need4peace

Good news!:) The show has been cancelled due to outcry from various people and animal protection groups across the world. Way to go - animals need us to be their voicepiece - I hope this means the roos will be taken off the clown and put somewhere safe. I only hope the bears and other animals being treated cruely elsewhere can also be protected - bytor - It is more than that - it's downright cruelty here's a link that shows the boxing scene plus an article on the cancellation. Kraft-sponsored kangaroo boxing cancelled after outcry from PETA activists | News.com.au It is also dangerous practice for the stupid clown - Kangaroos can in defense disembowel an animal by catching their attacker with their forepaws and kicking with their powerful hind legs. The roo's in the show are frightened and it would take a split second for it to respond in defense to that fear.

There is a show held at the BorderFest festival in Hidalgo, Texas, called Rocky Show Circus, involving two kangaroos and their owner, Javier Martinez, who dons a clownsuit. The show which is the star attraction at a festival in the US sees a Red Kangaroo forced into fighting a human clown. The festival is designed to celebrate Australia and is sponsored by Kraft, the US owners of Vegemite. I wish to express my sheer disgust at the boxing Kangaroo show in the USA that Kraft is sponsoring. How dare they encourage the cruel treatment of any animal and in this case a Kangaroo being teased, restrained and frightened by a stupid “Human Being???” in a clown suit. How can they say that this act of cruelty celebrates Australia? Of course, we know that if the Kangaroo disembowels this clown there will be outrage and the poor roo would be put down while the humans involved would take no responsibility for animal cruelty. Typically animals are blamed whenever there is a problem however when you really look behind the animal 'problem' you will find a stupid “Human Being” involved in someway. I am so disappointed in Kraft - so much so I refuse to buy their products here in Australia. Please stop condoning animal cruelty now! Shame on "Rocky's Boxing Kangaroo Circus Show" and to those featuring this sick show to play in their town. to animal cruelty How could anyone hurt one of God's beautiful animals - look at this fellow isn't he simply stunning? :)

Good on Torah!!!! We downunder are proud of her and all our winter olympians. I especially love Torah for standing by her values in this crazy world. :)

As a Mum who has suffered depression myself and have a son who also endured depression during his teenage years, I feel very sad knowing Marie and her young son were dealing with the effects of this horrible cruel and debilitating illness too. I understand that horrid feeling of pain and heavy darkness and the desperate desire for it to stop and go away. My heart and prayers are with Marie and her family at this sad time.

Sorry this situation has continued on so long for you. Without me condemning the couple here I would suggest you do what Elder Carlos E Asay counselled "Avoid those who would tear down your faith" - I see this as not being self righteous but being self protective. Sometimes we have to walk away and let God do His will - we need to get out of His way hand the "steering wheel" over to Him. You may have done all you can so "let go and let God" - As for the animals the law is the law and if the animals are being treated cruelly, whether intentional or not they need an advocate to stand on their behalf. I had to inform the RSPCA (Australia) about a sister who had kept a cat confined in a very small cage continually without any exercise with insufficient shelter in the heat or the cold. She thought she was protecting the cat but of course wasn't and wouldn't listen to common sense so someone had to do something and in the end those in authority were the only ones that could help the cat. Let the authorities know and leave it to them and let go for the sake of your sanity. Keep your "Armour of God" on and have faith that He is there for you and will protect you and that He is there for the couple and the animals too. All the best love from downunder :)

Yes or Yeah I believe no one is really wrong because of their countries spelling differences. It just adds fun because we can have a friendly dig with each other on forums like this. But at the end of the day we basically speak the same language and Jesus Christ is our Saviour or Savior? Some spelling differences Australia (British) or USA At night I get into my PJ's (short for pyjamas or is it pajamas)?Titbit is actually British but I prefer tidbit because, um well the other sounds a bit you know?Faeces or feces diarrhoea or diarrheaFoetus or fetushaemorrhage or hemorrhagelabour or labor (in Australia both are used Labor refers to a political party)anaesthesia or anesthesiaoesophagus or esophaguslicence or license (actually both are used in Australia - licence (noun) is the piece of paper allowing us to drive while license (verb) is when we are licensed to run something).programme or program (for computer it's a program in Australia)Practice or practise (Doctors practice (business/building and we practise writing)In Australia pronunciation of words can vary from state to state too, for example Castle in QLD is like Cassle and in NSW it's like Carsle. I love it! My husband is from NSW and I am from QLD - we always poke fun at each other when a word containing Castle (Cassle) is said.:) One thing I must point out is that us Aussies say it's becoming too Americanized down here now. For example even our humble biscuit has become a cookie and chips have become fries, taps are becoming faucets and "x-y-z(ed)" has become "x-y-z(ee)". I hope my Mum doesn't become Mom! LOL:o I love it when we get missionaries from the US - it leads to a lot of fun discussions about it being a biscuit not a cookie etc:lol: However the different words and spelling must be confusing for the kids:confused:

