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Honestly, I had a similar experience in my conversion to the church. I went to Wednesday mutuals with friends, attended church services on Sundays with friends. I was asked if I wanted to go to youth conference, and I said sure. Our stake rotates through and goes to the local (read: I live in Missouri) church history sites every four years, and we happened to go to Independence, Far West, Adam-Ohndi-Ahman, and Liberty on this conference. At the end, we went to a church building for a testimony meeting. I listened to a lot of what was said by others and near the end of the hour, I had this strong feeling that I wanted to get up and say something. It wasn't a testimony that followed the typical format, but I expressed my happiness at being invited and how I loved the kindness and acceptance that the other youth had shown to me over the weekend. I said that I could see the light that they shared with others and I wished I had something like that in my life. At that point, was I converted? In some ways, yes. I started the discussions with the missionaries shortly after. But in many ways, my expression was no more than a desire to come closer to Christ. And in the end, isn't that what we all want and need, to come closer to Christ? If that conversion comes through our experiences in LDS settings or while discussing gospel values with friends of other faiths, does that lessen the conversion? If this girl has expressed that she is "born again," maybe she's just expressing that she feels closer to her Savior, not a desire to leave the Latter-day Saint community.

For those without callings, they can make their own "callings". Visit the shut ins. Go out with the missionaries. Do family history. Mow the lawns of the families they home teach. Share the gospel online. Volunteer to help the Scout troop.

Your response seems rather hostile. The girl went to Colleens church, what do you think would be preached? LDS Doctrine? OP stated asked if they should reach out to the parents since the teen was showing interest, which is the perfect thing to do and one that the LDS church would suggest for minors.

Only because it unconstitutionally arrogated that authority to itself in 1803. Ever since Marbury v. Madison, people have been waiting with bated breath, fearing the day when the Supreme Court would grab the brass ring it gave itself and effectively end Constitutional rule and declare itself the ruling oligarchy by "interpreting" the Constitution in brazenly false ways so as to establish all law from the bench. And that is exactly what has happened. Unless you truly believe that the intent of the 14th Amendment's "equal protection" claused, passed in the mid-1800s, was intended to create and foster homosexual "marriage". Welcome to 21st century America, which is certainly not a democracy. And that is not merely Vort's ranting. Antonin Scalia, the most intelligent and most honest of the Supreme Court justices, sees it that way.

I agree with DHK on a lot of things pertaining to laws . . .I'm a libertarian; yet I am completely disgusted by the ruling. I don't believe government should have a part in marriages only in contracts. The part that really is frightening is that sexual orientation is becoming a protected class (which we shouldn't have-but that's another story). Being part of a protected class enforces a particular set of moral codes. By going down the path of homosexual being a protected class it will enforce the morality that homosexuality is morally good. That is the real danger; as one will be punished for selectively choosing whether to bake a cake or take photographs, etc the underlying moral current is that one is a horrible immoral individual for not baking a cake for not taking a photograph. Thus homosexuality becomes good because any public real display of dissent is stamped out.

Just found this in someone's facebook post: Some Advice on Same Sex Marriage for us Church Leaders from a Canadian: http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/06/some-advice-on-same-sex-marriage-for-us-church-leaders-from-a-canadian/

