wenglund

Even in that unlikely case, one would receive the "punishment" as a result of one's own choice to come to earth, and not Adam/Eve's transgression. One is punished for one's own choices/sins and not Adams transgression. Thanks, Wade

One way to conceptualize visitations between the kingdoms is to think of it like Harry Potter wizards can visit, live with, and interact in Muggle land, but Muggles can't go to Hogwarts or Diagon Alley. Thanks, Wade

I am grateful to all for sharing. It is good to know that I am not alone in experiencing such traumatic situations. It is the kind of thing where one does the best that one can, and then lay the rest at the feet of Christ, comforted in the faith and hope that all will be made right and whole in the end by the Savior. Besides, when any of us pass to the other side, we leave behind all our material possessions. For some of us, though, that occurs prior to death. Even still, "It is well." Thanks, Wade

I have discovered through Spirit-led introspection that when I feel as though interactions with my fellow man, or fellow saints, is "hellish", this is my natural man reacting rather than the side of me striving to become more like Christ. It is a way of exposing my own weaknesses and need to repent and change. After all, given the far more vast disparity in righteousness or even social affability between any of us and Christ, yet he allows his Spirit to be constantly with us and may even consider us as "friends". He is our exemplar. Thanks, Wade

To me, "excommunication" suggest a complete severing of interactions, whereas "membership withdrawal" simply suggests diminished responsibilities. So, to my mind, there is a difference between the thorn and the rose bloom. I like the change in terminology because it shifts the focus away from punitive reaction to faith-promoting action. Thanks, Wade

Since we chose to come to earth and take upon us a fallen condition, would it make sense to claim we are punished for Adam and Eve's transgression? Thanks, Wade

That is an interesting take. But, I am not sure how the envy and ingratitude of the older son will be overcome by the prospect of lording over the younger son once the father id dead. It seems to me that it would reinforce the bad attitude by countenancing prideful and self-centered comparisons to others. As I see it, a heavy dose of humility may be in order. The older son may be better served to undergo the depths of despair the younger son experienced--which opened his eyes of appreciation for what he once had, but lost. Hopefully, though, the father's counsel will enable the older son to learn from the younger son's mistake without him having to go through it himself. And, the same goes for those of us, like myself, who may lack gratitude, and who may dabble in prideful and self-centered comparisons to others.The last thing I need to be told is that those I envy will one day be dependent upon me. Thanks, -Wade Enlgund-

Like most Bible believers, our clothing has evolved beyond the fig leaf--mostly of our own accord, though at times with some input from God. Thanks -Wade Englund-

How does the fabric work in hotter climates? Does it "breath" as well as cotton, or is it more prone to sweat? [Edit: I just read some of the later posts. They answered my question.] Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Since all missionaries need companions (married or otherwise), I suspect the policy difference has to do with it being easier for young women to serve with a much older women than it is for young men to serve with older men, or vice versa. There was a single male missionary in my mission who was in his mid to late 20's, and he found the difference in age more than a little off-putting. Imagine were he two to three times that old? But, what do I know? Thanks, -Wade Englund-

You are probably correct. However, doesn't it depend upon how each of the covenant makers understand the word "consecrate?" Thanks, -Wade Enlgund-

That is an interesting connection to the Pharisees. I wonder, though, if the comparison could be extended to suggest that the older son represent the Jews, while the younfer son represents the lost tribes and the gathering thereof, or the Gentiles. All through Christ's mortal ministry he was subtly preparing his disciples for taking the gospel into all the world. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Not necessarily, and yes, there is a difference. Homosexual sin is sexual immorality and an abuse of procreative powers, whereas same-gender marriage is a sacrilege of the sacred ordinance of marriage. This means that even if a homosexual couple refrains from sexual behavior, they are commit a serious transgression were they to be married. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Yes. In fact, the human brain has evolved, for survival purposes, to tune out the constant sensations in our life and devote the limited awareness resources to anomalies. Rarely are we conscious of the fairly constant and relatively clean air around us, though that doesn't mean that it isn't there. However, when there is an anomaly, like finding that relatively clean air displaced by dense smoke and/or substantial impurities and repugnant odors, we become acutely aware. The same is true for extreme changes in temperature. Likewise, we tend to only become aware of the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit when we lose the companionship through the smoke and impurities and stench of sin or when the Spirit heats up or sounds louder above its gentle warmth and near silent whispers. (Jn 3:8, Act 2:1-4) Not coincidentally, the Hebrew and Greek words for spirit also mean "wind or "breath"--see HERE. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

