Traveler
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Posts posted by Traveler
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Some time ago I wondered about the physical appearance of Christ. I thought it odd that many claim to know Jesus Christ but at the same time I wondered if they knew him well enough that they could pick him out in a crowd. I have a brother that I ski with, we meet at the ski resort. We know each other so well we do not even have to plan on where or when to meet. We can spot each other on the lifts or the slopes because we are so familiar with each other.
When Jesus walked among us as a man there were some that immediately recognized him (even a rather impious heathen lady) and some that despite all the evidence could not recognize him (even the most respected pious among the Jews).
I have come to believe physical appearance is likely not the best means of recognizing Christ. I speculate that Jesus is likely shorter than most men of this modern age. I have no idea concerning the pigment of his skin, the color of his hair or his eyes. I speculate that he does not look so much like me.
Anciently there was a great King of the East that had spies in various areas (including in and around Jerusalem) that heard of Jesus and his miracles and teachings. I speculate this great King was of the sort that were among those that sought Christ from the star when He was born and also perhaps related to or was Prester John or of a line of Prester Johns. This great King was converted that Jesus was the Christ and knew of plots to kill Jesus. So, he commanded his spies deliver a letter to Jesus along with an artist that was commanded to draw a portrait of Jesus.
It was believed that Jesus hand wrote a letter to this king that was delivered with the drawn portrait. Though the portrait was lost in time the letter was presumably preserved among “Christians” in the East that became to be known as Nestorian Christians. The letter that is claimed to be written by Jesus is the only original document text of possible sacred ancient documents known to exist today concerning the Christ. This document has been tested and proven to be written at the time of Jesus upon parchment available only around the Jerusalem area – thus extremely unlikely a fake. I am amazed that this document is not better known but what is more astonishing to me is how many “Christians” do not care about such a document just because it was not included in our (their) “Western” Bible.
I am convinced that in this day and age – it is quite dangerous to know anything of the “man”hood of Christ – for a great many reasons, including some religious (Christian) reasons.
The Traveler
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Since this thread has been brought back up – I thought to add some more of my thoughts about the one and only true and “LIVING” church. In my mind the importance of the one and only true and living church is equivalent to or saying that there is only one true and living path or way. In a previous post of mine on this thread I used the metaphor of Kingdom that is often used in scripture in reference to the society of G-d. Obviously, there are many kingdoms that we encounter in mortality – we could also say governments or the structure of laws by which societies on earth are governed. Just as there is only one true and living G-d, there is only one true and living church structured with G-d’s laws (not man’s or man’s interpretations) and ordinances and commandments.
Since there were no comments about divine kingdoms or governments my assumption was that this concept was not understood or considered of upmost importance. This leads me to believe somewhat that few are capable or interested in discussing the structure of laws by which G-d governs his Kingdom (which his Church is part). The one example I used in a previous thread pointed directly to the law given to Peter that would allow him to seal here on earth (perform functions) within the church on earth that were valid in Heaven or after we die. Of course, baptism is an example of such a function. As I said previously, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only organization I know of on earth that claim and/or attempt to insure all have opportunity to be baptized on earth and have that sacred law sealed in heaven. Many “churches”, rather than deal with such necessity as baptism claim that it is not all that necessary, despite the fact that Jesus himself, of necessity, was baptized.
I would now point out that the scriptures bring to bear a second witness that there is a true and living Church in the giving witness of the “Path” or “Way” of G-d to salvation. The post that started this thread seemed to indicate (as I understood it) that there is no such thing as the only one true and living path or way – only a best path or way available at the time. I find no such witness in scripture. Rather I find comments like straight, and narrow is the way or path – implying only one path leads to salvation. Jesus said that he is the way. I understand that to mean that He is the Christ, and that Christ (Messiah) is the only means or path of salvation and exaltation and that he is not a Christ or Messiah of confusion but of clarity and exactness for all his disciples and followers. There is no other true and living path. If one is not convinced, they are on the one and only true and living path it can only be because they do not know the one and only true and living G-d nor His Son (Jesus Christ). It is not possible to know G-d without knowing His Son – the Son of G-d – Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the one and only way that they have provided.
