Anddenex

Mission: San Antonio, Texas
Foreign Language: Yes, Texan (especially small towns) -- I be like, "What did you say?" 

My honest advice is that if you want relationships based in having fun - that you forgo marriage and stick to strictly plutonic relationships or basically non-committal friendships.  Even the worldly concept of marriage as a relationship for better or worse – The better part currently could be fun but a relationship with intent to continue through the worst or when there are problems is completely foreign to the concept of a relationship intended only for fun.
I hope you have chosen a profession that generates an exceptional amount of disposable cash.  Fun can be extremely expensive and my experience with ladies that have a high priority for fun – they are what I call high maintenance because they seem as interested in my money and having fun (or more so) than they are in me.  And as President McKay said, “All the money in the world will not buy you a good wife – just a bad one”.
 
The Traveler

sorry seems i made a misunderstanding, do not worry i do not drag along girls, I let them know my thoughts right away and they appreciate it greatly.

There are ~15 million Mormons out there.  I'm sure one of them thinks the same as you.  Just be honest with other people (don't waste both of your time with a facade) and honest with yourself (what you feel now, and if it changes).

I'll tell a story that gets immediate laughs and applause in traditional Christian circles (where creation ex-nihilo is assumed), which makes little sense in LDS thinking.
 
There once was an atheist scientist, who decided upon an experiment.  He would pray one time to the non-existent God, and thus prove, at least to himself, once and for all, that God does not exist. 
God, if you are out there, I've got news for you.  We've mapped human DNA, and we can now create life.  So, you can go away now.
Suddenly the scientist finds himself in a formless void.  From out of the darkness he hears a voice.
Really?  You can create life?  That's great.  Show me, and if you succeed, I'll leave.
The scientist begins to look around, and out in the distance he sees a pile of dirt.  So, he starts walking towards it.
Where are you going, scientist?
I'm going to use that dirt over there to create human life, like you asked me to.
The last words he ever heard were from God, who said:  Get your own dirt.

If a create a painting am I not simply organizing inks onto a fabric which is itself fibers that have been organized and weaved to make a flat surface?

I can't think of an instance in which to create is not actually an act of organizing materials, I don't think lacking ex-nihilo means lack of a creator 

These two statements appear to contradict each other.  Further, as has already been said, your "really big human being" description is not an accurate summation of what we believe.  Indeed, it sounds like mockery of our beliefs (as does your "simple-minded" descriptor) and God.  If you don't intend to mock, perhaps you could clarify with other terms (assuming you want a discussion).  If you do (intend to mock), please ponder whether a mocking and cynical attitude is conducive to finding and recognizing spiritual truth, or if it will hinder understanding - regardless of where or to whom you go looking for information.
If you cannot bring yourself to sincerely ponder and study this belief, that's fine, but you could try a little harder to be respectful, civil, and gracious.

It is really illogical for a non-believer to tell a believer what said believer believes.
I'm a believer (a Mormon).  I know that we (Mormons) teach and believe that there is a creator - God our Father in Heaven.  And actually, there are two.  The second is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

If ease of understanding is the measure, Judaism has an easier-to-understand God. However, there are 613 basic commandments.  Islam has an easier-to-understand God too, but you'll need to learn Arabic if you want to read their true scriptures (translations are considered as paraphrases). 
 

