person0

Members
  • Posts

    2029
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    13

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    person0 reacted to pam in 1 Nephi Chapter 4 - May 4, 2017   
    There is much in this chapter that we could discuss.  But in doing some additional reading of other sources there were a couple of things that stood out to me.
    One was the significance of the oaths that Nephi made to Zoram and Zoram made to Nephi and his brothers.  So why was this significant?
     
     
    In verse 4 it says:  we came without the walls of Jerusalem.    This greatly disturbed Joseph Smith when he was translating.  His wife Emma had this to say about it:
     
     
     
     
  2. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Vort in Never been so motivated to memorize scripture   
    This is a great practice, and will definitely strengthen the mind and spirit.  That being said, to date there is no real evidence of a single individual with a true photographic memory, ever.  There are many many people with very good memories, and many with strong mnemonic skills who are able to memorize a lot of content in a short period of time, but no true photographic memory.  In fact the 60 days in a row of memorization to obtain the photographic memory has also been told before in many forms; when I heard it it was 1 full year of memorizing.  I would assume that memorizing scriptures would become easier over time though since there are phrase and concept repetitions occurring regularly.
  3. Like
    person0 reacted to pam in Introduction - Reading the Book of Mormon   
    I've added the link to each chapter so far.
  4. Like
    person0 got a reaction from pam in Introduction - Reading the Book of Mormon   
    @pam  I am enjoying studying along and posting my thoughts, but have one suggestion/request to add.  Could you place a link in the initial 'discuss' post to the actual chapter on lds.org for those who might want to click and read.  I pull it up and read regardless, but it makes it easy enough that anyone can just click and read.  Perhaps it would even bring more people in on the discussions!    Example:  discuss
  5. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Irishgrin in Introduction - Reading the Book of Mormon   
    @pam  I am enjoying studying along and posting my thoughts, but have one suggestion/request to add.  Could you place a link in the initial 'discuss' post to the actual chapter on lds.org for those who might want to click and read.  I pull it up and read regardless, but it makes it easy enough that anyone can just click and read.  Perhaps it would even bring more people in on the discussions!    Example:  discuss
  6. Like
    person0 got a reaction from zil in Never been so motivated to memorize scripture   
    This is a great practice, and will definitely strengthen the mind and spirit.  That being said, to date there is no real evidence of a single individual with a true photographic memory, ever.  There are many many people with very good memories, and many with strong mnemonic skills who are able to memorize a lot of content in a short period of time, but no true photographic memory.  In fact the 60 days in a row of memorization to obtain the photographic memory has also been told before in many forms; when I heard it it was 1 full year of memorizing.  I would assume that memorizing scriptures would become easier over time though since there are phrase and concept repetitions occurring regularly.
  7. Like
    person0 got a reaction from zil in 1 Nephi Chapter 3 - May 3, 2017   
    This verse clearly portrays the modern and historical difference between the perspective of the believer and the non-believer.  Those in our time who do not accept Christ, or God, and especially those who reject the idea of laws that are to be obeyed coming from God, view Christianity and sometimes all religion as an oppressive regime.  They continuously tout that 'it is a hard thing that [we] require of them'.  With their blind eyes they cannot see, and they choose not to see that it is God who requires it, we merely have chosen to follow Him, while they are choosing not to.  "How can you expect someone to reject their feelings and who they love?"  they ask.  "How can you expect a woman to give birth to a child when it could drastically interfere with her life's plans?" they tout.  "How can you live with yourself when you require that even the poor give money to a wealthy church?" they proclaim.  If only they could see that we would never ask it of one another if it were not a commandment of the Lord.
    Often we are required to try and fail time and time again before the Lord will show us the way he has prepared.  Not always, but often, we receive his aid only after we have done what we are able.  We must study it out in our minds, we must counsel with one another, we must do our part in order to be prepared to receive the wisdom of the Lord.
    Seeing is not believing; 'the devils also believe, and tremble.' No amount of evidence or experience will ever be enough for the unbelieving soul who rejects within his heart even the willingness or the desire to believe.  However, if they posses even the desire to believe that can be enough of a start.  Sadly, fewer and fewer in our day appear have such desire in their hearts.
  8. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Vort in New Stake Requirement   
    Today we had stake conference, the sound was too quiet for those back in the gym to be able to hear the speakers well.  I texted all 3 members of the stake presidency and the second counselor responded and increased the volume.  If all phones were off this would not have been possible and the only other method of sharing this information would have been disruptive to the meeting.  That being said, for a normal sacrament meeting, I am certain that it may be more beneficial to a YSA ward/stake to eliminate the distraction of cellular devices than to eliminate the potential distraction of a brief meeting interruption for volume one single time.  I recommend heeding the counsel of your Bishop and Stake President, they both made this announcement after much prayer, knowing that most people would not be happy about it, and knowing that likely many would not heed it.
