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The burning in the bosom to me is often waterworks and a choked up feeling "knowing" that I need to say something, or that I am feeling something special. Stupor of thought, I can't say i've felt as much. I think mostly it would be that given two options and trying to figure which is the best decision, that the stupor of thought is that with the one choice I just cannot come up with any "good" reasons for it, or think clearly of it, where the other choice just seems to stay to the front and pushing the other out of the way more. Try to focus on the other choice anyway just to be sure it's been considered properly...and just cannot think of any good things for it. It just seems to not feel right, and not want to stick like the other options.

My mom was married to my step-father. He had previously been married in the temple and his 1st wife had left him and re-married. My mother and step-father married civilly. They weren't able to get their own temple sealing cleared for some years. I believe there had to be something done with his first wife and some other things. You definitely need to talk to your bishop. He will work with the stake president for anything he doesn't understand, and you can also talk to the stake presidency if you still don't understand things yourself.

Are you really sure the new couple would be going to the temple with "anger"? They may not. They may just be making haste of what they feel they must do. I can tell you one thing. Waiting even a couple of months once you know marriage is what you are going to do, makes temptation much worse and I've seen plenty of temple marriages put off and civil ones take place instead along with a year of waiting because of an engagement that was too long. My husband and I met and really only dated for about 5 weeks and we were married 6 weeks later. We knew, and waiting wasn't practical. He would have to start a semester at school and wait for that to be over and we would continue a 100 mile somewhat "long distance" engagement, or else need to get married ASAP. The ASAP is what it took. It may just be that the parents both need to learn for themselves that the children have gotten their own answer to what they need to do, and accept it. Hopefully though, they will get over the "not talking to each other" part and get along as they did before. Of course it will be sad for dad to not be able to be home for the wedding, but if it's what they need to do, what is important is that they are married in the temple as intended without other complications.

ShellieB, I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I think we all have to go through trials. Maybe your blessing means that ultimately, in the end, you will have health, rather than meaning you will never have bad health at times. Keep doing what you must spiritually, maybe learn some things about health and the body to keep it in the best health possible (do you need multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3's or some other thing that will help improve what you are getting normally?) and know that going through trials makes you strong. Maybe part of your trial is to make sure that your faith doesn't waiver, given what is said in your blessing. I have a cousin who married young and his wife died of cancer after only a few years of marriage. Her blessing talked of children. Needless to say, she knew that she would have children after the 2nd coming when she had her resurrected body. She actually had to go through an abortion of her pregnancy because of the harsh chemo she was going through which of course broker her heart, but it didn't discourage her despite what her patriarchal blessing said. Whether in this life, or the next...sometimes the blessing can be interpreted one way but in reality mean another.

It doesn't have to be a marriage breaker. Many people go through their own trials when it's hard for them to feel that they belong at church, should go, want to go, for whatever reason. Then the less they go, the less their spirit feels like being there. It's a struggle for many people. It definitely can make the marriage harder especially with children involved. If it's someone you genuinely care about it's not worth giving up a marriage over being less active for a while. Not quite the same as if they cheated on the spouse. Spouses even overcome that. It all depends on where the person's heart is and what they truly want out of life. I'd work on the marriage and more active church status unless there was a lot more going on than just that, which were signs the marriage was crumbling.

That link didn't quite show up as I expected it is www dot scriptures dot lds dot org.... I'll try without the w's scriptures.lds.org

Hi MissSpider. If you really want to study both the Book of Mormon and understand how it relates to the bible by using the footnotes, you can use the lds.org online scriputures. It has links and you can quickly click the footnotes and see what things mean, go further into definitions of new things from the footnotes, then use "back" on your browser to continue where you were reading from. I would go to the Book of Mormon in the online link, then click on the bible footnotes that you want to read about from there. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I'm so happy for you! Must be such a relief. I'm glad that is over for you. So glad you gave the boot to your feelings of not going to church so you could get that conversation over with. Now just to give a talk huh? I'm sure you will do great!

