JohnsonJones

We could assume that, though sometimes I wonder if the Lord is actually trying to send a message to the Church. Perhaps the fault is, in some way, with the Church and it's members and how it is going and doing things as to why physical measures were taken to halt the work in the temples. He may be hoping that we take note of our own sins and faults and change direction before more drastic measures need to be taken. We have been told we are under condemnation before (under Ezra Taft Benson) and though many may be reading the Book of Mormon today, there may be many other areas in which the Saints have gotten far more lax, or changed the commandments to their understanding rather than his understanding in which has made it so that we need to repent and change before worse things occur. The closing of the temples may only be a precursor or warning to us to stop the evil or whatever we are doing. Instead of blaming the world, perhaps we should look inward to what the Church is doing in regards to why the temples are closed and seek to make inward changes?

James 2 Yes, it is ONLY by Grace we are saved. Works (even Baptism as a work) cannot save us. However, the Lord has requested we do certain things for him to extend his grace to us, and we can faith in him to save us. How does one know if they believe and have faith in the Lord. By Works...meaning doing the things the Lord has commanded us. Works do not save us, but Faith without works is also likewise indicative that there is no faith...or is dead. Once scripture (or an individuals lone interpretation of it) does not invalidate others, in fact, rather than contradict each other, they support the other scriptures as the gospel is one big whole. In that light, one must see how the scriptures conjoin and cooperate in the principles they teach, as a whole, rather than trying to dissect one individual verse to say what one wishes it does. Edit To say the whole of this is impossible, but simply to say, one could theoretically say that we are saved by grace, but is the promises of the Lord that enforces that grace to save. By making covenants (of which Baptism and the Sacrament are some of these covenants) the Lord promises us salvation contingent upon our obedience to the commandments which he has given us. Thus, we see that by works...or obedience to the commands of the Lord in keeping our part of our covenants (and we are lucky that part of these incorporate repentance and the ability to repent of our sins so that the atonement is promised to cleanse us from those sins) he is, by his own promise (and as long as he is good and honorable, and we KNOW he IS good and honorable) then he must thereby extend the promises of salvation and exaltation to us. Thus, while it is by grace we are saved, it is by the covenants and the works we do in the enforcement of those covenants, and all we can do to keep those covenants, that those promises are ensured (rather than simply relying on his good graces) to be fulfilled and we are saved and exalted. Or at least that's one way to look at it. PS: I believe an in omnipotent Lord, which means he can save whoever he wants to save. He can do whatever he wants. He could save someone who never made a single covenant or did anything to deserve salvation or any works or anything else. He has the power to do that and anything else. HOWEVER, as he has promised certain things, by fulfilling those promises, he is bound when we do what he says. D&C 82

Grim thought to think about. Many of these Claims came from Utah, Arizona, and Idaho. Guess which organization was the sponsor for these BSA units. IF BSA ceases to exist as the front...guess who gets the lawsuits next? Even Grimmer thought, the BSA in the past 20 years had stronger restrictions (admittedly, many claims are prior to that where they had almost NO way of protecting the youth from these individuals) and sifting to try to make it harder for predators to be leaders (which the Church rarely enforced or did anything about, in many instances, actually did the exact opposite). The church has put a token training up, but hasn't done anything close to the BSA in it's restrictions on leaders. They don't have the BSA to blame anymore, and angry people do drastic things. I'd put the Church up front and center in the next decade or two for lawsuits that could (key word...COULD...not will or anything that predictive) make the BSA lawsuits seem trivial in comparison.

