Traveler

Like many on this forum – I believed Carter to be one of the greatest individuals to become president. I believe his problem was to trust those in his party that put party (politics) ahead of country. Thus, the problem of his presidency was not him but those that surrounded and advised him. I believe that he was the only president of my lifetime that was faithful to the lady he chose to be his first and only wife. There are very few leaders that during difficult times can be honest with themselves as well as effective leaders (like Moroni in the days of Alma). I regret that we have no such leadership in our country currently. Our culture seems to favor rebellious bad guys (and ladies). The Traveler

Utah has the best skiing. I also love the Settle area. I loved the northwest when I served my mission and Settle was my favorite. It is true that Settle has a woke elitist attitude (among some) but the LDS members are incredible. I would live near Settle of near Ashville NC in a heartbeat but my beloved prefers desert sun shine. It would seem that this life demands sacrifices. The Traveler

I understand what you are saying, and I often act in that manner – but it makes me very nervous and concerned. The biggest concern is myself. Perhaps it is the mathematician and engineer in me – maybe a little of a mental disorder (OCD). I cannot leave an unsolved problem alone. Well, I could but I don’t. Mostly I do not like myself leaving an unsolved problem for someone else to define for me. I think I should explain more. There are very few things I have encountered that I believe have the resolved solution available. It is up to me to come up with the best possibility and move forward. This is in part how I understand the scripture that indicates we should study from the best books. And so, I gather the best information I can. I consult with those I trust and believe to be the best sources to provide background information that I can exchange ideas with. I begin to formulate ideas and theories and check out how well my thinking fits. As I formulate an opinion and resolution – I then make it a manor of prayer – sometimes adding fasting. Usually what I end up with is a best possibility and go with it. Going with it means I also want to keep an open mind – especially when or if I can encounter any alternatives. On rare occasions I am able to conclude that I have the solution to which nothing can be added. Right now I cannot think of anything so concluded. An example: I have received (more than once but one particular very powerful) manifestation that the Book of Mormon is the most divinely scripture available. The problem I continually deal with is in understanding all the light and truth that is available to me in studying and pondering the Book of Mormon. Bottom line – I cannot reconcile any fence sitting logic. I would rather study at my best and make a wrong decision than to not make a decision at all. I value freedom, liberty and the exercise of agency to ignore anything that matters. The Traveler

It is my opinion that even among Christians (disciples of Christ) there is a gross misunderstanding of mercy, justice and repentance. Perhaps the most common symbol of this gross misunderstanding is the Pagan (worldly) notion of the judgment of souls after death by the scale of Mott. Generally, the idea of the scale of Mott is that we are judged with our good deeds on one side and evil deeds on the other. If the weight of one side is greater than the other the scale will tip to that side. If it tips to the good side, then the soul receives the benefits of divine good. If the scale tips to the evil side, then the soul receives the maledictions of demonic evil. This whole idea of the scale of Mott gives rise to the concept of making it into heaven. In essence, that something (usually something divine) outside of us will determine our eternal fate. I believe that the restored truth is that we are given agency to determine completely by ourselves our own eternal circumstances. That the final judgment of soles is merely a clarification of our the exercising of our agency. We are told that all blessings are predicated on obedience to the laws that govern and define eternal blessings or maledictions. I believe that if we are to have a healthy body then we must learn to be obedient to the laws of good health. The same applies to wealth and even things like joy, happiness, liberty and so on. In reality it is this discipline of obedience. It is said that nothing of value is ever accomplished without discipline. I would agree that faith and works are tightly coupled. What I submit as that coupling is discipline. The Traveler

It depends on how one understand G-d and his works. I believe that the more we become familiar with G-d and get to know Him the more we will understand Him and His works and the more it will all make sense (logical sense) to us. Our scriptures tell us that G-d is a G-d of light and truth. That the glory of G-d is intelligence or the light of truth. We are also told that all things testify of Christ. I personally do not connect with the concepts and doctrines that G-d is unknowable and that it is impossible to know of the “mysteries” of G-d. Why do you think that knowing how something is done negates the possibility that G-d is involved? The Traveler

I do not think so – I think most of the world are fence sitters. 🤢 The Traveler

I believe that it is prophesied that the world will be divided between the two camps of Zion and Babylon. I do not think that plays out as conservative or liberals, red or blue or even democrats and republicans. But it is possible that divisions could be initiated along such lines. I am not looking forward to the era of great division. The Traveler

I agree. However, we also learn from the Book of Mormon that when the Gadianton’s take power they will turn against each other (as prophesied with the fall and destruction of the Nephite empire). We also know that the primary targets (to control, replace or destroy) of the Gadianton’s are the individuals that control governments, elected officials, bureaucrats, judges and lawyers. If their power is threatened the Gadianton types tend to become deadly violent. Though it seems that common sense is returning to government – I suspect that the engines of reform will not be tolerated for long. If such engines of reform cannot be controlled the Gadianton’s are quick to determine to eliminate it at all costs. I suspect that the next two years will be difficult (to say the least) for republicans to fulfill their agenda. We will find out many things about hidden swamp creatures The Traveler