  9. Like
    person0 reacted to NeuroTypical in Deciding who to tell about my excommunication   
    Feeling for you here.  There will be awkwardness.  There will probably be gossip.  
    But I'd suggest you only tell people who absolutely need to know.  For the baby blessing, it sounds like your presence would be requested or even expected?   Yeah, when there's an obvious gap, when people see the circle, and see you sitting there, they will know something is up.  When humans see a gap like that, their brains automatically come up with what they figure is the best theory to fit what they're seeing.  But in my experience, most humans tend to fill in the gap with something worse than what's actually happening.
    Beware inappropriate shame and guilt.  But also beware gossippy people who demand to know things and spread rumors and assume stuff.  In fact, here's a good way to find out about various people in your and your wife's life.  They will struggle, and some may struggle unsuccessfully.  If you encounter people who react badly, well, you know something about them.  You know they're reacting badly.  Forgive them, for they're sinners just like you. 
    I was never excommunicated, but I did go through a period of informal probation - kind of the light end of the church discipline spectrum.  I of course told my wife everything, she was there every step of the way.  Didn't tell anyone else anything.  The only outward thing was I had to decline to offer one prayer - I don't really think anyone noticed.  You have it a bit harder - sounds like lots of people will notice.  I only really talk about it now, when there's a good reason to (like help someone on an anonymous message board .)
    "I'm working through something with the bishop".  That's all you need to say when the legitimate need arises.  Make it your mantra if needed.  Then let any gossippy or clueless people just dash their struggles against the cliffs of your righteous behavior, and don't bother being hurt or offended.  For going through this process, is a righteous thing you are doing.  
  10. Like
    person0 got a reaction from zil in 1 Nephi Chapter 2 - May 2, 2017   
    Even those of us who sincerely seek after righteousness can just as easily be beguiled by the wisdom of men.  It is only by being willing to humbly submit to the will of God and receive of His wisdom that we can escape the trap into which popular or attractive ideals may lead us.  Nephi, was a righteous youth; from the beginning we generally assume he was obedient to his father.  It is clear from this verse that he was skeptical about his fathers visions and revelation, possibly just as much as Laman and Lemuel, and might even have considered also rebelling, or at least that his brothers might be right.  However, Nephi opened his heart to the enticings of the Spirit, received a personal witness from the Lord, and was able to learn for himself that the words of his father were true.  Nephi's experience is a testament to the fact that true knowledge is imparted by God through His Holy Spirit.  He learned at a young age that it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we can know the truth of all things.
    Sam may have prayed to receive his own witness as well, but that is unknown.  What we do know is that Sam received a testimony of two witnesses; the witness of Lehi, the father, and that of Nephi, his son (Sam's brother).  By the testimony of these two witnesses the Spirit, a third witness, could then ratify to Sam the truthfulness of the message.  Such an interesting type that we see a father/son witness ratified by the Spirit, just as from Christ Himself.  From the words written, I presume that Sam was mentally and spiritually prepared to receive the confirmation of the Spirit he needed in order to fully believe and act accordingly. I hope that we all keep ourselves sufficiently prepared for such an experience.
  11. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Irishgrin in 1 Nephi Chapter 2 - May 2, 2017   
    Even those of us who sincerely seek after righteousness can just as easily be beguiled by the wisdom of men.  It is only by being willing to humbly submit to the will of God and receive of His wisdom that we can escape the trap into which popular or attractive ideals may lead us.  Nephi, was a righteous youth; from the beginning we generally assume he was obedient to his father.  It is clear from this verse that he was skeptical about his fathers visions and revelation, possibly just as much as Laman and Lemuel, and might even have considered also rebelling, or at least that his brothers might be right.  However, Nephi opened his heart to the enticings of the Spirit, received a personal witness from the Lord, and was able to learn for himself that the words of his father were true.  Nephi's experience is a testament to the fact that true knowledge is imparted by God through His Holy Spirit.  He learned at a young age that it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we can know the truth of all things.
