Traveler

First on my list would be the Atonement. His love, compassion and mercy would also be high up there. I would not make a statement somewhat off the cuff and a bit of speculation - Warning this may upset some thinkers. Anciently - among the pagans (in particular the followers of Baal) walking on water was the sign of a g-d or a capability of all g-ds. I has speculated that the epoch of Jesus walking on the water may be a human addition to scripture to attempt to prove the divinity of Christ in worldly terms. I am not discounting Christ or his mission - just that in all my searching, pondering and prayers -- I have never been given spiritual assurance as I have with other testimonies of Christ. If somehow this was demonstrated to not be true - it would not change one bit my belief in Christ and his divine mission. I do believe that all the works of Christ - we can and should become invested and participate in with Christ and in his name. I believe that with the Holy Spirit we can do all things and be a part. We speak of his atonement - I believe it is possible that we can participate with him in the great miracle of atonement. The Traveler

One of the most life changing experiences for me was the military. I grew up loving to hunt. After my military experience, I hardly ever used a firearm, especially for sport. While in the military I excelled in martial arts. The problem is that every move was intended to be lethal. A close friend from the military came to visit while I was attending BYU. He was better than me and the times and circumstances were such that we hurt some fellows quite badly that were recreational martial artists. I do not enjoy watching the sport of martial arts. I would personally prefer to get beat up rather than be triggered for sport or even self defense. Not all see life through the experience of my eyes. I still cycle and ski, but I am an old guy. Every year my abilities decline. Most that I use to ride with and ski with can no longer participate. I try to remain calm during BYU sporting events, but it is difficult for me. The only way that I can guarantee to remain calm is to check out the final score and if BYU won – then I can calmly watch the game and appreciate the efforts from both teams. The Traveler

Obviously, you did not grow up playing church ball in a reck hall. The Traveler

It just seems to me that there is too much vanity in sports. For myself it is difficult to just enjoy (even the sports I participate in) without the pressure or need for competition – even against myself – but it seems worse sitting on the sidelines with no actual input. The Traveler

When it comes to sports, I lack anything close to the spirit of prophecy. I have learned that if you love sports and have a favorite team that brings you happiness when they win – you will spend a lot of your life without happiness. So many things of this generation will bring you disappointment if you put your happiness stock into it. I recommend that those reading my post make a choice to be happy regardless of what reality deals you in the fallen mortal existence. Whatever your experiences are in life – it will only be bearable and seam worth it, if you are happy. The Traveler

Thank you for responding. It means a lot to me to discuss these things with different opinions. It is my understanding that the bill had the endorsement of the US Border Patrol management but not the majority of the rank and file. In today’s political climate – I do not trust my government – especially when it comes to money. I just do not trust anyone that supports something that provides them with tons more cash to spend at their discretion. I want to see data and I expect measurable results that are predetermined. Some other things I want to know is what lobbyists supported and wrote the bill and who get regulation control and who, those with control, are required to report to and are directed by. Both republicans and democrats are expert at not divulging critical information about the fine print of the bills they support and pass. I have a most difficult time justifying why anyone should be in this country illegally – and yet I personally know of exceptions that I would support. The first question I have to ask anyone that wants to change anything to do with immigration is, “Exactly what needs to change and why as well as who benefits?” For example – I believe that anyone that is willing to sponsor (justify) any non-citizen coming to this country should be responsible for any medical (and other such possible) expenses that occur directly associated with that individual. If you want to bring or let someone (non-citizen) into the country – prove it with your wallet and not anyone else’s. The Traveler

