scottyg
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Posts posted by scottyg
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I enjoy Dave Ramsay as well, and used to listen to his nightly radio show several times a week. The only modification we have made is in steps 4 and 5. I contribute 5% to my 401k to get the full employer match, but everything else that we make that we consider "excess" goes toward our mortgage...and that means everything. We follow prophetic counsel to get out of debt. We don't go on vacations other than camping, we drive old/used cars that we can pay cash for, and never buy name brand items...only store brand food at case lot sales or clothing at discount stores. It is true that we haven't had as much "fun" as other families our age have, (I am currently 34) and to many outsiders looking in we may seem poor. But barring disaster, we will have our home paid off at the end of next year. Not many people can say they are completely debt free in their mid thirties. That will enable us to have more fun with our children as they reach their late youth/early teenage years, and allow me to start maxing out my retirement plan starting in 2023.
We are also not planning on funding our kids college tuition. They need the growth that comes from hard work, and the satisfaction of earning something yourself. Coincidentally, I have asked some youth in our ward to speak on that very topic in 2 weeks. There are many cheaper options than schools charging 30-40k per year. My parents didn't pay for my education, and things are going great for me...though it was hard at the time. I worked 2 jobs throughout college and paid for each semester up front. Dating and parties were almost non-existent. Twice I had to skip a semester to earn more money...but even though I graduated 1-2 years later than some of my friends, I was able to graduate debt free.
I do not say this to boast, but to demonstrate that by making sound plans, working hard, and saving what you earn rather than immediately spending it, you can come out on top in the long run. Tragedies happen, but that is the purpose of the 3-6 month savings account...a safety net. The snowball effect also works well. It takes discipline to not spend that extra money once a particular debt is paid off, but it saves you a ton on interest in the end. So many millennials my age, (and many gen Z'ers) cry about the world being unfair and staked against them with regards to the price of homes, education, etc... It is simply not true...you just need to practice provident living and have some discipline.
- Carborendum and NeuroTypical
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Also, on a side note, Ebay is now requiring sellers to fork over their social security number in order to be able to sell anything on their site. They say it is for "required tax reporting purposes", and they are moving towards to self-managed pay system. Even if that is true, that is just another tool that the adversary can use now and in the future to further his purposes. When the scriptures say that none will be able to buy or sell without the mark, they speak the truth. This may seem like a little flaxen cord to some, and I get that their private company can do what they want, but the day is coming when more measures will be put in place by greater powers to try and control people's beliefs and/or behavior. Get out of debt and practice provident living.
(I am not one of those crazy bomb shelter preppers or anti-government btw; but I do dislike abuse and corruption)
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Yes, I could see that happening. I believe the mark in our hands/foreheads will be more of a belief system rather than a physical mark...but it could physical as well. Regardless of how it comes to pass though, it most definitely will. It would be wise to get out of debt as quickly as possible, and to teach our children to live as self-sufficiently as they can, as the government will not be on the Lord's side in any way. Live within your means, get as much food storage as possible, grow a garden, get some chickens, etc...
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https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/hasbro-rebranding-mr-potato-head-gender-neutral
Another article from nbc states that the toy will also be sold in a family pack with accessories for two sets of "same gender" parents for the baby potato.
Our children need to be taught how to feel the Holy Ghost and discover truth for themselves, because the world is ready to sweep them up in sin.
- Anddenex, Still_Small_Voice and Traveler
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2 hours ago, NeuroTypical said:
I can relate. My wife and I both come from upbringings that had no small amount of toxic dysfunction in it. Between our two families, we've got stuff like suicide, PTSD, drug abuse ending lives early, child neglect, a convicted felon, and multigenerational child abuse.
I can relate as well. This is very common amongst almost all families, both in the church and out. We should not make judgments about other people thinking that their life is perfect, when in reality they may have gone, or are actively going, though the exact same trials. This is a problem plaguing our ward at the moment...too much comparison, supposition, and speculation taking place. It is causing folks to resent their neighbors, seek for riches, forget how blessed they really are, and how they need to be more willing to serve others.
