Traveler

When I was a youth in Provo, Utah – I was attending stake conference in the old tabernacle – that is now a temple.  In the balcony the benches sloped towards the front and were very long.  The tabernacle was crowded because of visiting general authorities.  A young expectant mother with 3 young children was alone in the balcony because her husband was on the stand.  She was at the very high end of a very long bench and her water broke running down the full length of the crowd sitting on the bench.  It caused quite a disturbance and for me in my youth – I found the event to be much more exciting than the talk – which I do not remember at all now.
 
The Traveler

Jesus warned of gathering grapes admits thorns or figs among thistles.   He did not warn about gathering grapes in strawberry patches.  I believe this is because grapes and strawberry are just different versions of foods one can eat.  Thus someone fostering strawberries is of a different opinion than someone fostering grapes.  But there are some that have no desire to foster any useful ideas (food) but have one and only one purpose – to be a thorn is to prevent someone from picking fruit they thought or intended to eat.
I can understand someone thinking some other fruit is better but to not offer something that one can compare and decide for themselves which is better is not the same as declaring someone fruit in their basket is poison.   Anti-literature is literature that by intension is thorny and has no intent of converting someone to any religion but intends to turn someone away from a specific religion.
 
The Traveler

If in addition to being active in the Church – if someone is also in great physical condition because they eat clean and healthy (no sugar little carbs) and work out regularly.  Then at church social function, they turn down unhealthy snacks – would they not be criticized in some hearts?  Also add to that – that they are financially well to do having spent a life time of disciplined saving and investments.   How are such members viewed????
Heaven forbid that such an individual or couple would ever offer anyone good sound advice about anything of personal improvement.  Even worse – if their children are all active and good examples – obviously something deep below the surface is very wrong!!!  Who is not anticipating with glee for the first flaw to show up.
I am describing my own parents.  And as soon as I could I moved from Utah to Maryland where no one knew my parents or would compare me to them or expected me to work in my father’s business.  Not so I could be less active just for once myself.  I wonder – maybe this is the reason so many of us were anxious to fall and be on our own in this life. And when we come to our senses it is so good to go back home and realize we have been missed.
 
The Traveler  

Something that might support this idea 1 Corinthans 15:40... Paul talks about the levels of Glory... But he does it using the resurrection and our bodies.  This leads some to question the idea of the kingdoms being a location... rather then a state.  If the Kingdoms/degrees of Glory are a state of being... then the interaction could be much like the interaction of the physical world and the spirit world.  We don't understand that interaction much either but it opens up the idea that a Celestial being could be in the presence of all their loved ones even those in lesser kingdoms...  But those in the lesser kingdoms couldn't sense it.

A short simple prayer is fine.  The only advice I would offer is that a public prayers is offered for the benefit of all present - not just you as an individual.  So instead of using terms like “I”, “me” or mine try to use “we”, “our” and “us”.  Since you are a voice for others, make an effort to use, as much as possible, the most respectful language you can.
Also do not concern yourself if you do not get a lot a thanks and accolades for your prayer.  Many, because of their view of the sacredness of prayer feel awkward expressing “good job” to you for  your prayer but rather silently join with you in thoughts of prayer in thanks to G-d.
 
The Traveler

A short simple prayer is fine.  The only advice I would offer is that a public prayers is offered for the benefit of all present - not just you as an individual.  So instead of using terms like “I”, “me” or mine try to use “we”, “our” and “us”.  Since you are a voice for others, make an effort to use, as much as possible, the most respectful language you can.
Also do not concern yourself if you do not get a lot a thanks and accolades for your prayer.  Many, because of their view of the sacredness of prayer feel awkward expressing “good job” to you for  your prayer but rather silently join with you in thoughts of prayer in thanks to G-d.
 
The Traveler

Very interesting, this week I had the same conversation with my wife. Molly Mormon and Peter Priesthood are often interchanged with the notion of being self-righteous. When did it become self-righteous to do the right thing, or seek to better oneself? President Uchtdorf is right, pride is at its root. We should be rejoicing when someone is trying to do what is right, not belittling, but unfortunately this is not the case.

If you are not applying the truths you learn - what you focus on will not matter.
 
The Traveler

A short simple prayer is fine.  The only advice I would offer is that a public prayers is offered for the benefit of all present - not just you as an individual.  So instead of using terms like “I”, “me” or mine try to use “we”, “our” and “us”.  Since you are a voice for others, make an effort to use, as much as possible, the most respectful language you can.
Also do not concern yourself if you do not get a lot a thanks and accolades for your prayer.  Many, because of their view of the sacredness of prayer feel awkward expressing “good job” to you for  your prayer but rather silently join with you in thoughts of prayer in thanks to G-d.
 
The Traveler

Sometimes logic is so far from the discussion and personal opinion so far from the mark it is obvious that someone has not done their homework and is offended by simple truth.  Example,  someone(s) is having trouble trying to get some electrical device to work.  You can feel the anger in their 4 letter words.  So you walk up, tap someone on the shoulder and say, "Maybe if you plugged it in."  Oddly enough the longer they have thought their anger at the device was justified (something is wrong with it) - the more they will hate you for telling them the answer is pilot error. And if it has anything to do with religion or politics - not only will they hate you but they will not believe it.  Even if it is the bright sun of noon day - they will say it is night.
 
