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My advice to you is: Go to the temple and do a session. Then go through it again. Then do it again. You are being given gifts in the temple, which is why it is called an "endowment". But these gifts are not light, fluffy things. They are meaty, substantial, and very sacred things. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: The more familiar you get with the endowment, the less strange and bizarre-seeming it will be. The presentation will stop being so troubling, and instead you will begin to see the rock-solid realities that lie beyond the symbols. I don't know why some people react so badly to the temple. I have never understood that. I found the endowment both interesting and engaging from the very beginning, and the endowment presentation I first experienced was undoubtedly "stranger" than yours. Yet it seemed not at all troubling or disturbing, or at least no more than any other highly symbolic presentation. But my older brother reacted quite negatively to it the first time. (Today, he loves going to the temple and finds it inspiring and profoundly moving.) One of my sons, who is much like me in personality and thought, also found the endowment presentation strange and a bit disturbing. I have no explanation for such things, and can only shake my head in wonder at the severely varied reactions people first have to the endowment presentation. tl;dr takeaway: You are not the first to feel that way, nor will you be the last. But rest assured of two things: First, not everyone has that same reaction; second, if you continue to go to the temple with sincerity of heart, the strangeness will pass and you will begin to see past the formalities of the presentation and start to grasp the amazing and beautiful promised realities behind them.

Iggy, I can't agree. Current Church teachings make it crystal clear that "hot drinks" refers to coffee and (tea leaf) tea, whatever the temperature. Individual exceptions might possibly be approved by a bishop or stake president, but in general that's the standard. As a general rule, iced coffee and iced tea, even decaffeinated versions, are prohibited by the Church's interpretation of Section 89.

I don't have a specific scripture and perhaps my logic is flawed, but even before I was instructed in our temples, I knew that Heavenly Father loves not one kind of tree, bush, bird, or rock but lots of different kinds. When I saw that the atonement was extended to all mankind, I looked at mankind and saw that mankind is made up of many different races and cultures and that each person is unique and special. I've even heard that we don't even share the same talents and that each of us also has different challenges in this life. I think Heavenly Father must like all different kinds of things. I don't think he wants us all being exactly the same. I know I like different things and if there was only one kind of tree or bird or fish I would be bored out of my mind. It's the same with People. I always liked this quote by C.S. Lewis There is something in me that doesn't like the idea of being anybody else. I think our individuality is a good thing and something in me tells me our personality goes way way back even before this life. I don't think I'm the only one who enjoys how diverse our the leaders of our Church. All these righteous men and women who are vastly different in looks and personality. They look similar (no beards, same hairstyle, corporate business attire) but when they speak their differences in humor, temperament, experience, education all come out. I don't think it's part of Heavenly Father's plan to give up the things that make us individuals and special. It goes against everything I believe.

I honestly thought your username was about all races of man being the same (homogeneous, the same, homo the evolutionary class we belong to)

If someone told you that loving another is a sin, clearly they were wrong. We are to love all others, as Christ loves us. Engaging in sexual liaison with them, on the other hand, destroys the spirit of God within you. It is solemn mockery of God's greatest gifts to us, and must be avoided at all costs. Sex must be engaged in only with your opposite-sex spouse to whom you are legally and lawfully married.

he's avoiding political correctness?

Maybe it's saying that WE shouldn't use "many words". As the Lord said during his mortal ministry, we should use "yea, yea, nay, nay", and what comes of more than this is sin. Too often in all our talking, we talk around the central point. It's common in forums such as this to see discussion where the very meaning of divine words is turned on its head, which is mockery of God's words. Or perhaps it means that GOD will not give "many words" of public revelation by his own voice to us. Since the death of Joseph Smith, the total amount of divine revelation given the world in the first person consists of Section 136. (I think; maybe I'm forgetting something.) Divine revelation will never cease, but I have little doubt that if we were more righteous and took the word of God much more seriously, we would be receiving more of it, personally and as a people, and perhaps even first-person revelation such as Joseph Smith received and published.

