kpatrey

Thank you all so much for your helpful posts!

I don't think age has to do with it because there is a guy who is in his early 30's in our HP.

Musicme, After reading all these posts I say to myself, "what's so wrong with being a progressive thinker?" I personally believe that if we were all the same life would be pretty boring. I find that I am a more liberal morman....oh my is that a bad word or what??? However, I won't allow what others think about me or my political views keep me from sacrament meeting every week. I won't allow their murmurings make me feel uncomfortable with choices I make. In the end it seems like they are quick to judge you when in fact it is not thier position to judge anyone at all. If you have homosexual friends...who cares?? They are in FACT sons and daughters of God and should we not treat them as such???? Isn't it the sin we are supposed to hate and NOT the sinner?? If I were in your ward I would totally have your family over for dinner....argue over politics and still welcome you every Sunday at the sacrament meeting. I have found that you can't look for empathy on topics like these. I love the church, my Savior, my Heavenly Father with all my heart and soul and I can't imagine anyone putting a wedge between that. It's tough....stick it out and totally hold your head up high for being a "progressive person."

After sitting in our sacrament meeting today and seeing 3 brothers moved to High Priests, I was wondering what makes a person "qualify" for High Priest? Since not all male members are H.P.'s does that mean that there are requirements that must be met before being moved into that position? Being fairly new I wasn't comfortable asking in church today. Thanks!

Michael, Welcome to this site. You will find a lot of great people here. I too am an adult convert to the church. I've been a member for 2 1/2 years. My husband was catholic, I was raised protestant and later became a Jehovah's Wittness for 6 years. I was so thankful to find this church and to be able to raise my (3) young children with this wonderful gospel. I do hope that in your search you will find the whatever it is your heart is seeking. Ask lots of questions, they are always very open and honest here. Best of luck. Kim

VT can be tough at times. I've been a member for 2 yrs now and have had my VT's changed 3 times (not by my choice, they just make a lot of changes in our ward). It was really hard for me to get to know or feel comfortable with my VT's. My current VT's are nice but I usually have to call them or send them a message to see if they want to visit with me. I don't mind because I know they are busy. I usually only have one of them come over becuase the other is really busy. Now as far as those that I am to VT it is a challenge as well. One who is very active in the church but she doesn't return calls or emails. However, we make a point of talking to her at church and at church activiites. I never want to feel we are forcing ourselves on them. The other is an inactive member. I normally mail her the message from the magazine and send her a note to see if there is anything she needs. There are rare times that we are actually invited over and those times I personally cherish. I know many people in my ward see VT as a chore of some sort because their lives are so busy. However, I can tell you that when my VT finally stops by I am really happy to see her. It is not the message she is going to give me - because I already know the message from the Ensign. It is the fact that she took time out of her day to see me, to see if I have any needs and to just visit for a short time. As far as asking for new VT, I wouldn't see that as a problem.

What are the FAIR and FARMS?

Islander - Your post was amazing! I have no idea who this Delhi person is and by the looks of it I probably shouldn't research him either. What wonderful council given in your statement. Beautifully written! Kim

So let's just disrespect it in the meantime, because who cares? We're not keeping it forever! YES...that is exactly what i said!!! So much for being able to ask a question without the sarcastic remarks from other members! I'm done with questions, I am done with postings. I just get grief and a lot of sarcasm.

I am really having a hard time with this website. I am not asking permission from anyone about if I get them or not. I don't think it is going to send me to hell. I personally could care less what others think, that is how I have always been. I have to wonder does the majority of the people who post questions always get hammered down??? I have people who think I am getting a severe beating whenever I post something. I don't think people realize how their messages come across. Maybe re-reading is a good thing before posting?:o:o So much for uplifting and encouraging.

I think the fact someone actually said, "are you sure you belong here?" is terrible. It makes me sick to my stomach to think that others can be so judgemental. You would think they would have embraced him, regardless of what his skin looked like. This post actually makes me want to cry.

Again, I think some of these threads take on a mind of their own. I think people tend to get riled up about the topic and sometimes miss what the question was. I was not necessarily asking if people liked them but why I have been told if people live in "xyz" country its a part of the culture and is more easily accepted. I apologize if I worded my question the wrong way. Another question...don't we lose our earthly body when we die anyway and eventually receive a glorified one?? Just curious!

I have a few questions about tattoos and the church. I was told it is more accepted for people in other countires to get them because it is a part of their culture? If tattoos are wrong in the eyes of the church, shouldn't they be wrong no matter where you live in the world? SO...I guess what I am trying to find out are there different rules because one might live in a part of the world where it is a part of their culture? Is it black and white or are we looking at a shade of grey? I hope this comes across more clearly than before.

I agree with you 100% and I think that anyone investigating will see the many remarks of those that say they have no problems with it. I seem to be the only one with the struggle so I am sure the others investigating will think I am a "whack-job" anyway. So no worries right!!!:)

Again, I think that is great....you are doing great. I'm not comparing me to you in any way. You are a stronger person than me I think that is wonderful. I am sure you will continue on your path and continue to do great things.

I wasn't implying that Les was a man or a woman. It was a general statement. Whoever Les is....I didn't think you were a man

Many thanks!!!

I just wanted to thank everyone for their wonderful remarks and their great advise. I am always amazed to see how many strong and faithful servants we have in the church. I hope that no one was ever offended by my comments or questions. This purpose of this thread was for general advise and I think that with topics such as this one it can turn into something of its own. I praise all of you that are able to keep your covenants and I know that you will receive the blessings you deserve. At the same time, be respectful of those that choose a different course in regards to garmnets because in the end it is their covenant or "lack thereof" not anyone else. I am a very proud and very active member of this church and tend to be till the end of my earthly life. I will continue to hold my head up high and not apologize for my choices. I think in the end it is my selfishness and my unwillingness to be a submissive servant of the Lord. Who knows maybe one day that will all change.

I'm not sure why you would think i would be sneering at anyone for what they choose to do. I think it is great that others can do this and that they can be what you call submissive. So, yeah it must be all about me and my inconvenience and my being uncomfortable or plainly not wanting to do it. For those that can do it I say, "rock on!!!" I wish I was more of a good morman and not such a rule breaker. However, if this is the only thing I am doing wrong then I'm okay with it. My stake president was understanding and compassionate and never once made me feel like i was a bad person. I think this thread took a turn on its own. My original concern was, "did it have any effect on my sealing with my husband and children." I admire those that can do it and not once did i sneer, or make any comment that would appear otherwise.

I've heard so many stories about people who leave the church because they were offended. I think I was so taken aback that something like that could happen. I am really a newbie in the church and my advise is probably not worth much! However, don't leave the church. I have looked at so many other places and I can tell you that this really is the restored church of Jesus Christ. I agree with others when they say take a break, visit a different ward in your area if that is a possibility. Turn to HF and Jesus in prayer with the matters that are weighing on your heart. I know that He will hear you and that He will answer your prayers. I have struggled with other parts in the past year but I can't imagine leaving. Please don't let someone's insensitivity push you away for good. Don't stay away too long because it then gets easier and easier to go down the wide path that many will follow. My thoughts and prayers are with you!