Maxel

Granted, but the genie granting the wishes mistook 'svelte' for 'sweaty'.I wish that my most recent copy of the Ensign hadn't been printed incorrectly.

Too true. What's the main thrust of your statements?

One difficulty of living with depression is the feeling of constantly being left out- even when you're included in the activity. From experience, whenever I feel left out it's a mixture of feeling left out even when I'm included and acting in ways that say I don't want to be involved in other people's lives when I really do- but my actions don't reflect my desires. Is there a way to bring your computer to the main area of the apartment when you're on it- I think you once said you have a laptop? Also, maybe you can start reading/doing other things in the main area of the house when others are home? Or, organize some kind of roommate get together? If you talk to your roommates and explain that you think you may be acting like you don't want to be included, but that you really do, I think you can come to an understanding with them. Regardless, I'm sorry you're going through this. *Hug*

Yes- when someone tries to rewrite factual history so it fits their own viewpoint, the children of God respond.

Granted, but now it is only spoken by an obscure tribe of Brazilians living in the Amazon- and you. You are unable to communicate with your friends and family. I wish... upon a star.

chelsea-marie: I am sorry for the pains which you and your husband are going through. My parents went through the same thing, albeit it was my father who was irresponsible and neglected his marriage covenants. Living up to a temple marriage is to live a marriage that is celestial. If, for whatever reason, a marriage does not last throughout the earthly lives of two married in the temple, it makes no sense to assume that the marriage will continue in the eternities. There is a power on this earth to nullify sealings. Also, the best place for this would probably be in the 'Advice' forum.

There are different groups calling themselves Mormons; often the different branches of the original church founded by Joseph Smith are called 'Restorationist' churches. I've talked to a few of them, and was good friends with a member of the RLDS church (now the Community of Christ), and our differences never led to a fist fight either.

Granted, but now everyone's a monumental, undeniable ignoramus. I wish for whatever poster #37 wanted. (I picked that number randomly)

Granted, but now I will. I want a pony! And, I don't want to ever be made allergic to ponies, horses, are anything associated with them.

*Applauds Faded*This is what we need- more building on common ground. Once we understand that, it's easier to highlight and accept uncommon ground.

I think it depends on which missionary practices you adopt, and the intensity.Some of the mission rules- curfew by 9:00, lights out by 10:30, wake up at 6:00, etc.- will probably not be realistic. Some of the rules of the mission are to discourage immoral behavior and thoughts. For example, you don't need to fend off young ladies with a 10-foot pole. Others you'll have to adjust- for example, you won't always be able to study the scriptures for an hour every morning, and spend a full half-hour praying. Also, some of the rules would be better honored if you followed the spirit. For example, the dress code- I doubt you want to wear a suit everywhere you go, but if you always keep yourself well groomed and wear modest, decent clothing, it will help your spirit. All that said- GO FOR IT!! A man can do himself no harm by drawing closer to the spirit of God; conversely he will find himself growing in knowledge and power. Good luck!

Granted, but now you're Superman. And you live in a kryptonite house. I wish I had all the video games in the world.

Granted, but Happiness is a dog. I wish I were Superman.

Granted, but that shape is a better representation of a circle. I wish I lived in Utah. Orem, Utah.

Good point.

Granted, but it is going to taste absolutely horrible. I wish to be as talented as my favorite musicians.

Guys, I think we may be acting too harsh on TheyCallMeMom. She's concerned about the spiritual safety of her little brother, that's all. I would be too, in this circumstance.

Jennamarie: Granted, although it will be full of horrible nightmares. L_M: Granted, although the only thing you can shoot is a sheet of metal. While you're standing on it. ---- I want a pony!

