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Now, it's to the far left. That works much better. Thanks.

She had an extremely strong relationship with Lucy Mack Smith.

Emma never denied her testimony of the church or the Book of Mormon. I believe the relationship between her and Brigham was strained. Most of that had to do with her husband is now dead and all the debt is hanging over her head. She lost her husband and some children and her Mother in law was practically an invalid. Would not make sense for her to go west. She had too much she would had to of left behind. Her son Joseph Smith III did not care for Brigham at all.

I think it is pretty clear that Emma has a testimony of Joseph's calling as a prophet. She didn't have one of Brigham Young, but why would she need to develop that while Joseph was alive? Brigham wasn't one at that time. At the time everyone else was developing their testimony of Brigham as the leader she was undergoing a profound personal lost and trauma. I think the Lord will look mercifully on her because of that

There is an interesting relationship with Emma in the Church. I'm inclined to agree with you that it's hard to look at history and not see some sort of falling away, but there are also much that is admirable. It showcases, I think, the need to look at historical figures, and people in general, as more than just "bad" or "good", that admirable people can otherwise fall short to some degree, and those who might be qualified as less than admirable can otherwise be admirable in some respects.

Okay...I know Emma bashing is taboo it our current culture of Mormon-dom, so I'll be careful (sort of). Per "Whatever decisions she made after her beloved Joseph died, she never lost her testimony of the church and the divine restoration of it." Whereas there is obvious truth to parts of this statement, I think it needs to be qualified a bit. I'm not entirely sure that Emma had a testimony that the church as led by Brigham Young remained as the "true" church, this somewhat, perhaps, being supported by the support she threw behind the Reorganized church. To be fair, this may have been simple misunderstanding on her part, rather than evidence of testimony focus, but....well....there it is. Regardless, if I decided to leave the LDS church and go join the Community of Christ instead, I think it might be valid to say I lost my testimony of the church. Even if I claimed to believe that both churches were just as true as the other, that still falls into the category of loss of testimony at some level, imo. We are hardly as forgiving of others who went and joined or started other branches of LDS based groups. Whereas it would be fairly valid in their cases to also say that they never lost a testimony of Joseph Smith's divine mission and/or the early church, in determining that the current church was not the proper path to continue down, they still undoubtedly lost their testimonies at some level. I want to be clear, lest someone accuse me of something unfairly, I am not contending, nor do I believe one way or another, that Emma lost her salvation or became wicked or something. That is between Emma and God. But I do believe that we should look at Emma's later life as an example of what not to do, rather than some shining example of steadfastness.

I can answer that, somewhat. From an LDS woman's standpoint, I see that the basic unit of organization for God is the family unit. From the Garden of Eden on, God has always established his order based in the family unit. It will be the same in the next life. Whatever my husband has, if he and I both make it to the Celestial Kingdom, will be mine too. We will share those burdens and I will help him with his roles and he with mine. This is the basic unit of organization with God. The basic unit of organization is not the individual. Satan wanted that. He wanted to be recognized in and of himself without anybody else to attribute his glory to. He couldn't stand the idea of saying that his glory was given to him by someone else. Exaltation itself is based in that family unit. The pathway to exaltation would not deviate from that or provide opportunity to receive all the blessings in some secondary fashion. Why is the family unit the basic unit of organization for God? that is a question for another thread.

I had good girl syndrom even though i am a guy lol But i believe god made me understand in a way that i wouldnt live again. And a lot of good books and therapists in the church can help you understand what is wrong or right. Also theres a lot of scriptures that i dindnt even know about it. I believe the adversary is not only using bad stuff to make us confused but also he uses good stuff that we think its bad cause of our lack of understanding. When i was young i had a bishop myself that i believe didnt understand the way of the lord on that subject.That got me lost and i got the good girl syndrom. But today he understands more.He told me last week lol. Our children and ourselves need to be taught on the topic. And there are good people working in the field out there. Would be great to have conference on the subject at church for the class of relationship and get a professional invited. A professionnal with same believes as we have. 2 books and a therapist helped me a lot (im not doing advertisement- just trying to hep out others that have the same issues i got): - And they were not ashamed - Laura m. Brotherson - sensible sex And dr Jones Its just funny to see that it happens, as told in a thread before, in evry religion or believes

Our computers would be our biggest luxury. Every person in our household has their own laptop. Granted, most of the computers were not new when purchased, but used ones that my husband reconditioned. We would all have withdrawals if our computers were taken away. I have to admit, it isn't the computer so much, but access to the internet that would bring me withdrawals. To me, every modern day convenience I have, I consider a luxury. I love my mixer, refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, toaster, griddle, toilets, showers/tubs, clean running water, soap/shampoo, food from the grocery store, internet, rototiller, pickup/car, ready made clothing, towels, quilts/blankets, etc.

I have to agree with Traveler! The way I see weaknesses is the way that the prophet's and church leaders and my own pondering / observations has lead me to believe. Weaknesses are to be overcome here and that is the testing of our spirits. I feel that is why there are three degrees of Glory and outer darkness. Those that are valiant and become strong by overcoming temptation make the Celestial realm. I really believe that your character is put to the test in this world in order to have eternal laws and ordinances up held in the next. Imagine giving all the powers of the universe and exaltation to someone who could not overcome addictions. This could really throw a spanner in God's works, especially between good and evil. Look how easily led Lucifer was because he was prideful and he only had a spirit body. He was still able to convince 1/3 of all our spirit brothers and sisters to follow him. Just imagine what harm an exalted addicted weak person could do if they were led astray after gaining exaltation??? This is why I know that evil and unclean spirits are about trying to tempt and possess those of us that are weak and addicted. Once addictions become compulsions it is almost impossible to get rid of them because of the unclean and evil spirit component of the addiction. I know that these evil and unclean spirits do not want us to become strong and valiant and receive exaltation. In the Celestial Kingdom we live off Celestial fruit and vegetables to stay exalted (Journal of Discourses). I do know that we have corrupted food, water, air, drugs, Governments, people etc here on the earth. However as LDS we should also have the spirit of discernment to know what is going on around us good and evil. Or at least we should be striving for it.

