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Sorry about that. I try to get my wife to stop. I holler out, "Don't look Ethel --" but it was too late.

you can receive revelation anywhere. the temple helps us to focus on the sacred, but revelation isn't confined to the temple.

I don't know all the answers. I've read the Book of Mormon about 1.5 times. I listen to more LDS music and read more about Church history and Joseph Smith than I do the BOM. I can't cite chapter and verse of the Bible the way some people at church can. What I do during many of my lessons is turn it around to the class - 'You tell me about ...' 'I think this means X, but are there other interpretations I'm not aware of?' 'Tell me about some people from the BOM who embody this characteristic.' That way, there is discussion, and they have to think about what they know and how to tell it to someone who doesn't know a lot (tell it to me like I'm a 10 yr old). We have a number of recent and not so recent converts, so while I phrase my questions in terms of 'tell me,' info is also getting out to the other converts in RS. I also bring in quotes from other religions if relevant (I'm often surprised at how little many of the sisters know about other religions) and have talked about civil rights/ethics/religion issues. I didn't mean to go there, but, for example, how do you talk about forgiveness without talking about MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail and discussing how long you 'turn the other check' and when is it appropriate to move on and take action? I'm pretty sure they didn't expect that, but we wound up having a good discussion of women and abuse and 'taking it.' I can tell you now that the lessons from the born Mormons don't get anywhere near topics like this. Some of the lessons 'write themselves,' some make me sit and think and ask you guys stuff and scour the internet to help me understand. It isn't always easy, but I think it's worth the struggle.

I would say, "Don't be sad. This is what Obamacare does to most people." Seriously, I would bear them my testimony. I would tell them that when I get to the other side I will help them as much as I could and as much as they (the family members) would let me. I would tell them if they want to be happy, be humble and obey the prophets.

I disagree. Married in the temple, not married in the temple but are a couple, or unmarried but are an exclusive couple - if one partner engages in romantic kissing, sex, or otherwise activity that should be reserved for your significant other - is cheating, that's my opinion on it. OP should be very careful and proceed with open eyes, whatever she chooses to do.

Almost forgot this one from the weekend; there was a swing dance class that I visited, and ran into another LDS who was apparently doing a bit of flirt-to-convert there. When I was about halfway through the lesson and could almost not trip over my feet for three steps in a row, she said to her date in a stage whisper, "See, it's not that Mormons can't dance, it's just that we shouldn't."

The idea of Spirit-Led Teaching is not a new idea. There is a new emphasis being put on this principle, but it has always been taught that we must teach by the Spirit or not teach at all. The spirit matters most, has been taught since the beginning. I teach Gospel Principles. I love teaching the gospel. I feel comfortable talking about it and teaching it. This next part will come across as boasting but it is not intended to be that, but rather it is just factual. The reason why I feel comfortable talking and teaching about the gospel is because I have spent a lot of time learning the gospel. I have spent a lot of time reading the scriptures, in particular in reading the Book of Mormon. I have spent a lot of time reading Church manuals, materials, etc. I have also spent a lot of time learning about other religions, history, and culture. Because I have filled my head with these things, when I am without sin and the Spirit is with me, the Spirit will draw upon whatever it needs to from my brain so that I can teach and speak that words that the Spirit wants. Sometimes I'm aware of this, other times I am simply saying what I am saying. I take the time to read over the lesson. I make sure that I take the time to listen to how I am feeling that day. Sometimes what I am feeling is not what is in the lesson manual. I ask people in my class at the beginning of each class if they have anything that has been on their mind. I let my class know that I am not just going to talk but that I expect engagement. I tell them that I don't have all of the answers and that I don't know everything there is to know and so I will be asking for input and ideas. I am not afraid of silence. I don't let myself feel awkward. I try to be genuine and real with people. All of these things help me to keep my perspective right so that I don't get distracted from the spirit and start relying on my own strength. -Finrock

If one could not get revelation except at the temple then no one would ever convert. Conversion requires revelations. Now putting yourself somewhere that revelation can flow easily to you, gives you an advantage. For many faithful members the temple is exactly such a place. However it is not exclusively so.

You can talk to your friend in the front row of a rock concert, but it's a lot easier to go someplace quiet.

I've been thinking on this topic and how to phrase things... there is a definite drive in the Mormon church to be recognized as "Christian", but not to be clone of Baptists/Methodists/Catholics. I know no church is a "club", but I'm going to use that as an analogy. It seems to me (correct me if I'm wrong), that non-denominational minded people view a Mormon seeking membership into the "Christian club", it means that they are trying to seek membership into the "non-denominational Christian church". This is obviously distressing because by definition a member of the Mormon denomination fails the non-denominational test. But the Mormons (at least myself) don't want membership in the "non-denominational Christian church". Instead, I just want to be able to hang the "Let's rejoice in Christ as Savior" club without other members trying to invalidate me because I believe in continuing revelation.