While it's impossible to say for certain without knowing the details of the experience, I'd say this sounds like the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the truthfulness of this book.
Hooray!  We need you!
No need to be hesitant.  It's a place, but why focus on a place none of us want any of us to end up?  We prefer to focus on the best rather than the worst!
Please see this talk by President Uchtdorf, particularly the section titled "There Is Room for You".  We also believe God is omnipotent, omniscient, and though I've not heard it said this way, omnibenevolent, and eternal.  "Big human being" is not a correct descriptor of what we believe.  It is woefully insufficient to describe the majesty, power, and glory of God.  I would recommend you let go of all pre-existing ideas (yours or anyone else's) and study the things the scriptures say about God and Jesus Christ (including, since you're investigating the church, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price), then study Mormon teachings about the nature of God and Jesus Christ, and ponder further, and pray for revelation and guidance all throughout your study.
God is very much your creator.  He is literally the Father of your spirit, which houses your pre-existing intelligence (the details of how that works, we have no idea).  All intelligent beings are eternal, it is true, but God is still the Father of your spirit.
This is an important and foundational belief, and could eventually hinder your progress in the faith since so many other beliefs hinge on this one.  But see the talk above by President Uchtdorf - everyone has some question or other(s) to work through eventually.  Some resources to help in your study of this topic:
https://www.lds.org/topics/becoming-like-god?lang=eng
There are various links from that page, one of which is this: https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-2?lang=eng&_r=1  and at the bottom of that are links to various scriptures which teach the concepts involved.
https://www.lds.org/topics/god-the-father?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/god?lang=eng&letter=g
I recommend continued study, prayer, and investigation.  But keep in mind that the important thing is truth, and sometimes our preconceived ideas are close to truth, but incomplete, and in order to move forward in gaining knowledge and understanding, we have to be willing to let go of incorrect things and embrace correct ones - adjust our understaning.  I think some have a hard time with this idea because contrary teachings are so pervasive, and yet, those teachings aren't compatible with scripture (see above) which makes it plain that we are created in God's image - and Christ was in God's express image - in other words, God looks like a man (because he is an exalted man).  Also, people think too little of their own capacity - as children of God, we are capable of progress, of expansion, and eternity is a very, very long time - Mormons don't believe we'll die or even be resurrected and suddenly in an instant be like God - we believe that will take a very, very long time of learning, practice, and progression, tutored by the Master.  Along with everything else you're pondering, ponder this: Why did Christ tell us to follow his example (without caveats or limits) unless he intended us to become perfect as he became perfect - to follow his example all the way back to our Father?  Why did he say:
...unless he meant for us to become like our Father in heaven?
NOTE: These are questions I mean for you to study and ask yourself, not necessarily respond to here.  Also, making the case for what you currently believe will not help you to do anything except reinforce that belief.  If you wish to determine whether what Mormons believe is true, you have to explore that with an open mind, with a willingness to believe, if it turns out to be true.
These things are what Mormons believe, and we will do our best to help you understand them, but in the end, testimony and truth come by revelation from God through the Holy Ghost (emphasis mine):
You too can receive revelation on this topic, if you're willing to accept whatever God reveals to you, regardless of how it fits with what you already know. (That's the hard part - being willing to accept God's will, no matter what it is or what it requires of us - and all of us struggle with this in some way - the need to give up something we like in order to embrace God's will and truth, which are better than what we already have / know / want.)

Taejon, Korea--English-speaking (1987-93).  I did learn some Korean, but my campus ministry involved using English instruction and English Bible studies (in a college club context) for university students.  It was not an LDS mission, of course. In fact, I started as an exchange student, then became a school teacher, and finally a university instructor. This type of works sometimes gets called bivocational missions, or "tentmaking." (a reference to the Apostle Paul, who made tents to support his ministry work)

California Anaheim. I spoke English and bad English.

Japan Okayama Mission (Hiroshima) early nineties. Yeah I learned Japanese and actually went back pretty often for the next 10 years which kept my Japanese up. It's fading now, unfortunately. 

The initial question was what are plain and precious truths missing. There were three other people who mentioned plain and precious truths that have been lost and now restored; however, the first precious truth lost which you responded to (which confirms to us as LDS a precious truth lost) is "Faith without works is dead." Out of all the precious truths restored, the one you respond to is a standard "Anti-Mormon" debate (note: not calling you anti-Mormon; although it begs the question as you immediately respond to the grace and faith debate, instead of the others), which leads no where except individuals sharing what they believe.
Honestly think for a moment, out of all the precious truths mentioned by three previous posters the one responded to is a known anti-Mormon focal point; almost like you were waiting, just waiting, for someone to mention the need for faith, grace, and works so you can then say, "Perfect, Ephesians 2:8-9."
Thus, rhetorically, Eowyn responds with James 2: 17. If you post in a forum "Learn about the Mormon Church" and the first response you respond to is centered in the "faith, works, and grace" debate, rather than "learning" then for a good number of us this questions the sincerity of the original question.
 

I thank you for your support.
I should clarify that I don't think my views or opinions on the matter should be the standard for all members. I only post them as the question was asked an this is an open forum for such ideas and opinions. These are the thoughts and considerations that went into the decision for my family, let other families worship how they may.

Be careful with the 3 days buddy.  The ancients did not understand the concept of zero or fractions in their numbering system – so the day of, would be counted as one full day; even if it was just before sundown (example the death of Jesus).  It could be as shorter than 1 ½ days or 36 hours.
Since I need all the friends I can get – I want to make sure you have your repentance in order so you can help sneak me in.
 