If the legalities for getting her back into the country really require you two to divorce (and I think you should talk to an immigration lawyer before you take that step), then you need to plan to remarry ASAP; you should talk to your bishop about where this leaves your sealing; and from a cohabitation/sex standpoint I agree with Vort-you should consider yourselves unmarried in the interim. People--including, I believe, at least one apostle--have been excommunicated for using their sealings to justify an ongoing sexual relationship in the absence of a legal marriage.

Sorry, this situation sounds strange. It feels like major details are missing from your explanation. You have allowed this to go on for years? If my wife couldn't be with me in America I would move to Mexico within a matter of months.

We humans sometimes regard all unfamiliar things as scary or bad. When I was in the Air Force, I met many people who were constantly moving from base to base over the course of their careers. They'd stay a few years at one base and then move to some other completely different base, often in another part of the world. You may be surprised to hear this, but Air Force bases are quite different from each other, or at least they were when I served. Very, very different. There was a very well-known psychological effect that kicked in when people moved to a new base. They hated it instantly and could only see the strange and unfamiliar and negative aspects of it, and they quickly came to regard their previous base as some sort of paradise. There was even a little slogan or proverb that encapsulated this idea, but I forget what it was. To put it another way, suppose a Martian came to Earth and decided to study Judaism, Catholicism, and Mormonism. The Martian would discover that Jews cut off parts of a boy's private parts soon after birth, that the Catholics eat the body and drink the blood of their God, and that the Mormons go to temples and make promises to God. If the Martian raised his eyebrows (all 3 of them) over any of this, it probably wouldn't be over Mormonism. We humans don't regard circumcision or the Eucharist as strange or evil, but to a first-time visitor they might seem very scary. I have not been through the temple, but I know something about it (from approved sources) and am prepared to accept it more as a work of guiding art than as a mathematical equation. Metaphor and mystery are sometimes the most direct paths to God. And maybe "conditioning" is too strong a word. I read somewhere that the temple ceremonies were created for uneducated rural people of the 19th century who learned better from drama, repetition, and ritual. Who knows, if the Prophet had revealed the endowment in the Internet age, it might have looked very different indeed.

Not frowned upon at all; just need to keep it in proper perspective. Unfortunately, this isn't a proper venue to explore your concerns here in-depth; but I'd second the advice to discuss your concerns with a bishop or other trusted friend who has been through the temple rite. Because frankly, becoming like Jesus and ultimately being returned to His and the Father's presence after demonstrating obedience, sacrifice, holiness, chastity, and consecration, is (in my view) the entire point of the LDS temple endowment. Also, a hint: The power of the creation tale as told in the temple is in its allegory, not its historocity. Indeed, there are specific parts of the "temple drama" that, per our doctrinal interpretations, cannot have happened (at least, not the way they are shown in the temple). The Church will not spoon-feed you the meanings and applications within that allegory--you have to wrestle with them yourself. Temple learning doesn't come because you watch the video again and again and again. It comes through individual revelations that you receive as you ponder--and occasionally wrestle with--specific elements of the temple rite and try to develop a paradigm with which to approach and interpret it. I won't tell you that you should just bite the bullet and go back to the temple, again and again, until you start "feeling it". Nor will I tell you that you should serve a mission in your present state of doubt. But I will tell you that you might want to consider that there may be additional layers to the temple rite that you're missing, but that provide deep insight and spiritual strength to other members. What you want to do with that information, is your own business. But, here's an example: Archaeological digs at Megiddo have yielded what appear to be long-handled incense spoons, dating to the period of the first Jewish Temple. The exterior of these spoons are adorned with carvings of human hands . . . in cupping shape. (Pics . . . look at the first three pics of the second row--these are from other sites in ancient Israel.) Whatever you decide to do--I sincerely wish you the best of luck. It's hard to have a family expecting things you don't think you can deliver . . .

About 2 years ago I had this same conversation with my wife. The only difference is that we have no kids, but I do have a child from a previous marriage. My wife was deeply concerned that I would want out of the marriage because of her new beliefs. This is what I said: "I didn't marry you because you were a Mormon. I married you because of who you are. The church was just one of many things we had in common." Do I feel sad when attending by myself? Sure, who wouldn't. But if anything, her faith crisis has brought us closer together. We talk about church things all the time. We have dissagreements, like anyone would, but we respect each others freedom to choose what they believe. Glad to hear that you are commited to each other.

