Lindy

Perfect (no no no) Mormon (I shake my head in disbelief) 9 Orthodoxy, 4 LDS knowledge, 13 Cultural homogeneity I guess I am still allowed to wear my CTR ring after all

I will agree with Jason....I believe that there are those in all religions who are able to converse with angels and more. Regardless of being a RC, OC, RLDS, LDS, JEW, SDA, JW or Babtist. I guess I think in terms of equal opportunities for visions, etc. Equal opportunity for Heavenly visits, etc. I just think that what matters the most is what is done with that opportunity.

One thing I will always remember from a movie is to SING Solarplex Instep Nose Groin with a little knee capping, eye gouging, throat jabbing and ear slapping thrown in if there is time and energy.

ripley9759~ I too, am so sorry for loss of your mother, and the way she and her family were treated by "the biggest bonehead of a Bishop" (so well put by curvette). I agree with Setheus on going a step farther in reporting this to the stake president, etc. What good will it do? Perhaps it will stop it from happening to another good church member who he "didn't know that well" Someone told me how he, his dad, brothers, and grandmother were treated after the death of his mother a few years ago, and how upset he was in the lack of compassion his ward leaders had towards a good LDS woman. Because of the hurt they felt, the family left behind, started falling away from the church, and I think that now, half of them have left the church altogether. Wonder if it was the same ward in S.L.C.? It hurts my heart to think that such irresponsible behavior of a church leader could cause such heartache and sadness for family members left behind.

Welllll..... I did wonder and it's nice to know you are grounded now, in the good ole US of A. Again, I appreciate your candor and honest opinion.I'm still kind of researching the RIRA, I am gathering questions to ask those I have access to. The blanket thing....I had a mind blurp for a min.... I meant the Blanket and Dirty Protest, I found it very interesting, discusting at times.... but interesting. I did understand some points made, by those republican prisoners protesting; but then shake my head at others. I understood the wanting to be treated as political prisoners and not as criminals, (and to dress as such), to the right of free association like the others had, to the right to a weekly visit, and to educational and recreational pursuits.....thought it silly though that they didn't want to do any prison work....sounded lazy to me.......another question I am adding to my list.

Thanks Amillia~ sometimes it's hard for me to justify the reasons behind the feelings and fears of others. Finding out the human side of a contraversial issue has been hard. Yaanufs~Where are you from if I may ask? I am impressed with the posts, a lot of food for thought.... thank you. What is your take on the RIRA? And what do you think about the hunger strikes, and the blanket thing back in the 80's? Sorry about the questions...but it is nice to hear things from both sides.

Thanks yaanufs for the links.... more info for me to read and use in questions I ask. I did find out that there are a lot of differences in the splinter groups off the Provisional IRA. In talking and questioning, I found that there are Republicans who have washed their hands of the Sein Fein and the Provisional IRA because of what they are doing, and what they are not doing.

Sorry congratulations are late.... but I want to say "Happy Late Birthday" AF! Glad it was a nice one. :)

yaanufs~ thanks for your opinion, everything I read and hear I take in consideration, and think about. Both the bad, and the not so bad. I think you do have a good point, It is really hard to see the very negative side here, when I am now hearing the positive side from thousand of miles away. I just haven't heard anything about "drugs, women, glory, money." And the only power part I've been hearing is to win their country back. Which brings me to that fundamental question I will have to ask myself... 'If the two sides of Ireland were united tomorrow would the IRA disband in a real sense?' Good question, it's one worth asking.

Maybe those conservative American politicians have done some research into what the Republicans stand for, and have shown sympathy for good reason. And you know that growing up, I believed everything said about the Republicans, that they were lower than snake spit, worm droppings, etc. Then I started educating myself on something I didn't know anything about. It started when I was researching family history, and found out that my relatives fought long and hard for what they believed in, in America not too long ago, and in Scotland a very long time ago. I think that there is a vast difference between fighting for your country, and killing people for the sheer act of terrorism. Al Qaeda..... very bad Irish Republicans......not so bad after all (IMHO)

Harvey is back?