I think it's two parallel things that occurred. 1. I think with mail in voting it allows for more people to actually vote. This is why we had record voting numbers this year (Trump had more people vote for him than any other election...except he was beaten by Biden who had even more). Many people who previously could not vote absentee because they theoretically did not qualify for it, but could not get to the polls were able to vote via mail this election. The requirements to mail in vote were relaxed in some areas allowing more people to vote when they wanted to rather than trying to make time on a specific day. 2. However, I think mail in voting allows FAR too much ability for people who are dead or do not exist or moved out of state to vote. By this, I mean they are not actually the ones voting, but others see these blank ballots mailed to these addresses and use these ballots to vote for people who no longer live there or are anywhere around that location. I think this happens a LOT more than people think. I think there are also other activities (marking ballots that are unclear by counters who are party biased...etc) that occur with mail in ballots that allow a LOT of area to tamper with actual election numbers. I will be Happy with a Biden win (it's no secret that I am not a fan of Trump) but I think that there was a LOT of cheating this election. I think stricter rules regarding mail in votes and validation of those votes need to occur. Many who favor Biden do NOT think about the future. If cheating occurred, even if it favored their candidate this election, it could always favor the other candidate the next as sides gear up to cheat better and more efficiently. Instead, we should try to stamp out ways to cheat on elections as it is beneficial for both sides. My opinion on how to do this is ABSOLUTELY unpopular with Liberals, but I think it would stem a LOT of this cheating. 1. Require a current State ID to vote. You don't have to register even, but you have to present a current and valid State ID (that can also be later validated against the state database if there are recounts or questions regarding the election later) that is put on your ballot as well (the drivers license number or state ID number). State ID's are available, even to those who do not have driver's licenses. It is NOT hard to get. You do not have to pass a driver's test to get a state picture ID, but you normally do need some form of verification of address and birth. This is NOT going to discriminate against those who are minorities or poor as ANYONE can get these types of ID's with minimal effort. If one wants to vote, getting a State ID or some form of picture ID from the state they live in is less of an effort than voting in most instances. I fully support the idea of requiring a valid government issued ID to vote. 2. In conjunction with the above, you MUST vote in person. I understand the problems in regards to the current pandemic and why the methods for mail in voting were taken and I actually agree (as people cannot seem to actually take safety precautions that worked in other nations that have lower numbers than the US)...BUT...the mail in voting methods we have done seem to open it up to be easily cheated. Make people vote in person and when coming in they need to present a valid government issued Photo ID. There won't even be a need to register. By having a valid state ID that's your registration right there. You can just go in and vote as long as you present the ID, but you can only vote once, and you need to have it recorded on your ballot (ballots and names would remain anonymous, sure you could look up who it was by their ID number, but I think generally that would not be considered. You only use the number to verify each individual only got ONE vote and for verification of validity of ID in case of recounts..etc). Do this, and I think cheating will be decreased tremendously. As it is, I think there were many cheats (probably on both sides) in this most recent election. PS: in answer to the question of Trump in 2024...I hope not. I do not Favor Trump at ALL. I actually wonder if he will be facing trials and jail time in the interim between now and 2024. That doesn't exclude a run by him, but it could definitely hamper any efforts on his part to do so.

For members of the Church, there could be several answers to that. One more literal is that at a certain age all young men receive the Aaronic Priesthood and those in their 16th year (it used to be over the age of 16, but now it is the 16th year) are ordained priests. One could also view one that is married jointly as sharing in the priesthood blessings and as such, the couple being one would be encompassed within the priesthood of the priesthood. Thus, for a great majority of the members of our Church, those who would be considered part of the Kingdom of the Lord would be priests as long as they are not little children and have been actively involved in the church.

It is an interesting quote, but as per the quote, it implies (whether one agrees or not, some would say this is more of the opinion rather than specifically scriptural) that those who suffer are there due to their own accusations and their own tormentations and condemnations. That the individual is the one who is the one who will accuse and thus condemn themselves and in the end are their own tormentor because they have decided to take a path different than the one the Lord set up for them to follow. There are several ways to interpret that I suppose. One could be as the Lord said in John 14:6 Or Matthew 7:13-14 He has created a trail or path for people to follow, but it is their choice which path to follow. For instance, if you were hiking (or biking) in the forest along the trails blazoned there and you came upon a choice of two trails. You can either choose the right one or the left one. If you choose the right one it leads back to home and comforts as it was led by the Ranger in charge of the forest and kept up by him to lead people on a path that will lead them back to the safety of home. On the left is an unknown trail, but you see many have followed it. If you follow the left trail, it is of your own choosing, but it probably is not going to lead you back to the safety of home. In that same light, the Lord (one interpretation I have of the passage you put above, taking it at face value without further context beyond what you posted) has also created a trail or path that we can follow. It will lead us back to him. The other path leads away from him and if we choose to follow it, it could lead to dark places where we may eventually choose even worse paths. It could be that he will follow us eventually and try to convince us to come back, or if we are injured enough he might even carry us to safety (we can hope), but there will be some that will fight against that and tell him to go away. That is their choice, but the results of that choice also could mean they are left injured and hurt on the trail after they refuse to let him help them to salvation, or to follow the path he created for us in the first place. I see the passage (as I said, one interpretation, there may be others) as saying that the choice is actually ours, which given many Christian liturgies regarding judgement and the results afterwards can be a rather odd idea in relation to the standard ideas concerning Heaven or Hell and how one gets there.

