Connie

Found this: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1983/09/the-law-after-christ?lang=eng Here are some pertinent quotes, but the whole thing is great. By Stephen E. Robinson

I don’t know your wife. So imma throw my lot in with those who say to pray about it and do as the Spirit directs. However, if it were me, I would want to know. If my husband came to me and said here’s what I did wrong, here’s what I did to make it right, and here’s how long it’s been since I’ve done it, that would foster in me nothing but respect and even trust. In fact, something similar has happened in my marriage (not with pornography, it was something else). And I was hurt, but mostly because he felt like he needed to shelter me from it for so long. This was a family/couple matter, and he felt like he needed to take care of it himself and then not talk about what was going on. I am a woman, but I’m not a baby. I’m a partner—a helpmeet—and I was hurt that he wouldn’t bring this matter to me so we could deal with it together. We women get human nature. We have it too. I don’t know if your wife will see things this way, but that’s how I see it. I understand you’re dealing with some emotionally charged issues here. But, quite frankly, sexuality is a couples matter. As your wife, your sexuality is her business just as hers is yours. Every couple out there has had issues and things to talk about regarding this aspect of marriage. A wife deserves to know what your struggles and issues have been, even if they are in the past.

Thanks for the recommend, MrShorty. I really enjoyed this series. The second was my favorite of the three. In regard to the above, i think it further muddies the water to consider that being "capped" in this story wasn't your usual sort of mind control--or perhaps at least what i would consider the usual. They didn't become completely mindless automatons who were the same everywhere. It was really more of a hypnosis that left humans with a worshipful attitude toward these aliens and otherwise left personality and free will fairly intact. Different countries or areas still had differences. The "vagrants" were treated very well in some areas and really horribly in others. So on the large scale, yes, they didn't have war anymore. But on a small scale, people were still able to make choices and treat other people horribly if they so chose.

Wunderbar! I haven't read that one yet. I'd love to hear what you think when you've finished.

You may want to try some books by John Bytheway. They usually make for light reading, i find. He has a great sense of humor, and yet he often offers profound insights as well. I think his writing might be a good fit for you.

If you haven't already, i would recommend giving a listen to Elder and Sister Renlund's talk on charity from the BYU Women's Conference. It had some great insights on this topic. Here's a link: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/languages/renlund-womens-conference/2016/04?lang=eng

No contest. Captain America. Ironman is not someone i want my sons emulating.

Have you read any church history? My Heritage or Truth Restored are good starting places. You could pick up one of the old Teachings of Presidents of the Church manuals. Or you could pick up an institute manual to read alongside a particular book of scripture. I’m a big fan of the Scripture Study manual. I think it’s awesome. Here’s a link: https://www.lds.org/manual/scripture-study-the-power-of-the-word-teacher-manual?lang=eng Believing Christ by Stephen Robinson is a good one. I’m a big fan of Christ and the New Covenant by Jeffrey R. Holland. It’s a great one to read alongside the Book of Mormon. Really you can’t go wrong with any of his books. Neal A. Maxwell is another. Any of his books are great. Last one I read by him was Things As They Really Are. It was really fantastic. If you’d like a book on the atonement, Tad R. Callister’s book The Infinite Atonement is great. I know there are many others out there as well. Hearing the Voice of the Lord by Gerald Lund is great for learning how to hear the Holy Ghost. Another would be Increase in Learning by David A. Bednar. If you’d like temple prep stuff, I’m sure there are some manuals for that. The Holy Temple by Boyd K. Packer is also a good one for that.

Just to talk a bit about the LDS view of canon. To us it is most definitely an open canon. We don’t really think it’s proper or possible to limit the words God can give us. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, then to us it’s within the realm of possibility that He will talk to prophets in our day just as He did to those in ancient times. It might be helpful to think of our additional scripture as supplementation just as other Christians have creeds or other writings as supplementation. They become the lens through which we read the Bible just as the creeds are the lens through which other Christians read the Bible. Here is partially how Robert Millet said it: “Occastionally we hear certain Latter-day Saint teachings described as unbiblical or a particular doctrine as being contradictory to the Bible. Let’s be clear on this matter. The Bible is one of the books within our standard works, and thus our doctrines and practices are in harmony with the Bible. There are times, of course, when latter-day revelation provides clarification or enhancement of the intended meaning in the Bible. Addition to the canon is not, however, the same as rejection of the canon. Supplementation is not the same as contradiction. All of the prophets and the Savior himself were sent to bring new light and knowledge to the world; in many cases, new scripture came as a result of their ministry. That new scripture did not invalidate what went before, nor did it close the door to subsequent revelation. We feel deep gratitude for the holy scriptures, but we do not worship scripture. Nor do we feel it appropriate to set bounds to the works and ways of the Almighty, to tell God, essentially, ‘Thus far and no more.’ … Persons of other faiths sometimes cite scriptural warnings against adding to or taking away from the Bible. … Latter-day Saints believe that these warnings have to do with the condemnation associated with a man—an uninspired man, a man not called of God—taking upon himself the responsibility to add to or take from the canon of scripture. It is God’s right to speak beyond what he has spoken already (as he certainly did in the person and messages and works of Jesus himself), and Latter-day Saints feel that God directs and empowers his children as need arises. Nowhere does the Bible itself declare that God will no longer speak directly to his children or add to past scripture.” (from Getting at the Truth, chapter 5, question 1) So really it comes down to whether Joseph Smith was a prophet of God or not. And the only way you can find that out is to ask God yourself in true sincerity.

