Traveler

Just letting you know that reading your posts has given me hope all this year. 😎 The Traveler

Welcome to the forum. In a personal conversation with an Apostle (Elder Hugh B. Brown) – I asked the question: “Should we sustain and support any priesthood leader we know to be wrong?” The answer I was given was: “You should support and sustain your priesthood leaders, especially if they are wrong – because they need your support and sustaining influence more then, than at any other time.” I believe that rather than attempting to determine if any leader is grade A, B, C, D or F – the wise Latter-day Saint will determine for themselves if they are Celestial, Terrestrial or Telestial. I have had personal conversations with baptized Saints that have listened carefully to the prophets and have been led down strange paths that they found appealing. I have had personal conversations with baptized Saints that have listened to the prophets and have struggled with questions – turning to fasting and prayer - who have been led down a path drawing them closer to the Messiah and his chosen and ordained servants. I believe that reference you are making is all about advice to members to reconcile themselves to G-d and leave it up to G-d to reconcile what he will with his chosen servants. The Traveler

I agree but look at it a little differently. To me it is more like we are given access to a great library and exercise facility. In reality nothing in our life has changed until we access the library to learn (using the gift of the Holy Ghost as a tutor) and access the exercise facility for physical development (using the gift of the Holy Ghost as our physical trainer and coach). The Traveler

It is my thought that we should pray for discernment – both to recognize those spirits of light and truth (from those of darkness and deception) and to comprehend, understand and have the ability to incorporate the light and truth they bring. I have come to the conclusion that the divine influences know better what I need than I do. Thus, as I have gotten older, in my praying, I try to remember not to instruct G-d what He should do. I am learning to pray less and strive to listen more. The Traveler

You should note to your friends the difference that has manifested in the Middle East between support for the Abraham Accords - and not supporting the Abraham Accords. The Traveler

I would like to say that I am in complete control of my life and that everything that happens to me is exactly as I planned. I have come to believe (or discover if you will) that most everything that happens is actually under the influence of forces beyond my control – specifically angles. Either angles of light or angles of darkness. I call such forces angles but there are other identifying tags. For example: One of the prominent influences for me in this life has come via covenant and through the laying on of hands and is called, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost”. Though we believe this influence comes through a member of the G-dhead – that influence is spiritual. In scripture, all things relating to the divine are called spiritual. That which is spiritual is referenced as “The Light” – That which is carnal (physical or of the flesh), sensual (according to physical senses) and devilish (the natural man) is also referenced as “The Darkness”. The Traveler

The amount paid in interest remains the same so only the principle is paid for the upcoming year - in essence this is a wash. Pending on your tax bracket and your income (assuming one earned 2+ million) could be a difference between 40 to 50 thousand. More than double that if combined with enough other deductions. Despite the political calls to the contrary – there are deliberate loopholes granted to the wealthy. Often these loopholes are tied to hidden kickbacks and payoffs for politicians and their cronies. The point is that governments are all corrupt to some level and the main engine of corruption is wealth (money). The wealthy will always be incentivized to support political corruption. This means that with some effort and help from a specialist there are incentives for those with financial leverage to reduce their tax burden. It is my personal belief that the middle class of this nation carries an overly burdensome income tax liability and that the funds are wasted. Currently the best tax deductions for the middle class are available through the operation of small businesses especially those run from one’s home. It is best that these businesses are profitable (required to show a profit every 5th year as a minimum). The best advantage of a small business in one’s home is that you can hire your children (the more children the better - note to @mikbone). This is better than a tax deduction because it is a tax credit that can be subtracted from your earnings. But there are qualifications and limits. The main thing that a middle-class citizen needs to learn is that your government is not your friend and if, for any reason you are audited, you need to have an independent (and professional) witness to monitor all connections with the IRS (including phone calls). The one and only one thing the government is unwilling to destroy are money making businesses. Even the avid socialists’ governments have learned not to harm their cash cows. The Traveler

It depends on your tax bracket and how many brackets it can lowered – also how many and the amounts of property loans one has. The primary concept is to review all the deductions one has and double them up every other year. But your assessment is correct if your tax bracket is already around 10%. The Traveler