The Holy Ghost can witness of the Lord to all and any who desire to learn the truth. This is a reason I say for those who wish to learn to identify the differences between nostalgia or a church experience and the Holy Ghost is to read in the New Testament the words of our Savior. The Holy Ghost will testify of the truthfulness of the Lord to those who are open to feeling it. The difference (as I see it) between those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (in the Church) and those who do not is that those who receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost can have it at ALL times, constantly, without it ever leaving them. Thus they can always be guided in truth and light if they are worthy to retain the Holy Ghost with them. In addition, I find that the Holy Ghost is exactly as it is described in the Scriptures when you actually hear it. It does not go to loud and wild rock concerts, nor does it shout in loud exclamations at you, and if you are not listening to it, you can easily miss it. However, to identify that it is ACTUALLY the Holy Ghost speaking, it will also have that feeling that comes when you hear the Savior's words and hear his voice. It is a comforting confirmation of who it is. Too often (and this applies to members in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on occasion as well, I've seen many who were raised in the church not be able to identify the spirit or misinterpret nostalgia and memories or feelings of what it should be, rather than being humble and trying to feel what it actually is) I see people mistaking other emotions and feelings for the Holy Ghost. In some instances, because they mistake these feelings for the Holy Ghost rather than understanding what it actually is, they are led to make bad decisions. This isn't because the Holy Ghost led them astray, but normally due that they mistook their own emotions and feelings for the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is NOT their PERSONAL or individual emotions or feelings, but I see many (and this includes members of the Church as well as others) mistake these feelings as the Holy Ghost instead. So, yes, the Holy Ghost can manifest itself and often does to those who seek and find truth. It testifies of the Savior and his atonement to those who remain humble and willing to listen. This applies to all men, if they are humbly seeking. If they harden their hearts, or try to supplant their own doctrines and opinions (and this I see occur often) and refuse the testimony of the Holy Ghost, in many instances they grow hardened to it and no longer can really tell when it is talking to them and when it is not. However, all men can feel it (and this is the primary tool that missionaries are supposed to use to convert people to the gospel which is one reason for missionaries to be faithful to their own rules and covenants as well as be able to recognize the Spirit themselves. Too many times they convert others based on charisma and friendship rather than a testimony of the Spirit, and many of those converts are not really converted and when the missionaries leave, the converts do as well. I find those converts that have learned to identify the spirit and are converted based upon what it tells them tend to be the stronger converts in the Church...or that could also be personal biased due to my own conversion). There are probably many Christians in the world that have felt the spirit and been converted to a strong testimony and belief in Jesus Christ. The question then comes on if they continue to listen to that spirit when more truth is offered, or if they get stuck in what they already think and harden their hearts instead. The Spirit is there to testify and teach us as well as comfort us in time of need. I think there are many Christians that recognize the Spirit's ability to comfort and when in time of grief or hardship turn to reading the words of the Lord in the Bible. The difference I think is the ability for some (not all) of the Saints to actually identify and hear the voice of the Holy Ghost leading them constantly (and if you think about how great a gift that is, how many out there would give all they had if they could have the Holy Ghost constantly talking to them with a literal voice they could hear...it is as if the Lord was always showing you what path to take and what choices could be important or useful). It is there for them constantly as long as they remain worthy of it. This is what we receive as members of the Church when we receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Did they suddenly build a temple in Jerusalem? If not, will there one be built there prior to March?

There is a difference between how the Holy Ghost feels and talks to us and other feelings. It is distinct and yet absolute. I can feel excited, or nostalgic about things. I could go to a highly charged Baptist meeting and see the feelings of enthusiasm and excitement that are found in that meeting. These may be hard to find elsewhere, and for those who grew up in this type of arena, may even have feelings of nostalgia mixed in. They see this and feel a warm feeling of familiarity and love the feeling found. They have an excitement coursing through them...but this is NOT the Holy Ghost. One may go to a more sedate meeting and find a quietness and a peaceful setting. If they grew up in this, they may even feel it combined with nostalgia. There IS a peaceful feeling and when mixed with nostalgia can bring powerful feelings to the fore. This is NOT the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can be hard to describe when it is faint. When it is that peaceful feeling of comfort that comes upon you, it can be hard to relate what that feels to others. The best I could describe it to someone who is not part of our Church but is Christian is to read the New Testament, especially the 4 gospels. They should feel something when they read those 4 gospels that are not really replicated by a church setting. It could be FELT in a church setting if one is teaching from those as the Holy Ghost confirms truth, but the church itself does not bring on that feeling that the words of our Lord does. Reading the teachings of our Savior, to me, often brings about the Holy Ghost to us to testify of the truth of the gospel and our Savior's role and love. In it's more powerful form, you will then feel this same feeling, but with it come words...and actual VOICE. It is not a loud voice, but a soft voice that you could easily miss if you are not listening to it. With this you will feel in your heart (once again, a hard thing to describe, some could call it a burning or a stirring, but not like heartburn, but more of an uplifting) and soul what the voice is telling you or talking to you about. You not only hear, you feel it. It is a LITERAL voice that is talking to you, and you can literally hear and understand it. It is the ability to CONSTANTLY have this feeling and voice there to guide you and help you that the Saints obtain (if they are willing and righteous) that others do not.