I have already started this past year putting my life long spiritual experiences into text documents and storing them in my gmail. I just need to figure out how to get it sent to my wife and kids if I unexpectedly die. Maybe Ill print them out and seal it in a folder in my file cabinet. My written testimony based on real life experiences of the true gospel is the most treasured item I wish for my family to receive because when Im dead and on the other side this will be my only way of helping them to hold on to the iron rod.

*Shrug* Maybe it's a regional/cultural thing. Where I grew up, Bini's and Latter-day Marriage's definitions of "cheating" would have been quite current, even amongst the non-LDS community. I don't think I'd be so quick to give the boyfriend a clean bill of health on the "a" word either, though. I suppose one might argue it's not adultery if there's no actual intercourse (I haven't really thought that one through, and don't care to); but the boyfriend was smoochin' a married woman. I would call that adulterous, even if it doesn't rise to the level of adultery.

When you get engaged, even if you are just boyfriend/girlfriend, the relationship has boundaries and obligations to be loyal to those limits. Not being married just means a different set of boundaries and an easier time ending the relationship. He did betray her, he was disloyal and it was cheating. The outward act was not the same as having sex with somebody else, but in terms of what was in his heart there is very little that is different. Cheating is what happens in the heart far, far more than what happens with the body.

To be clear: The fiance did not "cheat on" his fiancee, because they have no formal covenant. And he did not commit adultery; a kiss is a long way from sex. That said, I agree with the general tenor of the comments. If you were my daughter, I would plead with you to break off the engagement. Of course, what we know of the situation is only what you have told us. We have no other context in which to view these actions, or even to know how accurate your description is. So take everyone's advice here with a large grain of salt.

If you were dying what would be the last thing you would try to tell those you cared about? Looking back at the April Conference addresses, Elder Packer's address was headed, "The end of all activity in the Church is to see that a man and a woman with their children are happy at home, sealed for eternity." Elder Perry's address was headed, "Family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness." Just a short time later they would pass away and the Supreme Court would rule in favor of same sex marriage. How profound and insightful their words seem now. Truly we have prophets in these latter-days.

I've been a member of the LDS church my whole life, and I didn't get an answer the first several times that I asked. Turns out I wasn't ready to hear the answer, because I needed to learn how it was that I myself recognized the Spirit. And it wasn't any of the ways my parents or teachers said that they recognized it. It took me a while to separate my expectations from what I was actually experiencing, and it ultimately started falling into place once I diligently yet humbly making the gospel a part of my every day, moment to moment existence. I don't know if this helps, but I hope you find the answers you're searching for soon. And welcome to the forum!

Even though my hypothesis proved incorrect (that LDS doctrines might lead many to participate in the kind of meditation I associate with Eastern Mysticism), I still discovered that LDS seem much more open to it than I am. While this reality would not necessarily stop me from converting, it certainly would not prompt me in that direction. Besides...there are some here that may fear that if I ever did convert I would stop asking the thought-provoking questions.

My lawn mower is a sulcatta tortoise.. (Translation: We have no lawn left . .. Over-grazed into a dirtscape .)

Next time, ask her if a male OB/GYN knows more than any woman about how PMS feels because of his degree.

This is where I'm coming from. When I hear "Onward Christian Soldiers" I view all who accept the Jesus Christ as our Savior marching under the same banner and fighting against the same enemy. Same thing when it comes to celebrating Christmas (the true meaning). I think we can join and celebrate together. My parents often took us to see the "Singing Christmas Tree" that was put on at the local Non-denominational Christian as one of our holiday traditions. Our common beliefs ought to outweigh or doctrinal differences when it comes to joining together to fight for Family Values and Religious freedom.

There are other quiet places, though. The closest temple is a bit over two hours of fairly stressful driving away, while the peaceful little clearing among the oaks, surrounded by tea roses and mustang grape vines on the back part of mom's place is about ten minutes of back roads and pasture tracks away, and is open all night and on Sundays. Sure, the Spirit may spend more time in the temple, but It seems to like visiting other peaceful places, especially those where the Lord did the decorating Himself.

