candyprpl

Satan wouldn't have had the chance of getting followers if Adam and Eve had not partaken -- right? So yeah, he was helping Heavenly Father's plan but his plan was in action too. Just my thoughts.

I just read this wonderful article by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "Christ and the Creation" (Ensign, Jun 1982) In this article he states, "Mortality, and procreation and death had their beginnings with the Fall. One of the most profound doctrinal declarations ever made fell from the lips of mother Eve. She said: "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient." (Moses 5:11.) This article is full of valuable information about the relationship between the creation, the Fall, and the Atonement.

Good questions people -- I'm too lazy to look for answers -- let me know when you find out:D

service

I see your point PC. I thought I better post since I changed my avatar for the day, ha! I have feelings for both sides of the issue. As a kid every year I went as a witch. Not because I thought about what a witch was about but because I like the store bought costume. I liked the hat and the dress,ha. When my kids were little we (meaning each child and I) would think of what they wanted to be and I would then design and make the costume. My son was the most creative. He never came up with anything goulish -- always something very unique. My favorite costume for my daughter was when she was three when the smurfs were popular I made a white dress and smurf hat and used blue eye shadow to put on her face. She looked adorable!! I've noticed that since being a member of the LDS church and going to the 'trunk or treat' activities in the church parking lot that the kids seem to just have cute costumes -- some of the young men will have dracula teeth or something like that, just to get some candy. I don't know, confused, seems harmless to me, but I do get your point PC.

gratitude

please

When I was taking driver's ed when I was 15 (I'm 55, not sure they do this anymore) we had to watch extremely graphic movies of drunk driving accidents. It had an impact on me. It's not banned in my state but it is being looked at. I hope they do pass a law. I don't even like to answer my phone while driving (I don't have a handsfree, they seem a little safer).

After feasting on chocolate, go to someone who has the best hugs:bighug: This is a tough one -- I've also been plagued with such questions:confused: In 2 Nephi 2:2 Lehi stated that the trials we endure can turn to our benifit (see also D&C 98:3). Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained how a sense of gratitude enables us to see our hardships in the context of our purpose here on earth: "When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life. We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same." Elder Richard G. Scott explained that God provides us with challenges that are designed to help us grow spiritually: "Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11-12). To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain." I do sometimes wonder how much stretching I can endure. It's so hard to keep an eternal perspective in times like this. 1 Nephi 20:10 "furnace of affliction" Elder Dallin H. Oaks observed that affliction can likewise refine and purify each of us: "Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call 'the furnace of affliction' (Isaiah 48:10). Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become. Elder Robert D. Hales described the personal sanctification he experienced following three major surgeries. "In the past two years, I have waited upon the Lord for mortal lessons to be taught me through periods of physical pain, mental anguish, and pondering. I learned that constant, intense pain is a great consecrating purifier that humbles us and draws us closer to God's Spirit. If we listen and obey, we will be guided by His Spirit and do His will in our daily endeavors. "There were times when I have asked a few direct questions in my prayers, such as, 'What lessons dost Thou want me to learn from these experiences?' "As I studied the scriptures during this critical period of my life, the veil was thin and answers were given to me as they were recorded in lives of others who had gone through even more severe trials. " 'My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; " 'And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high' (D&C 121:7-8) "Dark moments of depression were quickly dispelled by the light of the gospel as the Spirit brought peace and comfort with assurances that all would be well. "On few occasions I told the Lord that I had surely learned the lessons to be taught and that it wouldn't be necessary for me to endure any more suffering. Such entreaties seemed to be of no avail, for it was made clear to me that this purifying process of testing was be endured in the Lord's time and in the Lord's own way." There are things said in my Patriarchal Blessing that give me comfort. One night I was up late (dealing with my afflictions) and I turned on BYU and listened to a talk by S. Michael Wilcox, "When Prayers Seem Unanswered" What a talk! It helped me see things I hadn't seen before. The next day I tried to find this talk so I could print it out and keep on hand. I found out that he had written a book with the same title. It's a very small book and filled with such wisdom. The following is what is written on the flap: We have all had times when we feel that the heavens have closed and our supplications have gone unheard. In this inspirational book, author S. Michael Wilcox explains that the Lord often waits until the moment when we have nearly exhausted our resources and our strength to send an answer to our prayers. ...God is not quick to jump in and save us, allowing us to learn from our mistakes and struggles. Take care and God bless.

