Carborendum

What do you think the missionary program is about? I'll give you a hint: Missionaries rarely are the reason why people convert.

So, Elder Kearon is incapable of understanding problems of people different than he is, just because he's an upper middle class white guy? How did you come to that conclusion? Do you even know anything about him other than his intersectionality creds? Prejudiced much?

Here's the breakdown. Isaiah addressed ALL things concerning (ALL) the House of Israel. We (modern day) are of the House of Israel. Therefore, the things concerning us are also addressed in the words of Isaiah. I don't believe that this means ALL the words of Isaiah can be applied to All of Israel (both ancient and modern). But it sure seems like a LOT of it can be applied to both generations. And that stands to reason since all the things that happened to Ancient Israel are just historical realities of the cycle of empires.

Interesting thought. But I'm pretty sure that's just a coincidence.

There is an interesting phenomenon here that many think is only symbolism. But I believe it to be a real phenomenon. The "cloud" has been mentioned in the Bible many times as representing the "presence of God". (Ex 13:21; Num 9:15; Deut 1:33; 1 Ki 8:10; Isa 4:5; Eze 10:4; Matt 17:5; Mar 9:7; Luk 9:34; Rev 10:1 -- dozens more). Some instances in scriptures are clearly symbolic. But as some of these verses clearly indicate, it was more than just a symbol. Quite often, when a "cloud" came down, it was because the presence of Jehovah was truly there. I tend to believe that this wasn't like a cloud that we are thinking of. It was "something" that obscured vision (e.g. something "clouds" our judgment). But growing up with a professional photographer, I recognized that light can do some funny things. If a light is too bright, it can obscure what it at the center, just as much as something which blocks light. Bright light doesn't block, it overpowers. I believe the "theophanic cloud" mentioned in scriptures was a divine analog of this light effect. They were allowed to see Him descend because it was a second "condescension" for the lost sheep on the Wester continent. He didn't expose His full glory. But after He instituted the ordinances of the new dispensation to the Nephites, they were properly prepared to "look upon the face of God and live." It was then that they were allowed to be present when Christ displayed His full glory to man. Those further away could not see, essentially because of light effects. But the 12 were right next to him. And let's say they received the second comforter. They could endure. Because of their proximity, the light differential would have been different. I'm not saying this is theologically accurate. I'm just trying my best to explain something inexplicable with terms we are familiar with.

I'm not sure I can really commiserate on the topic. When I was a child, I was a product of a culture that let TV raise the children. I really wasn't a good kid. I had to do a lot of growing up after I left home. While I have to admit that it was all very entertaining, I really can't enumerate the benefit beyond escapism. There are a few times when we have absolute gems (The Princess Bride, Secondhand Lions) that somehow speak to the classic archetypes. But by and large, are they really something to miss? And I mean that as a sincere question. Is there something to miss? If so, what is it?

We're here for you.

I've become interested in Kevin Sorbo's movies recently. They're all indies. So, low production types. I kinda think some of them would be ok if the production value was higher. But there have been a few that were pretty good even with low budgets (e.g. The Santa Suit). I can think of a few others (with or without Sorbo) that had a decent message. The thing that weakened them was that they were a bit predictable and a little contrived. Cameron's Fireproof did pretty well in theaters. And it was decent. But there were just a few things that made it lower quality. And TBH, Cameron isn't the best actor for a lot of these films. I don't see why we can't have decent actors that are right for the part with a decent story that can be inspiring and have a fresh take. None of that takes a huge budget.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm the Korean guy in the ward. And wouldn't you know it? I've got 100% Korean blood. And I'm an immigrant. But for some reason people are worried about calling me "the Korean guy." What do you want to call me, "the slightly shorter guy with black hair and almond eyes"? Then it's worse because I'm an engineer. Sheesh! If you don't know my name, just call me the Korean guy. That's what I am.

I wish I had heard of this earlier. Just yesterday, we had a stake Christmas Concert. It departed from tradition in that the chapel was treated as an auditorium rather than a chapel. So, we were allowed to clap after each piece. And we used instruments and music styles that we normally would not use in a chapel. This would have been a rendition that I'd have suggested to the director.

Wrong one.

@zil2, that was a reference to Life of Brian, which I thought might be entertaining for our Limey friend @Jamie123.

Party-pooper! Yes, that's right, I called you a party pooper. The area known anciently as "Judea" vs the current metropolitan area of the City of Judea today are two different things. Anciently, Judea was simply "the land of the Jews." This would include the plains of modern-day Israel. And since Jesus was born in ancient times... So, there you go, Mr. Poopie-pants.

I thought that was a tribute to the Judean People's Plains or was it the People's Plains of Judea.

Just don't cast Pierce Brosnan as the leading man.

You could fix that by integrating kim chee into your diet.

Meh, no accounting for taste. One thing I'll concede is that unless you're "into" the world of D&D, there were a lot of inside jokes or memes that you simply wouldn't recognize. There was a whole bit about the Paladin walking over the rock. It was a huge inside joke that the uninitiated simply wouldn't get. People in the theaters were half laughing their hearts out. While the other half were looking around wondering what was so funny. I liked Maverick because it was the first just pure adrenaline rush movie I've seen in a long time. And Endgame... well, it was the end. Sunk cost. But it didn't disappoint.

Whenever we talk about the evils of wealth, we must also balance it with the lesson in Luke 12:13-15. Then consider v. 16-21.

And in Waterworld the main character pumped his urine through a filter and drank the "clean" water afterward. What made this scene completely gratuitous is that he was able to drink sea water. He was a mutant. Regardless, I'd like to have that filter/pump. And a Life Straw just doesn't work.

This song was written by Michael McLean. I have no idea what his latest work has been. And I am unaware of any recent controversy or whatever. But I really liked that song he wrote.

It is what it means. The "small gate" called the eye of the needle didn't exist at the time of Christ. Yes, some rich people will say "oh we only need to..." then don't actually do that. No, the issue is two fold. The interpretation is usually wrong. Even with the right interpretation, people don't actually abide by the counsel the Savior was trying to convey.

What is so special about the bent nib fountain pens? https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=wJDWm1DMRe4

'tis my vocation, Hal.

Sorry, I misread your initial post.