Posts for Friday, December 14, 2007

Question #41582 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Comments

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Regarding Board Question #41455. The author of the question is describing one of the classic descriptors/complaints of individuals with OCPD (obsessive compulsive personality disorder). This is very different from the classic OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). This disorder often initially appears early in life but does not become pathologic or debilitating until the individual reaches their late teens or early 20's (like a college student, for example). Here is a link to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria http://www.biologicalunhappiness.com/DSM-OCPD.htm. This disorder belongs to the cluster C personality trait disorders. These traits are very amenable to therapy and/or medication. I do agree with the comments and recommendations from the board writers; however, if this has been going on for some time now, if it is getting worse, or if the author meets the other diagnostic criteria from the link it is very important for the author to seek professional help. OCPD can be debilitating if left untreated, but it is easily treated.

CPTMD

Question #41578 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Comments

LDS - LDS Music

Music - LDS Music

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,
In regards to Board Question #41464

A lot of the members of OTS are on a rotating schedule. A former roommate of mine plays trombone in there, and he is like one of ten or so trombonists, so it rotates when he needs to be there. I know for sure it is the same with the other brass players, and percussionists have a big list too. One of my profs gets called every now and then to play with OTS. So for some members, it isn't as big of a commitment, what with being on a rotating list.

my regards
- Basso Continuo

Question #41572 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Comments

LDS - Missionaries

Music - Sheet Music

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Re:Board Question #41427 Some sheet music for the Book of Mormon soundtrack is available at ldsces.org. Click on Seminary at the top left, go to the downloads tab. You will find PDF sheet music listed there for all the Seminary Soundtracks. Mastery scriptures and other neat stuff also available.

- reader of many things commenter on few

Question #41547 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Animals

Comments

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board and Mike Vick the Convict,

In response to Board Question #41428, I have actually heard quite differently. In my family of origin, we have had two cats for quite a while. They have both spent every single night outside for years (minus the pound for one night). Once, while giving them their yearly rabies shots, we asked the nice guy from the Humane Society if there were any adverse effects of doing this. He said that as long as they went out on a very regular basis, there was nothing detrimental to the cat's health or well-being, because their fur would grow or fall off to accommodate for it without any effort on the part of the cats. Hope that helps!

- Scallion #1

Question #41479 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Food & Drink

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

What does the Lithuanian Zeppelini tase like? And is it possible to eat one without vomiting?

- Action Man

A: Dear Action Man(!)-

Having never tried one myself, and being unaware of any Lithuanian restaurants or natives about, I turned to my friend the InterWeb.

-This guy found the "lard-filled dumplings filled with grisly [sic, unless he truly found it horrifying, rather than gristly] mincemeat" not so appetizing, even implying vomit.

-These people "rather liked it," and even answered your first question by saying it tasted like zongzi.

-Another blogger says it was "quite good."

So, there you go. Google's first couple blog results give you a 2-to-1 vote in favor. Next time you get a chance, eat up. Who knows when you'll get to try it again?

-Foreman

Question #41478 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Relationships - Friends

Relationships - Roommates

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

My roommate has a long distance relationship. His girlfriend is in town this next week. What's the most embarrassing thing I can do when she's around?

- Desperately in need of attention.

A: Dear desperate,

Don't shut the door when you go to the bathroom.

Ask her strange personal questions like if she prefers tampons or pads (hope that's not inappropriate...it's late).

When you are introduced exclaim, "Oh! You're the girl he keeps talking about in his sleep. You must be a really good kisser!"

- steen

A: Dear Needy,

-Sit on your roommate's lap frequently and make it look like ya'll are very close roommates.

-Hang out with them the entire time. Make sure that they have no privacy. Invite yourself on dates, outings, to lunch with them, or to anywhere else they might be going.

-Be extremely flirty with the girlfriend. Make comments like, "Holy smokes! This is the perfect girl for us!" or you could say, "Isn't our girl amazing!" It doesn't sound as awkward now, but if you make it sound like she is your roommate's as well as your girlfriend then after a while it will get really weird.

-When she shows up, look extremely distraught. Loudly exclaim, "But what about Rebecca!?! Are you are just going to cast her aside like that or are you going to keep her dangling on a string for you?" Then laugh hysterically.