There is a caveat that needs to be understood. Though the path is currently available to some in this life – it is not complete or completed in this life. One of the simple truths that was lost from scripture that was restored in the Book of Mormon is that there is of necessity a “time” between death and the resurrection to complete the way or path. There are spiritual echoes of this in the ancient scripture of Genesis that references the way or path to the “Tree of Life”. The Book of Mormon provides more concerning this path in what is known as “Lehi’s Dream” of the path and the “Tree of Life”.
It is true that other churches (religions) have access to truths. It is possible that there are individuals in other religions and churches that know and better understand certain truths than some (even many) of the Latter-day Saints. Their understandings and efforts to appreciate and honor the truth they have received or discovered will be of their benefit when they leave this life and await the resurrection. Likewise, there will be many things individual Latter-day Saints will think they understand that will have to be adjusted for when they leave this life and await the resurrection.
I do not believe we (LDS) have to convince anybody of anything in this life. Our job is to testify of Christ and teach the doctrine of Christ – particularly the doctrine of Christ that was lost and restored for us now in the Book of Mormon. There are great advantages in this life and the next to know and follow the path holding on to rod of iron (way), being aware of the fulness of the Gospel of Christ (or doctrine of Christ) that is in the Book of Mormon and take advantage of the Laws, Ordinances and Covenants of the only true and living Church of Christ.
The Traveler
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I believe the proper term for NPR (or any political commentary) – political activists (specific political party alignment) is narcissistic personality disorder. Though Trump is often called out for being narcissistic (for very good reason) it is a label that fits 99.9999% of those seeking elected political office. Explanation from the Mayo Clinic:
QuoteSymptoms of narcissistic personality disorder and how severe they are can vary. People with the disorder can:
· Have an unreasonably high sense of self-importance and require constant, excessive admiration.
· Feel that they deserve privileges and special treatment.
· Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements.
· Make achievements and talents seem bigger than they are.
· Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate.
· Believe they are superior to others and can only spend time with or be understood by equally special people.
· Be critical of and look down on people they feel are not important.
· Expect special favors and expect other people to do what they want without questioning them.
· Take advantage of others to get what they want.
· Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others.
· Be envious of others and believe others envy them.
· Behave in an arrogant way, brag a lot and come across as conceited.
· Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office.
At the same time, people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they view as criticism. They can:
· Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special recognition or treatment.
· Have major problems interacting with others and easily feel slighted.
· React with rage or contempt and try to belittle other people to make themselves appear superior.
· Have difficulty managing their emotions and behavior.
· Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change.
· Withdraw from or avoid situations in which they might fail.
· Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection.
· Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, humiliation and fear of being exposed as a failure.
The Traveler
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Monday Ukraine announced (Monday April 22) that they had captured a Russian General. This is a little perplexing because I have not seen any coverage of this in USA news broadcasting. But then I do not watch every minute of news coverage. There is a lot of stuff on You Tube and other internet sources but there does not seem to be any Russian response or US responses???? In light of this and what Israel did with Iran – there has to be repercussions – across the entire world structure of country alignments.
At first glance this looks to be good for Western aligned countries, but I am concerned that without solid Western (democratic) leadership that all this could be more destabilizing – especially in light of political unrest and demonstrations against Israel and not Hamas. Things seem to keep turning in ways I do not expect.
The Traveler
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tSnaZKUXEE
Perhaps many have seen this video about the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine of Christ. I realize that it is longer than most would care to listen, but I recommend it if you have not seen it before. I especially like the reference to Lehi’s Dream and the three points of doctrine of Christ and what we can understand from the examples given in revelation.
