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Live prudently, LDS reminded

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To: Falling Asleep | 8:03 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
If they have some "style" not aesthetically pleasing to some, it's probably so people who really don't want to listen to them will fall asleep. For me, I can't wait to view their talks again on the internet or read their words.
Anonymous | 8:26 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
Ten years ago, President Hinckley told us there may be lean years ahead and that we should get out of debt and get a year's supply. President Monson (as an apostle) warned us two years in a row not to take seconds out on our homes. You don't think these wise and righteous seers can't see things ahead? They are peaceful men and aren't going to shout it to the people, but why didn't people listen? They are trying to comfort the people and advise them to live within their means and get out of debt. Maybe there is still time. Glad are the people who listened and heeded their counsel, got out of debt, bought food supply at lower prices and saved some money. It will be more difficult now, but I believe in miracles. I've seen miracles happen when people try to follow the counsel to get out of debt.
James | 9:19 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
In the fall of 2005, my wife and I were considering going into debt to buy a fancier home. We did not need it. We just wanted it. We had rationalized that we deserved it. Our present home was fully paid for, but we would have to go into quite a bit of debt to buy the new home. By the standards of the day, I could have easily qualified for the mortgage without even getting a junk loan.

We listened to conference. At least three speakers counseled about getting out and staying out of debt. We decided to stay in the old home. We are very glad we did. Not only would we have had a lot of stress during these financially difficult times, but we would have been ill prepared to deal with several family difficulties that surprised us during this period.

My personal experience is that listening to the general authorities and prayerfully, humbly following their counsel brings blessings to my family. I recommend it.

Best Regards,
James
Comments continue below
Melissa | 9:43 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
I feel a great deal of hope and encouragement after listening to Conference. What a blessing it is to know that God loves his children and has organized a church and called prophets, apostles and other leaders to administer His word .
Glad We Listened... | 9:55 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
Four years ago, we were buried in $70K of credit card debt (due to job loss+other setbacks.) We followed counsel to pay a generous fast offering (have doubled it twice). We are now totally out of debt, have $100K in retirement accounts, $80K in savings, a year's supply of food and have nearly paid off our mortgage--rather than investing in the market as advisors like Suze recommended. We have benefited from following the prophet's advice and believe others will as well.
Tom Joad | 9:58 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
Listening to Peter Schiff would have been much more helpful. He has been very specific and very right. As one poster said, the LDS leaders speak very generally. Maybe they do this so as not to offend all the LDS realtors, mortgage brokers, developers, bankers, et al. KSL TV was hyping the real estate bubble even after it started to crash.

Early leaders WERE much more specific. Conference talks these days can be seen as little more than some "heads up" suggestions. You need to do all or most of the thinking and research for yourself. Hmmmm...novel idea. Seems many LDS can't think for themselves. I did have a personal revelation of what we are experiencing in early 2006. Scoff if you like.

Things are going to GET MUCH WORSE from here. There will be social upheaval. How do you think people will feel when they get robbed of 700 billion and the economy contiues sliding over the cliff? Batten down the hatches!
To Denny G | 10:11 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
This mall project you speak of is NOT, I repeat NOT being paid for out of tithing funds. Please get your facts straight before posting. It is a sin to lie.
To:To: Falling Asleep | 10:16 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
Why don't you just move away?
To: Prophet Missed Prophesying | 10:20 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
If you don't believe what the Prophet is saying, then why are you listening or reading of his words? Maybe there's something there you just don't want to be honest and admit to yourself. You sound like a very unhappy and angry person. Come join us and be happy as we are! The Prophet is a Prophet of God and how I love and honor this wonderfully righteous man of God. The Prophets have NEVER failed us and never will! Look into your own heart, for it is you who are failing. You know not of what you speak.
Church Lover!!! | 10:22 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
I loved Confrence and loved the talks they were very well done. I am a member of the church and love it
Abe_Froman | 10:54 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
Judge not lest ye be judged.

Exercise caution is judging others. I'm sure my neighbors think I'm maxed out to the brink as I have a nice house, cars and toys. They don't know that I have a nice income, max out 401k and 100k in cash reserves and no debt (outside of a small mortgage)

I don't doubt I am the exception but don't assume everyone with nice worldly possessions is in debt.
What happens when we don't? | 12:05 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
I will tell you, I have three step children that declared bankruptcy in about a years time of each other. One now lives with us and quit his job to go to school, thought he would get a part time job right off that bat, two months, no job. One of them is doing fine, but due to the wife over spending, they got 30K in the hole. The other one is on church welfare and yet they buy new phones and eat out and so forth. Then there is my daughter, her husband is sitting around on unemployment, she is working, but they went from having a good deal of money in savings to wanting me to send $70.00.