Congratulations! Welcome to the fold.

A few LDS church leaders have stated in recent years that the woman is the "heart of the home" or "heart of the family." What does that mean to you? What does it mean to be the heart?

“The New Testament clearly teaches the need for divine authority. Jesus ordained the Twelve Apostles (John 15:16), gave them the keys of the kingdom of God (Matthew 16:18-19; 18:18), and empowered his servants to perform miracles and take the gospel to all nation (Matthew 10:1, 5-8; 28:19-20). Later, after the Lord’s death, the apostles commissioned others to serve in the ministry (Acts 6:1-6; 13:1-3; 14:23; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Titus 1:5) and to ensure that the saving ordinances or sacraments were performed only by those properly ordained (Acts 19:1-6, 13-16). This authority was a power that no one could assume, take upon himself, or purchase; it came only through the laying on of hands by those holding proper authority (Acts 8:18-20; Hebrews 5:4).” –Robert Millet (from Getting at the Truth, chapter 8, question 4)

No, they cannot. But they can enter in one of the other kingdoms which we are told are so wonderful that they “surpass all understanding.” You might find this quote from Robert Millet helpful. He said, “While Latter-day Saints believe and teach that the highest form of salvation, or exaltation, comes to those who receive the blessings of the temple, we do not in any way believe that it is the temple, or the ordinances contained there, that saves us. Salvation is in Christ. We believe the temple to be a house of learning, of communion and inspiration, of covenants and ordinances, of service, and of personal refinement. We believe that the temple is the house of the Lord. But it is not the Lord. We look to Christ the Person for salvation.” (from Getting at the Truth, chapter 6, question 6)

So i finished The White Mountains, and i liked it. It starts out not giving away much about the Tripods, and i kept wondering how they could have taken over the planet. They seemed kinda wimpy and vague and it's hard to tell what's going on. Seemed like their form of mind control was sort of different. These people all seemed to retain a lot of personality. But as you go along you get a better picture of them. And it will be interesting to read the next one and get an even better idea of the Tripods and what exactly is going on.

I would agree that it's late in the year to be thinking of pulling her out right now. But maybe for next year you can think of a duel enrollment type thing. Have her do the things that are hard to do online like fine arts or sports or dance or drama or whatever in the public school or with local groups, but sign her up for some online science or history or government or math or whatever classes. BYU independent study has an online high school program, and their science courses have to be better than what she is getting right now.

I can recommend a really great online school if this friend with the hot wife is interested.

Sounds interesting. I'd love to hear your final conclusions on it once you've finished.

I’ve been reading a book by Elder Richard G. Scott called 21 Principles: Divine Truths to Help You Live by the Spirit. His 14th principle relates to this subject: “A happy marriage results from making correct choices prayerfully together. It can transform a house into a place of heaven on earth.” Here’s a quote from the chapter on this principle that I like: “Some brethren don’t recognize that there is a difference in how the priesthood is used in the home and how it is used in the Church. Because the Church is an organization where there are different levels, a hierarchical structure, we sometimes need to make decisions for those who are serving under us. In the home, the priesthood is not used that way. It is a patriarchal order. Who should make the decisions in the home? The way of the Lord is that you make every decision together—period. And if you can’t do that, you work until you do. You pray about it. You will find the greatest happiness if you will base every decision on the question, ‘What does the Lord want us to do?’ Seek together the will of the Lord. That, I believe, is the way to keep the balance we should.” Hope that helps.

Unless he requests otherwise, try to reach out as a friend. Set up an email correspondence or maybe (gasp) write a letter. Share with him gospel principles you are learning, how you are changing and growing. Don't delve into feelings at first. Just be a friend. Pray for him every day. If he won't allow any sort of contact, then prayer is probably the best you can do. You will need to give him space and time regardless. Keep working on deepening your understanding of the gospel.

Getting at the Truth has several in chapters 5-8. I would recommend focusing on those chapters.

Wow. I didn't read that very carefully at all. Sorry about that. I hope you enjoy the book.

He relates this same story in another of his books called Getting at the Truth. It is rather funny, in a tragic sort of way. What a lost opportunity! You might be interested in reading that book. It’s a great starting point for some of the more common concerns that crop up about the LDS faith.

And that further illustrates the difference. Because we are the same species, we are also infinite beings. We have an infinite past and will have an infinite future. We believe in a pre-existence and that we will live on after death. We are infinite beings who are currently living in a finite state for experience and testing.

Been reading some James Allen lately. Above Life's Turmoil and From Poverty to Power. I'm finding myself disagreeing with him about equally as much as i agree with him.

Well, in any case, here's his website for anyone interested in looking into it: http://www.bookofmormonevidence.org/