scottyg

Lehi wanted his family to partake of the fruit, and was so happy when they did, not to mention the joy he felt when he partook of it. To me, when it says "so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water" it means that we should not focus on the bad things in the world, but focus on the good. Yes, we need to know that evil is there, and how to avoid it, but we do not need to focus on it...focus more on the good. Let's say something is bad; we do not need to get closer, or inspect that thing more to see just how bad it is. If the spirit is offended, then such things are not for us, and we should not linger. Lehi beheld not the filthiness because he moved on to more important things.

The following is from Truman G. Madsen, my favorite church historian. Oral tradition attributes another wise maxim to the Prophet: “Don’t climb to the extreme branches of the tree, for there is danger of falling: cling close to the trunk.” One translation: Avoid the vain mysteries and the discussion of them. Avoid imaginative speculation. But Joseph Smith, one must quickly add, made a distinction between the mysteries of godliness-that is, the deeper things that can only be known by revelation to the soul on the how of living a godly life - and the speculative pursuit of matters that are without profit to the soul. The vain mysteries are those of which we know nothing and need not know anything - whether, for example, the pearly gates swing or roll. Or, what is the ultimate destiny of the sons of perdition. “Cling close to the trunk.” Truman G. Madsen, Joseph Smith the Prophet (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1989), 104. I agree with what Vort said at the first, lets not talk about or worry about this. It is not pertinent, and doing so can cause more harm than good.

Take the following for what it's worth. “The Word of Wisdom counsels against drinking “hot drinks,” which have been identified by early Church leaders as coffee and tea. “Tea” refers to the standard tea derived from the tea plant, sometimes called black tea or green tea. The Word of Wisdom has not been interpreted as proscribing herbal teas, stating that “all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man (D&C 89:10)” (Victor L. Ludlow, Principles and Practices of the Restored Gospel, p.434). Tea actually comes from a plant, and Green Tea comes from the same plant as Black Tea, the plant camellia sinensis. Black is simply fermented more than the Green. A like argument is that many people say Red wine has antioxidants in it that are healthy. But those exact same antioxidants can be found in other foods...or simply plain ol grape juice that hasn't been fermented. I recommend you pray about it. I have, and my answer was to not take tea into my body in any form.

Joseph was having struggles and complaining...their time in Liberty jail was brutal. The Lord told him "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" so that Joseph would realize that the Lord understood his struggles perfectly...and that he had been through much worse than Joseph would ever endure. It was both a gentle reassurance as well as a gentle rebuke. In no way was Joseph ever comparable to the Savior...definitely Apples to Oranges...or more like Grapes to Watermelons.

This is exactly what the world teaches. Do not let her get the piercing. As long as she lives with you she follows the house rules, and your rules and instincts should not be altered because of the actions of one of your children. It may not be the end of the world, but the principle in play here is modesty plain and simple. If she gets a belly button ring, she will then want to wear a bikini to show it off. Also, what message will that send to all of the other girls she associates with...what will they start to think?

I agree. The church is true, so stop feeling offended by some remarks from an imperfect man made over 20 years ago. The Law of Chastity was broken, and they wanted to make sure you both knew why, and that you were actually worthy to enter the temple. This isn't small stuff...they would be held responsible someday if they didn't do their due diligence. People have a hard time getting the right words out all the time in all walks of life. Don't let your faith be shaken by something like that. You have done more harm to your family by not being fully active in the church. It may seem blunt and harsh, but it's true. Do you have a testimony of the Gospel being restored in the latter-days, or were you and your wife just going through the motions as kids? If you are unsure, pray about it, and once you get your answer act on it. Too many people nowadays are afraid to act...just come back to church and receive all of the blessings that are available to you. No need to be bashful about it...nobody there cares about your past and why you have been inactive...they are too busy worrying about themselves and their own kids.

I do not need to be in on the interviews. I know my Bishop and the kind of man he is. If I didn't, I would spend more time around him to get to know him better. No one can stop a parent from being in on the interview, but it should by no means be required. If anything, a second adult is needed for the Bishop's protection from false accusations. I have never had a Bishop use probing questions...and I have had at least 10 of them. There may be some bad eggs here and there, and some horror stories may be true, but I do not believe many of the stories out there...some are just too far out to be believable.

