morumon

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  1. Anyone that is "seriously looking into the church" needs only to go to Mormon.org or LDS.org to get all the information needed to evaluate the church and its doctrine and principles. All the apologetic debates in the world will never fully satisfy the intellectual mind of a skeptic. Ultimately, it will require a leap of faith and a desire to believe in something that is unseen but whose witness testifies of its truthfulness.
  2. "I, Robot" was just okay, but don't expect it to be anything like the book. The book is actually a collection of short stories and novellas tied together by a common robotics theme. I recommend it highly though.
  3. <rant on> In my opinion the new BSG series and spinoffs are nothing more than a soap opera in a space setting with a lot of racy sexual material to draw in the biggest market segment who is easily distracted by a flash of skin, jerky handheld shots, and gritty atmosphere. <rant off> Since the topic is SF movies, here is my favorites list in no particluar order: 2001: A Space Odyssey A.I.: Artificial Intelligence GalaxyQuest (best Trek parody ever) Star Wars the Original Trilogy Forbidden Planet Back to the Future trilogy War of the Worlds (classic version) Independence Day E.T. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (the original theatrical release) Blade Runner Tron & Tron Legacy Stargate When Worlds Collide Star Trek II, III, IV, & VI
  4. We had our second counseling session. The counselor questioned if there was any reason to continue meeting. I'm not sure what to think or feel. There's an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. We did make another appointment but I don't know what good it will do. Everything seems to be collapsing around me. I'm also setting up a session for myself and meeting with the bishop again. I wonder if this is how it felt to be on the Titanic.
  5. I think you'll enjoy this video on Mormon.org featuring Ron Dittemore, former flight director of NASA. Mormon.org NASA shuttle astronaut Don Lind posted his testimony on the Mormon Scholars Testify website at this link: Don Lind, Astronaut Science has made some incredible discoveries, but I believe that the truths that will be revealed about the true nature of our galaxy and the countless worlds out there will be beyond anything we could possibly hope to imagine.
  6. The main reason I came to this forum is for moral support. So, here is my story. With so many others suffering, I hope you don't mind reading one more sad tale. Wife and I have been married over 25 yrs. I introduced her to the church when we were courting and she joined. We were sealed in the temple and later welcomed 4 great children into our family. They are now teenage and above (3 still at home). Recently she dropped the bombshell that she wanted a divorce. As far as I'm aware there is no infidelity nor moral sin involved. She simply doesn't like me nor our situation. She feels she deserves more (more money, better neighborhood, more vacations, better friends) and I'm not providing it. She arranges her work schedule to avoid going to church and doesn't have faith in the doctrines and teachings. I suspect she has some form of borderline personality disorder and perhaps some narcissistic tendencies. She can be verbally and emotionally abusive to me in front of the kids and sometimes in public. She is especially good at scowling. After her bombshell, she took another look at what divorce would mean to our family and decided against it. Instead, she sleeps downstairs and tries not to be in the same room I'm in whenever possible. The only times I'm not igonored are when she needs something. She agreed to marriage counseling (non-LDS) and we're having our second session this week. I love my kids and I'm willing to forgive all the heartache my wife has inflicted on me to keep our family together. The hardest part is feeling so alone, with feelings of rejection, heartbreak, failure, inadequacy, and uncertainty until we get to a point of reconciliation. It helps to have a calling in our ward. Our bishop has also been a great support to me. Our situation is confidential, although I'm sure ward members suspect something when they see me alone with the kids in church every week or when the wife sits on the opposite end of the pew when she does come. I love the Gospel, I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. This is what gets me through every day. I'm not perfect, but I also want to know I'm not a failure. Thanks for taking the time to read this very long post.
  7. Over the years, I've been to many youth activities and campouts attended by my kids. One thing I've noticed at many of them is that the adults often like to chit chat and socialize. That's not a bad thing in and of itself, but there have been conversations and situations among the youth that could have used adult intervention. I realize the adults are usually not trained as youth counselors but it would be nice if they really dedicated themselves to watch after our young people while they are supervising the activities. I think a lot of the negative experiences could be minimized if the adults would just be more attentive to what is really going on.
  8. I don't know that I can offer an answer to the issue of widespread depression in a ward. On a personal level though, I can relate my experience with learning about how the Atonement can lift heavy burdens. I'm going through a lot of trials right now, at times to the point of feeling completely overhwhelmed and powerless. I pray regularly, study the scriptures, attend all my meetings, but still feel burdened. The bishop who was aware of what I am going through asked to meet with me. I reluctantly agreed, knowing that the bishop has a lot of responsibilities and many members to be concerned about. I didn't want him to have to carry my load too. The simple miracle is though that as I conversed with him and related my problems, the tears flowed and I suddenly felt my burdens become light. I then realized that sometimes the power of the Atonement can be felt when another person is willing to bear our burdens. The trials are still there, but I am able to get through each day with a little more hope and strength. I see many brothers and sisters here ask for advice and the answer given is to meet with the bishop. I don't suggest everyone make an appointment with the bishop for every little issue, but when life gets really hard, speaking with the bishop or priesthood leader or a good hometeacher may certainly help.
  9. I have found the Church website to be a great resource for these types of questions. In the "Gospel Topics" section under "Prayer" there is a link for "Additional Information": Prayer There are two paragraphs I'd like to point out: "At least every morning and every night, we should find a place that is free from distractions and kneel in humility and commune with our Heavenly Father. Although sometimes we may need to pray silently, we should make an extra effort at times to pray vocally (see D&C 19:28; 20:51)." I consider that to be the pattern for formal personal prayers. Then there are the less formal occassions for prayer described below: "The Savior has commanded, 'Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work' (D&C 10:5). Although we cannot be continuously on our knees, always offering a personal, private prayer, we can let our hearts be 'full, drawn out in prayer unto [God] continually' (Alma 34:27; see also 3 Nephi 20:1). Throughout each day, we can maintain a constant feeling of love for our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. We can silently express gratitude to our Father and ask Him to strengthen us in our responsibilities. In times of temptation or physical danger, we can silently ask for His help." I find myself often communicating with my Heavenly Father throughout the day in a variety of circumstances, places, and activities. I believe that He always hears me whether vocal or silent, whether seated or standing or walking.
  10. I remember using punch cards, riding a schwinn style bike with banana seat and sissy bar, and several other things mentioned. I also remember Breakfast Squares. They were our family's staple food on long road trips. I actually liked them a lot and wish they were still made. (what they were made of though is probably a greater mystery than the age the of the universe ) 1970's GENERAL MILLS BREAKFAST SQUARES by poptartsbox, on Flickr
  11. Be careful with labels like "introvert" and "extrovert". They don't always adequately describe a person's social characteristics. In my case, I have no problem speaking in front of a chapel of people, teaching a lesson, or bearing my testimony. On the other hand, I dread idle chit chat with members in the hallway. I'm not very good at saying clever things or having casual conversations so I feel terribly awkward. I prefer to stand alone quietly smiling. I believe going to church is not about trying to impress others or fit into their mold of what they think you should be, but simply to be the best self you can be when you go to worship our Heavenly Father.
  12. I'm not new to online forums but I'm new to this one. I'm a faithful temple-recommend holding member of the LDS Church. I'm also going through some very rough marriage issues with a wife that is inactive. I joined for moral support during a very difficult time in my life. I hope you'll allow me to shed my tears and look forward to interacting with the folks here.