JohnsonJones

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  1. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Smallfootsteps in Decaf Coffee   
    This is something that I think the LDS church is not as forward in providing for in our modern times.  An observation I've found in seeking others of the LDS faith online is that finding others is much harder than one would expect.  One of the reasons I am on this forum is because it is one of the ONLY places on the internet for LDS gospel discussions.  The internet is really pretty barren for LDS members to discuss things, but rife with a TON of anti-Mormon forums, sites, and places where people can talk and ask questions. 
    In the LDS church, at many times, people don't want to actually answer questions, or actually help those who want to find out information.  In some places, the culture of the church actively prohibits growth from those seeking answers.  This presents the problem because if people cannot ask questions in their ward, and cannot ask questions on the internet, it can be hard to find honest sources to questions regarding the LDS faith.
    If you have any questions, I know I, and I think others, will  be more than happy to try to answer them to the best of our abilities.
    As for weekends, I'm not sure everything to tell you.  I tend to go grocery shopping very late on Saturday night at times so I don't go on Sunday, myself...so I'm probably not the best example on that.  I know there are members who DO clean their homes, wash their clothes and other things on Sundays.  I try not to, but my values are not what everyone has.
    What Sunday is, is an excellent time for is spending time with family, so spending time with your daughter or family.  I use it as a day of rest, or try to after I get out of meetings and such.  Sometimes just having a day that you can refocus and refresh for the rest of the week is something I can look forward too.
    My biggest thought from your posts though is that it sounds like you are trying to do everything all at once.  You don't have to be perfect instantly, and most of those who expect you to be are probably not perfect themselves in the first place.  I'd say keep the commandments as you can, but don't stress as much as it sounds like you may be.
    In your ward, many want to stay in their comfort zones.  I even do that.  The best way out may be to try greeting others and talking with others.  That can still be a tough thing to do, however, that's the best thing I think you could try. The problem is that most don't want to get out of their comfort zones, OR, and I know this sounds crazy, are just as shy as everyone else about meeting new people.
    Overall, I'd suggest you start reading the Book of Mormon and/or the New Testament.  It does NOT have to be a huge amount each day, maybe even just one or two paragraphs.
    Here are links to both online, so if you don't have copies of them, you would be able to read them at your leisure via the internet.
    https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt?lang=eng
    https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng
  2. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from prisonchaplain in People Still ”Commit Suicide”   
    if you read my post, you would also see that I consider Suicide murder of self, which is a sin.  We know that murder is a very serious sin in and of itself.  I think using religious convictions is a perfectly correct way to deal with it.  My difference may be that I do not feel we have the ability to tell others where that individual has gone after they have committed suicide, as only the Lord is the one who is able to judge.  In religious matters and suicide, I do not think that the opposition by religions is all that easily dismissed by experts.
    I think it depends on the culture that you are living in.  If you are in the blue culture of the US, I think it may be very easy to see experts dismissing such ideas, but if you live in what we could call the red culture, I think one would see very clearly that religious values play a huge role into what experts think.
    What I have noticed is that there are several different cultures in the US, with the biggest divide currently being between what one may call Red States and Blue States.  One of the reasons there is such a huge divide in the understanding of different things and the antagonism in politics between these states are because we have two entirely different cultures in the US living side by side.  The perspective of individual at times are reflective of what they see in the culture around them.  A good example is between my wife and her parents.
    My wife is huge into pro-hunting.  Guns are a big part of that.  She views all guns should be legal.  Her parents live in California in the San Francisco area and are Republicans and considered very conservative for the area they live in.  To them, guns are things to be avoided, there is no reason that a normal individual should have, much less, carry a gun.
    It is simply a difference of culture and how each perceives the world through the lens of the area where they live.
  3. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from omegaseamaster75 in I owe $15,000 in tithing, Can I pay it elsewhere?   
