mrmarklin

I took the test and I'm a Mormon. There is another test (tests any religion) that I have taken, and in that one I'm Orthodox Jew. Wow! Just did Belief O Matic and I'm 100% Mormon!!!!!!!

I always thought that the Lord was born in the spring due to the fact that the "shepards were tending their flocks", normally associated with a spring activity, at least here in the northern hemisphere. Assuming that to be true, then the Lord could have been born in the spring. Due to Herod's death date, however, it would seem that He would have had to have been born prior to 1BC. Of course that assumes that the Herod spoken of was "the Great" and not the Herod that reigned at the time of Christ's death. Who really knows? It was a very interesting article. Different scholars can even disagree as to what the "facts" are, so we can certainly have a lot of interesting speculation. I personally always assumed that the revelation was correct in every way, but as I have studied the scriptures more and more I have come to realize that everything needs to be taken in context. Not only in the literal sense of the scripture itself, but of the times in which it was written. I came to my own independent conclusiion that the date in Sec 20 was probably a little dogmatic, and I'm certainly open to not taking it literally. It may be 100% correct, but if proven not, it would not affect my testimony of the truth.

Doesn't sound very normal to me. I'd view all this as a big time red flag.

This simplistic argument might cut it in the shallow Bible discussions you have somewhere, but it reflects an ignorance of how the Bible was compiled at the most, and a further ignorance of Book of Mormon teachings at the least.

Her attitude in deferring to her parents all the time is a very big red flag. This won't end after you're married unless there is a lot of distance. Also the fact that you are confused and miserable is another red flag. When the Lord has put His seal of approval on something, there is no misery. I think you have your answers, you just don't know how to back out gracefully.

Personally I think at least a year to get to know one another is a minimum. That gives both of you a "life cycle" in seeing each others attitude during holidays, vacations, work habits and times of stress. It also allows eaach person a chance to get to know the family of the other, assuming reasonable proximity. Actually if there is no reasonable proximity, it should be made. I did this, an so far almost 40 years, and we still had a lot of teething problems so to speak.

IMHO you don't know either of these girls well enough yet to do anything other than meet FTF and evaluate them. You have not met the families or interacted in any sort of real life situation. And their visits to you are not a real life situation either. Maybe when you are able to return the visits you can begin to get a grip on reality. Choosing a life companion takes a lot of time, and one cannot let one's emotions get in the way by being overly physical with either of these girls. Even something a simple as a kiss can give rise to expectations and emotions that at this time are very premature.

That's not a reason. Sinners are the ones who should be going.

Yes religion is a big deal. Why don't you ask her to take the discussions before you commit to marraige? Her commitment to the faith (or lack thereof) will probably be self evident over the year or so repentance period you are going through.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by any of this. Sounds like psychobabble to me..................... Bottom line is that marraige is a tough thing. In my courtship there were red flags that I didn't even recognize due to my youth and lack of experience. Luckily we have stayed married because we have both been able to change somewhat. YMMV.

You probably need to leave the marraige, taking your children with you. He has shown no sign of repentance or desire to change. You and your children deserve better. BTW what were you thinking getting pregnant under these circumstances??????????

The safe "place" is the House of the Lord and your righteous home. I doubt you'll be doing much traveling. The "gatherings" mentioned in the scriptures, are in general, the gatherings of the righteous in the Stakes of Zion. Of course there are certain historical gatherings as well such as in Jerusalem (already happening) and the New Jerusalem (already happened and continuing). For most of us, unless you receive some kind of missionary calling you are already "gathered". Remember the prophecy in Daniel: The Church will fill the whole world. Temples are being built everywhere.

The familiar convention used in the KJV (thee, thou and the conjugations) is used in other language translations as well. This has fallen so out of favor that many Protestant religions have dropped it altogether. Mormons are still taught to pray this way. I think JS in his translations etc sought to use the conventions he knew. The language of the bible was pretty basic in rural US during his times.

The Church has a network to help you and has used a 12 step program for addictions. BTW, don't self diagnose. You may not be addicted. Leave that up to the professionals. I'm personally not a big believer in personal behavior addiction myself. But there certainly can be physical and psychological problems.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but I live in a very rural area, and there are fibre optic cables all over the place installed during the TeleCom boom. Even on dirt roads. I don't think it's indicative of anything other than over exuberance of the old (now broke) telecom companies.

The Holy places spoken about are, in order: 1 The Temple 2 Your home 3 The Stakes of Zion, Be Temple worthy, have a safe and righteous home, and stay close to the Church, and attend regularly. Maybe some of us will be called to go somewhere else other than where we are now, but I believe that this will come as a Church calling, not as any dramatic mass exodus to Adam-Ondi-Ahman or anything like that. I think all that sort of thing (going to Missouri) is a "Church Myth". There's nothing at all scriptural about it.

Reminds me of J Golden Kimball who famously said: "They want me to quit swearing, but I repent too d#*n fast!"

I find it ironic that piercings are allowed for women's earrings after all the railing against anything else by President Hinckley. I guess even the prophets are not immune from long established tradition.:-) Edit: This custom is so strong among certain cultures that my Granddaughter had her ears pierced at one year. My daughter had hers pierced at around two years old.

Couldn't disagree more MoE. When a person is 18 he's an adult. And should begin to be self supporting. OP does not owe him anything, and in fact would be doing a disservice to him by giving him anything. I realize we're an "entitlement" society, and that this person's "friends" can get what they want, but it doesn't make it right. The person in question has not yet received a testimony, and is probably onbly going through the motions of activity to keep peace in the family.

Distance and time will make both of you see clearly in the future. She wants to write and be friends and that is something. But when you go on your mission your priorities should change, at least for two years. Be friendly. That's a lot.

In the General Handbook of Instructions, young women are counselled that if presented the alternative between a mission and a marraige, they should choose the marraige. This of course assumes that the marraige offer is a desireable one. Policy, not doctrine.

Some guys don't like writing. It really is a skill, and obviously your friend has never been taught it. Or it could be that he does not want to start a "relationship" while on his mission. Although I don't see how a courtesy letter would do this. Don't take it personally, but be aware that the guy probably has a distant personality. I wouldn't waste any more time on speculation.

I'm not a marraige counselor or anything of the sort, but I've seen a lot of divorce from my side of the desk. Usually, when all the facts are found out, it's a 50/50 deal in "fault" with neither side willing to give in at all.

Tarnished you make some good points. I married as a college student. I had my last semester's tuition in the bank, and my wife was on a full ride scholarship. That sounds good, and we knew each other over a year, BUT the environment in 20/20 hidsight was totally artificial. Neither of us had any significant responsibilities such as having to go to work, and we lived away from our families so never really got to know that aspect of each other's lives. It never occured to me how bad my wife was with money, because she never needed any going to school. Everything was taken care of. And a lot of other things as well................Frankly as I look back I'm surprised we survived!!!!

The guy was a jerk before you married him, but of course it's easy to overlook the signs.