I am of the firm belief that when one repents that they are forgiven and can be exalted in the Celestial Kingdom if they so covenant. In fact - trying to get to the Celestial Kingdom without repentance - I do not believe is a viable idea. For the record - it is my experience that avoiding any sin is a lot simpler than going through the process of repenting of it. But if anyone has made the mistake of trying to enjoy whatever sin - repentance may not initially seem as fun as the sin - but is well worth the effort.

I get most of my personal revelation at home.

We may all be sitting in the back of the bus before too long.

Hi :) James 1:5-7 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

This very question is addressed in this month’s Ensign in an article taken from a talk given by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at last year’s BYU Women’s Conference. Here is a link to the article: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2015/07/reaping-the-rewards-of-righteousness?lang=eng And here are some quotes from the pertinent section titled “The Reward of Prospering in the Land.” I would encourage you to read at least that particular section of the article. He quotes some scriptures and gives some examples.

I don't know what the point is here. What we are trying to get going. With my limited experience, I see good teachers, very good teachers. And the best. The old guys. Going to southern Utah, these old men have been going over these lessons for years, longer than many have been alive. And they teach from the heart, the memory, but they also have someone read parts of the lesson. It was really the same in both college and law school. My favorites were the old guys. The older the better. In the church, it's all review for almost everyone except the newest. But review from a year or two or three ago. So it's always taking a new look at old ideas. Last Sunday the missionaries, young guys got stuck teaching gospel principles. They were excellent. In depth knowledge and all fresh in their minds. And professionally presented. It may be all different for RS. I have no idea what goes on over there. I had heard we are not SUPPOSED to know what goes on over there. dc

If somebody copies test answers off another student they are cheating, if they deal from the bottom of the deck they are cheating, if they replace regulation footballs with under-inflated ones they are cheating. Cheating means to seek advantage by breaking rules. Relationships have rules and breaking those rules is cheating and it certainly fits into what happened here. I didn't call it adultery because it wasn't that kind of cheating, but it was cheating.

It's common to have special offerings on occasion. Recently, there was a natural disaster, and a special offering was taken to help support emergency relief efforts there (we already had 'boots on the ground'). Also, as with most traditional churches, we take up a regular offering every week. Sermons on tithing come about once every 18 months or so.

Nah; I'm going for a constant repeat of

Donations to churches are not tax deductible in Australia. Only to registered charities which work on charitable work not religious activities. Min 10% of money in a the church I currently attend goes to foreign missions. Separate donation is given for special Christmas present, which generally goes to large project overseas. Also do separate offering once a month for local support of people. We did have a tax exempt for building works that were used for education purposes (eg sunday schools) but this has been recently removed.

JAG, the church I attend is on the small side (roughly 160 in attendance each Sunday). There is a rainy day fund, and we do not often have to make desperate appeals for money. However, monies go to our two paid ministers, and our secretary, to upkeep of the facility, to missionaries we support, to maintaining our food and clothing banks, etc. How losing tax exempt status would effect us, or other church is an open question. The direct hit (property taxes probably) would not be so great. However, sadly, I'm wondering how many would reduce their giving once they realize they could not claim the gifts on their taxes. It should not matter, and maybe it would not. However, most religious organizations have those who are immature, or weak, in their faith. So, again, it's an open question. On the up side, government could no longer intimidate us about political involvement, so the end result might be liberating.

It just takes some time and patience, same as any other change of pace in a families schedule. I actually enjoy summer vacation with my boys, I agree with Anatess that it's a time to just let them be kids and have some fun, get rid of any strict schedules (except for church of course). Don't worry about the house staying clean, or about keeping her occupied every minute of the day. If she gets bored, allow her to figure out what she can do to pass the time on her own, it's good for kids to experience boredom and then think of ways to not be bored. And Anatess, I have 4 boys...a lot more wrestling and fighting, but they tend to figure it out pretty fast

Except my advice - because my advice already contains 20 mg of sodium.

I've come to the conclusion that parenting is a constant mixture of trial-n-error and re-adjustment. I hated the newborn stage, it's the one stage I'm totally not looking forward with round 2, but I'm loving the toddler stage. My daughter is an only child, as of now, and is efficient at keeping herself busy - not mindlessly busy - she gets creative and you can see the wheels turning. But there's days when she needs or wants more attention then I feel able to give at that time, especially, at certain times - like prepping dinner or when I'm in the middle of cleaning, etc.

If I was dying, I'd keep telling my husband and daughter how much I love them, and then I'm sure the dramatic side of me would spill out regrets, and then I'd be reminded by my husband and daughter that life has been good to us - with teary smiles. Which is true!