    Sam may have prayed to receive his own witness as well, but that is unknown.  What we do know is that Sam received a testimony of two witnesses; the witness of Lehi, the father, and that of Nephi, his son (Sam's brother).  By the testimony of these two witnesses the Spirit, a third witness, could then ratify to Sam the truthfulness of the message.  Such an interesting type that we see a father/son witness ratified by the Spirit, just as from Christ Himself.  From the words written, I presume that Sam was mentally and spiritually prepared to receive the confirmation of the Spirit he needed in order to fully believe and act accordingly. I hope that we all keep ourselves sufficiently prepared for such an experience.
  12. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Sunday21 in 1 Nephi Chapter 1 - May 1, 2017   
    1 Nephi Chapter 1 contains within its verses a type/shadow of the story of the restoration:
    (Due to the many many quotes from the same chapter, I have forgone the use of quote blocks)
    4)  There was a spiritual revival in the land:  ". . . there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent. . ."
    5)  During this time Lehi was inspired to go out and pray:  ". . .went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart. . ."
    6)  He saw a pillar of fire (i.e. pillar of light):  ". . . as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire. . . and he saw and heard much. . ."
    7)  He was physically exhausted by the spiritual experience:  ". . . he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit. . ."
    8-9) He saw the Father and the Son:  ". . . in a vision. . . he saw the heavens open. . . he saw God. . . he saw One descending. . . his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day. . ."
    11-12)  He was given a book which filled him with the Spirit:  ". . .gave unto him a book. . . as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord."
    18)  He went forth, now as a prophet to teach the message he had received:  ". . .he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard."
    19)  He was persecuted for his teaching, and for the book:  ". . .the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified . . . and also the things which he read in the book. . ."
    20)  They sought to take away his life:  ". . . they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away."
    Interestingly, by reading into this portion of the message of this chapter, it becomes clear that Lehi was likely not officially a prophet until he had this experience resulting in his calling from the Lord.  Joseph Smith experienced the exact same pattern of events above with variation on the specifics in part due to the differences in the calling he received.  God not only calls prophets, he apparently uses a similar pattern in doing so.  Joseph Smith may not himself have even made the connection between his and Lehi's experience, or perhaps he did, but never taught it.  This clear pattern is further evidence to the sincere seeker that both the Book of Mormon and the Church are true!
  13. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Sunday21 in How to Talk About the Temple With Your Kids   
    When my brother in law was going on his mission, and had returned from the temple somewhat perturbed.  My wife and I met with him and had him bring his cap and gown from high school graduation.  Our goal was to show him how everything in the temple is actually stuff we experience in every day life on a regular basis, but is put together in a way that is unique.
    Some (hopefully helpful) examples of things we see in everyday living:
    We use a funny looking cap and gown in graduation ceremonies and when the graduation is complete we have changed the side from which the tassel hangs. As @Sunday21 mentioned, we stand up and sit down at various points, recite specific phrases, and use meaningful sacred gestures just as in a Catholic mass. Cathedrals, and chapels of many denominations have a sacred purpose in the use of an altar. People every day shake each others hand and it means something that is unspoken, gestures in temples have a more sacred meaning. If you think about the actual gestures used in the temple, they are commonly visible in ordinary life, but in a different way: What do you do to cast out Satan, or to sustain membership callings, or to answer a question in a school classroom even? Imagine you are baptizing someone, but without that person standing there, and look at yourself in the mirror when you do it. Imagine you are the person being baptized, but without the other person standing there, look at yourself in the mirror when you do it. How do people of the Islamic faith pray? As has been suggested, read the Pearl of Great Price and familiarize yourself with the principles and concepts therein and seek to have an in depth understanding of the plan of salvation, its all in there  I have been to countless homes of friends and others where the family holds hands as they pray and it is meaningful to them to do so. My daughters are 7, but since we are adopting them, they each get a special day in the temple to get sealed to us, and we have discussed the temple with them many days in preparation.  They are not yet ready to have explained the stuff that I have presented above, but eventually they will be. Anyone of age who attends the temple endowment and comes out thinking it was weird, should take a more in depth look at life with their spiritual eyes and they can come to realize that it was really nothing new, just presented in a specific way for us to be instructed in the pattern the Lord has chosen, and to receive his blessings.  Part of the reasons we can find these things in our every day life, even often among other faiths is because everyone has pieces of the truth, great or small.  The Lord has blessed us with a specific compilation of true principles that will benefit our spiritual education and preparation for this life and the next.
  14. Like
    person0 got a reaction from MrShorty in What do we know about Heavenly Mother?   