Wether, Weather or Whether? A wether is a castrated ram or billy goatWeather is that stuff in the skyWhether - conjunction used to introduce two alternatives (indirect question)He's coming, whether you like it or not. Do you know whether he's coming? He chose the correct answer, but whether by luck or by skill I don't know. Whether the wether is shorn, Depends on the length of his wool. Whatever the weather, He'll weather the weather, Whether the weather be fine, Or whether the weather be not, Whether the wether be cold, Or whether the weather be hot, The wether will weather the weather, Whether the wether likes it or not!

I agree with your comments RachelleDrew, it bothers me too when I hear my sisters in Relief Society put men down under the guise of a 'joke'. Sadly if men were to put women down, it's deemed as sexist or abuse but when women put men down, it's humour. Of course none of us should put anyone down. As soon as we do this the Spirit withdraws and Satan laughs at the so called 'joke'. This happens a lot on TV & in advertising too, where men are portrayed as bumbling idiots, failures and mere objects with no rights and are subject to domineering women. An example was an ad that aired here (downunder) recently. It started with the 'wife' in the ad storming out of the bathroom in a towel fuming because she had to have a cold shower. She really blasted her husband with put downs because the hot water didn't work properly. He was portrayed as an idiot for having the wrong type of pump. I was horrified. I contacted the rural pump company who owned the ad and their response? "It was only in humour". I asked them if it had of been the 'husband' in the ad blasting the 'wife' would they still consider it humour? Of course not, it would have been considered abuse. From a woman's point of view I do not like being portrayed in ads as a domineering know-all bully. I suggested they look after the men in their lives and treat them with the respect they themselves desire. I pointed out that the company should remember that the majority of their customers were men from the land. I told them if my darling hubby and I ever needed to get a pump we would choose another brand. What happened to the commandment to love thy neighbour as thyself? We must remember that our neighbours include men. Let's top this gender division in and out of the Church.

I believe that women and men are about as spiritual/righteous as they make up their minds and hearts to be. Neither is more than the other and I believe it is wishful thinking on behalf of some sisters to believe they are more righteous/spiritual than their brothers and of course - vice versa. :) I am happy :)to be a woman in the church and know that women are loved so very much by our Father in Heaven and our Saviour Jesus Christ. However I am happy knowing that men are loved just as much and that we all as individuals have the opportunity to return to Him. It concerns me to hear that some believe that women or men are more spiritual/righteous than the other - this is just another twist on the old adage 'the battle of the sexes'. I get tired of it in society and it saddens me that there are those in the church that get caught up in this boring battle. We have far more important things to be concerned with on our spiritual earthly journeys than deciding who is more righteous. I guess there are those who are divisive between men and women that would love to focus incorrectly on quotes like this one by Brigham Young. "You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation." We as women can become prideful thinking we are for example 'more educated'. "Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There is too much fraternizing with the enemy." — Henry Kissinger

My two bobs worth from downunder - I know for me I couldn't and wouldn't sell alcohol, cigarettes, tea or coffee etc because I know it would simply violate the Word of Wisdom. I made a covenant at Baptism to follow our Saviour and each Sunday when I take the Sacrament I renew that covenant. Since reading the question posed on this thread I started thinking about the various answers and wondered if one of our leaders had an answer on the subject too. I did some research and found this quote (below) by Henry B Eyring in the "I Have a Question" section of the Ensign - His answer is plain and simple - Hope it helps

Hi I hope you don't mind me adding my experience with Godly Sorrow' It was an absolutely painful process but at the same time it was a real release deep within my heart - I remember at one stage I was kneeling and praying up the paddock whilst leaning against a large rock, just sobbing my heart out. I was crying to my Father in Heaven apologizing for my sin, sharing my feelings of how I had hurt another child of His and how I felt such sorrow knowing I had ultimately hurt Him - my Father in Heaven. I later felt a burden lift from me and it felt like I could almost float. I could then forgive myself, forget it and move on with a clean slate. I learnt so much through it all and am glad I experienced what the scriptures term Godly sorrow:) I pray you will find the following quotes from our leaders on the topic of Godly Sorrow, both helpful and comforting. All the best and please be gentle with yourself.:)