I wonder why I am not the only one with this problem

In my opinion ......yes I think he was. Way too many questions. Not sure what he was looking for by continuosly asking for more details. Everyone is caught up in the questions he was supposedly asking.....I was more concerned about the experimenting of drugs.

Councilors are not allowed to talk worthiness issues with anyone. They are suppose to stop interview and get the Bishop involved. If you interview a youth or Sister the door should always be unlocked and with a youth the door could be cracked open. You always want someone sitting outside the door while interviewing a youth or sister. Bishops attend what's called Bishops training and there should learn about interviewing and etc. Sometimes the church physiologist will come around and answer questions during this time. You can also call them anytime on phone and they will help you with situations. I have a brother who is not a member of church but is a physiologist and I would bounce things off him for his opinion. I had a member who was not active in church for many years. She came back into full activity and eventually approached me and said we need to talk. She stated to me that she did lots of things that were not right and needed to get them off her chest. I said where do we start. She said I have done it all from A- Z. I did not ask any questions in regards to what she just said. I did ask how are you living your life now? She stated I am doing good and it feels great to be back. I said we love you and welcome back ....now let's move forward and assured her that Heavenly Father was pleased and happy with her. If a youth told me they had broken the law of charity I would ask....how bad did you break it? Meaning were you petting or did you go much further. I don't want to know details I want to know how serious or what lines were crossed. I would also ask if the other person was a member of our church or someone else. Once I have that info I would talk with youth about what was going to happen next to correct situation etc.. I would be very upset to find out it was all recorded without my knowledge or consent.

Outsider pondering string... 1. What is appropriate in LDS interviews concering the LOC? How many follow-up questions would be appropriate for a spiritual counselor to get a full understanding of what needs to happen? 2. What is the status of the bishop as a counselor? For example, pastors are not licensed counselors or psychologists. We often will have one or more courses in short-term pastoral counseling. Bishops usually would not have even that. So, it is understood going in that they offer spiritual advise based upon the leading of the Holy Spirit, and upon their life experience. That's it. They should be held to the common standards of bishops, not to the professional standards of therapists or counselors or psychologists. 3. As disturbing as some of the questioning may have been, I doubt that a law enforcement investigation will go far. Spiritual leaders have some protection and privacy expectations during confessionals. Granted, this is not a Catholic rite. Nevertheless, it is an established practice in your church. 4. If the interview and temple activity are optional for this age group, and the daughter is angered by it and opposed to it, why press the issue? Attendance at church should be mandatory, but not spiritual work that assumes willingness and devotion. 5. Recording the interview and posting it was a horrific violation against the bishop--whether he was creepy or not. Yet, the daughter, according to the narrative, feels justified. The consequences should be enforced, even if they were not all necessarily what some would recommend. A decision was made. None of the restrictions were abusive. The girl is a teen. If she determines that it was worth then, for her, it was. 6. If there is a feeling among the parents that the bishop was out of line, then talk with him one more time. Then, in accordance with church protocol, report it up the line, and let the counsel of many shed light.

My radar went off when I read the OP. It's currently the "in" thing amongst certain groups to attack the practice of bishops' interviews - and therefore the church - via the internet.

Roller skate Key

Typically, you see the bishop to confess "major" sins. All sins are wrong, but ones that involve the Law of Chastity would require you to see the bishop. I would venture to say that if you are breaking a covenant you have made and need help to get back on the right path, then see the bishop. Someone who accidently drank coffee and immediately repented/learned a lesson wouldn't necessarily need to see the bishop about it. Someone who picked up the coffee habit and has been drinking it for a while and now wants to repent/change course, may need to see the bishop for help to get back on the path. You can also see the bishop for just guidance. He is there to help you--not judge you. Even in a situation where you are confessing, he is there to help, not judge. He can help you to see where you may have veered from the path and gently encourage you to change course or begin habits to help you along your path. Don't be afraid of the bishop. Even the most curmodgeonly of men when they are bishops have an overwhelming love and compassion for the people with whom they work.

It is 96 out with a hot breeze - Hubby is in 7th heaven, I am miserable. Oh, I am on the Central Oregon Coast. Inland from the ocean by 2 miles.

It's funny how different people's experiences are. I absolutely agree with the second -- SUCH a luxury!! Though at this stage of life for me, I think I'd prefer the luxury of being able to hire a professional organizer to help me get my entire house in order, because then it would be much easier to clean. The first, though...for me, luxury is eating out once a month. I definitely agree. I stay home with my kids, but it's not just because I can. My husband works and earns enough to support our family, but barely. With debt we are paying off, and exorbitant local taxes, we're barely living paycheck to paycheck. (I guess that's not entirely accurate...we're tucking away for a family vacation, but we have nothing leftover for small luxuries -- "good" ice cream, or going out to dinner, or a new skirt, just because, etc.) In some ways, being a stay at home parent doesn't feel like a luxury. It's stressful, financially. But if I were to go to work, we wouldn't be any better off in that department, because we'd have to pay for childcare.

Collect calling.

For a very un-diplomatic take on the situation: What you call privilege is just me being better than you.

If it isn't water, food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and arguably transportation, it's a luxury.

I think he's asking why women can't pass the sacrament. After all, the deacon hands it off to them all the time.

Not to mention the effects of depression and other mental health conditions. It's not so simple for all of us to just "choose" to be happy.