    We are commanded to be one with our spouse, which in the eternal sense, we assume can be accomplished in nearly every single way except for literally becoming a single entity.  If we accept this as true, we can then assume that If we come to know our Heavenly Father then we also, by extension, would know our Heavenly Mother.  The scriptures teach that if we come to know Christ, we will come to know the Father.  So we already have all the information we need, let us focus on knowing Christ and the Father.  I think that alone should sufficiently establish why it is unnecessary to reveal anything aside from the fact that She exists.
  15. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Vort in How to Talk About the Temple With Your Kids   
    When my brother in law was going on his mission, and had returned from the temple somewhat perturbed.  My wife and I met with him and had him bring his cap and gown from high school graduation.  Our goal was to show him how everything in the temple is actually stuff we experience in every day life on a regular basis, but is put together in a way that is unique.
    Some (hopefully helpful) examples of things we see in everyday living:
    We use a funny looking cap and gown in graduation ceremonies and when the graduation is complete we have changed the side from which the tassel hangs. As @Sunday21 mentioned, we stand up and sit down at various points, recite specific phrases, and use meaningful sacred gestures just as in a Catholic mass. Cathedrals, and chapels of many denominations have a sacred purpose in the use of an altar. People every day shake each others hand and it means something that is unspoken, gestures in temples have a more sacred meaning. If you think about the actual gestures used in the temple, they are commonly visible in ordinary life, but in a different way: What do you do to cast out Satan, or to sustain membership callings, or to answer a question in a school classroom even? Imagine you are baptizing someone, but without that person standing there, and look at yourself in the mirror when you do it. Imagine you are the person being baptized, but without the other person standing there, look at yourself in the mirror when you do it. How do people of the Islamic faith pray? As has been suggested, read the Pearl of Great Price and familiarize yourself with the principles and concepts therein and seek to have an in depth understanding of the plan of salvation, its all in there  I have been to countless homes of friends and others where the family holds hands as they pray and it is meaningful to them to do so. My daughters are 7, but since we are adopting them, they each get a special day in the temple to get sealed to us, and we have discussed the temple with them many days in preparation.  They are not yet ready to have explained the stuff that I have presented above, but eventually they will be. Anyone of age who attends the temple endowment and comes out thinking it was weird, should take a more in depth look at life with their spiritual eyes and they can come to realize that it was really nothing new, just presented in a specific way for us to be instructed in the pattern the Lord has chosen, and to receive his blessings.  Part of the reasons we can find these things in our every day life, even often among other faiths is because everyone has pieces of the truth, great or small.  The Lord has blessed us with a specific compilation of true principles that will benefit our spiritual education and preparation for this life and the next.
  16. Like
    person0 reacted to NeuroTypical in Parents and Stewardship   
    I'm wondering how this plays out in real life.  Using the definition person0 snagged from lds.org:


    So, there's an 80 yr old mom and dad.  They live in Pocatello.  There's a 60 yr old son, living in New York with his wife, kids, and grandkids.  Son left home at 18 and joined the military, and has been self-sustaining ever since.  60 yr old son gets cancer, loses his job and health insurance, they forclose on his mortgage, his wife leaves him, and his children sue him.  What power/responsibility/stewardship exactly does his 80 yr old parents have?
    Do they have responsibility over his medical bills?  Do they need to buy him a place to live?  Do they need to pay for his legal fees?  Do they foot the bill for his ex-wife's alimony?  If they do not do all these things, are they neglecting their stewardship, and held accountable by God?
    Again, if they have stewardship over their 60 yr old son, and 60 yr old son owes someone a million bucks, that means those bucks stop with the person holding the stewardship.  Right?
  17. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Vort in What do we know about Heavenly Mother?   
    We are commanded to be one with our spouse, which in the eternal sense, we assume can be accomplished in nearly every single way except for literally becoming a single entity.  If we accept this as true, we can then assume that If we come to know our Heavenly Father then we also, by extension, would know our Heavenly Mother.  The scriptures teach that if we come to know Christ, we will come to know the Father.  So we already have all the information we need, let us focus on knowing Christ and the Father.  I think that alone should sufficiently establish why it is unnecessary to reveal anything aside from the fact that She exists.
  18. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Fether in What do we know about Heavenly Mother?   
    That sums it up right there.  
  19. Like
    person0 reacted to Vort in Lame Jokes, the Sequel   
    Limerick template:
    There once was an <X> from <place B>
    Who <satisfied predicate P>.
    The <X> did <thing A>
    <In a specified way>
    <Resulting in circumstance C>.
  20. Like
    person0 reacted to zil in 1 Nephi Chapter 1 - May 1, 2017   
    1 Nephi 1:20
    Moroni 10:3
    Nephi says he will show it. At the end, Moroni testifies it has been shown.