Everyone is at a different place in their spirituality. For some people one thing may be acceptable, where for others, that same thing would not be. If anything in a movie offends the spirit you feel...then it's not okay for them to watch that, and they probably would gladly turn it off or walk out of the theater. For others, things will not bother them so much. My husband said coming home from a mission, after seeing no TV for 2-years, he was shocked to see his dad watching Bay Watch and he felt like he shouldn't see it himself. Its kind of like vegetarians being at different places. Some will eat dairy and eggs, some will not. Movies really depend on a person's own spirituality and the point they are at.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the official church website. It's where we can look up scriptures, see all of the manuals for classes for adults, teens, and children, as well as the church magazines for children (The Friend), teens (New Era), and adults (Ensign). It has links for the temples, church history, etc. Mormon.org | Beliefs and People of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was created to help people who wanted to know about doctrines, what we believe. youtube??? Not sure, but there are some good things on there. There are some really good videos on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well that were specifically made by the Church, but some of them may also be on youtube. I really haven't looked a lot. If you have a very specific question, just ask here if you don't want to keep searching the websites. Maybe there are certain things that you wonder how we are different from you? I'm sure we would have the same questions of you. I really don't know what the main beliefs are of a Seventh Day Adventist and how they are different from us. A thing with our religion, is that we believe that God didn't speak only to the Jews who gave us the Bible. That is why we have the Book of Mormon. We believe there are other scriptures out there somewhere, that some day we will be able to read from other cultures as well. If you want to look into the difference of us having a Book of Mormon and Doctrine and covenants, you might want to read them. You can find them online at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Select Book of Mormon. Read the intro to it as well. It explains a lot.

You are right about involving God in your decision. It has to be your decision. Part of life is agency. No one can tell you why you have to do something or that you just have to. Especially with religion. It needs to be what you feel good about. What is religion if it is not something you truly believe? To me, religion has little meaning if you don't feel it is right, and if you don't feel it is what you are, and who you are. I love this scripture from the Book of Mormon for this. Moroni 10: 4-5 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the btruth of all things. For the entire chapter, you can see it here: Moroni 10

I would set up an appointment with the Bishop and just ask. The fact that you are wondering, maybe is a hint that you are humble enough and want to do what is right. Tell him there are things you did in the past while you weren't active, and ask if they are something that you still need to deal with, even though you are able to feel the spirit. Repentance equal change. Since you've already changed so much, maybe nothing to worry about? I think some of the reasons for telling the bishop is to have someone else to be accountable to, who can give advice, and also help you through the struggles as someone tries to make changes to bad habits.

Ask someone at the temple. I don't know "rules" but I have great-great grandparents that were married more than once and they are sealed to both spouses, whether they died, or were divorced....both types of cases, they are sealed. I don't know who did the work, and if there are rules for it or not. I just see what has been already done in my lines by other people. My parents divorced, and while alive I was sealed to my step-father after I was over 18 and had my own endowment. My dad was not active, no chance of me being sealed to him. It was a hard decision for me, feeling like I was leaving him out, but I didn't have the option of being sealed to my biological father. I expect some day many years from now, someone my seal my mom and dad, and me to him. I figure if we are all worthy to be with our Father in Heaven, then it will all work out regardless of who we are sealed to. My Bishop told me during my decision, that it was more important that I had the blessings of being sealed to a parent than to only have my own family sealed to me when I got married. (To me, its the chain that keeps all generations together). That chain is more like a net with marriage and divorce, and I trust that God and the parties involved will know who belongs with who once we leave this life and remember all.

I really liked seeing this! Our family is so invested in us even after they die. I hope your mother is helping your in miraculous ways. It's great that you recognize some of that. Did you talk to the Bishop already? I would like to know how that went and how relieved you may feel having it over with.

I'm not even sure I would say you technically "apostatized"...but you did lose your way for a while. Prodigal son...father took him back with loving arms -- all forgiven in the end. You missed some good times along your life of some experiences with the gospel but it's no reason to not work your way through your feelings. Your bishop is not there to judge you and make you feel horrible. Exactly the opposite. When we are humble and truly repentant we are usually harder on ourselves than God will be. Some people request to have their names removed from church records...which would be something else entirely I think.