Words do not seal a person to another. All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, not made, entered into, and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise are of no efficacy or force after the resurrection (see D&C 132:7). A person who has civilly divorced another has not entered into the covenant and so the Holy Spirit cannot ratify that sealing. A covenant not honored is a covenant broken. Now, is the opportunity still open at some future time before the resurrection for the couple to make good on their promise? I believe so. But they must abide the Lord's law of marriage in very deed or they will find themselves separate and alone and will remain singly without exaltation through all eternity.

If a divorced couple is sealed together, sexual liaison between them is still considered adultery. They will face Church discipline for such, and if they do not repent, may be excommunicated.

D&C 63:58 "For this is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days." What do we think it means that it is not a day of many words? How does that tie into it being a day of warning and that God will not be mocked? I thought there could be some interesting discussion around this.

I think it is, in a sense. But there is another side to it. I have a close and beloved relative who was recently paralyzed and is now learning to live as a quadriplegic. I have prayed daily for his complete recovery, and will continue to do so, with hope for the realization of my prayers and faith that it will happen in God's time. But I also must acknowledge that my relative may well be paralyzed for the rest of his life. I don't want that, and I sometimes feel that if I had developed sufficient faith, I could somehow heal him with that faith. But whether that's true or false, the possibility (even probability) of a lifetime of severe paralysis is front and center. Some life trials can be healed. Others we are expected to endure for a time, even for the rest of our lives, if necessary. I believe that anatess is suggesting that, in many cases, homosexual inclinations are the latter type of trial. From what I have seen, I tend to agree.

There is undeniably a Mormon sub-culture in parts of Arizona, Utah, and Idaho that does subconsciously push this homogenous was of acting. When I lived in Idaho for my undergrad, that culture made me downright livid. I remember standing in my apartment parking lot, looking up, and the SAME movie playing on TEN different televisions. Argh!!! "Mr. Darcey, Mr. Darcey"-- if I never hear one more word of Jane Austin in my life, then I shall die happy. In many ways I become a social pariah because of things as silly as not liking Jane Austin, dating, or wearing high-heals. And yeah that kind of sucked (a lot actually). And then the solution hit me like a bag of bricks: those Jane Austin lovers-- forget them!! Just forget them. If a person is going to be so silly as to ignore me because I like different movies, then why should I care? I can get my education, worship the Lord, and do everything else without worrying about other people sinning by judging me for it. My relationship with the Lord is individual. And there is far more than one way to be a Mormon. And totally forget about those high heels in Rexburg winter!!! There IS diversity in Mormon people! That homogenous attitude Mormonville culture wears- it's nothing more than a mask. And I feel that Mormon leaders and people are coming to ditch the mask and embrace their diversity. Just in the last 3 months speakers at General Conference are talking in many languages, and the "Meet the Mormons" movie downright celebrates diversity. * Disclaimer: I mean no offense to anyone in Arizona, Utah, or Idaho. And there are many exceptions to the general-culture rule.

You do not need opinions - talk to your bishop or if necessary your Stake President.

More valid? No. More important? Mmmmm...probably not, at least in the sense that the most important revelations we receive are always private revelations. But in another sense, yes, perhaps more important. Why are so many of the revelations Joseph Smith received given in the first person -- that is, with God speaking directly? Is it merely a stylistic point, or is there something more substantial behind it? I think the latter. When God is building his kingdom anew, it seems he gives such direction through his prophet in the first person. Even Brigham Young, who did not consider himself any sort of equal to Joseph Smith, gave the revelation in Section 136 in the first person, speaking directly for God. My supposition is that if we as a Church were more righteous and quicker to live up to our covenants, we might well be building Zion in a more dramatic way, something that might well include God speaking in the first person again. But this is all just supposition, an idea given as a possible answer to your question of what God meant when he said "not a day of many words". I assume this possible answer is at best a partial answer, if not outright incorrect. But it's there for your consideration.