That being said, I will not bend over backwards for someone who isn't willing to do a little bending for themselves, and I have no problem letting someone fall on their face...so they can learn to pick themselves back up.
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“It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself, and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it”
John Taylor
- NeedleinA, dprh, Carborendum and 1 other
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No reason she couldn't do it if she had enough faith. The priesthood is not always necessary to overcome the adversary and his followers. God would not leave one of His daughters subject to torment and/or fear just because she does not hold the priesthood.
"Although the devil laughs, his power is limited. Some may remember the old adage: 'The devil made me do it.' Today I want to convey, in absolutely certain terms, that the adversary cannot make us do anything. He does lie at our door, as the scriptures say, and he follows us each day. Every time we go out, every decision we make, we are either choosing to move in his direction or in the direction of our Savior. But the adversary must depart if we tell him to depart. He cannot influence us unless we allow him to do so, and he knows that! The only time he can affect our minds and bodies—our very spirits—is when we allow him to do so. In other words, we do not have to succumb to his enticements!
We have been given agency, we have been given the blessings of the priesthood, and we have been given the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost for a reason."
Robert D. Hales, Apr 2006 General Conference
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17 hours ago, Traveler said:
@scottyg and @laronius -- Is the divine ordinance of baptism and marriage good news or is the doctrine that such can exist, sufficient? Is receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost part of the gospel of Christ or is it sufficient to know the doctrine of the Holy Ghost as G-d? How about the keys of the priesthood? Can the gospel of Christ be complete with understanding the doctrine of such things or is it necessary to have the priesthood, priesthood keys, the ordinances and the covenants to fulfill or complete the good news?
The Traveler
It depends on how you are defining good news vs doctrine. With regards to Baptism is it good news that it is possible, but Christ Himself also said it was a part of His doctrine. Christ was showing us the right way (His way) which is by His authority. Baptism is a part of His doctrine, and I will touch on marriage shortly. Baptism took place for centuries after the death of the apostles, but was of no worth as it was not done by proper authority. The doctrine of such just existing is not sufficient...you must actually do something (be baptized) the right way. His doctrine requires proper action.
Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is also part of the gospel/His doctrine. Just knowing about it doesn't do you any good...you must be baptized of the spirit in addition to being baptized of water. Baptism by immersion is pointless without the second half - receipt of the Holy Ghost.
It is absolutely necessary to have the priesthood, for if we did not then the above ordinances could not take place in the way the Lord sees fit. They would not be acceptable. Such things must be done in His way by His authority. Receiving the Melchizedek priesthood is also necessary for men to achieve exaltation, and it is required to bless both men and women in regards to marriage, which is also required for exaltation to occur. That is the whole point of overcoming spiritual death...exaltation/returning to the presence of God. Folks can put aside the gospel of Jesus Christ all they wish, and be "saved" as we call it in one of the lower kingdoms that will be prepared, but true glory is dwelling with the Father and His Son.
What is your purpose in asking these questions? They seem simple, and surely such things are already known to you. The good news (glad tidings) delivered to the Judean shepherds was that hope and help was coming, that there was going to be a way to salvation; and that way is the doctrine of Christ that is now efficacious because of His completion of the Atonement and His subsequent resurrection.
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My view is that the doctrine of Christ is the good news (gospel). The good news is that Christ overcame death and hell, and that one day everyone will be resurrected from the grave. If we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized in His name, etc...then His saving power comes into effect with regards to overcoming sin. That is the message that the missionaries are supposed to share with the world: inviting others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel, i.e. the restored blueprint to overcoming spiritual death.
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50 minutes ago, Fether said:
But think of what an organized Reddit mob of 50,000 amateur “investors” (not sure we can call them that at this point) with $50 each can do to a dying company’s stock?