It was a long time ago and you felt the urge to go to church again. I think it is best that you tell them what happened and explain just like you did here. Worst that could happen is excommunication, but that is usually for really bad behavior and/or unrepentant feeling people. No matter what happens, if you know the LDS church is where you want to be...it will all work out. Sometimes we have to face the consequences to move on. I don't know anything about how baptism into another church may affect someone, but your heart is in the right place and if it makes you feel guilty that you were baptized, at the least, it will be a HUGE weight off of you to say what happened and get it out of the way. Good luck! Remember you are a child of God and he wants us all with Him again and we are all sinners in some way or another. I think your offense is one you can overcome easily -- even if it does mean being baptized again in the future.

I'd call some people. Concrete people, flooring people, even disaster cleanup people to ask what they think and suggest before buying. Could be cheap easy...or maybe not.

All I know as truth is this. God loves all of his children. God knows all of his children. God is the only one who at this point truly understands everyone and knows their personal trials and struggles. He is the only one to judge, and for that I am glad. I can care about people who are gay/lesbian/bi-sexual...whatever. I do not have to approve of their life and agree with it but I can care about them as people. It doesn't mean we as a church or I myself have to lower our standards. I think there could be lots of reasons why people struggle with gay etc. I often wonder if a blood test was done for everyone...what the XY or XXY genes would show of these people who feel they are inside the wrong type of body. Some people are born with some of both genitilia either visually or only known by ultrasound or other testing. Some people have extra hormones of the other gender because of it. I am glad it is not our place to judge and figure it out. I'm happy knowing that God knows the true identity and true gender of people while we may not. We may think of it as so black and white, but with this physical life and the things that go wrong...whose to say that something in a fetus/baby didn't develop properly the way it was meant to. I really don't know. I think the gene test for XY, XXY would be the best bet for what gender a person's body was meant to be but I've never heard of them really checking that with any studys and people who struggle with the feelings of being the wrong gender or attracted to the same gender. There are so many mental things too that could influence things. We know brains are not perfect. Mental illness is a true problem. Some of it could be problems in brains. Some could be problems with hormones or organs that are developed that shouldn't have. Just some thoughts. I have extended family members who married and had children and turned lesbian, others who never married, most likely gay and lesbian respectively. I care about them all. I don't agree with the lifestyle - but who am I to say what their body and mind think/feel they are. I am glad I don't have to live with it myself as I have other trials in life of my own.

All I know as truth is this. God loves all of his children. God knows all of his children. God is the only one who at this point truly understands everyone and knows their personal trials and struggles. He is the only one to judge, and for that I am glad. I can care about people who are gay/lesbian/bi-sexual...whatever. I do not have to approve of their life and agree with it but I can care about them as people. It doesn't mean we as a church or I myself have to lower our standards. I think there could be lots of reasons why people struggle with gay etc. I often wonder if a blood test was done for everyone...what the XY or XXY genes would show of these people who feel they are inside the wrong type of body. Some people are born with some of both genitilia either visually or only known by ultrasound or other testing. Some people have extra hormones of the other gender because of it. I am glad it is not our place to judge and figure it out. I'm happy knowing that God knows the true identity and true gender of people while we may not. We may think of it as so black and white, but with this physical life and the things that go wrong...whose to say that something in a fetus/baby didn't develop properly the way it was meant to. I really don't know. I think the gene test for XY, XXY would be the best bet for what gender a person's body was meant to be but I've never heard of them really checking that with any studys and people who struggle with the feelings of being the wrong gender or attracted to the same gender. There are so many mental things too that could influence things. We know brains are not perfect. Mental illness is a true problem. Some of it could be problems in brains. Some could be problems with hormones or organs that are developed that shouldn't have. Just some thoughts. I have extended family members who married and had children and turned lesbian, others who never married, most likely gay and lesbian respectively. I care about them all. I don't agree with the lifestyle - but who am I to say what their body and mind think/feel they are. I am glad I don't have to live with it myself as I have other trials in life of my own.

This is what the engagement time is for...or if you are getting to that point then this is the time to tell more than you would someone you date a few times. I made mistakes too. My husband had as well, but in different ways. I told him I wasn't a virgin. He wanted more details. That part is not always helpful. Too many details are not necessarily helpful and can be hurtful. My husand didn't have the greatest self-esteem from his upbringing and there were some details he would ask about that would just be too hard for him. I didn't deny what I did, but I didn't need to drag out the full blown history of the past with every detail either. Honestly I had to try to go by the spirit and what I felt would be honest and helpful without causing unnecessary pain for things that really wouldn't make a difference for him to know. We did however go to the doctor have some testing to check for things to make sure there were no health problems that would concern us as a couple once we were married. We did that together.

