SueMazza

Thanks to all! The B of M scripture--can't remember it now--that talks about the Paradise/Spirit Prison is the problem he's having. he doesn't understand why those who never heard the Gospel would be weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth, just the same as those who heard the Gospel and were not righteous. I could have the players totally wrong here, but it's the one in which Alma (?) sees the vision of where the spirits go after this life and it's very clear that all those in spirit Prison weep, wail, etc., and he my husband gets that for those who have not been righteous, but it seems too harsh for those who never had a chance to hear the Gospel. My husband is fine with the concept of the pre-mortal life and the three degrees of glory, but he can't get past the fact that the "bad" would be lumped together with the ones who didn't know any better, and that ALL of them would weep, wail, etc., as the scripture says. He thinks it's too harsh for someone who has prayed his whole life, even been baptized into whatever religion he was raised, prayed to God, tried to follow his example in life, gave to the poor and needy and did so with a good heart, always tried to emulate Christ, repented of his sins,etc., and then he gets dumped in with the robbers, and the liars and those who just generally didn't believe in Christ--and then spends his time there weeping and wailing and gnashing his teeth, when he never had any other choice. It seems to contradict a gospel that is generally very fair.

My husband had the heads of the poor missionaries spinning last night over this concept. Basically, this is the gist of my husband's issue: Why do the righteous go one place (paradise), but the sinners AND those who have never had a chance to accept the Gospel go to the same place,i.e. spirit prison. It seems so unfair that the those who didn't know any better are with the ones that are "weeping and wailing" and gnashing their teeth. it took me about an hout to understand what my husband was saying, but once I understood his question, I admitted that it has some validity. The missionaries are totally stumped, and we all want my husband to understand this. He's okay with everything before this point, and after this point, in the Plan of Salvation, but he really can't get past this. Any enlightment would be appreciated! Thank you!

I am a successful business woman and really want to wear some of my pantsuits to church. I have not done so yet because we wear dresses and that's just the way it is. But I really am conflicted: we are told to wear our "Sunday best" to church, and my "Sunday best" are my expensive pantsuits. I feel bad wearing a cheap skirt and sweater, that are clearly not my best clothing, to church when I have dozens of "better" outfits that I can't wear because they are pants. What say ye?

Thank you, Cougarfan, but I didn't post that for compliments (although compliments are always nice, aren't they?). I just wanted everyone to know that there are so many different ways to pay tithing, and it all just comes down to what you and the Lord decide is best for you and your situation. Once again, thanks for the kind words!

You are all going to think I am crazy for how I pay my tithing, but here I go: I am self-employed, so I have gross receipts. From those gross receipts, I subtact my expenses, which becomes my gross income. Then, of course, I pay taxes on that amount, and the reduced amount is my net income. Well, I pay tithing on my GROSS RECEIPTS, which is quite a bit more than I would pay on my gross income. The Branch Pres. has told me I don't need to do that, but I do because then I am absolutely sure I'm not robbing the Lord. As has been mentioned, tithing is between you and the Lord. If you have a talk with Him and feel you are paying the right amount, then you probably are!

My husband is getting the Melchizedek PH this week, and I would like him to bless our five year-old in F&T meeting. So, what is the oldest child you've seen blessed in a regular meeting in church? My Branch President is leaning towards not having her blessed in an open meeting and I'm wondering why (he says "because she's a little older"). What is the cut-off age? Is there anything "official" on this topic? Anyone have an opinion? Thanks to all!

Bytebear, Initially, when I read your post I was angry, but after a few seconds I realized that you might be onto something. Not sure you're correct, but it has given me something to think about. Thank you.

Maybe this should be under the "Advice" forum, but I'm kind of new here, so cut me a break, please! Anyway, my husband and I are members and have a young daughter. I also have a 16 year-old that is not my husband's and is not a member. The issue we're having is that the older daughter is objecting strongly to my husband and I being sealed to our younger daughter. I'm not sure what the issue is--maybe just sibling rivalry--but in my heart, it just doesn't feel right to be sealed to one of my children and not the other. And I won't do it right now while the older one feels the way she does. Maybe I will when she gets older and more mature and is past the sibling rivalry thing, but I can't bring myself to do it now. So, I expressed that in RS and got lambasted about how we have commandments and we have to do them now and, basically, the heck with the older daughter--she made her choices. I guess I'm just wondering who has an opinion on this, or if anyone has been in the same situation and how it was handled. Thanks!

I have many friends and family members who are members of other religions and who occasionally feel compelled to criticize my beliefs. I have found that smiling, thanking them for caring so much about my salvation, and then moving on to another subject usually is the best approach. If the person doesn't get the point then, I say that I don't argue about Chrisitianity because I don't believe it is proper Christian behavior to do so. It's usually over then.

I put names on the prayer roll as the Spirit guides me. One time, as I passed the prayer request box in the temple, I felt moved to request a prayer for my marriage because we were going through a particularly difficult time. After the session, as I sat in the celestial room, I felt enlightened about many things in my marriage and I felt empowered to change them. I did not feel that I did anything inappropriate by writing "The marriage of SueMazza and Mr. SueMazza" on that slip of paper, and I actually feel I was blessed because of it. I am learning very slowly, but also very surely, that if you listen to the Spirit, He will guide you to do what is appropriate.

Wow, Maureen! What a lovely way to treat a newcomer! I'll make a deal with you: I'll brush up on the etiquette of posting in this forum if you'll brush up on etiquette. In the meantime, maybe you could review the quote from prisonchaplain in your signature.

So how does everyone feel about the whole cola thing? If it's not the caffeine that's the issue (because chocolate is certainly allowed), and cola isn't a hot drink, then is it allowed? Does anyone know why the ban on alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea is so emphasized, and the caution against eating meat is not? If I eat a hamburger every day in the middle of the summer, shouldn't I be denied a TR? Personally, I take the WoW literally. I eat meat sparingly and I abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea, and hot chocolate because it's a hot drink. But I always have a Diet Pepsi or chocolate candy in my hand! And, since I've turned 40, I've found that tea bags are great for bags under the eyes!

My name is Melissa and I am a 40 year-old (Ican't believeI'm 40!) criminal defense attorney. I currently teach gospel doctrine in my small. western PA branch. My family includes my wonderful husband, 4 beautiful children and my very special mother who lives with us! I'm looking forward to some intersting discussions and hopefully some new friends on this board!