The Traveler

I am pretty certain he did know, even when he made that statement, or stated in another way, I believe Jehovah knew when he would be born (the signs that would proceed) as he knew the day he would die (the signs that would follow his death), and the day Jehovah will return (as he knows the signs before his return). Abraham and other prophets were revealed the beginning and then end, due to their righteousness and faith. Jehovah (Jesus), there was none more faithful than him. Yes, personally, I believe he even knew even when he made the statement as pertaining to revelation, or in other terms, the Prophets know more than they have revealed, and they also could say, "No man knows save the Son, and the Father," because the Father has commanded them not to reveal.

There is great misunderstanding because the world does not understand symbolism.  I have already posted that there is no single hour or day for the earth but there is more to the symbolism.  Anciently calendars were very important - not so much for knowing the day but to understand prophesy and to keep covenants.  The concept of covenant has largely been lost in the religious community.  In our day we have a constitution by which the laws of our society is governed.  In ancient kingdom the laws were based in covenants.  When a king spoke, in order for his words to become law - he would have to make a covenant with his subjects according to his word.  It was the glue of stability. 
According to the covenants of ancient Israel each year would begin a covenant for that year.  This new covenant would be celebrated by a feast of all Israel.  Part of the feast would be bread and wine.  Think of the idea of a feast at the coming of Christ.  The emblems of the sacrament symbolize this feast.  This feast was important as is the symbolism of the feast as we worship by remembering Jesus and renewing our covenants.  Are you all getting a picture.  There is also other symbolism in preparing for the feast in the parable of the 10 virgins and their preparation of oil for their lamps.
As the day of the new year came close there were signs in the heaven.  First there was the sign of the equinox - the new year could not begin until the sun had been in equinox.  Then there must be a new moon following the equinox.  The new year would then begin after the Sabbath.  This day is known as the day of the sun or Sunday.  It is interesting that Jesus was resurrected on Sunday.  Do we appreciate this symbolism?  Not as an event some 2,000 years ago but as a prophetic symbolism of what is to be?  But before the new year could come there had to be two expert witnesses that would come before a judge and testify that the sign of the equinox and the new moon had taken place.  When the signs had been witnessed than messengers would be dispatched throughout Israel that would light fires on hills - these fires in the night before were the final symbol that the time had come and when the sun rose designating the Sunday and the new covenant - the feast would take place.
Because there were signs for the equinox and new moon - anyone that knew the signs would know of the new year feast and when it would be.  If a traveler were to come to Israel just about anyone could tell them when the new year feast would be.  But sometimes the sky would fill with storm clouds and block the sun and the moon.  It would be impossible to see the signs.  When this happened there was a saying in Israel concerning when the feast would take place - the saying was, "No man knows the hour or the day, not even the angles (messengers) of heaven but G-d (the king of Israel and the proctor of the covenant) only knows.   But dispute the storm clouds there were "experts" that were called prophets that would determine that the signs had taken place though obstructed by the storm clouds and the fires would be lit and the feast of the new year covenant would occur.
I find the symbolism that surrounds the feast most interesting - especially that in order to be prepared for the feast when the storm clouds gather - which they will in the last days - that only those that wait on the living prophets will be ready with the oil in their lamps.  The prophetic nature symbolizes not just the coming of the King and the new covenant - but that it will come in a time when many will think the scripture are enough - but that storm clouds will obstruct and cause doubt.  And only those that believe in and follow the living prophets among us will be prepared and ready when the hour and the day actually comes.
 
The Traveler
 

How much advance notice was Nephi given in the Book of Mormon to the first advent of Christ? 
As little as I know and understand - when two prophets are killed and left on the streets of Jerusalem - I will be able to tell you or anyone else that wants to know - easily within 24 hours - when the second coming will be.
 
