Maureen

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  1. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from MrShorty in What would you say to a young man who said...   
    Eighteenish is still pretty young, he has a lot of life to still experience. He may prefer male friends but that's probably because that's all he's had. As he gets older and meets new people his preferences may change.
    M.
  2. Haha
    Maureen reacted to NeuroTypical in The trinity = the family   
    I had a fun conversation with my buddy's girlfriend back in college.  We were all at a street fair, and she was very upset because the Greek booth had a pig on a spit.  She was starting to yell "MURDERERS!" under her breath.
    Me: "Didn't you have a big mac for lunch?"
    Her: "What does that have to do with what they're doing with that pig?"
    Me: "Um, you know where the beef in a big mac comes from, right?"
    Her: "That's different.  These people are murderers!  I was just having lunch."
    As the conversation went on, she revealed that she had a special definition of "murderer", where neither she nor McDonalds qualified.  But those horrible people roasting the pig did.  Something about how it was only murder if she had to watch it happen.
  3. Like
    Maureen reacted to Sunday21 in Coffee as a Prescriptoin   
    Have not read all of thread...long day in hospital w sick relative. I had this issue and there was a list of reasons why only coffee would do. I got my doctor to write me a short note that I took to my bishop. Problem solved. No questions asked.
    My doctor, a Muslim, was most entertained but managed to keep a straight face. My meds come w a long list of side effects. Coffee is the least of my worries.
  4. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from JohnsonJones in Racial Error in Come Follow Me Manual   
    Protestants also believe in original sin and baptism is not necessary in many protestant faiths.
    M.
  5. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from JohnsonJones in Racial Error in Come Follow Me Manual   
    That is not true. Original sin is the sin that was inherited through Adam and Eve and it gives us the tendency to sin. Actual sin that humankind commits is the sin that is accountable.
    M. 
  6. Thanks
    Maureen got a reaction from askandanswer in For those of you not watching the Super Bowl....   
    https://hofexperiences.com/blog/how-are-super-bowl-locations-selected
    M.
  7. Thanks
    Maureen reacted to Colirio in What’s the last movie you watched?   
    My son really liked Monster House. Admittedly, it is kinda creepy in some parts and maybe too old for her. 
     
    Another is A Corpse Bride. This one is on the same level as A Nightmare Before Christmas. 
     
    Maybe not a “monster movie” per say, but Disney’s Princess and the Frog has monster-esque people. Seems to be another favorite of fans of that genre. 
  8. Sad
    Maureen reacted to Ironhold in For those of you not watching the Super Bowl....   
    My plan for the night was to listen to the radio.
    "The Classics with Steve Downes" and "Sammy Hagar's Top Rock Countdown" live-streamed via KUQQ in Iowa, followed by the last 45 minutes of "Monsters Of Rock Radio with Harlan" and "Hard Drive with Lou Brutus" via local station KLFX. If the stream was working, I'd finish it off with "The House Of Hair With Dee Snider" on KPKY Idaho. 
    Instead?
    About half an hour into "The Classics" my mom's cat started choking on something. I had to force his mouth open so that we could pull it out (his collar had gotten caught in his mouth), and once it was out he chomped down hard on my thumb because of how panicked he still was.
    So I've been spending much of the night treating my thumb.
  9. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from Still_Small_Voice in For those of you not watching the Super Bowl....   
    I'm sure you non-watchers don't care but the Kansas City Chiefs won. 😊
    M.
  10. Like
    Maureen reacted to Momofalltrades in My son returned home from his mission, but he hasn't been himself. Have you had this situation ?   
    I just stumbled across this post, and even though it's a little old, I just want to share a few thoughts from my family's experience with my brother.
    He was a super charismatic, popular, high school athlete prior to leaving on his mission. During the mission, his letter writing became sporadic and often were difficult to understand. My parents were concerned and did contact the mission president a few times, but the mission leaders raved about his work ethic and dedication. Of course, not knowing him before the mission, it was impossible to expect them to detect gradual personality changes. All they could measure was what they saw, which was a hard working missionary. When he got off the plane, he wouldn't talk to us, sticking to the mission routine until he was officially released. When he did start talking, his speech was "mumbly," and his demeanor was "off," like just kind of awkward and unbalanced. But, he was filled with gratitude for the mission and expressed a strong testimony and did seem happy. He was just very different. Long story short, he has a mental illness. My parents prayed, researched, talked with counselors, and all sorts of daily effort to this day (30 years later) to understand him and help him. To this day, he has not "received treatment," or been willing to accept that anything is wrong with him. And I'm glad. It is common for mental illness to "manifest" during the young adult years (mission years) Mental illness is often "triggered" by new and/or stressful experiences (serving a mission) Nothing "bad" happened to him on the mission. There is no one to blame. The mission president could not be expected to detect that something was wrong. Mental illness is not a clear cut thing that can always be "treated." Much of what we consider treatment serves the general population, to make us more comfortable, than it serves the individual who is afflicted. It has been super helpful for my parents to receive mental health support from counselors, even though my brother refused to seek treatment. God is in the details of our lives. His tender mercies have been shown repeatedly over these many years to my parents and my brother as he continues to live his life. There have been many many trials. But, that's what this life is for - to navigate trials with faith and be built into better, stronger versions of ourselves each time.  I joined this forum with the sole purpose of commenting on your post because your love and concern for your son really struck my heart, and all of the emotions from that time in my family's life came flooding back. I wish there was a simple and clear cut "here's what you do" kind of answer. But, I've come to accept that this is part of "the plan" for my brother's life. He amazes me, and I'm grateful to learn from him, and to be able to appreciate the complexity of mental health afflictions because of his experiences.
  11. Like
    Maureen reacted to Traveler in Fasting - some questions   
    Interesting - I am impressed you remember my love of skiing and cycling.   I began cycling as a youth delivering daily news papers.  I stuck with cycling into my marriage because it was cheaper than taking a car to work.  Since I only had one car - I left that one for my wife and kids.  However, I was raised with the idea that joy come not so much from doing what we want as it is from learning to love what we are doing.  Never-the-less - you are more correct than I would like to admit.  For many years my bicycle cost more than our family car.  Currently my car is over 26 years old - my bicycle is much younger.
    On the other hand skiing is pure pleasure for me and I have no excuse but selfishness.  Though I usually ski with brothers - I do spend many a day on the slops by myself - especially on snow days when the visibility is low - I am often by myself and I have no excuse - it is an act of selfishness.   Maybe not so much that my wife does not complain that I am there and not bothering her.  Her favorite activity is shopping - and try as I will - she does not enjoy shopping so much when I am with her.
     
