CarstenBN

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  1. I see our time here on earth as a period of learning how to walk. God knows how to walk. We try, we fall, sometimes we keep up for extended times and at other times we just can't make ourselves give it a go. Ultimately we need Christ to know how to walk like God. Lucifer and the natural man can both distract and discourage us. Ignorance and wrong priorities can cause us to fail to see that there even is a benefit of learning how to walk like God. Sometimes others push us down to the ground when we are trying our best. All of these and more can comprise the force that pulls us down once we're up. Some of us give up entirely even if we have a distant idea that "we're supposed to learn it". None of us who are alive have learned it yet. Life on earth is a messy exam hall: some students do their best, others just want to pass, yet others couldn't care less. Even the best of us can't do that which we're being tested on as effortlessly as those divine teachers who will judge us. Even atheists slip and relapse from keeping to their ideals. I consider it part of the human condition.
  2. I have good experiences with water fasting, which was done by me as a practice for health gain. In those periods the fast would last several days, not just 24 hours, which is hard at first and it also takes some effort post-fasting.
  3. I agree. Recalling the negative periods in my life, they've been times when revelation was absent (because I did not listen, not because God pulled his arm back). Thanks for these great verses and notes :)
  4. God has a perfect knowledge of things, and so does Christ, but why would Lucifer? I was reading a popular book with commentary through the KJV Bible (by an author whose name I forgot) where the point was made that Lucifer may have fooled himself in this case. Now that's very loosely relayed, maybe I can find the quote again if someone is interested in reading it.
  5. Here are 3 of my favorites, linked to MP3 audio, including my favorite part of each: The Morning Breaks (#1, Listen as MP3) Verse 1: The morning breaks, the shadows flee; Lo, Zion's standard is unfurled! The dawning of a brighter day (2x), Majestic rises on the world. Lead, Kindly Light (#97, Listen as MP3) Verse 2: I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou Shouldst lead me on. I loved to choose and see my path; but now, Lead thou me on! I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears, Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years. Master, the Tempest Is Raging (#105, Listen as MP3) Chorus: The winds and the waves shall obey thy will: Peace, be still. Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea Or demons or men or whatever it be, No waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, be still; peace, be still. They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, peace, be still.
  6. 1}What do you like most about the LDS church ? That it's true and that its truth is revealed to me continuously through the Holy Ghost. It doesn't just dim away and become stale, that particular revelation of its authenticity comes afresh over and over. That's HUGE! 2}What is your favorite book, passage, part of Mormon scripture [the old, the new testaments and beyond] Since I bought an used quad version in English--our scriptures are in Danish here--the massively huge Topical Guide has been of particular interest because it's completely new for me. Through that I can learn from the Word of God in entirely new ways. Hehe. My favorite book of the standard works is the Book of Mormon. 3} Who is your favorite peron of the church, [past, present or future] Jesus Christ, the everlasting head of this Church!
  7. This man feels like a fountain of peace when he speaks. I am honestly reminded of the voice of God heard by the Nephites in 3 Nephi. His words are so powerful! Also, what he said about pornography are words that can also be applied at any other addiction (which should not distract you from the very sincere, important and valuable warning against pornography in particular, just saying those words can be of value to ANY addict, any struggler).
  8. Just wanted to add a second encouragement to this. The book is so important and the experience so powerful. I'll be honest: The Isaiah chapters in 2 Nephi, to me, are the very hardest chapters in all of the book. Skipped them when reading through tbe book a year ago, but the book still changed my life radically (as it did every time so far).
  9. Hemidakota, we both share this good idea of "tithing away" one's time. I've had it in my thoughts for a while and find it to be an ideal that is worthy of praise. Vort, many thanks for your response. I think it marks the fine balance that is necessary :) Martybess, showing one's love for others through selfless service is so powerful. I've really seen miracles happen here, both to myself in the act of serving others (sometimes in the role of having a calling) and to those who are on the receiving end -- just to clarify that I definitely don't think reading books is enough on its own.
  10. Hello everyone, I have a silly question, one that has been nagging me for a while. Is it possible to study and pray too much? I should give you some background information to explain why it nags me. Though born into the Church, my testimony faded by the end of the teenage years and I became an inactive, lazy servant who in stead worshipped computer games. That period is long gone now, but I experienced a degree of spiritual loneliness and decay that no one else should have to go through. The scriptures healed the wounds and holes in my spirit and welcomed me back to walk the path, holding on to the Word of God, which I still do. Scripture study and prayer means very much to me, in a very literal sense my entire being depends on it. I feel that earnest scripture study changes my hearts and throws away the natural man in me. Temptations become easy to overcome. Priorities are rearranged and realigned to fit with God's plan. My spirit wakes up and happiness becomes a real possibility, not just some far-away ideology. Someone way back once criticized me, comparing me to that dorky guy in The Home Teachers (which is a funny movie); conveying that maybe I was spending too much time on serving in the Church and studying the scriptures. What's your opinion here? Is scripture study, praying and selfless service something to "keep in balance" like you need with food, sleep, time alone and socializing? I'll be honest, they work miracles in me and I come to think of the idea that practice makes perfect: Musicians play music. Painters paint. Designers design. In the same way, should we not spend a significant amount of time running toward the Tree of Life, hanging on to that iron rod in faith, as Saints? Is it possible to be "too eager" to return to the presence of God, or should we really surrender our everything to Christ? The critique confuses me and I would like your perspective, if only to calm myself down since it keeps coming back to me and sometimes human input works well ;D Thanks in advance, also sorry for writing so much.
  11. Local leaders have told me pre-tax. My parents also. It seems to make sense, since that truly is 10% of the reward we get from doing our job: Tax, then, is in a sense a separate bill. I've felt good about doing it this way.
  12. Hey there :) I've been a member all my life, with a short period of being inactive. Stumbled upon this site a while ago and forgot all about it, and then a Google search somehow brought me back to it, so why not join and have a bit of fun talking to everyone? Right now I am in fact waiting for my mission call, which was sent away 3 weeks ago... hopefully it'll get across the ocean and to my mailbox ASAP looking forward to it ^^ EDIT: For anyone interested, my non-Church interests are Web design, graphic design, illustration, photography, classical music (and particularly Baroque and Early music) and art music on the accordion. I play the accordion. I'm also a pescetarian. :)