~Krishna

A: Dear,

Greet her with a worrying and matronly enthusiasm.

"I'm so glad you're here! I was so worried. But you're safe? Everything is good? How was your trip? Are you hungry? Can I get you something? You can put your stuff down here. John's told me so much about you. Are you tired? Do you need a nap? I've planned out some things we can do while you're here, but they're only suggestions. We can do whatever you want. I just ran into some old family albums of John's the other day, and there are some of the most adorable pictures in there! Come and see! Are you sure you wouldn't like something to eat? Or to take a rest? Don't worry about us, we don't need a thing. We're just here for you. How are your classes? How is your family? How is your relationship? Are you two pretty serious? Let me give you some advice on marriage. On the job market. On finances. On what to read and what languages to learn. On hobbies to have and which political affiliations to develop. On life in general. Here, I've cross-stitched you a helpful reminder of the 6 "B"s, with those extra three on individual bookmarks. Would you like a jacket? It's cold out. Let me turn on some more lights. I could really fix you something. Soup? Salad? Sandwich? Pizza? Anything? It's really no trouble. At least a glass of juice, then? A piece of fruit?"

Or, of course, you could just be wildly and obviously more right for your roommate's girlfriend than your roommate is. Turn up the charisma, and work on being perfect in every way that matters to her. Then don't actually do anything about it when she shows up. Just make sure it's really obvious, yet be perfectly gentlemanly.

-songs of inexperience

A: Dear Desperately

Wear your pants on your head, build a couch cushion fort and refuse to leave it as long as she's in the room, spit wad her, recite the Declaration of Independence in Klingon, smell her wrists frequently, use eighties slang, fling fish sticks at him and scream, "You know why you deserve the fish sticks!", turn on the music to Cats (the Andrew Lloyd Weber musical, not the recently reformed Board writer) and crawl around the apartment like a cat singing the lyrics at the top of your voice while periodically stopping to lick yourself (note: I've seen this done, quite possibly the funniest thing I've ever seen), when she arrives audibly whisper to your roommate "Is she the other one you've been talking about?", come running out in spandex and a cape then tell your roommate that he needs to go change because the emergency signal just went off, come out of the bathroom with a towel around your waist and a washcloth in hand and tell him its time for the hard to reach spots, when she comes in look at her creepily and say, "Good. Dinner's here.", bring a goat out and ask her to hold the head tightly so it doesn't squirm during the ritual, ask her if you can braid her hair and paint her toenails, try to sit in between them all night, grow muttonchops, ask her how much she weighs, explain to her how you and your roommate have made a goal to watch the complete works of Rob Schneider in alphabetical order and she's just in time for Deuce Bigalow, pants your roommate, pants yourself, come out a half hour after she gets there and say, "Oh she's still here, you must not have told her yet", tell her that since you and your roommate have been identified by the border crossing your funds have been dwindling but you'd be willing to give her a big cut of the profits if she goes to pick up some packages from Tijuana, keep pointing a magic wand at her and say "Stupefy" then mutter angrily at the wand when she doesn't pass out, offer her gobs of peanut butter and glasses of vinegar, ask her if she's ok that her boyfriend converted to druidism, ask if she can smell cigarette smoke in the apartment and explain that you and your roommate worked really hard to air the place out before she got there, come running into the apartment in a panic turn off the lights and tell everyone to stay away from the windows, answer every question with a more personal question, make screeching sounds every time she speaks, pet your roommate's head.

-Humble Master

Question #41477 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Relationships - Marriage

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I think in a quest to be more resonable about love, I have become too resonable. I am in a relationship and a proposal is imminent. Being so resonable about the idea of love I think I may have let this get too far. When I think about my boyfriend I feel no strong feelings. When I think about marrying him I feel--that he would be a good father, that I could always respect him, and that I could be happy if I resolved to be. I feel like I have put my emotions aside and that I am just being completely logical about our relationship.

I know that if I married him that I would care for him more than I do myself. I would cherish him, and follow him. I also know that there would be no honeymoon phase of our relationship. That the way I feel about him now must only be able to grow into something more. How wrong is this? Am I cheating myself and him of something more, of something greater than this? What are your opinions? Do I need to feel giddy or excited to love him enough to marry him?