Yes, the term investor (along with many others) is thrown around too widely these days.
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"I am optimistic about the future. It will be filled with opportunities for each of us to progress, contribute, and take the gospel to every corner of the earth. But I am also not naïve about the days ahead. We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages. If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.
Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
Russell M. Nelson, April 2018 General Conference
This was given almost 3 years ago. The days are no longer coming...they are here now. No more arguing please. The Holy Ghost will tell you the proper course of action you and your families are to take, and, (for reasons known to the Lord) that direction may not always perfectly align with direction given to another. Don't worry about the actions of others. Do not gauge what you are doing to be right or wrong based off of what others do. Trust in what the spirit whispers, and follow the Lord's judgement and timing.
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Too many people practice sheep/lemming behavior, and it is all too easy for a few people with perceived "social influence" to make millions off of their predictability. So many are being used without even knowing it.
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59 minutes ago, Backroads said:
I like much of what you're saying here. The more I learn about education and teaching, the more I realize that critical thinking really cannot be taught explicity. It's just something you have to do.
But education is being driven away from getting opportunities to use and therefore develop critical thinking.
I believe it requires failure. You aren't going to learn critical thinking skills if failure isn't a possibility, or if the potential rewards aren't different. Too many parents and leaders baby their kids, and they never get a real chance to grow. They come home from their mission after 4-6 weeks because they miss their mom and the comforts of home. They enter the workforce, are told "NO' for the first time, and they don't know how to handle it and break down. You see these kids on college campuses all the time wanting their "safe spaces". You see them going from job to job because they can't handle directions and authority. Without income they cannot pay debts that they never should have entered into, and eventually wind up with the homeless crowd and become addicted to all of the vices that follow that lifestyle. I have sadly seen far too many kids with so much potential permanently fall into the gutter because they don't know how to do something hard. To them, anything difficult is not worth doing. They have never experienced the satisfaction (and increased appreciation) when you put time in and actually work for something.
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1 hour ago, Traveler said:
An education should not be a dictation of information and data but rather the tools of how to sift through information and data to discover truth. Education should be how to learn truth and not how to parrot back information.
I can't begin to tell you how many people I work with (in healthcare) that cannot remember the things they were taught in school, whether it be secondary or post-secondary education. The whole goal now is to pass tests, and people do it by cramming...not actually learning the material. (much of the material isn't worth learning anyways, but that's a different beast altogether)
Now, I was not a 4.0 student, and all of us have been guilty of cramming before a big test here and there, but more and more the information just isn't sticking because all that matters anymore is the grade...not what the grade is supposed to represent. Too many young people are graduating with degrees that certify they are knowledgeable in their field, when really this person is not. They find it hard to get a job because they don't actually know anything and bomb their interview, or can't hold a job due to being lazy. In college after my mission (around 2008) I was astounded to hear so many kids whining about not being able to get extra credit to get better grades in their coursework. I remember thinking "this is college...not middle school. What are these wimps saying?" But I heard it all the time, and it is now the norm. Kids want an easy ride and to be handed everything, and felt sad because they weren't getting a good grade...and many college "professors" are catering to them - giving them extra credit for volunteering at some wacky liberal arts event.
Parents have always been the main party responsible for their children's education, and they need to step up. Much of what we learn is also done outside of academy walls. Street smarts are pitifully lacking in the current generation. Many kids don't want to leave home because they don't understand basic concepts like insurance or retirement plans. And among those that do, many are just afraid to mess things up and face the world, so they retreat into their own private world like an Ostrich with it's head in the sand while life passes them by. These are the ones that want government to take care of them...the ones that don't know how, or are too lazy, to take care of themselves.
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1 hour ago, Backroads said:
Unpopular opinion: STEM has ruined education. Now, I love STEM, but it has been pushed to the detriment of the humanities. We don't teach history, we don't teach social understanding, because we are too in love with STEM.
