swampgeek

I have set and read all the comments on this thread over the last couple of days and it intrigues me, I suppose that is the best word for it, that so many posters want to diminish the importance of a healthy sex life in a marriage. As stated several times the OP has pointed out that this is a one-sided issue, or at least on the surface. This is the core problem. I have found in my marriage that sex is not the beginning or the end of the relationship, but it is an important aspect. Our relationship works so much more smoothly on so many different levels when we are connecting intimately. I travel extensively for work and during the times we are away from each other for extended periods of time we get out of "sync" in so many ways that are not sexual. It often takes time when I am home to get back to a sense of normalcy and until that time you can definitely feel the difference. Is sex, intimacy, or the like a requirement in a marriage? If it is a part of the starting foundation or expectation of the relationship then yes. As the relationship matures this may diminish, vary, or change, but both members of the couple have to try and stay in sync on those changes as well. And to say this isn't the case in teenage relationships is naive at best. The longer the youth relationship the more the sexual issue can become a pressure point. That is why long term dating situations aren't recommended unless working toward a permanent relationship as the pressures lead to transgression or contention. The comments of contracts, forced intimacy, requirements, etc are just ways of looking at an arrangement where either side has different expectations. You can't have a fulfilling intimate marriage under those terms even if you find you are justified. Resolving the root issue, whether that means moving on, getting help, or finding a middle ground, is the only answer. If the OP's brother had wanted a female roommate to start with then that would have been a different process. If the SIL is unrealistic about the magnitude of sex within the relationship and isn't interested in a mutually satisfying resolution then this will end badly. Those big causes of divorce, conflicts over sex, money, and love... You find out how important they are when you have to live without them. My theory is a relationship can survive without one of the three if both sides are fine with it, but not without at least two of the three being mutually agreed upon...

Not trying to dilute the conversation or anything and the last comment by Traveler is quite probable in the context of scriptural references. On the idea of "living" in general I don't see where having a "body" would particularly preclude Christ from being "living" though. A sentient spirit would still be alive. Something with the knowledge, intelligence, and faculties of Christ would be the essence of sentient whether possessing a physical body or not, in my opinion. Life is not defined by having a body and being alive is more than a state, but is ever growing changing. Scientist and philosophers have struggled with defining "living" and will continue to as we work within the confines of the limited human existence. Was Christ any less a living being before he gained a body? I think I would have to say no.

Absolutely get into the habit of reading every day. It's a great habit. Not to get into any details, but I committed myself to re-reading the BOM all the way through as I was coming out of my own personal apostasy. I had been disfellowshiped and let it turn into much more, as often happens. I just so happen to finish reading the BOM a few hours before my Stake Council where I was re-fellowshipped. Didn't plan it that way, but interesting how things work out, eh? Good luck and the holding to the words of God definitely help on this journey.

This isn't all that uncommon. For many years people used to bury there family on their own property. Here in the south, in many areas, you still have the right to do so. I see no problem with it. I grew up with a cemetery across the road on two sides of our property and it was great for sleep overs. We would use it for fodder for ghost stories and truth and dare. Now for the fix it up part of this post... One thing to always remember, it will always take twice as long and usually cost twice a much as you think it will to renovate. Doing it yourself is quite rewarding, but doing it while you live there is a monumental chore and takes a lot of discipline. Good luck and be ready for the challenges.

Sorry but I have to disagree. There is a large amount of evidence that not only was there a huge influx of people into the land of Canaan and to peoples of those areas. This was not done all at once and is noted as such in the Bible. God said that he was not going to just push all the people out of the land and leave it deserted, but would make this a gradual process as to allow for the systematic take over of the promised land. There are archeological evidences that have come to light due to new technologies in the last decade or so, many of which had been discovered much earlier, but could not be properly analyzed. Much of this is shown in the documentaries listed. Cheers.

There are many many studies that directly correlate violent crime to the situation that a child is born and raised into. The high birth rates in inner cities have also been directly correlated to high violent crime rates in those areas and the surrounding suburbs. It's not a matter of population control, it's a matter of people bringing lives into this world and not being willing to actually raise them or support them. Read or watch Freakanomics Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics There is a part in there that is quite illuminating about birth rates and violent crime. Now, I do not advocate abortion, and really neither do they, I just advocate not having kids if you aren't willing to do right by them. If you don't see the direct connection between having kids, that responsibility, and that people kill people not guns, this could be a lot longer discussion.

