FayetteIA

I would try one more time to request my parents not serve alcohol but if the refues..I would go to my church member friends and explain the situation. Most members are not going to jusge you, like someone said as long as you are not drinking too. You do not want to throw out the baby with the bath water here..create and estrangement with your parents. I am saying talk to them..see if you can reach a comprimise. Oh yeah you need to talk to your Bishop again..Yes it is true that with membership in good standing you can go to the temple one year after baptism. However, if you get married civily, you also have to wait one year. I would imagine if you are not going to be married in the temple, you will have to wait until you have been civily married one year. Joni

I think it is interesting..of all the terms that could have been used for us to address God..we were instructed to call him "Father" that being said..I do not know what your experience is with father's..but if you allow yourself to consider it..most Father's want to protect their children. Heavenly Father made it possible for you to be on this earth to work out your salvation...HE has said in many scriptures how great is our potential. I know it is easy to look at yourself right now..with an unforgiving heart. That is not Heavenly Father's way, his way through the Bishop called to be your local leader is to help you. Please remember that. Also remember (?) the account of the harlot who was brought before Jesus, the citizens wanted to stone her. What did he say? "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" then the most beautiful part of the message: Jesus then tells the woman "Go thy way and sin no more" There is a name to the influence that holds you hostage with self-loathing. We all know him and his assistants. If he can get you to have enough anger at yourself so you will not seek your Bishop's help..he has won. Can you really imagine a loving Father dealing so harshly with you as you are dealing with yourself? If it were me..and I was so angry at me..I would first try to get rid of that anger at myself. The Lord cannot get through to you so you can feel the love until you let some of it in. I would look up every scripture I could find on the love our Heavenly Father and our Savior has for each of us. I would simply ask our Father "Lovest thou, me"? Your pain is intense, that is obvious...The Lord said we should feel "Godly" sorrow for our transgressions. That is enough..to feel the sorrow..I believe the self-loathing is beyond what our Father desires for us. I wish I was there and could give you a hug. Years ago, before it was "acceptable" I went through a severe depression. I understand the depths of despair to which a person can fall..from the depression alone. It is important to separate the two issues. Do not blame yourself for any infirmities, physical or mental. And do not blame yourself if another persons use of free-agency has caused you great harm. The Lord loves you, that is enough for now..all the other stuff can be sorted out..after all we didn't just fall off the turnip truck when we came to earth, and we wont just fall into a wasteland when we leave. Remember also the Lord does not want your to run faster than you have strength. For today..look at the good you are, the good you do..call your Bishop .ask the Lord for the strength to make that call. Love Joni

Welcome..glad you found us:bearhug: Joni

Johnathan Gospel in a beautiful thing. It seems amidst all the turmoil you did not lose your testimony. I for one would also love to read your "Work in Progress" maybe we could collaborate as I have a daughter in a similar situation as yourself. It is so humbling to read your words and feel your courage. I have barely touched the surface of my own conversion process here..also a work in progress...I feel our lives on this earth, our conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an ongoing process. We may lose our way on some issues, only to find it again strong and confident. My suggestion..find the meeting house in your area, or better yet call church headquarters and get the info,,they may give you the name of local leaders so you can get the meeting schedule and then just go....talk to the Bishop or Branch president...they will guide you every step of the way. Joni

I cannot say enough or find all the words to express my emotions at being able to be baptised for my ancestors and then doing the work by proxy. I was able to be baptised for grandmothers I knew well in this life. It was so incredible. By far the best was in Nauvoo temple 25Nov 2006 when my husband and I were finally sealed after years of submitting and resubmitting paperwork to cancel previous sealings. That same day, my husband did the baptism, confirmation(s) for my Dad, I for my Mom. We went through the temple as proxy's for my parents before my husband and I were actually sealed. Once my husbands and my sealing was completed, then my parents were sealed to each other...again my husband and I were the proxy's. Then with the help of other temple patrons, I was sealed to my parents. It was an awesome day. Our picture on our page was taken later that day in front of Nauvoo Temple. My parents were not members of the church in this life, but we both (my husband and I) know for a surety they were grateful for our efforts in the Temple that day. Likewise when my children were young, in my previous marriage, when they were of age, they were baptised for their ancestors in the Temple. Even though they have strayed from the church..they still speak of those experiences with gratitude. I have a great love for family history. I have made several starts/stops over the years. This last 2 years as FH consultant..I have made my greatest strides. We have a CD of about 150 names to take to the temple right now. We just need to be able to make the trip to Nauvoo, which is 5-6 hrs from here. If you get bit by the Family History Bug or get an opportunity to participate in Temple baptisms or any ordinances for the dead..your life will never be the same again. The experience(s) have a profound effect. Joni