- tired

A: Dear tired,

You didn't say anywhere in your question whether or not you wanted to marry him. So, let me tell you a little story:

Once upon a time there was a very practical young lady. At various times, she became involved with several young men who, in turn, wanted to marry her. Many of these young men would have made wonderful husbands, and the young woman would not have done ill to marry any of them. Each of these young men, in turn, expressed an interest in marrying her, and invited her to pray about the decision.

The thing is, though, that when considering the situations, the young woman realized that she didn't want to pray about the situation, and, in fact, wasn't sure she wanted to marry any of them. She didn't not want to marry them, specifically; she just not feel any real desire to marry them. So she broke off the relationships and left the country for a few months.

Several years later, the young woman dated someone else, and after a somewhat tumultuous courtship, realized that she actually wanted to marry him. She didn't expressly think about what kind of person he was (he was a wonderful person) or what kind of husband and father he would be (he was destined to be a great husband and father) or indeed whether she loved him (she did, very much) - those were things she had already taken into consideration when she decided to date him. From a very stoic, logical perspective, she just knew she wanted to marry him, much like someone knows that they want to take a walk or eat french fries or watch a movie - only stronger, and more lasting.

So, they got engaged, and then married and the young lady was happier than she ever imagined she could be. And still is.

So, I guess the moral of the story is that, with all your practicality, remember that it is impractical to be married to someone you don't want to be married to. It doesn't matter if he fits some formula; you should want to be married to him.

If you'd like to talk more about it, feel free to email me at theboardcleaninglady at gmail.com.

Sincerely,

The Cleaning Lady

A: Dear,

As a practical girl myself, I can understand the worry that all the fun and romance and spark would fall by the wayside. Thing is, I think they're important, at least a little. I'd like to be excited about it, and unless I miss my guess, most guys would probably like to marry someone excited to start a life together. I know I'd like to marry someone excited to be marrying me.

I may occasionally mourn the death of the arranged marriage simply because the current trend seems to be that people think they'll find their perfect complement, and then live a good life with a no-work relationship, and I don't think that's true. An arranged marriage sounds like something that needs a lot of work, and if people enter into a marriage knowing that, I'd guess they'd be a little more willing to roll up their sleeves and put in some effort. I'm guessing you know that a marriage isn't all pastels and pretty birds and fairytale castles, and you've got a good idea of the solid, no-nonsense things that will be useful.

But the enduring reason I don't really support arranged marriages is that there's not a lot of room for picking someone you really feel compatible with, someone you'd like to start a life with. I think Cleaning Lady hit it right on the head. If the idea of marrying him isn't something that really appeals to you, don't do it. If, when you get right down to it, you do want to marry him, (and you don't just want to marry his father skills and respectability,) then go ahead and do so.

-songs of inexperience

Question #41476 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

LDS - Doctrine

Board - Writers

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

If this isn't too inappropriate, are any of you not from Ephraim? I've never met or heard of a person who wasn't from Ephraim, Manasseh, or Judah (but the latter two are so rare, it'd be cool to hear if you were!)

- An Ephraimite, myself

A: Dear Ephraimite:

I don't think that's an inappropriate question, given the format of the Board. In a Biology class, that's another matter. (Yes, it's happened to me. Ugh.)

Sorry to be boring, I guess, but I, too, am from Ephraim.

---Portia

A: Dear Ephraimite,

It looks like we're either all from Ephraim, or not interested in volunteering the information if we're not.

- Katya

Question #41473 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

BYU-I/Rexburg Community

BYU - Student Life

Q:

Hello 100 hour board!!

I am a student that is coming up as a freshmen to The Y or to The I in about 28ish weeks. But my wonderful older sister attends Idaho & says that whenever she visits The Y, she feels that she is at a meat market. & at Idaho, it is "not like that." She also says that "it is super stressful at The Y." But isn't college supposed to be stressful? Aren't you supposed to work hard?

But then, my friend Missy*[name changed to protect the innocent] is at her first year at The I & the first thing her very first professor said was "Welcome to BYU I DO!"

Why should I go to The Y?
Why should I go to The I?

What is the percentage of students getting married at both schools?

Thank You!