You missing allot here Anatess. The Priesthood robes I wear are no different the the robes worn by our living Prophet when he is in the temple. They are worn as a symbol of promise of the covenants I've made not symbols of station or attainments or levels of intelligence. This is the very thing that Satan wants us to focus on, power and worldly acquisition. Study and meditation in the Temple can help us identify and see thru Satan's counterfeits. His Priesthoods are vastly different then the actual Priesthood. Academia is the means we attain "Higher Education" (lol) in this life, it's corrupt, inefficient and a mess and thankfully it's days are numbered as Heavenly Father will provide incorruptible, pure ways to attain knowledge going forward.

You are only saying this because your borrowed brain has it all wrong. :)

It is my belief that we are not assigned to a kingdom - I kind of go along with C. S. Lewis in his book "The Great Divorce". That is that people are where they are because that is what they want more than anything else. I do not believe in a G-d that abandons souls in Hell that are begging and pleading for mercy and deliverance. I have sinned sufficiently to realize that what I thought would be okay or fun for a moment was mistake. My G-d is merciful and kind and always gives the option to repent of and be rid of sins. It is my understanding that the only ones that get to enjoy their sin for eternity are those that love such sins more than repentance and being rid of them. For those that choose not to be Celestial, I do have difficulty understanding why they are such but I do respect their right to agency to make that choice and see no reason to think or believe I ought to change that choice for them - I believe that to be Satan's failed plan.

Another good series is the Michael Vey books by Richard Paul Evans. I think they are fantastic. And yet another series i love is the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan.

I'll leave this thread with this caution from a pretty smart guy whom I've had the pleasure of meeting personally. He goes on to explain what makes the robes of Academia different than the robes of the Priesthood is precisely what is wrong with them—they are worldly, opulent, apostate symbols, outwardly proclaiming stations, attainments, or degrees which neither rightly profess the inward intelligence of their wearers nor their attainment of any true light or skill of merit. a counterfeit for Priesthood?...seems like one of our greatest Academics agrees.

Hi Dahlia, The best stuff I have found is called Guayusa. It tastes great, not grassy or bitter. I purchase the 1 pound bags from Runa on Amazon and use a teas etc. travel mug to drink it. Basically I put a heaping spoonful of looseleaf into the mug poor in hot water put the filter lid on and drink it. I've tried Yerba Mate and it gives me nervous energy and it's bitter. Guayusa is a similar plant (both related to Holly) found in the Amazon. It's been used by native tribes for hundreds of years. It's caffeine content is supposedly higher, but it's energy release is super smooth. Almost too smooth, because you just don't notice it. It's really that smooth. It's more like you just don't get sleepy rather then have this big boost of energy. I have major energy problems and even took Modafinil for a while. That stuff was so bad it was almost comical. I've never experienced side effects from any medication before, until I took that and it was like plugging my anxiety into an amplifier and then sprinkling it with paranoia. I'm pretty much done with that. I usually have Guayusa twice during my work day then at night I have a sugarfree rockstar or monster. I know those can't be good, but it beats any wakefulness medication I've tried.

I've never heard this nor do I believe it. I think we should teach about other faiths, from a perspective of faith (i.e. as a Catholic would teach). It is important for us to understand other's faith. It is instrumental in us effectively teaching our faith. I know I might have critics who would rightly say it is only important to teach the truth and the Spirit converts, but it is also important to not offend people of faith or unintentionally sound critical of them. Slightly off topic of the temple rights topic, I know, but I generally agree with the other comments. The definition of 'brainwashing' includes the component of "force", and that may be why some felt it offensive to be suggested they were brainwashed. The Endowment does not have the element of force, but for an uninformed, or unprepared young person to walk in and not feel empowered to walk out, they may feel they were forced (as I believe carter_kun expressed).

Lol!