I believe there was fraud in Georgia. There was an article written last week with a reporter going around with an individual responsible for collecting or completing ballots. I disagree with the principle, but the idea is that citizens of Georgia have the opportunity to "correct" their ballot up until Friday last week. They sent people out to find those who did not complete their ballots correctly and give them the opportunity to do so. The reporter noted that the person assigned to do this SKIPPED doors which had flags with a blue stripe...which indicates that if the person thought it was someone who was pro-police or a conservative they would SKIP that individual. This is bias and to me indicates blatant and outright fraud in the election. It may not be enough to turn the vote, but at times where a small indications come out so blatantly...there's far more. Or...in other words...where there is smoke...there is fire. I already stated I supported Biden, but I also think that there is absolute certainty that there was voter fraud going on in Georgia.

I utilized this example a few days ago when talking to one of my kids about transgression, sins, and consequences regarding Adam and Eve. We do not believe Adam and Eve knew Good and Evil before they partook of the fruit of Good and Evil. They were in ignorance, and as they were ignorant, they could not sin. This still could not save them from the consequences of their choices in some ways. Thus we call their partaking the fruit as a Transgression. The Lord in his power may have been able to restore them and all other things, but did not intervene into the consequences. We do not have the power of the Lord, but can see similar things with little children. An extreme example (which I hope never happens to anyone or their children) is if I tell a young child (let's say around 3 years of age) not to touch a burner. It is hot and I try to tell that child that they should not touch it under any circumstances or they could be hurt severely. Despite my warnings and pleadings, they touch the burner and are burned. They are burned and are injured. They made the choice. They are too young to really be held accountable (and in fact, if the parent was negligent in watching the child, in some jurisdictions of the world, the parent might have some consequences themselves) but they will still suffer the consequences of their choice. In my opinion, the Lord operates in a similar manner. There are consequences to our choices. He will plead for us and on our behalf, he will try to save us from ourselves, but at some point we become adults and consider ourselves responsible for our actions. If we CHOOSE to fight against the atonement and the Lord, he is not going to force us to accept his atonement and our salvation. If we truly want to choose a different path than him, he will allow us to do so. This gives us our free agency to choose, but with that agency comes a degree of consequence. There is also a great entity of evil out there that hates each and everyone of us. It cannot wait for us to reject the protection of the Lord so that they can enact bad things upon us. When we suffer for these choices, one could say that this is a punishment from the Lord. In truth, it could be interpreted as being punished as the Lord has withdrawn his protection over us to a small degree. We've rejected his protection in some instances, and as such, are subject to the whims of his enemy. This enemy WANTS us to suffer, and as such does terrible things. The punishment could be seen as the Lord not protecting us, but as we have rejected his protection and subjected ourselves to the whims of darkness, one could also see it as the consequences of our choices. Luckily, the Lord went through the atonement and if we repent and follow him, we can still be saved and preserved from his (and our) enemy.

Just so we understand more of the context, which may be missing from some analysis here... All we can do is to believe in Christ and deny him not and bow down before him and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul. But, as we are, we are saved by his grace, not our works, for today, much as it was yesterday, the law is dead in it's power to save. It is the Lord who saves us and by his choice and delineation are we chosen to be saved. However, he has given us commandments which are necessary for us to follow, for if we would actually worship him, we will do as he says. and just so one understands, this is not too different from

I'll bite off on this. Saving something does not necessarily mean that the things associated with it are also saved. For example, the ideas of Democracy from Athens and the idea o f a Republic were preserved by Rome through history, but neither that ancient government that was in Athens, nor the Republic or Rome exist today. They are preserved as are the ideas and policies of their time. I hope this nation stands for many decades and centuries from now, but if it should fall for whatever reason, perhaps the Saints would establish a new government and society where the constitution still is the ruling regent of the land.

I would agree that he's been blinded somewhat by emotions and taken a clouded view of things. He should not have taken the course of action he did from what I've seen of it. I can also see why there are those who took offense at it, and probably SHOULD have taken offense at it. It WAS offensive to MANY, especially those who do not feel the same way he does about Trump. I don't think that qualifies one to do the same thing back to a larger audience.