The Traveler
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On 4/20/2024 at 2:05 PM, SparksFly said:
I’ve been happily married for 16 years, 3 kids. I got married young, neither of us had dated much before we were married. We’ve of course had our ups and downs as every relationships does but for the most part we feel pretty strong in our marriage, and like we’re mostly doing ok in our family life. I recently went on a solo trip to visit family. On my return flight, which was 8hrs long, my seat mate, flirted nonstop with me. I made it clear I was married, but the flirty banter continued and I admittedly indulged it a little. I didn’t flirt back intentionally, but I also didn’t shut down his flirtations, and honestly enjoyed the laughter through our 8hr flight. I didn’t even catch his name…
I would never leave or cheat on my husband. But the feeling of being attractive to someone else, and being flirted with so intentionally has left me feeling kind of “alive” and realizing just how much that has been lacking in our marriage. My husband says he finds me attractive… but after 16 years, 3 kids, and just going through the motions of day to day life, it’s hard to feel like a human being, like I’m more than just a mom, and how to feel attractive, sexy and reignite that fire again.
Part of me feels guilty for indulging the flirting, and part of me just enjoyed it so much that I’m craving feeling that “wanted” again.
I’m an active member and temple attendee, and this has caught me so completely off guard.
I don’t know what to do moving forward to a) stop thinking about the flirting encounter b) how to channel that desire for more, back into my marriage c) have I broken the law of chastity by allowing that encounter and feeling so “excited” by it?
Dear Friend @SparksFly; (For some reason your handle is not registered with the forum?)
You are very lucky and fortunate to have dodged a bullet. Perhaps I should say a deadly fiery dart of the adversary. Scripture tells us that Satan flatters us into following a course that leads to destruction and bondage.
Though I am retired now I spent much of my professional life traveling. I would say about ¼ of my life. Sometimes for several weeks at a time. Joining me in my travels have been several good LDS serving in what many would call high positions. Also, I traveled with many rather shady characters. I think there is something about traveling that tends to get a person out of sorts and venerable to flattery. Especially from seemingly good looking and smart seaming others. I witnessed those that under such circumstances succumbed to the temptations of the moment. I would say that without a single exception (good LDS or wild heathen) that never did anyone falling for the flattery of predators and pursuing pleasures contrary to the Law and covenant of Chasity end in anything even remotely close a happy ending. Much more, if for any reason you would become the predator. It was (is) always a heartbreaking disaster for all involved – even for the remotely involved.
The guilty feeling for being flirty is nothing compared to the guilt Satan has planned for you. I personally do not know you nor do I know anything about your marriage relationship. I will not pretend I know how to advise you moving forward beyond the admonition to repent. Let the spirit guide you through the process as to what you should do and who to tell. It is possible that your husband could be devastated and unable to cope even though for now it seems quite harmless.
I can truthfully say that there is great rewards for remaining loyal and faithful to sacred covenant. There is spiritual strength and great happiness in keeping divine covenant – especially the covenant of marriage. I am personally grateful that in the few times my beloved wife has asked, that I can honestly look her in the eyes and say I have never strayed (though tempted) and remained loyal to our covenants to G-d and each other. I believe there would be joy in your life knowing that your husband is faithful to you.
I remember the Prophet David O. McKay saying that it is a greater honor to be trusted than to be loved.
The Traveler
- zil2 and askandanswer
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On 4/17/2024 at 4:01 AM, MarkJedidiah said:
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Jesus granted his disciples the authority to do miracles, as an additional source of divine credentials of sorts. This is proof that he authorizes true believers to perform supernatural feats. However there are some rules that seem to come with this gift.
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Greetings @MarkJedidiah:
I am going to speculate a little with the assumption that you are not a member or very well acquainted with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Never-the-less welcome to the forum and thank you for your contribution. It is always interesting to have points of view outside the usual box of LDS posters. We have a few non-LDS posters – but with the cacophony of LDS that post, many non-LDS are a little shell shocked from diving deep into religious themed discussions – especially if there are scientific ramifications.
There really is no theologian class within the LDS society. Even our current Prophet and president made his living (profession) as a world-renowned heart surgeon. There are some that study scholastically into our divine prophetic based theology, but our belief and ordinance structure is not based on scholarship (including scholarship of ancient scripture) but rather on a direct line of priesthood authority to ancient apostles and prophets chosen by Jesus Christ (which was the source anciently of scripture).
