Martain

who told the Bishop he was too busy with his other calling to do his home teaching and to whom the Bishop indicated that if he didn't have time to do his home teaching then he didn't have time to have any other calling and released him from it? Does such a story sound familiar to anyone and if so do you know where I heard or read about it? I'm trying to find out where it came from.

Have you ever had to discipline a child and wished it wasn't necessary and wish that you could shirk from doing so? One of the prophets told a story of how as a young child they had been repeatedly told not to do a certain something or they would be switched. He stated that the anguish and tears he saw on his mothers face as she followed through on her word and switched him had far greater power than the pain from the switch to where he promised himself he would never cause her such anguish again. Rather than a bishop who denies a temple recommend out of pride or spite, I prefer to picture a bishop who happily received guidance from his priesthood leader that the causes for denial were either insufficient grounds, no longer valid, or (as written above) valid but he was to sign anyways.

You're not alone. I was listening to some of my music tonight and I thought some of the songs might lift up your heart. Can Anybody Hear Me - Meredith Andrews - As Long As It Takes Show Me What it Means - Meredith Andrews - The Invitation The River - Meredith Andrews - The Invitation Draw Me Nearer - Meredith Andrews - The Invitation You're Not Alone - Meredith Andrews - The Invitation Loneliest Walk - David Osmond - Road Less Traveled He Hears Me - David Osmond - Road Less Traveled Stronger - Mandisa - What If We Were Real Peace, Be Still - Kenneth Cope - A Prayer Unto Thee Let the Waters Rise - MIKESCHAIR Alive - Natalie Grant - Music Inspired By The Story Sister of mine, I have a couple of questions for you. Other than the Lord our God, as your best friend, shouldn't your husband be the first person you run to? Would you want him to keep the troubles of his heart from you? Don't you want him to come to you before anyone else? Don't you want to be his strength and support? If you answered yes to these questions then why deny him the same? Though I am not yet married, I put myself in you're husband's shoes and here were my thoughts: "How can the two of us become one if the burden's of your tender heart are so far from me as to be unknown? How can I comfort you of what I am ignorant of?" D&C 42:22 Thou shalt love thy [husband] with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto [him] and none else. Abraham 5:18 Therefore shall a [woman] leave [her] father and [her] mother, and shall cleave unto [her husband], and they shall be one flesh. I also found this talk: "A Man ... Shall Cleave unto His Wife": Marriage and Family Advice from the Old Testament (Ensign, Jan 1990) Continue to turn your heart to the Lord, pour it out to him in prayer. He really is real and he loves you oh so very much. Know indeed that you're not alone and that you're prayers are indeed being heard. Didn't you say you were seeking a friend and feeling lonely? That you have no one to talk to? Have you considered that perhaps God has already answered your prayers by placing beside you the precise person you need? While we know that Eve was created to be Adam's help meet we sometimes forget this simple truth. Adam was created to be Eve's help meet as well. Signed with a Prayer, Martain-

True, but isn't it his decision to make rather than yours? Do you know for certain one way or the other what his will is in regards to healing you of this?

The meaning of "type" in that context would be similar to how animal sacrifices in Judaism refer or were precursors to Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. Type as in typifying. In multiple ways, he was a representative example of what Christ would do. Or at least that's my attempt at trying to answer your inferred question =). As for Johns gift being a purely LDS doctrine, the Bible does speak of how John was unable to be killed and was thus exiled to an island instead. They couldn't kill him because he couldn't be killed due to the gift of God. What the Bible doesn't speak of is how long this gift was being given to him (until Christ's return).

There once was a point in my life where I was enduring afflictions so painful as to lead me to cry out to the Lord in prayer to bring me home so I wouldn't have to continue to suffer. I was very broken and even the therapy I was going through seemed to make little to no difference. Then my therapist spoke of someone she had gone to see and what she spoke of intrigued me. The technologies are is called Zyto/Evox. The principle of why I recommend them to you is based on the idea of each person having a stress bucket. The size vary from person to person but when ever the stress exceeds the capacity of the bucket... life gets bad. Even though it didn't remove the cause of my suffering, it did help me resolve other unresolved issues to where the pain (stress) it causes me more easily fits into my bucket and the overflows are less often. I walked into their office praying for death and now I no longer feel that way. I'm positive it would help you and if you want more info, simply let me know and I'll share more about how it worked. Feeling for your sorrow, Martain

I hear of those who, being addicted to alcohol, seem convinced that they will always desire to drink and the best they can do is to never actually do so. I hear of others who, being same gender attracted, seem convinced that they will always feel such attraction and the best they can do is never actually act on such feelings. Then there are those who, being addicted to pornography/masturbation, are convinced that they will always desire these things. What, is the power of Christ Atonement so limited as to be unable to change our hearts to where we no longer even desire to sin? Where does such an idea come from if not the Devil? Certainly not the scriptures for there we find the opposite taught instead. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and it has the power to change your heart to where you no longer even desire to look at pornography or masturbate. This power is unlocked when, with sincere and wholehearted repentance, we turn to and trust in our Savior Jesus Christ. He Heals the Heavy Laden DALLIN H. OAKS - Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I can tell you this my brother, in regards to the power of the Atonement, I speak from personal experience. /Martain

