classylady

Very true. The scripture says it all. But, just like I keep my husband awake for such a lengthy time when I’m in the mood to talk (and why it’s always late at night, I don’t know), I like to flesh out my reasoning and all the particulars I can think of. My husband groans when I get in that mood. 🤪

James E. Faust in April 2003 Sunday morning session of General Conference gave a great talk called “Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered.” According to him: “But what if the children who have been taught by faithful, loving parents have rebelled or been led astray? Is there hope? The grief of a parent over a rebellious child is almost inconsolable. King David’s third son, Absalom, killed one of his brothers and also led a rebellion against his father. Absalom was killed by Joab. Upon hearing of Absalom’s death, King David wept and expressed his sadness: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!”6 ... I believe and accept the comforting statement of Elder Orson F. Whitney: “The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.”8 A principle in this statement that is often overlooked is that they must fully repent and “suffer for their sins and “pay their debt to justice.” I recognize that now is the time “to prepare to meet God.”9 If the repentance of the wayward children does not happen in this life, is it still possible for the cords of the sealing to be strong enough for them yet to work out their repentance? In the Doctrine and Covenants we are told, “The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God, “And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.”10 We remember that the prodigal son wasted his inheritance, and when it was all gone he came back to his father’s house. There he was welcomed back into the family, but his inheritance was spent.11 Mercy will not rob justice, and the sealing power of faithful parents will only claim wayward children upon the condition of their repentance and Christ’s Atonement. Repentant wayward children will enjoy salvation and all the blessings that go with it, but exaltation is much more. It must be fully earned. The question as to who will be exalted must be left to the Lord in His mercy. There are very few whose rebellion and evil deeds are so great that they have “sinned away the power to repent.” That judgment must also be left up to the Lord. He tells us, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive”... What I get from this is that yes, there is repentance after death, but the reward received will be according to works. We are all heirs of salvation, but exaltation is much more. It must be fully earned. And, the Lord will forgive “whom I will forgive.” Note: Bolded areas were added by me. Edit: I don’t know why this pasted so terribly. I tried to edit, but it looks great when pulled up in edit mode. Sorry about this.

We do know “that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” And, I’ve heard it will be very difficult to change once we’re on the other side. But, I also believe that repentance would need to be available to everyone, even after we die. None of us are perfect. When we die we most likely will have sins that we committed that we didn’t get a chance to repent from. For example, we could have lost our temper at our kids and spouse and said something we shouldn’t have, and then dropped dead from a heart attack before having a chance to say you’re sorry and repent of your mistake. “No unclean thing can dwell with God”. So, in my opinion there must be a means for all of us to somehow repent of our sins that we didn’t get a chance to resolve before our death. And, that ties back to whatever spirit possesses us at the time we die. If we have a repentant spirit, and believe in Christ and his atonement, and would have repented if we had the chance while on earth, then I believe that is how we will be after we die. If we have an unrepentant spirit, then that is most likely how we will still be after death. In my opinion, I don’t believe after we die that we will remember everything from our premortal existence. Missionaries are still needed on the other side of the veil (D&C 138). If we all remembered our premortal life, there wouldn’t be any need for the gospel to be taught. Everyone would know it. So, in my opinion, we will probably still be walking in faith on the other side of the veil. Those who are in Paradise will have more knowledge of the Savior, perhaps for some, firsthand knowledge. Those who are in Spirit Prison may need the missionaries and family members to help them on their road to knowing and accepting their Savior. If they then see the error of their ways, then I would be hopeful that repentance plays a part for them. And I assume we will rejoice just as the father did in the parable of the Prodigal Son when his son saw the error of his ways and returned home.

Simply put: “Wickedness never was happiness.” Knowing the gospel as you do, if you give in it will bring tremendous emotional and spiritual pain and sorrow. One cannot simply go through the steps of repentance without godly sorrow. And to feel true godly sorrow can be harrowing and heart breaking. Please take the necessary steps to keep yourself on the right track. Please avoid the pain and sorrow that comes from breaking this beautiful commandment of being chaste.

Sometimes, even when we don’t agree with certain things, we do them because it’s the policy. I remember all the hoops I had to jump to get my degree at the University. No need to gripe and complain, I just did what was required and got my degree. Every time I get my passport renewed there are requirements (policy) I need to meet in order to qualify. To me it’s worth going through the hoops to get my passport. I love traveling. There are reasons for policies. Most likely someone abused the system so a policy was needed. You may not like the policy, but it’s there for a purpose. Look at the goal. In your case, eternal marriage to your fiancé, and do what is needed to reach that goal. Look at the positives, such as being grateful for the love she has for you and that you’re both worthy to go to the temple to be sealed.

For me, nonverbal cues are extremely important. I am a very good reader of nonverbal cues. I stress whenever I have to make phone calls. And, I think it’s because I can’t see the other persons expressions at the other end of the line. It’s practically a phobia for me. I don’t stress over the written word like I do phone calls.

