OneEternalSonata

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Everything posted by OneEternalSonata

  1. A little mercy goes a long way. Its easier to point out mistakes or perceived errors of other people than it is to point out our own, in my experience. If someone is wronged and then they seek retribution, in my opinion they are committing a wrong. Further, I believe the sacrifice of Jesus paid for wrongs suffered, and by virtue of the Atonement, He makes recompense in His time. The Savior would have love abound, so I pray that all of us will allow our hearts to be softened by the Lord, for we all offend and are offended.
  2. I deal with stress quite poorly due to PTSD and other issues. I'm currently seeing a counselor for this. However, I feel strongly against medicating it. I drink an "herbal tea" that contains no actual tea leaves. It has valerian and other herbs with known alleviation of anxiety. Do any of you have suggestions for relieving stress naturally and spiritually? I'd like thoughts, ideas, and prayers! All are appreciated.
  3. N.ahum 1:15 I.saiah 12:2 C.olossians 3:16 H.ebrews 12:6 O.mni 1:26 L.uke 24:6 A.lma 5:26 S.ong of Solomon 8:6 I decided to make an acrostic with Scripture references using the letters of my first name.
  4. Thank you all! Oh... wait... I did! =D Good to "see" you, PC, Beefche, and Maya! Nice to meet you, Nate & Rose!
  5. Greetings to all my friends here and all you other fine people on the board I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet! For those of you who don't know, I'm OES, I'm 25, a male, and a member of the Church. I love reading, reflecting, and singing. (Especial emphasis on the singing. Its just what I do and it fills my heart to do so.) Anyhow, glad to be back on the board again! May you have the ministrations of the Spirit attend you. May your day be filled with love overflowing. OES
  6. Thank you, everyone! (sorry for being so brief, its been hectic moving.)
  7. My father is AOG, too. Religion is a touchy issue between us, but much calmer than it used to be. I won't tell you what to believe, only what I believe. Even though I have found myself at odds with my father time and again due to my choice to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would not change my choice. If I said my testimonies of this Church were untrue I would offend my Heavenly Father, and that offense would be worse. Happy truth hunting!
  8. I'd be careful to make too many assumptions when there is so much information missing. I definitely understand why the comment is unsettling, it makes me uncomfortable just reading it. To me, going to the Bishop seems extreme as there is no certainty as to who the culprit is. The boy claims his dad, who you've never met, said these things. Seems a little presumptuous to accuse without even talking with the dad. (Although, I know your daughter's safety comes first, and that all other things are secondary.) You may want to call and speak with the boy's father. He may not respond truthfully, however you'll probably be able to gauge the situation better through his response. I think that keeping your daughter from visiting the young man at his home would be wise, given that the comments most assuredly were made by someone at his house. Even if you're against calling, Gwen is absolutely right. Prayer is vital in this situation.
  9. This brings up a point I've never thought before. The bible says, referring to John the Baptist, in Luke 1:15: "For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb." I'm lead to wonder if baptisms happen in premortality, or if the order of the ordinances performed isn't vital(much as my first impressions say otherwise), or perhaps for another reason altogether. After all, as LDS we subscribe to the belief that temple work is possible. However, I wonder if he wasn't baptized when he performed his first baptism, much as Alma was in the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 18:14-- And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit. Then we have Matthew 3:14-- "But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" Two ways one could look at this are that John was never baptized or because his knowledge of who Jesus really was led him to exclaim in this manner. It is open to much interpretation. Unfortunately, I know of no official doctrine or standpoint that the Church has made concerning John and his water baptism.
  10. I appreciate your post, jadams, but I'm looking for an explanation of Melchizedek's identity in Jewish tradition. I realize that as LDS we revere him and believe the Restoration reveals his importance, so quoting that is historic, from an LDS point of view.
  11. In the LDS faith Melchizedek is known as a high priest and a just and holy man. D&C 107:1-4~ 1 THERE are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood. 2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest. 3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. 4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. Also, Abraham paid tithes to him. From that, I personally infer that Melchizedek was Abraham's priesthood authority. However, where does he sit from Judaism's point of view? What oral traditions exist about him?
  12. Thank you all. PC, yes, absolutely we all need to steady our heart's eyes on the gift which was bought by priceless blood.
  13. I just recorded my testimony and uploaded it to youtube. I hope it will uplift you and strengthen your own testimony. =) My Testimony
  14. You've got my spiritual gears turning more than usual with this thought!
  15. I have to sit here and just take a minute to smile... Alright, minute over. Heavenly Father is so proud of you! You've made such a great stride by joining His Church. I, too, am a convert. (About 5 yrs. now) I'm excited for the blessings that lie ahead for you and your children! God be with you. =)
  16. I wouldn't worry about weakening the testimony of others by following through with proper repentance. In fact, some may respect you more for attending the meeting and refusing to take the sacrament unworthily, instead of simply showing up late to miss it. To me, this is an integral part of confession. You are admitting you made a mistake and, depending on where your heart's intent is placed, it can be a sincere manifestation of Godly sorrow. More to the point, if someone bases (or relies any part of) their testimony on the actions or worthiness of another they need to build their testimony on a firmer foundation. My next words may come across harsh, but I know the following snare is easy enough to fall into. I have myself in years past. I certainly was not stripped of pride at that time, or making much of an effort. This may not be the case, but if you don't want extended Church discipline because of what others may think or do, that sounds like tailoring the discipline to suit your needs. Which would not be a repentant attitude. You are working through this, and that takes courage. I commend you for that. God be with you. =)
  17. Agreed, LM, and thank you for your responses! =)
  18. Ah, you got me there, LM! =D However, the scriptures also teach that certain contention is of the devil, the Book of Mormon especially. 3 Nephi 11:29, Mosiah 18:21 I believe the scripture you quoted, LM, asks us to earnestly contend. In other words, to diligently assert truth in kindness. Whereas, the contention in the scriptures I quoted can be defined as angrily arguing to the point of wresting. D&C 10:63 What are your thoughts, LM?
  19. I hope everyone understands that I don't feel the majority of the board is "out for blood" or contentious "to the core" or any such thing. :) Using the words "a lot" and "theme of contention" gave my first post an unintentional melodrama and overplayed the severity, thus I edited my opening post. Indeed this board is to be commended. I do, however, hold true to the rest of my post. [/end of way too wordy ramble]
  20. Some threads do have good, faith-promoting debates. I definitely agree there, anatess. Exactly, Bini. =)
  21. My favorite gift was seeing my family, although I didn't get to see my sisters, unfortunately.
  22. I've read through some threads that share a common theme of contention. I don't want to get on my soapbox here, or come across all high and mighty and holier than thou, so I hope everyone will take that to heart. I realize that I'm not without my own faults and shortcomings, too. :) I personally believe that statements are easily misunderstood here on the internet, as written words alone often imperfectly convey true intent and meaning. I see the need within myself to ponder on my own responses and reactions to statements made, and I find that asking clarifying questions is helpful. However, there are certain instances where these questions are asked by some in a snide manner which invokes defensive responses from those who receive such questions. It is my fervent wish to become more Christlike in my communication with others, seeking understanding and promoting an atmosphere where the Spirit readily dwells. Creating a space where love pervades and defensiveness withers away into oblivion. Is this a high standard? Yes. Is it a journey and process that will take time and patience both with myself and others? Yes, absolutely. So, I invite anyone who feels as I do to strive toward this goal with me. My heartfelt love goes out to each and every member here, may we speak in peace and let enmity cease, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, Amen.
  23. People ask me this question often. =) Many ask me why I'm so happy all the time, or comment that I have faith before I even utter a word. It always catches me off guard. ^^;;