Praetorian_Brow

Yes, they do have the option of saying no, just as they have the option to have a lasting marriage. However, if she was raised to believe that the husband had more divine right to dictate terms, then it wouldn't be surprising that she would believe that she has no choice. The verse is encouraging spousal dialogue as I am sure managing a harem is only as good as the power and agreement of the first wife and the role fulfilling of the subsequent ones. Besides, the question doesn't apply, unless you plan on being an illegal polygamist. The theories about polygamy to reach the highest degree, is also unproven and open to speculation.

Intent determines sin, not a natural or spiritual state. The oft quoted phrase; The natural man is an enemy to God; seems obvious in its intent of illustrating the divide between the two states, although if one was to think about it, one can't exist without the other, if one is to gain what is promised. Rejecting one for the other only seems to further our ignorance of mastery. In order to progress, both states are required to be mastered, but mastery only comes through opposition and then unity is achieved, which is the objective.

Oh great, now a bunch of people think they are sinners for not obeying the happiness commandment.

I find it rather amusing that the country that prides itself on being the defender of democracy and freedom, is divided on the principle idea of healthcare that most other countries with elected governments have embraced. Even more odd, is that owning a weapon seems more important than having quality access to healthcare, which logically, one should conclude that healthcare is far more important to a countries citizens than shooting each other. From what I have gathered, the general consensus is that Americans feel that quality healthcare should only come from the private sector and those without access to said healthcare are too lazy to work to get it. Ironically, the private sector healthcare within the United States, has become the top grossing industry, eclipsing the arms industry, which is astounding considering the figures involved. That being said, I think the idea that someone is only giving me healthcare simply because they can charge my employer or myself excessive fees, thereby enslaving myself to them is by far more of a problem than living in fear that the government caps fees out of fair intent. Healthcare is by far a more important right than weapons will ever be, considering that the former is far more Christ like than the latter will ever be. Then again, my perspective is invalid because my country has never used nuclear weapons and I am practically a communist with my social perspective.

The natural light burns my eyes and my limbs are too atrophied to consider actually existing in a healthy habitat. Besides, there is no Twitter or Facebook tree....yet.

I credit your change of heart, but warn you that recovery from addiction is a life long pursuit. There may come a time in your life that severe emotional stress may tempt you back into those addictive behaviours. A support system of friends and family, as well as constant vigilant improvement will prevent regression. Create new habits, don't just quit old ones. Experience has taught me the above.

I would argue that only abuse would be grounds for considering the termination of an eternal marriage. All three can be forgiven, given the proper understanding of an eternal marriage perspective. I do wonder at you crying wolf, at the slightest sign of anything you consider within your realm of action worthy of immediate divorce as it seems really harsh. We only know the few details that have been shared, from her perspective.

You are saying that we should have a colour scale for shirts? Something like this? Black for original thinking. Brown for mental illness. Red for sexual sins. Pink for deviant behaviour. Blue for people who go to church every Sunday. White for perfect people. As a bonus, people who wear scarves could be hiding something. Too literal I suppose, as I gather that symbolism is only as good as the participants humility.

Its your job to fine The One, not God's. As mentioned before, be proactive and you will be surprised at the results.

I find your treatment extremely harsh and unwarranted. You told your own husband, the father of your own kids, that you don't trust him, as I have interpreted your comments as the alcoholic intake is less of a problem than his profession that his beliefs are rocky. Its not surprising that his intake would increase, if his wife berates him constantly. Sit down and have a real talk. LISTEN. I don't know the circumstances, obviously, but what I have gathered from here, is that you are punishing him for him speaking his mind. If he is abusive, then that is cause for a great deal of concern and you are justified in seeking assistance. No where in the the gospel, does it say leave your spouse for your idea of what marriage is supposed to be.

I was not suggesting that someone should not seek treatment, but rather accept people for who they are. A Beautiful Mind delivers that message quite well. I believe that I did do a decent job of illustrating the stigma of revealing issues. I do not believe that mental illness is a test of character, granted via some grand plan, rather its a product of environmental, circumstantial or self inflicted. Nature versus nurture. Society versus self, Ether 12:27, etc. There are countless variables. I have visited enough psych wards visiting family and friends to come to the above conclusion. Considering depression is a common theme within my family, with other variables thrown into the mix, I believe I have a decent understanding of the topic. There is no smoking gun reason or treatment, but I will say that compassion and empathy far outweigh any quest for a finite answer.

I thought it was boring and badly written. The first scene with the volcano ruined it for me, as the thing was preposterous, even with science fiction and the bad sappy non death scene with Kirk was just bad. I realize that the death scene was a flip of when Spock died in a previous film but really? The most exciting thing about the whole film was that the Tribles were back.

Don't lie to yourself.

