beefche

You hit it there, raggman. Even the most outgoing people sometimes feels shy to approach a complete stranger to introduce himself/herself. We can only do what we, as individuals, can do. So, as you reach out to others to make them feel welcome, you will feel needed and wanted and a part of your ward. I would think that if you befriend one of the newcomers, that you would feel even better. Find that one that doesn't seem to fit in or seems extra shy or you feel just needs you. And be a real friend to that person. Call/email him/her, offer to go to activities together, sit by him/her at church, etc.

Hmmm, now that I wonder if men or women are more likely to interpret a disagreement as an argument.

You can take me to a pasta place, just back off from my dinner plate.

If that's the case, then I want that hotrod Mustang, cool dog, and Will Smith. If we're dreaming and all.......

Hi, Hi. I applied for mine on 6/6 and received it around 6 weeks later. When I applied I asked how long it'll take and I was told 8-10 wks. I'm sure this varies from state to state, but it's probably a decent guideline.

How do I make a claim for a bruised bottom from falling out of my chair twice? I need compensation....wait, maybe I'll just wait for the Mormons to take over the government and get some kickback.

The reason why I ask the OP is because on another thread there were 2 people expressing their opinions. I, as an outsider, did not read any animosity, arguing, or anything negative. Simply 2 people expressing their opinions in which do not agree. Yet, person A felt that the thread had become argumentative. Person B made it clear that he/she did not feel that an argument had insued...simply 2 people expressing differing opinions. I've seen this on other forums or even IRL. When does a disagreement become an argument?

I have no clue. I found the avatar awhile ago and have used it on other forums. So, it's saved somewhere on my computer. I just downloaded as I normally do when downloading avatars. Sorry for such a technical explanation. Hopefully, you're not too much of a computer geek that you can't interpret my well articulated instructions.

When does a disagreement turn into an argument? I see it so often in forums when 2 or more people have a disagreement that some will interpret as arguing (sometimes I agree and other times I don't). So, I'm curious on what your personal criteria are for when disagreement becomes arguing.

Has anyone been to their temple in Chicago? It's pretty close to the LDS temple in Chicago. The Baha'i Temple is actually one of my favorite buildings.

Just to lighten the mood a little......... When your friends come to you for advice you can do the Lucy thing from the Peanuts comic strip. Set up a booth and charge $5.00 (she charges 5 cents, but hey, inflation!!!) and then give a very sarcastic or obvious answer. "Your arm hurts when you do that? Then don't do that." Just an option.

I'm not going to judge individual's heart, motivations, and intents. But, yes, you are correct. There are those who are in it for money and/or power/prestige. But, I can say the same for the LDS church (although money wouldn't be a big issue). And I completely agree that the Lord's church is set up the way it is for a purpose. I just don't feel comfortable saying that paid ministers are bad or evil or imply that we are more righteous because our ministry in unpaid. I know a few pastors and they are good and honest people who are doing the best with the knowledge and beliefs they have. One of the strongest testimonies of Jesus I have ever felt or heard was by one of these paid ministers.

I've decided to sue. I keep forgetting to count the non-monetary donations I do on my taxes. So, I want that money back for driving those crazy Mutual kids to activities, YW girl's camp, doing my VT, going to my ward and stake meetings, etc...

I'm curious...if this isn't published, then how do you get your stats?

Ok, before this becomes a jump on other churches discussion.... Let me remind everyone that there is much, much good in other churches. And their pastors and other leaders who are paid have good intentions and do a great work. The fact that they are paid does not lessen the work they do. We may not agree with it or even truly understand it, but they do believe that it is a job and a calling.

You're looking for a dog? Or are you just cheap and not pay for her to eat her own food?

bytor, I'm gonna have to disagree with your SP. I can't remember now, but one of the prophets (Pres Hinkcley???) gave a talk in GC and said something about how sad it is to see all the cars in the parking lots on Sundays at the mall/restaurants representing many Saints who are disobeying the Sabbath. But, regarding the OP, I completely understand. My family are not members and do not observe Sundays in the same way that I choose. One thing that has helped me is to really try to plan ahead. If I know that we are having a family get-together on a Sunday, I'll call on Saturday to make sure that we have everything that we need so if I need to go to the store I can do that on Saturday. I've also made it known by simply stating things like, "I don't choose to support businesses on Sundays. I'll eat a PB&J instead of the pizza, but thanks for offering." I have had to relax my standards somewhat with my family when traveling. While I expect them to respect my beliefs, I also have to respect them. There have been times that we've been out of town together or I've felt otherwise prompted to join them in eating at a restaurant on Sunday. It's a fine line and one we all have to define for ourselves. Here is an article that helped me when deciding how to observe the Sabbath. Again, I think Pres Faust is saying it's something between the individual and the Lord. The Lord's Day

I can one up ya. I asked Greg Louganis to my prom--this was after he'd won so many Olympic gold medals. Wow, was I bold. Of course, this was BEFORE he came out. I'll watch gymnastics, basketball, and diving.

I KNOW! What does that say about me? I realized that as soon as I posted. And yes, it was on this forum. I wouldn't have gotten the message had I not logged on. If I start getting email messages, then I will be freaked out.

I think they should focus more on the writers of the commercials. If they can suppress the writing, they'd have a better chance. Beer commercials are some of the best commercials.

I've always admired Emma. What a courageous, faithful woman to deal with all that she dealt with. The members of the LDS church owe a great deal to her and her legacy. I never understood why so many wanted to denigrate her memory by focusing on her leaving the church and the speculations regarding that. Here is a great article written by a descendant.

Hmmm, this question reminds me of that age old polygamy question.....

I've been out of town or otherwise engaged in real life and haven't been as attentive to my forums. I logged in today and see this message at the top of the screen: "Hello beefche it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, help provide a solution or just engage in a conversation with another member in any one of our forums?" Is it just me or is that a little freaky? Like Big Brother is watching my post count and admonishing me for being so quiet? Uh, now that I think about it, that is definitely a first for me...someone telling me to talk more rather than close the trap.

Although Church is not a social club, there is a level of sociality involved. If you've never had the experience of sitting through 3 hours of church and having no one talk to you after attempting conversations, then count yourself lucky. Church is a vehicle for us to make/renew covenants and worship our God. However, I constantly remind people that we are a social group as well, as outlined in Moroni 6:4-6. 4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and acleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the bchurch of Christ; and their cnames were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually dwatchful unto prayer, erelying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith. 5 And the achurch did meet together boft, to cfast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. 6 And they did ameet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in bremembrance of the Lord Jesus. So, although we don't go to church ONLY for the social life, it is a very important part of our church experience.

CHI = Church Handbook of Instructions