Sir Network

Preface:

I am LDS and I am looking for LDS answers. Please do not answer only to condemn LDS doctrine, as that would not be a valid answer to my question. Non-LDS answers are great if you have sources and are not contentious in nature. Now, the question:

I've heard many times that there are "relatives looking down from Heaven on you and waiting for their ordinances"

I know that there are people in the spirit world waiting for sealings and baptisms, but do you believe that they are actually able to watch us or see glimpses of our current lives from the spirit world? Any and all quotes, scripture, articles, or talks on this subject would be welcome, as this is an area that I need to read a lot more about.

I know that temple-worthy LDS abstain from tea, coffee, and alcohol, but how much thought is given to the rest of D&C 89 past verse 11?

And it is pleasing unto me that (meats) should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.

It's looks clear that God has told us to be simple vegetarians unless we are faced with the inability to get herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Farmers would keep animals to slaughter in late winter when food stores ran out to avoid starvation. How many of us are gripped in starvation in mid-winter in today's economy?

Another comment from a former latter-day saint:

"A while ago I was at a party and I met... a sociologist who had done his PhD work in the eating habits of North Americans. We were sitting together... when it came up that I came from a Mormon background. He said "yeah, Mormons, they eat A LOT of sugar." Mormons, he explained, have some of the worst eating habits of people anywhere. They're better off for laying off the cigarettes and the liquor, but they act as if that gives them free rein to eat sugar and fat without consequence. Thus, you have people with healthy kidneys and lungs but horrible hearts."

When it comes to diet, are we focused enough on God's will to do beyond what is the bare minimum for temple entry?

I mostly use Ad-Aware 2007 and Spybot S&D 1.5 I sometimes use A-Squared.

Are there other good free ones that you would recommend and what are your opinions of the ones I list?

Just wondering if any places mentioned in the Book of Mormon have been found in the Middle East or the Americas.

I read somewhere that some Christians believe that Christ was the last prophet, which is new to me. Whether you believe this or not, please list scripture to support your stance.

Any Windows font over 72 pt. that can be downloaded for free. Thanks for your time!

Followers of Christ say that salvation comes by grace through faith in God. However, faith is a principle based on action, and many churches believe that works are evidences of commitment to your faith. James even states that "faith without works is dead".

Salvation clearly comes by the grace of God through our faith, but what role does our work to build God's kingdom on earth play in that?

In answer to a prayer about a friend's health, I was expressly guided by the Spirit to believe that I should abstain from food for an extended period of time, possibly 4-7 days.

What's the longest you've fasted?

Has anyone else experienced a Spirit-voiced call to fast?

I know it is in the New Testament, and I think it is one of the Epistles. Anyone?

Hometown was Kansas City, MO; is listed at boxrec.com; full name is Vincent Kyle Gambill; died of colon cancer in the early 1950's; served in WW2; fought Kid Gavilan in Havana, Cuba