The Traveler

A short simple prayer is fine.  The only advice I would offer is that a public prayers is offered for the benefit of all present - not just you as an individual.  So instead of using terms like “I”, “me” or mine try to use “we”, “our” and “us”.  Since you are a voice for others, make an effort to use, as much as possible, the most respectful language you can.
Also do not concern yourself if you do not get a lot a thanks and accolades for your prayer.  Many, because of their view of the sacredness of prayer feel awkward expressing “good job” to you for  your prayer but rather silently join with you in thoughts of prayer in thanks to G-d.
 
The Traveler

Well, I disagree completely!  Haven't you heard?  Birds of a feather flock together.  Misery loves company.  Corporate executives love "yes men".  I hear some people even agree to disagree.  All that said, however, I'm bored now and I'm going to go back to practicing my handwriting (on French-ruled paper - having learned what it's for, I'm now putting it to use and finding it quite helpful - my lower-case "r" never looked better).

It is only through the applications of the laws that govern things that we can exist and act in harmony with such things.  G-d being the example of governing in harmony with laws. 
 
We are agreeing so much - this may be hard to maintain much interest.  Usually interest is created with disharmony and disagreement. 
 
The Traveler

Yes, it is not the "laws" of music which are restrictive, it is our refusal to learn and then act in harmony with those laws which restricts us.

I agree, you have the right idea.  I would add the concept of being a concert pianist.   When we sit at the piano keyboard we are limited (damned) to play much of anything.  Unless we have disciplined ourselves previously to teach our mind and fingers what to do to create music.  We may say we would like to play or even be sorry we cannot play stuff but the desire to practice and discipline ourselves (live by the necessary laws) is not worth it to us – we would rather do something else with our time other than practice.
 
The Traveler

IMO, "seem" is the operative word there.  I believe the celestial kingdom will be the place with the fewest restrictions on what is possible - indeed, it will be the only place where literally everything is possible and where there are actually no restrictions at all.  The inhabitants of other kingdoms will be restricted (in knowledge and action and capacity).  The people in the celestial kingdom will learn and abide by all eternal laws (no different, for example, from the laws of physics) and by mastering those laws, they will be able to do all things - and thus, be unrestricted.  Only the impossible will be restricted, and then only because it's not possible (of course, "nothing" is the only impossible thing; all other things are, by definition, possible).
Those in other kingdoms will think, "Yeah, but to do that, I first have to learn all this, and it's not worth it.  I don't want to do that so much after all.  I'd rather accept the restriction of not being able to do that."
Some might see the "inability" to sin as a restriction, or the "requirement" to obey laws as restriction, but the reverse is true.  Sin is the limiter, or the expression of limitation.  Righteousness is the expression of knowledge and freedom.  Laws are what make things possible - to remain ignorant of a law is to remain ignorant of possibilities.  To defy a law is to reject the possible.  (If you reject the laws which allow flight, you will never fly; if you defy them (e.g. and jump off a building with no means to "fly"), you'll go splat when you land.  IMO, eternal laws are no different - remain ignorant or defiant and infinite possibilities will remain outside your grasp - restricted.  Master eternal laws, and all things are within your power - utter lack of restriction.)

I cannot imagine anyone being anywhere in eternity that does not want to be there.  My view of the judgment is someone standing before G-d as G-d invites them to the Celestial Kingdom.  As the individual views the Celestial Kingdom they may say – “This is not what I thought nor is it what I want to do or be involved with for the rest of eternity – The laws and covenants are far too restrictive for what I want to do in eternity”.  To which G-d will respond, “What then is you choice?”   The person, with the full light of understanding and knowledge tells G-d which kingdom (under what laws and covenants) they will by happy.
I believe many will not want to be Celestial because the Celestial laws and covenants will seem to them to be too restrictive.  Discipline is a manner of restrictions and righteousness (Celestial) is the ultimate discipline.  Some will desire to do what they want – when they want – the degree of which will define their kingdom of glory.  Some will find the work and glory of service and kindness towards others too restrictive for advancing one’s self.  Which is why Satan chose not be become a Celestial being.
 
The Traveler

Sometimes logic is so far from the discussion and personal opinion so far from the mark it is obvious that someone has not done their homework and is offended by simple truth.  Example,  someone(s) is having trouble trying to get some electrical device to work.  You can feel the anger in their 4 letter words.  So you walk up, tap someone on the shoulder and say, "Maybe if you plugged it in."  Oddly enough the longer they have thought their anger at the device was justified (something is wrong with it) - the more they will hate you for telling them the answer is pilot error. And if it has anything to do with religion or politics - not only will they hate you but they will not believe it.  Even if it is the bright sun of noon day - they will say it is night.
 