As a scientist I believe that I can speak concerning the elements of our universe as unsustainable without intelligent manipulation on at least level III of the Kardashev scale. As a covenant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I was ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood through a line direct to Jesus Christ. I have a complete line without any gaps or missing pieces or even speculations. A line of authority necessary to prepare a people for the inevitable return of the Messiah. Those Christians of the Protestant movement are of necessity ignorant of lines of authority direct to Christ, based instead, in claims of inspiration through the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ. We LDS believe that Christ prophesied of such claims from those that would say they did their deeds are in the name of Christ but that he (Christ) never knew them - meaning that he never authorized them through an ordaining by the laying on of hands as he did for his apostles.
We are instructed in our temples that order is brought to this universe through a divine power hierarchy. That this divine power has it source in G-d the Father and is made available to mankind through Jesus Christ the Son of G-d. That Jesus Christ is the Word by which our earth and solar system was created and prepared for life as we currently know and experience life. We LDS also believe that Jesus Christ (Word) has created (ordered and organized) many worlds and solar systems. We are instructed through modern revelation that such authority (priesthood) is inseparable from the powers of heaven and can only be exercised upon principles of righteousness (meaning by covenant with G-d). This means that one must be loyal and obedient to divine covenants with G-d that begin with the covenant of Baptism – not any baptism claimed to be in the Name of Christ but that baptism that was divinely authorized as was that of the Prophet, John the Baptist that baptized Jesus in the waters of Jordan.
The Traveler
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19 hours ago, NeuroTypical said:
Is this the drop you're referring to?
If so, I'm having a hard time getting worried about a coming depression. I'd love to see 10x the size of that drop, to get us back to 2020 levels before we shut down the economy and made the money printer go brrrrrrt...
Hmmmmmm --- I would think that graph ought to indicate even greater concern.
The Traveler
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What can you do with an elephant on the freeway?
Almost 21 miles an hour.
How do you know if you just passed an elephant?
The toilet won’t flush.
The Traveler
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3 hours ago, mikbone said:
Gold is down
The NASDAQ is up
Crude oil is down
The market is not impressed with Iran’s counter.
The economy and commodities are such a weird confusing mixed bag of conundrum in my mind – I am not sure how good of an indicator (especially in the short term before the election) such things are. In the entire history of civilization there has never been a drop in money supply that was not followed by a depression – I must emphasize a depression not a recession! We are currently experiencing a drop in the money supply. With war looming something very serious must give in our economy and supply chain.
I am not an expert, nor do I pretend to understand all possibilities, but it sure looks to me like all efforts are being made by both political parties (as well as the corporate and financial structures) to kick the can down the road and blame the other party for everything and definitely not to take any responsibility (even a minor responsibility). I am concerned that any give that arises in either the economy or supply chain will result in a cataclysmic seismic shift. And with our borders open I am concerned that the first effort of terrorists will be soft targets on our infrastructure which will exacerbate any financial or supply chain problem.
My hope and trust is in the revelations given recently (in the last few years of General Conference). I am counting on the miracles President Nelson spoke of. (woops sorry about the ending with a preposition). I am of the mind and impression that things are so already in motion that the coming election will not matter much one way or the other.
The Traveler
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I believe that had the Abraham accords been continued under Biden all this would not have happened. Our country has become so divided (especially with a hatred of Trump) that the democrats were not willing to give Trump any credit for anything (especially in the Middle East) and this is the result. I wonder how soon that the left wing blames Trump for this whole problem. From revelation of the restoration, we are told explicitly that although we hear of wars in foreign places – we know not the hearts of men in our own country.
The Traveler
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4 hours ago, CV75 said:
Which United Order was it connected with, and when? I understand there were a number of local iterations.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/united-orders?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/united-firm-united-order?lang=eng
Brigham City.