My thoughts - Maybe dementia is what one or both of them are suffering from so that could explain confusion etc. Maybe one or both of them are one of the 10% of people who suffer dementia that have psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia and even hostility. They are not in control of their behaviour because they have 'forgotten' the rules of proper behaviour. I think that instead of taking out protection orders against them or approaching the police etc they need help from aged care specialists to do an assessment on them. (sadly they would probably be too confused to remember there was an order in place and seeing the police may cause them more anxiety) If these elderly members see you as a threat it would be best to stay away to avoid causing more anxiety to them. It would be good to put their names on the Temple Prayer Roll and ask other members to visit instead. They need lots of TLC. Don't take it personally.

BEWARE OF TERRORIST GROUPS IN CHURCH. Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin. Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy. However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whomever and whatever comes along. Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return. NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT! (However, you can spot them if you bin lookin and bin goin.)

Good on you Mary you have done well - thank you for sharing the good news with us.

In Australia we have yummy choccy biccy (aka chocolate biscuits) called Tim Tams and we have a 'naughty' way to eat them called a "Tim Tam Slam". You bite both ends off the biscuit and use it as your straw to drink a glass of ice cold milk. The cold milk coming up the centre of the biccy makes the chocolate on the outside hard and the biscuit inside soft and soon it gets saturated. That's when you quickly SLAM it in your mouth before it falls apart. The chocolate crunch and the soft biscuit melting in your mouth with the milk is simply out of this world:D:D:D Great way to introduce the missionaries to their new Aussie Ward/Branch. Probably considered uncouth to teach your sons but who cares it tastes soooo GOOD with the ice cold milk!!!!!mmmmmm

Stairway to Heaven A redhead, brunette and blonde were on their way to Heaven. St Peter told them the stairway to Heaven was 1000 steps, and on every 5th step He’d tell them a joke. But, they must not laugh or else they couldn’t enter heaven. The brunette went first and started laughing on the 65th step, so she could not enter Heaven. The redhead went next and started laughing on the 320th step, so she could not enter Heaven either. Then, it was the blonde’s turn. When she got to the 999th step, she started laughing. “Why are you laughing?” St Peter asked. “I didn’t tell a joke.” “I know,” the blonde replied. “I've just got the first one.”

Because I don't know the situation you are in, it would be remiss of me to advise you what to do - however I have some 'food for thought' to share, with some quotes that I hope may help you both. Ultimately Heavenly Father knows what is best in your situation. Derek A. Cuthbert Quorum of the Seventy in his article titled “The Futility of Fear,”Fear of Criticism said - "Much more prevalent than physical fear is the fear of criticism, rejection, and verbal opposition. When we have something to tell others which will benefit them, protect them, or enlighten them, we should not hold back." "We do not serve our Saviour well if we fear man more than God." “You should not have feared man more than God” (D&C 3:7) LDS.org - New Era Article - The Futility of Fear LDS.org - Ensign Article - Look at Your Walls. What Do You See? Prov. 29: 25 “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Prov. 3:13.) '...fear of man - to be more afraid of what man thinks about us than what God thinks about us." — Robert D. Hales, April 1996 Conference (May Ensign) pg. 37 Faith and fear cannot coexist. Faith causes action; fear inaction. Believing we can allows us to survive the most rigorous of circumstances.

This is something that needs careful pondering and prayer - the abuser may have or may not have repented and may or may not be a danger to be around. Only Heavenly Father knows his heart and it is best to go to Him for counsel. Here's what Maxine Murdock, retired member of the Brigham Young University Psychology Department said:- Link to above quote - LDS.org - Ensign Article - I Have a Question 12 Step recovery Step 9 - forgiveness Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. If the act of making amends will open old wounds or create new harm, then making direct amends should be avoided. The benefit of making amends to the recovering person does not outweigh the need to do no more harm. 1) those you still have contact with, 2) those you could probably get in touch with if you tried, and 3) those you can’t reach, either because they’ve passed away, you’ve lost all knowledge of their whereabouts, or because contact would harm them. It might not be necessary or advisable to intrude into their present life by bringing up the past. More relevant articles from lds.org that may be of help to you LDS.org - Ensign Article - Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse LDS.org - Ensign Article - To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse

******************** I wear my wife's eyeglasses because she wants me to see things her way. - Jayson Feinburg ********************

