Suzie

7? I read 14 sealing rooms.

There is a lot of counsel against "tattoos" from the scriptures and general authorities. However, a member with a tattoo is allowed to enter the temple (just like someone with multiple piercings), of course it all depends on each case. Some prospective missionaries with tattoos are allowed to serve a mission and depending on the size and picture of the tattoo (in some cases, they will not be able to serve at all) they will be either send to a country where tattoos are culturally accepted or a country with a colder climate where long sleeves will cover the tattoos.

Oh I understand that. I suppose my issue is with the changes (I believe the words have now a different meaning than the original talk) as well as taking a portion out of the talk as well. I guess in the end, it's all a matter of interpretation.

Well, it depends are the trick or treaters this year going to be dressed as Angels and Fairies or Draculas and serial killers in bloody clothes?

In what way was the right to do?

The issue is why there was an edit in the first place? By choice or by social pressure? I have no problem with his original talk (even though I do not agree with some things he said) but I believe in his right to say it, my concern is more about the REASON for the change, if it was because of pressure from certain groups in society, it's concerning to me.

I have nothing against this protest. It's their right and they're using it.

I must confess when I heard the word in General Conference, the first person that came to my mind was Ram here in the forum....I know! It seems like I need to pick up my scriptures more often.

First of all brother, I want to say I am sorry for the struggles you are going through and I hope the Lord may give you the strength you need to overcome this addiction once and for all. I don't think it will be easy but rest assured, it IS possible. I will keep you in my prayers. Having said that, I have a few comments about your post. Number one, every Bishop is entitled to revelation for the people of his own ward. So maybe another Bishop may have a different approach to your problem while this new Bishop has a completely different one. I noticed you emphasized how many times you have committed this sin but really isn't a matter of how many times you masturbated or how many times you watched porn...the fact of the matter that just by entertaining your thoughts, you already defiled yourself. There is not a checklist that states that if you pass 'x" number of times you masturbate there is no point of no return or you cannot have have a calling. I think the Bishop is trying to help you and even though you may not understand why he is not allowing you to have a calling or partake of the sacrament, rest assured he is doing what he thinks is best for YOU (since you have been falling and "recovering" so many times). The point that concerns me the most about your post though are these two parts: It reminds me of that video of the Church where this girl who is ready to get married make a confession to the Bishop in the interview where she is supposed to get her temple recommend, she doesn't get it and the first words out of her mouth is "what about the invitations, what I will tell my family and friends?". I was talking about this with my oldest son the other day who still a young child and I was telling him that when we mess up big time AND we are truly sorry for what we have done, we accept whatever consequence/punishment comes in our way because we know we are the ones wrong and we want to make it right no matter what. We do not start rationalizing if the person in authority is doing the right thing "after all I just did it 3 times" type of thinking. Personally I believe this kind of rationalization (what others will think, etc or whether or not the Bishop CAN stop me from having a calling or going to the Temple) can harm the repentance process you so desperately are trying to go through. Please be careful with that. The sins you are struggling with are serious and I think your Bishop is just trying to help you solve this issue once and for all instead of keep going through cycles otherwise, unintentionally and unconsciously you may think that you can still continue masturbating, watching porn AND still partaking of the sacrament and have a calling. Just like any parent, the Bishop is trying to take away those dear things to you (privileges) so you can realize how important they are in your life and hopefully, will give you the strength you need to break this cycle once and for all. You are not alone, millions of members of the Church struggle with these issues. If you need professional help, you can also ask your Bishop who can guide you and help you with a Social Services Counselor. I wish you all the best. Suzie

That's true. I would like to emphasize that members should see service BEYOND Church callings. There are MANY, inspirational people out there whose lives are dedicated to service and they are not in the Church. Sitting down in a meeting for a few hours doesn't ring "service" to me (IMO). Going to feed the poor or care for the less fortunate yes (again IMO).

I don't see the problem either, unless the calling following "administration" or filling a "hole" is given to the member and worded as "inspiration". I do have a problem with that. I rather them NOT to say anything and just extend the call.

My browser reads: Simply Serving (church domain)

The site says this:

Good thing you wasn't born at the time of JS and Plural Marriage.

So because you have overcome it you seem to expect everyone handles their challenges in the same way? It's interesting how you are quick to point out the way others are presenting themselves but you are not seeing the way you are presenting yourself. A communication consultant doesn't make you a psychologist. I deal with special needs children every single day, mainly Aspergers and other forms of autism. Please, out of respect don't try to brush it off, isn't nice.

You forgot.."In MY opinion". I do not find MisterT's statements crude or abrasive at all. Just as you mentioned personalities, not all of us have that sweet smile in our faces and talk softly. Some people are matter of fact and they speak their mind, it doesn't make them crude.

Just curious if you are placing yourself in the category of people who don't lie. You never ever lied in your life? (small or big things).

The scripture in Genesis does not say God sacrificed any animal. Ancient writings suggest they were made of tree barks, the Talmud talks about God using the skin the serpent left and other scholars talk about a change of "skin" from immortality to mortality, which one is it I don't know. There is a lot of symbolism and lots of theories.

A friend of mine recently told me she does not want to hear about these cases because she cannot believe it happens. I shook my head and told her if she rather live in ignorance. I know some members rather NOT to know. For me, it's insane...I DO want to know so I can know exactly what to do with regards to the safety of my children.

I don't have statistics however I can testify that there is a lot of abuse behind closed doors. I can give lots of examples but it makes me so angry when I think about it that I rather not to mention them. I think parents in general should be careful and do not assume that just because their kids are staying with a member of the church (who happens to be "nice", "respectful", a "leader", etc) they are automatically "safe". They are MANY people out there leading double lives and it's our job to protect our kids and NOT to live in fear but also not be so naive. Things happen in all places and circumstances (recent case of litttle girl raped in Deseret Industries). My position is: I take the exact SAME precautions with my kids with regards to members and non-members.

I have personally seen enough cases to state that abuse cases involving church members is way more common than most members think.

I disagree. I think often times we forget that a teenager STILL a child. The brain still in development. One can only conclude that an ADULT will know BETTER than the child so even if the child may exhibit inappropriate behavior , he/she could never be considered a predator. The child is ALWAYS the victim in cases like this one.

I agree 100%, however I think Pam's point of "seminary teacher" was VERY important since a lot of our members tend to trust MORE a seminary teacher (because they are in the church, etc) than a teacher at school. The reality shows that there are people with evil intentions IN and OUT the church.

Formal (usted): "Si está leyendo el Libro de Mormón, orando, yendo a la iglesia, no es posible que no sienta el Espíritu, depende de usted si quiere aceptarlo o no. Jesus está tocando* la puerta, solamente tenemos que abrirla." Informal ((tú): "Si estás leyendo el Libro de Mormón, orando, yendo a la iglesia, no es posible que no sientas el Espíritu, depende de ti si quieres aceptarlo o no. Jesus está tocando la puerta, solamente tenemos que abrirla." *tocar means to touch and to play but when referred to "knocking on door", the word tocar is used.

I think they got the date wrong, instead of "Winners will be announced by 28 February 2010 on Sunstone’s website.." it should read 28th February 2011.