    The bishop is not an idiot, but it really depends on the Bishop.  The Bishop is a judge, but there are specific questions and things to ask.  Some Bishops do really bad things in some instances, others do some really good things.  It depends on how strictly the Bishop follows the guidance that has been handed out, to be honest, and how much that Bishop feels like bending the rules.
    The only real question is whether or not that individual is a full tithe payer, with the result being between the individual and the Lord.  If it is obvious, then the Bishop may make a judgement, but that needs to be guided by the spirit rather than the Bishop really just thinking something.  There are those out there that have no income and nothing of the sort that live relatively well.  Just about every one of the 13 and 14 years olds from well off homes in my ward do...and some of the college age students have that same situation...and so and and so forth.
    Living well is no indication of how much they are making or receiving in many cases.
    My take, is unless something really strikes me from the spirit, the best course of action is to let it be between the individual member and the Lord, as that is who they are ultimately lying to or being honest with (as well as themselves).
  4. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Blackmarch in TV Show Reviews   
    Fornication, adultery, nudity, characters actively participating in extramarital relations, all of these are prime things that don't really inspire our family values, so we try to avoid them.
    Graphic violence, language, and things of that nature are also items that our family can be sensitive to. 
    The idea we strive for is if we would allow our 5 year old to watch it, or our little children, it's okay to watch.  If it isn't something we'd allow them to watch, it is probably not okay to watch.
    Of course, some people will allow their little children to watch shows that are much more graphic than we do, so that is a subjective idea, but overall, we look for shows that promote what we view are either good family values, or at least do not try to portray things that we do not view as good family values as being good things in life.
  5. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from a mustard seed in TV Show Reviews   
    Too many shows these days have too many things that we, as a family, choose not to expose ourselves too.  We tried once upon a time, but it had many things in the first few episodes that went against our family values.  We tried, Downtown Abbey, wife was horrified, and we stopped watching that (though if one wants a good replacement, we found a show called Lark Rise to Candleford).
    For shows being broadcast, the only one I try to watch now are the Duck Dynasty shows, and the kids watch PBS or Disney.  Other than that, we watch old 80s show (like the original MacGuyver, Knight Rider, Battlestar Galactica, etc).  We do allow the kids to watch more modern cartoons like the Justice League Unlimited, Batman Animated Series, Green Lantern Animated Series, and older TV cartoons as well (Thundercats, GI Joe, Silverhawks, Transformers).
  6. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from a mustard seed in TV Show Reviews   
    Fornication, adultery, nudity, characters actively participating in extramarital relations, all of these are prime things that don't really inspire our family values, so we try to avoid them.
    Graphic violence, language, and things of that nature are also items that our family can be sensitive to. 
    The idea we strive for is if we would allow our 5 year old to watch it, or our little children, it's okay to watch.  If it isn't something we'd allow them to watch, it is probably not okay to watch.
    Of course, some people will allow their little children to watch shows that are much more graphic than we do, so that is a subjective idea, but overall, we look for shows that promote what we view are either good family values, or at least do not try to portray things that we do not view as good family values as being good things in life.
  7. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from NeedleinA in Funny Comments?   
    Yep, it got me.
  8. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to NeedleinA in Funny Comments?   
    Anyone else have any funny comments they have seen lately that make them smile or laugh?
    This comment was posted in response to a live BBC interview where the interviewee's children started to dance around in the background. Of course the comment has nothing to do with the video at all. 
    Comment:
    Let me trip you out real quick.
    1.You can't wash your eyes with soap.
    2.You can't count your hair.
    3.You can't breath through your nose with your tongue out.
    4.You just tried number 3.
    6.When you did number 3 you realized it was possible, only you look like a dog.
    7.Your smiling right now because your were fooled.
    8.You skipped number 5.
    9.You just checked to see if there was a number 5.
    10.Have a great day.
    Now gimme likes...
  9. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Smallfootsteps in Decaf Coffee   
    It was only one time...right? On something that small, I probably wouldn't bother the bishop with it, unless it turns into something that is recurring.  I'd only say talk to the Bishop is if it REALLY is bothering you and keeps bothering you, then you might want to discuss it with the bishop.