I've been a stay at home mom to my 6 well...forever, haha! Seriously-we have 6 ages 21(and newly married) 19, 17,15,7 and 2. The biggest thing I have learned is that the dishes will keep, and childhood is a short season. Go easy on yourself and have fun. Yes, housework needs to get done but it can be made fun with little ones. It really can. :) I'd also say to get the little one involved in some (age appropriate) crafts that require some time to do-clay, sewing, loom crafting. Keeps the hands and mind busy. I have been known as the craft mom for years-when things get nuts out comes the clay and glitter and glue, etc.

I really enjoyed the audio book and sometimes listen to it while long-boarding. I highlights that truth, that all of us born to this earth, no matter during what age or what culture, have an inboard compass or instinct that gently point us to the truth if we will but listen. These truths we attain have as much to do with remembering as discovering.

Resurrecting this thread but I am about half way through this book and just have to say so far it is stunning and just what I needed to confirm so much of what I am thinking and feeling.

Dahlia, one thing to remember is that people are called to callings that often scare the picnic basket out of them. The majority of people (not just church, but people in general) are scared to speak in front of an audience. So aside from teaching at church, people are truly frightened of speaking in front of RS, or Sunday School, or in sacrament, etc. There are actual skills to teaching (as you know). But, oftentimes, those are neglected for just the will and courage to get up and talk about gospel subjects. And often, we feel inadequate to talk about a gospel subject because we don't understand it or think we don't know enough, or don't have a testimony of it, and so forth. I don't get much for people just reading out of the manual (hello! I can read it myself!). But, I have to remember that we are all along the path to God, but some are sprinters, others are marathon and some are just turtles.

Worthy: Dealing with the situation in a legal and ethical manner, even though it is very hard. Unworthy: On the run from the law, hiding from creditors, committing fraud, stealing money to stay on top of things, etc. From what I understand, going through the bankruptcy process IS what dealing with the situation looks like. You know what kind of man keeps his head down, and digs himself out of his troubles? The right kind of man. Even if he made mistakes and brought those troubles on himself.

I don't think she will have to worry about any regrets on this one. He's a cheater. I don't look back at my life and my relationships, and wish I was still friends with the guy who stole from me, or a girl who broke my heart...... He is human, let him live with his mistake. You don't have to.

Listen to your Bishop.

(I'm not sure if this directly answers, but hopefully at least addresses the question) Over the years, I have observe many of my Christian friends come to regard their Methodist-Christian, or Baptist-Christian, or Lutheran-Christian faiths all as "same difference". In doing so they dilute, if not 100% disregard, the history and deep theological traditions of their own individual faiths. I find this to be a tragic loss of depth and by no means wish it on LDS-Christian.

Now you've done it. This is a really interesting way to phrase the question. I think most of use are like Windseeker -- it would not bother us. However, as I noted elsewhere, I see a contingent of Mormons that want to push what I see called "Mormon Exceptionalism." I see this group expressing concern that we will get swallowed up in broader Christianity and lose those heterodoxical/heretical doctrines that make Mormonism unique. I think some of our efforts to be included under the umbrella of "Christianity" is a recognition that, in a predominately "Christian" nation, there is a certain social "privilege" that comes with being called "Christian". Some elements of religious discussion are open only to "Christians", and non-Christians are excluded. For example, I am reminded of a Christian document on the family a few years ago headed by Focus on the Family that specifically barred the LDS Church from signing because they did not want the document to be tainted by non-Christian groups. We want to be called Christian so that we are allowed to participate in these discussions. In the end, we want to be called "Christian", but I think there could be a problem with Mormonism become yet another Christian denomination.

While I get it that there's a chance no men might be available (and no amount of whining about it will change that) it might be worth approaching the priesthood about this. I also might add that I've been in wards where it's not so much about needing child care as it is about getting the little ones together to play for an evening.

The journals/writings of some of the early Church members is a good source. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/

Are the husbands/fathers not capable of watching their own children for a few hours, so that their wives might participate in a church activity?

My gut tells me that Collier won't win this one--if only because he's a white male. The case that legalizes polygamy will come from a Muslim man, a polyandrous woman, or free-love swingers in a group marriage. It won't come from a white Christian male.

Empathy is necessary for unity. A few spats have happened on this forum which boiled down to "I'm going to take what you said in a negative way," when it was really just statements taken out of context. I just don't get why people will assume the worst in others, even when they've known each other long enough to know better. We should assume that other people are reasonable and carry good will, even when they don't. Regarding disagreement on doctrine within the church: Maybe there are some times when it's better to "call out" someone, but I think this should only be accompanied by a prompting to do so.