Perhaps the wording is wrong. It works like this. At the end of the year you go through your payment tables, add up all the interest for the next year and prepay that interest in a single payment. I have yet to see a mortgage that does not allow early payments. That wording allows prepayments. If the holder of the mortgage is upset with early payments (especially early interest payments) – they are not thinking it through. Hopefully, I should not have to explain this all in detail. The Traveler

When I lived in the Seattle area, I encountered a number of wealthy members that did some interesting things with tithing. For example, one member paid his tithing every other year. In the year they paid tithing they would pay a double amount. That same year they would pay double interest on the mortgage and several other legal deductible items. The year they had all these deductible items they would itemize their tax return. For the other years they would not itemize and instead file for standard deductions. I thought a lot about all this and considered writing a pamphlet titled, “Tithing Strategies for the Wealthy.” Here is another idea. If one receives a windfall – like the sell of a business, receives stock options or for any other reason obtains an increase in income that is subject to capital gains – they can pay multiple years of tithing and other donations. It is not so much that they get to keep more as it is that the L-rd is given more in sacred funds than the government that seems to have a proclivity to waste it. This idea is very wild. One sits down and determines what they will earn from now until they retire. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, the amount is $3 million. They then purchase a life insurance policy for $300,000 that they maintain until they die. They designate the Church as the beneficiary. Ta Da! They no longer have to worry about tithing until they retire. If they happen to go over they can take out another policy or just pay the difference. If the L-rd needs the money the person can die early, and the Church will get a landfall. I will add @HaggisShuu's strategy to my list. If anybody has something else to add – please post it and I will also add it to the list. 😁 The Traveler

Climate change is a real thing that has been taking place and evolving for over a billion years in our solar system. About 50 years ago there was a peculiar alignment of Jupiter and Mars with earth which slightly alter the earth’s orbit. In addition, our sun is going through a warming cycle (a solar climate change and warming) that has caused a warming throughout the entire solar system, including the kipper belt. Our entire solar system is orbiting in our galaxy but at a different rate than the radial arms of the galaxy. The one thing we can count on is change and if we are aware of prophesy we will realize that costal areas may not be the best place for 80% of our human race to reside. Our earth is also experiencing an increase in geothermal activity – especially in what is called the pacific rim and Antarctica regions. Note that it was exclusively geothermal activity that ended the last major ice age. The saddest element of all this is that we humans have decided to make this political. Usually in the past such things had religious implications. Is some ways I think that politics has replaced draconian extreme religious controls of populations. Now, here in the USA, we will deal with the use of funds to finance the largest migration of humans in history – leaving a shortage of emergency disaster funds. In light of the current trends towards financial incentivized migrations and financial incentivized war, one would think that the current administration would have no chance in the upcoming election. But in the USA, we are more concerned with emotions (especially the justification of hatred) than we are about moving beyond personal wants and desires than what is needed for peace and harmony. Even peace needs incentives and personal sacrifice which is unlikely without open dialog void of such animosity towards differing opinions – which seemed to me to be the primary theme of our conference this lase weekend. The Traveler

For me there is a difference between secular music and hymns. It is the same as the difference between secular story telling or scientific speculations (and resolution) and sacred scripture. Sacred hymns, I believe, are a musical type of scripture. I have a great appreciation for those hymns that are standard through out the restored Church. Though I enjoy what is often referred to as religious music – it is not the same or as sacred to me as the standardized hymns of the restoration. I have tried to point this out to various choir directors (I feel an obligation to sing in the ward choir as part of my worship covenant). I have difficulty reading music and my talents are limited but despite my limitations I have a sacred covenant to sing using what talents I have been given. There are many songs of the restoration that spiritually connect me to Christ. Often, I am so overcome by the spirit that I cannot sing them. Among such hymns are “Oh My Father”, “The Spirit of G-d Like a Fire is Burning” and “Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy”. Others bring invigoration and joy – like, “If You Could Hie to Kolob”. I firmly believe that performing the music of the restoration is a type of worship that brings a spirit of light and truth and is a means of learning divine things that cannot be obtained by any other method. The Traveler