I am still a newbie here, reading what catches my interest. I have been doing home storage since I joined the church in 1971. Where do you store it?...EVERYWHERE. You have to be aware of the climate and weather condt'ns in your area. I would not recommend storing grain in your garage if you live in Phoenix, AZ. If that is the only space you have, then get some plywood or something build a small unit and insulate it. What to store? Store what your family will eat/use. If you have not introduce your family to cracked wheat cereal, the week of no paycheck is not the time to do that. I store a variety of items. Some freeze dried, some I dehydrate, some canned (my own efforts and store sales), I store grain. I became the unofficial food storage peep for our branch. I get a lot of deals online, and I use my resale ID to get us good prices. We have a commercial sealer, so when we order in bulk, we just seal our stuff with that into mylar bags. I store a lot of mylar bags floor in totes. Mice do not like to chew thru plastic. On lds.org under provident living, you will find a chart of recommendations for per family member items..the chart can be modified for your own family needs. Remember..you need to use the stuff you store. At the cost of powdered mike, you do not want to have it end up as a 50# hockey puck. I keep an inventory list on the outside of my freezer(s) and all the areas I store things in the house. It is pretty much like a mini warehouse. From my years in trucking I have been in many warehouses..so I got some good ideas for what works. I try to keep a small separate savings acct, I say try because in tough times that is the one we raid first, for opportunities that come up to add to our storage. I KNOW you are all familiar with this: "Sisters, we have an opportunity to get XXX at this really great price, BUT..we need to order today.

I am not sure either. I do know that the scriptures plainly state the Lord expects us to be humble and to follow the laws of the Gospel once we accept them. The one scripture reference that really makes me "Quake" is where the Lord says if men will not humble themselves, he will compel them to be humble. Now I don't know about anyone else here..I think it is easier to chose to be humble (obedient) rather than "Compelled" to be humble. Joni

We are glad you found us. lds.org is our official church web site, I am sure you can get everything there in your language. Just remember the language of the spirit is universal..no translation needed. Welcome Joni

Welcome we are glad you are here. Of course me and hubby being truck drivers do not share your love of the "Buckeye" but we still have many friends that live there. Joni

I am sooo excited for you...I cannot think of one thing that feels better than a newly born testimony of the Gospel. Joni

In most wards and branches youth age 12 can get a recommend from the Bishop/Branch president for baptisms for the dead. Most wards/branches plan youth trips to the temple and encourage the youth to go. They can only go to designated areas of the temple as indicated by the temple staffing and the reason for the youth being there. If a young person is there to be sealed to a parent, that is the only ordinance the youth will be able to participate in. Children, not born in the covenant are able to go to the temple to be sealed to parents. As when a family joins the church and they already have children. I am not sure i am understanding..are you asking if your 13 yo can accompany you through the temple when you go to receive your endowments or are you just asking if he can be there in the temple while you are going through the endowment session? I do not know if there is a "rule" or age limit for a temple recommend for all ordinances. Young men and women going on missions go to the temple and receive their endowments before they leave for the MTC and the mission field (Missionary Training Center) A young man or woman who does not go on a mission, but wants to receive their own endowments are generally encouraged to set a goal for temple marriage. Many single people receive their endowments after a time has passed and they are not married or serve missions. This is decided by local leaders and the individual worthiness of the person requesting a temple recommend

