Anddenex

Happiness, the ultimate search for all humankind. I believe the city of Enoch found true happiness. It is interesting that even the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is said to be a man "acquainted with grief", or a man acquainted with sorrow. I have always found these words interesting in scriptures, "wickedness never was happiness", yet it appears the wicked do find happiness. Is it happiness, or is it a self-gratifying pleasure, which takes on the appearance of happiness? Happiness, as anatess shared is highly influenced by our personal desires and our reality. Yet, I disagree with people who tell people to change their desires to find happiness, unless, the desire is within wicked pursuits to enjoy the appearance of happiness in self-gratifying pleasures (i.e. breaking commandments of God). Happiness in itself is unobtainable without other virtues and principles: 1. Gratitude 2. Faith & Hope 3. Charity 4. Discernment 5. Patience I have wondered if we should look at happiness as a law, or the law of happiness. Happiness is achieved when we honor the laws by which it has been predicated. I would say, part of these laws are the previously stated virtues, or principles, by which happiness is intricately woven together. Happiness then to me is the outward expression of my inward gratitude, faith, hope, charity, patience and discernment. The level at which I exercise these virtues and principles will be the height of my happiness, or joy.

Welcome CheriCat, As everyone else knows on this forum, I am not to mess with either, I am feisty also. Just ask anatess.

I really like this sentiment also, and find it to be very true in my life. I understand your point, however I wouldn't agree that this promotes any habits or attitudes of disconnection. The habit here promoted the idea it is better to remove oneself from a situation, then to continue in a potential heated disagreement where words might be said that an individual will regret later. If you read about David O McKay and the relationship between him and his wife, you will see for yourself they truly knew how wonderful marriage can be. I remember the article continuing and specifying that when he returned from his walks, they would talk again, apologize if an apology was needed, and resume the conversation when both had let go of their pride. However, due to their walks, they avoided words being said in a time of passion. I think this is a great principle for any marriage. I agree, though, we definitely need to promote habits of connection. I like these types of stories when the premise is understood correctly.

I would agree with the majority of the posts. I would agree and wouldn't mind myself, however, in my experience when a traditional Christian proclaims a Mormon isn't a Christian, it just isn't a term, but used as an insult. This may not be the case for all traditional Christians. Names have power, or better said, how humankind interprets names is what gives them power. If I walked around calling every child born out of wedlock a "******* Child" I think people would start having problems with my language, especially those who were born out of wedlock, even though it be just a name. I have no problem with a sincere traditional Christian telling me we are not mainstream Christians. This would be correct. I do have problems with traditional Christians making blanket statements stating we are not Christians. It doesn't matter our different theologies. Despite our different theologies I would never be so rude to call any of my traditional Christian friends, non-Christians. They believe in Christ, although they follow a different theology.

On my mission and in other places I have heard the statement, "I would rather be respected than loved." The interesting aspect about this statement, is that if I don't love you I don't respect you." There are people I respect, but I don't like, but you will never finding me respecting someone I do not love. I don't think any position automatically assumes respect, even as parents. If we have come to a point to think our position deserves respect, then we think to highly of ourselves. In my minds eye, a person should always be living in a manner that is respectful and earning respect. I can't stand it when bosses think they are able to disrespect people because they are the boss, but nobody can disrespect them, because of their position. Whenever I see this, I leave that workplace. It isn't a workplace that one can grow and find happiness. Position has never mattered to me, if they are disrespectful then they are earning the lack of respect they receive. *This is solely the thoughts of Anddenex.

Yes, correct, we do not believe in the ex nihilo creation. The matter already existed with the fish, thus God was able to expand what was already there. The same principle applies with the widow and her flask of oil and meal. Although she was on her last portion, because she fed Elijah first, the Lord honored the prophets promise. It would be very easy to increase a substance if you know how that substance is created. The same principle applies with Christ and the water turning into wine. The taste buds weren't changed, the water at a molecular level was changed from water to wine. I would say it was very literal. Two fish and 5 loaves, God knowing the molecular structure, or atomic structure, could easily enhance the substance. Bread became more bread, fish became more fish, or the meat of the fish, became more meat. :)

It doesn't appear to me that marriage is the problem, it appears our own self-interest, arrogance, conceit, lack of self-control, only willing to let others loose their lives for our needs, but not allowing ourselves to loose our lives for their needs. There are three counsels I have found to be the most profound regarding marriage: President Hinckley, President Monson, Elder Jeffrey R Holland, (I am only going to quote a portion, however the whole talk is well worth the read, "How do I Love Thee?") As far as I am concerned marriage is all it is CRACKED up to be. I don't remember any prophet saying marriage is without difficulty. I love how I once read from, I believe it was David O McKay, and how it is said that he never had an argument with his wife. When first married they made an agreement that if their disagreement ever increased to a point where words might be said which one would regret, he would leave the house until he was calmed down. Then returned. I remember reading why some asked why he lived to be so old and healthy. He said it was because of the fresh air he received on so many walks. If someone remembers it being a different prophet, please correct me.