Fox is a GREAT GUY. I'll defend him, because I actually have met and known him in the past. He is a hard worker, funny and humorous to talk to. Regarding him setting himself up as a prophet (which Fox never has done from what I've seen...ever)...Interesting accusations of Fox trying to be prophet or using church's words from a guy (Darin Southam) who LITERALLY (or at least helped and was involved in doing thus) cast himself as Christ in a movie... A. I am editing this...for once... Instead...I'll simply post a link that can lead you to the video letter that was posted originally...As well as the rest of Fox's videos...a link to where he seems to have become more active over the past few days... Fox's Youtube channel B. On Darin Southam's video itself, tired of this guy preaching to me. At least Fox never preached to me...talk about someone (the video maker). trying to promote their new religion (Trump) and set themselves up as one of it's prophets. I am a solid member of the church. I believe in the gospel. Obviously, as I do not think the same as this guy he says I am not a member of his church...which brings me to question..what church is he a member of? I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...which apparently is NOT the church Darin Southam is a member of from what he states in the video. My church is politically neutral and allows men to think for themselves. His church says if you do not vote for Trump you do not love America and are filled with hate and are disobeying his Deity. Wierd as I thought he was a member of my church, but his own video seems to indicate his is another. And that's it about the video. I think this video is just a guy (Darin Southam) ranting because he has a new religion and someone doesn't worship the same idol he does. Fox made some mistakes...the FIRST is that this letter should not have been sent out to as many as it did in such a general way. I think that's what caused the uproar in the first place. Secondly, to think that it would be accepted kindly by all who received it when, in fact, many found it quite the opposite. Third, connecting his class to the choice I think was also a mistake. He should not have referenced his class or what he taught as it casts it in a bad light for those who do not agree with his political opinions. Fox has many mistakes, but this counter video goes overboard. The video by Darin Southam seems to be to me a Self Righteous guy who has adopted a new religion with a new Deity (Trump) and is trying to preach to everyone else why his way is the right way and everyone else should join his church.

Off topic.. But this is interesting. I would like to know more about this. I've seen this problem up in the Mountains in the Sierra Nevadas when I went camping up there. The Ranger explained to us about the Bugs (and that there was a bounty on them if we killed any) in regards to many of the pine trees that were dying off in the area. I'd be interested in learning more about the cycle and the beetles cycles with it. Yes, among others. They only bit down and voted for Biden because they figured (as he tried to reason with them) that he was far more electable than Sanders, Harris, or Warren in many instances. Biden appeals to the more moderates and conservative sides of the democrat party (who tend to be the older voters), but the younger voters almost all wanted someone far to the left of Biden.

There are great many things Carb said that I agree are correct. The reasons I've chosen Biden (early voting and mailing in ballots is something done this election for us) didn't really concern any of that. I agree with the idea that if Trump was impeachable than Biden should doubly be impeachable for the same offense...only thing...I didn't favor impeaching Trump over what they did. It was ridiculous and a witch hunt. Furthermore, I've been of the opinion that it isn't Russia that had it's hand at Trump's throat, but more likely the mafia (which could include, and probably does, the Russian Mafia). That may have given some people leverage, but if you look at donations and other things, Russia also has a hand in the Democrats political process quite heavily as well. Trump SHOULD be impeached, in my opinion...on other items. However, the reasons I am against Trump aren't really talked about by Carb in his post. In order of importance (currently) with me... 1. Trump mocked disabled veterans and at times, veterans themselves. He was open with it early on, has disguised it later, but it still comes out again. His mockery of those that died in war, and other things have GREATLY turned me off about him. People say all the time "thanks for your service" to veterans, but than their actions say they could care less. Trump at least is open that he doesn't care much about veterans unless it is to try to get money. He hated McCain. McCain was a hero for some in my generation. An absolute Hero. He was an ICON for many of us. Sure, he was the son of a Military leader, but his actions spoke louder than any words. He had the chance to go home because of that connection and instead stuck with the others and the men in solidarity. He went to try to rescue those left behind after the war. He suffered as others suffered and endured. Trump's opposition to McCain...not really because of politics, but on principles and foundations of military honor and service put Trump in a BAD light for me. If one boils down to it, that probably is one of the BIGGEST foundations I have against Trump is Trump's attitudes in this arena. Biden has not shown such utter disregard. Biden actually tends to be more