We have food storage, we have a generator, we have money saved and I really don't want to have to take care of everyone else cause they all have fancy cell phones, game systems, game services, new cars and so forth. Young people need to take their time to get things, drive old cars, live in smaller homes, use coupons, but take care of yourselves, that is living prudently. It is only going to get harder, better start now.
Ernest T. Bass | 7:32 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
The majority of my fellow mormons have no idea what living prudently means.
Massive credit card debt and homes in forclosure. This advice should have been preached every Sunday for the past 30 years.
ol' Ernie finally got one! | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Yes, and that is why the Bretheren have been telling us these things for about that long...some of the members don't know how to live prudently. Somehow luxuries have become necessities, being bored is the worst thing to happen in your life, materialism rules.

My advise, follow the Prophet. Do what he says, prayerfully, and with purpose. Forego the bigger house, the cabin in the mountains, the expensive vacations and for those of us on the lower end, don't eat out, skip the movies, use coupons, drive less and save something every paycheck...something, anything. It will take time, but you can do it.
Financial Peace Guy | 9:09 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
In November 2004 the church invited Christian theologian Ravi Zacharias to speak at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. Who thinks it would be a great idea to invite Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey to teach people how to get out of debt at the Tabernacle or the Conference Center? His simple steps have helped hundreds of thousands pay off all their consumer debts, including thousands of LDS members. The church taught me what to do to get out of debt, Ramsey taught me how to do it.
Skip | 10:11 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Several points

1. We ARE supposed to judge righteously

"I have been puzzled that some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should judge and even tell us how to do it. I am convinced that these seemingly contradictory directions are consistent when we view them with the perspective of eternity. The key is to understand that there are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make; and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles." (Source: Judge Not and Judging, Dallin H. Oaks)

2. The Church teachers correct principles which have discretion in their application. Don't invert or twist a virtue and thereby destroy a correct principle.
Glad to Follow the Prophet | 11:00 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
For years, our prophets have told us to:
* Live within our means
* Buy a modest home and pay it off
* Be content with modest gains
* Be prepared for an emergency by setting aside food and having an emergency fund

To help us learn specifics, our stake has also held education weekends with financial experts such as Scott Marsh from BYU. We have been blessed by following the wise counsel of prophets & other leaders.
Dan G. | 11:24 a.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Perhaps one reason modern-day prophets don't give more specific prophecies is because we are supposed to rely on faith; otherwise it would be too easy to believe they are God's chosen mouthpieces; those who live close to the Lord and have the Holy Spirit in their lives will be guided on the specifics, and will have confirmation that the prophets are of God - they don't need "signs"
Re: Monotone presentations | 12:27 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
"Falling Asleep | 6:08 p.m. Oct. 5, 2008
Does anyone know why LDS GAs talk in such a monotone pedantic style? I mean anthropologically speaking, where does this speaking style come from."
_______________________________________________
Legitimate question. The similar-sounding deliveries are deliberate. The Church prefers that speakers do not attempt to stand out for their impressive or flambouyant oration. Rather, they are instructed to be calm and earnest in their speech, so that the message itself is the star of the show. We should be drawn to the Gospel, and not to a particular favored messenger.
To Dan G | 12:46 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Don't forget. In the past, some people who heard specific prophecies, still didn't believe.
Do I have this right | 3:26 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
(You) live prudently ... we're bulding 5 new temples!?!

I'm not sure what that means - it just didn't seem to fit.
Ernest T. Bass | 4:29 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Attend any ward in a new subdivision and see how much 'keeping up with the Jones' is going on.
Young wards are terrible with couples over spending their resources.
I wish we would have been warned of the downfall of the economy.
Simple Jack | 5:58 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Those that understand interest earn it, those that don't....pay it
Debt is okay as long as it makes you money
John Pack Lambert | 7:59 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
To the 9:42 questioner,
The church pays cash for all its building projects and other operations. It does not go into debt at all for any project.
Since the city creek renovation is being done by companies owned by the church I can not say 100% that this applies in that case, but I think it does.
I do know that every building built whether it is a temple or a chapel is a building the church already has funds for. The same applies to other buildings the church builds, such as seminary and institute buildings. Most buildings on the various university campuses are funded by donations for that specific purpose, and not from tithing dollars, but even there they do not borrow money against future donations.