The Traveler
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On 4/7/2024 at 8:52 AM, Emmanuel Goldstein said:
My impression and opinion is that the withdrawal in Gaza is to prepare themselves for a defensive position from a possible Iran backed invasion of Israel.
The Traveler
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On 4/8/2024 at 10:44 PM, Maverick said:
I recently discovered that it’s likely that the brother of Jared was practicing plural marriage, with what would appear to be at least two wives at the same time. While Jared likely only had one wife.
40 And it came to pass that the Lord did hear the brother of Jared, and had compassion upon him, and said unto him:
41 Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and female, of every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind; and thy families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and their families. (Ether 1)
20 And accordingly the people were gathered together. Now the number of the sons and the daughters of the brother of Jared were twenty and two souls; and the number of sons and daughters of Jared were twelve, he having four sons. (Ether 6)
This is noteworthy because there are a growing number of members of the church who are rejecting the legitimacy of D&C 132 and the early practice of plural marriage in the restored church. One of their arguments is that the Book of Mormon is strictly against any form of marriage other than strict monogamy. These verses would appear to show that there is at least one example of plural marriage having been practiced by a very righteous man in the Book of Mormon, with whom God spoke face to face.
Though I would agree with some of your assessments of confusion over plural marriage in the early Church of the restoration – It is my opinion that that your assumptions of Ether 1 are not well founded. My great grandfather was a polygamist late in the era of Utah polygamy. He noted in his journal that most of the polygamists of his era were in error and disobedient to covenants concerning their plural wives (among his references of those disobedient was his brother). He also referred to his entire family as singular.
I speculate that it was more likely that the brother of Jared had married children and thus the reason for plural reference to his families. Or another possibility is that his first wife had died, and he remarried a woman that was previously married with children and then had more children. This is only my opinion and I have nothing other than my opinion to reference. There are other references like Jacob 1 verse 15.
While we are on the subject of plural wives. Anciently the difference between a wife and concubine was that a wife entered the marriage with a dowry and a concubine had none. The dowry was considered the property of the wife and if the wife was divorced the dowry had to be given back to the wife. The same goes if the wife died – her dowry was to be returned to her family or children.
Early in the restored Church there was never a distinction between a wife and concubine – all were considered wives. Many in modern western civilization think of concubines as illegitimate – akin to current standards of living together or common law wives.
The Traveler
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11 hours ago, Maverick said:
I completely agree.
This appears to contradict your previous statement. Can you please clarify?
Woops It should read all that G-d commands to be included, should be included in scripture. Sorry for the confusion - and thanks for asking to be clarified.
The Traveler
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There are numerous debates in our society about the need to eradicate (as much as possible) toxic masculinity. Some would hint that it does not really exist while others are certain that it is standard practice though much of our society. I would add to all this my personal opinion that toxic masculinity does indeed exist and that it is a growing problem in our society.
First, I would define toxic masculinity as those of that are biologically of male gender that torment and dominate those that are biologically of the female gender, forcing them to be shamed by the masculine dominance over them. What is odd to me is that many that argue about the problem of toxic masculinity are unable to recognize the very worst cases of it.
As near as I can determine every definition of toxic masculinity is manifested by masculinity dominating in female (feminine) sports. From depriving women (the biological feminine) from achieving recognition for their athletic achievements to the sexual harassment in the locker rooms where the toxic masculine and their supporters are forcing women to be unwillingly required to undress naked in front of them – often themselves (the toxic masculine) also displaying themselves naked forcibly before women.
I cannot think of a greater display of toxic masculinity that what is being perpetrated by certain masculine individuals and their supports in the arena of women sports.
The Traveler
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On 4/7/2024 at 9:18 PM, Maverick said:
One of the boldest claims the church makes is that the church is led by continuing revelation from God to the President of the church, who along with his counselors and the Quorum of the 12 apostles, we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators.
While I don’t doubt that our leaders have often received inspiration and guidance in their callings, my question is why there hasn’t been a single revelation where the direct words of the Lord have been quoted added to our scriptural canon since the revelation Brigham Young received in 1847 in Winter Quarters (D&C 136)? This is literally the last “thus saith the Lord” type revelation quoting the words of the Lord directly added to our scriptures. This was 177 years ago.