I've only read the thread thus far...had to make a comment....As an LDS person, here's my thoughts: If another religion believed in baptising our dead family members (or me for that matter) into something totally against our nature, (such as in an afterlife that everyone is to be drawn and quartered, or an afterlife of sheer torture, pain and suffering, or a satan affiliated anything ) as a loving DNA recipient left behind, of course I would object (or want someone else to object in my stead) to even the mear thought of subjecting my relatives into such trivial garbage. I wouldn't want my family name to even be associated with something like that. There better be some research done into what the heck this religion was into, what it's main purpose of such an action would be, and why they even believe in such a thing. If I believed in pain and suffering for all and/or (perish the thought) anything good attributed to satan, it wouldn't bother me at all, that some other "religious" group had something different to offer in the same sick minded crap I just thought up. But you did say , any doubts about the good intentions would be blown away with the wind. But that is only because I believe in Christ, and know that anything relating to Him couldn't be bad. They only thing I can understand is the difference of opinion, and the views about the NT Christ; they (the Jews) have such a different view, and the fear of this unknown earthly man having a "one true church"..... if you look at it from that standpoint it could be a bit unnerving. However, the Jews and the LDS believe in the same God.....yes, of course they have different views of the same one, but the same one nonetheless; and upon finding out that there is free agency given to those to choose any path they desire after baptism, I wouldn't be offended at all, because of that word CHOICE. CHOICE is a lovely word.

I loved reading the posts, it's been awhile since testimonies/bio's have been posted....and I came to a dead end looking for the thread of testimonies..to avoid retyping everything..so I assume that it was part of the "wipe the board clean" terrorism act awhile back. Hi, my name is Lindy....nickname my grandmother gave me when I was a baby.... I'm one of the older posters here.....old enough to know better....(still to young to care) type of person, (or you could say still stubborn enough to care) I was young and stupid, got married at 17.... Married an inactive Catholic, who was active military, was married for 15 years, divorced, raised 4 children basically by myself during the marriage anyway so it wasn't that much of a difference when the marriage ended. Converted to LDS shortly before marriage took it's last nose dive, and have been LDS ever since. Religious background: I was raised with some church background as a child....my father took me to the Methodist church, and when I was older I was allowed to search and experience any church I wished. I attended numerous churches as a teen, stayed in the First Church of the Nazarene for the longest. (have a soft spot for time spent there) but, I questioned a lot of things in the Bible as a teen, and was greatly disappointed in the answers I received from those "educated" clergy I would ask. I grew up with an agnostic and atheist in my family, and had lots of religious discussions with the agnostic...which kept me closer to my faith in God as anything ever could. As a mother, I was still looking for the answers I had sought as a teen, and I took my children to a church here and there to keep some type of religion in their blood. It wasn't until I very skeptically let my husband (ex) bring his friend home from work and talk to me about his religion, and again very skeptically allow those missionaries to come over and talk to me about this LDS thing. Then the poor guys, had to cancel their dinner plans, their appointments for that night, etc. cause I wouldn't let them go. All the questions I had as a teen were being answered by these two guys in suits! Answers that all the clergymen couldn't answer....were there at my asking. Mark LeFevre, Douglas Brackett....names I will never ever forget....the missionaries who brought the joy of redemption back into my life. I have had the worlds worst luck with home teachers when I moved from my "home" ward, and I found this board to help me find some kind of spirituality I needed from the priesthood I never have in my home, and it is still the only kind of priesthood/ visiting teaching I have in my life (90 percent of the time) There have been some very helpful posters who have helped me out when spiritual times were down, and I do appreciate them. I love reading the posts from everyone....LDS or not...... so many insights, so much diversity....I really do love it. I have been on this board for almost 2 years (I guess) although it seems like 5. I've had (still have) friends of diverse religions, and love people for who they are not what they believe in. and basically accept anyone regardless (I do have my limits though....I still have issues on some things) I made some very good friends (in real life) from this board, and hope to make more. To those who posted above me.... TS~ I'm glad that you are true to yourself for what you feel is right..... I'm proud of you. Pushka~ I know how hard it is....and for what it's worth......I love your posts! You have wisdom I admire....keep them coming :) Jenda~I feel I have known you for years...you are great....and I love your insights. PD~ Nothing but RESPECT from the getgo for you Jason~ ExMo or not you are great....and you have my respect and best wishes on the happiness you find.

And if someone points the finger....or 1/2 finger as the case may be.... maybe Wendy's might have a lawsuit to file because of the declining sales.

