Backroads

I kind of lean to the idea that it's a good thing. People preaching to each other for/against <insert controversial topic> is hardly respect. Indoctrinating doesn't do much good. It may sound awful to say "you do what you want and I'll do what I want" but I do believe that if the heart is in the right place it does work out. True morality consists of a few high and even general standards and I would daresay most good people fit into those.

I'm also fine with a lot of cleavage... sometimes it's not worth straining to find the perfect modest swimsuit. I've struggled with it--at camp as waterfront director I wound up just wearing a high-neck tanktop over my suit. I think there is a big difference between "I tried my best" and "Look at me I'm popping out"

As has been said, if you are free from expectations or bitterness about each other's beliefs, you'll be fine. I would discuss how you plan on handling your kid's spirituality, though.

Nope. It seems they just assumed everything would work out well. I think I do need to bring up a point that seems to have either gotten lost/I didn't clearly express in the beginning: It's not that SIL doesn't want sex, but has knocked it down in importance as their sex lives didn't go according to plan. At the risk of being graphic, brother was "unable to perform" and SIL "seemed very frightened/nervous about sex". My uneducated guess is these two things cycle back viciously on each other. Originally she put the blame on my brother, who says he can't do anything when she is being terrified and when she is experience symptoms of vagismus. As for the topic straying... as the OP I'm fine with that, I like seeing different theoretical views.

This is just silly. If the kids want to go beyond traditional gender roles, more power to them. But let the grandparents know the baby's gender! I'm wondering if they'll ever tell the baby what he/she is?

What lowlife has personal principles against fairness and justice?

Well-said. I don't care if Bishop Lawyer thinks the guy is guilty or innocent. It's his job to make sure he gets a fair and just trial.

I'll be moving to Logan in a few months. Completely thrilled for it. Pam, you are my Bear Lake-loving kindrid spirit.

I think all that has been said has been said. I assume you have done your part as a mother. He's 18. I'm sure you're raised a good and moral person. Here's something to hold onto: He trusted you enough to tell you.

I would be foreward having the schools test him, because many school districts lump most reading problems into the dyslexia category.

If only it weren't ethically questionable to use the branch president thing to boost his sales...

I'm trying to wrap my head around what is so sinful about being a car-selling branch president. On that note, are we really supposed to change our profession to suit our church calling?

eeccrioula, thank-you so much for your post.

I know they are speaking to a counselor, but she's still upset that they have to.

And that's all there is to it. I disagree with your mom's reasoning as I see nothing wrong with a regular wedding, but the Church says it and there you go.

I definitly see where you are coming from. While wingnut brings up some excellent points, sometimes there is such a combination of innocent-enough things that I have trouble believing there is anything innocent about it. It just comes off as wrong. There are cases where the little girls just want to be "pretty" and that's fine, but there is a limit. There are some dances that are beautiful when performed by older dancers but are just nasty when performed by little girls.

I see nothing wrong with it. It's either allow people lawyers or return to mob hangings.

I think I'm bringing this more up for discussion, but I have a brother that has been pestering for advice on this. My brother has been dating a very nice girl for awhile now. She's cute, smart, etc. He is tossing around the idea of marriage. However, this girl has a bit of past. She's repented, but it really bothers my brother. Ultimately it's up to my brother and that's what we're telling him. We've also been reminding of him of the power of repentance. In my view, she's done all that's required of her by repenting. She can't erase the past. But it's not fair to either of them to be in a relationship where he is judging her. So... what are you thoughts on marrying someone who has "a past"?

Chouchou, thanks for responding. You brought up some very good points, but I would like to say that my brother is NOT okay with the status quo.

I'm not purposely or willfully making fun of anyone, but I haven't met a single person who is taking this thing seriously. I do feel bad for those who are... Will this be faith-shattering if nothing happens?

So which is worse? A woman feeling bad because her husband has a porn addiction or a man feeling bad because his wife has been saying such-n-such about him. I would say that if all things were equal here, the pain is also equal. I suppose we could upset the balance with the porn being preferred to the spouse or the talking getting extremely cruel and undeserved...

I imagine this to be a regional cultural issue more than anything, or some people just absorb information differently.

I don't think it's that kind of desire...

So abuse victims should work on hiding from their abusive spouses in order to make a marriage work so you can be happy about it?

That's good... according to my views on the subject...