I am somewhat concerned with the elements of your post about immigration because I believe this issue has become more than political – it has become weaponized as a means to increase taxes and deprive legal citizens of their rights and self-government. We are told that our immigration laws and policies are broken and inefficient. We are not told what is broken and inefficient. You purport that the democrats presented a comprehensive bill that will solve the immigration problem. If you think the bill, you purport to do so – I do not believe you know what is broken and inefficient. Let me educate you of my concerns of inefficient and counterproductive efforts – especially to the legislation you highlight: One. One of the greatest drains and costs in our medical system comes from “legal” visitors or immigrants. These are foreigners with visas for working, education or just for visiting – that come to this country and receive health care and make no effort to pay. If there is a problem, they just return to their home country. Our laws require that our health care facilities (hospitals) accept anyone in need. Illegal immigrants are not so bold for fear of deportation – which is seldom the case. Medical costs (along with education for children and other things) for illegal immigrants are unaccounted by the federal government because such is under state authority. Money for more border agents does nothing to address this very broken problem of our immigration system and drain on State funds. Two. Social Security funds are drying up and disappearing. One reason is that Social Security funds are being transferred to immigrants seeking asylum (did you know this?). Depending on the circumstance the payout to asylum seekers can exceed that which is provided to citizens that paid into Social Security funds for their entire life. Millions of illegal immigrants are claiming asylum even if they are from countries with privileged diplomatic relationships to the USA. Money for more border agents does nothing to address this very broken problem of our immigration system. Three. Criminal behaviors by illegal immigrants are a problem – but there are federal laws that prohibit tracking of criminal status of immigrants. Law enforcement is prohibited from asking law brakers of possible immigrant status or reporting statistics of immigrant crime. The only discoveries are high profile crimes where the perpetrators can be independently identified. Money for more border agents does nothing to address this very broken problem of our immigration system. Four. The drug cartels purchase military grade weapons on the black market that are shipped across our borders to Mexico. This is far beyond “assault rifles” and amount to rocket launchers, RPGs, 50 caliber machine guns and other such weapons. This renders the local Mexican police ineffective in address drug cartel crime in Mexico. Money for more border agents does nothing to address this very broken problem of our immigration (border control) system. I could continue to list more but this post is getting too long already. Things like slavery (human trafficking). drugs and organized criminal elements penetrating our society (including our legal and political systems) is out of control. We must become serious about our borders and illegal immigration – not just for the safety of citizens but even for our democracy (freedoms and liberties) and control of our government. The Traveler

The problem with lies that do not matter is that when it is easy to prove such lies it causes intelligent people to wonder about everything else, the liars are saying – especially about their record and what issues they attempted to address. Regardless, it is far more important to identify misrepresentations. Having been in the military (even though I was not in combat) – I understand that lying about being in combat in the military is a betrayal to those that did serve in combat. That is not a little white lie – it is an offence both to one’s military service and those the endured combat. There is also a similar distinction between those serving in a combat zone and being in actual combat. It is not an honorable service to dishonor those that endure the horrors of being under fire in combat – especially it is a dishonor to those that died in combat protecting this nation and to give the impression that someone thinks they deserve the same honor – which they do not! To be clear – I have little respect when someone calls others a liar. Tells us the lies and show us the evidence. I will give an example. When an elected federal official is sworn into office, they swear that they will uphold the laws and do all in their power to enforce this nation’s laws. All officials (both elected and appointed) in the executive branch swore to uphold this nation’s laws – including emigration laws. Clearly the current elected officials of the executive branch lied about enforcing emigration laws – our borders are not secure. You may see that I am somewhat upset about the lack of enforcing emigration laws – human trafficking is a type of slavery. There are individuals that are ignoring the human trafficking (slavery) under control of foreign criminal cartels (slave traders). I believe every excuse that allows the criminal behavior of slavery is a deliberate diversion from the truth (lie) that is as bad as any of the lies told in our nation’s history to justify slavery. The Traveler

Two things: first: I am not talking about what a politician ought to do but rather what we should expect. Second: There are allways exceptions. There is nothing achieved with calling a politician a liar. It is better to point out the lie a politician declairs and how it harms our country. The Traveler

What is the possibility that the election process is valid? I will add one additional question. When did anyone reregister or update their voter registration? Especially if you are voting by mail with an early ballot? Why would I ask such a question? About 4 decades ago there was no early voting per say, and I was required to reregister every 4 years. It was a simple process. I would drop by a registered poll with my ID (drivers license) and validate my data – which was party affiliation and my current address (since I was a previously registered voter). The first time I voted I had to produce a birth certificate to prove citizenship. A side not here – I joined the army at age 17 which was before I could vote, and my military ID was not enough proof to register for voting. I had no party affiliation (which was none of the above) which was fine. I was given a voter register card. Then on the day for voting – I showed up with my voter register card – they checked the registered list, and I voted. I think it is important to note that I was aware of voter fraud even with all the checks. It was because of voter fraud, back in those days, that I left the republican party. I joined the democratic party and found voter fraud to be exponentially worse. Because of my personal experience, I have often pondered why I even bother to vote. Because I traveled a lot – I often registered for an absence ballot and dropped that in the mail a week or two in advance. Somewhere along the way, a voting year came up and I was unable to reregister – it was pre done automatically, and I received a mail in ballot without requesting it. Ever since (a few decades now) I receive a mail in ballot without any request for one. The average American changes residence every 12 years or so. This gives someone easy (but illegal) access to mail in ballots. When was the last time anyone remembers someone going to jail for false voter registration? Currently the state of Verginia is being sued by our federal justice department for attempting to clear voter rolls. And I thought that individual states (according to the Constitution) had control of their elections. There are two primary reasons for voter fraud. The first is to falsely win an election. The second is so a party can declare a mandate for an agenda – I am of the mind that the real agenda is well hidden. I have lost all hope for a democratic republic democracy. I speculate that before I die there will be a totalitarian takeover of America. I used to think such would happen because of corruption in both political parties. I currently believe it is because as a nation and people we have rejected righteousness and embraced wickedness. My hope and prayer is that G-d will preserve a remnant for the return of the Messiah. If I survive (I am an old guy) for the next 10 years or so – it is my intent to be among the remnant of righteous. If all is lost and I die – I believe I will be spared much suffering and sorrow. However things turn out, the righteous will eventually realize that all things are being overseen by G-d and that all things will turn out for our good – if we are righteous. The Traveler

