Anyone see the cover story in today's (Thu 10 Dec) USA Today and have
any comments?


. . . ronn!  :)

 

Dear Paul,

     I'd like to suggest that you ask yourself a couple of questions:

(1) was  i baptized in the name of <this dishonest and reprehensible man> ?

(2) Did I enter into a covenant of serve, follow, obey and be a witness of <this dishonest and reprehensible man>

(3) Did the Lord promise me that I would never encounter problems, difficulties, setbacks, or harm at the hands of dishonest and reprehensible people?  Or did He instead promise that
      "whosoever shall put their ^atrust in God shall be supported in their ^btrials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be ^clifted up at the last day."  (Alma 36:3)

If a dishonest / reprehensible person (member or nonmember) has wronged or damaged you in some way, you have every right to use every legal recourse available to you to see that
that person is punished, and to seek damages.  But continue to keep your gospel covenants.  In the long run, having someone (member or not) steal money from you cannot affect your eternal
salvation.  Joseph Smith had other church members steal money from him and slander his name.  But, to leave the church and break holy covenants which you have made with God -- this can do you much more harm than the loss of money.  You can lose your soul and yourself.  Think about it.  Keep your promises to the Lord.

Bro. Dennis Newbold

 

I was a member of the church until a member of the NZ TEMPLE PREST and a 1st Councilor in a Stake (within Australia) stole money from my business and conned both myself and others out off money and business products. Why is it that the church will protect these men and I am the one who has had to leave the church. Because of their actions and their friends. I would really like to know why some people in the church have callings because of who they know or went to school with?

I was a member of the church until a member of the NZ TEMPLE PREST and a 1st
Councilor in a Stake (within Australia) stole money from my business and conned
both myself and others out off money and business products. Why is it that the
church will protect these men and I am the one who has had to leave the church.
Because of their actions and their friends. I would really like to know why some
people in the church have callings because of who they know or went to school
with?

My brothers and sisters: This has been a wonderful conference. Most worthwhile messages have been given, which recalls a statement by a young man in his late teens. He sought out his stake president following a stake conference attended by our beloved brother, the late Elder Thorpe B. Isaacson, and enthusiastically said, in the jargon of youth, "President, this conference really shook me. Elder Isaacson was really round." And then he added, "This was a hairy conference." Now you dig his meaning. 

The first part of the thirteenth Article of Faith states: "We believe in being honest." [A of F 1:13] Honesty embraces many meanings, such as integrity, sincerity, according to the truth, just, honorable, virtuous, purity of life, moral character, and uprightness in mutual dealings.

These principles are required virtues of true Latter-day Saints.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands for the highest ideals, principles, and standards known to man. There is nothing about the Church, its teachings, or what it represents that we need be ashamed of. The Church has immeasurable influence for good in the lives of men and women everywhere.

Robert Burns said: "An honest man's the noblest work of God." Today, with honesty and integrity among men of high position at a low ebb and becoming lost virtues, some group must diligently teach, practice, and enthrone these principles as cardinal qualities in the character of man. It is more and more important that we have complete moral integrity in the men who shape our destinies, else the freedoms of this country will be sacrifices. The reports of dishonesty, graft, and corruption in government, business, professional, and financial circles in our national life lessen our position and strength as a world leader.

In all humility and sincerity we must admit a power higher than ourselves from whom is derived a positive moral code that will give our lives significance and purpose. We also must remember once and for all that honesty, respect, and honor as such are not for sale on the market block. They are ingredients that you and I and all people should put into our daily lives.

Carlyle said: "Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure there is one rascal less in the world." Can there be a truly honest man without him being a good man, or can there be a truly good man without him being an honest man? It seems honesty must begin with oneself; otherwise we could not recognize this quality in others. We see things not as they are, but as we are. It is the responsibility of each of us to be honest ourselves—honest in our dealings and relationships, honest in our church membership, honest in keeping the commandments of God.

It was said of King Mosiah's sons: "… they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him." (Alma 53:21.)

Honesty and integrity as perfected virtues in parents are more likely to become the heritage and rich endowments of their children. Parents cannot give to their children that which they do not possess. All these fine ideals and principles that are a part of the gospel teachings, together with all the virtues that make for good character and good life, should be perfected in each of us. In that perfection they become a part of our nature, and when parenthood comes, these virtues are more apt to be transmitted to our children. We read in Proverbs: "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." (Prov. 20:7.) How true and basic this statement is!