As an Elder once, yes, please leave the young Elder alone while he is on a mission. I would agree with Beefche and pam, who shared how unlikely it would be that Heavenly Father would answer your prayer through the means of a 19 year old boy who is serving his mission in your area. However, after his mission if you feel the same way, then it is your choice, and remember he may be interested in a young lady already back home, and thinking he will marry her. As with most on this site, who served a mission, young man (Elders), are not always the same person on their mission as they will be when they return home. After his mission you may realize how immature, in life, this young Elder is, and with your life and experiences, you may realize he really isn't compatible for you either. You will definitely be in my prayer tonight.

1. Do you like big letters or small letters? In other words, how is your eye site? 2. Do you like to annotate your scriptures with highlighters, pencil/pen marks, or making a comment within the borders, or above a verse? If you like this then the biggest size is best. I like the bigger quads for this. I actually don't like quads because it is easier to maneuver through scriptures when reading between books, at least for me. As pam said, it is your choice, your personal preference.

Yes, there have been, and in my last ward some individuals would use the visitation of Jesus Christ to the American continent as an excuse to pray to Jesus. My question would be, "Has there ever been a time when an apostle or prophet has addressed something that wasn't a concern, or a hot topic, during their time?" I am in understanding when the prophets or apostles speak about something it is because they have reason to believe it is important. This is not to hijack a thread, but only for an example, I have heard members complain about the prophets and apostles speaking about pornography so much. I would ask, "Would they speak about it if it wasn't a problem?" I don't see the correlation between pondering the atonement, and saying "Thank you" in our hearts in connection with a prayer. We are supposed to ponder the atonement and I am sure the Savior accepts every sincere "thank you". I definitely say "Thank you" in my heart while pondering the atonement, however it isn't even close to a prayer, but then again you may have meant this, and I misunderstood your words.

I would agree with applepansy and skalenfehl, it appears you should follow this impression and speak with your Bishop. After discussing with your Bishop, and if he esteems you are ready and worthy, then I believe you will speak with your stake president who will also determine whether or not he thinks you are ready for the covenant. I understand this has been discouraged, when people are young, because you may or may not be ready for the covenant you will make. Which is why as AirForce shared typically you have to go on a mission, or wait until you are older. Exceptions are made at times. However, that will be determined by you, the Bishop, and Stake President.

I am providing the language my father used. He mentioned, due to income, he had a choice 10% to the church or 10% to the freemasons. I have never looked into myself, so I can't answer your question, I can only explain what my father shared with me. :)

My father was a freemason before he joined the church. My father no longer is one because he had a choice: either pay a tithing to the church, or pay tithing to the freemasons. He chose paying tithing to the church, however, if my father had more income I think he would have paid for both. I have a friend who made a personal decision not to join the freemasons because he felt like it contradicted the church. It really comes down to a personal choice. If he decides to become a freemason, and you don't like it or can't support it, then I am going to be blunt, you may want to rethink about marriage with him, if you can't support it. Marriage comes with its own difficulties. This will be a sore spot for you if he joins and you can't support him, especially if he wants to pay his dues, and you aren't fond of your joint money going to a group you don't support. These are my thoughts, my thoughts alone, take them how your will.

If you have an iPod Touch you should download the app "gospel library", which is the best scripture app available and it is free from the church. It also links to your online account via lds.org. This is even better. After you download this app, then here are the steps: 1. Open the app 2. Click the home page at the bottom of the screen, left hand side, icon is a house 3. Click on, or tap, "manage library" 4. You will now see options to download 5. Pick "scriptures" 6. You can either choose to download one at a time, or select all. 7. After download, begin reading It is simply awesome.

Thanks Misshalfway. I am glad you emphasize this, because it is very important. I was actually the awkward (still a little awkward) teenager in my ward, and was not the best of friends with the popular kids in my ward growing up. It wasn't until my junior year in high school things changed. It was easier to go and have fun at church. I am glad for a Father and Mother, despite my belly aching, who had compassion but still insisted I go. That need to belong is definitely a reality.

Partially correct. A member actually has the option to discuss with their Bishop and Stake President to attend another ward in a different area if the need arises. I use the term need, carefully, because it isn't just a whim of thought. We have a women who is technically in another ward, when she moved, however she received permission from both Bishops and Stake Presidents that it was Ok for her to attend our ward.

Oh JAG, I do, and now I must hang my head low since I have now been categorized as a "Geek". I grew up a jock, now I am a geek.