The Young Women Values theme always helped me so much, and still does. First knowing that I am a child of God. He loves me and truly knows me and cares about me and wants to help me. The same is true of all of us. He loves you and wants you to be happy and help you. I take antidepressants myself and other mental illness runs in the family. My father was bipolar. My husband's side has trouble. My poor children. I sometimes feel like we did something to them we shouldn't have...because of what they could be in for in their mental futures. This is the Young Women Value them...which has been added to in recent years, but this is what I grew up with. We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us, and we love Him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places as we strive to live the Young Women Values which are Fath, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice & Accountability, Good Works and Integrity. We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple and enjoy the blessings of exaltation. It now has added that these will help us strengthen home and family and another value but I didn't look up the newest theme. Also knowing that our weaknesses can become our strengths is encouraging. I truly know God wants us to overcome our problems and will help us to do that, although it may take a lot of work. I am also over weight and not happy with my current weight. You can hate the weight without hating yourself. There is a difference. You can love yourself and be happy within yourself, without being happy with everything about yourself. Does that make any sort of sense? You don't have to love everything about your current existance to love yourself. Some people will forever hate their curly hair or the look of their nose...whatever it may be - but you can still love yourself and the spirit that you are, and know that God loves you. You truly are of infinite worth no matter what problems you have or don't like about yourself. Just do little steps to improve and keep on the track as best you can to becoming what you want to be - both spiritually and physically. A daily 5 minutes walk could be a simple thing to get you started to doing more. It doesn't have to be something so hard that you don't want to keep trying.

Please don't beat yourself up. What matters is the direction you are going and what you want to accomplish. Do the little things. Sometimes things are missed and you can't internally reprimand yourself for it. As for "understanding" the Book of Mormon....I was born and raised in the LDS religion. There are still things that I do not remember that I know I have read before. In the Book of Mormon, Bilble... Our own prophets have said that they learn something new each time they read, or each time they go to the temple...something new. We all learn a little at a time. You willl learn as you are ready. Sometimes you may have huge revelations/new understandings that just amaze you. Other times you will have lulls where you are happy with what you understand and feel like you get it. Later you may start thinking of things that bring up questions and you begin to learn even more. You can read a story in the Book of Mormon and learn something from it based on what's going on in your life. Some time later you can read the same story and learn something completely different from it - or realize something new that you missed before - again, because of what's going on in your own life and what you either focus on or need help with at the moment. I'm 40 and I'm always learning. Some day you may get your patriarchal blessing. It's meant specifically for you. During different times in your life when you read it, it will also have different meaning for you and help you in ways you didn't expect or make you realize something new you wouldn't have ever thought of in previous years. We all learn things based on our own life experiences, perspective, and readiness. Take it one day at a time. Read a little when you can. If you miss some it's not the end of the world, but if you do read it can be some extra help through the day with your own spirituality and learning. We have 5 children and we don't always get our family reading done. It happens and it's okay. Just try to keep the habits as consistent as possible. It doesn't have to be huge either. Maybe you read for ten minutes. I doesn't have to be an hour at a time. :)

You could be a little like me. I can be touched by anything sweet or sad and the waterworks start. With me, it has nothing to do with not being used to feeling the spirit. That's just how my body reacts when I do. I sometimes wish I could feel the warm fuzzies instead of everyone wondering what is wrong with me...but I also think that me feeling things so sensitively could be a gift in other ways that I don't fully understand. Like incredible faith. Often I feel like I don't just have faith, but instead that I KNOW cetain things for myself and don't have any doubts. I can however start crying over other things besides feeling the spirit so sometimes it's hard to know which it is. I also have huge empathy, so I could often cry for someone going through something hard even if they aren't when they tell me about it. I am especially good at crying when I am over-joyed. Not excited and happy in an active way, but happy in an internal way...waterworks. Sometimes it drives me nuts, but I just try to live with it. The hard part is being in public -- and church meetings when I really feel something. I must look like a wreck but feel fine.