Carter_Kun, this is going to sound crazy but--- I’m so happy this is happening to you!!!! Not the pain and confusion part, but fact that you’re learning to examine theology and faith and stand on your own spiritual two feet! Yes, the confusion sucks, but it’ll pass (just like teenage acne ). Questioning is not evil—far from it! The Savior Himself said “Knock and it shall be opened unto you”. Joseph Smith asked questions. Missionaries quote James, asking people to pray and ask God whom gives to all men liberally. As to looking at other religions, go ahead (in my opinion). I believe that there is beauty and truth in all faiths, precisely because God gives wisdom liberally to those that seek it (even if they come from a Buddhist background). When you do go look at religions (including LDS) I would have a few suggestions: 1) Go with a question and search the answer. Otherwise you run the risk of constantly being rabbit-trailed and ending up with 500 half-investigated ideas. 2) Study each line upon line: take ideas apart and look at them analytically and with faith. 3) Judge the quality of the ideas presented and not how cute the presenter it. 4) Always pray and keep the Savior in your heart. I would take the time to search for faith yourself. Search the scriptures, pray, take time to study. Ask questions to God, others, and yourself. I feel this will make you a stronger missionary and person in the long run, even if it means delaying your formal mission a few months. *Edit: Point 5) Like an idea and having it be true are two different things. Point 6) Just because an idea seems unfamiliar doesn't mean it's wrong or right.

I will try to explain from some insight to my past. I was raised in a good home by goodly parents. Like Nephi my father accumulated a great deal of wealth - But unlike Lehi it was not in gold and silver but in real estate. The need for money was not a big priority for me. When I returned from my mission I started a business, drove a nifty sports car (57 Triumph - paid for), lived at home and went to BYU (which was 2 blocks from my child hood home). In many ways I was poor and had difficulties adjusting to life after loosing several friends in Vietnam that I served with in the military prior to my mission. In short I was angry. A native American companion I had during my mission convinced me to find my spiritual roots in what he called a "Dream Quest". I walked away from "civilization" into the wilderness to live on only what G-d would provide. I took with me a rope and an knife. It took a couple of weeks but I finely learned how truly rich it is to be a son of G-d on such an abundant planet. The earth shared with me great riches to grant my every need. Not so much my wants but all my needs and then some to spare. If I needed water - I was given water. If I needed food - I was given food to sustain me and not once did the food make me sick. But when I returned and tried to adjust again to the food of "civilization"; I got very sick. One of my interesting experiences when I finely walked out of the desert of southern Utah - I walked to the Saint George temple and in rags that had not been washed or changed for 40 days - I laid on the grass of the temple grounds and was amazed at the sense of smell I had. I closed my eyes and could smell the different kinds of grass around me as well as the separate trees and flowers. A temple security person approached me and was one of the first persons I talked to following my 40 days in the wilderness - He smelled like a cow - most likely from the milk he drank and I could still smell his breakfast on his breath. We do not own houses, cars or even the shirt on our back - These things are all on loan to us while we live our mortal lives. I honestly believe most live and die never realizing their riches and the great abundances that is ours. Those 40 days have given me many things - one of the greatest things is in understanding riches are not owned - if we try to own riches they will in slave and own us. Riches is not in owning but in appreciating and thankfulness. Like the old song said - "We don't know what we've got til it gone." My most valued assets that make me rich in every way are not liquid by the world's standards and their value is in keeping and caring - not in trading for money or bartering for things.

Really? Teaching and learning (the ingraining of knowledge) is what you consider brainwashing? I cannot think of a way to respond to this that isn't mean...so I'll just drop it. But it is an offensive term. It's condescending and flippant concerning things that are highly personal and highly sacred to a great many people, including me.

is it? I didn't find it offensive, sounds like one persons opinion which I am in favor of talking about if it merits discussion. Going to the temple is just another step in the indoctrination process, (some will interpret this or take it the wrong way I say it as a statement of fact and as one who is fully indoctrinated) which if you are BIC starts very early. In response to the OP there is no shame in declining to go on your mission or putting it off until your testimony is stronger, and no shame in letting your leaders know about your experience and seeking help and further understanding about the covenants made and the obligations that are now expected of you as an endowed member.

I was raised predominantly by my grandparents in the TV shows I watched, and many of them were older programs, like The Jeffersons, the Carol Burnett Show, and other classic sitcoms. Although some of these shows might not be laugh-out-loud funny to my generation, I highly encourage you to show your kids them sometimes. While all of them have a certain level of cleanliness on terms of humor, and language, they will also provide your child with understanding different types of humor, and being able to laugh at different things than the ridiculously stupid stuff they show on television these days. Those things should not be discarded of course, but it's good to expose your kids to make them well-rounded, more sharp, and be able to look back and forward. This doesn't mean you should show your kid 100% old television, but including these into your routine will give your kid the opportunity to grow. The television, especially in realms of comedy, are in important tool in today's society, for the shows we watch somewhat influence what we laugh at, how we see the human race, and otherwise.