It has long been my theory that the star of Bethlehem was not really a “new” star but an old star that went supernova that was around 600 light years from earth. As such the star would be bright enough to be visible during the day and would be unusually bright at night. The reason that I place the star around 600 light years from earth is that at that distance it is likely that there would be enough light energy reaching the earth to cause the ozone to become fluorescent. During the daytime there would not be that much difference except that there would be no shadows. At night it would be exactly as recorded in the Book of Mormon. The sun would be observed to set but there would still be light. Since the entire ozone would be fluorescent there would be no visible source and no shadows. I also speculate that such a very bright star will also be a sign when the Messiah returns (Matt 24). But this time the super nova would be much closer to earth – within 400 light years. This could have enough energy to strip away the earth’s atmosphere and cause the entire surface to burn. All life that was not caught up (changed) by Christ would end and the earth would enter a new phase. The life that remained would be in harmony with Christ (1,000 years of peace) such that there would be no predators. A lion would not harm a lamb and so on. If this is the case the exact time of the return of the Messiah is locked in and established – we are just waiting for the energy traveling at the speed of light to reach or earth. Only those saved by divine providence will survive. The Traveler

To all the forum -- I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperious new year. The Traveler

I was traveling in the UK with some friends earlier this year. We were in Ireland for church. There were about 6 couples attending a little ward and I was very impressed. Though the ward was not large it was very friendly. I do not know if Scotland is much different. There are good families in the UK. I am of the mind that you will be guided by the spirit. I believe that the single greatest opportunity for our youth in preparing for marriage is a willingness to serve a mission. When I was on my mission, often I was asked how many missionaries were serving in my mission. My standard response was, “About half of them”. I think this is similar to the ward members listed on the membership rolls. There were just over 1 million members when I served as a missionary. Most of the members were in Utah followed by California that made up close to 80% of all members. When I was in the army – I was the only LDS in my company. I only knew of one other active member on the base. He and I were the only members showing up at church at a tiny branch nearby. Things have a way of working out. Those that honor their covenants have nothing to fear. The Traveler

How can I explain this? In ancient Egypt there was a g-d called Khepri. His symbol was the scarab beetle. It is the symbol of things that are brought to pass – like the sun rising, moving across the sky and then setting. There are some scholars that believe the scripture reference – “And it came to pass” is reminiscent of such divine influence. An initial marriage is a gift of G-d that is given by covenant that we can achieve mostly on our own effort. But, under certain circumstances, one can be gifted something in addition. Something which comes (gifted) entirely from circumstances beyond their control. In essence - "And it came to pass". Maledictions could also be provided for broken promises or covenants. Which in the case of your father most likely was a benediction and not a malediction. The Traveler

I got to show this to my wife - Boy do you deserve a thanks (I don't do hugs - its an engineering thing.) The Traveler

It is my understandint that the presentation of an ordinance may change but the ordinances are never changed. I am of the mind that we are allowed to seek out and have one marriage of our choice. If there is to be another it is only allowed under the conditions that G-d prescribes and initiates. That here on earth where such things are made through divine ordinance – that only the prophet (president of the Church) hold the keys for any ordinance of eternal or divine marriage – which still must be sealed by the Holy Ghose. All others will end when there is a death (until death do ye part). The Traveler

That is only one wink but thank just the same 😎 The Traveler

Many years ago, in college I was given a book to read titled “Satan and all his works”. The basic premise of the book is that everything that happens on this earth is the direct result of either Satan’s or G-d’s control. In essence humans’ control nothing beyond their choice (at any given moment) of who’s side they are on. I was so influenced and overcome by this book and the description of Satan’s influence that I was unable to finish the book. Basically, the concept was that just about everything that takes place is in essence under Satan’s control (with very few exceptions – none of which are well chronicled in the historical narrative). I have never encountered that book again, but it has had a profound on my perception of this world and the scripture notion that Satan is the g-d of this world. I am of the opinion that G-d’s works are woven into the historical tapestry in such a manner that only through the “Spirit” can we even perceive G-d’s purposes – that is, until the Massiah returns. The Traveler

We all interpret scripture according to our particular paradigm of what such ought to mean. I have often pondered the meaning of G-d as our spiritual Father in Heaven. This parallels the concept of earthly parents (father and mother) as co-creators with G-d of human children. We are also taught that Eve is the “mother’ of all living. I personally have no problem with the idea that G-d’s DNA is the means by which ever living thing that lives or has ever lived on this planet has come to experience life. In essence, that life as we know it is a genetic manipulation of G-d’s own DNA – which is in essence a type and kind of organic evolution. The Traveler

