BenRaines

When my wife to be and I went to the temple neither sets of parents were there. Two of my high school friends and their wives were there and two missionaries that I served with. Eight all total counting us. Later a reception was held a week later put on by my parents. My parents were less active at the time but supported me totally on my mission and one semester at school after my mission for tuition. While it would have been nice to have them there it was their choice to not be able to be there. That silly Agency rears its head again. Good luck, Ben Raines

Pam, that was great. I had many laughs as a boy with those two. In the Navy, with a Mummy, in a haunted house. Ben Raines

Answer to your question is only those who need to know. Bishopric, Quorum leaders, Relief Society President, Stake leaders. Years ago it was shared with all Mel. Priesthood holders. Aaronic were excused from Priesthood opening exercises. Now it is not done that way. Ben Raines

Thanks Mahone for clarifying. I personally would rather have a missionary who doesn't want to be out serving come home and not harm the mission of those who do and as stated do not look down on them. I think it takes more courage to come home if it is not for you than to stay out and do harm to others missions. Sorry for sidetracking this thread. My original post stands in that I think it is a good thing that they are dropped off and perhaps it will minimize the drama in sending a missionary off. Ben Raines

Interesting when a general statement is taken as a specific statement. I did not say most, many or all. I was only referring to those who it applies to. I served and several of my friends did, way back in the day. One had to come home due to health. Nothing ever said. My son and daughter served. Daughter came home two months early due to health concerns. My comments were only to those who come home due to "It is too hard" not any others. As I sat on High Council and watched boy after boy come home "cause it was too hard". MTC too hard, two weeks in the field too hard. Sure others came home for unresolved issues, health problems, etc. I am only referring to those who come home "cuase it is too hard". Oh wait this was about dropping off at MTC. A more efficient use of MTC staff time I am sure. Ben Raines

When I served we were dropped off on the street in front of the Mission Home in SLC. Maybe if we stop coddling the missionaries less will come home because "It's too hard". Say all your goodbyes at home and then get on your way. Momma won't be there to tuck you in, do your laundry and bandage every boo boo. Ben Raines

I read Under the Banner of Heaven. It is about two crazy brothers who murder one brothers wife and child, according to them on instructions from God. Sort of a modern day Charles Manson type story. It has nothing to do with LDS church and little to do with LDS beliefs. I read it like a real life murder case. Not any type of religious book. My two cents worth. Ben Raines

Awesome Ben Raines

I bet that happens a lot Vort. Ben Raines

All those points made make sense. Ben Raines

The article states that a prior robbery of the mission home was a result of guard organizing the robbery. Not this time. Ben Raines

People say no all the time. I have never said no and gone forward and done the best job that I can and grow from the experience. Each one of us have to make our own decision. Ben Raines

Now that sounds reasonable to me AngelPalomoni. Ben Raines

Oh I have lots of things to say about Pam. Where is Palerider when I need him? Ben Raines

They usually travel with one security person. I am sure that will be looked at in the future for some countries. A home invasion. I would bet that the security guy was off duty since they were in the confines of the mission presidents house. In the article the last time the house was robbed it was a member of the in country security team that organized it. Ben Raines

I clicked thinking I would see my picture. Looks like it must be copy written and can't be posted. Ben Raines

As parents I believe our responsibility is about setting limits and rules so that children can learn. Breaking a rule causes there to be a punishment. Obeying a rule a reward. I think it is a pattern taught in the scriptures too. For obedience there is a blessing for disobedience there is a penalty. Ben Raines

I really don't care. :) Ben Raines

Yes "Properly utilized". Steroids are so easy to abuse and the desire to get bigger and bigger is the reason. I have seen it at they gyms for years. Ben Raines

Are steroids legal where you live? They are not where I live. I think in most of the states of the US if not all they are illegal. I see from your profile that you are from Canada so you would have to look at what Canadian law says about it's use. I have seen plenty of pictures of the results of steroid abuse from gross acne to man breasts and shrunken other parts. No thanks for me legal or not. Ben Raines

I have always understood that in prayer we should make a decision and then ask God if it is right. Not ask should we or shouldn't we. Ben Raines

Sounds like a line from Bill Engvall. Ben Raines

From what I have noticed, and I don't watch the show, those who do best after winning AI are those who are country. Hey guess what it appears that more of the country loves country music and wholesome music and singers than goth looking heavy metal. Who would have thought. Change the music at the gym. Not everyone is in to rap. Sheeesh Ben Raines

I don't know that Pam or Beefche are allowed back in to Olive Garden after the last meeting there. Perhaps it is just a rumor. Ben Raines

Were there any good movies in the last two years? I recall I came home on a Saturday, was released the same day, spoke in church on Sunday, went to work on Monday and worked an 8 hour shift. Did that all week. On Friday night headed to BYU arrived and interviewed for a job late in the afternoon. Started working on Monday at the MTC. Never looked back. Personal opinion. Too much coddling is going on. I like the IPod idea. Maybe a nice homemade dinner, not a restaurant. Make his favorite foods. Ben Raines