BrendaM

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Everything posted by BrendaM

  1. To me, being a Christian means you keep on trying. Not setting yourself above people, regardless of which church they go to. I know what you mean about testimony meetings though. I pray every fast sunday that I will hear a testimony born that will teach and touch my heart. It saddens me when I am about to take the sacrament and half our congregation shows up after it's been blessed and passed. I think because we as LDS have the full gospel at this time, I tend to hold us on a higher level. Right or wrong, I just do. And when it's the same 6 or 7 families attending each time, it makes me sad.
  2. you are in a tough situation. Do not get the police involved unless you are ready to accept the possible outcome. I would not recommend him coming to live with you, especially since you have children. You are not his mother, you are his sister. Sounds to me like he is bucking the rules and it's up to his parents to help him over this. I think a written apology is a good idea on your part. Support him in counselling, etc... good luck
  3. Wow...this is to much hoopla over nothing. Get your ears pierced. Your mom will get over it. or not.
  4. I would say that you are not breaking any rules by purchasing these items. But after saying that; I think being committed to your repentance process and living the commandments would demand that you not purchase these items. It seems like you love your husband and he loves you as well, could you not possibly have a discussion and let him know that you are trying to draw closer to the Lord, and you feel that purchasing these items is a hinderance in that process (unless this is not true?). I know it certainly maintains peace in your home for you to continue this, but is there peace in your heart, and with the Lord. I think that is more important. Although I am not married, I have 7 less active brothers and sisters. I love them all, with all my heart. Most of them smoke, all of them drink...they would never ask me to pick up cigarettes or a case of beer for them. It's about respect for my beliefs. Even when we go through a Timmys drive through and I'm driving, they would never have me order their coffees, they shout it from where they are sitting. It's quite funny sometimes. But they love me that much.
  5. I hear you Slamjet. I don't think we're running out of members, but unfortunately, I think the members we have are refusing callings. We especially see it in small branches/wards where there are members with 2 and 3 callings because other members won't accept. I find it very sad. This is a gospel of service, and I feel ashamed when I know of members who won't accept what the Lord is requesting of them. A call is extended...and they flat out refuse.
  6. It sounds to me as if there is more going on here then we know, or is not being communicated correctly? A Bishop or Stake President are not trained therapists (unless that is their trade). Yes, your Bishop can help you with your spiritual progression, especially as you go through repentance. But that doesn't sound like what's being requested here. It sounds like your therapist is trying to augment his therapy by you seeing your religious counselor, which you believe to be your Bishop. The Stake President is not in agreement. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that you are not a member. It's still not to me clear as to why, but that may be personal and I understand you may not wish to share. We should not be speaking against what our Stake Presidents/Bishops counsel. Unless they are doing something illegal or immoral, then we need to prayerfully consider what they suggest. I'm not sure what your "spiritual problems" are, but it would appear that your time with the LDS Bishop has not met the needs of what you and your therapist consider "pastoral counseling". A Bishop cannot "fix" your relationship with the Lord. Only you can do that and it doesn't happen overnight. Spritual understanding takes years of scripture reading, prayer and living the way the Savior wants us to live. Only then can we have continuos guidance and direction from the Holy Ghost. Even after years of this we all of periods where we feel separated from our Father in Heaven. That is natural and has nothing to do with depression. Yes, it can make you feel depressed, but that happens with anyone. I wish you well with continued therapy and possible medication that you may get on track and feel like you again. Good luck
  7. Very interesting article. What I thought was more interesting was the title at the top of the web page - "Canada Free Press...Because without America there is no Free World" As a Canadian & LDS, I agree.
  8. It is not the responsiblilty of Primary teachers (including nursery leaders) to disclipline the children. It's their task to teach the Gospel through the Spirit. If redirection; or a firm but kind work does not work in any given situation, then the parent needs to be brought in or child taken to parent. Bad behaviour does not mean mental health issues. Non eye-contact can also be used in manipulation (even in the young). After saying that, certainly speaking with the parents to confirm if there has been any testing for disabilities will assist teacher/leaders in making the appropriate decisions. If you feel it not appropriate to bring this up, then your only recourse is to take the child to the parent to handle these situations. Once a child moves from nursery to regular Primary, the scenarios with the toys should disappear as toys should not be taken into Primary. If they are, they should be collected by the teachers/leaders until Primary is completed.