Just as everyone has spiritual gifts (Moroni 10). It would seem that we all have our spiritual weaknesses that evil loves to exploit. Isaiah prophesied that there is a trifecta of separation of mankind from G-d. Transgression of the law, changing of the ordinances and breaking the everlasting covenant. What Satan does with those that find pleasure to separate themselves from G-d is Satan’s pleasure. Hopefully those that experience the flaxen cords applied as the separation stages take place will repent before the flaxen cords become iron chains. The Traveler

I do not follow your line of thinking. Could you please explain? In a manner that I could understand. Please do not mind if I have some questions regarding your logic to clarify what I am not getting. The Traveler

It seem rather obvious that neither Biden nor Harris were ever in charge of anything. Even in the 2020 presidential campaign there was no effort to allow the public access to serious opinions of the dual (if such existed). I do not believe Ezra’s Eagle properly symbolizes what is going on. Kind of like the ugly stepsister with a toe in the glass slipper that openly declares it is a perfect fit. As for Trump??? It seems to me that there is an element deeply entrenched in our government that resembles something similar to Kishkumen, Gadianton and their behind-the-scenes organization. I would suggest that the Book of Mormon (Helaman & 3Nephi) and the Holy Spirit are the best sources of things leading up to a coming of Christ – especially as thing apply to what is going on in our government. The Traveler

We need a wink wink emoji 😎 The Traveler

It never ceases to amaze me how much Republican overestimate themselves and underestimate the Democrats. Once again demonstrating that the more things change the more they will remain the same. The Traveler

The full title of the Gospel I referenced is "The Gospel of the Birth of Mary". The copy that I have in my library was taken (translated) from the private text in the library Jerome (consider a Father of the Church). In this case the church is the Catholic Church. As with many Biblical text there are other copies (some among the Gnostic texts) with significant differences. The Traveler

Other than Jesus, Mary is the primary character in the nativity epoch in scripture. But scripture provides very little about Mary. One of the oldest New Testament ancient texts is the Gospel (Good News) of Mary. For this season I will summarize things written anciently about Mary. Previous to Mary’s birth an angel appeared to Mary’s expectant mother to proclaim the birth of “a woman above all others”. The angel said that the baby should be named Mary. When Mary was born there were signs in the heavens (I am not sure what that means). Mary’s mother was so impressed with the sacredness of the child that while Mary was still and infant she was taken to the temple in Jerusalem and given to the high priest to be raised as a virgin. Some believe that a girl raised to serve G-d was properly called a virgin – a meaning somewhat different than what we understand in our modern era. The child was given to a childness couple to raise that the husband was a priest at the temple. The names of the couple were Zacharias and Elisabeth. I believe this would indicate that Mary (Jesus and John the Baptist) was not really related in ways normally thought. This is because Zacharias would have been a Levite and because he served in the temple – likely so was his wife. Jesus was of the house of David (through his mother). Another note here – The Dead Sea Scroll community (then known as Damascus) was a community of Priests that performed ordinances at the temple. I speculate (do not know) that it is possible Mary was actually raised in the wilderness community or with associations to it. As Mary grew, she became a rather stunningly beautiful girl – so much so that she became a problem. Zacharias also knew she was a sacred and divinely appointed child determined that she should marry but not just anybody – someone uniquely qualified. Zacharias knew of an older man who had older children but has lost his wife and decided that Joseph should marry Mary. When Joseph was approached, he refused because he was much older (likely 3 times Mary’s age) and to marry such a young girl would not be proper. Though reluctant, Joseph eventually agreed. Because Joseph was reluctant, I speculate this was the reason that he quickly wanted out of the marriage and needed an angel to convince him otherwise. Because Joseph was previously married the brothers of Jesus mentioned in scripture would have been older than him, no younger. Joseph was not well to do but he was not considered impoverished by the standards of the day. It is likely that less than 1% of the Jewish society was wealthy enough to offer the higher-grade sacrifices (not little birds). According to the Gospel of Mary she rode a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Also, according to the Gospel of Mary there was never a discussion with an Inn keeper over a room – that because there were so many in Bethlehem at the time – Joseph never even asked but went to a shelter for not so rich travelers. At the shelter animals were also housed but in separate places nearby where they could be carefully watched. But there was not a lot of furniture and people slept on the ground. After the birth of Jesus, we learn from the Gospel of Mary that Zacharias was murdered on the steps of the temple. I speculate that John the Baptiste was then taken by his mother into the wilderness to the community from which we get the Dead Sea Scrolls. I believe within myself that Mary was more important than many realize – both in regard to raising Jesus the Christ but also in spiritually establishing the early Apostolic Church. I also speculate that Mary did not taste death but was taken in the same manner as other we are told of. There are many great individuals throughout the history of mankind as well as the covenant society of G-d – I do not think any (Jesus Christ excepted) that played a greater role in the divine Plan of Salvation than Mary. The Traveler

Not at BYU - all kinds of players will, on occiasian, pass the ball. The Traveler