Aristotle

Is the Prodigal Son going to a lesser heaven? ← I think we are talking about seperate things. I do agree that people have influence, for good or bad, on others. I simply maintain that in the final analysis we control or own thoughts and actions and whatever we become or don't become is up to us - not others (save Christ of course). ← Yes, I agree with you...hopefully, we accept responsibility for our own actions, and take accountability if we act wrongfully. I guess it's a fine line, between being our own keeper, and our brother's keeper.

Is the Prodigal Son going to a lesser heaven?

In the Visiting Teaching Message, "Come Back," Tambuli, Aug. 1989: We can bring less-active members back to the fold if we do as President Benson suggests: “We must manifest the same love to others that the Good Shepherd has for all of us. … The sheep—some distracted, some indifferent, some preoccupied—must be found and loved back into activity.” (Ibid., page 4.) Interesting, I became active in the Church again in 1989 because of stalwart visiting teachers who continued to knock on my door. They persisted, until one day I returned their call and invited them into my home. Were it not for their dedication, I may not have become active in the Church again.

When I met my husband at a stake fireside, I was the ward Young Special Interest leader (mind you, this was 25 yrs ago). At that time, the YSI activities were geared for the right age group (29+). Special Interest had their own group (older adults). For some strange reason, they combined the three into two groups. Thankfully, I got married and didn't have to get involved in the merging, because I think it alienated and discouraged alot of people from attending singles' activities. I wasn't too crazy about the dances anyway, as I saw some "butt holding" going on during slow dances. LOL Also, some of the stories I heard about why temple marriages ended sounded like something out of a horror show. My heart really goes out to the singles! (Been there, done that.) - Mrs. A.

Hi, Would anyone happen to know where I can download a free LDS avatar? I am having some difficulty also, downloading a personal picture. Thanks in advance

Unfortunately, that isn't necessarily true. A friend of mine's husband was the ward mission leader years back. She told me her husband was very discouraged because as fast as he reached people (through either conversion or reactivation), that's how quickly they were going inactive because they weren't fellowshipped in the ward. Some people also have a tendency to not think before they speak which may be hurtful to others, especially newcomers in the Church who have never been exposed to LDS society before. Personally, I find some of the behaviors amongst the LDS to be somewhat archaic. ;-)

You will excuse me if I don't blindly follow your false doctrine. ;-)

I've heard tell that people go inactive because of other people...and people are re-activated because of other people.

To respond to your post, I would like to mention that Mr. Aristotle and I eloped to the Temple after having known one another for just 11 days. Twenty-four years later, I wouldn't have changed a thing! It was such a spiritual experience, and very romantic...of course, my parents were very hurt, but it was our day. Incidentally, under normal conditions, I would NOT recommend marrying after such a quick courtship...wait at least 2 wks. ;-)

Lindy, So that's the secret... By the way, if high heels were such a great invention, men would be wearing them. ;-)

Jiggypoo, Thank you for your comments...very commonsensical.

Does anyone know if there are any scriptural references in regard to refusing a Church calling? I mention this in regard to the question of plural marriage, since I understand that one must be called of God to practice polygamy. Are all callings in the Church necessarily from God? Are there times when it is appropriate and acceptable to refuse callings?

If polygamy were instituted in the Church today, I believe the majority would refuse to practice it. I know we would...any comments?

Has anyone read this book, and if so, would you recommend it? We checked it out on the internet, and found a funny quote: Now in her 50's, Suzanne Somers has endured what she calls the "Seven Dwarves" of menopause--Itchy, B*tchy, Sweaty, Sleepy, Bloated, Forgetful, and All Dried Up. Here's another funny relating to the same topic: "For my sister's 50th birthday, I sent her a singing mamogram." - Steven Wright

My vote: In a waking vision. [ 14 ] [53.85%]

Lindy, I would comply, but I can't walk that fast in these shoes.

We celebrated New Year's Eve with a "bang", as gunshots were being fired o'er head and a multitude of fireworks spooking the dogs. We counted down as we watched the ball drop in Time Square, and were happy to see that "Richard" Clark had returned to narrate the experience, even if at times we couldn't understand what he said. We toasted the New Year over carbonated blueberry juice in wine glasses..."Here's to 2006!"

On the dawn of New Year's Day, I hereby don my black fishnet stockings (no seams) and spiked heeled thigh high black leather boots. Now watch me try to walk... Please join me in chorus of "Walkin' Round In Women's Underwear"...sung to the tune of "Winter Wonderland". Lacy things -- the wife is missin', Didn't ask -- her permission, I'm wearin' her clothes, Her silk pantyhose, Walkin' 'round in women's underwear. In the store -- there's a teddy, Little straps -- like spaghetti, It holds me so tight, Like handcuffs at night, Walkin' 'round in women's underwear. In the office there's a guy named Melvin, He pretends that I am Murphy Brown. He'll say, "Are you ready?" I'll say,"Whoa, Man!" "Let's wait until our wives are out of town!" Later on, if you wanna, We can dress -- like Madonna, Put on some eyeshade, And join the parade, Walkin' 'round in women's underwear! Lacy things... missin', Didn't ask... permission, Wearin' her clothes, Her silk pantyhose, Walkin' 'round in women's underwear, Walkin' 'round in women's underwear, Walkin' 'round in women's underwear!

I voted in the 50% range: "The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints will continue to grow rapidly, and eventually surpass non-LDS Christian church membership." As demonstrated, the Church has grown immensely, and I believe it will continually grow, as our missionaries are welcomed into new areas of the world.

All of the men (and pets) have been trained at my house. The last thing I need at this point is a male trainer (whether or not I look like Barney). I'll just dig out all my old Richard Simmons' videos instead. ;-)

Regarding New Year's resolutions, I found the following quote to be quite humorous: "Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you've met your New Year's resolution." - Jay Leno, US comedian & television host (1950 - ) I don't plan to add dieting to my list of New Year's resolutions, since I am in the average. :-)

Rev., We've not seen the movie yet, but I read your review (as well as others' reviews) who have raved about the movie. Incidentally, one of our family friends is a Pentecostal minister, and we get along quite well.

My vote: Anybody who actively on a regular basis disagrees with Mormon doctrine and philosophies is anti-Mormon. [ 29 ] [46.03%] It might be of interest to poll the anti-Mormons in this forum, as to how they perceive themselves.

So many polls...so little time... Book Of Mormon [ 24 ] [57.14%]

I voted in the 95.92% range... Yes [ 47 ]