  9. Those "modest" swimsuits look like regular summerwear to me. But then again, I've seen women of other faiths wear jeans, long sleeve shirts and headscarves to swim at the waterpark near my house. It looks a little weird to me, and I can't imagine how hot they must be. But if that's what they want to wear to swim, heh go for it. Me, I'd probably drown! I think it's up to the individual really. To me, bikinis and 2 piece swim suits are 2 different things. Although a tankini is 2piece, it is more modest than a regular 2 piece. Just my opinion. As a teen and young adult, I had no problem wearing a nice 2 piece bathing suit. I wanted a good tan, and heck, I looked good too! I never wore a bikini. As I've gotten older, 2piece suits no longer look good. So a tankini or 1piece is what I wear. Again, it's a personal preference. I think you can be modestly dressed by the beach or pool and be quite comfortable in your faith that the Lord loves you. Even in a strapless tankini.
  10. I was always counseled that garments should be right next to the skin, anything else (bra, girdle, hose, spanx, etc) should be overtop of your garments. Is this wrong?
  11. Paw: Are you attending Gospel Principles classes on Sundays. You sound like a new member to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the Church. Attending these classes will answer all of the questions you have. Plus help you draw spiritually closer to the Lord so he can teach you, should you ask Him.
  12. Just to make things clear here, so investigators don't get the wrong message. The Church does not tell us specifically what to wear or not wear. We are instructed to dress modestly. Two piece swimsuits are certainly frowned upon, but wearing one will not necessarily send you to outer darkness. I have several different tankinis. Some have what I call boy-short bottoms, some have little skirt bottoms, some are regular bathing suit bottoms. Sometimes I wear the top with the strap, sometimes not. I have adjusted some tops so they are not quite so cleavage revealing, but taking the strap off? I see no problem with that.
  13. I never felt like I had to explain to anyone where/why/how I was less-active. That's my business, that I discussed with my Bishop and the Lord during my repentance process. I felt "active" the moment I started repenting. And it felt great, still does after 12 years. I know how you feel about "going a little crazy". I think it's because (at least for me) knowing that I was "missing" out. And now that I'm back, I'll never "leave" again.
  14. Sister, 28 is young. You have plenty of time. After saying that...there is nothing wrong with your way of thinking. I'm a bit older, never married, but have an adult daughter. In a church where marriage and family are what it's all about, sometimes I feel alone. I enjoy being single, and have a good life over all. However, I long to be in a loving relationship, sealed to my eternal companion and have my daughter sealed to us. It hasn't happened. Yet. I know though, that no promises from the Lord will be denied me. I look forward to the day when that happens. But I don't pine and wait for it, or feel I'm any less a person because I'm a single woman in a family oriented church. Some people are insensitive to it, but ya know, I have big shoulders.
  15. M_T_E: So nice to get some great questions/comments! They get a good thread rolling! I am a convert (baptised when I was 12) fell away from living my religion when I was 16 (although I have always believed), repented and came back in my 30's. I'm now a bit older than that..lol. I'm a member because I believe that the true teachings of Jesus Christ are found in this church. My trials are bearable because I know who I am (a child of God) and that I matter. And I know this because of the feelings I have from the Holy Ghost (3rd member of the Godhead, who testifies of truth). To me, my life would be empty and sad if I could not be uplifted by the Saviour. Doesn't mean I live in a perpetual state of bliss (I mean come on), but for the most part I keep on keepin on because of my faith in a Heavenly Father who loves me & knows me personally. I believe that Heavenly Father is THE master scientist. Despite what some may say, I think science and religion (faith) can go hand in hand.
  16. kartvines Don't give up. It is hard to forgive yourself, I know. I commend you for turning down your progression in the priesthood. Most wouldn't. But know this, feelings of unworthiness are a tool of Satan that will hold you back from your progression. There is nothing you've done that cannot be forgiven through the Atonement. Please don't let the adversary weigh your spirit down. The Lord needs people like you. That have gone through trials, repenting and coming out the other side...a better man....a worthy man to hold the Priesthood. Don't give up.