As parents, are we honest with our children? Do they hear us tell little white lies to excuse ourselves from certain responsibilities? Can we blame them too much if they follow the example of their erring parents? The instruction to parents is found in the Doctrine and Covenants: "And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord." (D&C 68:28.)

In order to teach children to walk uprightly, the example must be set by parents. Husbands and wives, are you faithful and true to your mate? Are you living lives of moral soundness and purity? We cannot afford to support iniquity. To do so would be dangerous to our eternal salvation and that of our children. We must walk uprightly before the Lord and be scrupulously honest, and thus be blessed with a high moral and ethical sense that governs all our actions.

George Eliot has said: "There is only one failure in life possible and that is not to be true to the best one knows."

Throughout our lives we must correct not only the mistakes made against us, but also those in our favor. Now that seems a simple thing, but in the building of character it is very important, for little omissions lead to more serious errors and subtle practices. How often have you gone into a place of business and had given back to you more change than you were entitled to? It quite frequently happens. And it also happens that you are occasionally shortchanged. One never loses an opportunity to call attention when a mistake occurs against him. Honesty, to be true and perfect, must work both ways.

If employers, are we honest with our employees? Do the rules apply to all or are there exceptions, and do these exceptions apply to the same few?

If employees, are we giving an honest day's work? Do we fudge on the lunch hour, or take time to run unnecessary errands under false pretense? In dealing with our fellowmen, do we give more than is expected, or do we try to get by with the minimum amount of service?

If in business, do we "pad the bill" to get a little extra benefit we are not entitled to, thinking that no one will ever know? While a person may seemingly get away with such tactics, surely he is cognizant of his own dishonesty, as likewise are those whom he has cheated. Cheating is a form of dishonesty. It hurts both the individual and those around him.

And you teachers, are you honest in the grades you give? Do you mark according to what the student has earned, or do you let personalities interfere? The juggling of grades or disregarding rules and regulations to produce winning teams are acts of dishonesty and should be avoided. When winning becomes more important than the character and spiritual values these activities are planned to produce, then there is something lacking in leadership. We must not justify ourselves doing what the law or rule does not encompass. Laws and rules cannot make people honest. Evil practices encourage youth to be dishonest. It is the small and seemingly unimportant practices that lead to more serious habits of dishonesty, dishonor, and lack of strong moral integrity. We must inculcate into the heart and character of an individual the virtues that he so much needs to meet honorably the problems of life.

And on behalf of students and youth, do we honestly and sincerely listen to their wants and needs? Do we really try to understand them, or are we giving them what we think they should have?

And those of us who teach in church organizations—are we honest in living as we teach, or do we have a double standard? It was observed recently that a young married woman teacher appeared at church in a very short mini-dress. Can she be honestly teaching the dress standards of the Church while not keeping them herself? Shakespeare said it so well: "This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man." (Hamlet, act 1, sc. 3.)

One's purpose in life must exemplify honesty and sincerity. A person should always abide by his agreements and be willing to pay for his own mistakes. Honesty and integrity build confidence, friendships, and secure the goodwill and support of people that so often pay satisfying dividends. When a person sees the honesty and integrity of another, he will go out of his way to be of help and assistance to such a sincere and reliable individual.

An early lesson in honesty was taught a boy many years ago by his father. When he was just a young lad, he went to the store owned by his father and two business partners and, wanting a pocketknife, proceeded to take one from the display case. Word got to the boy's father. The father took the lad back to the case and had him replace the knife. Then he pointed out that he had two other partners in the business, and two-thirds of the pocketknife belonged to them. It was not the boy's privilege, as his son, to take anything from the company because it was not all his. This father was honest and upright in his dealings; he was a man of integrity. When he made a bargain or a deal, he kept it regardless of what the cost to him might be. His reputation was for fairness with people. To him this attribute was more important than money.

One can overlook many sins, but the sin of dishonesty is most difficult to forgive. We are sympathetic to the weaknesses of men and tolerant in our relations with them, but there is nothing that upsets or disturbs confidence more than dealing with a dishonest individual.

George Washington placed emphasis upon honesty when he said: "I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."

How can honesty be mentioned without relating a preliminary event that led to the Savior's crucifixion? When Jesus was brought before Pilate to be tried by the chief priests and scribes, Pilate found no fault in the Savior, but he was willing to satisfy those who clamored for his life, considering prestige above honesty and integrity, and therefore he yielded to their demands.

My brothers and sisters, we belong to the true church of Christ. Membership in it is a glorious privilege, opportunity, and blessing. We of all people must stand firm in sustaining the revelations the Lord has given for the guidance of his children. Let us be true to the principles, ideals, standards, and covenants in all our doings and relationships. Let us be honest and truthful. Let us be sincere and upright and fully practice what we teach.