The Traveler

I am somewhat amazed about the various attitudes of skepticism concerning the signs of the times.  Let me be very clear concerning my opinion – G-d would not tell us of the signs of the times if he did not want us to know of them.  Many have indicated that we should not speculate – and with this I agree but there is a very big difference in receiving revelation through the light and knowledge that come through the direction of the spirit and speculation.  And for the record; I think it is as wrong to speculate that the covenant saints will not know in advance what is to happen as it is to speculate that something is about to happen.
One of the big problems is that the prophetic nature of the signs are symbolic as well as the explanation we have in scripture of the signs.  Because the world does not understand divine symbolism many in the world do not understand or believe in the signs.  I personally believe that those that say no one can behold the signs and know of the coming of the Christ – which they do so because they have not received the spirit of G-d but rather; the spirit they have received is a counterfeit apostate spirit.  Just as the Pharisees did not comprehend the signs of the times of the first advent of Christ – many counterfeit believers will not comprehend the signs of the second advent of Christ.
I will give one little example – because the scripture prophetically say that no man will know the hour or the day – many believe that no one will know in the hours and days before he comes that the event of his coming is hours or days away.  I would point out to such skeptics that the modern world is comprised of time zones and an international date line.  There is no hour or day for the whole earth.  That if there was a prophesy that identified an hour or day – that for most of the earth such a prophesy would fail.
The final point I would make of the signs of the times is the same today as it was of old – even as Jesus spoke to his disciples and mocked the Pharisees as well as their equivalents in the Book of Mormon – so will things be in the last days.  The Saints will wait with great faith and anticipation but the world will mock the saints and the prophetic signs in unbelief, denial and confusion.
 
The Traveler

Well, if we go with the idea of 7000 years and 12 hours, that makes each hour 583.33 years long.  With 6000 years and 11 hours, that's 545.45 years per hour.  So, you know, if we get to 2375 and the Lord hasn't come, we should probably start to worry...    In the meantime, the  wise choice is to do your very best.

The baptism is more tongue in cheek, rather than trying to convince anyone, we simply disagree; although I refer back to my previous statement, "If a parent believes in this I have no qualms with it. This is their choice, and I would support the parent." (emphasis added to my first response)
Agreed, the frequency does not make the Sacrament any less sacred; although, we don't have any leader (GA) specifying anything against young children partaking the Sacrament either. If we read on Lds.org, there are more comments in favor of teaching by example with the Sacrament, and the only negativity I ever read/hear are from parents who have a strong opinion, which I go back to, "This is their choice, and I would support the parent." We also have scripture of children being baptized as wrong. You are more studied than me, have you read anywhere, from any General Authority, specifying this should not be the case in any Church publication? I haven't, but would be curious to know if others have. All I have found is what MrShorty shared the talk from Elder Russel M. Nelson, "Little children, as sinless beneficiaries of the Lord’s Atonement, may partake of the sacrament as they prepare for covenants that they will make later in life." 
I would partially disagree. Parents who have not taught children the sacredness of the Sacrament have failed them. As a teenager who once looked at the Sacrament as a mere snack, especially on Fast Sunday's, it wasn't my parents who failed me. I was taught, more than once, on more than one occasion the sacredness of the Sacrament. I failed myself, and it was something I repented of as I came to understand more fully what had already been taught to me.
The last part was more a humorous tone, or trying to be. As I recognize some adults who take the Sacrament like little children, without any thought but a good snack. If we hold kids to such parameters, should we hold adults even more? More rhetorical and silly.

Thanks all - lots of good advice and things to try here.  Some of it I already do and it works sometimes.   Yesterday I did two additional things - no caffeine after 1pm, and took an OTC melatonin pill. Got a full 7 hours - hooray!  
I'm big on the music on repeat too.  One song in particular.

 

It is not uncommon for me to not be able to sleep, similar to what you have described and other times, no sleep at all. The best advice for me, and I am sorry this really isn't helpful as to "how" to fall asleep, was that if you haven't fallen asleep after 15 minutes your mind is still too alert to sleep. If so, get up and do something productive until you feel a little more tired. I still would loose out on sleep, but it is much better than lying in bed waiting for the sandman to come. 
If my mind is tired, I will quote scriptures, usually the articles of faith. Sometimes I get through them all and I am still alert (then I know I just need to get up and do something because I am not falling asleep anytime soon). Other nights, well, I don't get past 7 or 8 and then I am out waking up thinking, "Nice, that worked."
I have tried counting sheep.  Never worked for me. I have tried counting down from 100 to 0, doesn't work (my mind becomes way to alert trying to think upon the next downward number). 
My wife likes to picture sand dunes and blue sky, only thinking upon two objects, not much color and she says this helps her. 
Oh, and let's not forget, if you drink 24oz of Moutain Dew before bed, you will be out like Mike Tyson's opponents (younger years), no really you will. 

Meanwhile, it seems we've forgotten a good one: prayer.  (Not that I recommend you fall asleep during your prayers, but rather that you pray for help falling asleep and staying that way.)
We've also forgotten at least one bad one: You could ask wife or children to bash you over the head with a brick.  (Depending on the day, they might be willing...)