classylady

I honestly don't know how to subtract "feelings" from the equation. Almost everything we do is based on feelings, i.e.: 1. the choice of a marriage partner (I would not want to marry someone who did not have feelings involved, 2. a spiritual witness of a testimony of the Gospel (for me, that was such a strong, spiritual emotional witness), 3. the choice to be baptized and confirmed. Strong feelings most likely existed to get to that point, 4. the choice to divorce (and along with the divorce the desire to have the sealing cancelled). There are very strong feelings attached to divorce. If a man or woman knows that they have absolutely no desire to be with their ex partner in the next life, even if repentance and forgiveness has happened, even if they have Christlike love for one another in the next life, then I think why not go ahead and cancel the sealing? Another thought I had, suppose the man is requesting the sealing to show respect for his current wife. Is that based on "feelings", or based on intellect? For the husband that may be intellect (if he wants to keep his marriage happy). For the current wife, that could be "feelings". If the current wife is insecure because of the husband's sealing to an ex spouse, then I see that as a logical, valid reason for the man to request a sealing cancellation, even if feelings are involved by the current wife, and that's the only reason he is requesting the sealing cancellation.

We've lived in the same house for the last 26.5 years. Our ward boundary has changed about 5 or 6 different times. (The joys of living in a growing city in Utah). When we first moved into our community it had one Stake in it. It now has 5. In fact, just last week our Stake realigned some of the ward boundaries, which included our ward. Our meeting was just a half hour meeting where a song and prayer opened and closed the meeting. In this meeting they had several slides showing the maps of the old ward boundaries and then new boundaries. It was all very concise and to the point--In other words, no drama. The Stake President mentioned that a lot of prayer had gone into the decisions. This time, there were no bishop changes. In the past, where new bishops are assigned, we are told who the new bishops are along with the counselors etc. Then we as individual wards have the opportunity to sustain them. Hope this helps.

TFP, I believe one of my statements was from an intellectual standpoint--If it can be done now, why wait? No eternal blessings will be denied if done now vs having the sealing cancelled in the next life. In fact, I think that would speed things up considerably (in the next life) if most sealing cancellations were taken care of in this life. Also, please people, don't misunderstand me. I do not take the Sealing Ordinance lightly. It is sacred. But, there are many times when a sealing cancellation is warranted, even when the ex-wife/husband may be a righteous individual and has or has not remarried. It's an individual decision that should be done after prayer and discussing it with your Bishop or Stake President. In my husband's case, both Bishop and S.P. (along with the First Presidency) thought the sealing cancellation was the correct thing to do. It may not be the correct decision for someone else.

When one "feels" strongly that a sealing should be cancelled, has prayed about it, and has received an answer to that prayer, then why not get the sealing cancelled? In the hereafter the sealing will be cancelled anyway. Why wait until then if it can be done now? No eternal blessings will be denied anyone. If it wasn't "okay" then the First Presidency would not cancel Sealings.

IMO, whom you are sealed to "matters". Otherwise, we would be going back to the early history of the church and just seal ourselves to whomever (prominent church leaders) we chose.

From what our Bishop told us, requests for sealing cancellations by both men and women are more flexible than in the past. Years ago, a sealing wouldn't be cancelled unless and until the woman was getting married again, and she wanted to be sealed to her new husband. Now, women (and men) may request a sealing cancellation at any time after a divorce.

There's been some debate and questions on whether men may request sealing cancellations from their ex spouse/s. I have no actual church statement, but when my husband went in and asked our Bishop about requesting a sealing cancellation from his ex wife, the Bishop said "No problem." In fact, the Bishop even asked why it had taken my husband so long to come in and request the cancellation. (He's been divorced for over 34 years.) My husband replied that he didn't think it was an option available to men. It took quite some time to get all the particulars done, i.e.: a letter needed to be written explaining circumstances of divorce, the ex spouse contacted from the bishop to make sure there were no issues, and then an interview with the Stake President. After the interview with the Stake President, it took less than two weeks for the reply from the First Presidency. The Sealing Cancellation has been granted! My husband feels so relieved: "like an albatross around my neck has been removed." Hope this helps anyone with any questions about whether a man may request a sealing cancellation.

I wish I had known my great-grandparents and great-great grandparents. Historically speaking this is not so far in the past. My maternal and paternal grandparents were children from polygamous marriages. They freely talked about it, and it was always in a positive light. There was no shame in it. In fact, they were proud of it. I'm also very proud of my heritage. Why there is embarrassment about it, I don't know. I, personally, would be more ashamed about living a promiscuous lifestyle with many different partners rather than being in a polygamous marriage. But, then, in our historical past I believe that polygamy was approved by God. and I don't believe that polygamy was being unchaste.

Congratulations, Suzie!

I'm a little jealous of wards with names too. It just sounds so much more interesting and cool.

Pam, do you know if they do standby tickets for the Christmas concert?

Never heard of Smithmas. I don't know anyone who celebrates Joseph Smith's birthday. His birthday has rarely even been mentioned in any of the Wards I've been a member of, and I'm nearly 60 years old and a member all my life.

I have my tourist spoon and magnet collection.

Whatever my parents were, that's probably the church I would belong to. I most likely would not be a practicing member, but I would just identify myself with it. I think I would still believe in God, but I probably wouldn't believe that I need to worship Him in church--just a belief would suffice.

The suburb I live in has three stakes. We've lived in the same house for over 25 years. We've been in three different numbered wards and two stakes while in this house. There's over 30 wards in our city. Most of them are numbered, a couple of them are named.

My sister (who has a degree in Music, and is a very talented pianist), told me of an experience she had while visiting a ward in the Puget Sound area of Washington. She was sitting in Relief Society, and then the prelude music started. She says, "I thought I was hearing someone just playing the notes with one finger-like a little kid, or someone who was just learning to play. I thought "what is this?." But, then she learned that the pianist had a disability (I can't remember if the sister was blind), and had to be led to the piano and her fingers positioned in order to play. My sister no longer thought the music was awful, but was humbled enough to realize it was beautiful. The ward has talented musicians, but opted to give this particular sister a calling, so that she could serve in some capacity. I've been in Wards where there wasn't a lot of musical talent. The music and singing was still beautiful. It shouldn't be a paid calling.

Nest egg

I see nothing wrong with praising Joseph Smith. I don't worship him. But, I do honor him. And, I am very grateful for his life, his example, his visions and revelations, and his teachings. Using an existing tune is done all the time. One of my favorites is "Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing." I always want to start singing "Go tell Aunt Rhody, Go tell Aunt Rhody, Go tell Aunt Rhody, The old gray goose is dead."

California Girls

Sitting in the Conference Center during General Conference and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing 'Praise to the Man' was inspirational. I loved it! The Spirit touched me, strengthening my testimony of Joseph Smith and his prophetic mission.

Eggs benedict

HiJolly, this was wonderful. I need to find the sheet music to this.

I agree with the advice given. LaLeche League was a wonderful source of information for me. I don't remember anyone asking me why I still breastfed my babies at 18 months. But, then, beyond family members, I don't think anyone else even knew.

H bomb