Prodigal_Son

Yeah, that's all fine and dandy... but what about MJ? I mean, death of the moonwalker!!!! If that ain't a dire warning, I don't know what is.

Okay, just thinking out loud here, in response to your post: Can this be changed? Do you NEED an environment that demands you be more responsible for your actions? While this isn't meant as an enabling excuse, NONE OF US are where we ought to be. And the fact that you RECOGNIZE that you're not there is a SURE SIGN that the Spirit still has the capacity to prick your heart. Take courage from that fact. Just because you don't get the warm glow doesn't mean you've been abandoned and left on your own. His influence might be limited by your actions, but I promise you that the Spirit still has influence on you. Otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation. Been there, done that. I was way down deep at nearly the same point in life as you, and I experienced those same doubts. Again, the fact that you can recognize this tool of the Adversary is another indication that you still have access to Light. That's tough. Believe me, I know and remember it. But I'm living proof that you can rebound from that. Don't ever think that you're too far gone - because YOU'RE NOT. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. YOU ARE NOT TOO FAR GONE. True repentance requires a willingness to accept whatever punishments come. And believe me - the embarrassment you may or may not feel from the repentance process is an infinitely lighter burden to carry than that bag of rocks slung over your shoulder now. Don't let pride or embarrassment get in the way. You're not. He's been called to serve you. Let him. You know how many times I've had to ask Heavenly Father to forgive the same things in MY life? I don't think He ever gets tired of hearing me - because so long as I keep coming back to Him in sorrow, He knows I'm TRYING. Don't do that to yourself. It most certainly IS an issue for MANY. You're not a freak. You're not weaker than everyone else.==================================== Crap happens to us all. And the adversary knows how to push your buttons. He knows and remembers you from the preexistence. He has thousands of years of practice at causing God's children to stumble and fall and then get mired in self loathing and doubt. But don't let Him win. Though it's hard to believe at times, your Father in Heaven loves you with ALL HIS HEART. And there's no amount of poor choices you can make that will EVER change that. He stands ready and waiting. He beckons you to come back to Him - no matter how many times you stumble on your way back. And, once in His arms, He can and WILL make all the pain go away. Be strong. Be humble. Get on your knees FAST and pray your heart out. Lay it on the line and ask what you need to do. Get in to see your Bishop ASAP and start saying your prayers and reading your scriptures, even if you don't want to. We're here for you. Your Bishop's here for you. Your Savior already paid the price to rescue you. And you Father in Heaven is patiently waiting for you. Much love and concern from a fellow sinner. - Prodigal Son

I'll just reinforce what others have said. Protect all at risk: your wife, your kids, and those whom he has influence over in his ward. Talk to the Bishop and trust him to carry the torch from there. And pray like crazy.

There's a story of Brigham (I believe) confiscating "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" from his son because he felt it was evil/trash. But then he stayed up all night, read it, and gave it back to his son in the morning.

What is your living situation? I see you're 21. Are you married? Single? Living alone? Living at home? Living with roommates? I also read your comment on your page about wanting to live better than you are (don't we all?). Where do you feel you're at, spiritually speaking, these days? I'm not familiar with the 12-Step program - does that include talking to your Bishop? Has that happened yet? Just looking for more info to better help.

I guide church history tours, and YES, I've been to the branch. We had a special sacrament meeting there after we had a baptism at Yardenit for a little girl back in December! Awesome, awesome experience.

Very cool! I stay in Tiberias for a few days every winter. Beautiful place!

That's what I'd picked up on. Surely there's some legal threshold where the court will lay the hammer down?

Then perhaps you should be wearying the Lord with the prayer of "how?" Each situation is unique, so you need to find His answer for YOU. If it means quit and walk away, make danged good and sure that you understood Him properly before you do it. And if that IS what He said, then don't look back. Walk on water, brother.

How many strikes till you can cut him out? Obviously not fit for playing any sort of a parental role at this time in his life.

I second the commitment comment. This isn't a good-old-boys club. This isn't even about us Mormons. It's about Jesus Christ. It's about understanding why we're here on earth - and then applying that knowledge through a life of dedicated service to fulfilling God's purpose for us all. Revelations 3:15 states, "I would that thou were cold or hot." This is a fulltime commitment. Lukewarm isn't a good position to take. So learn some more, maybe it'll kindle a fire in your soul, and then you'll be ready for the next step. Good luck!

Here's an example I found just outside Old City Jerusalem (see the last line).

Where in Israel are you?

That's pretty slick!

...Nearly there! ...

I suppose we could get into the Church of Secularism here and discuss how this is EXACTLY what's happened here, but this is the wrong thread.

Will? All I gotta say is this: Being a prematurely balding guy, you make me sick.

Amen to that! We all KNOW this from our own childhoods! And yet, somewhere along the way, many of us decide that Satan's plan of protectionism and isolationism is a better parenting model.

Surely she can opt out of this visit, can't she? That seems highly inappropriate to force an abuse victim to face her abuser - regardless of relationship.

You need to lay off the Jack Bauer. I travel to the middle east every year. The ones our media tells us to fear the most are actually NICER than the ones that are our "allies". And therein lies the real crux of the issue. Fear and hate mongering are the media's best friends. Hmmmm... I'm pretty sure we've had a few college campus debacles ourselves, now haven't we? If we had to judge every nation based on their 20 year olds, it'd be a sad day.============================================= Mahdi: When I came across a post from you last night, I was really excited. I'm so glad you're on here! I absolutely LOVE meeting regular, normal people from other places - as they're more "real" than anything that will ever come across a TV or radio station. I travel to Israel each winter and have come to love and cherish the Palestinian people. I suspect that there are similarities between them and the Iranians. I don't judge you by your ruler - just as I hope the world doesn't judge me by Obama or Bush (yikes). Out of curiosity, how do YOU feel about the Iranian government? Do they meet the Iranian people's needs? Are they honest with you? What levels of freedom are you granted? Is there a strong anti-American sentiment?

lol. Now you've done it.

Well, He DID create the fig plant from which the first FALL-Lineup was fabricated.

What? I'm almost finished. I'm to the letter X at this point.

You know what would happen if you tried to refuse them? I'm not looking around at that time, but even if I DID notice - I've got more issues than National Geographic. Why on earth would I care about someone else's? That's just sad. Shnikes! Look at David and the shewbread! And that was under the Mosaic Law!!! WWJD? I doubt he'd holler "drop it".