Hi Ktty Welcome I pray you will find what you need here Have fun and keep investigating this wonderful church. Please know the church is true and perfect but we the people are not however we are doing our best to make it home to our Father in Heaven and are keen to help others along the way. Come and see. Another good place to go to find answers to any questions you may have is here Mormon.org - Home luv and best wishes from a land downunder

Good on you for taking the brave and right move to speak to your Bishop.:) Mary please remember you are loved so very much. Our Saviour atoned for all our sins and those who sin against us. It is not up to any of us to say whether you have done the wrong or wight thing by joining with a lovely group of people who also love the Lord. :) Sometimes we are like lost sheep wandering and searching for something we are needing in our hearts that can only come from fellowship with our Saviour. He's the only one who can through the Holy Ghost provide that comfort, that peace that love we so deperately need to sustain us. We can receive it in certain degrees from our fellow man but ultimately we need to look to Him. Opinions will vary remarkeably and this will only lead to a feeling of confusion and that is where Satan really wants us to remain - he is after all the author of confusion. Take what you want from our comments that you feel is right and leave the rest. Please know ultimately, it is really between you and the Lord with His representative - your Bishop. Not anyone else - no-one! I 'see' you have the strength to come back and I am so pleased for you. Here's a scripture for you Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. He loves you so much I love this article about the the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son. As we seek to know and to understand those we should invite back into the mainstream of the Church, we might consider the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. (See Luke 15.) The lost sheep spoken of by the Savior could represent the member of the fold who strays from the path, following rather passively the enticements of the world. He may not do so with planned or malicious intent; he simply follows the crowd and melds into the group that shows him the greater interest. Usually, a lost sheep will respond to overtures of genuine love, concern, and proper fellowship. Perhaps the Savior used the parable of the lost coin to demonstrate that a valuable soul, like a piece of silver, may be lost through neglect. At times, leaders and teachers become neglectful, even offensive, and allow others to slip away. If this happens, and it can happen very easily, the responsible party should light the candle, sweep the floor, and do all within his power to recover the coin before it becomes encrusted with dust and is lost forever. The prodigal son may represent those who openly rebel against heaven and home. The prodigal is often one who feels he might know more than his elders, who wants to try his own wings in uncertain areas, or who stumbles and falls while walking the slippery path of youth. Those close by may not understand the exact reason for the rebellion. However, the prodigal’s soul is of great worth and he should never be abandoned. Prayers, pleadings, persistent love, and the welcome mat at the door often win him back. (See James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3d. ed., Salt Lake City, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1916, pp. 454–61.) We must understand and seek out the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Whatever the reason for their loss or estrangement, their souls are of infinite worth; they are vital members of the body of Christ. LDS.org - Ensign Article - Nurturing the Less Active Our Prophet issued this call to all who are lost sheep, lost coins or prodigal sons to COME BACK Listen to the words of the Prophet and please come back "Over the years we have issued appeals to the less active, the offended, the critical, the transgressor—to come back. “Come back and feast at the table of the Lord, and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the Saints" In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential. In this spirit, we again issue that heartfelt invitation: Come back. We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship. To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears. Take literally the Lord’s invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Looking Back and Moving Forward

The cow's revenge

My biggest pet peeve is when two of you are going somewhere and the other announces they are ready even before you get a chance to start. The next thing you hear honk honk honk, they are sitting impatiently in the car wondering why you aren't ready YET!!!!!!!!!! Russel M Nelson said "perhaps some Sunday you could get the children ready for Church, and your wife could sit in the car and honk." :) http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=54cf84d4a0a0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Grazie. Potevo risolvere che cosa avete scritto me ma deve essere molto molto di base - come che cosa i piccoli bambini direbbero. Vorrei leggere la tribuna italiana ma ho bisogno di un traduttore in linea di aiutarlo e sto usando uno ora per scrivere voi in modo da spero che questo abbia tutto il significato voi. Grazie Thank you. I was able to work out what you wrote to me :) but it has to be very very basic - like what little children would say. I would like to read the Italian forum but I need an online translater to help me and I am using one to write to you now so I hope this will make any sense to you.

What Not to Say to someone who is being bullied Oh, these things happen, you just forgive and move on.I'm aware that you believe you were bullied.You've got to put the past behind you and move forward.The problem is not the bullying, but your inability to cope with it.Bullying doesn't happen in the churchStop whining, you sound like an attention-seeker.You have to submit to those in authority over you.Don't you think you might be overreacting?Just ignore themDepression is a spiritual problemThere must be some secret sin you haven't repented of.Your problem is spiritual: you are either disobedient to God, or you are living a lie.You are just angry and unforgiving