    The Traveler
  12. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from dahlia in Fasting - some questions   
    I sometimes wonder the same thing. Is the ulterior motive for doing something spiritual or good just for a blessing/reward? Why can't something good and lovingly be done just because it's the right thing to do, and in @dahlia's case because she cares about the person? Everyone has their motives but to only focus on how one can be rewarded for doing a good thing seems a little selfish and a little less good.
    As for your new found money - it was there before you started your fast, so I'll chalk it up to absent-mindedness. 😊
    M.
  13. Like
    Maureen reacted to JohnsonJones in Fasting - some questions   
    As an aside, When I was an investigator I was taught something different than what some are saying in this thread (or what I interpret them stating, I may have misunderstood them completely).  The church still teaches what I learned in regards to those who cannot physically fast (and there have been instances where I dealt with those unable to do a physical fast within my own family.  I also knew a family that was abusing their kids by forcing them to do a full fast.  Not a pleasant situation as the kids were becoming very ill on Fast Sundays.  In accordance with a request of more information we were informed that in these cases no blessings would be denied to those unable to fast for two meals as long as they followed the Spirit of the Fast, which is basically what is described below.  Also, little children do not need to fast, but parents should set an example for their children to follow.  Children should be encouraged to fast and do as they are able to once past the age of 8, but no abuse such as forcing them to not eat should occur).
    Even those who are fasting, these same principles hold true.  This means a member who is fasting should fast with a purpose.  They should start with prayer.  It should be done with personal prayer and reflection.  It should also end with a prayer and a fast offering should be given. 
  14. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from JohnsonJones in Female v. Male College Ratios   
    Maybe Christian women are more interested in attending a Christian University than Christian men.
    M.
  15. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from Fether in Fasting - some questions   
    I know this is your opinion but, the 2nd greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself. On a plane, you are instructed to put the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping others. As a parent, if you want to be there for your children you must take care of yourself. There are so many things in life where being kind to yourself makes it easier to be kind to others.
    M.
  16. Haha
    Maureen reacted to Traveler in Fasting - some questions   
    I have heard many stories that if you will just open up the Book of Mormon and read - that you will get the answer to your question.  So I know this guy - it seemed that everything was going wrong in his life.  He lost his job and was having difficulty finding another job.  So he could not make his house payment, his car payment, his boat payment, his credit card payments, and just about every other payment.  His wife got tired of him not making payments and not getting another job so she moved out and threatened divorce.  His kids hated him because he could not buy them anything they wanted - he was unhappy and asked we what he should do.  I told him to just open up the Book of Mormon and read.  
    About a week later he had a new car, was able to keep his house, his wife came back and he was able to buy his kids stuff so they were happy.  It was like magic.  I could not resist so I asked what scripture did he turn to.  He said he opened up the Book of Mormon and it said - "Chapter 11".
    Okay - I am sorry.  I am sure a lot of people are serious about problems but I could not resist this little bit of sick humor.  (PS. the story is not true) - please, everybody, do not get mad.
     