    (This link wasn't my discovery.  I'm sure I learned of it in a GC talk, devotional, or similar presentation.)
  21. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Vort in What do we know about Heavenly Mother?   
    That sums it up right there.  
  22. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Irishgrin in 1 Nephi Chapter 1 - May 1, 2017   
    1 Nephi Chapter 1 contains within its verses a type/shadow of the story of the restoration:
    (Due to the many many quotes from the same chapter, I have forgone the use of quote blocks)
    4)  There was a spiritual revival in the land:  ". . . there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent. . ."
    5)  During this time Lehi was inspired to go out and pray:  ". . .went forth prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart. . ."
    6)  He saw a pillar of fire (i.e. pillar of light):  ". . . as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar of fire. . . and he saw and heard much. . ."
    7)  He was physically exhausted by the spiritual experience:  ". . . he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit. . ."
    8-9) He saw the Father and the Son:  ". . . in a vision. . . he saw the heavens open. . . he saw God. . . he saw One descending. . . his luster was above that of the sun at noon-day. . ."
    11-12)  He was given a book which filled him with the Spirit:  ". . .gave unto him a book. . . as he read, he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord."
    18)  He went forth, now as a prophet to teach the message he had received:  ". . .he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard."
    19)  He was persecuted for his teaching, and for the book:  ". . .the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified . . . and also the things which he read in the book. . ."
    20)  They sought to take away his life:  ". . . they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away."
    Interestingly, by reading into this portion of the message of this chapter, it becomes clear that Lehi was likely not officially a prophet until he had this experience resulting in his calling from the Lord.  Joseph Smith experienced the exact same pattern of events above with variation on the specifics in part due to the differences in the calling he received.  God not only calls prophets, he apparently uses a similar pattern in doing so.  Joseph Smith may not himself have even made the connection between his and Lehi's experience, or perhaps he did, but never taught it.  This clear pattern is further evidence to the sincere seeker that both the Book of Mormon and the Church are true!
  23. Like
    person0 got a reaction from Backroads in New Stake Requirement   
    Today we had stake conference, the sound was too quiet for those back in the gym to be able to hear the speakers well.  I texted all 3 members of the stake presidency and the second counselor responded and increased the volume.  If all phones were off this would not have been possible and the only other method of sharing this information would have been disruptive to the meeting.  That being said, for a normal sacrament meeting, I am certain that it may be more beneficial to a YSA ward/stake to eliminate the distraction of cellular devices than to eliminate the potential distraction of a brief meeting interruption for volume one single time.  I recommend heeding the counsel of your Bishop and Stake President, they both made this announcement after much prayer, knowing that most people would not be happy about it, and knowing that likely many would not heed it.
  24. Like
    person0 reacted to estradling75 in Parents and Stewardship   
    Lets not confuse stewardship with dependency.  Stewardship is subject to the rules of priesthood found in section 121 (Even if the Steward is not a priesthood holder)  It broken with unrighteousness and resumes with repentance.
    Dependency lasts until the person becomes independent.  The person fulfilling that dependency might or might not change, until independence is reached.
    For example an abusive parent loses the God given stewardship, although remain the one the kid depends on until others act to change the situation.
    Non abusive parents raise the kids until they become independent.  The stewardship remains it just becomes more and more like God's is.  Namely the kids make their own choices, but the parents are still their to support and advise as much as the kid wants to listen and heed.
     
  25. Like
    person0 got a reaction from workingonit in Connection after excommunication   
    While the advice given by others is good in many ways, I would like to add that part of the reason excommunication comes with the restrictions now placed upon you, is to remove a portion of the options that would enable you to use your agency to work on the wrong things and think you were doing the right thing and making progress.  Your most important responsibility right now is proving to yourself, your spouse, your family, and the Lord that you are truly repentant and want to be clean and return unto Him.  I would say it's time to go back to the very basics and focus hard core on those (i.e. scriptures, prayer, FHE, etc). Think about what you can do to show your wife that you love her.  Same goes for your family, and the Lord.  If you love Him, keep his commandments.  Right now, since you do not currently have the Gift of the Holy Ghost, your task is somewhat more difficult, and I do not envy your position, but I know that in and through His grace you can make it back and have all former blessings restored.  I promise that if you fulfill your responsibilities as a father, and husband, and strive to grow closer to the Lord, you will be building the kingdom within your own home, and there is no greater or more fulfilling endeavor than watching your children live righteously by your example and teaching.