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Ever since @anatess2 gave me a script back in May, I've felt the need to make a podcast. It's taken me a while because I haven't placed it as a very high priority for most of that time, but I have finally finished. I've never tried inserting an audio file into a post before, so I'm not sure how this will work. Now I'm debating whether to also put it up on youtube and embed the video. Okay, I've decided. I'm making a video now. Podcast1.wav

My first thought: Therefore, if it were possible that you could have just men to be your kings, who would establish the laws of God, and judge this people according to his commandments, yea, if ye could have men for your kings who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that ye should always have kings to rule over you.

Hi. Glad to hear you love the LORD and our trying to come back. Do not let the sins of your past haunt you too much. Christ went to the Garden of Gethsemane and the cross for all of your sins so you could repent. Do your best to repent and follow all the steps of repentance on your sins. It may take many years to overcome your sins but do not give up. Neil Andersen said: For most, repentance is more a journey than a one-time event. It is not easy. To change is difficult. It requires running into the wind, swimming upstream. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) … Sometimes in our repentance, in our daily efforts to become more Christlike, we find ourselves repeatedly struggling with the same difficulties. As if we were climbing a tree-covered mountain, at times we don’t see our progress until we get closer to the top and look back from the high ridges. Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting. (Neil L. Andersen, October 2009 General Conference) Pray for the peace of God to come into your life as you are forgiven of your sins. The LORD loves you and His saints love you. I believe in you. You can do it.

I started a secret group on facebook for lds.net forum users so that we can stay connected during the times that the forums go down. Right now the only people that are in the group are those that I have as friends on facebook. If you would like to be added to the group, you will actually have to friend me on facebook long enough for me to add you to the group. Then you can unfriend me. If you are interested, send me a message and I'll send you my profile info. The only ones that can see our posts will be members of the group.

According to Brandon Sanderson, he did. I assume the source was Modesitt himself (Sanderson talked as if they knew each other). Confirmed - US Navy pilot: http://www.lemodesittjr.com/about-the-author/ I don't recall fighting or other serious military details in this novel - it was more political (to my recollection), but I could be wrong - it's been several years. Obviously, this isn't something I can predict - you'll have to judge that for yourself. Fortunately, his SciFi are all (to my knowledge) stand-alone and comparatively short, so not much invested to test them.

I have read science fiction and fantasy but have been disappointed that there is just too much unbelievable fiction or fantasy and almost no reality. I have attempted to write my own science fiction (“Enigma” – a first contact of earth with advanced intelligence – symbolic of discovery of G-d. “Mariana Trench” - explores the fear of greater intelligence – symbolic of why Christ was crucified and why G-d is dumbed down in worship. Feathers – about an idiot savant that communicates with birds – autobiography, symbolic of my own life as an idiot or misfit in one circumstance but considered a genius in another circumstance and the real individual caught in between.) I tried short story contests – one titled “First Date” submitted as a personal story but was rejected as being fantasy. And one titled “Dream Quest” a personal story about a 40 day fast in the wilderness desert of southern Utah – also rejected as fantasy – I think our culture does not understand the native American concept of a dream quest. I am convinced that fantasy is more believable than real life. Originally I started posting on internet forums in an attempt to connect to others that I would phrase as normal people through writing. Obviously I am a work in progress that will experience death long before success on any rational level. It would seem that I am doomed to fantastic failure on one hand or abundant unexplainable success on another. So to answer your question – I am interested in science fiction and fantasy but do not seem to be able to connect through the written medium – regardless if I am reading or writing. The Traveler

I have visited many Temples, in the U.S., and abroad. Each time I have felt the Holy Spirit in such wonderful ways. Over the years I have debated with anti-Mormons who claim that it is all manufactured experiences, or that our Temples are just used as a "control mechanism", to "keep us in line". I have spoken with former members who beliece that they were just deceived, and former members who admit to having Spiritual experiences, while in the Temple. The truth is the experience is not only being in such a place, but the place the Temple has within our lives. Like any place of worship, we bring with us the baggage (be it heavy or light) from our own life's experience. I remember once going to a Synagogue to do an inspection for my job, while working for the City of Atlanta. When I walked in the front door there was a family there with their son who was meeting with his Rabbi. Upon entering, I felt the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, I was not surprised, but I was intrigued at the experience. I remember the scripture from the New Testament come to mind, "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I will be their also". The interesting thing is this scripture applies to Jesus Christ I thought, and with that thought I was reminded of Christ's intercessory prayer. In this prayer he speaks of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost as one, and those who are believers as one, one with one another, and one with God. It it clear, that the light of Christ dwells with all, even though all may not clearly understand the nature of God, and the roe that Jesus Christ plays in their knowledge of "Good and Evil". It is a light that shines brightly within some people, and different Faiths. Or it shines dimly within others due to unrepentant sins, or incorrect teaching. Also sadly, not at all to those who have snuffed it out through rebellion, when God "turns them over to a reprobate mind". I have learned that we can carry it within our own Temple, "ourselves", which can make the Temple experience so much more powerful. Or when beaten down by life, we can rediscover it in our Sacrament meetings, and our trips to the Temple building. Either way, it is a wondrous place to pear beyond the veil within our hearts and mind, and see the face of God. So, I am so glad you have had, and will continue to have these wonderful bursts of light that come from the word of God, and the physical blessing of a Temple to attend, and re-attend.