I agree. There are consequences to every decision we make. I regret the need to work while my children were still in school. The consequences in my case were not good. My children suffered from having a mom who was worn out at the end of every day. They did not get the same attention when I was working such as help with school work, emotional drama with friends, Halloween costumes, volunteering in their classroom, and even spiritual matters. I think, in our case, anyway, it was a detriment to them. And, then again, maybe it’s just “mom” guilt. I tend to take the blame for the failures of my children.

Since being married (going on 37 years now), I have worked off and on. I haven’t worked for the past 8 years and I’ve been thinking of getting another job. But, I’m so used to being able to babysit my grandkids whenever I want, and travel when I want, that I can’t imagine being tied down right now. I just need to find something where I can set my own hours and it isn’t multi-level marketing.

What I appreciate most about the LDS faith is the knowledge I have gained about life after death. I know all of us experience death of loved ones at some point in our lives, and the death of my daughter in a car accident when she was 19 years old was devastating to me. It’s been almost 15 years now and I still profoundly miss her. I can’t imagine losing a loved one and not knowing if you will ever see them again. It brings me such peace and joy to know I will again be able to embrace her in my arms and tell her how much I missed her and love her. My father died when I was only six years old. I’m also looking forward to seeing him again, along with my mother who passed away last year. This is what it’s truly all about—our relationships with our loved ones and living good and honorable lives.

Men may request a sealing cancellation from their ex even if she has not gotten remarried and sealed to another spouse. My husband requested a sealing cancellation from his ex-wife and it was granted about 3 to 4 years ago. She has not been sealed to a new spouse. From my understanding, it was more difficult in years past for men to request and get sealing cancellations from their exes. In fact when my husband and I were married over 30 years ago he requested a cancellation but received a letter from the first presidency that it wasn’t necessary. Twenty plus years later my husband asked our current bishop about getting his previous sealing cancelled and was told “yes” it could be done. So, my husband wrote the required letter and our Stake President sent it into headquarters. My husband got his reply back several weeks later, and his cancellation request was granted. Perhaps your bishop is not aware that men are allowed to request a sealing cancellation. Maybe, your husband can try asking your bishop again, or go to your Stake President with the request.

Years ago we signed up for Winder Farms home delivery. I enjoyed the service. It was handy, and I made fewer trips to the grocery store. Then I quit my job and we couldn’t afford it any longer. I rather miss the convenience.

It went really well in our ward. We talked about some specific needs of some our inactive and non members in our ward boundaries. Also, talked on VT and meeting the sisters needs more than worrying about numbers.

I think you need to put FaceBook down as a news source.? Seriously, there are a lot of people that only get their news off of FaceBook posts. Sad.

For my husband’s Office Christmas party we had to buy a gift for the Christmas gift exchange. What we purchased: a box of ammunition, a package of targets, and some snacks for the future target shooting outing. It was a big hit at the gift exchange. (My husband knew most of the office had guns, since most of them had all gone to a concealed weapon class).

Anatess, so glad your family experienced the snow this year!

Speaking from experience, (I married a divorced man), who has told me everything in detail, plus I accidentally viewed a “naughty” video he and his ex had filmed together, it has created some definite problems in our relationship. If I knew then what I know now, I would have never married my husband. I was naive in thinking his past wouldn’t encroach into our relationship. Of course it did. He already knew his preferences in the physical department. For his part, there was no learning curve. He already knew what he liked. If his past bothers you, there is a good chance it will bother you even more after you marry him. I would not marry him if you have those concerns. Fortunately, my husband loves me very much which helps the situation, but it has not erased the emotional pain. With that said, if he is repentant and truly, truly, loves you, and puts you first, you could still have a great marriage. I would take the matter in prayer to your Heavenly Father. He will direct you.

I experienced a similar scenario with my cousin's husband. After my mission I was searching for a job in the Salt Lake City area. My cousin's husband helped me find a job in the same building that he worked in. I also needed a place to live and my cousin invited me to live with them until I could find a place. Being a poor working girl and also going to school, money was tight so I was grateful to them for allowing me to stay with them until I could find roommates and get my own place. We carpooled to work and everything was fine until one day my cousin's husband told me he was attracted to me. Wow! That was a shock! I had no idea he felt this way. Needless to say, I moved out within a week. My feelings were one of "ick". This was not cool!! My regard for him took a nosedive. Where I once thought he was an upright guy, I now thought of him as a perv. I felt terrible. I wondered if I had ever done anything to let him think I was interested in him. I was not. I had never been. I felt bad for my cousin. How could he be so disrespectful to her? Have you ever thought about what would happen if you actually told your SIL your feelings? She may have the same reaction that I had. One of revulsion. That's what she should feel. But, what if it isn't revulsion on her part, and she tells you she is interested in you as well. Then what? Let's say you keep it on the up and up, and no hanky panky occurs, but you divorce your wife. Can you imagine the family dynamics if you should marry your SIL? There would never be a comfortable time with the in-laws. How could there be? How could your children ever be comfortable with such a situation. This is a losing scenario., No matter how you look at it. It would not be good!!! Never tell your SIL your feelings about her if you want her respect.