conservative in many areas that would surprise people (one reason he is considered more a moderate than from the far left side of the Democrat party). He may not be as respectful as some, but to me, seems miles above that of Trump in this area. 2. Republicans have been hypocrites regarding the Budget. I normally favor a government where neither party has control. One Reason I supported the Republicans was that I was part of the ORIGINAL (before it was hijacked by others who could care less about this type of stuff) Teaparty movement. The idea that we need to balance our budget seems to be a good priority to me. I did not think they should have shut down the government over it in the way they did (not funding the government to pay it's debts), but I think it is an important thing. So...they get control of the government with the House, the Senate, and the Executive...you'd think they'd balance the budget. NOT SO. IN fact, with the way the taxes have gone and the spending, we are in worse shape than when Democrats were in charge! Instead of paying off the debt, or even just balancing the budget...it is waaay out of control. They HAD the power to do something...they did not. I'm NOT in favor of them right now. 3. The ACA. I'm against the ACA. I AM for a single payer healthcare type system...but NOT one which puts the power in the hands of private insurance companies. Biden is for this. Trump says he is not. It's one good thing trump did was to do away with the mandatory taxes element of it, but the Republicans did NOTHING to get rid of it. They had over 100 votes to do away with it when Obama was in power, yet...when they came to power before they lost the house...they couldn't pass that same vote once!!!??? Trump should have focused on this...he didn't. Far more than a wall with Mexico...this was a hot item to me. 4. Trump cannot deal. He says he can...but we've lost prestige and deals with other nations. We went out from the ability to really put pressure on Iran to walking out of that and having NOTHING to really help us in return. We are drawing out of Europe for what I think are dumb reasons and though we may have less drawback from angry Europeans, we also will have less influence on Europe by doing so. He has ignored military advice from military advisors on timelines for withdrawals and other things. China has GROWN in power under Trump's watch...not decreased. Biden at least has some political saavy in these areas that hopefully he can repair our relations and prestige with the rest of the world. Right now we are the laughing stocks of the world. My passport which was one of the most powerful and useful 4 years ago is one of the most useless passports in the world today because it is an American Passport. 5. Biden is actually more conservative than most think he is. Yes, he is racist. He showed he was racist in many past votes, a LOT OF this was from a more conservative background that he has. In fact, many of the things Carb points out is because Biden is a LOT more conservative than a lot of the democrats are today. Many of them are biting down and voting for him...NOT because they think he is going to be who they want, but because he is not Trump. Others are doing so in hopes that he dies or goes out of office so his Vice President gets to be in charge. In fact there is a sizeable chunk out there that hate Biden but are voting for him in hopes that they can get rid of him and have his VP be put as president in charge. Biden is conservative enough that I can live with it, even if he is more liberal than many conservatives would want. Ironically, with monetary policies, Trump actually seems FAR TOO LIBERAL to me. It's not that Biden is going to be better than Trump...but I don't know if he could be worse. 6. A divided government. My best hope for the nation right now is that we have Republicans retain the Senate (I hope so, the only poll I trust shows that this could happen, other polls I do not trust seem to indicate otherwise.) with the Democrats controlling the House and Executive. This means that they will have to work together to pass things. My worst thought is that the Democrats win control of the Executive and Congress (both House and Senate). This would be a loss for me as I think there is an extreme amount of pressure on Biden to try to pack the courts...the ONE reason I debated about NOT voting for Biden. I think if it is divided he will NOT be able to pack the courts and thus why he has been hesitant on his answer. 7. Ah yes, and cannot forget the last item. Trump's handling of the nation and his leadership in the past few months during the pandemic. If anything, he's tried to blame anything and anyone besides himself for the condition in the US right now. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he points fingers and tries to say it's someone or something else. He's supposed to be the most powerful man in the US right now...if ANYONE has the power to change things...HE DOES. The fact that he is trying to blame others rather than actually be in control speaks volumes to me. Even if Biden was as useless in policy, I feel Biden would have at least accepted some responsibility for the situation and expressed unifying statements to unite...rather than divide...our nation in this time. It wouldn't even take much effort (they don't even have to write the speeches, have their speech writers do it, but at least GIVE the unifying speeches). Trump has done anything BUT unite us over these past few months...and that's probably the final nail (but not the ONLY nail if you read the lengthy post above) of why I chose Biden.