It's amazing how many gun laws are on the books and yet people can have all the children they want. Are there reasons to have gun laws, absolutely. Are there people that would prefer no one could own a gun? For sure. Do you think that will reduce violent crime? Society doesn't change because of the weapons at it's disposal, unless you call beating someone to death instead of shooting them change. Now, if that same person, that intends on doing you harm, realizes that there is a higher probability that they may be shot they are much more likely to choose another victim or alternate means of getting what they were going after.

I am in a "mixed" marriage now. I am LDS and my wife is not. She has met with the missionaries and we have had many discussions throughout our marriage about religion. We both were divorced and we have 7 kids between us. BEFORE we got married we had many long talks about all the important things, religion, money, kids (having any more and how we were going to raise the ones we have), politics, etc. The things that tend to get glossed over when you are young and doe-eyed in love. I wish I had been more "adult" about my first marriage. She knew I was LDS and I explained the ramifications of that, to us, to our kids, to our household. We BOTH made some tough decisions TOGETHER. We did get married, obviously, and she is investigating the Church on her own. We attend church together and all younger kids (under 17) go with us. They have their own agency as well. My middle daughter (13) was recently baptized and one of my younger sons is getting ready to take the discussions himself. The other kids are at different places, my wife's three are following the religion of there grand father who is a pastor. Ultimately, you both have to make the hard decisions NOW, not after and not see how it turns out later. It makes a difference. A quick story: My wife and I had decided that we were not going to have any more kids. Taking care of the 7 we have, mixed family and all, was quite enough. I know that there are diverging opinions on this as well, but we made the decision for our family. About a year later my wife started making the "oh, look at the precious baby" remarks and semi joked about us changing things and having another. Three days later I had my vasectomy. Anyway, there are some things that you have to make sure you both can handle and agree upon. Life changes, granted, but set the ground rules early. Love can conquer all, but it's not all there is to a relationship. Sorry. Can he come back to the faith? Surely. I did. All can be overcome, patience, love, prayer, and understanding with a proper dose of time. Good luck.

Come on down! But only visit between late Oct. and early April. Otherwise you will probably not enjoy the visit nearly as much. We'll leave a light on for ya and the covers turned down.

The Exodus Decoded DVD, History , History Channel Store This is the link to the History Channel documentary. The other papers I will have to track down later on. I have them in a folder somewhere. There is a lot of back and forth about the interpretation of historical documents that have been found and the timeline of events. The timing alone throws a big curve ball at both sides. For the stated positions above, that the Pharaohs wouldn't exactly be publicizing this event, many of the historical accounts reference the Exodus in terms of "other" events. There are several historical items that point toward a mass exodus, but we don't have satellite photos so by today's standards we consider the evidence weak. I think there is plenty of evidence that there was an exodus, but there are already people denying that the holocaust didn't happen and that wasn't so long ago. Wonder how history will look at events happening in our lifetime a few thousand years from now?

Actually, the History Channel show Decoded just did a thing on this. There is actual physical evidence of the exodus. They showed Egyptian carving that depicted the drowning of Pharaoh's army, jewelry designed by the original forgers of the Arc or the Covenant, and even evidence of the real mount Sinai. I didn't get to see the entire show, kids and all, but they did 3D representations of artwork that revealed startling imagery. I am going to do a search on History Channels website and am sure they have the show archived. I had read a few articles about some of the information that was being uncovered in Egyptian archives about the Exodus, but I don't have them in front of me...I'll see if I can dig them up again.

To meet my grand kids, To live up to my Father's good name and instill the same values into my children, To be worthy to enter the Temple until my last days, and to always be able to put a smile on my wife's face, no matter the circumstance...

If you could go back in time and tell the 20 year old me what I would be doing today I would have literally laughed in your face. The career I have now wasn't even around when I started down the path that lead me to now. Some people have known since they were a fetus what they wanted to "do" for a living, but most settle and end up doing a "job". A job to pay the bills and afford them some measure of comfort or freedom. Few have careers that fulfill them in every way. You find the things that your are passionate about, truly passionate about and find a way to get paid working on them. Be creative, think outside the box. A formal education is wonderful as a starting point, but rarely is the defining part of what you will ultimately become. There are many courses in entrepreneurship to help you be your own boss and or look at careers in a different light. I own my business and there are many parts of it that aren't appealing to me, the accounting, invoicing, sales, marketing...yada yada yada, but what I actually do is very interesting and ever changing. I get to work with many different types of people and do a myriad of tasks to help them do their jobs better. I know, it sounds glamorous, it's not. BUT I get a kick out of it and have a lot of freedom to do amazing things with my family on my terms as well. When I was in the Marine Corp I learned to live by three words that have guided me for decades now... Adapt, Adjust, and Overcome. You can do anything, you just may get there in a way you never expected. The other words I live by, beyond the Gospel, is Semper Fidelis...Always Faithful, God, Family, Corp... You have the potential, don't let a little thing like fear get in the way.