Many elementary schools don't even push reading and writing the way they used to. My elementary age son gets 1 hour of music a week, no art, and no history. It has been eye opening for my wife and I as we struggle to try and fill in the gaps.
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1 hour ago, Traveler said:
As a side note - I have never encountered any bishop, stake presidency, 70 or otherwise that is doing such a poor job that I personally desire to replace them.
The Traveler
I always ask myself, "could I do a better job"? "Do I want to be in his position?" The answer is always no.
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On 1/21/2021 at 9:59 AM, Backroads said:
Well, my mom announced today that she is furious we (being my husband and children andI) are only attending every other week. She feels we should attend every week and wants our bishop's number (I think she can actually look this up) so she can talk to him about it.
This is odd behavior. All wards are different, virus or not. I have never come across someone who thinks they have the right to scold or correct a bishop (in a different ward no less) in this way. He holds the keys and leads the ward...end of story.
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7 hours ago, Carborendum said:
This was the link:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcast
But it was a broadcast Zoom meeting. So, it's essentially dormant now.
I just took a closer look at the email that announced this. It may have been intended for this local audience only. Since it was a general auxilliary officer, I thought it was at least nationwide. But that may not have been so. When I click on the link now, it says "Ogden West YW/YM instruction." And as I recall, the young woman who gave the closing prayer was announced as being from an Odgen ward.
I'll try to repeat all I can remember from the fireside. (I warn that I was not listening as intently as I otherwise would have. I was busy with my calling at the time and only half listening.)
** Announcement: Brother Wilcox will speak at a virtual "For the Strength of Youth" fireside on Sunday, January 17 at 7pm.All Youth and Parents are invited to attend. **
Our stake is near Ogden, but we didn't hear anything about it. I would have loved to listen, and know many of my youth would have benefited as well. Bro. Wilcox is very down to earth, and also a no BS type of guy...very plain, simple, and upfront, and I like that about him.
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5 hours ago, Just_A_Guy said:
The amusing thing is, that wing of the Church had assumed that since Elder Renlund had a small family, a lawyer wife, and frequently cited to his experience in Africa—that he would be as libertine as they themselves are. And yet, he clearly isn’t.
It’s a useful lesson. We all get tempted to assume that this GA or that is “one of us” on any given social, political, or theological controversy; but really, the question is whether we are one of them.
The brethren vary in race, background, culture, personality, work vs church experience, family, etc... What makes them the same is their devotion to the Lord. They are one with each other - as a united quorum should be.
- Just_A_Guy and Anddenex
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18 hours ago, Fether said:
A couple follow up question. So If I spent the day drinking, participating in the vilest of media, and blaspheming, that has no effect on the people in the room with me that during the endowment?
What about the notion of how if a family lives righteously, you can feel it in the home? There seems to be some aura that comes with righteous living. Am I wrong?
I think it would have an effect...but to what degree I cannot say. The Holy Ghost cannot abide with one participating in sinful behavior, but I also do not think the Lord would withhold revelation from those who are clean, and diligently seeking His counsel. That being said, I don't see why He also couldn't withhold revelation in that specific circumstance...but I would not presume to know what His actions would be. We all know the story of Martin Harris needing to repent before the three witnesses received their revelation, as well as other similar events. The main reason we have temple recommend interviews in the first place is to maintain the temple as a place of revelation...the Lord's house. Hopefully in some degree we can prevent overt sin from staining a sacred place...to limit the influence of Babylon inside of Zion. Also, those attending the temple need to prepare themselves, and be trying to keep their covenants. We are all unworthy, but the Lord's mercy allows us a closer glimpse of heaven through temple ordinances and service. But, one who participated in the behavior you mentioned is clearly not trying to live the life of a disciple of Christ.