People treat mental illness as a communicable disease and therefore it needs to be shunned in their mind for their own safety. With schizophrenics lumped in with someone who had their cat die last week, its no wonder that people regard anyone admitting to mental illness as dangerous, despite that everyone is suffering from mental illness or will be suffering at some point in their life. Definitions of mental illness vary, according to our expectations of social norms, so within the church setting, there is no place for illness within social cliches, because as people would love to remind others, there is no issues if you only believe in God and practice his teachings. Mental illness is not necessarily curable and if anything can be the balance for brilliance. John Nash, can tell you all about that. Sometimes, its more important to accept someone or ourselves as is, than believing that they must operate under our assumptions. The resources for caring for mentally ill people are extremely scarce, as generally speaking, it takes a lifetime to treat most severe mental illnesses and within the prison system, resources are scarce and there is not much sympathy as most people assume, they committed a crime and only deserve punishment.

Anxiety, diagnosed with something new, exposure to the doctors office or other patients. Your body thinks its starving, so it holds onto more fat, which is why most people don't see results for months when they abruptly change eating habits.

Ah, you misunderstand me, which is not surprising, given that we prefer to see what we want to see. I did not say I did not believe in eternal marriage or the essences of our religion. Although, I can't fault you for assuming that given my perspective. I don't fault women for their rabid desire to apply what they know, but I do fault them ignoring their own humanity when doing it. I suppose I am still rationalizing my choices, but I always thought it odd that the people who tell me what I should be doing something, are doing something else entirely different out of the public eye. Ironically, I am faulted more for my honesty, than the ones who prefer to hide behind cliches. For reference sake, my ex did tell me I was the better person, despite running away many times and chasing something "better". The church is my mothers life and she is by far the most humble woman I know and my father, was a return missionary and a bishop, so I have a valid perspective. Sure, I am a broken man, inactive, soul searching, lost, a sinner, but I have realized that despite being born and raised in the church, applying the teachings does not necessarily qualify one for an honest heart.

I grind that axe, because my ex used that reason, despite dating missionaries and telling me that I was the only one she loved. More damage was done to our relationship and our shared self esteem by this notion that someone with a better "eternal perspective" is out there. Her family destroyed itself because they thought that someone "better" was out there and so did mine. People forget about the person, when searching for something that they believe is more important that the other person. I believe so many people miss the point of Christ's message when they reject and judge their potential spouse, mate, or anyone simply because their views on death differ. Considering that no one knows what will happen, its seems silly to tell your heart, sorry, we don't agree about death, so, I will go find more of a Mormon than you. I theorize that if someone was to apply the real teachings of the Christ, then less people would be subjected to the midden heap. Then again, if you spent all your life in the church culture, then I highly doubt that would happen.

Thanks for the update. Interesting how communication is more important than wishful thinking in a marriage.

Two dates is not enough time to decide whether you want to marry the guy. However, as you stated before you did have a crush on him and remember it well, so the idea of confusing yourself about whether or not you "like" him seems moot. That being said, don't waste his time by being more flattered than enjoying spending time with him.

Sounds like my ex and it would be really funny if it was, considering that she is now attending school. Ever heard of the saying, have your cake and eat it too? Some women love to have the attention from more than one source. If her name begins with a B, private message me. Ask her about her dating history and that should bring some things to light.

I wonder if the judgement that is made about people does far more harm than the actual activity that has been discovered or confessed to.

Yup. Ovaries and testies have a certain shelf life. Not to mention having the support system of a family for a whole life, even if its a drain on wants. Not a fan of the whole "replenish" the earth theory because it seems a tad out of touch with reality. Just because someone is alone, does not mean they are delinquent.

Thinking about this fellow for eight years is serious business and I would be asking about his current relationship status, if any or his dating history. I have learned the hard way, that no matter how regular the call or the duration of the call, things aren't aren't as they appear. Go on a date with this fellow and go with your instincts. I think women are more prone to letting others define their relationships, as if their relationship is a sum of popular opinion, so take the advice given here with a grain of salt. Then again, perhaps emotional maturity is defining yourself. As noted from previous posts, most people here believe its in their, as well as your, best intention to fear anything that does not fit their pattern of thinking in regards to suitability of a mate. I am 30 and understand what it is to be lonely and the strange flings and relationships I have up until this point have been painful as I seem to be attracted to a certain type, that loves to play games and when I point that out, they run, but only after keeping me around as a fallback. I ask myself, is it me, was I the problem and I have since concluded that yes, I am part of the problem, but I am also aware that I ask questions that people are afraid to ask. I am a unique snow flake. In regards to your scandalous phone calls, I will not judge, however, I will warn you that those types of things escalate, but in affairs of the heart, listen to your heart.

Go outside.

Jenn, do you need to me your secrets?