This first link lays out the restoration of the Priesthood... The Restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods - Ensign Dec. 1996 This Link shows the different age groups and designations at those approximate ages... Gospel Fundamentals Chapter 20: Priesthood Organization All of this being said, when I joined the church I received the Aaronic Priesthood at the age of 20 something...and after a year and having been worthy and progressed in the gospel was interviewed and recieved the Melchizdek Priesthood. The age structure now is laid out more as a preparatory staging for young men. It still requires development, learning, and being worthy and prepared for the priesthood they receive. In the times of the OT God called on the "youth" to bring forward the first offerings given by the Isrealites (Exodus 24:5). It is explained in the oral commentary that these young men were young and pure as to not have yet experienced lust. Aaron and his brothers were the first official set apart for these duties as priest, but the firstborn were original performing these tasks. Levels of knowledge, faith, purity, worthiness, etc. have always been a part of the determining factors for any Priesthood. In this day and age the different levels correspond with our youths development on all these levels. Having worked with the young men for several years, having 5 of them at various ages throughout the years, and being a leader of the Elders at times also, I have seen how this time for growth and learning are important. I hope this helps in some regard.

I'm sorry, I was going to try and make an actual attempt at a "helpful" answer...but my mind keeps filling with things that are totally inappropriate. I must now go and find a room to pray in, to keep from having my express, window seats ticket, upgraded straight to hell. Sorry...

I've done so much with so little for so long. That now I can do just about anything with nothing... Not sure who came up with it, but is one that keeps coming back to me, over and over and over... My favorite from my Dad..."Any day on this side of the dirt, is a good day." or "If it was raining gold. I'd be caught outside loading a truck with a pitch fork."

You have performed "surgery" to remove, paper, the end cap off a mechanical pencil, rock, erasers, toy accessories, etc. from some orifice of the human body. By the way, I own almost every type of forceps used by any top surgeon. I practice on that surgery game that freaks out when you hit the edges to keep my skills sharp for when I have grand kids. My kids are getting old enough to get most things they shove in their body out by themselves now a days...I say most things. If I get called into remove it, well, let's just say we have to have a long talk after wards.

So I can deduct all my household expenses, food, clothing, utilities, insurance, etc. then pay 10% of what is left? I'm thinking you may have just worded that one wrong. I travel extensively for work, I bill for expenses, and there are items that are part of what I ultimately get paid that is part of the company expenses. That all being said, a tenth of what I get paid or paid for, is a tithe, in my opinion. And that is just it. As said just previous, you have to pray about that and if you and the Lord are on the same page, you feel good with what you came to, then there ya go. But you have to eat or sleep somewhere whether your working or not, right?

It's a start, but these are the comments that go round and around. I understand the arguments on both sides. I'm not looking at the WOW as a diet plan per se, but you can say "This is the intent", or "That is the intent.", but the fact about how we look at certain things doesn't change. The stigma particularly attached to some aspects of our lives bear out the way things are placed higher in our list of importance. Dietary issues with being overweight, exercise vs. the inability to exercise, health issues, etc. are used way more often than the actual instances of over weight percentages of the general population, LDS or not. It's a cop out in many cases. So let's see, I'll just smoke herbal cigarettes instead or fermented honey drinks, or herbal teas for that matter. Like I stated in the OP, I do not have a problem with the WOW, I am simply referring to the issues that seem to be "uncomfortable" to talk about as eluded to by Changed. I'm not looking for a way "around" the WOW, I am just discussing the appearance of hypocrisy in the way we as an LDS society approach the issues at hand.

You shall have no other God before me. We will always be subject to our Heavenly Father. I grew to be a man in this life and had no less respect and admiration for my father for it. It didn't change the fact that he was still my Dad. No matter how old I got, how much I did in my own life, my family, my job, it never diminished who he was in relation to me. If anything it only added to him. His son did all these things and hopefully he was proud of the child he raised. I have children of my own. I try to raise them the best I can. I hope they exceed me. I am very proud of all their accomplishments. They will have families and build lives of their own someday and have their own little "worlds" separate in many ways from mine, but still interlinked. If we are made in God's image and we are striving to be like him, then why wouldn't all of these lessons and progressions we make here on Earth be an emulation of what's to come? Is it such a stretch or too hard to see our progression any different than our lives here growing up to be our own adults, being our own heads of families, directing others lives? What difference is it to simply see it as becoming Gods like that which made us? Growing up to be a God like our Heavenly Father. Now I think that's a lot of growing up to do, but that is our ultimate progression. Oh, and something from your original post, women make all of this possible. I think all too often we diminish the role of women in this process and they are EQUALLY important in all things.

