jlf9999

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Everything posted by jlf9999

  1. Nephi says there are three distinct groups of people as stated above. The first are those who chose a worldly life including the knowing choice to live a hedonistic life, knowingly reject God and all things that are good. They call good things evil and evil things good. They are followers of Satan's way. The other groups are those people who chose to live a holy life to the best of their ability and understanding. They would have chosen to be righteous people regardless of which religious tradition they were born into. The difference between these two groups is that one has taken on themselves the added responsibilities of the Priesthood as found in the restored gospel. Both are of the Church of the Lamb of God. Religious denomination is not part of the calculus as all people will have an equal opportunity to hear the gospel and make informed decisions about which path to take. There are no distinct religious denominations in the next life. Just those who who take on the responsibilities of the priesthood and those who do not.
  2. Sometimes we want definitive answers to questions and we will not be satisfied until we get one we like. That is part of the human condition. So don't feel like the Lone Ranger if you are not satisfied with an answer. I know a man who got so wrapped up in having to have THE answer to all his questions that he became immobilized by the his quest. There maybe a correct answer to what you asked but then again there may not be. There is peace in just accepting that God will not require anyone to endure an unhappy relationship in the next life. The mechanism in how that comes about is of no consequence. If a person accepts the ordinances and covenants of the priesthood whether entered into him/herself or by proxy, everything will be worked out. If we do our part we will be OK.
  3. There is one thing that should be soundly understood. That is, the bible and the Book of Mormon are both treated with the same respect. However confusion may come from the comments that have made saying the Book of Mormon is the most accurate of the two. That doesn't mean the bible is inaccurate. The two are complimentary and to understand the bible more fully requires the Book of Mormon.
  4. Just relax. Life, whether at work, church or home isn't a competition to see who can get there first. It is about doing the things so that we can have joy - joy such as we find in service to others whether it is a customer, friend, fellow member or our family. I can personally attest to that from first hand experience having suffered the destruction that results in 14 hour days 7 days a week year after year. Money is just the tool that allows us to do these other things. It is not a replacement for them. Make no mistake about it my friend. Work matters just to a point. After that you become a slave and your family pays the price - maybe an eternal price. Prioritize. Work is somewhere down the list but it is not at the top.
  5. Consider two things for a moment: #1 Why some folks are hesitant to mix and #2 If we look at them disapprovingly are we not doing what we find objectionable in them? Bonding, which is what we all seek to some degree, is a process not an event. It begins with trust and is dampened by fear. Fear of the unknown and fear of being damaged or compromised. Those are our internal demons and each of us has them. Maybe the first step is to understand and the next is to be understood. In fact I suggest being understood is the other person's province and we have little we can do about it. It comes with time. So maybe the first thing to do is just show up. Participate as you feel comfortable. Learn how to be the new guy. That means just be patient, open when asked and do your part when called upon. But just relax and look for things to enjoy. Find genuine opportunities for joy and don't see the shortcomings in others. Seek opportunities to feel the Spirit and the disgruntled feelings will go away. One other thought - reject worldliness first. Worldly thinking compromises everything. That doesn't mean be perfect but begin the process of changing playgrounds, playmates and playthings and replace them with uplifting and spirit-enhancing places and activities. You will be amazed at how quickly those other people will morph into "I guess they aren't' so bad after all". In doing these few things you will learn how to be taught by the Spirit.
  6. You have read several explanations of the mechanics of sealing and they are accurate. However, implied in your question is whether you were going to be left out or somehow disenfranchised because of your doubts. I wouldn't worry about it. There is time. You will be just fine. Doubt is just a manifestation of lack of faith and we all suffer from it from time to time. You are in good company. The question all of us have to answer is how to get beyond that point. If I may, faith is found in living the principles of the gospel. It is in practicing true principles that we discover their value and thus gain a testimony. If you want to gain a testimony of tithing, pay it. The same goes for prayer or reading scripture or any other principle of the gospel. You get a testimony by doing it. With your testimony of these things comes the faith needed to make the commitments you are are hesitant about. Most importantly though is just take it easy. Do these things one at a time or as you feel comfortable. The timing is not as important as the doing. You will find that as you get a testimony you will want to do more. Sometimes it is just the first few steps that seem like climbing a mountain. If your heart is right, that is you don't try to live a worldly life too, and you keep at it, things will take on a life of their own and in no time you will be anxious to get on with it. The process of obtaining a testimony is like visiting your dearest old friend. You hate to be separated and you want to be with them and do more things with them. Soon, your testimony becomes like your family and you can't imagine what it would be like with out it. At that point going to the temple is like going to your favorite grandparents house - you can't wait. Your current sense of feeling ill at ease will be replaced with a sense of peace and fulfillment like you may never have felt before.