spiritseeker

Thank you all for your responses. Blessings to all!!!

I live in city or so it is called but in reality a big town. It is an eclectic community with three major colleges. They are the lifeline of the community. We wouldn't be a city if they were not here. Where I live is a pretty rural area. Across the street from our two story colonial is rolling fields with beautiful mountains in the distance. It is nothing to see deer on the front lawn or a large flock of wild turkeys roaming through our back yard! I love it!! And yet 2.6 miles up the road there is a city. With shopping malls and restaurants ect. We are home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame and 15 minutes away is theNational Baseball Hall of Fame! I guess you could say we have the best of both worlds , country and city....Right behind the house is a large forest that I love to walk through and imagine the sacred grove....:) The Susquehana river runs through the city and is great for fishing and rafting. The other wonderful thing about this area is we are only two hours or so (depending on how fast you drive:lol:) from the beginnings of our wonderful Church!!! Palmyra is close and thats why the scenery around this area just makes you feel as if you are walking in the footsteps of Joseph Smith. There are many similiar groves.... And if any of you get the chance to go to the Sacred Grove , GO!!! I cry everytime I am there. There is something holy about it...:wub: I live in Oneonta , New York Otsego County

I have a quick question. In our pre mortal existence did we choose the problems and trials that we would go through? Or is it random...? A friend asked me and I wasn't sure what the answer was.

It's a difficult dillema.... On the one hand you have the teachings of God and His Church. Then you have the compassion in your soul which doesn't wish to see any of Heavenly Fathers children suffer. I do believe that if Jesus was walking earth today He would minister to His gay brothers and sisters. I wish I had the answer but its a complicated issue. But, for myself I must standby the teachings of the Church.... And, I agree the protest at the LDS Temples were uncalled for. But, I guess that's what makes America great!

I am a survivor myself of sexual abuse. I must say I agree with Elphaba , your main concern is your daughter right now. The beginnings of recovery are very tricky. Forgiveness comes later. I commend you on the gesture of forgiveness but it sort of seems as if what you are really concerned about is the friendship with your daughters abusers family. Trust me that is not what your daughter needs right now. She needs your righteous anger. Because the road you and your family are on now is a long , long road with many twist and turns.... What got me through is the Atonement. Tell your daughter that her sanity lies in that and in prayer. There are many articles available that I have found . If you are interested let me know and I will gather it together for you. Let me also say how wonderful it is that you are supporting your daughter. I wish I had had the support of my family..... God bless you brother and your family. I will pray for you all !!

I just wanted to say welcome. I know where you are coming from I too am studying with the missionaries now. Like you to many coincidences it makes you think , "Okay God I get it!!":) I know it is the best decision of my life and I am so thankful for the restored gospel!!! Good luck my friend!

Congratulations!!! I think the work missionaries do is awe inspiring..... you are so very lucky. Know that I will be praying for you brother!

I too think that suicide is a tool of the devil. He wants to destroy Heavenly Fathers children and what is the final defeat but to kill one of his children..... Now speaking from a personal standpoint .... When I was 22 yrs old I did try to committ suicide. It is nothing I am proud of but it happened. What alot of people don't understand is suicide isn't a "whim" thing. The majority of peoples who committ suicide or attempt have been hurting for a very long time.... and it begins with a thought and progresses till you finally muster the courage to do it..... The vast majority of the other people I met in the Hospital I was placed in after my suicide attempt had problems ranging from depression, abuse issues and other such things. Someone who attempts to kill themselves feels as if they can no longer live with the pain.... And whats saddest is the lack of compassion on the part of many religions towards those who do attempt or succeed with suicide. I can't see a compassionate God being anything but accepting of his children who hurt so bad that they felt there was no other way to stop their pain. I came from a background where I was put on church probation because of my attempt. I was all but shunned for it..... That certainly didn't help in making me feel better about myself.... I don't know if this is what you were asking but I tried.....

I figured I would start here since I joined back in May of last year.... I have never posted here before. At that time I was studying with the missionaries but I am sad to say that I ended it before I finished. It wasn't because of the reasons you may be thinking. My testimony has not changed! I had some personal issues that just got in the way. I hope to share some of that with you later. But, for here and now I will leave it at that..... I know now it was the devil . He had me convinced that my past made me unacceptable in Heavenly Fathers Church.... But, thank God for some of the Saints who wouldn't give up on me. They helped me see the beauty of the Atonement!! On Monday the missionaries are returning. So , please pray for me as I will for you......