I have been a member of the Church for about 15 years and have often pondered this about the WOW... Ok, I know the basics and I have seen\had many discussions about the nuances of the letter of the law, the spirit of the law, and so on. My quandary is, have any of you had a similar thought about this particular scenario or is it just me? You are sitting at a temple recommend interview or in a PEC meeting and worthiness issues come up pertaining to WOW observance and the person sitting across from you is obese? If someone is having the occasional glass of wine, or the celebratory cigar, etc. is this any more of an issue than someone who is not eating "sparingly"? I am not condoning any of the aforementioned variances, just submitting them as examples, there are many more possibilities. I have just chewed on this mentally on different occasions and thought it would be a thought provoking exercise. Thoughts?

I have always looked at this as the eternal growth. It always pained me more when I would think about some views of heaven (before I joined the Church, I is a convert too ) . I do not see getting everything you ever wanted and having everything as the perfect ending to anything. I want an eternal progression, I want to continue my growth, I want to continue through that eternity, not say wow, this is it...forever...uh, ok...now what? It may be my own simplistic view of a vast mind boggling plan that we can only grasp the basic fundamentals of, but I hope that I get the opportunity to progress in so many more ways. To ultimately make it to the level of God, what a journey and a goal to set. I better get back to work.

The fact of the matter is there is more to this than meets the eye. I also know that there is more to any scripture than just what is read. I understand the guidance of the Holy Ghost, I understand the fulfillment of the lower laws through the atonement of Christ. And despite the comments to the contrary the base issue that I am alluding to have nothing to do with EITHER. I do not mean for this to seem to come off as "short", I am simply stating that when discussions of items that are linked directly back to the OT we should all take a moment to realize that when reading those verses, in the OT, that we are taking a very small slice of what is actually meant\said. As the KJV of the Bible is just a translation of the WRITTEN part of the scriptures and there was an ORAL that is not included. Without the oral, many times the scriptural reference or story being told is incomplete, cryptic, or makes no sense at all. This is because the reader on gets a small slither of a glimpse in many cases. BUT when you look at the oral commentary\tradition\scripture that is available (not in any Christian Bible that I know of), but in the Hebrew Talmud\Tanach you get a clearer picture. Not that this changes the teaching of Christ, adds any new laws we are missing (we are not Jews and I stated earlier are not subject to the 613 laws), but a clearer reference to the actual text of the OT. The scriptural reference you gave is a great example, Traveler. It actually is referring to the fact that whatever we view as new has already been provided in God's infinite wisdom. He created the resources, conditions, and concepts for all discoveries and inventions until the end of time. --Tanach, Stones Edition, Rashi Hope that provides a bit more perspective on what I was talking about and some of the items I put into previous posts in this thread. Thanks :)

Maybe this is more along the lines of what is being looked at as not a sin- Righteous Indignation is typically a reactive emotion of anger over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. It is akin to what is called the sense of injustice. In some Christian doctrines, righteous indignation is considered the only form of anger which is not sinful, e.g., when Jesus drove the money lenders out of the temple.--From various sources That being said, the anger derived from all the other root stimuli or sources would be more likely to result in sin, perpetuate sin, be derivative of sin, or causation of other emotions resulting in sin\anger. Just a thought and yes, I am pretty sure I have cultivated almost every type of anger possible and wrestle with it far too often.

I read this article in the Journal the day it came out. I understand the arguments and much of the data and reasoning are sound, BUT there are still instances of wage discrimination. My wife works at a university and in her department there are several AVPs (associate vice presidents), where a male counterpart with less experience and a mildly different job makes more than 10% more than my wife. There is actually a conversation where a VP ( a woman) said that she would not consider raising my wife's salary to an equal level as it had administrative duties that "diminished" the position. Over 60% of the work the her male counterpart does she has to verify or correct to insure it is properly done and she get's paid less. Come on man? It is pure discrimination and I have told her that we need to sue. I am quite against the frivolous law suits that flood our courts, but this is maddening. She pushes along and will probably end up filling a grievance when she moves on in the coming months, but this does still occur. The playing field is "more" level, I don't see it as even yet. To be used as a weapon the way many woman's organizations use it today isn't right and many of those organizations don't speak for nearly as big a swath of the ladies as they once did. There will always be biases and prejudices, we are fallible humans and society is far from perfect. All will be equal someday, but I doubt it will happen while we are in this form or imperfection.