I'll redo mine. "[if you don't get on that plane, you'll regret it.] Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow... but soon, and for the rest of your life." (Casablanca)

QFT. Also QFT. And, to say that ventrilo works wonderfully although I'm not quite if initiating some kind of voice system would be, overall, beneficial. I know I myself need the time and opportunity that comes from typing to rephrase, re-edit, re-evaluate, and rethink my answers before posting the final product. IRL I'm prone to hotheaded, quick judgments of people's actions, which is a character fault I can compensate for in a written medium.I don't want to offend anyone- I'm scared I would if a voice system were integrated. However, I think that's a discussion for a different thread.

The Mormon History Association is a fringe group of LDS and non-LDS scholars who conduct various 'research' into various church histories, programs, etc. Like the Sunstone Symposium and its periodical, the Mormon History Association and Dialogue is fringe scholarship, at best. In other words, if you see an LDS scholar denounce the church as 'false' with some new 'evidence', chances are that scholar has been connected to one of the two.I would stop reading that book. Joseph Smith was not a perfect man, nor was Emma a perfect woman. They both had their faults and foibles. However, the format in which one is introduced to those faults and failings can seriously affect your testimony. Give the Lord equal time- go to Him in prayer, explain your frustrations and concerns, and ask for guidance. Over time, you will understand and your fears will evaporate. If you are interested in learning more about Joseph Smith (after you've overcome your current crisis) I would read Richard Bushman's Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. It's not a perfect biography, but it is by far the best, most comprehensive one we have available. Plus, Bushman is a true believer, not hanging out on the intellectual fringes of Mormonism.

TheyCallMeMom-It is not okay for members of the bishopric to insult you. I remember my mom had a falling out with our bishop when I was younger. Despite my impressionable age, I can clearly remember times when the bishop said or did something distinctly rude. Link; addition mineIt is not okay for him or anyone else to insult you. They will answer to the Lord for anything they have done to offend you. Perhaps being so worried about your brother has put you into a protective state. The fact is (apparently, I've never heard of it being done) that it's not uncommon for an espoused person to live with his/her fiance's family. The basic rule is the compliance with the law of chastity. What does your brother say about the situation?

Interalia- I think this is the first time we've spoken, but I read your story a few weeks ago. I am so happy for you! Way to go! If there's ever anything I can do, let me know! I think you've done the right thing, and it seems that you're on the right track. I'd give you the rundown of making sure you're praying and keeping close to God, but you've already mentioned that. I honestly can't say I know exactly what you're going through, but I have issues of my own that I have to deal with (emotional and mental health issues, as well as an addiction) so I know how life is when everyday is one more struggle. It'll be hard, but it'll be soooo worth it! I agree with Honor that you should keep a journal. You might be onto something- there might be little, if any, transsexual Mormons that have gone before you in the path that you've chosen. If you can keep to the faith, and document how you did it and how you felt along the way, your story would ultimately provide an example for transgendered members who are also dealing with your same struggles. Good luck! We're here for you and rooting you on! P.S.- To avoid accidental offense later, it might be helpful if you listed some common terms related to your situation and defined them (i.e., transgendered, transsexual, etc.). I myself am hazy on them and I don't want to accidentally offend you in any way.

Also, for a bit of an ego trip (make sure to deflate it with some humility later)- You've done an absolutely wonderful job being patient and answering questions on the forums. If you can carry that over into your mission, you'll make a fine missionary.

I agree with MoE's comment about how someone's past affecting their future is far more important than the facts about a person's past. Both my parents are converts, and my father has uniformly failed to uphold his priesthood responsibilities, both to his wife and to his children. He is also a returned missionary. On the other hand, I look some prominent examples of men who never served missions- Heber J. Grant, Thomas S. Monson, most of the other modern-day apostles... It's who you are, not what you've done, that is the ultimate factor in what you will become. To answer the OP's question (even if it is half a year old ), I would most definitely date a convert to the church. The only worthwhile relationship I ever had was with a convert. In fact, she hadn't even been dunked yet before we started dating. She was in the investigation process, and her decision to be baptized had nothing to do with me. This is evidenced by the fact that she is a strong member still, despite having broken up with me over a year ago, and not talked to me in the past month.