I would say pray about it. I know that isn't always a well liked answer, but that is one reason why we have the Gift of the Holy Ghost. If you are doing something that is offensive to the Lord the spirit will let you know. Personally, I do not cook with alcohol as it does not completely cook out...sometimes as much as 75-80% can be retained. There are charts online that detail the amounts. That being said, all foods that are made up of carbohydrates have trace amounts of alcohol in them...it is a natural part of the decomposition/fermentation process. Carbs change to alcohols which change to acetic acid/vinegar.

Your sealing with your ex-wife may be cancelled, but the sealing of children to their parents remains unaffected, even if one leaves the church.

Children who are born in the covenant or sealed to parents remain so even if the sealing of the parents is later cancelled. A child cannot be sealed to only 1 parent. Children can be sealed to adopted parents. Also, a child may be sealed only to two parents, a husband and wife. So, to answer your question fully, no. If they are sealed to the both of you then that sealing will remain for each of you unless you or your wife gave up their right to the initial sealing, and allowed their step-parent to be sealed to the child. This would have to be written permission that you would take to the temple, and it would then be verified...it is never done arbitrarily. The only exception to that is if the child is over 21 and endowed - then they have the choice who to be sealed to if their biological parents are no longer sealed. (that being said, I would definitely counsel with a member of the Stake and/or Temple presidency before making such a decision)

If one has to preface their comment by saying that...it probably shouldn't be said.

The influence is decreasing because, sadly, there are many of the rising generation that do not believe in the traditions of their fathers. There is a reason the Prophet has asked us to "eat our vitamin pills". The reason the work is moving forward much more quickly is due to the adversary doing so on his side. He is very deceptive and pushes his agenda forward by calling evil good, and good evil. If the proposition is implemented as currently constructed it will be felt in the state for years to come, as it will only amplify the disintegration of the family and decrease the ability of many to feel the influence of the spirit.

I agree. I do feel that brethren should be clean shaven to model the church leadership. However, if they choose not to do so they have that choice. Recommends should be limited to the questions/requirements provided, and those questions/requirements only...nothing should be added.

The church handbook states that those interviewing members for recommends should not add any requirements to those that are already specified. In my opinion this example is one of unrighteous dominion.

Thanks for the insight.

Just curious, but do you have a reference for this? The leadership in our wards and Stake all have ministering assignments.

It is not considered a "saving ordinance". However, it is a very important part of Repentance, and the receipt of the Holy Ghost. Repentance is ultimately necessary, so partaking of the Sacrament each week, although not necessary per se, makes the journey much, much easier. Although it isn't necessary for salvation, I can't imagine anyone achieving exhalation who doesn't partake of the Sacrament worthily every week and receive the added portion of the spirit it brings.

My parents saved nothing for me, and told me when I was 15 or 16 that they were not paying for my education past High School...and they didn't. They did allow me to live at home, but I moved to Logan after just a few months to be closer to the University. After returning home from my mission in 2007 I took out one student loan of $5,500 to pay for my first semester, books, rent, etc... at Utah State University. I then began working 2 full-time jobs, and paid for every semester after that up front. I went to college to gain an education, not party or have a good time. I lived in a cheap apartment, drove an old beater, and only purchased used books. I graduated 4 years later with my Bachelor's degree, and my Master's Degree in 2014...and I have only ever had that first $5,500 in student debt. A student can make their own way through college if they are willing to put in the work and effort. I know many a kid who took out over $20,000 in student loans in their first year, only to party hearty and stay out late. They completely lived off of their loan rather than get a job. That is usually something only medical students do...as they will one day have a high paying job to take care of that debt. All these people have to show for it now is an Associate's Degree in a useless field like "general studies", "liberal arts", or "communications" that doesn't translate to a stable career in today's workplace. I was mad at my parents at the time for not saving for me...but it definitely gave me the opportunity to grow and become responsible with my time and money. I love his webinars, but this is one area that I disagree with Dave on.

It seems to me that if someone thought that way then they are simply lacking in faith. It is no different when someone doesn't pay their Tithing. They do not believe that the Lord has the power and ability to bless their lives in way that can make up for any temporal defect. If we are asked to do things in our careers that distance us from God, then we should begin a search for new employment. The Lord will not leave us, but will provide for those who have the faith to follow him. True faith results in action.