DUH..she is right..they are made with a new-finagled invention called a sewing machine at a place called Beehive Clothing. The best place to get answers abut garments?? Have a valid temple recommend or become worthy to receive one, go to the temple where you will receive your own and all questions will be answered there. They are called the "Robes of the Priesthood" and are sacred. Most of us who wear them will not discuss it further. Joni

oops I nearly forgot. In our FHC we use and recommend Cemetery Records Online We divide our talents, our director is the research guru, the ohter consultant is our PAF genius, and I am the new.familysearch.org peep. You can actually do a google search and come up with a lot of grave/cemetary record locator sites..hint. don't forget to type "+free" in yuor search. Otherwise you will be lead to the ones who want $$ first.

Glad you found us...let uis know how the discussions are going... WELCOME Joni

Welcome..hope you enjoy each visit and keep comming back! Joni

Come on in and stay a while:lounge: We are all children of our Heavenly Father..he wants us to help and celebrate each other. Looking for mor posts from you. Joni

Thank you for sharing your views of Iraq with us. Thank you for being there anyway...even if you love it.... Joni

Hi..Welcome Nichole. I am long past home schooling. My children do not home school. But I am somewhat new to the site too. Long time LDS church member and I love new frends. Joni

There is an LDS Temple in Manhatten. I am sure they have a visitors center. It is usually maybe an hour or so tour and there will be many people there who will answer all your questions "up-front-and-personal" They will have several films about the church. It might be worth a ride there. I love the visitors centers of the temples, I go every time I have an opportunity. Welcome here..we are so glad you joined us. If you are seeking the truth, you will find it..the Lord knows your heart..ask Him to show you where the Truth can be found. Joni

I disagree: Polygamy is NOT the issue and we have answered the questions many times throughout history. Are today's members of the Catholic church call upon to answer for the Inquisition? No they are not. TV Evangelist are only called to account when the IRS gets involved. I could go on and on here. The bottom line is "Was Joseph Smith a Prophet"? Did the events he recounted in the Sacred Grove happen? Did the witnesses to the Golden Plates tell the truth? Those are the only important things, because the rest is contingent on those events. AND..for whatever reason would thousands of people alter their lives, traipse across frozen ground for a religion..if they did not hold it true? When you read the "Signature" books I would advise you to also read the "History of the Church" it is contained in several volumes, it would be a good companion to say "Amazon" books For me..it doesn't matter if Say President Kimball wore white shoes every where, it doesn't matter which Prophet was in place when a certain revelation was disclosed. There have been many, many more than Polygamy. I have pioneer ancestors in my family who were body guards to 3 of the earlier Prophets...that may not fit neatly into a religious peoples society either. Not when viewed by our understanding of bodyguards.. For Me: Joseph was a Prophet, the events he related to the world happened as he said. If there are inaccuracies, it is only because, just like we can make a typo, they were not perfect men and women. The basics..for me..are true. The polygamy, while part of our history, it is also part of the Old testament history, was instituted by the Lord at a time..when the Lord felt it was needed. Very simple. Joni

Ditto here from Iowa: I don't fit any of the categories either. How do you explain scientifically the overwhelming emotions that occur when a person experiences the answer to the truth of the BoM when put to the test in Moroni of it's truthfulness? I do not think there is a scientific explanation. We have a lot of evidence and witnesses but for some that is not enough. I think the Lord has given us enough evidence in that solution. We can run around all day and night and try to prove "How high is Up"? and have as many answers as the number of people who are polled. The Truth of the BoM scientific or spiritual based lies within the heart of whoever is seeking these things out. The naysayer..most likely will remain a naysayer. The critics will not be satisfied until they have taken it apart verse by verse to prove inaccuracies. The sincere seekers of truth will find it and it will be unmistakably clear to them. Since we are all at different levels of development...each person will experience this uniquely. My husband joined the church while in HS. He was married (to his ex) and had 3 children before he realized he had a testimony of the BoM. He says he would listen to flowery accounts of how others learned of it's truth. he had not experienced that. Someone said to him one day "Can you deny the Book of Mormon is true" He said "NO, I cannot" He was then told "The reason you cannot give a glowing account of it's truth, is because for you, it has always been true." "The Lord does not need give you a further witness to something you already know is true" My husband thought about that and realized his friend was right. He had accepted the truth of the BoM before he even read it, he says "I didn't need to read it first..I knew it was true from day one". So he was busy looking for something he already had. I think a lot of people fall into that category. It is too simplistic for our complex, technical lives..to just Pray and be assured the BoM is true. It doesn't fit into our cyber life. As I said in another post. The Lord never meant for the Gospel to be complex..It is a matter of simple, sincere, faith and acting on it. Joni