    I don't think drinking decaf is really what one would want to do if they wish to keep the word of wisdom, even if it is decaf. However, though not necessarily with the Word of Wisdom, we all mess up in small, minor ways, sometime or another.  For minor slip ups like what you described, unless it is really bothering us, the bishop does not need to hear every single thing that we have done wrong. 
    I know how hard it can be at times to feel the spirit.  My solution, typically, is to turn to the Book of Mormon, especially books like Mosiah, or 3rd Nephi.  I find reading from the Book of Mormon can bring the spirit in a very recognizable form.  Another book that I also think brings the spirit immensely is reading from the New Testament, especially the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.  I hope that you can find a way to feel the spirit strongly again, and am glad it sounds like you are going to church.  That can be hard for many at first, and so it's a pretty significant step in and of itself.  For that, and having the courage to strive to do good and find the spirit, I think should be admired.
  10. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from eddified in The Book of Mormon and modern day problems   
    I think there are Gadiantons in the US right now, and they aren't merely terrorists groups, they are political groups.  How many of us have heard of the cover ups of both parties recently (and more), or doing things that those not in power would got to jail for, or being involved with media and other conglomerates under the table so that they can cheat on interviews and question and answer arenas, or use those to deceive us.  To me, these are all signals that there are Gadiantons among us, and perhaps are the majority that are in control of our political power at the highest levels currently.
    These are those involved with some pretty powerful and heavy duty secret societies dedicated to the control of the US government.  I think there are multiple groups of Gadiantons, and the only thing that really is keeping us from being swept away by them is our own faith in the Lord (and it's not just LDS faith, I think it's anyone who has a strong Faith in the Lord and a dedication to keep his commandments as spoken in the Scriptures).
    I've begun to think recently that perhaps honest leaders are the minority these days, rather than the majority, at least in the highest halls of power.
  11. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Sunday21 in Spring Forward   
    Thank you for the reminder.  I had forgotten.
  12. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from my two cents in The Book of Mormon and modern day problems   
    I think there are Gadiantons in the US right now, and they aren't merely terrorists groups, they are political groups.  How many of us have heard of the cover ups of both parties recently (and more), or doing things that those not in power would got to jail for, or being involved with media and other conglomerates under the table so that they can cheat on interviews and question and answer arenas, or use those to deceive us.  To me, these are all signals that there are Gadiantons among us, and perhaps are the majority that are in control of our political power at the highest levels currently.
    These are those involved with some pretty powerful and heavy duty secret societies dedicated to the control of the US government.  I think there are multiple groups of Gadiantons, and the only thing that really is keeping us from being swept away by them is our own faith in the Lord (and it's not just LDS faith, I think it's anyone who has a strong Faith in the Lord and a dedication to keep his commandments as spoken in the Scriptures).
    I've begun to think recently that perhaps honest leaders are the minority these days, rather than the majority, at least in the highest halls of power.
  13. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from eddified in Trying to save my Marriage   
    This is much more serious than what you did. 
    She just threatened you with emotional affair.  In many cases like these, when a spouse threatens something like this, they are ALREADY doing it.  This is something a Bishop or Stake President may need to be involved with if she is already doing something like this.
    It sounds like your spouse has a very serious problem, and if she is talking about things like this, I would advise either counseling (I'd heavily suggest this at this point), or a bishops visit to deal with this post haste.
    In truth, I would advise counseling for her. 
    Even if she is not cheating on you presently, it sounds as if she has something far more serious afflicting her than what you did. 
    It could be depression, or some other item, in which case she needs medical care (depression and ailments like that are just as serious an illness as if someone had broken their legs, or back, or other physical ailment). If she refuses that, don't use it as if it is for your problems, but utilize it as something with a medical background.  If you can afford it, take her to her normal medical doctor and have them administer a test over her emotional and mental well being.  If she is depressed, they can see signs of it and perhaps "suggest" for her to go to another doctor (one that deals with these issues or is a counselor).  Many who refuse to go to counseling on their own accord, will go if a medical doctor they trust suggests it.