Dear brother it appears you have now encountered a situation where your statement is not correct either, or maybe you just left out some important information. As members of the church we do not have the right to bless the sacrament in private unless we have been provided permission by our Bishop. If you are 200 hundred miles away from a church members are still required to receive permission from their Bishops. As a priesthood holder I do not have any right to act outside of the keys of the Bishop. You may have meant this, but couldn't tell from your statement. This is why when saying the sacrament prayers we look to the presiding priesthood authority to verify the words were spoken correctly. They have the keys, we do not. When, my wife wasn't able to attend church after the birth of our babies, I always received permission from my Bishop to pass the sacrament to her. When I went camping, and it was going to be over Sunday, I asked Bishop if I had his permission to give the sacrament to my family. I know of no doctrine specifying that if I am alone that this allows me to give the sacrament to myself, without permission from those who hold the keys. As pertaining to Eowyn's words, she is actually factually correct. Within your own post you specify "western hemisphere", by which Eowyn resides. Her answer is factually correct, according to where she resides.

I am just going to stick with your answers Vort, without editing them and say they are my own. How I understand the sealing is the same as you understand it. Except for the reception question, I have emphasized the statement to show the change. Is Xaviera born in the covenant? ( B ) No, Xaviera is not born in the covenant. Is Yolando born in the covenant? ( A ) Yes, Yolando is born in the covenant of his mother Suzie and Bart, to whom she is sealed. Can little Xaviera be sealed to her parents? ( A ) Of course she can be sealed to her father Bart and to her real, biological mother Therese. She was never sealed to anyone else in the first place. Can baby Yolando be sealed to his parents? ( C ) Of course not; he was born in the covenant of his mother Suzie and her first husband Bart, so another sealing is meaningless. Isn't this kind of like, um, incest or something? ( B ) Hmmm. No, not incest, because they aren't related by blood. Just weird. Who pays for the reception? ( D ) I like the idea of the kids paying for it, however if I have sufficient funds, or the in-laws family has money, we can split some costs to assist the children. If parents are paying for the reception they should accept whatever monetary capability the parents have without an expectation of a $10K reception. How is Wanda introduced by Yolando and Xaviera at Church? ( C ) "Hi, we're Wanda, Xaviera, and Yolando, and we're visiting your ward today."

This last post from Dravin, is excellent, and follows the principle that we are taught true principles and the Lord let's us govern ourselves. I once read from President Spencer W. Kimball who said that if a man is angry at his wife, and still angry by the time the sacrament is passed, he should not partake of the sacrament. The idea presented, if the man is still in his anger, verses overcoming the anger and then having a heart full of repentance and sorrow. I remember how angry I was inside when I had be let go from a job, which I felt was not very just. The following Sunday, I still had a lot of anger in my heart. When the sacrament was passed, I remembered the words of President Spencer W. Kimball, and thus I did not partake. When we partake of the sacrament, remember, it should be done with a soft heart, a repentant heart, and if not, then don't partake. This is a code I live by from President Kimballs words. I don't expect anybody else to follow what I just shared, because it is up to them. I ask myself two question: Am I in the right frame of mind and heart to partake of the sacrament? (This is actually decided when the young man actually near my isle) Am I free of sins, which would otherwise need to be discussed with Bishop? (This one I don't have a problem with) If I can answer yes to both question, I partake. If I can't then I don't. Again, this is solely my choice. God has given us intelligence, a heart and mind, to think for ourselves. At times you must make the judgement call for yourself, other times it is quite obvious because it is a sin that needs to be confessed to the Bishop. Best Regards

He is wherever he feels he needs to be at that time. If that means he is visiting a member who is either inactive, or cannot leave home due to age. He is giving shorts talks in primary. He is visiting with the young men, especially the young men seeing he is the President of the priest quorum.

I would agree.

I should point out something with regards to this. If I was a rich man, believe me, I wouldn't mind purchasing a really nice ring for my wife. It just really bothered me when I heard young women say, this was another women I worked with, "If a man doesn't buy you a ring over $2k, then he doesn't really care about you." I think it is wonderful, your fiance was willing to do this, however, in my opinion, you acted with class. You were willing to accept whatever ring he was able to afford, and was willing to afford. This one is for you Bini * This is solely Anddenex's thoughts

Anon16, I am not sure if someone already shared this with you, however I would recommend that you learn now, and at such a young age, to distinguish the church from its members. One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is when we are told pride entered into the church, better said, it wasn't pride in the church, but it was pride entered into the hearts of members of the church. What you hate, is not the church. What you hate, is the weakness of men/women within the church, as we all do. The sooner you learn, we go to church not because of people, but because of our love for Christ, the easier it is to deal with these types of situations, even though it still hurts.

Yes. Remember the church believes in repentance (Isaiah 1: 18).