I got goosebumps running down my arms. This is soooo wild! First, it's quite wild to hear my words read back to me by somebody else. I have to say it sounded very sensible. Hah hah. But what really got my jaw dropping to the ground is right after hearing my words, I heard the song Susanna! That name Susanna is a very special name for me. Very very special. And it's like a lightning shock to hear the name after talking about my love for my husband. @SilentOne, thank you so very much for this podcast. You got a great talent. The sock puppet was great! Keep making more!

Don't know if you read fiction, Traveler, but L. E. Modesitt Jr. has a science fiction book titled Adiamante set in the future of Earth (all his science fiction is future Earth / earthlings) where they don't have a permanent head of government, and anyone who accepts the position when one is needed racks up debt (instead of getting paid), which he must repay by doing some form of public service once his time as head of government is completed. That's not what the book is about, just an interesting feature of the world it portrays. The link above is to Amazon, but the Utah library system should have it (that's where I read it, and Modesitt is a Utah resident). As a bonus, unless it's the exception (I can't remember), you'll find a futuristic version of Mormons (with a slightly tweaked name) portrayed in a somewhat negative light (they say Modesitt doesn't like the Church) - I always find these mildly amusing.

Once we start talking about possibilities that someone might make someone feel uncomfortable, I lose interest. It's a red flag that we are departing the realm of principled thought, headed towards virtue-signaling SJW snowflake land. (Makes me wonder what's up, because Traveler is sort of the opposite of all that...) That said, my ward already does the gluten free bread, so it wouldn't be an issue.

I am wondering how best to put this, and I apologize for my lack of being perfect.But how do you deal with insensitivity in yourhh relationships with otheres, be it friends, neigbors, school, work, church, marriage and family life? Or just in life in general? (it doesn't even have to be zeroed in on one thing, if your more comfortable with that) I mean we are taught to be selfless, to be long-suffering, patient, kind, benevolent, compassionate, Christ-like, etc. And I know I try hard to be all those things, and I know my family tries and I know others try, but it is challenging, and the same mistakes come up over and over again. And sometimes it is discouraging.Sometimes different people have different definitions of what kindness is. And some of them can be not what I would consider kindness.. It can be really hard when you feel that you are dealing with chronic insensitivity, and the other person can't see it as that. And then when you give it back to them, not meaning to, it just isn't a good thing. And you pray, fast, do things that the Church teaches, but the same habits keep returning. How do you deal with people in life that keep doing that? Isn't insensitivity considered a sin in some respects, if the person knows better? Not every one sees things the same, but the Lord gave the same set of commandments basically to everyone.