When reading the counsel you received I asked myself, "Isn't there a difference between being told to let someone go and being told to leave someone?" So I ask you to ponder, is there? Knowing that only personal revelation from the Lord would lead me to divorce, if I were in your shoes I would need to know whether the Lord wanted me to be the initiator or her. I'll be honest, divorces can easily get ugly. Perhaps talk to your Bishop and Stake President to ask if there are any lawyers in your ward/stake who could provide you with some council regarding how to prepare and minimize the potential for ugliness. I see it as likely that they probably have some good council as well. Follow the Spirit~ Martain.

Why is it that I'm able to be expressive of my feelings and emotions, even intimate when praying to the Lord yet so seldom with other men? Why is it that I can open my heart and share the deepest yearnings of my soul with God but not with my fellow man? The softer my heart, the more open and vulnerable I allow myself to be, the easier it is for me to feel the comforting touch of the Spirit of God. What I've learned to do privately, women are able to do publicly with much greater ease then men. To me, this is why you were so enriched by relief society while your husband simply fought to stay awake. Your heart was secure enough in the love of your fellow sisters to allow yourself to show vulnerability where as your husbands heart was not.

I know I know =) it was just a list of some of the rules I would consider implementing if I were in her shoes. I'm not saying she should or shouldn't but trying to point out that if she accepts she is in a position to lay down the ground rules.

I've been in the position your brother in law is in and I'm thankful for a family that was there for me when I needed them. I approve of your husbands willingness/desire to help his brother out. Since he would need your approval, and you have various concerns, the power of the decision is yours and thus also the power. You can set the ground rules regarding gaming, curfew, chores, length of stay such as; He can stay however he has to be out of the house by 9AM and can't come home during the day until 6PM until he has a job if not then x consequence. When he has a job he will put X amount of $ in his savings each month until he has saved up X amount of $ so that come time to move out, he has enough to do so if not then x consequence. He is limited to 1 hour of xbox/computer gaming per day and you're only allowed to play "x" games with him on Saturday and then only for 2 hours if not then x consequence. He will only be able to stay until XX/XX/XXXX. We will be installing a filter on his computer and restricting the time of day it can access the internet (K9 Webprotection). There will be a 9:30 curfew. We'll put a pillow and blanket in his car and if he's not home in time then that night he can sleep in the car. Once he has a job he will pay X amount of rent/groceries/utilities. Every Saturday he will get up at 9AM and mow the lawn if not then x consequence. If he eats what I cook then he cleans up for the meal afterwards if not then x consequence. He will not invite anyone over and will agree to live the BYU standards if not or if he breaks it, then x consequence. Basically a, "We love you and you're welcome to stay here while you get on your feet but it's our house so it's our rules. Tow the line or ship on out." In making this decision, especially in light of the difficulty and stress that comes from pregnancy, prayerful consideration of what Jesus would do or have you do sounds wise.

I sometimes wonder about the ethical and practicality of having an LDS dating website adopt a system where you have to send in a copy of your ID (to prove age/image) as well as a copy of a temple recommend (perhaps with some information on the copy markered out). Thoughts?

Peachie, as someone who has tried various dating websites and come away frustrated, I'm curious to hear what was it about such websites that you found so scary? As for me, after reading x number of profiles where the message was "if you're interested send me an actual response rather than hitting a flirt button", and then writing a real response to one individual and then to another etc... I wondered what was up. Is what you write on your profile completely meaningless unless a gal thinks you're attractive/cute? So rather than continually invest time in individuals who had no interest in me, I wrote in my profile that if they were interested in hearing from me or in having me write them a response, to please at least hit the flirt button to clue me in =P. After multiple views over a few months but not a single expression of interest... I discontinued my subscription. What do you mean about "stuff that is said and implied" BrendaM?

considers the consequences of Pam doing such and forsees lds.net then becoming a dating website/classified site... and agrees that it doesn't sound wise =).

If a true believer need not fear harm from a serpent, then why would I need fear harm from a spider? If a true believer need not fear harm from a spider, what justification have they for killing them? If you wouldn't kill a rattlesnake found in your tent but would remove it away from my camp, why wouldn't you put the spider outside the house as well rather than kill it? If we fear a spiders bite/venom, then what would that say about me in light of the above scriptures? The quote above applies to other poisonous spider species as well. Unfortunately for many people, this means that if you want to be dangerous spider free, the safest thing is to leave benign non-threatening spiders alone no matter how much they freaks you out or you want to smash it. The problem with that is that Brown Recluses and Hobo Spiders have other benign spider species which look very similar to them. I took the time to learn the difference between Hobo Spiders and their benign cousin the Giant house spider (Tegenaria gigantea and dullica). Now when I see a spider in my home I simply look and see which one it is and then either leave it alone or release it back into the wild. I also tell myself that the merciful receive mercy =).