-Arienette

A: Dear Arienette,

Well, it's a bit tricky to find statistics for the number of students that get married, but it's much easier to find the numbers for the students that are married. According to BYU-Idaho's Official Enrollment Statistics, 26% of students are married. And according to BYU's Demographics...26% are married. Interesting. I've heard people go back and forth on this, with some diehard BYU-Idaho fans arguing that your odds of getting married there are much higher. Now I can tell them there isn't any significant difference.

For the rest of your question, Dragon Lady nicely summed up arguments for and against each school in Board Question #34742.

—Laser Jock

Question #41472 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

BYU - Clubs

BYU - Student Life

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

My brothers and I were talking about our Scottish Clan (Lamont for any who're curious), and I was wondering, is there an equivalent of that in BYU or BYUI? And do you all have a day when you get to wear your tartan and play bagpipes in your classes (that would fun for the professor!) to Gather the Clans?

-Laird of Brigadoon

A: Dear Bairn,

Is there an equivalent of what at BYU(-I)? A clan? A club? Scottish people, generally?

Yes, there are people of Scottish descent at BYU. (A search of "Mc*" and "Mac*" in the student directory returned around 900 hits.) No, BYU(-I) does not have its own clan. No, there is currently no Scottish Club at BYU.

If you'd like to remedy the latter situation, see here for information on starting a Scottish Club at BYU, and may you and your fellow Scots celebrate Tartan Day in style.

- Katya

Question #41469 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Computers

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I hope this isn't considered a computer problem question because I'm really desperate! I took a few videos on my digital camera, and they look fine when I watch them on my camera, but when I put them on my computer (as .mov quicktime files) they are totally black and you can't see anything. Is there any way to increase the exposure so I can see what's going on in them on the computer? I know you can do it with pictures, so is there a way to do it with videos, too?

- Drucilda

A: Dear Drucilda,

Sorry, but this is pretty much the prototypical computer support question. The problem is that there are just so many possible things that could be going wrong; it's nearly impossible for us to correctly diagnose the problem. (Is Quicktime installed on your computer? Did the files transfer correctly? Is there audio but no video, or is the file entirely blank? Does the black video seem to be the correct length? Is your monitor's brightness somehow turned down?)

And even once we've diagnosed the problem, the solution is going to depend largely on your particular configuration. (What kind of camera? Windows, OS X, or Linux? Do you need a hardware-specific driver in order to correctly transfer the files? Do you need a certain codec? And if you just want to increase the exposure without actually fixing the root problem, what software do you have available?)

Sorry, but as anyone who works with computers can tell you, it is very difficult to diagnose and solve a computer problem without being physically present at the computer. You wouldn't trust your health to a doctor who wanted to make all diagnoses by remote, hand-written letter. Your computer is no different.

-Yellow

Question #41468 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Relationships - Family

Computers - Internet (general)

Religion

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

So serious question here. I am pretty much sure my brother looks at bad stuff on the internet. Like bad. Anways, the history of it all is he had a hard time growing up. He kinda fell away from the church and went his own way. This past spring he came back and went through the temple. But this summer I saw the search terms used on youtube.com and such. Only him and I use that computer, ever. So its not me...so ya. Also, whenever I would come home earlier then he thought,he would get mad if I walked into the computer room without knocking first. Basically, its a pretty sure thing. So I figured I could let it go and let him work it out. Its his sin ya know? Anways, now he's engaged to a wonderful good girl. They are getting married in the temple this month. I just am worried about if he has an addiction how it could effect her, him, and their future family. Should I be worried about this? or just let it go and hope he works it out.

-Mary

A: Dear,

I agree with your first conclusion--it's his problem, let him work it out. If he's come back and made himself temple worthy, he's probably been in close communication with his bishop, and even if he's had a relapse, he knows where to go to get help. I expect his bishop has also counseled with him on how his battle with his addiction can work within a marriage. I'd guess his fiancee's got a good idea of what's going on.

Yes, pornography is a terrible and heartbreaking problem, and it can have a huge effect on a whole family. I don't mean to downplay the seriousness of the situation. But I do feel strongly that it's not the sister's duty to ensure the happiness of her brother's future family. You'll have enough to worry enough with your own life. Be there for support if he asks for it, but until he does, let it be a matter between him, his wife, and the Lord. No one wants their dirty laundry hung out for everyone to see, and most people prefer to work out their shortcomings a little more privately. I say just let it go and hopes he works it out. You can't live his life for him, and make all good choices, you have to let him do it himself, even when he sometimes screws up.