Hi, Jewels8! Don't be discouraged. Who is perfect all the time? You'll fall and those close to you will fall, but what matters is that you lean on Christ and get back up again. People can have different definitions of what kindness is, just as they have different definitions of what honesty is or what the human person is. It doesn't mean those who have a wrong definition are right, it just means they have an additional stumbling block in their spiritual life they have to conquer. Part of the difficulty may be individuals having trouble fully understanding and interpreting people and their moods, reacting wrongly so that others take offense when no offense was meant. No one but God fully knows and understands a person; if I were to look for such an intimate connection in other people, I would always come up disappointed. There is the case of the matter of sin and the intention. If someone knows they're being uncharitable, cruel, hateful, impatient, etc., then, yes, it would probably be a sin. But it's possible people make mistakes, such as an unintentional tone, or don't realize that being cold to someone out of anger is really, truly wrong, so they may not be culpable (or as culpable). It is frustrating when people, especially people you know who claim to be good, fall in these common offenses against love. It's good to remember that we all fall into these traps, and as soon as I'm annoyed at a stranger snapping at me, I find myself giving someone who annoys me a short remark. Be patient with others and be patient with yourself. Secondly, know that no suffering you endure at the hands of an evil, no matter how small, is wasted. Continue to use it as an opportunity to exercise love, patience, and mercy, being the example of the kindness the offender should imitate. To bear wrongs patiently and forgive offenses willingly are spiritual works of mercy. If you weren't given opportunities to practice virtues, how would you ever learn them? It's often these smaller, everyday temptations that are most difficult to deal with. Always be merciful and loving toward others, especially sinners, even if they take advantage of you. (Christ in St. Faustina's Diary, 1446) I was your teacher, I am and will be; strive to make your heart like unto My humble and gentle Heart. Never claim your rights. Bear with great calm and patience everything that befalls you. Do not defend yourself when you are put to shame, though innocent. Let others triumph. Do not stop being good when you notice your goodness is being abused. I myself will speak up for you when it is necessary. Be grateful for the smallest of My graces, because your gratitude compels Me to grant you new graces. (Christ in St. Faustina's Diary, 1701) Respectfully to the people involved in this example, the husband seems to have been more than insensitive to her feelings. Every person needs a confidant, whether they're a man or woman. When in pain, when troubled, when confused, it is natural for a human being to wish to find support in another, as well as advice and comfort. To dismiss a person in distress is not charitable, and to counsel the doubtful and to comfort the afflicted are spiritual works of mercy. I can't speak to the piece about her opinions, though perhaps he was uncharitable in his rejection of them. The part of this example that is bothering you, I think, is that these actions seem to hint at selfishness and a lack of gentleness. That sounds like it could be pride, in thinking they know best, and selfishness, possibly greed, in that they can benefit from your participation in something that may harm you or your family (such as what conmen do). It's a lack of respect of you as a person. In the case of your father-in-law, he was probably just excited about what he thought was a great opportunity, and fell into fault that way. If people pressure you to do things you don't want to do, don't let it concern you. It's not kind of them to bother you, but there's not much to be done about it, except make your stance clear to them and stand your ground. Sometimes people may not realize how much of a risk something poses for you and your family. Regardless, It's more important to protect your family's security than to worry about what others want you to do. If you know for certain a child is being harmed, it would be a sin of inaction to leave it be. But if you don't, there's only so much you can do. I agree with you; assuming seems like it can cause more damage than good. If you suspect something might be wrong, I'd look into resources and ask professional advice to better know how to discern (if things seem somewhat ambiguous). Calling the police is a huge step, and should only be used if there's pretty clear evidence. It's not a case, I think, where forgiveness per se comes in to play, but more the principle of innocent until proven guilty. We can't just suspect some has stolen something; we need proof they did, or our society would eventually fall under a micro-managing, military rule, thoroughly vetting everything just in case. There's also the matter of the extra damage a visit like that could cause, as you mentioned. It's upsetting for the parents, upsetting for the children, and damaging to the family's reputation, since people will see the police and assume things, even if it turns out there was nothing wrong. I hope this helped, Jewels8! God bless.

I believe he's saying King-men and King-women are running our governement.

No reason you can't keep trying without the assignment. Also no reason you can't ask why she was removed from your list (and if it wasn't her request, then keep trying without the assignment; or ask for her back).

A few years back I did some consulting work for the Federal Reserve Bank. I am an expert in automation and robotics and have consulted with many companies and government institutions. I know for a fact that there is no such currency as USA petro dollars. If there was such a currency it would be tied directly to the global production of petro. Also anyone with an IQ over room temperature knows that the Russian economy is far more dependent on the global price of petro than is the USA economy - which is much more complex. If Putin was part of a scheme to bring down oil and natural gas prices - it would devalue Russia currency long before and many times more than US currency. I really doubt Putin got to where he is now by being so palpably stupid. There are many dreams (including the "Dream Mine") that have purported that some resource in Utah would save America and make the Mormons rich - and lot of idiots have believe it and lost their life saving (perhaps even their sanity - even their spirituality) with such schemes. The Mormon view of economy, is and always has been, rooted in industry and work (not international schemes) - Industry the true meaning of Deseret and what the loyal Mormons wanted to name their state. Smart Mormons have invested in their Prophet and not in dreams of the un-anointed. The Traveler

And my side was just “ if a relationship doesn’t form, don’t kick your ministering brother or sister out”. A bad ministering member is better than no ministering member.

Hi Dennis, If you have any concerns for wanting permission on the things you can look at the forum rules and also contact a moderator. I am just a visitor/ semi new member; I am not in any admin/mod roles. Thanks.

