jayanna

I don't know if you have heard a baptismal interview lately, but before being baptized I was interviewed. I had to agree to live the law of chastity, the word of wisdom, the law of tithing, keep the Sabbath day holy, teach the gospel in the home, testify of Christ, have a testimony of Joseph Smith and the current prophet, before I could be baptized. It was all in the interview and explained in the lessons I received from the missionaries. As a ward missionary I had the chance to explain to an investigator why members had to pay 10% of thier income in order to go to the temple. He had asked and I didn't have a complete answer for him right away, but I was given a dream of how to explain it to him. In the eternities we will have all things in common, we will share everything and there will be no poor. Tithing is practice for that. If you are not ready to give ten percent, how can you say that you are ready to live in a state where you will share it all? Baptismal covenants are preparatory to our temple covenants. The receiving of the Holy Ghost is also an ordinance with covenants. The sacrament is a renewal of both of these, as well as the rememberance we were told to do in the New Testament and 3 Ne. in the Book of Mormon. The sacrament prayer, if re-wording each of those, would take quite a bit longer. It has its own prayer, which is simple, and yet complete enough to cover all of those things, as well as arm the receiver of the sacrament with the tools necessary to continue in the world afterwards. Our temple covenants are preparatory to later as well. Line upon line.

I think the real question here would be agency. You can warn someone of a pitfall, but they still have the choice of stepping in it if they want to. Warning someone that dressing a certain way provides a greater opportuntiy for others to imagine them in a unchaste way is one thing, but making it a law does not seem like moderation to me. We have been counseled, moderation in all things. Further, I do not see it as the same line of thinking, but rather, the opposite. It is my opinion that violating the law of chastity at gunpoint does not necessarily mean the person is damaged spiritually beacuse of the act alone, however, it might effect their faith in God. Their agency is taken away, so they are not truly violating the law of chastity. Also, you are not truly keeping the law of chastity, even if you are physically incapable of comitting the act, if you are lusting in your heart. The Lord looks upon the heart. A member of my Stake Pres. came to our ward conference and taught something very important, though I don't think everyone 'got it'. He basically was telling us that we should teach our children to be good (he used chastity as an example) NOT because they are afraid of the stick, but because they want the carrot. The carrot being eternal life with our Heavenly Father. In order to be with Him, we must be like Him, and He is Chaste. To teach that to others you need to do 2 things: 1) Be an example of how it is good, and 2) use the Holy Spirit in the attitude of love...if others rebel remember that it is not you that they are rebelling, it is the law. If they choose to break the law of chastity, it can be repented of...that's why the Savior paid for our sins, we mess up. Your example no. 4 is one I would like to address. I would tell someone, "Hey, watch out, that horse bites." It would not be brainwashing. It would be a warning. They would have information, and they would have agency. Making a law against women petting horses would be the exact opposite. It is making a law and coming up with an overblown example in order to validate the necessity of that law, if an example is even given, which it usually isn't. They would have little to no information, and no agency. While making a law would be ridiculous, the horse still bites. I would still feel really bad if I did not warn them, and they were bitten. I would go ahead and tell them, "Hey petting horses is fun, under these conditions..." If they choose not to listen, it's their agency that is at work, which is as it should be.

My hubby always had a list of 10+ questions when the elders came. There was a missionary who was as well versed in the Bible as my hubby, which was good, b/c he insisted that all the answers came from the Bible. It was the only source he had a testimony of. That young man rattled of scripture quotes like you would not believe. I would not underestimate their gospel knowledge, especially considering they study it for hours more per day than I studied my pre-med classes, and I'm Phi Beta Kappa.

Luckily, I haven't had family borrow more than I'm willing to give up, and not see again. I actually forget giving them anything and move on. However, repeatedly giving them money might not be a good idea. Emergencies are one thing, but to be a safety net that allows them to continue with bad spending habits would not benefit anybody. Borrowing a vehicle, they would have to get insurance, and make the payments! Also, if there were no payments, we would get it back on the weekends.

Dr. Zhivago someone please explain how that is a good story....I though it was sad, extrememly sad...cheat on your spouse and everyone thinks it's romantic

great, it's never heard of mine...I'll just have to define it myslef :)

I would much rather it be in person than email if possible, and I would be like "thank you" and probably fix it, unless there is a good reason for it. and beefche, I love the licking cow, though if I look at it too long I think I need to bathe. :)

hi, welcome!

Yay! I had a girl twice in a row I like them so much! They are fun to dress up. :) The best thing you can do is give her a great example of how to be a good mom and wife.