“Lilies of the Field”. A beautiful hymn. I believe music speaks to us in ways that words cannot. For me, it seems to touch my spirit. One of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had was in the LTM (precursor to the MTC). The missionaries were singing “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”. I experienced such a profound experience of love for my Savior as we sang that song. I have never forgotten that feeling. I know the Holy Ghost was bearing witness to me of the divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Music touches our brains in ways that I don’t think we can understand. I know we can remember words to a song years later. Just think of all the Primary songs we can still sing to this day?

You just posted some of my same thoughts on the subject. When I think of defense, I think of protection. We are protecting our faith. I think along the lines of Book of Mormon scripture, where defending the people is allowed, but being the aggressor is not, I feel that defending the gospel against Satan and false teachings is the appropriate thing to do. Due to some personal experiences with others lately, the song “True to the Faith” has been on my mind a lot. “Shall the youth of Zion falter In defending truth and right? While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight? True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the truth for which martyrs have perished, To God’s command, Soul, heart, and hand, Faithful and true we will ever stand.”

Great article!

I've tried really hard throughout my life to not swear or be vulgar. I admit that as a teenager I did on occasion let a few cuss words escape. And, also during my teenage years I found myself swearing in my head, just not out loud. I asked myself back then, "what kind of hypocrit was I, if I was swearing in my head?" It wasn't what I wanted, so I began to make a make a big effort to avoid any swearing, even in my head. It has worked. Now days, if I overhear any swear words, vulgarity, taking the Lord's name in vain, I cringe inside. I don't want to hear it. I just wish I could get my adult daughter to stop swearing. I've tried to be an example and not condemn her choices, but, it hurts my spirit to hear some of the words that flow from her mouth.

My cousin lives in Sugar Land (just south of Houston). She is under mandatory evacuation. They moved most of their furniture and other items of value from the main level to the second floor. Their house hasn't been flooded yet, but their street has some water on it. Behind their house is a drainage canal/bayou that could flood. They drove to their daughter's home, about 10 miles away. If they have to leave there, they are looking for routes out of Houston to go north. It's difficult to get out with many major roads flooded.

Very good article!

When I was reading my scriptures tonight I had a question that I couldn't answer. In the Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith History, starting with verse 69, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were conferred the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist and commanded to baptize each other. Which they did. Then afterwards they ordained each other to the same Aaronic Priesthood - verse 71. What I'm not understanding, is if they already had the Priesthood from John the Baptist, which they needed to baptize each other, then why did they need to be ordained to that Priesthood again after baptism? I feel this is something I knew at one time, but I'm not remembering my lessons.

Zil's reply was excellent! Several years ago my husband and I nearly lost our home to foreclosure. My husband had retired from his job before he was qualified to receive his retirement, and we were still a few years away from receiving any Social Security benefits. He had great dreams of doing well in an MLM business, which did not not occur, (we invested money in it, and saw 0 return). Knowing my husband, I was pretty sure this was going to be the outcome, but I wasn't going to be the one to ruin his dream. He had to figure this out for himself. I remember being so depressed and in such despair. If we lost our house I knew that at our advanced ages we would never be able to recover. Our credit rating was such, I also knew we probably wouldn't even be able to rent. Plus, where was the money for rent? We didn't have any monthly income. And trying to find jobs in our 60's, we would be making minimum wage, if that. Anyway, as we were waiting for the bank to tell us to vacate our home (we hadn't made a house payment in over 6 months), I was despairing over our situation. I knew we were responsible for this dilemma we were in. Many of the trials we face are over decisions we personally make in our lives. But, then I was comforted by the fact that even if we became homeless, if I lost everything, there was one thing that I would not be losing, and that was my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just as my early ancestors repeatedly lost everything in the early years of the church, they did not lose their faith, and this is what I still had, my faith. This thought gave me courage, and I simply was no longer despairing over our situation. All of us are faced with many trials in our lives. Some, we have brought on ourselves, others are placed in our path from other people's choices, and other trials we may be born with. But, we can choose our response to our trials. Don't give up. Have faith. Continue on with hope, faith, and charity. I'm reminded of Alma and Amulek in Alma chapter 14, where they are brought forth to witness the martyrdom of the women and children. Amulek says to Alma "how can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames. But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receive the them up unto himself, in glory...". We often forget that this life is not the end of everything. Our Spirits are eternal and we have eternal blessings awaiting us that we may not realize in this life time.