Thank you everyone for the post. I do plan on staying on this forum longer than my two current posts, and hope to learn a lot. If I am inclined to eventually convert after soul searching, I understand some of my views are contradictory to the doctrine. That does not mean my views can change. Although I like to think of myself as someone who not only questions certain things, but everything, that does not mean my view cannot change. I am dedicated to my points of view, but I am always open to new ones, which is why I have been doing some soul searching. As mentioned above, there was a sense of urgency. Two reasons for that include that it was 4 AM, and, I do not know why I was up, but I was the other reason is that I am naturally impatient when it comes to improving myself, but I also understand that becoming a good person, or working on anything in general, takes time, and patience is something I am constantly working on. I am searching out the LDS faith simply because I am open to change my ideals, or discover new ones that go hand in hand. One clarification that I'd like to make, is that I do not plan on making my homosexuality a focal point in my search. Although I have mentioned it various times, and included it in my username, I mainly include it to expand your range of advice you folks have to give me, since sometimes being a homosexual in both popular culture, different religious culture, and otherwise are sometimes a contradictory. Whether you believe it is inherited or not, I believe my homosexuality is a part of me, and something I cannot change. Therefore, I want to work on my inner person, behind that label. You are correct, Paul, I did oversee that fact. I could have forgiven that priest, and I have. He is a human being such as I. As I stated, I wrote this post in the very early hours, and my grammar and consistency might have been a little off. My experience in the Catholic church is simply mine, and there are many who have found happiness within it, but the churches, schools, and things I have experienced are unique to my story, in certain ways of course. I think the fear that comes from losing myself isn't so much in the things like drinking coffee; I'd like to say that I can very easily quit coffee. I have done it before, and as my schedule gets busier, and though it is addicting, I go weeks without it, until I decide to treat myself. My fear of losing myself stems from what I saw the LDS culture, and other religions, as producing one singular type of person that differs from no other. This fear changed, as I realized that being a certain doctrine won't change your personality. Of course you will have to change your actions, which might be harder or easier depending on your personality, but many of your responses comfort me in knowing that I will still be the same human being. Albeit a better one, who makes better decisions, but I am who I am, and have the personality I was born with. Thank you everyone for your carefully crafted responses, I really enjoy reading them!

This is an extremely offensive thing to say on an lds forum. It's also ridiculous nonsense.

You seem like a very bright guy. I was reading your story, and I thought "He could really use this insight", and in the very next paragraph was that exact insight. This happened not once, but many times. You've obviously put a lot of high quality thought into this. Hopefully we can add some more fuel to the fire. As you touched on, people are very fallible. Those snobby families at the drive through can be Catholic, Mormon, atheist, or many other things. We all suffer from weakness and have a long history of screw-ups. One of the things *everyone* needs to work on is not judging others in their imperfect actions. You seem to have reflected on this quite a bit already. If you do go to a Mormon church (or anywhere else), I can guarantee you that at least 1 person of the 300 there will be struggling with judging others and will sin by judging you as a person because you're gay. I would ask you to forgive said person for his sin against you, and not let the weakness of that man to keep you from God. Mormonism is founded on the principle of each individual talking to God directly, to get to know Him that way. Bow you heart down, invite Christ into your life, read His words, and listen to what He answers to your prayers. Your relationship with God involves exactly two people: you and God. You're worried about using yourself. I understand that 300% (I've felt the same way). Now, let's take a moment to step back and ask: who are you? Are you defined by by your love of coffee? Of course not! If all the world's coffee were to vanish, you would continue to be the exact same person you've always been. No, you are you! An intrinsically valuable human being, not defined by any actions-- in fact you would be just as valuable if you suddenly went into a coma and could do nothing the rest of your life. So, if your worth doesn't come from your deeds, where does it come from? You are a child of God!! That's where your value comes from!!! The Master of the Universe, the Creator of all: you're His SON!!! I'm not talking about being "adopted" by God because you've been a good boy, no-- you are His SON because you are of His spiritual flesh and blood-- an offspring of His own nature!! The heart that beats, the mind that thinks, the will to choose, the soul that loves: you are HIS SON!! The Father has loved your for eons before you ever came to this world, a love deeper than you could ever comprehend. His love, your value, goes far beyond mortal understanding. Please, come to the Father, and let Him tell you how much He loves you. It's not because of any actions He loves you. Now, that being said He does want you to do good things: just like any earthly father would want you to do good things . He wants you to be safe, to be close to him, to love those around you, and to grow into the best person you can be. Because of that yes, He does ask us some things: like don't kill anyone . Somethings just make a better world for all of God's children. And yes, Mormons will put "don't drink coffee" on the list of things you shouldn't do cause they're bad for you. But remember, God doesn't define your worth on coffee consumption, instead it's a recommendation to help you grow to be a better person. It's just like my friend who's working on anger-management: her temper doesn't define her worth, but mastering it will enable her to be a much better person, and more like the God she's loves so much. She's learning to define herself not by her actions (i.e. yelling), but to define herself a beautiful beloved daughter of God. On a side note: if you haven't already, I'd recommend checking out the official stance of the Mormon church on gays at http://mormonsandgays.org.

