anyways, hopefully there's something helpful in there for you.