almond

bathroom

rooster

Stick to your standards and take the great advice of all those who have posted! If your teacher won't listen to you, I'm sure your parents would step in and support you.

ugly

beauty

I'm in the Primary Presidency in our ward and was a Valient 11 and 12 teacher for 3 yrs prior. Teaching, No Greater Call -- a resource guide for gospel teaching Pres. Hinckley observed, little problems will inevitably occur. Whether you are teaching in the home or at church, your lessons may at times be disrupted by the behavior of those you teach. In your efforts to help those who become disruptive, remember that you should not simply try to correct inappropriate behavior or make sure everyone is quiet: you should help learners become better disciples of the Savior. --- I have a picture of the Savior and ask them would they act this way if Jesus were in the room right now. After a while I just point to the picture and nothing is said. There was a time I had two brothers and all they did was find ways to bother each other, no matter where I placed them in the room. I started having my husband come to class and sit between them -- that worked. I just introduced my husband as 'priesthood' here for a visit. There are many ways to deal with children who are difficult. I'm not saying that your child is difficult and that justifies what the teacher did. It is difficult sometimes with children but to use the discipline that that teacher used, I feel, was inappropriate. When I have children who are acting out I try to find out what may be causing them to act out. "Those you teach have divine characteristics and divine destinies. Your responses to their actions can help them remember their infinite worth as sons and daughters of God. Through your example, you can help them increase in their desire to help each other learn the gospel and live according to its principles." It's very important to remember this when teaching these precious little spirits. We should seek to understand those we teach -- not make fast judgments and go from there. And finally, as a teacher I would GREATLY appreciate a parent coming and sitting with their child if that is what it took! We (the presidency) just had a situation where the child was not wanting to be away from mom (without going into detail) and we didn't just want to let him go to RS with mom so we invited mom to his class so that he could still be learning the gospel on his level. There are many LOVING solutions to problems. I do pray that you will find an easy, loving solution to your dilemma.:)

male

Okay girls -- I agree, I like a man who will cry when they are sad, moved by the Spirit, or happy at seeing the newborn baby, etc. HOWEVER! I would not want to see them break down and cry if confronted by a big burly guy about to rob us. I get to do that! (Please know that I am only saying this for fun!!!) My father was an emotional man and I loved the message he gave me and my sisters. We learned that a man crying didn't mean he wasn't manly but kind and loving. He was not LDS but what I saw in the non-LDS world is that it is not the norm to see men express themselves with tears. I love to watch my Bishop when during the talks in sacrament. He will always tear up when the Atonement is brought up. It comforts me to know that my Bishop has such an understanding of our blessed Savior. Vort -- you're awesome! Even I, a female, get embarrassed when I can't control the tears during a prayer or talk. That was just the human side -- not so much the gender side.

brick

All the scientific evidence coming forward about the age of earth and bones of human being aged way back, etc. It doesn't shake my testimony 'cause I know that however the truth turns out to be is/was all Heavenly Father's plan. Does your friend have any explanations on this?

Thanks TAP, I can't wait to look at these printouts. I know this is off topic but can you tell us a little about this person (more than what you've already said) who made these drawings?

Just apologize and cover your bases:lol:

So it is okay to print out?:)

Rameumpton -- you get my vote:patriot:

I do know members who are very judgemental too -- I also know members who want nothing to do but help and give good advice, that's why I was asking her about her YW presidency -- if they've been around for a while and she knows them well enough they might have been someone to talk to. It was just an suggestion. She came to us and I think it's hard to give advice on these forums when we don't know eachother personally. I agree also that she does have the right to feel bitter but I also know that this kind of bitterness can lead one to make horrible mistakes and feel very bad about one's self.