scottyg

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  1. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from NeedleinA in Simpler Vocabulary   
    “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
  2. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from classylady in Asking evil spirit to depart   
    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
  3. Like
    scottyg reacted to mirkwood in What does a “unified” nation look like in terms of politics?   
    We aren't talking about the White Horse Prophecy.  
     
    The ridiculous story about the "red horse," and "the black horse," and "the white horse," and a lot of trash that has been circulated about and printed and sent around as a great revelation given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, is a matter that was gotten up, I understand, some ten years after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, by two of our brethren who put together some broken sentences from the Prophet that they may have-heard him utter from time to time, and formulated this so called revelation out of it, and it was never spoken by the prophet in the manner in which they have put it forth. It is simply false: that is all there is to it. (Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1918, p.58.)

  4. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from Still_Small_Voice in President Nelson vaccinated   
    "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.
  5. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from Still_Small_Voice in Wokeness in schools   
    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.
  6. Okay
    scottyg got a reaction from Still_Small_Voice in Wokeness in schools   
    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.
  7. Love
    scottyg got a reaction from seashmore in President Nelson vaccinated   
    "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.
  8. Okay
    scottyg reacted to Backroads in Wokeness in schools   
    I was recently having this conversation with fellow teachers.
    A common thing is to allow make-up tests. In theory and even in some practice, I like this. When done appropriately, the student who fails the test then learns the material to mastery which they may then demonstrate by passing the test. 
    What happens far too often is this cramming you speak of. And if/when the cramming fails, parents flip out and principals, wanting to please the prarents, force passing grades through.
  9. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from NeuroTypical in President Nelson vaccinated   
    "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.
  10. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from Backroads in Wokeness in schools   
    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.
  11. Like
    scottyg reacted to Traveler in Wokeness in schools   
    I will also respond to @Backroads.  I believe that I was in about 8th grade when I realized that all the smart kids in school were not really that smart - just that they had done their homework.  My two older brothers were 4.0 students.  One because he is a certified genius with a photographic memory and the other was just determined.  I was wired for logic so subjects like English, history, social studies and such made no sense to me and I could not connect.  But I decided that the key to good grades was to convince the teacher that I was the smartest person in the room.  By time I got to college I would cram between semesters so that the first day of class I could answer any question a professor would ask.  And if they ever dared ask for questions I would have one ready that would convince them I was a head of the curve.
    I am also convinced that ever person is a genius in something and that one of the great tricks of life is figuring out your genius.  Moroni refers to this in Moroni Chapter 10 of the Book of Mormon but there he calls it spiritual gifts rather than a genius.   And so I think the other great failure of education is trying to stuff all the students into the same learning box.
    Abraham Chapter 3 also says something about education that goes with the previous paragraph.  In essence it says that regardless of someone's education - they will never produce the same.  So much for the equal work equal pay theory.  But pay is not nor should it be the only complementation for one's services.  Thus it is that regardless of what is being taught in schools the most important thing a parent can contribute to their child's education is how to utilize divine spiritual guidance in learning.  The parent that ignores mentoring their children spiritually handicaps their children far beyond religious things - and the student that does not learn to utilize divine spiritual guidance in all things learned - will eventually fail at everything.
    In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we ought to be schooled in all things spiritual and ought to be getting straight "A's" in all things of spiritual learning and preparations.   If we cannot teach this - what is taught in schools will not matter.  I have a couple of kids that did all the spiritual homework and pasted all the tests with flying colors concerning all the right answers but have failed in applications.  The goal of an education is not to get the grade but rather to learn something that you can rely on when life becomes a challenge.
     
    The Traveler
  12. Like
    scottyg reacted to Traveler in Wokeness in schools   
    There is a propensity to limit education.  The first part of STEM is Science.  Science is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.  It is contrary to true science to refuse learning of truth.  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.  Some examples:  Removing religion from formal education is a gross error - it is impossible to understand the truths of history without understanding the truths of religious influences on the events of history.  Without a firm and accurate understanding of religion it is impossible for someone to be educated in history.
    I would also suggest that how to defend one's self and the use of firearms is an element of education that if lacking - a person is not educated nor prepared to function in any free society.  Sadly it is my personal view that few are sufficiently educated to live or function in a free society based in liberty.  
     
    The Traveler 
  13. Like
    scottyg reacted to Backroads in Mother butting in   
    I briefly explained our family's general gospel participation, reminded her not all wards were back full-time, didn't mention my grown adult friends and their beverage preferences, and changed the subject.
  14. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from dprh in Mother butting in   
    I always ask myself, "could I do a better job"? "Do I want to be in his position?" The answer is always no.
  15. Okay
    scottyg got a reaction from Traveler in Mother butting in   
    I always ask myself, "could I do a better job"? "Do I want to be in his position?" The answer is always no.
  16. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from Jane_Doe in Mother butting in   
    I always ask myself, "could I do a better job"? "Do I want to be in his position?" The answer is always no.
  17. Like
    scottyg reacted to mirkwood in Mother butting in   
    She needs to be told to butt out.  Nicely if you choose, but do it.
  18. Like
    scottyg reacted to Ironhold in Mother butting in   
    If you're in a region that has restrictions in place concerning the size of public gatherings, then remind your mom that the law is the law. The split in the ward attendance may simply be the result of the ward having too many active members to handle them all in a given meeting. Does she have someone at home who can do the sacrament with her?
    As far as your friend goes, we can set the example, but we have to remember that other people have their free choice and free will. 
  19. Like
    scottyg reacted to NeuroTypical in Mother butting in   
    "Mom, you know I love you, but I'm not giving you my bishop's phone number so you can tell him how to do his job."
    Then change the subject and don't talk about it any more.
  20. Like
    scottyg reacted to dprh in Mother butting in   
    It does seem like she's crossing boundaries.  I'd reply something along the lines as "Mom, I sustain my church leaders. And my friends will do whatever they want, regardless of the example I set."
  21. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from askandanswer in The Shame of Elder Renlund   
    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.
  22. Like
    scottyg reacted to estradling75 in Were we ever united?   
    Funny how you define BLM by its goals... But MAGA by whose abusing it to their own agendas.  That is hardly fair, or equitable, in fact it is down right hypocritical.  Yet it proves my point precisely.
     
  23. Love
    scottyg reacted to NeedleinA in President Nelson vaccinated   
    Elder Bednar dropping bombs:
     
  24. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from Anddenex in The Shame of Elder Renlund   
    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.
  25. Like
    scottyg got a reaction from Still_Small_Voice in Youth Fireside - Sinking Titanic   
    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.