John Pack Lambert | 8:08 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
In response to Denny G, no tithing funds are being used in the construction of the mall.
I have to admit that at times I have made unwise financial decisions. However I do not think much is achieved by constantly pointing fingers at others.
I have known church members who have stayed in their current house even though it was not as large as they sometimes wished and avoided incuring large debts.
However proper budgeting is a process that requires planning and forethought. It is a long and drawn out process. What people need is help and encoragement, not judgemental mocking for past shortcomings.
Anonymous | 8:14 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
We were warned...with specific suggestions. Get out of debt, get a years supply, save some money. It reminds me that when Noah tried to warn people they didn't believe him and laughed at him, then complained when the ark was sealed up with them on the outside. They drowned. It also reminds me of the parable of the ten virgins. I can't pay off the 1st and 2nd mortgages of my friends and neighbors. I can share some food and water but I can't pay their debts. The church has been fiscally prudent and is building temples so that it is not a hardship on people who want to attend. The church also sends aid all over the world when disaster strikes.
John Pack Lambert | 8:21 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
The mockers still demand prophecies as they did of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.
The role of a prophet is to testify of Christ.
They will teach us proper principals to govern our lives. However there are many conditions.
I have been in wards where in 5th Sunday joint meetings people have given advice on financial planning. Any specific advice people give tends to be greeted by some people who gripe about it.
If the leaders of the church were to give specific advice it would alienate many people. In some places it is easy to use public transportation or bicecles to get around. In other areas doing so exposes your children to both moral and physical danger.
There is a balance of issues that can be negotiated by individuals utilizing the direction of the spirit and counsel from local leaders. Yet, at times people loose there jobs. Should we tell the members in the inner suburbs of Detroit who have recently lost jobs, and are barely making it by in paying their mortgage that they should have stayed in a city where the schools are unsafe and they hear multiple gunshots a night?
John Pack Lambert | 8:32 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
The 8:26 commentator has a good point. President Monson specifically spoke against home equity loans.
The sad thing though is that many people who have lost homes were not the people who unwisely acted in taking out home equity loans and buying second and third homes or other risky things.
It is one of the conditions of this life that the innocent often suffer because of the bad and unwise decisions of others. There are things governments can do to help in such cases, but with the currenct vitrolic attack nature of politics, I have little hope in seeing beneficial reforms along such lines.
The best we can do is act in wisdom and prudence in our own actions.
Jen | 8:36 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Don't live in lavishness the GAs tell us but they will take a pretty penny from use in tithing and other means, and build lavish (millions upon million dollar)temples and build a (billions upon billion) dollar mall in SLC. I would ask where is the lavishness? Where is the example? I just don't get it and we wonder why more and more people are begining to question the Church; well because I think we have had a momment in clarity! Act as you preach, nothing less will do!
Seattle | 8:52 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
To Falling Asleep:

I think the monotone speaking style comes from reading the scriptures. Since there are not a lot of exclamation points after the sentances they assume a steady speaking style.

Remember, the spirit speaks in a low voice as well. :)
Noah? | 9:14 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Do you really believe the Noah story as a literal, world wide flood?
MoJules | 9:30 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Today I watched a little bit of Glenn Beck, the guests on there were saying, after the DOW plunged again, to buy food. They said that if you can't afford gold or silver, to buy the perishables before the price goes up more. We have quite a bit in our food storage, long and short term, but we are going to spend about 250 on some freeze dried items, such as eggs, cheese and sour cream and other items. I am going to get more bulk TP and other household items, and I have rain checks for chili, it is usually $1.65 a can, but I can get them for $1.00. People, you are a fool if you don't start loading up on things, I read somewhere that if you have excess, you can use that item to barter. If we end up in a depression, we need to be able to take care of ourselves, and not become a burden on church, family or state. The more you have, the less others have to give up, time to think need and not want. We were going to do some landscaping, but have decided to use that for food storage.
Anonymous | 9:31 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Tithing is the Lord's money, not ours and anyone who pays it is more than blessed. Everything that we have or ever will have was given to us by Him. The mall area is not funded by tithing...some temples have been built with donations...Every building that is built by the church is built for the blessing and edification of God's children. Don't limit yourself and the blessings that could come to you from paying tithing. I like to think of a God who is first class and wishes to bless us likewise..
impossible to be debt free | 10:26 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
unless you are a millionaire or live in a van down by the river, it is pretty darn hard to be debt free these days when the average home costs 300K+ and the average used car costs 12k+. I think alot of folks are trying hard to be frugal but things are not like the good ole 50's or 60's when most people were able to pay cash for cars and homes cost 25K. Heck, I remember when tuition at local collegs was $200 a semester and that was in the early 80's and BYU and Utah were only $450 a semester. Inflation has been out of control for the past 20 years and people just can't keep up. It used to be that you heard a lot in general conference about the evils of women working - no more. The reality is most women have to work now days just to get by. Even old broken down homes today are over 200k so how do kids just getting married make it - live in their car? It is good to try and be frugal but avoiding debt is impossible.
Devery | 10:31 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
President Hinckley gave his opinion (and yes, he stated clearly that it was his opinion) that the Iraq was was a just and righteous cause, but it was early on, before the years of fighting, death, and maiming that has occured there, and the deep divisions it has created at home. Addressing it now could only be seen as a good thing. If they consider Gay marriage such a big threat to our safety and stability as a society, certainly this long, divisive, blunderous war deserves a comment or two. That really isn't so much to ask.
MoJules | 11:13 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Good luck on that. I hope it works out for you. Just because the stock market fell a little bit doesn't mean we won't be able to grow food. But again good luck on everything.
Anon @ 9:31 | 11:14 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
The Lord does not need money my brother. It is called faith and money will not buy salvation; not even 10%. Faith without having a price is wonderful. Give as you can and as needed to the underserved and choose not to be judged.