As far as our homes are concerned, I believe 100% that you can feel the spirit in the home in different degrees, because I have felt it. If the spirit is there you cannot hide it from anyone...they will feel it also. As a missionary I went into well over 1000 different homes of church members and non-members alike, and I can tell you that there were some home where the spirit was present in a big way, and these feelings have continued as I continue to serve in the church. Two in particular from my mission stand out. In both of them the kids were running around in diapers, toys were on the floor, parents were running late, etc... However, as soon as I entered I felt love and peace despite the commotion. I firmly knew that these parents taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in their home, and those were the homes we chose to have lessons in with investigators. And guess what...baptisms occurred in those areas with those people. Coincidence?...maybe. I have also been in the homes of members of stake presidencies and bishoprics (one just a few weeks ago actually) and not felt the spirit the way I thought I would. I don't know any specifics regarding their family, but I felt that something was off, and other than saying I felt uncomfortable, I cannot describe it. Most homes were just plan homes, but what I felt years ago left an impact on me, and that is the reason why me and my wife hold family home evening every week, read our scriptures with our children every day, and pray as a family every day. As they grow older I want them to be able to feel that spirit whenever they are in need of it...which will be often. They are certainly worthy of my best efforts to foster a Christ centered home.
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13 hours ago, Anddenex said:
"I doubt that this was an inspired comment..."
First, it's funny that someone thinks they are able to say what is inspired and isn't when it was "personal" revelation to Elder Renlund, which he is sharing. The Lord doesn't work horizontally with revelation or inspiration, so the pride involved in this sentiment is even more sad.
Truth only impacts a congregation harmfully if the congregation is prideful and doesn't want to accept truth.
It really becomes tiring reading comments from people who want to twist words an apostle or prophet will say to further their justification for their decisions.
We as members of the church (and Christians in general) are going to be asked to do some hard things in the future before the Lord's second coming. If you can't do something as simple as home teaching, daily scripture study, personal prayer, or wearing a mask, then how can you possibly expect to follow through on the hard things coming? The sifting is already taking place. In our ward we have unfortunately lost three to four "active" families over the course of the pandemic. Two of them have anywhere from 3 to 6 young children in the household. They are not coming back. They have each given a different excuse, but they all boil down to either laziness and/or a lack of faith.
If people stop practicing their religion over covid-19, just imagine how many families and individuals would leave if we were told to stop watching sports on Sunday, or tithing was to increase to 12-15%, or that plural marriage was to return. The Prophet is a Prophet or he is not...folks need to get on board with a lighted lamp and oil in their vessels, because the ship is stetting sail, and picking and choosing what you think is inspired and what is not will cause you to miss the boat.
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12 hours ago, Anddenex said:
Here is the thought Elder Renlund provided that is irritating "thought leaders" and those that have succumbed to these thoughts leaders:
The metaphor is a brilliant metaphor relating sickness (virus) to spiritual sickness, and how we should avoid anything in our lives that might threaten the eternal reward of our family. Seems to be a very appropriate analogy in light of scripture. And yet, this section is full of people irritated because -- the guilty take a truth to be hard. My favorite comment is this, "I doubt that this was an inspired comment and hope you’ll reconsider what a damaging impact this sort of stigmatizing and divisive sentiment has to our congregations."
QuoteImagine how devastated I would be to bring home a spiritually virulent virus that decreased their faith in Heavenly Father and His plan and in the Savior and His Atonement. Such a metaphorical virus could have eternal consequences.