ON political stuff, though I was not sure where to put this...I'm feeling many of the polls are really off. Several of them say that Georgia is at the tipping point and is leaning towards Biden and the Democrats. Not in a BLUE MOON...I'm going to say. If they are saying Georgia is going Democrat...I instantly suspect that Poll is inaccurate. I could be wrong...but Georgia going Democrat??? Only in a Blue Moon (and, to be clear, Blue moons are not as RARE as it actually sounds like they are, they actually occur more often, it's just several years between them sometimes). With so many of them claiming this, I've only seen one that thus far hasn't said Georgia is going Democrat...and thus the only one I trust at this point that may be somewhat accurate. That poll doesn't say that Trump will win, but he actually shows that he has a shot at winning (not by popular vote, but by electoral vote). Which means, he could lose easily, but it's not set in stone. When polls are saying Georgia is going to vote by Biden as much as they are...my instincts cut in and I REALLY have my doubts (if it does go to Biden though, I guess I'll have been wrong...but I just don't see Georgia voting that way despite all that's happened).

Well, Ideally, from my perspective (not pro-trump) I would hope that they get the Executive, but NOT the Senate at this point. That should lock things up for a bit (and things seem to be better when we have a split government rather than one party dominating it...in my opinion).

I recently ran across some people, when seeing the current situation at the university and around the US, that were of the opinion that the fasts called by the Prophet in the April Conference were not successful and thus were proof of some nonsense they had in mind. I tried to tell them my opinion on this, but they were not in the mood to listen...and so...I'm here to gripe (well, not really gripe, but to write down my thoughts on it). The FASTS WERE successful. If you look at the numbers, after the fasts occurred, the numbers of infections and deaths both went down rather soon after those fasts. However, the Lord will not preserve men from their own intentions to destroy themselves. There have been suggestions on how to mitigate (and several nations, even non-christian and Non-LDS ones have done these measures, and even while they are much more dense, have more successfully navigated the pandemic WITHOUT ALMOST ANY SHUTDOWNS...at least when looking at some of the Asian nations). In the US, they have not been successful in this for the most part, and ignoring the precautions...finally, our cases and the deaths are rising again at an exponential rate and gaining momentum. The Lord put out a preserving hand to us, but instead of accepting it, we took pride in ourselves and slapped it back. One of the problems I think is that there is too much idolatry in the US currently (and perhaps the world). When we read about idolatry in the Bible and wonder how people could worship things like that. I see it in the world today. I asked my daughter about it, and she said...they worship what they can see. Most people do not see the heavens open and physically see the body of our Lord. They DO see Trump (and this is just one example, not the ONLY example). It isn't conservatives or liberals, it literally is that whatever Trump tells some people...they believe. My wife tried to tell me it was Fox News today, but I pointed out I read Fox News and Fox News actually says quite the opposite of some of the things those who worship the church of Trump will tell you. It promotes wearing masks, it gives both sides of the story in many instances (both from Trumps point of view and his opposition), and is for many of the precautions out there. It's not a Fox News or conserative thing, as many of them are saying the exact opposite of what Trump is teaching...it is worshipping their new Deity...Trump. However, it's not just those who worship at Trumps Church, you have the exact opposite of the spectrum as well. Those who worship at the Church of Obama, or Biden, or MSNBC, or any number of other outlets. Instead of looking for a more balanced approach, they obey what they hear...and then go out in large groups and protest, or try to put out businesses out of operations...and many other things. Each side is teaching the other to NOT respect each other, that the other is their enemy (Rather than the idea that we are all Americans and thus all have this in common, that we are ALL in this together). In our conflict, we all get different ideas and standards and thus, in the worship of the deities they can see (just like they could see the golden calf or other fixed idols of their day) our society has devolved into fighting with each other. We are so much at each other's throats (at least from what I'm seeing in general these days) that we are hurting ourselves. The fact that the Lord blessed us with a downturn of cases and deaths for so long should be seen as a massive deal of his grace to us, and that it took so long for us to refute his aid should show us how much mercy he has towards us and our situations! I saw such a display of idolatry in class recently (and another reason class is now suspended for another few weeks). We found out about the cases WHILE in class. The student who brazenly came had already been tested and told to stay at their quarters until the test came back. They had symptoms. Instead...they came to class. They had no mask. They decided to sit next to others. This individual was from the Church of Trump, and of course, has touted many of the things he has learned from his deity (though he would never say it is his idol and instead state that he doesn't worship Trump, worship is exhibited in actions just as much as words). We found out in class...from a phone call that disrupted us (also something I do not appreciate in class). Near him, was a girl that had decided to move away when he sat near her. SHE is from the church of Alarmist news. When she found out, she was outraged (and I can actually understand that). His Trumpisms of it not being really that bad of an illness and she had nothing to worry about did NOT help. Instead, it infuriated her. Within a few seconds she literally attacked him (violence in class...in class...what have we gotten too!!! I've never had violence in class before...not like this!!). She was so set in her worship and what she's been told she felt he had already murdered her!!! She accused him of murder right there and physically attacked him (I suppose in an effort to hurt him like she felt he hurt her??). It was insane! We got them apart, had the campus police come, and here we are...once again out of class. I reflected on this, and think that people are doing these insane things because this has become more than just something we are trying to make it through. They have married this disease to politics, and rather than God being worshipped, their political deities are the ones they worship now. They listen more to what these deities say...than what the Lord says and would have us do! There's a lot more that's going on, but I think idolatry, pride, and the lust for money and power are what are driving men today rather than the Lord, and because of these things, rather than accept the Lord and look to him in faith to try to help each other overcome the current situation, men have ignored him and turned to their idols instead. Which is why I think it is getting worse. Some may say I sound like a religious fanatic, but that's what I think is happening. After the girl had her breakdown she said she didn't know who she could rely on anymore. Everyone who she thought should be good seemed to be evil in regards to how they treated others and respected others in trying to stay safe. She felt she couldn't turn to family, the school, or other students. I couldn't tell her this (in my capacity as a professor) but I yearned to tell her that there IS a foundation we can still rely on...it is the LORD. HE is the foundation we can still turn to in these troubled times. Going full circle then...I think it was evident that the Fasts worked. At least, to me, the numbers seemed to be reduced after the fast. There were still numbers, but they declined in many areas over the summer (and there is science that also explains it, but I think much of it had to do with our fast). There are miracles at work (the speed of the vaccine being created for one). However, the Lord cannot help those who are so determined to turn away from him and his aid (in my thoughts). This is why I think the disease is becoming worse, because men instead of turning to him and practicing the principles which he has told us to do (Love him, and Love our neighbor), the people in the US and Europe and many other parts of the world have decided to worship idols of power, greed, pride, or even individuals we see rather than him. This is NOT just something for one side of a political spectrum (it's not just a liberal or conservative thing, nor is it anything to do with that), but people from all walks and spectrums are participating in these things rather than turning to the Lord or doing what he would have us do. Which, is really what I wanted to say to the individual that was spouting off to me about the Fasts recently...I DO think they worked and that it was a successful fast...but many people, even many in the Church, have turned to idolatry these days, and are relying more on the hands of men...rather than that of the LORD. And now...that's off my chest.