Why hasn’t there been any more revelations like this since?
I understand that revelation doesn’t always have to come this way and that making prophecies of the future and declaring “thus saith the Lord” first person revelations isn’t all true prophets, seers, and revelators should be expected to do. But why hasn’t there been any of this in such a long time?
This is not a criticism of the brethern. It’s an honest question that has puzzled me for some time now. Any thoughts?
It is important to understand that not all that is spiritual or is revelation or that leaders have received for the people needs be or should be recorded in what is sometimes called the “standard” works of scripture. In the Book or Mormon the Book of Jacob chapter 1 verses 2 though verse 6 (more if one intends to maintain the context) Jacob is commanded what to wright as scripture.
What Jacob commits to scripture is not all what was revealed to the Prophets of his day. Note in verse 5 that Jacob indicates that there were things revealed concerning things that would happen to the people that were not included for preserved scripture. Note what is not included in scripture was still revelation and important to the people. Every 6 months the prophets and seers of our generation extend to the people of the Church and world things revealed and commanded concerning the next 6 months to the next Conference. Often in Stake or regional conferences a sustained prophet and seer may attend to make known revelations received concerning those that are intended to listen.
The most important thing to understand is that all that G-d commands or reveals is recorded in scripture.
The Traveler
- zil2 and askandanswer
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Thouth I would add - during the totality there was a red dot at the bottome of the eclipse. I do not know what it was but I am assuming that it was a solar flair.
The Traveler
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The wife and I went to visit our daughter and family in Indianapolis to experience the eclipse. The last bit of it may still be going on but the totality is over. It has been worth the trip. My iPhone camera did not work well at all. As long as just one point of the sun was exposed the amount of light was amazing and is most likely why iPhone camera will not work. Totality is a little creepy.
I am impressed that in the search for extraterrestrial life there has not been another planet located with a moon large enough and in the right place so that anyone can experience an eclipse anywhere except on this earth. So I got to experience something quite rare in this universe.
The Traveler
- SilentOne and NeuroTypical
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On 4/5/2024 at 9:50 AM, NeuroTypical said:
The notion of being "in error" has always interested me. We're humans for pete's sake. Being occasionally wrong is part of our mortal probation. God does not take the humanity of His prophets/seers/revelators away, just because they get called to the work. From what I can tell, the brethren have spent decades taking great care to make sure their opinions are presented as opinions, and their prophetic declarations are presented as prophetic declarations. And even taking that into account, I've done better aligning with the brethren's opinions than I have being out of alignment with them.
I would add a little thought. It is written that a testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophesy. There are many in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that prophesy – even children. I believe that the greatest error (as prophesied by the Book of Mormon) of the Saints of these Last-days is hearing and seeing through the spirit – much more than it is being mislead by the L-rd’s anointed. Note that all that covenant and worship at the temple of G-d are anointed by the power and authority of G-d.
The Traveler
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On 3/29/2024 at 6:58 PM, LDSGator said:
Same question. Aren’t all police civilians?
It is my understanding that in the USA police are obtained from the citizenry of our country. But when acting in their duty that they are not acting as citizens but rather as officers of the law.
The Travelert
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On 4/3/2024 at 8:50 AM, Jamie123 said:
Yup... I never much liked the beads. In fact hair styles like that have always bugged the heck out of me. What do these women do when they wash their hair? Undo every last pleat and remove every last bead, and then put them all back again? By the time you're done with all that palaver it'll be time to wash your hair again! Still...women will be women.
I have learned that it is not so much what a person (or lady) wears or dose as it is the reason that they do so. I had a native American (Crow) companion on my mission. After his mission he had long hair with beads as part of his culture, heritage and position.
Generally, I believe that those in our culture with tattoos are so because they are not comfortable in their own skin. However, I have among my friends Polynesians that have tattoos because of their culture, heritage and position.