I have thought about this thread I started several times since my visit to China. I am of the mind that China is not a paper tiger – that China is not a tiger at all. I am thinking China is more of an anaconda. Symbolically a tiger is more of a stock, then attack with overwhelming force kind of creature. An anaconda is more of a patiently wait and take advantages of weaknesses in prey and the use of cleverness in stealth and misdirection to hide the fatal attack. I do not think China will ever invade Tiawan. I do not believe that it would be necessary. I think their approach is that of baby steps (perhaps as slow as one in a generation) to control elements of critical importance and maintain a non-threatening appearance. The Traveler

My opinion: I am somewhat disappointed with the doctrine and belief that those obtaining glories other than Celestial in the Kingdom of Heaven is because they did not “make it”. I am an ardent proponent of Agency and that the determination of whatever glory one obtains is the entire result of the Plan of Salvation (which includes the Atonement, “Kippur”) which is given to all and our Agency which determines individual choice or our individual glory. In this life we live by faith in Christ and a great deal of confusion concerning our mortal steps and where they ultimately will take us. I believe we will eventually come to a clear understanding (though not likely in this life) where we will exercise our agency and choose that which is Celestial or something more suitable to our personal desires. There will not be any almost or not quite issues. My understanding is that our agency will clearly be fulfilled according to what laws, ordinances and covenants we have always sought for and desired to keep from the very beginning. We certainly know what is good and evil (not to be confused with the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil) because of the spirit of Christ, but in this life we have no sure knowledge of how individuals will complete their agency. If we are concerned - it should be concern for our sins and covenants and leave others to exercise their agency as they will - and love them regardless. The Traveler

A few notes: A few years ago while visiting Isarael, the wife and I used the Rona family as guides. They are Jewish by birth and citizens of Israel but LDS by faith. We were told that throughout history there has never been a battle fought in the valley of Armageddon (different name currently). However, the valley is considered sacred and is where Israel would gather to prepare and go off to war. According to my studies the last conflict of war prior to the Messianic coming to reign will begin in the land of Gog and under the leadership of an individual symbolically represented by the ancient leader Magog. This has significances because Gog and Magog was located in the north of Israel by the Black Sea. As I have recently reviewed my notes it is not really clear what role Gog and Magog will play other than that the conflict will begin there. What is not clear is if this beginning of conflict is directly related to the final conflict of Israel. I have speculated that the war in Ukraine may have prophetic relevance. A year ago, when the Palestinian – Israel war started, I had the impression that this conflict would spread and continue regardless of any efforts to the contrary. I posted on this forum that if this conflict continues to spread and approaches a 10 and ½ year length that it would match my understanding of the final war between good and evil prior to the Messianic coming and reign. Whatever the meaning or symbolism of lamp oil is – I suggest that we LDS have sufficient prepared and in reserves. I would also suggest individual preparation and attention to our prophets pronouncements this week end. The Traveler

I would add that I have come to believe that what perfect (used in scripture by Jesus and others) means is to cooperate and do (or respond correctly) exactly as you are asked – like an obedient disciplined child or for another example a trained (disciplined) and bridled horse. The Traveler

I talked to everyone I could but there is a definite language barrier. The translate on the phone translation apps are next to worthless because the sentence structure is backwards, and it is so hard to make sense of anything. Even those that spoke English were hard to convers with, in any detail about anything. No one carries a gun. Even a knife more than two inches cannot be carried in public. I was told by our guide that a fellow stabbed someone but as soon as the police found out they tracked the guy and had him in custody within 6 minutes. They claim to be able to facial recognize people with COVID masks, but they can follow someone that puts on a mask because there is no where they can go and not be monitored and identified for recognition with a mask. I was also told that I could be tracked and every possible person that I could come into contact with would be identified. There is nothing from any spy movie that would work. Maybe in the USA but not in China. Another thing I was told is that if my wallet or passport or anything was lost or missing, just find someone in a uniform – tell them where I last had it, and they would find it. If they could not speak English, they would quickly find someone that could. Also, if I got lost and even if I could not remembered the name of my hotel – they would check records and get me to where I had reservations – even find my luggage. Rather incredible for a country with over a billon people. I do not know if all this is true but whenever I checked into a hotel, they knew my name and who I was before I told them. I was instructed not to argue or even ask why if someone in uniform approached and asked for anything. I was told to just comply and cooperate as much as possible. No one was afraid to talk to me. There was a kid (boy) – I think he was about 8 or 9 that was studying English in school that wanted to talk to me – he was so hard to understand. His parents were excited for this kid to try to talk to a foreign stranger. Everyone was open and friendly and willing to be helpful. And there are a lot of people in China – they look very diverse to me. There were times the wife and I were on our own – we were never worried. Sign language worked better than trying to talk. Oh, if anyone decides to go to China be sure to take your own toilet paper and if you can’t do squat, do not venture far from tourist places into the culture. The Traveler