Funny~ I have a lot of things on my mind regarding service, missionary work, and what is right, what is wrong. Posting on another thread it all became crystal clear to me, everything for a reason. When we are guided to a different direction in our lives....it's going to be for a good reason. It may be awhile before you figure out the reason and sometimes it's hard not to question or try to analyze why we were sent in a direction we may not have chosen for ourselves. I've been mulling over what I heard in sacrement meeting yesterday, which was "service to others" and after talking to an old friend last night .....I know that I have to just go with the flow, and try not to drown in the rapids. I guess I'm going to put on my life jacket, hold tightly onto my CTR ring, and jump into the river, knowing that somehow faith will keep me afloat. I can't keep questioning everything sent my way, and need to rely on faith that I am needed outside my comfort zone. It may sound strange to others, but like I said......ding ......the lights went on, and everything became crystal clear. Everything for a reason. Thanks to those who let me know what they think, I do value you opinions. :)

Outshined~ You handled things as a true soldier, conducting yourself with decorum with a dash of humor. I enjoyed reading your slew of posts... No kidding..... I really did.

Senseless things are always easier to grasp if we delude ourselves. At least you admit it! :) Thanks for the smile :) My life is full of delusional reasonings

One big question I have concerning both religious groups is how do they justify killing each other in the name of "the cause" Does it make it ok killing for a cause? Or retaliation for death? I am seeking to see if they truely think of themselves as a military group acting as such. I can understand military actions, they have to do what they have to do. I hold no grudge against any military personnel doing their job. Maybe things are easier to grasp if I delude myself.

Washington State here $2.40 a gallon today!

It is very hard for Americans or Canadians to understand these issues. It's hard for us in 2005 to look back at the civil rights struggle here that climaxed a mere 40 years ago and understand it. English/Irish (Protestant/Catholic) history goes back many hundreds of years. I think you are smart to study the history in order to understand present attitudes. It's really the only way to begin to see it through their eyes. You are so right about the civil rights movement Curvette, so many people don't even know close to our era it actually was.

Thanks Idacat.... it's nice to have a diversity of friends to help answer some of the questions that others throw out there. :)

? I wonder? Because it is a sacred tradition (not secret) I still don't understand why only those who are under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, when the Pope is allowed to reign over the age of 80. It seems that they don't trust the judgement of anyone over the age of 80 if they can't vote in the election of a new Pope. There are some very intelligent, articulate, sharp minded over 80 people who add experience along with intelligence. I am having brain overload trying to figure some things out.

Chances are they were part of the "planting" program that was implemented, I agree... Looks like they settled in Donegal County, (which is further west of Belfast) before they immigrated to Canada. Snow~I have no respect for a rapist, healthy sexual appitite or not. I may not agree with some of the things done in the name of political freedom, but I still do have some respect for those who will fight for what they believe in. Some is the key word here. This is not to be construed with any respect for the members of any group who target women, children and civilians. And I am having a hard time trying to understand some of the justifications that both sides have with what they have done to each other. I am really trying to understand the religious aspect along with some human rights issues. PD~ I think that the INLA has more criminal ties and Marxist connections than the IRA, or the RIRA. Even if the RIRA has been listed as the worst of the splinter groups, I think that the INLA is the worst by far. And Gerry Adams has asked for a complete disband of the IRA. Going to be very interesting to see where this goes...

Do you have family in Ireland Lindy? I can see why the Irish (historically) hate the English and would want to be free. Separating themselves at this point though would be a very complex process. Their situation is quite different than the American situation 200 years ago. Northern Ireland is a full province and has representation. Also, the vast majority of Northern Irish want to remain connected to the UK. From a woman's perspective, I personally think that the British are much more progressive than the Irish. I can't imagine why Irish women put up with what they do. Thanks for your honest post curvette, there are some questions I have that I am looking for the answers to, and yes, actually, my paternal ancestors came from Scotland (to) Ireland to Canada. And in reasearching the ancestors who came from Belfast, I got into reading a lot more about some things that caught my attention. I still may have family in Ireland, one of those things I am still researching. I should have stopped myself at one point....but couriosity has driven me deeper into some issues.

Thanks PD for info to mull over and add to my various questions, debate ammo., etc. So many questions, so much info...good and bad to sort through.