Maureen

Having a baby is a very natural thing for a couple to want and have. I have a very hard time thinking that God would not want a couple to have a baby. If you really want a baby and there are infertility issues, then you do everything in your power to try and have that baby. If you are not sure about having a baby due to infertility, then you should rethink whether you actually want a baby. M.

Your generation may indeed be teaching the above to the next generation. It might be though, that the next generation is not accepting that teaching. They may be deciding for themselves what "greatest achievement" means to them. M.

@Lee, has your relationship with your wife these 5 years gotten better? Do you love each other more now than when you first got married? I question your commitment to your marriage like others have. What would put you in a position of falling in love with someone else if you do love your wife. You seem to have a very carefree attitude about your marriage and the relationship you have with your wife. Given this odd idea about marriage that you have, it might not be a good idea to bring children into your life. M.

Welcome Lee. In all the years you've been alive, how have you made decisions on other milestones? If you've gone to University, how did you decide where to go and what to take? How do you decide on things you're interested in? What made you decide to help take care of your nephew? Sometimes making decisions in life is not about a sign or a feeling but about what is the next step in living the life you've been given. When you were growing up, did you know you wanted to get married? Did you know before you were married if you ever wanted to be a father? If you know that you want to be a father and you and your wife are ready to have children, then go by what you want and what's right for you and your wife. You and your wife are really the only people that can make that decision. Don't have children because it's expected of you, have them because you want them. M.

So what about someone who gets married multiple times? I have a friend who was born with her father's surname. She changed her name when she married the first time and has a different name now being married a 2nd time. What about people whose parents gave them an odd name, so they chose to change it legally. Having different names does not equate to being a criminal. M.

Are you thinking that BYU is heaven? M.

I'm getting a better idea of how the LDS church and its members understand Tithing, donations and offerings. The replies have been helpful. M.

That's a weird analogy, but I get what you mean. So then an LDS member could donate thousands of dollars to the LDS church in their lifetime and if they do not allocate that money as Tithing, then they are not following the covenant of tithing that they agreed to - is that what you're saying? M.

Okay, so I have an hypothetical question: If an LDS member decides to always allocate zero dollars for Tithing on their tithing slip and always allocate dollars to Humanitarian Aid, then in a sense they are not paying Tithing. But if the LDS church decides to execute their disclaimer, does the money that was once considered a "donation", now become "tithing"? "Though reasonable efforts will be made globally to use donations as designated, all donations become the Church's property and will be used at the Church's sole discretion to further the Church's overall mission." M.

So are you saying that if you fill out your Tithing slip and allocate zero dollars for Tithing but allocate dollars for Ward Missionary and Humanitarian Aid that those donations are not considered Tithing? And if that is the case, please explain this paragraph to me: Tithing donations are most usually remitted through the local congregational leader, or bishop, and from there to Church headquarters, where they are allocated and disbursed directly to the Church’s many worldwide programs, including its educational, missionary, building, humanitarian and welfare efforts. https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/tithing M.

Is this absolutely the case? Don't you have a small say in where you want your tithing dollars to go when you fill out your slip. The LDS church does have its disclaimer but you do have some say, whether it's followed or not is up to the LDS church. https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/first-presidency-approves-online-tithing-donations http://www.ldsliving.com/LDS-Church-adopts-new-tithing-slips/s/69822 M.

@anatess2, your second explanation provides more context to the story. It explains more clearly the point you were trying to make. Although I'm sure your Bishop could have easily explained to your Son why he thought the clique was troublesome and your Son would have understood. Sometimes being straight forward has its benefits. M.

If you can find a respiratory physiotherapist they could teach you about Active Cycle of Breathing. It's a breathing exercise technique that helps expel sputum from lungs. If you're not familiar with the terminology in the technique a physiotherapist would be helpful. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Active_cycle_of_breathing_technique M.

@Jane_Doe, in all the years that you have been alive, have you never lied? And if you have, are you saying that that moment you lied you were loving Satan? Or maybe for whatever reason, you just lied and Satan had nothing to do with it. M.

Just because Blossom decided to not join the LDS Church doesn't automatically make her anti-Mormon. We can only speculate why she chose to create an additional Username; but even that does not make her an anti-Mormon. She broke the rules but who here hasn't, even a little bit. M.

Bishop did not deny her allegation of rape, he said he did not remember. Bishop is 85 years old, it's a fact. Yes, his advanced age would make him susceptible to memory problems. So why the exaggeration of him being in his 90s? You don't think anyone would believe that a person in their 80s could show signs of dementia? M.

Look at that, I was wrong. BTW, his name is spelled Soares. M.

That makes sense but you gave the impression that if this story was news in California, people still wouldn't care. M.

How do you know no one would care? Are you saying Californians only care if abuse happens in their state? Please explain why you think Californians would NOT care. M.

@JohnsonJones, I can only speculate but I would say your age is probably a contributor to your flu symptoms. The flu shot never covers all the strains, so there's a chance a person can still get the flu but I would expect that the symptoms would be more mild. I've been getting flu shots for many years now and they have worked for me. My advice would be to make sure you wash your hands with soap multiple times a day and drink A LOT of liquids. It's a shame you can't drink tea; I tend to up my tea drinking when I'm sick and I find it helps. If you suspect a respiratory infection definitely get it looked at. Good luck and wishing you a speedy recovery. ETA: Just a thought but I have found in the past that the flu tends to make food taste and smell different; so I suggest getting a saline nasal spray and using it multiple times a day. Not sure if it will help but it shouldn't hurt. M.

Years ago most of the Mormons I knew didn't even own a kettle (stove or electric). I would boil water for tea (visiting) in a pot. I think that's changed now. M.

One of my small world experiences is between me and @Jennarator in this attached thread. ? M.

@truthseaker, the next time you attend church, you can ask this same guy or possibly the bishop if visitors are NOT WELCOMED to attend services if they do not conform to this dress code. I doubt very much that either one will say "yes". You should wear what you are most comfortable in and that you deem appropriate for church. Enjoy the service and the company and ignore the trivial comments. M.

Are you talking about LDSTalk? M.

I used to have a chemistry teacher in high school who would always advise "think twice, before you speak once". This Rebecca Morris never had such a teacher; or if she did, didn't take that advice. M.