You can't buy salvation; but perhaps you can become part owner of a mall in SLC.



Elizabeth | 11:50 p.m. Oct. 6, 2008
Jen ASKS. WHERE IS THE EXAMPLE? The Savior is our example. Jesus, as a young boy he was found in the temple teaching, and later cleansing the temple of money changers. It was sacred then. Using tithing to build temples is a blessing, everything we have is His not ours.
We are a temple building people. What a blessing it is to have families united eternally in one of these temples which are dedicated to the Lord for His work! We build temples using the finest materials in reverence to the Lord. Beginning in January, there will be an open house for all to see inside the Draper Temple. Bring your families and feel for yourself the peace that is to be felt within those sacred walls. What a blessing to be a part of such a cause which began thousands of years ago when Moses departed Egypt with the children of Israel carrying with them the makings of a temple, which included the ark of the covenant. It was carried into Jerusalem where a temple was built. Temple worship has continued since that time, and will continue
to bless the lives of millions! Let it bless your family!
deseretdad | 9:18 a.m. Oct. 7, 2008
We have been told for a long time now to get our houses in order and from time to time have had little glimpses of what could and will come upon us. If we listen and obey and not try to counsel the brotheren, we will fair the ever bigger storm coming. It is not easy but we as a family are getting better at putting away for a rainy day. We have been lucky or blessed up to this point and have had little bumps in the road that help us see that we need to work harder at being ready for those things ahead. I think it would be smart not to ask for sings as did Sherem of Jacob in the 7th chapter of Jacob. The sign he received was to be smitten. A few of the prophets of old gave time tables for their prophesies but many didn't. Their prophecies still came true. Let us listen to our leaders, General or Local they will not lead us astray. I am thankful for our Prophet.
Tithing Funds ARE Used To Build | 12:31 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Here again is the farce that the church does not use tithing funds for the mall.

All of the church's income comes from tithing. Yes, they have investments, but those investment monies didn't come from peddling at temple square, but indirectly came from tithing.

So, for those that are lied to by LDS members here, directly, or indirectly, funds of any sort came from its members, free from taxes, straight to the church's portfolios of acquisitions.

NO MORE LIES, PLEASE, LDS PEOPLE!!!
Anonymous | 5:27 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
Wrong again....the church owns businesses that produce and tithing funds are not used.
To Anonymous | 5:44 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
"Wrong again....the church owns businesses that produce and tithing funds are not used."

Sure, but how do you think they got money for those businesses in the first place?

SANTA CLAUS?

Remember, the church was about to go bankrupt, and they got out of it from tithing!!

Denial, denial, denial.

By the way, since when did Christ is in the business of making money, I thought he Saves souls, not raking in profits?

Christ is business, how about that!!!

I hope He makes a fortune, that way He can buy our souls of from satan!!!

Anonymous | 11:42 p.m. Oct. 7, 2008
ridiculous.

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President Thomas S. Monson, followed by his counselors in the First Presidency, greets members of the Quorum of the Twelve as he arrives to conduct the Saturday morning session of general conference.

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