Sure you shouldn't seek it out, but it certainly does not rise to a "I need to see the Bishop to confess" status. Not for what the OP has described. Let me be clear if you are making this a habit then yes please see your Bishop and get some help. This sounds like a one or two off occurrence aka no biggie Clearly you have not seen the picture in question, You see more nudity on late night TV.

http://en.fairmormon.org/Mormonism_and_polygamy/Brigham_Young_said_that_the_only_men_who_become_gods_are_those_that_practice_polygamy

"Don't touch where the garment covers" is an old rule of thumb to help return missionaries and others set boundaries for premarital physical affection. The idea is that, in addition to the obvious parts, you really shouldn't be rubbing your girlfriend's thighs or massaging her abdomen. As a rule of thumb, it works well enough, but I personally see nothing wrong with giving a gentle backrub. In any case, to answer your question: It is not any sort of established LDS standard. The bishop is unlikely to be asking about backrubs with your girlfriend. But if she's uncomfortable with it, it's probably best avoided. Might be worth exploring whether your girlfriend is merely super-cautious (which is probably good) or whether she is generally uncomfortable with physical contact (which seems to me very bad).

I am sorry for your loss. Look forward to the bright and beautiful future that one day will come, when you are reunited again.

Your post gave me some peace, hope, and good perspective. I am feeling much better today. Thank you for your prayers and thoughtful comments.

Let's be honest, that picture doesn't show much more than an average shampoo commercial

i believe the recent BG is the prequel to the old BG... And think I'm bona have to take DC cartoons off my list.

I have often thought about wealth and if it would change me. I wonder how many of us would be able to stay spiritually strong and not become complacent or conceded upon receiving " riches, honor, glory and power" poured out on us. I dare say that I would rather take my chances at being in humble circumstances than the burden of the promise. But that's me taking the easy route. Be rich enough, be good enough... I knew a person that wanted to become rich and promised the Lord that if he would bless him with this, he would help as many people as he could. He was an honest man and already helped the poor and needy as much as he could. He would donate his time freely. He wondered why he would not be blessed with his desires if it was righteous and pure. He has asked this for many many years and is still in the same circumstances. He has worked hard in his self employment and tried even to start up more business ventures. I think about him and wonder the same thing. Maybe the Lord is watching out for his soul. That he would change for worse if he were to receive his desires.

I'm not quite sure what exactly you are eating, but I hope it tastes and doesn't have too much to do with a bowling ball filled with bacon. Bad gift: intolerable headaches Good gift: pharmaceuticals like painkilling tablets

This is pretty Manichean, but it does seem to be true for many cases, doesn't it? What is the Satanic counterfeit of the gift of tongues? IRS regulations?

We are all takers, ungrateful and entitled before the Lord.

I can't speak to mainline Christianity; but my read of Hebrews 11 is that the answer to your question is "no".

Good question. All I can say is that I hope to personally not find out! :) lol

Here, it's HGTV or Curious George. My fav is Curious George Seriously though, Curious George is awesome. I'm not joking. I've caught myself watching it while my kid already snuck off and was playing minecraft on the computer.