Don’t worry about the fraud thing. Tons of people return after a period of inactivity. We are all used to the pattern and most of us have had less enthusiastic periods. You are NOT a fraud. You are your unique self and no one can replace you. We are glad that you are back. If the questions get too much, just smile. 🙂

Why do you presume it is not a genuine interest? Christ's assignment is to every person... do you think he does not have an genuine interest in you... just because he was 'assigned' to you? Take a moment to think about people you think are good friends... Chances are it started off with an completely arbitrary/random set of events that forced you to spend some time together. Yes ministering assignment can seem totally arbitrary setup but as with all calling in the church it is what you do with it from there that really matters (aka magnifying) not the setup itself. Instead people seem to want total strangers to be profoundly interested in them personally without giving them a chance to get to know them. It is illogical, irrational and frankly totally stupid. Let them come, let them try, let them see who you are, learn who they are.... Then decide if they are worth trying to build a deeper friendship with them. If not well you spent some time getting to know someone really quite different (not really a waste) and if it is you just got something awesome.

That both trees were accessible in Eden indicates that both are provided by God, and blessings of God, to be granted to us in due time by Him. It is interesting to me that for us, the tree of life is completely inaccessible fruit for this world (Alma 12:21) until such time the Lord gives it to us. So yes, I think it is possible that at some point God could have granted them permission to partake of the erstwhile forbidden fruit (or permission to abstain from the tree of life*). While the devil generates the evil choices in this world, I think any spirit that is less intelligent that God (Abraham 3:18-19), once separated from Him, can generate sufficient evil to create the need for a Savior. * 2 Nephi 2:15 allows that the tree of life bore bitter-tasting fruit (at least not as tasty, pleasant to the eyes and desired), so it may have been as appealing to abstain from it as it was to desire the fruit of the tree of knowledge (Genesis 3:6). PS i think I'm seeing double! :)

I will add a thought. It is the purpose of Satan to copy G-d and to do so by assuming the role of the Messiah or Christ. Satan has some interesting excuses for what he did in Eden – for example claiming that he is only doing what has been done before in other worlds. In essence introducing the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. It is my understanding that it is the intent of G-d that man comes to a knowledge of good and evil and I am of an opinion that there are “things” left out of the narrative of the Eden Epoch. Since Satan intended to be the Messiah from the beginning – I speculate that Satan, without authorization, assumed the role of Messiah (like king Saul offering sacrifice) and thus became evil thinking to do good on his own and for his own purpose. However, I believe Satan also did something in the process of offering the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil that was contrary to the plan of G-d that is somewhat lost in the epoch story. But that is a separate discussion. The Traveler

Technically correct... but you are using Loaded Terminology ('Set up', 'Patsy') that twists and describes God from a Kind and Wise God to a egoistical manipulator and that is Wrong. Adam and Eve had agency... but we must not forget so did Lucifer. No one forced him to perform and take the actions he did. He made those choices because he was trying to stop God's plan. From our frail and limited understanding we see how God was able to turn Lucifer's (and Adam and Eve's) rebellion in the garden into a net gain for the rest of us. And because of our limits we assume that it was the "only" way. I disagree with this. Had Lucifer not rebelled the plan would not have been frustrated... we simply lack the knowledge of how it would have progressed. The scriptures tell us why it happened and the importance of it happening... but God has had no reason to play "What if" with us on this event on what might have been.

It's been nice to have a way to stay in touch when the forums were down.

and I am truly impressed as I have read about twenty or more chapters of Gospel Principles. I really like the following statement for many reasons: https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-41-the-postmortal-spirit-world?lang=eng

The only thing I miss since becoming LDS is a nice hot cup of tea with lemon on a cold winter day. And don’t suggest herbal tea. That stuff taste like someone mowed their lawn and then bagged the clippings. 😉

I'd be unhappy about that myself. Making up the guest bed, buying and preparing food for an additional person, re-figuring the shower schedule... that is all really inconvenient.

What about Whigs?

I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice and input concerning my son. Just to relieve everyone’s mind, it wasn’t as serious or drastic as some think. The good news is, my son did go to the Bishop and he has been given a clean slate, and is now waiting anxiously for his mission call. That being said, I am grateful to have a resource such as this to turn to for help and I’m very grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who sent his son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and help us repent so that we can live happy, clean lives and return to live with him someday.

A) That would be illegal in Californias 1-6. B) It would also be known to cause cancer in Californias 1-6.