Yes, "we believe in being honest." We also believe in "being true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men."

I have a firm conviction, my brethren and sisters, to the truths of the gospel of Christ. I know they are given for our guidance, benefit, blessing, and the salvation of man.

I bear witness to you of these things. I know that we must be Christlike in all of our relationships with our fellowmen. If so, we will be exemplary and will be fit servants of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Note: this is not politically motivated - it is a sad reaction to the attack upon U.S. military so close to [this] Veterans Day

Political correctness at any cost, and in spite of tragedy?

http://www.examiner.com/x-23691-NY-Independent-Examiner~y2009m11d11-Political-correctness-at-any-cost-and-in-spite-of-tragedy 

In the days following one of the deadliest incidents on United States soil, when United States Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 people (12 soldiers and one civilian) and wounded 29 others during a shooting spree at U.S. Army base in Fort Hood, Texas on November 5, 2009, several sources disclosed that the Army and the Central Intelligence Agency were aware of questionable or suspicious conduct on the part of Major Hasan, yet failed to take precautionary measures.

   ~~~ a lot of text deleted... read whole article at above link ~~~

Why would the President, a high-ranking military officer, and several prominent members of the national media attempt to offer cautionary words, excuses, and justifications in defense of Major Nidal Malik Hasan, who committed one of the most reprehensible acts in recent memory, firing upon unarmed comrades who were bravely preparing to embark on a mission to defend United States interests in hostile territory? Why did government and military officials elect not to conduct a more thorough investigation of Major Hasan's activities after a controversial presentation and persistent contact with an individual who preached hatred of the U.S.? Did political correctness and a preference to overlook the suspicious actions of an ethnic minority facilitate this event? These questions remain unanswered. However, the reactions o f these individuals in response to the tragedy at Fort Hood, in particular the staunch refusal to address the possible role of radical Islamic ideology, could suggest that the loss of American life is not a significant enough price to pay for honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

-----Original Message-----
From: mormons-only@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mormons-only@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Phil Musgrave
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 11:00 AM
To: mormons-only@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Mormons-Only] Phil Musgrave has sent you a Veteran's Day card

 

Mormons-Only

Phil Musgrave (muskrat@muskrat.com) has sent you a greeting card. To view your card please click on the following link:

http://www.birthdayalarm.com/card/46497690a3912279

Political correctness at any cost, and in spite of tragedy?

Mormons-Only

Phil Musgrave (muskrat@...) has sent you a greeting card. To view your
card please click on the following link:

http://www.birthdayalarm.com/card/46497690a3912279

OR

Copy and paste the above link into your web browser's "address" window.

OR

Vist www.birthdayalarm.com, click on the 'Help' tab then click on 'Pick-up a
Greeting Card' option. Enter the numbers 46497690 and 3912279 in the boxes
provided.

GeoCities' time has expired, Yahoo closing the site today

I had two sites there and one other that got lost over the years. Of
course, I’ve saved and reposted them elsewhere, but it’s sad
nonetheless.

NOTE TO MORMONS-ONLY group members - the group at YahooGroups is not
changing anything, but our web pages which were on GeoCities have been
moved to:

http://webspace.webring.com/people/em/mormons_only/mormons.htm


Philip Musgrave
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\
----------------------------
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/geocities-closing.html

GeoCities' time has expired, Yahoo closing the site today
October 26, 2009 |  6:00 am

We always imagined how this might end: GeoCities would finally take
down all of the animated "under construction" signs, and we'd hear one
last Midi file to the tune of horns playing taps.

Instead, GeoCities will probably go down with a whimper today.

Time is up for Yahoo Inc.'s scheduled closing of perhaps the most
significant virtual museum in recent history. Years ago a central
meeting place for a massive chunk of American Web surfers, GeoCities
will lock its doors and take millions of pages offline.

GeoCities allowed anyone to build a custom Web page for free and
reserved a small amount of virtual storage to keep pictures and
documents. It was perhaps the first mainstream example of an open,
participatory and personal Internet.

I had two sites there and one other that got lost over the years. Of course, I've saved and reposted them elsewhere, but it's sad nonetheless.

NOTE TO MORMONS-ONLY group members - the group at YahooGroups is not changing anything, but our web pages which were on GeoCities have been moved to:

http://webspace.webring.com/people/em/mormons_only/mormons.htm

Philip Musgrave
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/geocities-closing....

GeoCities' time has expired, Yahoo closing the site today
October 26, 2009 |  6:00 am

We always imagined how this might end: GeoCities would finally take
down all of the animated "under construction" signs, and we'd hear one
last Midi file to the tune of horns playing taps.

Instead, GeoCities will probably go down with a whimper today.

Time is up for Yahoo Inc.'s scheduled closing of perhaps the most
significant virtual museum in recent history. Years ago a central
meeting place for a massive chunk of American Web surfers, GeoCities
will lock its doors and take millions of pages offline.

 

At 08:22 PM Saturday 10/10/2009, Bill Polhemus wrote:

 

What has happened to the Mormons-Only-Speak-Out list? It seems to be
defunct.

Not as of a few hours ago.  When did you last get a message from that list?

-----Original Message-----
From: mormons-only@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mormons-only@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill Polhemus
Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2009 8:23 PM
To: mormons-only@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Mormons-Only] "Speak Out?"

 

What has happened to the Mormons-Only-Speak-Out list? It seems to be
defunct.

 

What has happened to the Mormons-Only-Speak-Out list? It seems to be
defunct.

What has happened to the Mormons-Only-Speak-Out list? It seems to be
defunct.

I haven't been checking for pending messages lately because I've been in a bit
of a stress-ditch myself due to the unexpected death of my nephew, Allen Bushman
in the middle of September.  We're about past all of that now, with a memorial
service this weekend, so I'll try to not let messages sit and wait for approval
for 2 weeks in the future...

(hey, where are my assistant moderators anyway?)


Philip Musgrave

On this day in 1003, an outlaw (who was following a family tradition -
his dad was also an outlaw) took a boat he had bought (not stolen)
from a man named Bjarni Herjolfsson and went on a little trip with
some friends ... sort of like a road trip, but over water, so we'll
call it a boat trip. At the time of the boat trip, this outlaw was
about 33 years old and was from the island of Iceland.

Bjarni, 15 years or so previously (ca. 986), had reported sighting a
new land, and our outlaw (Leif Ericson) wanted in on it, after all,
Leif had a lot to live up to, being the son of Eric the Red. Bjarni
had been on a trip from Iceland to Greenland to visit his mom and dad,
but a storm blew his boat off course.  Bjarni and his crew saw land
covered with trees and mountains but he didn't stop to let his crew
look around even though they begged and begged. The land looked
hospitable, but Bjarni was eager to reach Greenland to see his parents
(good boy, Bjarni). So in 2009 we do not celebrate Bjarni Herjolfson
Day, we instead celebrate Leif Ericson Day.

So, anyway, back in 1003 (do the math, about 17 years later actually)
Leif Ericson and HIS crew of 35 men set off in Bjarni's boat to see
what Bjarni had seen. The result is thought to be the Viking
settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. This is the first
known attempt at settlement by Europeans on the mainland of the
Americas - around 500 years before Christopher Columbus. According to
the Sagas of Icelanders (Eiriks saga rauoa), he established a
settlement at Vinland, which has been identified with the L'Anse aux
Meadows Norse site on the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland.
In 1960, the remains of a Norse village were discovered here.

L'Anse aux Meadows is the only known Norse site in North America, and
represents the farthest known extent of European exploration and
settlement of the New World before the voyages of Christopher Columbus
almost 500 years later. It was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO
in 1978.

In 1964, the United States Congress authorized and requested the
president to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Ericson Day".
That date was chosen for its connection to the first organized
immigration from Norway to the United States (there are more than 5
million Americans of Norwegian descent today, which is more than the
4.8 million in Norway), not for any event in the life of the explorer.
The day is also an official observance of several U.S. states.


More reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leif_Erikson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Anse_aux_Meadows
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_of_Eric_the_Red
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorkell_Leifsson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wJmJw_oVKA
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-Leif-Erikso\
n-Day/

Notable Americans of Norwegian descent:

Richard Dean Anderson - actor (MacGyver, Stargate)
The Andrews Sisters - music group
John Ashcroft - Governor of Missouri, U.S. Senator, U.S. Attorney
General
Beck, aka Beck Hansen (born Bek David Campbell) - singer-songwriter
Humphrey Bogart - actor
James Cagney - actor
Ralph Evinrude - developed the first commercially feasible outboard
