beefche

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Posts posted by beefche

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Really, Hemidakota? Our bishop conducted a 5th Sunday meeting and did some "housecleaning" so to speak. He talked on a variety of subjects, but one thing I remember was he instructing the ward that only baptized members should bear testimony. He asked that parents help their children to understand this and asked the full time missionaries to assist their investigators. That said, we had small children and investigators get up and bear testimony and the bishop did not publically do anything about it (I don't know if he said anything privately to anyone). I thought he said it was in the CHI, but hey, I've been wrong before. Not often, but it happens. :D

  5. Bearing our testimony is a wonderful thing. I think you are right that we really need to feel the spirit, and not worry about what someone else said, or what the Spirit told THEM. It's different for everyone.

    I DO think that we need to be more diverse in our testimonies. Especially with children. We need to encourage them NOT to say "I know these things are true, I know Jesus lives, I know Joseph Smith was a prophet...etc..." because it's so repetitive that they don't even know what they are saying. And even if they finally realize WHAT they are saying, they continue to bear the same testimony throughout their adult lives. It's just vain repetition.

    We need to encourage our children to be UNIQUE, and find a way to bear their testimonies with experiences, and thoughts, and feelings, not repeated verbatim lines taught in primary.

    A couple of thoughts. First, I believe the CHI teaches us that only baptized members of the church should bear testimony. Again, it should be up to the bishop on whether to follow that to the letter or not. So, children who are not baptized shouldn't be testifying in sacrament meeting--they have ample opportunity in Primary and at home. And what better place than in the home to learn how to bear a testimony!

    Secondly, for anyone--children, adults, converts, life time members, etc.--it is difficult to get up in front of others and speak. Some get very nervous and can only ramble. Others can only repeat oft heard lines. Still others can only stammer. I, again, am reminded that we are all on a spiritual journey.

    I remember one sister who was a recent convert. She got up to bear testimony and went no further than introducing herself. All she could do was cry. After 2 minutes of watching her try to compose herself and fail, she stated, "In the name of Jesus Christ, amen." For her, she bore a firm and strong testimony. Some wriggled uncomfortably in their seat. Others cried with her. Did she bear testimony? I think so. Although no real words were spoken, she allowed us to see the feelings of her heart. That took courage. Should it be the standard? Nope, but again, if directed by the Spirit, something like that can be powerful.

  6. All I know is that I have to be physically attracted to a girl to consider dating her. Now here is the catch. If she is smokin' hot but treats me like crap she is gone. I would rather take the less hot girl that treats me nice. Notice I said less hot though. There has still got to be that attraction. And really their are only three things I am looking for in a potential spouse: 1. Testimony 2. Looks 3. The ability to forgive and move on with life.

    Well, of course you are entitled to your opinion and we can't very well judge you for that. Wait....we are on a public forum which means OF COURSE we can judge you. :P

    I understand what you're saying, but I also think someone can become more attractive to us as we get to know them. I always think of the geeky boy I knew in high school with whom I was friends. He was not someone considered attractive and I certainly didn't think of him in those terms. I just enjoyed being around him. As time went on and I got to know him better, he became more and more physically attractive to me. Taught me a lesson that physical attraction does not have to be a "love at first sight" type of feeling--at least for me.

  7. So, what are you trying to say? That because we are ruled by emotions that we cannot/won't use reason? I think at some point, we all have to grow up (about a lot of things).

    When it comes to dating, I think we all need to tone down our want list. I remember when I was a lot younger, my list of requirements for a husband included some of the dumbest things--must be able to sing, court me with romantic words, have blue eyes, etc. Pluh-leeze. That is just dumb and immature on my part.

    As I've gotten older, I realized how shallow and narrow minded that was. I am of the opinion that you should always have a 2nd date (unless the 1st date was too horrendous; horrendous meaning some grievous error was committed). Why? Because all of us are nervous and unsure when we first go out with someone. I am not my complete self on a 1st date. Not even on a 2nd date, but at least I've gotten over the initial nervousness and can relax more.

  8. There are some guidelines for bearing testimony in a formal setting. I use guidelines because as people have expressed, it should be guided by the Spirit. Having said that, I believe that most members (especially those who did not attend Primary or Mutual) don't know how to bear a testimony. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not have a venue to express themselves except for testimony meeting and take that opportunity to have the undivided attention of others.

    I am of the opinion that everyone is on a spiritual journey and some are further along than others. For this reason, whenever I think that someone is giving a travelogue or other long-winded story, I have to remind myself that 1) for them it is important to express themself in that way at that time and 2) if it was too inappropriate, then the bishop will bear the responsibility to take care of it.

  9. Please, no debating, I HONESTLY do not know, I am not trying to spark debate, I am simply wondering if there is anything in the bible that states that it should be taken literally. Direct quotes would be INCREDIBLY helpful. Thanks in advance!

    And please, no need for debate, just looking for quotes!