I refer you to D&C 64:12-14. 12 And him that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, ye shall bring before the church, and do with him as the scripture saith unto you, either by commandment or by revelation. 13 And this ye shall do that God may be glorified—not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver— 14 Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things.

I've never been fed up with American LDS Women but if I'm honest I can't say they haven't frustrated me mightily. 1. Live worthy of the type of man you seek. 2. Continually pray for such blessings and for guidance as to what you can do to receive them. 3. Prayerfully consider moving into regions where their are more LDS men to interact with. 4. Search LDS.Org for talks and prophetic guidance in regards to dating/marriage for answers. There is a great deal of advice to be found under #4 although some of what the Brethren have counseled is considered unpopular (which is why I'm referring you there rather than posting such views here since I have no desire to inflame the lovely female populace of this website =P) A few thoughts =). If you lived here, and you expressed interest in me, I'd be happy to take you on a date.

The Church has put forth an excellent treatise on the subject of the Law of Consecration which can be found here. I would refer you to read it since it differed from quite a few responses here.

I absolutely loved the series and would recommend them to anyone who asked. I felt the spirit quite a few times while reading this series. I'm a better man for having read them.

While I don't have any info regarding online jobs, I do have a question. Seeing as you need help, why is it that you don't want to ask anyone in your family for aid?

You need only replace the 'going to a club' with 'drinking alcohol', 'smoking', 'having a threesome' to see why 'if your husband is cool with it' would not be a good moral guideline to determine whether there would be an issue or not. Don't you agree that it's not so much what her husband is or isn't ok with as it's about following prophetic counsel and whether a thing is right or wrong?

The fact that your asking whether or not it's ok indicates to me that you can see reasons why it might not be. You want to know because if it's not ok, you don't want to go and if it is ok, you don't want to feel guilty doing it right? If I were in your shoes I'd want to know what the scriptures and the prophets say on the subject and what the Church teaches as this would be my compass in making such decisions. If you're like me in such thinking, then I would refer you to the For The Strength of Youth guidelines under the 'Music and Dancing' section which reads: Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit. Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don’t listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices. Dancing can be fun and can provide an opportunity to meet new people. However, it too can be misused. When dancing, avoid full body contact with your partner. Do not use positions or moves that are suggestive of sexual behavior. Plan and attend dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, and music contribute to a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit of the Lord may be present. If based on these guidelines the club you're considering going to does not meet the cut, then you would be wise not to go. Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Yet how to tell a friend without giving offense? Sometimes offense is unavoidable but I don't think this would be the case. Simply have a copy of the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet and have her read that section. Then say that these are the guidelines you strive to be obedient to. She'll recognize that it isn't her you're objecting to but the club which should diffuse any feelings of offense. =) my thoughts at least.

Why do you ask the question you ask and why is the answer important for you to understand? While not a complete treatise on the subject, see D&C 132 and verse 19 specifically.

In my family tree I have multiple ancestors who divorced and remarried in addition to those who remarried after a spouse died. It doesn't really matter what the reason were, whether or not they had children or not, whether it was due to divorce or death, we are still to do the work for them. Can you not imagine the scenario where an ancestor would say, "Although in life I divorced her, I still wait for my descendants to seal me to my first wife. Yes I was happily remarried but that marriage ended when we died and since then my second wife has completely rejected the missionaries and the message of the gospel. My first wife and I have forgiven each other and would love to live as husband and wife if only they would do our work!" The thing is, barring rare exceptions, we simply do not know the mind and wills of those who have passed away. Generally speaking, we don't know who is worthy and who isn't let alone who is even desirous to receive the work we do for them. Fortunately, we don't need to know =). We simply do the work for everyone that we can assured in the knowledge that this is all that the Lord requires of us. So, a direct answer - Yes you will be able to seal your mother to both your father and your step father. The specifics of what will happen then will depend on them and the laws of the spirit world (which we have not been given detailed revelation regarding).

I just saw the Mormon Message " " earlier today and thought to share it with you. In seeking council, have you sought counsel with your Bishop? Even if he's unwilling, why not ask your Bishop for a referral to LDS Family Services and start seeing a marriage counselor yourself? I also recommend seeking and studying out everything the Prophets have said regarding your situation. There is a wealth of articles and talks regarding marriage and divorce. I'm sure that the spirit will give you guidance regarding your situation as you seek out and study the counsel already given. I feel for you and the struggles you're going through and I pray for the both of you. May God bless you with the strength to pursue the road that leads to healing of what is broken. Sincerely, Martain