If you're still worried, I'd recommend you chat with your bishop, yourself. He'll have better advice for you than we will, and it's nice to hear things from a more authoritative source.

-songs of inexperience

Question #41466 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Relationships - Dating

Questions about Girls

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I'd like to address one of my many problems with this next question. I have two female friends, and I am torn between the two. One is very good looking, but isn't my type (personality-wise), and the other has an amazing personality (just my kinda girl), but isn't all that attractive.

So my question is this: At what point do I start lowering my standards in girls?

Because let's be honest here, I have yet to find a girl that is both, hot AND my type (intelligent, independent, good sense of humor, and a little rebellious). It seems as if I'm stuck with one or the other.

- Hodag

A: Look Hotdog,

You're going to have to find a girl that meets both of those qualifications. Don't mess with some girls' heads by dating them if it isn't going to work out. You already know that you aren't attracted physically and the other mentally. So stop pausing at these girls who you know it isn't going to work with and just keep on looking.

-The Cheeky Chickie

A: Methinks the gentleman is shallow too much.

-Queen Gertrude

A: Dear Thinks He's Hot Stuff:

Let's be honest here: human beings have a lot more worth than the points on your scorecard, and I hope both these girls find better guys to date than you.

Dark Chocolate

A: Dear Hodag,

The real question is not at what point you start lowering your standards in girls, but at what point they will lower their standards enough to date you.

Besides, people always become more attractive to you as you give them a chance and consider the possibility of a relationship with them. If you just rule girls out all the time, it's going to be pretty hard for that to ever happen.

Quandary

A: Dear,

Aww, there are a lot of angry writers, there. I'm sorry. I agree with the basic facts, though--don't date either girl. There are plenty of people out there who could work for you. Just because you haven't found one yet doesn't mean they aren't out there. And you'll need someone that you find attractive inside and out--you'd be doing a disservice to them and to yourself by feeling like you only got half of what you wanted.

There are things you can settle in, but physical attraction and compatibility are two things you should have, in my book. Hold out for that. And make sure you're not stringing these girls along. Let them both go, and go meet some new people.

Because let's be honest here, the world is full of lots of people, and there are lots of hot girls who are intelligent, independant, have a good sense of humor, and are a little rebellious. Heck, I bet there are even ones out there looking for someone like you. Trying to convince me that the no one in the whole female sex can be both attractive and have a personality just won't work. I already know it's a lie. Either you're bitter right now and have abandoned all reason, or you don't know many girls. So go meet lots of new girls. You won't like them all, but I promise, you'll like some. And if you're lucky, you'll find one that likes you back sooner rather than later.

But sooner or later, I bet it will work out. Don't worry so much.

-songs of inexperience

Question #41463 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Employment

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

So I want to learn how to fix bikes. What's the best way to do that? I've got a book about bike maintenance, and I've read a lot of stuff on the Internet...but I think I really just need somebody to show me a few things, and I'll be all set. Any suggestions?

-Mrs. Fix-It

A: Dear Mrs. ~

Get a job at a bike shop. Or, ask if you can apprentice there and work for no charge.

~ Dragon Lady

Question #41432 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

Food & Drink

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Where can I get the best oysters in Provo?

-Never tried them, but wants a good first impression

A: Dear Never,

I did a Google search for "oyster Provo" and came up with but one restaurant: Magelby's Grill & Oyster Bar, 4801 N University Ave, Unit 110.

My personal recommendation? If you're really interested in having a fantastic first oyster experience, wait until you are somewhere coastal - not Provo.

Sincerely,

The Cleaning Lady

Question #41266 posted on 12/14/2007 3:01 a.m.

LDS - Doctrine

LDS - General Conference

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I hear lots of people say that General Conference is only opinion, not scripture, unless they say "thus saith the Lord." I disagree. I have found that the scriptures themselves (especially the Book of Mormon) appear to be a compilation of sermons and journal entries, with very few "thus saith the
Lords." I think that we should accept, pending confirmation from the Holy Ghost, of course, the words spoken in General Conference as scripture.

