lusciouschaos

Welcome to the site. You may find some strength and renewed testimony here. Although I am very active and things are going well, I got an answer to something that had bothered me for years, while chatting with a member about the gospel. Felt the Spirit--I hope you will too!

I have forgiven my father because I feel much of the abuse had its roots in brain chemistry and substance abuse. However, I have not lost anyone to death that I can't wait to be reunited with. And I have this expectation that you will be greeted by those who adore you. haha

the AHA moment yesterday was huge because via the conversation the spirit touched my soul and confirmed that that my father would be without disease (alcoholic/bi-polar). He would no longer be an child abuser. It is interesting to contemplate whether or not apologies would be offered or even needed.

okay what about those people in your family that did not treat you well in this life? How will you greet them?

The Lord's plan of sharing your increase--tithing--is a flat tax. Sure would simplify and we could all rest thinking we were paying fairly.

Welcome i am somewhat new as well. Look forward to getting to know you.

We just had a rousing conversation in chat about meeting your "loved ones" when you die? Do you look forward to a glorious reunion? I have to admit that whenever we have had a lesson on this in Relief Society, I have always been less than enthusiastic about meeting my family (those i knew in this life that have passed) when I die. What about you? Looking forward to glorious reunions? What do you expect? Especially when there are unresolved issues, such as abuse? I had a bit of an aha moment today and would love to hear your perspective.

Foods with Tryptophan are supposed to be calming. The Top Ten Good Mood Foods: Eat These to Lift Your Spirits and Your Energy Levels All the best.

I was hoping this years Survivor Mormon would represent us well. I was a little dissapointed but trying not to judge. Funny how we employ Mo-dar to determine which reality show contestants belong "to the faith." I truly hope he shows some integrity in the process since they have billed him as a returned missionary.

I held a little contest on my personal blog. The winner and one of my favorites: You might be a mormon if … you go on suvivor and keep some pants on the entire time. (from my 11 year old son) …you ask your child “What’s the name of the president?” And she says, “Thomas S. Monson.”

nice talking with you earlier.

Ciao a tutti dua; Ho fatto la missione in italia. I served a mission in Catania in the 80's. Love the people and the place. Not sure if it is the same but in those days the italians were very warm to us. Enjoy the site.

I just found them in ADVANCED mode (I usually use quick reply) which reminds me of priesthood advancement. How the gospel is organized to allow priesthood holders to take on increasingly complex levels of responsibility. Miraculous.

Okay, I get it, I give up. It appears that being a junior member, I must pay my dues. You oldtimers must have buttons and emoticons not enjoyed by the newbies. Although, I would say I am somewhat reminded of the organization structure of the church. Think junior and senior companions, etc. Please discuss amongst yourselves (old SNL).

Y'awl just had to do it again. No I am not from the south. The beauty of church organization is this: One might be tempted to have a baby or break a leg just to get free meals for two weeks.

This thread got way off topic. Either discuss the profundity of church organization in promoting God's work on the earth or start your own thread about air conditioning and it's possible link to the paranormal. lol

Elphaba, thanks for the links. I knew you could find the info. Have you been called on a mission? Sister Elphaba--I do like the sound of that.

This might seem a little strange to bear testimony about the organizational structure of the church but hear me out... Yesterday I attended an advisory board meeting for our local foodbank. There were ten or so major church organizations represented by their pastors and charitable leaders. The representative from the local Catholic congregation asked how the pastors are identifying those with needs inside their own church. In this time of economic chaos, many are seriously hurting but perhaps too embarrassed to talk to their ecclesiastical leader. One indicated that they are listening for clues of need with the children in Sunday School. It struck me so powerfully. When the system works a visiting or home teacher would be aware of job loss or family tragedy. Not seeking to be intrusive but with real concern the VT or HT could make the member aware of the resources available and how to access them. Many have a problem with the geographic requirements to attend the ward where you live. I understand this because as wards change and split, it is hard to leave friends and start over. When my husband and I first married we lived in the ward where President Hinckley raised his family (east millcreek). When we moved it took us a couple of weeks to fully transition as we were sending off a son on a mission and he wanted to leave from the ward he knew. The bishop of the new ward called us in and read to us from the handbook about attending the ward you live in. We were annoyed at the time. Today, here in Californiz, I see the beauty in the plan. We are able to mobilize in a way that others dream of because we know where our members live and have the structure to support the needs. This seems sort of long winded but it put me to wondering when the ward concept introduced. So I look to you church scholars: I know Stakes of Zion were implemented quite early on but when was the whole ward structure put into effect? This is part of the church not necessarily part of the Gospel but I am grateful nonetheless and see the genius in this organized religion. Also be interested in hearing how you feel the organization of the church impacts the gospel?

Brilliant flash, mired in mediocrity.

if your bishop and the high priests are dressed in business suits instead of celebratory robes.

You might be a mormon....If you have more sisters or brothers than the octoplet siblings.

granted but then you would never want to leave and face the world. I wish I didn't love Diet Coke so much

This talk has some great ideas about agency. http://emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/Talks/ObedienceBKP.htm A distinguishing characteristic of the Church organization lies in its balance of authority and individual rights. Priesthood is a brotherhood, and in its operation the highest capacities of man-his capacity to act as a free agent and his capacity to be spiritual-must be respected and enlarged. Leaders invite, persuade, encourage, and recommend in a spirit of gentleness and meekness. Members respond freely as the Spirit guides. Only this kind of response has moral value. An act is moral only if it expresses the character and disposition of the person, that is. if it arises out of knowledge, faith, love, or religious intent. Fear and force have no place in the kingdom bemuse they do not produce moral actions and are contrary to God's gift of free agency. (General Handbook of Instructions. 1963.)

Here you go: Women Of Destiny: Seagull Book All the best.

Took a second look at insurance. Happy to say there are better deals out there. Ditched Farmers and went with a smaller company. Cut the bill in half. I really need to review the whole phone/DSL/Dish setup. We are paying way too much. $200+ a month. I know there is a better set-up.