The Traveler

If so, I think i'd go with Tealc's view from Stargate - then it is ours that only matters.
 

I do understand that many have difficulty adjusting to the LDS (Mormon) culture.  I am a 5th generation Mormon and have always loved both the Church and the members.  Both are dear to me.  But I have had struggles.  I joined the military during the Vietnam era at the age of 17 because of a special release program that would allow me to serve a mission when I turned 19.  The problem I had was that when I returned from my mission and completed my military service I had lost many of my military friends from combat.  Several that had joined the Church.  The sorrow I felt for my fallen comrades was made worse because this was an era of disrespect for those that served in the military.  I was also somewhat upset because while serving in the military – I observed a great deal of incompetence – especially among the commissioned officers.  Most deaths in combat are the result of incompetence.
What was also difficult for me was the fantasy that seemed so prevalent among the single ladies at BYU.  I was so bitter I could not connect and seldom dated a lady more than once or twice.  But worse – I did not treat the ladies with much respect.  I found joy in berating and pointing out their flaws.  Besides the ladies there were a lot of returned missionaries that were draft dodgers and cared little for those that had lost their lives in service.  I thought it my responsibility to put them all in their place.
It took a while but slowly I learned that the bitterness was something inside of me – no one treated me bitterly other than to respond to my bitterness.  We can make excuses for our bitterness that can be argued inside us to be justified but the truth is that when there is bitterness it is our heart that is the problem.  By nature it seems to me that few bother with serious thinking or actual discipline.  But the lack of thoughtfulness and discipline in others is no reason – ever – to abandon thoughtfulness and discipline ourself.
 
The Traveler

I have wondered if there is a limit or discursion employed in blessing things.  A good friend of mine insisted in blessing everything he ate.  If a treat of donuts, cake or other treats was being served he would say a blessing that the desert treats would be nourishing and healthful for his body.  From time to time I would kid him about it but it did not matter to him – he always blessed everything he ate and always to be nourishing and healthful.  I could say a prayer of thanks but blessing something obviously not healthy to be healthy seemed a little over the top to me
 
The Traveler

I have wondered if there is a limit or discursion employed in blessing things.  A good friend of mine insisted in blessing everything he ate.  If a treat of donuts, cake or other treats was being served he would say a blessing that the desert treats would be nourishing and healthful for his body.  From time to time I would kid him about it but it did not matter to him – he always blessed everything he ate and always to be nourishing and healthful.  I could say a prayer of thanks but blessing something obviously not healthy to be healthy seemed a little over the top to me
 
The Traveler

The sophisticated and intellectual term for "rejecting some scriptures" is called textual criticism.  I personally try to avoid either term of textual criticism or rejection - rather I prefer to think in terms of scriptural interpretation.   I believe it is kind of a similar thing concerning doctrines.  When it comes to doctrine - I am more of the mind that what a person does speaks so loudly I cannot hear a word they say.  But I will be a bit more specific about what a person does - what I observe is consistency and discipline.  If a person is at least consistent and disciplined - I believe there is a chance they know what they are talking about.  And I am not shy about calling out (seeking explanation of) someone that is inconsistent and undisciplined - but I have discovered they are the most likely to be contentious when called out or asked to explain.
 
The Traveler

Just a thought about blessings.  As per my handle – I travel a lot.  Not so much now as I use to travel a lot more in my work.  It used to be 90% work travel and now it is 90% leisure travel.  Often when traveling I worked long hours and would return to my hotel room needing to unwind a bit so I could sleep better.  Usually I would work out for about a half hour and then watch TV for a half hour before trying to sleep.  I began to notice something odd about the TV.  Whenever I turned on the TV the first thing to display would be a hard core XXX thing with what I assumed was the worst part of that.  What was even odder is that; often what was showing required some kind of conscription and payment. 
This was troubling to me and one day I mentioned the problem to a fellow engineer and also devout LDS friend that also traveled a great deal.  He said that he used to have the same problem but not anymore – after he changed just one perhaps minor travel habit – He would pronounce a priesthood blessing on his hotel room when he first arrived and cast away any lingering unclean spirits. 
I may be casting some pearls before swine posting this on the internet – But I now bless hotel rooms when I arrive and since I adopted this habit there has not been a single reoccurrence of the problem.  Here is a thought – if someone possesses things or goes places that they feel uncomfortable or improper for a priesthood blessing – perhaps it would be better to rethink about possessing such things or going to such places.
 
The Traveler

There seems to be something that is not understood very well about covenants.  It is necessary to covenant with G-d to have "eternal life".  As I have read through what is being posted it would seem that covenants with G-d are not understood so well.  Part of my personal covenants is to do whatever I am asked to do.  I was directed to marry but I have not been directed to marry a second wife.  I find that living up to the directions I have received through my covenants requires my full attention and I see no reason to speculate about things I may someday or sometime be asked to do.  If this seems a little condescending then I am sorry for those so oriented but I believe that those concerned about things that might someday be; are only so because they are not aware of or invested as they should concerning their current circumstance.
 
The Traveler