I believe I am a true Christian. I do know that Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings who are one in purpose. LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost I do belive the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. I do not believe that the Book of Mormon is more important than the Bible. FAQ | Mormon.org I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet today. I say I know because I prayed and recieved a definitive answer to those prayers. I also know because I have lived those principles taught to me, and found that they bear good fruits. My Savior, Jesus Christ, took on all of my sins, and redeemed me from the Fall of Adam. He is my true Savior and only through His teachings and His sacrifice am I going to be found worthy to live with my Father again. I do not do good works because I'm trying to earn a kingdom. I do them because through Christ I am able to love my brothers and sisters, and because I would do these things for Him. He loves me and I want to show him that I love Him, too. I am not really worried about if other people are Christians...can we really tell? There are some members of my faith who are not what they claim to be, there are some members of other faiths that are not what they claim to be. I would not attempt to condemn them, Jesus came into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. . . Luke 18 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Jesus did, however, give us some instruction on how to tell .... by this shall men know if ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. By this simple phrase, Jesus has divided those that simply claim to be disciples from those that truly are.

My town, and the towns around us usually put it in the paper if it will be celebrated on Sat. or Mon. Probably will be moved to Sat. We are having a party and invited to a party. We'll probably only trick or treat family anyway.

thanks, hoosier, I know that sometimes men just need to get help from their peers sometimes. It is good to help each other become better, we could use more of that in the world I think.

Stop worrying, you don't have to serve them anything at all. Water is fine if they are thirsty. You don't even have to clean the house if you don't have time. They won't care, really. They will be so happy to talk with someone who actually wants to listen, they won't even notice the house. As far as your son is concerned, it would kinda depend on how old he is. Very young, "Some people are coming over to teach us about Jesus." Older, "I want to know more about this church, so I've invited some people over. You can join in the conversation if you like." are possibilities. Have fun!

small things.... okay 1. a little boy from my ward could see over my counter at the library for the first time today... 2. ice cream 3. air freshener 4. running water 5. comfortable shoes

I know that some people feel overwhelmed by social pressure, trying to make themselve perfect in front of everyone. They don't want to say no to people, and think they have to take every responsibility they possible can, which is not how it is supposed to be. Actually, since joining the church I feel so much more at peace and calm about my life. I love Sundays, I love going to the temple. I see beautiful things all around every day. I am more cheerful, and my family likes to be around me more. If I have a family emergency there is a support system there for me. When we have family scripture study, my kids fight a lot less...it is great, it really is. :) The best part about the gospel is that you always get more than you give.

I prayed about my spouse and got an answer. We dated for 2 months, were engaged for 2 months. I think that while it is important to be excited about getting married to her in particular, that she is a great person, you should also think about if you are ready to have someone who will depend on you. She will need you to be a man of God. She will look to you to preside in your home, you will need to fill all of those responsibilities in the proclamation on the family. You will need to serve her with patience, kindness, and respect. Are you ready to do those things? Are you ready to do those little things that please her and not just expect her to please you? I think that will be more important than if you marry her in particular. You can marry the greatest person in the world, but if you are not willing to be a great spouse yourself, then it won't work. I'm really excited for you, and I don't want my tone to sound mean, but I think you should ask yourself those questions, and read up on the role you are thinking about filling, and pray about it. You are already thinking about her needs and that is great, you are on the right track.

If your father is passed, someone can stand in for him as proxy. For example, my mother is living, my father is not. If she were to join the church, we could be sealed with my dad in the temple. If she does not join the church during her lifetime, she and he can still join after they die. I can still be sealed to them.

perhaps the Holy Spirit is the most important part, and He cannot be photographed. Although I would suggest that our baptisms are just as important as those done for the dead. I am in agreement with MOE, too sacred to be passed around. The church does use pictures of baptisms, confirmations, and blessings but they are used for instructional purposes.

I think it means like, he will endure to the end, or he will be found continually in the temple.

I agree with every word of that, curtishouse, in fact that did happen with one of our newer members in our ward. He had a room mate that was a woman, he did find a new place to live before he was baptized. It took a little bit longer, but it was worth it. He had felt pressured by her presence anyway, she was inviting people over and having parties. This is also why you will see priesthood holders drinking milk at dinner parties. Ice water could be mistaken for other things, but milk is milk. :)

That is ridiculous, how can you do $1000 worth of damage on a bike? Held up by a 4x4? Isn't that dangerous? You should maybe talk to the boys' attorney about that. Should an 8 year old give testimony? Well, the judge is gonna be someone who has been around the block, so he/she will probably respond the same way you have. Just be there with her to support her, and let the court know how you feel about kids having to go through all this.