I in no way see how the remark is stigmatizing or divisive to congregations, other than it is encouraging repentance. We are all guilty of sin...but hopefully trying to become better. It is those who have their secret sins that they enjoy to indulge in that are put off by this remark. One of the adversary's best lies about sin is that is really affects no one. "Watching pornography doesn't really hurt my family. As long as no one knows about it everything will stay the same." The truth of the matter is that even if no one discovers your dirty habit, it is offensive to the spirit, and the spirit will not be present in your home at the level that it could be otherwise. Evil speaking of the Lord's anointed has the same effect. Children, and especially young children, can feel this difference in the presence of the Holy Ghost. Why wouldn't we want our homes to be a place where the spirit may dwell, and to be a shelter for them from the outside world? Why shouldn't we do all that we can to throw out sin and to spiritually renovate our homes? If you preach the right things and look good on the outside, but are filthy within, then, as the Savior said, you are no different than a whited sepulchre that is filled with dead men's bones. If you say prayers with your kids at night, but quickly tuck them into bed so you can start binge watching game of thrones (or any other trashy form of disgusting filth) then you are nothing but a hypocrite who will regret your actions in the future, and could unknowingly or unintentionally start your children down a path that will harm them spiritually. Let us give our children the best chance of success we can, and let our light so shine. Our homes should be a place where anyone who enters can feel the presence of the spirit
Lastly, if folks are just upset because he made an analogy to mask wearing then they need to grow up. I am not a fan of mask wearing myself...the difference they make is small. But I do it because I have been asked to. Some may call me a sheep, but I simply trust my church leaders.
- Anddenex, askandanswer and NeedleinA
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47 minutes ago, Traveler said:
A close look at history; there was a great apostasy in the church and many that incited the mob were previous members that fell away. But what is most interesting to me is that all the suffering inflicted on the Saints prepared them for leaving the USA into the west. Despite the hardships of the westward movement - the Saints were led away to a place of safety while the nation fell into a bitter civil war - the worst conflict this nation has been involved in - so far. Sometimes I think history repeats itself.
The Traveler
I have been wondering if this place where the church was founded and grown (Utah and the U.S.A.) will start to decay while other places, such as South America, Asia, and Africa will overall be stronger in the Gospel at the time of the Lord's coming. In terms of spreading the Gospel message, Africa is booming right now. Before the Lord's coming to the Americas, the Nephite nation, who was the more spiritual for hundreds of years, began to dwindle, while by and by the Lamanites were the ones that grew in greater spirituality. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see today's "Lamanties", (those who didn't have the Gospel at it's beginning), be stronger than the "Nephites" as we near the end.
- JohnsonJones, Anddenex and Traveler
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32 minutes ago, NeedleinA said:
Well... interesting enough we just had 4 Missionaries in our home last night.
Their message and invitation primarily revolved around the blessings of sharing the gospel with our friends via "Facebook".
Who could we invite to learn about God on "Facebook"?
How could we share the gospel with our "Facebook" friends? etc. etc.
We were loving in letting them know that we are not really a social media family, but we would try in other ways.
Once they left, my wife and I said, "we gave them the polite version, not the we won't support Facebook because of their policies/actions a company version".
We actually visited with our sisters last week, and their message was similar. The large tech giants of the day are all kids nowadays know, and I think it would be very hard for many of them to survive in a world without them, because they were raised with them. Not impossible by any means...but difficult. I am odd for a millennial as I personally don't do twitter or facebook...never have, and never will.
I am reminded of the parable of the wheat and the tares. We cannot pick out every tare from our gardens, especially as the plants are first sprouting, because if we did we would also root up some of the wheat. It is better in some cases to let them grow together and make the separation when fully mature at harvest time...as long as we are sure to recognize the difference. I am not advocating that we stand idly by and allow evil to fester around us without standing up to it. What I am saying is that we can create a Zion in the midst of babylon, and to paraphrase the Savior in Luke 19, "make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness". Perhaps I am misunderstanding His meaning, but it is possible to do good things with stuff that is not normally meant for the Lord's purposes. That doesn't necessarily mean we have to use facebook, as I won't be, but hopefully the point I was trying to make is clear.
Inflation
in Current Events
Posted
1. The best debt is no debt.
2. True. Money has no inherit value...it only represents potential services and/or material items you could have. It is worthless if you can't spend it, or if others devalue it. It is best to diversify and not have all your eggs in 1 basket. Anything that I can buy now that will last, I buy now, because prices are likely to go up, the value of the dollar will likely go down, and the supply of items is finite. Just look at toilet paper and ammunition. Thankfully, the former has rebounded.