Some things can only be expressed or understood by the spirit. In 3Nephi when Jesus blessed the children is one such example. There are “things” given (or experienced) in the temple that cannot be obtained (expressed, written, spoken or understood) by any other means. The Traveler

You are correct - the information I had was 6 months and older and can no longer be found The Traveler

I received a recent invite to participate in a 2 week tour of China and decided to take the opportunity with my wife. China was not at all what I expected. With us on the tour were some others from the USA, Russia and Ukraine. Those from Russia and Ukraine were not currently living in their homeland and are seeking to come to the USA. Up until 1993 private cars were not allowed on highways. Now the highways and city streets are jammed and gridlocked with privately owned cars. Most of the cars are less than a decade old. The middle class in China is growing and quite strong. The largest percentage of the growth of the middle class is in the upcoming generations. Owning a car and home are the two most prominent status symbols. The upcoming generations are educated and technical. They are crowded into cities and into homes (condo type) into high-rise apartment style complexes. Homes are purchased from the government on either a 50- or 70-year lease. When a lease is up, they are purchased again from the government. Other than the purchase there are no taxes paid. There are income taxes which are paid by everybody. No one is allowed to live free. Homeless are returned to their families and family communities for care – everyone in cities are employed. Since COVID the tourism industry in China has dropped over 80% - which I am sure is why we were invited to visit. Our tour took very good care of us, and we were referred to as guests. No one in China that I met spoke very good proper English. There is a language and culture barrier like I have not experienced anywhere else. For example, if at an eating establishment you ask for water – you will get hot water. It is almost impossible to get water with ice because no one understands why you would want ice in your water. China has been ruled by Dynasties for thousands of years. The current communists party is considered the recent dynasty. The people feel that under this communist’s dynasty they enjoy more freedoms, economy and safety than any of the previous dynasties. They seem to be more interested in safety than increasing freedom and liberty. The cities and streets are under tight surveillance with facial recognition. Crimes are punished with fines. There are no courts or jails – just the government electronically seeking payment. If enough is not in a bank account, wages are reduced until the fine is mitigated. Violent crimes are different – for that you go to prison – like wise if one is a “money rat”. A money rat is someone that embezzles money. There are a lot of privately owned businesses but if an enterprise becomes too big the government takes over the company’s primary shares. The company owns shares in all companies operating in China. So they do not need to be taxed. I do not know if anyone in the forum is interested in more. Let me know what you think. The Traveler