I recently posted this on Facebook as a note: Okay people, let's add some rationality here. I'm going to look at this ruling on two levels: legal and moral. On a legal level, why shouldn't same-sex couples be allowed the same rights and privileges as heterosexual married couples? I cannot think of any good reason why they shouldn't, except if those reasons are rooted in someone's moral viewpoint. Now, let's look at morals. My Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, has a document called The Articles of Faith - a summary of our beliefs. The 11th states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng Do we, as LDS, really believe that? On a moral/religious level, we can view same-sex relations as a form of idol worship, pleasing themselves rather than pleasing God... but that's really how WE may choose to look at it - on the outside looking in. (This was essentially what Neal A. Maxwell was saying back in 1978 when he talked about irreligion becoming the state religion. https://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/02/a-more-determined-discipleship?lang=eng) We don't condone it, but who are we to tell others how to live... or even to make the Government enforce our belief on the ways we should live? What this ruling really caused... was the end of the Government and laws of the land being a source of moral living. Perhaps that's a good thing? I suppose that's a 'Libertarian' way to view the role of Government. Of course, even Joseph Smith Jr. said "We teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves." My concern at this point... is will the rights of churches to worship and practice as they see fit will be respected and upheld in court. As we know, anyone can sue anyone for any reason. Churches will be sued for discriminatory practices. (BTW, churches are all about discriminatory practices, as long as they are about worthiness and living according to one's own religious code of conduct.) However, in a court of law, will these courts side with churches to allow them to practice according to our own conscience? Or will our 1st amendment rights be infringed upon and penalized? I do believe in The Family: A Proclamation To The World. (https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng) As a faithful LDS member, we sought to defend the definition of what constitutes a family because of our beliefs of pre-mortal, purpose of mortal life, and the future destiny of the family in the here-after. According to our understanding, same-sex marriages don't fit into God's plan. So, for my believing friends - regardless of denomination - I remind you of what our job is. Our job is to be an example of the believers and simply invite others to come unto Christ. We love and respect others, yet we are to vote our conscious when we are called to do so. This is why I often talk about the "LGBT Political Movement" and not mention individuals or people specifically. I am concerned about the "LGBT Political Movement" as I see the next step being to attack churches that don't accept their chosen lifestyle (lifestyle, not necessarily orientation as everyone should be welcome in God's house). (http://www.mormonsandgays.org/) Voltare said, "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." Is free speech really that different from choosing how we want to live? Do we want Government oppressing anyone from the liberty of choosing how they choose to live? For me, I don't want Government interference in how I choose to live my life. The higher the level of Government interference, the more that we are slaves to that Government, and then such liberty is truly lost for each of us to pursue our own definition of happiness. As LDS and Christians, we are concerned about the overall declining morals of the United States. However, we cannot turn to the Government to "make it better". We can vote for different leaders, but it's time that we stop depending on the Government to enforce morality. That's not Government's job, and I don't think it ever should be. That's our job as the Faithful... to invite others to repent and choose to follow Christ, to live as He would have us live. However, as far as I know, Christ has never FORCED anyone to follow Him and His ways. Let us follow that example.

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/top-church-leaders-counsel-members-after-supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-decision

I have served as Elders Quorum President for just over five years and will be released this Sunday. I am happy......and sad all at the same time. I taught Gospel Doctrine a couple times lately and lot's of folks told the Bishop how much they enjoyed my lessons. I jokingly told my wife that I would be released soon and called as GD teacher....well, sort of jokingly. I had the feeling that it was going to happen. Sunday, our Bishop asked how I felt about being called as.....Gospel Doctrine teacher. I of course said, whatever the Lord would have me do Bishop. As I ponder my stewardship of the EQ....I am feeling kinda blue thinking about being released. Anyone else feel that way after being released from a long time calling?

Did you know that if you receive a private message that you find offensive that you can report it just like regular posts? So if you receive one, please please report it so that we have a record of it and can discuss it as a moderating team.

Government is not a solution. The righteousness of individuals is the solution. Change must come from within... not from outside sources imposing their will on another person. If we want the change to come about in this nation... it's up to us to invite others to come unto Christ, repent, and live as He would have us live. Expecting an external source to force a mandate upon its citizens - no matter how righteous or good was intended, to "compel righteousness"... wouldn't that look a lot like Satan's plan? No, we cannot rely on Satan's methods to make other people good. They must have their own change of heart.

I had a companion on my mission who had trouble focusing (girlfriend problems back home) so I taught him how to meditate. Just basic breathing techniques, but it helped a lot. I have a Buddhist background. It's disappointing how much truth is in Buddhism that Latter-day Saints fail (or refuse) to recognize. The value of meditation is one of these truths.

I was EQP for just over five years as well. I was always told it was a 5 year calling. So after 5 years of trying to make something of the EQ, when I was released I was so happy that I didn't have the burden, but was sad because I was far from perfect and had recognized many many things I should have been doing differently but never corrected them. The bishop had told me that I was leaving it in much better condition than what I received it in, but I still felt guilty over not doing many things better. That only lasted a few weeks though, since I was called into the bishopric shortly after. I didn't have any time to think about it.

Government can, perhaps, do little to promote social morality, but it can do much to undermine it. See, e.g., 1 Samuel 8 (and the remaining history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah); Mosiah 11:2; Mosiah 29:9.

I disagree anatress: Unity is not everything or everybody thinking or acting the same - I see unity as differences coming together to make a whole complete - one adding what the other may have misses, overlooked or lacked in talent. I always read you comments even when I am not interested in the topic. There are sever others on the forum that I likewise check out the latest they have to say. But I wanted you to know that whenever you and I disagree - I always feel I have come away with something I would have otherwise missed. I value a different view point especially someone like you. I have assumed that you have also been added upon through our discussions. I believe, now as I think about it - perhaps my greatest error is not acknowledging better the points you add that I have missed -- But when I understand enough to agree I tend to say little to nothing but when there is something to learn - I tend to ask more questions to insure I really understand what I have missed. I am always confused when someone says my questions indicate arrogance to them -- so I do not know how to continue a dialog - but with you - I always feel I can ask and get an honest answer and a view I can trust though it is different than mine.