Why not? It is what politicians do and Trump has become a politican. Except with Trump it was not his life long work and goal - just a recent coincidence. He is a fast learner. The Traveler

Perhaps democrats ought to ask why they are not allowed to nominate a candidate? The Traveler

I was instructed by an angel at a young and tender age that the Book of Mormon was divinely given to mankind – but I did not understand the truths that were restored in the detail of the pages. Even now in my declining years – I discover many things that I did not previously understand in the Book of Mormon. Likewise, I was with one of my grandchildren shopping for a toy for their birthday. We came across an unusual toy and the spirit spoke to me in thought of things in quantum physics concerning atomic forces and the structure of matter. I have recorded these things and others in my journals. I am of the opinion that some of these things I have come to “know” of – will not generally be “known” because I am not in a place whereby to make such things known. I speculate that there is much understanding of things both physical and spiritual that are made known to a few that have sought for better understanding that are not generally known. I have conversed with a number of prominent Latter-day Saints (some not general authorities) that I believe know of things that they are unable to relate to the general public. The Traveler

@Vort – you ought to enjoy this. A photon was going on a trip and was checking in at the airport when he was asked if he had any luggage. “No” he said, “I’m traveling light”. The Traveler

I am going to guess that what your wear is more for your protection (as well as others of your concern) than for comfort or fashion. The Traveler

The spirit teaches line upon line upon line and precept upon precept upon precept. It has been my general experience that those that seek scientific understanding do much better with this concept than those of religious nature. Religious types tend to canonize revelation and think there is nothing new for them to learn. In addition – religious theories seem to be more harmful to humanity throughout history than the theories beholden by science. A physics professor I had at BYU – that I have kept in touch with (until his passing this last August) over the years was very mush of the opinion that those in the field of science with the Gift of the Holy Ghost – have an advantage in pursuing the truth of both science and religion. Joseph Smith said that truth includes the understanding of how things were, how they are and what they will become. I also believe that in this life that the spirit of Christ is given sufficiently to all mankind so that we can decipher between good and evil. The Traveler

I understand that I am an old guy. Perhaps I should be labeled as old school. For me, it is not about how I look, fashion or even what is comfortable. For me, the only purpose of the garment is my sacred and holy covenant with my G-d and His Son. The Traveler

Last night I had a nightmare of a dream. It was so bad it woke me up with a bad feeling of doom. Strangely I do not recall a single detail of the dream, only that it left me trembling and unable to sleep. Falling to sleep has never been a problem for me but there I was unable to sleep over an unremembered dream. I remained in bed attempting to unwind. In previous posts I have pointed out that from time to time the spirit speaks to me through thought. As I thought of prayer my mind seemed to be flooded with thoughts. Perhaps even a tsunami of thoughts that kept coming in increasing layers. Though the thoughts were about so many things that have troubled me recently, there was a constant feeling of calmness. It is difficult to describe but there was a vastness of thoughts – including science, religion, world affairs, current politics and all the misdirection’s and even personal concerns and shortcomings. The last pictures taken by voyager 1 was as it was leaving the inner solar system looking back at the planets. In the vastness of space there was a tiny blue dot that was all that could be seen of earth. I was reminded that G-d oversees the vastness of time and space far beyond what I am able to contemplate. And then in my mind’s eye – I saw a small flower growing by the edge of a massive super volcano that was active. There was an eminent eruption about to occur that would destroy all living things in its surroundings. The spirit spoke to me in thoughts and compared me symbolically to that little flower. I was reminded not to worry about the volcanic eruption – what will be will be. Only that in this time and place – it is my time and place to blossom and display the spiritual and physical beauty within me that I so dearly love. There are many things to concern us in the world – even in this tiny corner of our galaxy where our solar system resides – for now. But be of good cheer for Christ has overcome the world and all that concerns us here in mortality. The Traveler