No. As intimated, the message is that we ought not be like the two brothers who failed to correctly recognize and appreciate and be grateful for what the gospel has given them/us. This message is underscored by the parable of the Hidden Treasure and the parable of the Pearl. If we rightly grasp the incomparable value of the gospel, we will be less likely to seek after the far less valuable riotous living or be tempted by jealousy and covetness. Said another way, if we recognize the unfathomable riches and lofty mansions the gospel affords, why would we leave it for the vacuous slums of sin and low character? Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Very profound. I am so glad you reminded me of this life-changing message. My discovery, however, is related, but somewhat different. It goes to the core cause both for why people are enticed to seek riotous living or jealousy and coveting.. To me, the driving force behind each is a substantial lack of appreciation and gratitude for what we have. The younger brother came to understand this, in part, after reaching the depths of despair, and was thereby caused to yearn for even just a portion of what he once had. The elder brother had yet to gain this insight, and was thus moved to jealousy, believing, as Elder Holland suggests, that what he had wasn't enough. Sometimes, like fish in water, we fail to fully appreciate and value the living water of the Gospel. It is so commonplace that we take it for granted, that is, until we are taken out of the water and it is lost to us in ways of despair unto repentance. My goal is to try my best now to see the incomparable value of the gospel without having to experience despair, and thus be moved like the father to fall on the neck, weeping with joy at the return of sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, to the gospel of Christ. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

There is much to be learned from the parable of the Prodigal Son. Today, I learned something new and profound from the parable by switching from my typical manner of contrasting the two brothers, to comparing what they had in common in terms of attitude and perception. It became a powerful cautionary tale for me in how I view the gospel. I would be interested to learn if anyone else discovered something new from the parable? . Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Not exactly. The phrase "serious transgression" was in reference to "same-gender marriage," itself, rather than "homosexual sin" (see HERE) Thanks, -Wade Englund-

My Ward leadership have noticed that the new Ministering program has had the residual effect of increased awareness and activities among neighbors not assigned to each other. Our Ward, in general, has become more neighborly--particularly towards older couples, widows, singles sisters, and others most in need. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

I don't get that many responses from my families. Even still, it is a way for me to stay informed about and remain connected to them,, and also let them know that I am interested and concerned about them. If that is as much as I am able to do, I am okay with that. Certainly, it is better than nothing. What about twitter or Instagram or pinstripe, etc.? If nothing else, there is always emails and texts. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

I have similar issues. Do your families have facebook accounts? Thanks, -Wade Enlgund-

I don't have any suggestions. I can't even solve a similar, though somewhat less toxic situation, that I have faced for years. What I would like to say is, even though you and your Ward leadership may not be perfectly well equipped or handle the task in ways not everyone will approve, nevertheless, Thank You!, Thank You!, Thank You!, for doing what you can to help this struggling family, come what may. ❤️ Thanks,, -Wade Englund-

I don't see how this is responsive to what I said--not that I disagree with what you said. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

If I understand correctly, the term "God" refers to: 1) an office of the priesthood or family (similar to President and Father), 2) a state of being or characteristics of godliness (similar to perfect love, truth, light, etc.), 3) a person who holds the office God and who has achieved the godly state of being, and 4) a group of people who are gods (i.e. the godhead). If so, then perhaps you and @bytebear are, in your own ways, both right. Thanks, -Wade Englund-

I didn't have anything to do with it, but my Sunday was made special today because David A. Bednar and his wife, Susan, spoke in Sacrament Meeting. It was profound. Thanks, -Wade Enlgund-