wenglund

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Posts posted by wenglund

  1. 1 hour ago, Vort said:

    Only if you believe that taking upon ourselves a fallen condition is a punishment.

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. On 10/16/2021 at 7:44 PM, JohnsonJones said:

    The Catholics would say a Rose by any other name is STILL a ROSE.  Whether they call it it excommunication or membership withdrawal...still same thing.

    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 

  5. 4 hours ago, JohnsonJones said:

    Another interesting way to look at the scripture, though obviously not the only way...

    It is interesting that the Father's response isn't actually a reproval of the faithful son, but rather an affirmation that even though they celebrate the prodigal's return, the faithful son inherits ALL that the Father has left. 

    This means that the younger son already spent his inheritance, and though he is reliant upon his father for support now, in the future if the prodigal is to remain in good supports, it will be upon the faithful brother to give of his own inheritance in that way.

    In this way he is trying to relay to the faithful son that he should be of great gladness that his brother has returned, for only if the faithful brother sees this in this way can the prodigal son have a measure of glad tidings and support after the Father passes and the faithful son receives his inheritance.

    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-

  6. On 5/18/2019 at 9:10 AM, GaleG said:

    Are the garments based on man's asking for changes or God designing what's best?

    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-

  7. On 5/14/2019 at 4:23 PM, LiterateParakeet said:

    As you likely know, they had that available for women first, and I love them. Best fabric ever!  I was so excited when I realized they were available for men now.  My husband loves them too.  

    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-

  8. 59 minutes ago, clwnuke said:

    I didn't care about this question when I was young, but a friend of mine recently lost his spouse and it made me think that I would be very disappointed if I lost my wife and could not return to serve in Japan as a full-time senior missionary. It's something that I have prepared for all my life.

    Can anyone point me toward an article or a previous discussion on why there is a different policy for senior single men and women? The FAQs on the Senior Missionary site really don't address why, they simply point out that single men can serve service missions instead.

    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- 

  9. On 5/17/2019 at 11:08 AM, LiterateParakeet said:

    Good point.  We covenant to do that if asked, but if it were real....I imagine that would be challenging for all of us! 

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

    Thanks, -Wade Enlgund-

  10. 1 hour ago, GaleG said:

    i found a good examination at https://www.gotquestions.org/parable-prodigal-son.html
    The aspect of the eldest son acting like a Pharisee was something new to me.

    Thank you,

    Gale

    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-

  11. 4 hours ago, benzene said:

    Married homosexuals are not living homosexual sin?  There is a difference?

    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-

  12. 6 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

     Not "feeling" the Spirit does not mean the Spirit is not with us if we are worthy.

    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-

  13. 7 hours ago, Mores said:

    So, is your discovery more like the grass is always greener?  I'm not sure if that is the message here.

    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- 

  14. 8 hours ago, Mores said:

    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-

  15. 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-

  16. 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-

  17. 14 hours ago, Mores said:

    The inactive family's mother does.  But she does not respond to me.  The other families don't have facebook accoutns.

    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-

  18. 1 hour ago, Mores said:

    Man, it looks like you all have it easy.  All visiting with everyone who opens their arms and homes to you.

    How the heck am I supposed to do that when I can barely get the time of day from active members, much less the inactive ones?

    I have similar issues. Do your families have facebook accounts?  

    Thanks, -Wade Enlgund-

  19. 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-

  20. 12 hours ago, Jersey Boy said:

    Orson Pratt’s mistake is that he believed there is God above all other Gods, and his supreme God above all other Gods is supposedly an infinitely vast universal reservoir of uncreated awareness and truth. Conversely, President Young testified that the God above all other Gods is a celestialized human being. The idea that unembodied light and truth preexist the living human God of flesh and bone is a false concept because it countenances the notion that there may have been a time when an embodied God of flesh and bone didn’t exist, and that there is a first cause that preexists and is of more essential and fundamental importance than the God of flesh and bone whom we worship.