This is not exactly true. There is no difficulty coordinating their (our) thoughts with their wardrobe. The difficulty is only in the perception of others that are caught up with self-absorbing concepts, that in the grand spectrum of this vast universe have no possible context or impact.🥸 The Traveler

A little comment. I personally have difficulty with the concept of knowledge. So many things I thought I knew have turned out to be not as well defined as I initially thought. Not that they have turned out of necessity to be wrong – just that I have not understood sufficiently. I worry that when we are convinced we know something, that we are no longer able to consider learning more. I will give an example. Sometimes when I encounter someone that says they know Christ and have a personal relationship with him – it seems that they have completed what they want to know of Christ and are not interested in discovering anything more. The more I learn the more I am not content with what I know (of any subject – especially science and religion). This is one of my primary expressions in my personal prayers. Sometimes I feel guilty for not being content with the understandings I have been given. Mostly, I do not understand why anyone would think they know so much that learning something new would be a threat to their paradigm of understanding. The one exception is something that I have carefully considered and studied and found to be false or of diminished value. The Traveler

Jesus referred to his followers as disciples. The word disciple has the same roots as the word discipline. I have always found those that have difficulty in following leaders of covenant is because they have difficulty with discipline. It seems to me that there is a trend to think others ought to be disciplined, just not them - that are deserving of exception for a variety of reasons. I think this is part of what D&C 121 is referencing when it talks about kicking against the pricks. In essence, holding others to account that they refuse to account for themselves. I do not believe that anything of value can be accomplished without some level of discipline – another word for discipline is structure. I often hear people say they believe in G-d and religion but that they do not believe in structure or religious structure. The Traveler

A few years ago, when we still had young children living at home the wife and I decided to put our finances together (trust) in case something happened to us. Two problems: What to do with the children and what to do with insurance and investments. Obviously, we could not leave our money directly to our children – they were too young. When we met with our lawyer he asked an important question. (We had decided what to do with the children but not the money). The question was – what are you more concerned about? Your children or your money. If those you have interested with your children cannot be trusted with money – Are you making the right choice? Since then, I have decided that concern for money (and things) are the least of my concerns. I have had impressions for some time that we are entering troubled times. My concerns are not because of foreign wars, the uncertainty of stocks (the economy in general), or for current politics. My biggest concern is the lack of moral clarity and not enough faith in our covenants. As I read from my past journals – I can see a creep in my own moral clarity. I have never been good at compassion. I would prefer that my personal moral clarity be more accepted by others. I always have. But I am caring less and less about others making poor choices. One may ask – who am I to determine what are the poor choices of others? I have made enough poor choices to know about poor choices and that hoping for a beneficial outcome while knowingly making poor choices is not so different than thinking that the choices are relatively good concerning the circumstances. My only suggestion is to adjust your focus – more towards the things that really matter most to you. The Traveler

Just wondering – Considering a test of knowledge of scripture at the time of Christ – Who do you think was most likely to get an “A”? Scribes and Pharisees”? Who would most likely get an “F”? Publicans, sinners and tax collectors? I like the idea of effort in applying scripture through effort over the ability of memorizing scripture (including chapter and verse). The Traveler

As we scrutinize even Joseph Smith – his involvement in the failure of the Kirkland Safety Society was a sorry blunder. Perhaps not as bad as the lost pages of the Book of Mormon. But the effect on the early Church’s leadership was devastating. It was the single reason that half the apostles and two counselors of the first presidency left the Church and mounted up the opposition to Joseph Smith and prosecutions against the Church in general. I have pondered that if we could go back in time and meet Jesus personally, as he gathered and thought his disciples – that, like the Scribes and Pharisees, we would see sufficient flaws from what we believe of Christ, that we would discount him as the Messiah. Obviously, such a trip in time is not possible. Never-the-less, I think that often we get so wrapped up in worldly expectations and perceptions that we cannot see a forest because of all the trees. The whole reason that those that gathered by the Dead Sea and left us the great treasure of scrolls was to welcome the Messiah. And yet not one humble dedicated priest showed up when Jesus was born – unless they were the shepherds watching over the sacred flocks in the wilderness. But if they were – why did they not remain faithful and become the foundation of the New Testament? And yet there was a schism in their organization at the time. The sad truth of mortality is that we do not know what we don’t know. The Traveler

The more I ponder this – I am beginning to think that “E’s” are the highest and most valued grades that G-d gives to his students (disciples). The Traveler