You missed my point. My point was to stop putting hope in GOVERNMENT to fix individual morality.

I appreciate the balance between tolerance and acceptance being struck here. I just got done teaching Elder's quorum the lesson about how prophets don't always do things that make them popular or loved - glad to see a living example of it.

Two years ago, the SCOTUS shot down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), because marriage was in the sole domain of the States. Now we have the same 5 judges telling us that marriage is suddenly an issue of the federal government. Time to reduce government, and get them out of the relationship business entirely.

DHK, it's good to see you posting here. Hope all is well with you and yours. :)

The beauty of cash is, then they can get anything they want. To suit their own taste. And pay for what they have to pay for with the wedding and all. dc

You could always attend EQ. Just as older bethren who are not HP attend HP. We have some younger HP'sthat attend EQ quite often.

The odd things is I was the Gospel Doctrine teacher before I was called as EQP.

Three sounds about right to me. I have been through (3) Bishops and (3) HP Group leaders.

Could you and a few other attendees get together and hire another photographer, and then present them with another wedding album sometime after the wedding, perhaps with notes and comments from you and your friends written on the backs of the photos. Given that the photographer would only be like a back up or unofficial photographer, you probably wouldn't need to get someone too expensive. You could instruct the photographer to hunt out all the candid moments when people are not expecting to be photographed, and therefor look most like their natural selves. (Do people still do hard copy photos and photo albums for weddings?)

We are back home in Missouri now. After that trip I need to visit Nauvoo now. Lol!!!

Statement from First Presidency

YES! YES, MONEY! This happened when I got married. I had lived in my own home for 15 years, so I had everything we needed. But, cash was VERY welcome. I purposely didn't register hoping we'd get cash.

I was briefly happy about other things until your grammar made my brain hurt.

It was so hot outside I was afraid they would melt, so I dressed down for the day.

Hey everyone! I found this forum just a few days ago. I've always enjoyed online discussions because I love to learn from others' perspectives (easier for me when I can go back and reread what I and others have said). Anyway, I decided I'd see if I could find an lds-based forum to have discussions in more of a gospel context than you usually find online. So one google search later, here I am! Let's see, about me... I'm probably younger than most on this forum. I just finished serving a mission a couple months ago and will be starting college in fall. I grew up as a member. I'm a big reader, and a lifelong fan of the scriptures, as you might have guessed from my avatar. The 'application' part of scripture study has always been a bit more challenging, but I'm trying! I don't claim to know much, but I'll probably put in my two cents here anyway. I'm excited to learn from all of your perspectives and insights! Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Not a movie, but I finally got caught up with the third season of "Longmire" on Netflix. Very highly recommend. And we watched "Woman in Gold" again last night from iTunes. I'm a WWII and art history and Tatiana Maslany nut, but it was just as great on second viewing, nevermind my biases.

Yes, but after watching the end credits, I finally understand cats.

That's just silly. Why would the dinosaurs be wearing her high heels? It's not even likely they'd fit.

Please don't exaggerate. Last time I counted it was only 195 times.

Stephen O. Smoot reviews the new Institute Manual on Church History, which includes Plural marriage, and many other issues of interest. It also has a section on handling one's doubts. Smoot's article can be read here at the MormonInterpreter. Teacher's manual is online here.

Some of us have worked hard over the years to inoculate the members, especially the youth. I know I've spent countless hours over the past 15 years editing and writing articles for FAIR, More Good Foundation, MillennialStar, and my own blog, trying to bring the Church to light, and bringing its more difficult historical and doctrinal issues to light in a faithful manner. I am so very pleased to see the Church handle many of these things in an official manner, and to actively use those materials to help the next generation deal with questions and doubts in a positive and faithful way.

The best course of action is to avoid them. Don't get involved with them as much as possible. If it's truly a sociopath they can and will cause problems even if you try and extract yourself from the situation later.

This really fits here:

Having been involved in this discussion in a few formats, here's the bottom line that I see: This policy of women not holding the priesthood does not exclude anyone from entering the Celestial Kingdom, as we understand the Plan of Salvation. As far as I can tell, the only reason that people cannot enter the Celestial Kingdom is in personal worthiness as we now understand. Even those with same-sex attraction, while they must not act on their attraction, they can still partake of all the ordinances, live worthily, and enter the Celestial Kingdom. If they don't have a spouse that they married in the temple, they are promised that they will have a worthy spouse in the next life. Unless there are any policies, procedures, or doctrines that unfairly target anyone from attaining the highest blessings that have been revealed... I think we're okay.