I am glad that you are working on being better :) I think that your new bishop has the right of things. Obviously sacrament so quick afterwards did not work last time. Sometimes a bishop needs a little time to pray and fast about things before really knowing what to do. This is very serious, it can affect your future marriage relations. It would not be a good idea to get married until you have defeated this Goliath in your life. You will recall Alma’s teaching his son Corianton that unchastity is the most serious offense there is in the sight of God, except for murder or denying the Holy Ghost. (See Alma 39:5.) Marion G. Romney, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Tambuli, Feb 1982 If we imagine ourselves involved in improper things, our thoughts may influence our heart’s inclination and perhaps even our future behavior. Dr. Maxwell Maltz underscores the connection between our thoughts and our body’s nervous system: “Experimental and clinical psychologists have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the human nervous system cannot tell the difference between an ‘actual’ experience and an experience imagined vividly and in detail.” Larry E. Dahl, “The Higher Law,” Liahona, Aug 1999, You can conquer this, I know you can. The Lord can help you. You will want to stay away from your triggers at all costs. You might need try limiting your computer use. You might find it helpful to get involved in some extra service projects for a little while. Get busy giving :) Use prayer and fasting, you're gonna do great :) :)

I am shocked. shocked. When a man takes advantage of you being under the influence of a drug, and does things to you without your consent, has sex with you without permission, it is rape. Being married does not give consent. Being unfaithful does not mean she deserved it. I am a very considerate and forgiving person, but I don't think I would even consider to stay married to someone who raped me. That man should be behind bars, so he can't do it again. I hope hope hope she went to her bishop.

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Enriching and Protecting the Home: A Conversation with Barbara W. Winder, Relief Society General President ...to the question "We have talked about the importance of education and of preparing for potential employment as well as preparing to be a homemaker. Yet we are often counseled that mothers should remain in the home with their children. Has the attitude of Church leaders changed on this subject?" Sis. Winder replied with the following paragraphs... "Being a wife and a mother and strengthening the family is an important career. The more education a mother has, the better off she will be in fulfilling that career—or any other career—well. President Spencer W. Kimball told us that our prime priority in life ought to be to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home. There are many ways we can do this. Many women are at the hearth, teaching their children by their side. Some women are in the classroom. Some are in the courtroom, guarding and defending the home. Some are in medicine, helping to protect us against the ills and dangers of life. I watched a group of women in Tallahassee, Florida, leave their homes for a period of time to lobby for some important legislation for their community. To me, that is guarding and defending the home. They spent a lot of time doing what they thought was important and necessary. Education and training helped prepare them to be able to do that. I don’t believe the attitude of Church leaders has changed. Throughout all ages, women have been guarding and defending the home in a variety of ways. In 1873 Brigham Young told Ellis Reynolds Shipp that he would like her to become a doctor. In 1875 Sister Shipp went east, leaving her husband to care for the family while she pursued a medical career. Many early pioneer women worked in the fields and kept the farms while their husbands served missions. In Proverbs 31:10–31 [Prov. 31:10–31], we read, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” In those verses we are told that a virtuous woman weaves fabric, sells linen—her hands are not idle: “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (Prov. 31:27.) I think that is one of the keys. We should not be idle. We should be constantly using our gifts and talents to build up our families, the kingdom of God, and the community about us." Also Dallin H. Oaks responded to a question about women and education, I'll put the link in LDS.org - Ensign Article - Insights My mother had a college education when she married my father. When she was about 30, she had three children, and he passed away from cancer. Her college education made our home more stable, and our lives much easier. I think that if you can put in a little time to finish off a degree, a general studies one possibly, would be an investment into your and their future. Dr. Charles D. McIver, in addressing the students at North Carolina College for Women said, “When you educate a man you educate an individual; when you educate a woman you educate a whole family” (in The Home Book of Quotations, 8th ed., comp. Burton Stevenson, New York: Dodd, Mead and Co., 1956, p. 2193). Consider how Elder Oaks concluded his remarks to LDS women: “There are other reasons why it is important for our young women to receive a proper education. Education is more than vocational. Education should improve our minds, strengthen our bodies, heighten our cultural awareness and increase our spirituality. It should prepare us for greater service to the human family. Such an education will improve a woman’s ability to function as an informed and effective teacher of her sons and daughters, and as a worthy and wise counselor and companion to her husband. Some have observed that the mother’s vital teaching responsibility makes it even more important to have educated mothers than to have educated fathers” (BYU President’s Assembly, 9 Sept. 1975). A woman who prepares for a career is smart. Keep on dreaming about a temple marriage and a bright and beautiful family. Dreams do come true. But be realistic enough to recognize that life isn’t a fairy tale, and you may not have a happily-ever-after ending. Be prepared for whatever the future brings. LDS.org - New Era Article - Happily Ever After?

Actually, here is something I found very interesting during the Rose Bowl Parade one year...Curly horses...are believed to possibly be native to the Americas. Though ancient pictures were painted of them in China. They have curly hair, are very docile and are hypoallergenic :) There has been some evidence as to their existence in South America. oh, and they're pretty