Usually those with poor reasons are a bit put out when asked why they are doing something. Usually those with strong purpose and conviction are honored to be asked why they are doing something.
The Traveler
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In my youth I had a personal relationship with Apostle Hugh B. Brown. It has always been my nature to seek out and ask the most difficult questions – at least the questions I considered the most difficult to me. Like some that have posted I was aware of leader that were obviously in error. And so I asked Apostle Brown the question – Do we still sustain our bishop even if we know absolutely that they are wrong? This answer has stuck with me for decades. Brother Brown looked me squarely in the eyes and said, “You sustain your bishop, especially if he is wrong because he will need your support more then than at any other time.”
Perhaps we do not understand what it means to sustain (support). There are two parts. One is to be agreeable, to help, to love, to honor and respect. The other is like unto the servants of Elijah that held up his arms when he was weak. When our leaders (or fellow members) are weak or failing – we hold them and their mission and purpose up. This second part is known in the covenant to not speak evil of the L-rd’s anointed.
My friends @mrmarklin , @ZealoulyStriving , @Maverick and other Saints of G-d:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not just the L-rd’s Church. The Church also belongs to the Saints of G-d and is why the Saints are included in the name. I would suggest that if anyone is aware of anyone or anything that is a problem in the Church that they humbly pray to G-d concerning that problem and inquire what it is that they can do (or sacrifice) to assist G-d in his mitigation of the problem. As I have done this myself - almost always in such things, the first thing I am commanded to do is to repent.
The Traveler
- laronius, zil2 and NeuroTypical
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On 1/20/2024 at 9:25 PM, mrmarklin said:
Traveler,
While not in the original group, two Witnesses came back: Namely, Oliver Cowdery and
Martin Harris.
A note - if Oliver and Martin had not fallen and left the saints then it would have been Oliver first and Martin next that would have been the prophet to take the Saints west (like untio Moses) and not Brigham Young. It was a benefit to both them and the Church that they repented and returned but the benefit would have been greater to both them and the Church had they remained loyal. The lesson is that when we sin - there are blessings that are forever lost. When we repent there are blessings that are given. Sometimes the blessings that are given are similar to those that are lost but they can never be the same blessings that were lost. The one example we have of someone that never sined and never lost a blessing is Christ. There are many examples of great men (or women) that sined and repented and their lost blessings were forever lost (like King David, Oliver Cowdery and others).
The Traveler
Russia-Ukraine conflict
in Current Events
Posted
There are lots of reports coming out of the Russian Ukraine conflict that are themselves somewhat in conflict. Perhaps the two most significant reports surround a general and a critical supply train for Russian troops. The two reports in conflict do have a common thread – that common thread is that Putin is in great trouble. One side of these reports gives credit to Ukraine and the engine behind the capture of the Russian General. The other side claims that the Russian General rebelled against Putin and has with most of his command – willingly joined with Ukraine to oppose Putin. The same line follows with the capture of a critical supply train. One report is about cleaver Ukraine troops the other about rebel Russian troops.
It does appear that the Russian general in question is himself Ukrainian and that his wife and family currently live in Kiev. The other common thread is that Putin has been using mostly non-Russian soldiers from territories held by Russia. That the vast majority of rebel soldiers are Chechen and are Muslim. There is a likely connection between the terror attack in Moscow and the Chechen Muslims.
Something else that we should know is about the second most powerful person in Russia next to Putin. The name to be aware of hers is Nikolai Patrushev. Like many things in politics – if the second or number two guy gets into the number one slot – things will likely get worse. Nikolai is from a strong heroic military family. His parents lived through the Nazi blockade of Leningrad (St. Petersburg) with strong influences of suppression from Russia’s scandalous imperial past. In other words, he has a military background and hates the West.
I am not a fan that defeating Putin will be a good thing – especially if it bring to power in Russia someone potentially worse. When events are more about certain agendas (in particular political agendas) rather that the realities of circumstances – the truth of the matter will suffer the most.
The Traveler