What do you think? (I am seeking your opinions on the subject, not a definitive statement by which I should live)

- Pray for Gillian Gibbons! She needs it!

A: Dear Gillian's Friend:

First, what exactly does "thus saith the Lord" mean? From the FARMS website:

"Messenger Formula—"Thus saith the Lord" (found thirty-nine times in the Book of Mormon, e.g., 1 Nephi 20:17; Mosiah 3:24; Alma 8:17). Samuel twice used the expression, "therefore, thus saith the Lord" (Helaman 13:8, 11). The formula introduces oracular language, and hence is often found at the beginning of a pericope or section. Either God or a prophet is the speaker of the messenger formula. Its purpose is to indicate the origin and authority of the revelation."

Here are some statements of others from the Bloggernacle for your consideration, coupled with my thoughts.

From Times & Seasons:

Wade, playing the devil's advocate: "After all, I haveń’t heard too many 'thus saith the Lord' statements lately-couldń’t one assume that all modern day workings are just 'policy' and therefore okay to disagree with?"

I don't think people who draw a line between practice and policy are claiming that they need a "thus saith the Lord" to believe something is the will of the Lord.

Curtis: "Whether a thing a prophet states is a revelation from the Lord or not, I think it is entirely up in the air unless the person receiving the revelation states that it is from the Lord. Everything else is opinion. If Pres. Hinckley says, 'thus saith the Lord' I could be convinced. Other than that, what comes from the Lord and what comes from his own opinion are pretty much up for grabs."

Okay, maybe not.

From By Common Consent:

Jeffrey Gilliam: "The voice of the Lord would seem, under some versions of the expansion theory, to be concepts given from the Lord to Joseph́’s mind and then given in his voice. This would certianly seem to challenge the thesis that those 'thus saith the Lord' passages are really God́’s actual words. This reminds me of the passage in D&C 1:24."

Here is the scripture, for reference: "Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding."

I think this is an important point to remember. Commandments ultimately come from God, but they are put through the filter of our individual understanding.

Geoff J.: "'Thus saith the Lord' is just verbiage to me. Slapping a 'thus saith the Lord' in front of a revelation does not make it more true or more reliable and omitting the 'thus saith the Lord' does not make it more suspect. The revelation either reflects God́’s opinion and truth or it doesń’t — regardless of the language used. Our responsibility to receive personal revelation (Ã la Nephí’s example) on it is paramount. Í’ve also argued in several places that it is that personal revelation that changes us anyway — not Joseph́’s or any other prophet́’s revelations."

I like the bolded statement. "Thus saith the Lord," of its own accord, can neither prove nor disprove the veracity of a revelation.

It's a scripture mastery, but true, nevertheless: "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (D&C 1:38).

I think mandating that those exact words come from our prophets and apostles is awfully prescriptivist and nit-picky to the point of ignoring the content of their message.

Our leaders definitely do testify that they have the authority to tell us the mind of the Lord: "If you are discouraged, if you are puzzled, if you are seeking for greater light, greater joy and happiness, investigate these revealed truths. Find out for yourself. Come and listen to a prophet́’s voice. I bear you my sacred witness that God lives, that Jesus Christ is his living Son—our Savior, our Lord, our king. I testify to you that Jesus Christ now speaks to the inhabitants of this world in this day and age through living prophets. I testify that true apostles and prophets now live who can and do say, 'Thus saith the Lord!'" ("Thus Saith the Lord," Elder Theodore M. Burton, Ensign, December 1971.)

If that's not a pretty clear indicator that both General Conference and our own inspiration include true revelation, I don't know what is. You are on the right track in your thinking. Keep up the good work.

---Portia

A: Dear Pray-er,

President Ezra Taft Benson declared in a 1980 BYU Devotional Address that "The prophet does not have to say "Thus saith the Lord" to give us scripture."

Of course, at the time he was "only" the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and since furthermore he didn't preface his statement with a "Thus saith the Lord", I'm sure that some out there will question it anyway.

Personally, I agree with you. We sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. While it is important to receive our own spiritual confirmation of their words, I think it's a bit hypocritical to assume a "Guilty (of not being true revelation) until proven innocent" attitude toward their words.

-Yellow