motor
Bob Fosse - choreographer, director
Leif Garrett - singer, actor
Peter Graves - actor
Melanie Griffith - actress
Josh Groban - singer-songwriter
Matt Groening - cartoonist (The Simpsons, Futurama, Life in Hell)
Conrad Hilton (et al) - founder of the Hilton Hotels chain
Hubert Humphrey - 38th Vice President of the U.S., U.S. Senator, Mayor
of Minneapolis
Peggy Lee - singer, actress
Robert Mitchum - actor, singer
Joni Mitchell - Singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, artist
Marilyn Monroe - actress
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen - actress...
Priscilla Presley - Elvis Presley's wife, actress
Knute Rockne - one of the greatest coaches in college football history
Eric Sevareid - reporter and one of a group of elite war
correspondents
Earl Warren - Governor of California, 14th Chief Justice of the U.S.
Renée Zellweger - actress

September 21 2009
I can't believe that it has been six long earthy years
since I have felt your giant bear hugs that would take my breath away
Or your sloppy wet doggie kisses on my cheek.
Six years since I have heard
Your infectious laugh
or seen your radiant smile.
Your testimony was strong and secure
As testified in your writing
"Dear God,
Thank you for this day.
Thank you for the gift of life,
and the Church and the Scriptures.
Please guide me though the day and help me keep the Sabbath holy.
In Name of Jesus Christ. Amen".
I had no concept that eternity would start the next morning for you
I had no concept of what we would be called to Endure
on the next day
September 22, 2009
Six years ago, You woke up and went to seminary
As you knew you should
You wanted to learn of the Lord
Yet you were stopped in your faithful steps.
Your agency was heading towards God.
You were stopped by a man's inhumanity
Towards you.
Your innocent blood on the street
that horrible morning......
You humble desire was to attend seminary
On your way
You were given your Celestial glory.
You were given wings
To fly from this evil world.
It has been six earthly years
Which seem like a long eternity to me.
It has been a short Two million, one hundred and ninety years in God's time
But that is but a Blink of an eye
To God and now you
I cannot even imagine
All that you have learned
As I reflect back
To the honorable Man
I am humbled to call you my son James
You were faithful
To the covenant
You made at your baptism
The new and everlasting covenant
That was instituted
For the fullness of God's glory
You humbly received the keys
To the Holy Priesthood
Which you humbly honored
And expanded
You were joyfully received
By the Eternal Father
Through the atonement
Of our Savior Jesus Christ
You my dear son James have passed the angels
That placed by God the father
You my dear son
Have been guaranteed
That you will be resurrected
In the morning of the first resurrection
You have already inherited from our Eternal Father
Thrones, Kingdoms, principals
And powers without end
You my dear James now have no end
You are an eternal celestilized being
Whom I am not worthy of
Thank you for the lessons you have taught me
Thank you for being my son...

In Memory of James Curry
Given to me by God 27 April 1988
Valiantly Returned to God 22 September 2003
Lorretta Curry

The Peter Paul and Mary trio was composed of Peter Yarrow, Noel "Paul"
Stookey, and Mary Travers. In case you wondered, Peter & "Paul" are
both still with us.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter,_Paul_and_Mary

--------------------------------------

Sep 17 2009 11:24 AM ET

Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary, R.I.P.: Remembering a folk-rock
great
by Simon Vozick-Levinson

It never stops, does it? Last night brought the news that Mary Travers
of Peter, Paul and Mary had become, at age 72, yet another beloved
entertainer gone too soon. Not a complete surprise — Travers was
diagnosed with leukemia in 2004 — but very sad nonetheless.

Peter, Paul and Mary played a crucial role in helping the folk-music
scene become a mass popular movement in the early 1960s. They couldn’t
have done it without Mary Travers’ clear, expressive vocals. A gifted
interpreter of others’ songs, she was the principal reason why the
trio’s covers of Pete Seeger’s “If I Had A Hammer” and Bob Dylan’s
“Blowing in the Wind” were arguably better-loved than the originals.
Harmonizing on silly kid’s tunes like the classic “Puff the Magic
Dragon” one minute, playing for social justice at the historic March
on Washington another — both in the year 1963 — Travers, along with
bandmates Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, epitomized something
about that transformative era.

On a personal note, I was raised on Peter, Paul and Mary’s music in
the 1980s. Making folk music for children was another key aspect of
their legacy, from 1969’s Peter, Paul and Mommy to 1993’s Peter, Paul
and Mommy, Too concert sequel, ensuring that a younger generation is
missing Mary today, too. My lifelong folkie mom sent over the vintage
clip you’ll find below of PP&M performing the standard “500 Miles.”
Listen to Travers’ mournful, beautiful voice in this song and see if
you can make it through without tearing up.

http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/09/17/mary-travers-rip/