My opposition to Trump has nothing to do with anybody else. I do believe that his base is greatly misunderstood. Many call things “far right” or “extreme right” that have nothing to do with the right. In today understanding – the right (conservative) means anti-federalism, less government controls, and preservations of liberty, individual responsibility and freedom. Racial supremacy (Klansmen, black lives matter or any organization pushing for any privileges based in race or anything else that will bring distrust or division to a diverse community), Nazi organizations or whatever the left uses to demonize opposition all require federalism, government controls, limits to liberty and freedoms. None of these so called right wing organizations have that much influence. Trump’s problem is pride, and it makes him an easy target. Anyone that says that they cannot vote for anyone that is immoral is kidding themselves – such are the rarest commodity in our politics. The only reason to support anyone in government is because of their record and policies. There are some with good records and policies – none of them are long term politicians. They all seem to get into politics thinking to make a difference and get out quickly because of the tole it takes on them and their families. Kind of like the military. We either have a civilian military or a professional military – you cannot have both. There is a reference to COVID and there is a lot about COVID that upsets me. I am an old guy, and I caught COVID during the first year when there were no treatments for the public. I know this because I had daily contact with medical professionals following all the CDC and government protocols. I produced antibodies and had no symptoms. Interestingly I have a brother with serious arthritis that when Trump caught COVID and claimed to be cured by a common cheap drug – my brother was very familiar with the prescription. It was prescribed for Lupus patients. Now that COVID is not a problem we learn that lupus patients were not threatened by COVID (only if they had severe (chronic) respiratory problems. And that they had been using the same treatment – effectively for almost 100 years without side effects. Trum was accused of being reckless and recommending a drug as a cure when it was not approved and with the danger of harmful side effects. I apologize for this long post, but this is critically important. Trump was criticized by the medical professionals for recommending an unapproved drug with dangerous side effects. It turns out that those medical experts were lying – but why would they do that? I suggest it was all about money. 13 new billionaires were created because of COVID in the pharmaceutical corporations for the vaccine. Pharmaceutical companies cannot receive government funding to develop a vaccine for a pandemic if there is a known cure or treatment. If anyone wants a source just Google for Lupus COVID data. I want to ask a specific question, and an answer would be nice. What is the greater threat to American citizens (in general people in this world) – the entire whatever is labeled as right-wing extremists or medical experts lying about COVID to make billions? And how about those in government willing to lie before a FISA court for political gain – getting rid of an annoying troublemaker to them? The Trump base prime directive is to end government corruption. I am not a Trump supporter – I really do not like the guy but the government corruption part of his campaign I do support. Your final statement: I find this very troubling because I believe if this country continues down the path it is currently taking with such division over what half this country wants to achieve politically – we are not far from a civil war. And that would be the worst of all possible scenarios. The Traveler

Great – we can be friends! I was never one of the cool kids but my friends all were. The Traveler

It is almost always the case that hiding a sin turns out to be a greater sin than the initial sin. The problem is that we tend to forgive our friends and family and pretend that it was not so bad. Then turn on those we do not like so much – in hopes they will never recover. The same holds for churches. Seldom is a church at fault but rather someone or several someone’s that cannot admit they are wrong. Churches make mistakes – hiding the truth and sweeping anything under the rug is worse than taking care of the dirt. I agree that revenge only makes matters worse. But it seems to me that trying to get around laws is worse than suffering the consequences of the law in the first place. As far as religion goes – is this not where we learn to admit our sins and seek mercy as always being better than hiding our sins? If a law is not broken, then what-ever spiritual discipline is required is up to those that officiate for that religion. I believe that Jesus often criticized officials shepherding the Jews for not doing their job. The Traveler

It has been almost 60 since I was on the high school debate team and I must admit that I did not endure the entire debate, but Trump was horrible, and Harris won while I did watch. The worse sin in debating is to show up unprepared. As always Trump thought himself the smarter and that all he needed to do was show up and blurt out a bunch of opinions, rhetoric, finger pointing and blame. And that is exactly how he came across. Harris said nothing but the typical political nonsense – “I care, and I will work 24/7 to solve the problems.” We may know that the great lie is – “I am from the government, and I am here to help.” Never-the-less it is still the most believed lie. All the belly aching by the republicans is true – the debate was rigged. But everybody in the world already knew that. Though the debate was rigged Trump behaved like a winey rich kid and played directly into Harris’s rhetoric. And the Republicans conceded the debate so they could whine about democrat dirty tricks. This is all the oldest trick in the high school debate instruction book. Distract your opponent and get them complaining about stuff that does not matter and has nothing to do with the reason for the debate. I would say we are doomed because the only possible candidates are stupid idiots. Except this is more the norm throughout history than the exception. The Traveler

It is a door that must be opened. Not for revenge (that some think is justice) but to learn and change behaviors. The scientific definition of intelligence is the ability to learn and power to alter outcomes. It is time to be intelligent about these things. The Traveler