Small update on my situation, I've gotten to pick up some things at the school. We are in class for a day, and then once again, have to go back home because more students are infected and didn't pay heed to what the university protocols are. At this rate, they should have just left everyone at home. Had a slight cough recently, but turned up negative...probably just allergies acting up. Hoping everything stays healthy, thank you for your prayers thus far. I'm needing all the prayers I can get at this point. Wife also got a COVID test recently as she said she lost her sense of smell, but her test turned up negative. I can only hope I stay healthy at this point because the students definitely don't seem to be taking any precautions (actually, that's too broad of a generalization, some are, but many are not).

Thank you. Still don't know all the procedures of what will happen, but they don't want me at the university the rest of this week (isolating from the school) and for about 2 weeks as long as I don't test positive or show symptoms, so I'll have to do all the classes from home. I HOPE that I don't have it (or if I had it earlier in the year that I can't catch it again, or that I am immune to it...don't know). Most help any can do is to pray I don't actually have it and pray for the students that they are either safe, or will recover rapidly. I just know that Monday supposedly one of the students started to have symptoms and still came to school. They went in for a test that evening and they got the results yesterday. I was notified this morning, early. I just hope students (and they probably are rejoicing that classes are cancelled today, at least my classes, until we get things set up for them to see me later this week via zoom on Friday) take it seriously. Had time to kill while everything is getting ready, so taking one last visit to the forums before I'm banished to my room (well, not exactly MY room, but a room we set apart for me to be in while I am isolating, it's actually our library so I'll have plenty of reading material in my spare time at least!).

I hear the Vampires are more scared. Skeletons are just bones...not too much to have inflammation affect...but Vampires. They get killed with just a stake through the heart...the corona through the heart...man...they don't want any of that! Harry Potter ghosts (is that what the picture on the top is of) probably aren't scared of anything, but I hear Voldemort was one of the first victims. He didn't take any precautions and died a pretty gruesome death pretty quick in the pandemic (either that or he was murdered by some glasses wearing student with a scar on his forehead...at least that's the rumor going around. Either way, students going around killing people with magic wands probably match the Halloween topic...maybe...???)

Update before I am gone for a little while. I don't think the election is going to change the state of the world or how the world views the pandemic...BUT... Pfizer just submitted a vaccine candidate to the FDA for approval. I think they are also gearing up manufacturing of the vaccine right now. All it takes now is the FDA to rubber stamp it. We could have it, not just before the election, but within the next few weeks. Maybe not 100 million doses, or enough for everyone, but at least the vaccine coming out. If it IS delayed, it's ALL on the FDA, and from what I've been hearing from the FDA recently in the news... It COULD be that the Vaccine will be held up and "miraculously approved" depending on the election or results of the election. PS: Also, it looks like I may be absent from the forums for a little bit. Incident at the university (mine is not the first class). Students are supposed to wear masks, social distance, and not come to class if they are feeling symptoms or ill and get tested. Unfortunately, it appears that we just had several students break these rules and then tested positive for Covid-19. Not sure if they will test me and all the other students (they didn't before with the other classes, just sent people to isolation/quarantine and if they felt symptoms are supposed to get tested, though I think there is a 15 minute test open to students if they wish). Stinks. Got a room in our house where I'll isolate myself from the wife and the rest of the family and HOPE I don't have it, and that if I do staying in that room will be enough to keep them safe.

Well, not the President, but just informed 3 of my students had it in class (at least two had symptoms but chose not to be tested prior and to still come to class). Unsure of what's happening next, but most likely I'm going into isolation (will see everyone in a few weeks I suppose) and finding out if they are going to test everyone in the class (they've done it with others) within the next two days. It seems many of the students who came (they had the choice to not attend in person this semester) have not taken it seriously. I HOPE I don't have it this time around. I'm not sure how the President is doing in truth. He's been doped up on a steroid known to make people manic. He's probably feeling pretty awesome right now, but it also suppresses the immune system, so he might be worse off than he actually feels. He was breathing rather hard on a video yesterday, which could indicate that he doesn't realize how far it's progressing (or he could be doing just fine and it was just the appearance of the video). If it's just the drug making him feel good at this point, and he's worse off than he actually feels, he could be heading into a very serious case within the next few days as well. Anyways, say prayers that I'm not infected and/or that most of the class tests negative if they get us all tested.