"Charity Never Failith" no matter if it is done openly or quietly. For me, charity is and has always been a way of life. When I joined the church the Relief Society motto only confirmed I had been doing at least something right all those years before. Joni

You are doing the right thing....it's a tough situation for the boys. Hugs Joni

I cannot be much help except offer a My husband and I went through nightmare breakups of our previous marriages. He lived in so. UT I lived in so CA but our situations were so parallel, it is uncanny. We have been married 14 years now. The efforts of our exes has resulted in all of our living 8 children, that we share, being a varying levels of inactivity. Along with the inactivity comes the mistrust of "Dad" my husband, by his children. Because Mom so cleverly distorted things and we will not stoop to her level. It was the same with my previous marriage. My ex did not want me any longer, he found someone else (yes we were married in the Temple) but after he left the home, he did not want our children, who remained with me to want me either. Now we have 8 adult children who some will not speak to us, all have lived in our home for a time, or are outright enemies to our household. One son thought Gang-banging was attractive, one daughter has been excommunicated X2, one is convinced that her father did some sort of intimate abuse to her (now this idea came to her after she lived our home 2 yrs, and her Mom was unhappy she was with us, so suddenly she was the victim of abuse from around the age of 4) We have always remained active, even when we drove truck for 10 years, we would do our Sunday meetings on board the truck, not sacrament of course. Our ex spouses? my hubby's remarried soon after we did, was sealed in the St. George Temple, then a few years later dumped him for an Indian wedding on the side of a hill in Prove...we do not even know if it is legal? My x is so angry at the church..when my son died 3 years ago, he was at the memorial service, I gave a talk..I could feel the heat of his anger...after 10 yrs of being div from him plus 11 yrs of being married to my current husband. Our exes are still so embittered. I do not get it. They tried every trick in the book to sabotage custody arrangements, convince the kids that we, my husband and myself are the real "Lowlife's" I am never surprised anymore when someone talks about this kind of estrangement. We have been through a Refiners Fire of it. It continues even today. All I can give for advice is this: You. stay strong in the church, You keep your Covenants, no matter what. And remember, the Lord does not release us from the calling of "parent" you cannot allow yourselves to be intimidated by angry exes and offspring where you might try to "Release yourself" Is is easy?.No it is the toughest path I have ever walked. Something within me won't allow me to give up. I have to love and parent them, when I feel impressed to do so, even if they do not love me back or even like me. My heart goes out to you. Last. It is sooo important to stay close to the Lord, you never know when an opportunity, no matter how Small will arise, and you get a chance to make a lasting impression on your children, for Good. If we leave it all up to the embittered exes, it is pretty much a guarantee they will not get these "teaching/learning" moments. If you stay strong, in the Gospel, at least there is a hope in that. Joni

Quite a few years ago when I was struggling to get through college as a single parent and work a full time job, and juggle a church calling..the scriptures became my lifeline. Most particular the BoM. I learned that the struggles they encountered were not so very different from my own..and the solutions they used worked for me. I found reading of the battles and wars that my ability to handle adversity changed as I applied principles say..Captain Moroni told of. Frankly..I was amazed. Now I have gone on to using the entire scriptures for solutions to problems or just to find a scenario that is much like my own, I can relate too. Of course my first love is the BoM for it's simplicity. Just thought I would share that. Joni