    One thing to keep in mind, when the bible was written, it wasn't compiled as we have it now. It was simply epistles and recordings placed together (sometimes). Furthermore, the Bible as we have it today, is not compiled into chronological order.

  10. With so many women in the church opting to defend men's right to the sole holding of the priesthood, I guess it wouldn't make sense but to us select few who find it unequal. Until women actually start *caring* whether or not they are able to have it, I don't think God will reveal it.

    Someone more experienced than I on this forum should post a poll for the LDS women. I'm curious on how many want to be ordained to the priesthood.

  11. Ok, I'll say it. I care about looks and money. Looks as in if they at least try to care about how they look. I'm not talking about looking like Brad Pitt, but rather not dressing in dirty, wrinkled clothes, combing or styling the hair, etc. Just caring for basic hygiene and outside appearance. Sorry, but stained white shirts at church just doesn't do it for me.

    I care about money in that I want to see him having/wanting a job that can support a family. Doesn't have to be rich, but if he is happy in his job and able to financially support a family (even in a small house with no cable :)) that would do for me. I just have a problem with someone who chooses to work at Walmart and not even try to find a better job. If he's working at Walmart and going to school to get more education for a better job, then that's a different story. I've worked hard in my career, yet I'm not wealthy and don't expect to marry someone wealthy. But I need financial security (as much as one can have in this day and age). Again, struggles happen to all of us--that's to be expected. But, I would also expect him to struggle to find a better job or to find a solution to the problem.

    I really think too many people have grown up to Disney over the years. Too many frogs looking for Prince Charming or "insert princess of choice--Ariel, Cinderella, Jasmine, etc."

  12. I'm with you on this one, checkerboy. She's 17 y/o and needs guidance still. The parents have the right and responsibility to guide her and do what they can to help her. That isn't to say it won't be difficult and you can bet she's going to get made at anyone who she perceives "told" on her or even supports the parents in the decisions. Society is trying to take parental rights away more and more.

    It's a fine line for the parents to help and not push her into the boyfriend's arms. But that is their problem to fight and solve.

  13. Member or not a member, Klingon or Ogre, Fairy or Troll... we're all here to enjoy this wonderful site.

    Can you please tell me who the trolls are? I don't like trolls.........

    Hey, LostOne, I had a friend who had to go through the same thing to get re-baptized. I know she kept in close contact with the Bishop and Stake President. Maybe you've already done this, but discuss your concerns with the bishop and possibly the stake president. Another suggestion is attend all the acitivties that you can. You serve 2 things with that one--first, you get to know other members and make friendships, and second, it allows to you to "active" and find opportunities where you can serve. My friend served in YW long before she was ever re-baptized. Never an official calling, but she helped out at most of the activities. Just some thoughts.

  14. I have questioned this also. I know LDS women both single, and married to non LDS who wonder why their children cannot be sealed to THEM. Not every Temple worthy female has the "partner" required for sealing. It seems unfair to deny them the blessing of being sealed to their children.

    I know that things will get "straightened out" later...but just do not understand why mothers cannot have their children, in this life.??

    I don't understand what you mean by "have their children in this life." A sealing is not about possessions. I am a single woman who has never married. My parents are not members. I am not sealed to anyone. I know that being sealed to a family is essential for the highest level of CK and I am confident that the Lord has made provisions for me and others (like the OP). He knew that there were would be less than ideal situations happening in this life.

  15. Tomk, the scriptures tell us it was a war. Perhaps not like the wars we see here on earth, but I believe it was a war. I looked up the meaning of "war" in the dictionary. It states that it's a conflict, contest, or active hostility or contention. IMO, that describes the war in the pre-mortal life.

    I imagine Satan and his followers were trying to persuade us to join them, to agree with them, to believe they were correct. I would imagine that their arguments and persuasions were like what is used here on earth--appealing to our intellect, power, passions. Some of us who chose Christ may have had conflicts and I imagine some missionary work on our side was going on as well. I would think Satan and his followers would be hostile when their efforts were being countered by Christ's followers.

    I do agree that Satan's leave may not have been dramatic. We are told that we cannot abide being in the presence of good when we have done sin/evil. Kind of the opposite of God--Who cannot abide sin. I'm thinking it was a mutual agreement for leave taking.

    You said something that is interesting. HF abides by laws. Satan was rebelling against living by a law(s). He wanted to ensure (force) everyone to accept HF plan--thus breaking the law of agency. (I suppose I always knew this, just didn't "know" it.)

  16. Like I said -- it is about choice. Even if there had been no Satan, concievably there would have been those who would have decided that the Plan of Salvation was not something they wanted.

    That's so hard to imagine. I'm sure we lost many good friends because of this choice. It's hard to conceive that someone would make a conscious decision to rebel and lose any chance of blessings that HF has for us.

  17. A list for us older guys? It's too easy. We're mainly motivated by full bellies and...um...well...that come hither smile.

    Ok, let me clarify...what should SINGLE women know about men? The full bellie I can handle. The come hither smile? Umm, nope, I won't tease a man like that. That'll be saved for my husband. :D