Traveler

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

IMO, that's not what's happening here.  I mean, "these two feathers went over to the head on the right" cannot in any way be understood as "they left the right side and went to the bad side".  I think dude is just royally confused or spouting what he wants it to say, or something.
(But yes, generally, you're right.)
Amen!
Double amen!
Amen and amen!
I believe this is in part due to our language, which cannot communicate everything (see all the instances in 3 Nephi where people were unable to write, speak, or even imagine the things Christ said).  I think there are things in each of us that we simply cannot communicate to others - we'll have to do it in the next life (this includes the depth of certain feelings, the significance to us of small acts of kindness, and the things we have come to understand).  To try would take volumes.  And, of course, you cannot teach trigonometry to someone who has yet to learn algebra.

None of us here really have enough information to judge how much repentance you might need other then it does not appear you need the bishop.  For me, the standard I try to use and I recommend is the Golden Rule... aka Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.   In this case the application is pretty simple.  Imagine your husband doing everything you did... feeling everything you felt...  Are you OK with that?  If you would be upset, angry or hurt if your husband did it to you... then you have got some work to do.  But ultimately that is between you the Lord and possibly your husband. We really do not have enough to say anymore about it.

Now you have been shown a weakness.  This is great because you can't deal with things you do not know about.  You have been shown a need and want that you have.  There is nothing wrong with what you want.  But there very much can be something wrong with how you go about getting what you want.  So talk to your husband, tell him what you want.  Odds are he wants it too.  Once you guys are both aware of the issue you can make plans to deal with it.  It most likely require the two of you investing time, money and effort into your relationship... Don't worry to much about that, because investing in your eternal marriage is one of the best investments you can make.

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

It sounds like your journey through Church history has been quite a rollercoaster of emotions, from bitterness to reconciliation. It's heartening to hear that the bitterness between your religious institutions has softened over time, allowing for collaboration and support in preserving historical artifacts. It seems like a hopeful step towards unity and mutual respect among believers. Thank you!

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

Hmmmmmm --- I would think that graph ought to indicate even greater concern.
 
The Traveler

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

Since He's one of 'em, it would be sort of hard for Him to be there without Him present...

that, and from what little I know Israel is a secular state with a large non-Jewish or “Jewish in name only” population. The citizens probably care more about not getting blown up or shot more than not fighting back on the sabbath. 
 

If the enemy attacks on the Sabbath, you defend yourselves on the Sabbath. Israel should not be waiting until May to respond to such aggressions.

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

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

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

So far two new things have stuck out to me in my reading. 1) Nephi never really leaves the theme of the Tree of Life dream. 2) In the last year I learned that when governments are corrupt it seems as if the very environment is out to punish the society. I could have learned the same lesson through King Noah.

I totally agree with you that toxic masculinity exists, but it’s more silly than destructive. Andrew Tate and his followers are too ridiculous to be taken seriously. 

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

I completely agree. 
This appears to contradict your previous statement. Can you please clarify? 

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

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

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

My family is the holder of the best known copy of the Rules of the United Order.  For your fun and enjoyment I have printed out a copy (on my compurter not a photo copy) of the rules of the United Order.
 
The Traveler

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

It's case by case. 
I remember one ward I was in where the position of Gospel Doctrine instructor was given to people who needed to somehow grow into the role. Some people needed to humble themselves, others needed to find their courage, et cetra. 
In contrast, I was finishing up my MBA when I was called upon to be the finance clerk of a YSA branch. Long story short, I had to change the entire culture there as the leadership and clerks had gotten a little sloppy when it came to following official protocols, and even then we almost failed an audit because an attempt to cross-train the membership clerk to do my job ended with the membership clerk deciding to use paper clips instead of staples as per best practices and a key document nearly getting lost as a result. 

You make a great point @Traveler. I was previously in a ward that combined our youth programs with a Spanish speaking branch who met in the same building. The branch president was not very popular among some members of his branch. I don't know what exactly the issue was but it was clear there were some in other leadership positions who thought they could do a better job and even hinted at such. When the branch presidency was eventually reorganized the man called as president had very little if any leadership or administrative experience, he was very introverted and not someone the world would view as a leader at all. But he was humble. Whatever else we may have been deficient in he was definitely humble and that made him a better candidate than the others who appeared to have more leadership "ability". The Holy Ghost is the great equalizer. With the Holy Ghost leaders don't need to be perfect. And if we have the Spirit we don't need perfect leaders.