  17. I love church history as well!! Very exciting. I've always wanted to know more about Porter Rockwell and his great love for the Prophet Joseph Smith. So much so that he was his bodyguard. Would love to hear his testimony!
  18. It seems to me that perhaps you are not taking counsel from any of your priesthood leaders? I could be wrong...but trying to put a 25 year marriage back in order takes time. And effort. Because our church leaders are most often times not trained marriage counselors, perhaps that is who you need to see. Reading (scriptures & books on counselling/depression), saying prayers (by yourself and as a couple) will certainly help you on your way. If your husband is not willing to try, then you are on your own. Only you, can decide to fix you. I would probably see my medical doctor first off to see if a combination of medicine and psychiatric counselling is necessary. My mom always said "God helps those that help themselves". Your church leaders are not perfect. Most of them are not trained medical doctors or therapists. Again, I would suggets seeing your doctor.
  19. The Lord does not want blind followers. He wants thinking, reasoning, covenant keeping, people. I see nothing wrong in asking questions, about anything. But questioning may be a different matter. The Lord gives revelation. He gives revelation for several reasons, some we know now, some we are yet to find out. Here's my take on the WofW: I know that coffee and tea are addictive substances. Anything that my body could become addicted to will hinder the influence that the Holy Ghost could have on my mind and heart. So I am obedient to the Word of Wisdom. I know that the WofW is a revelation from God. So I am obedient to the Word of Wisdom. I know these things because I have prayed and feel in my heart and mind for this to be true. I never was a coffee drinker, but loved my tea (and cigarettes). Good luck with this. Heavenly Father will help you...he is already speaking to you. You know that your family needs the Gospel found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And conversely, the Lord needs your family. The more you are obedient the easier it becomes to live the life the Lord wants you to. Remember though, trials strengthen us...sharpen our souls....make us the best possible us.
  20. I know that pianists can be hard to come by in some wards/branches. I give kudos to all that have this calling. I love the tip jar idea!
  21. As a Canadian, I have to say, Rush is up there for me, but not an all-time favorite. Has anyone every seen that church movie (can't remember what it's called right now), but it's from the Book of Mormon and there is one actor in it who looks exactly like Geddy Lee. Wish I could remember what story it is (sucks getting old). I'm thinking maybe it was about Korihor. Freaked me out when I first saw it, the resemblance is remarkable!
  22. I know how you feel. I'm a SA in a "family church". Never married, however I do have an adult daughter who is not active. I just went to our Christmas dinner last week. Did someone ask me to sit with them? No, I went and sat myself down at a table and started talking. I'm not a hugely outgoing person, but I push myself. I'm not sure why your HT or priesthood members have not befriended you? I say, suck it up buttercup! The Lord needs you and you are giving up. You say you have a testimony, if you do, then you should be attending church to develope your relationship with the Lord. It was tough for me when my daughter decided not to go to church when she was in YW. Every time a talk by a YW or musical number by YW was happening, I thought my heart could break no more and I never wanted to go back to church. I was sad beyond measure. I sucked it up and went anyways. Sometimes I feel included, sometimes I don't. These are people, not my Savior or my Heavenly Father. I always feel included when I remember who I am, where I came from, and where I'm going. Good luck.
  23. It's tough to be in a marriage where religion separates you. Since I don't know all of your circumstances...I can only tell you what I would do. I would call the Bishop and meet with him. Have a talk with your husband and let him know that you are not spiritually fufilled with his beliefs, and want to attend service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Explain that you would be a happier person attending, happier wife and mother. It's up to you to step forward and do what you know to be right. For you. And your children.
  24. Skierdude, you are not a monster. You are 15. Have a talk with your Bishop (and your dad if you can). You have realized your need to repent, and are on the right track!! My only other advice...please, please, do not view any other inappropriate pictures. Remember that your brain is like a computer and will store that information forever. You don't need it in there! You have so much more to learn and think about. Keep on, keepin on!