    The Traveler
  17. Like
    Maureen reacted to dahlia in Fasting - some questions   
    I like the idea of abstaining from other worldly things. I'm going to think about that. I have a pile of books I have been trying to work through since I retired. Maybe no social media and just reading is an idea. Doing housework would probably be a better idea, but let's not go crazy. 
  18. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from dahlia in Fasting - some questions   
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1979/04/i-have-a-question/what-should-i-do-to-teach-my-beehive-class-about-fasting-when-i-cannot-fast?lang=eng
    M.
  19. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from Traveler in Fasting - some questions   
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1979/04/i-have-a-question/what-should-i-do-to-teach-my-beehive-class-about-fasting-when-i-cannot-fast?lang=eng
    M.
  20. Like
    Maureen reacted to carlimac in Revelation- How does it REALLY work?   
    I appreciate this. I really do. But it’s mentally exhausting. I would think if the Lord wanted us to know or do something it wouldn’t be so murky, requiring mental gymnastics and contortions to have it make sense. 
     
    There have been times in my life when I have had clear impressions. Small things like how to comfort a hurting child or testifying of God to a doubting son. Clear, precise.  I guess  when we have to work so hard to justify something or cram a puzzle piece in where it doesn’t fit, it wasn’t a true prompting. 
     
    I do believe in coincidences and chance happenings. Even after praying for that thing, it isn’t always from God. 
  21. Like
    Maureen reacted to Just_A_Guy in Oregon Woman sues Church for reporting abuse   
    Every professional training I’ve been to suggests that there is some measure of success in treating children who molest other children; but that it gets harder with age.  Once adulthood sets in I believe the bulk of the literature is that the behaviors can be contained but that the fundamental desires don’t go away.  See, e.g., https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/pessimism-about-pedophilia .
     
    Pedophiles walk a very, very lonely road.  
  22. Like
    Maureen reacted to MrShorty in Oregon Woman sues Church for reporting abuse   
    Interestingly, the article mentioned a bill going before the Utah legislature that would essentially remove the clergy-confession privilege in the state of Utah -- making all clergy mandatory reporters even if they learn of the abuse as part of "confession" (there is a link within my link that goes to the Tribune's coverage of this bill, if you feel so inclined). It looks like the Utah state legislature will get an opportunity to debate the issues you mention.
    This seemed like a part of how having a lay ministry might play into this. As I understand the story, man confesses to bishop. Bishop convenes a disciplinary council which brings in several other members of the Church's lay clergy (including the counselor in question). Are these additional council members acting in the capacity of their regular day jobs and not clergy, or are they acting as clergy in this case? Is the disciplinary council still part of the confessional, or is it something different? Considering the lay nature of our clergy, how do the rules that govern our day jobs impact our church service? Extending to religious liberty, how much do we want the government and courts deciding these things for us?
    As I said, I have no legal expertise to understand all of the legal ins and outs. But it seems that there may be some interesting aspects to this case.
  23. Like
    Maureen got a reaction from Still_Small_Voice in Female v. Male College Ratios   
    Maybe men are more interested in trade schools over universities. They are less expensive.
    https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/03/choosing-trade-school-over-college/584275/
    M.
  24. Haha
    Maureen reacted to zil in "It's time Christians started including Latter-day Saints"   
    Wow, apparently I've been in Utah too long, cuz I didn't even know there were chewable versions of coffee and tea.
  25. Like
    Maureen reacted to NeuroTypical in Another "Church Culture Stinks" Article   
    My story out of Utah involves heart wrenching tales of childhood baggage and parole hearings and dangerous in-laws and funerals.  We beat cheeks out of Utah and never looked back.  Visiting Utah sometimes feels like descending down into the belly of the beast.  We've shared thoughts of arming ourselves for battle against unfriendly forces before a trip.
    Not really anything specifically unique to Utah in my story, anyone can get out of a horrible situation and never want to go back.  Hard feelings about places in general can come, not from the places being bad or all the people there being bad, but certain traumatic experiences tied into a cultural and place setting.  In our case, some good faithful LDS folks also have committed some incredibly scarring horrible acts of evil that have left deep wounds across generations of children and adults, often while expressing sentiments heard in any sacrament meeting or conference talk.
    So I totally get the 'church culture stinks' jokes, and I've had to work hard to keep them light-hearted, and keep from falling into bitterness and resentment.  I think I do ok at it.  Sometimes I get too sarcastic.  It's easier to avoid as the years go by.