    The scriptures make it abundantly clear that the embodied God is the source of all truth, law, light and life and, in fact, he testifies that he IS the truth, the law, the light and the life, and that all law, truth, light and life emanate FROM HIM.The tabernacled God was not willed into existence by unembodied intelligent elemental matter. In other words, if we were to view this controversy as a chicken and the egg conundrum, it’s the embodied God who creates all things, not impersonal primeval elements.

    The reason why this is so difficult to grasp is because one must come to realized that there never was a time in all eternity when there wasn’t a tabernacled God of flesh and bone who rules in the heavens. The hymn ‘If Ye Could Hie to Kolob’ helps us to begin to understand this greatest miracle of all miracles, and it is that there never was a single moment in all of eternity when the glorious God of flesh and bone didn’t exist. As the hymn says, if it were possible to travel into the past at speeds unimaginably faster than the speed of light, and if one were to spend an endless eternity continuing backward into time and space at that speed, he would discover that there never was a time when the tabernacled Man of Holiness didn’t exist. The Book of Mirmon’s ‘one eternal round’ also helps us to begin to understand these things, because  it suggests if one were to travel backward into time and space far enough, he would eventually wind up right back where he started from, and where he started from is an existence ruled over by a tabernacled God.

    It’s understandable and to be expected that some deep thinking Latter-Day Saints would try to discover a first cause that existed before the living God of flesh and bone because, after all, the King Follett Discouse, and scriptural passages like those found Doctrine and Covenants 93, teach us that we can become like the tabernacled God who existed from eternity to eternity. But the important point to remember here is that there never was a time when the glorious God of flesh and bone, who rules and reigns over all things, didn’t exist, and that he is the ultimate source of all truth, law, light and life, and that these things issue forth FROM HIM, not from impersonal foundational elements. Therefore, if we do eventually obtain the fulness of eternal life and become like the Father and the Son, it will occur by virtue of the atonement of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit, power and authority of the Father and the Son. Our perfection will not be made possible through the will of intelligent impersonal element. For all eternity, the only way the sons and daughters of God have been enabled to become like God is through the power of tabernacled God of flesh, which power is bestowed by virtue of the infinite and eternal sacrifice and resurrection of the Holy Messiah. Their is no other way...

    Similarly, there never was a time when there was no Christ and there never was a time when there was no infinite and eternal atoning sacrifice of the Christ. For as the prophet Lehi testifies in 2 Nephi 2, the only way anything at all can exist is by virtue of the atoning sacrifice of Christ.

    Brigham Young said it’s not possible to fully understand these great mysteries of eternity while we’re in this fallen state, but he promised that one day we will be able to comprehend the everlasting eternity of God, and that when the great secret is finally revealed, it will be a source of great consolation to us.

    The living God of flesh and bone is the first cause; the first cause is not impersonal intelligent element. To imagine that intelligent impersonal element is the first cause, something that preexists the embodied God, is to dethrone God by asserting that he and His Christ are not above all things, before all things, and in and through ALL THINGS. 

    Finally, trying to convince a non-LDS Christian that there is something more basic, and fundamentally essential than the God whom we have been commanded worship is a fool’s errand. And trying to convince that man that intelligent impersonal element preexisted the eternal Father and the Son isn’t going to fly.

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

    Thanks, -Wade Englund-

  21. 2 hours ago, Jersey Boy said:

    All truth light and life issue forth from a thinking, active God of will, who is enabled to rule and reign over existence by virtue of the infinite and eternal atonement of God ; God does not issue forth from some element of unembodied truth.

    Was there ever a moment in all eternity when a Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Ghost did not rule and reign over existence?

    Was there ever a moment in all eternity when the reality of the atonement of Christ did not exist?

    When one stops to really think through the implications of what you’re proposing, it is nothing more or less than idolitry. The living Man of Holiness is the source of all truth, law, light and life, not somebody’s notion of an unembodied collective reservoir of truth.

    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-