    In regards to the original problem of pornography, see if your church has a pornography addiction class in your stake.  Even if you are no longer looking at this, going may be helpful to your wife and you.  This class is separated into those who have problems with pornography, and those who have had spouses who have had problems with pornography.  The class for spouses deals with forgiveness and learning to love the person who you married again.  It can be very helpful for those who have problems forgiving.
  14. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Blackmarch in Never done, would like to do!   
    I'd like to get another home near to where we are now, have around 10 acres, and build my own house...OR, fix up a house I have in another location, add on another bathroom and room, a second house next to it, and settle down living there.
  15. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Blackmarch in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Thank you also.  I am currently downloading all the Teachings of the Prophets, Lesson manuals, and Church history stuff.
  16. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from Jane_Doe in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Thank you also.  I am currently downloading all the Teachings of the Prophets, Lesson manuals, and Church history stuff.
  17. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Great! 
    That helps.
    I am now clicking on everything I think I might e interested in so I have it downloaded and can open it up when not connected.  I can now carry it around with me and read, even in locations around town and elsewhere which I don't have a wireless connection set up.  This is wonderful.
    Thanks!  I appreciate the help!
  18. Like
    JohnsonJones got a reaction from SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Thank you also.  I am currently downloading all the Teachings of the Prophets, Lesson manuals, and Church history stuff.
  19. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to Jane_Doe in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Just for the first time you open a certain manual.  That first time the app will download that particular book from online.  After that it's just saved on your tablet and you don't need the internet.
  20. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    The way it's worked for me is that the first time I open up a particular magazine or manual I should be connected to the internet, but after that it works fine wherever.
  21. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Well, the Gospel Library Music does have some videos of hymns sung during General Conference.
  22. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    I'm leaving what I had already typed in when you just posted and saying that Gospel Library has the hymn lyrics but not the recordings and musical notations.
    FamilySearch Tree is basically Family Search in an app.
    LDS Tools - log into your LDS account and use ward/stake directories, calendars, and find a meetinghouse.
    LDS Music has the music from the hymnal, Children's Songbook, some new children's songs from the last few years, and youth theme songs from the last few years, including musical notations and recordings.
    I think everything from LDS Media Library is included in Gospel Library, but I'm not sure because I can't find that app for my device. The scriptures are all included in the Gospel Library app so I can't imagine you needing that one separately.
  23. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Doctrinal Mastery is some new curriculum for seminary. And I'm going to go look at the other apps now to learn about some and refresh my memory about others. I'll be back soon.
  24. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to zil in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    Get your membership number, and use that to create an account on LDS.org.  If you already have an account on LDS.org, but don't remember the login info, use the reminder links on the login page or talk to your ward clerk, who can probably help you.  Once you have this user name and password, you can use it to sign into the Gospel Library app so that your highlights, notes, etc. are saved onto the church's servers (as a backup - the app works offline just fine).
    A Samsung tablet is Android.  You'll have an icon for "Play Store".  Open that (you'll need to be on the internet).  Search for "Gospel Library" - you'll find an app of that name published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - install it.
    If you need more detail, please ask.
  25. Like
    JohnsonJones reacted to SilentOne in Scripture and Manual apps for tablets   
    If you know how to get online on your tablet, you can go to https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps/android?lang=eng there and follow the Gospel Library link, by the icon of the golden Angel Moroni on a black background. Click the install button and OK any confirmation pages that come up. You probably need a Google account for this method.
    If that doesn't work, is there an Apps button in the top right corner of your home screen? If so, click on that. Then select Market. There should be a search bar with a magnifying glass icon; click in there and type Gospel Library. After you submit the search, one of your results should be the free Gospel Library app (with the Angel Moroni on a black background icon). Select that, then click Download.