Irishcolleen

I don't think it was that the animals were sinning. Every aspect of nature can be effected by the sins of mankind. I'm not a tree-hugger by any means, but I can see how sin has altered the environment. Perhaps sinful poor stewardship of the earth caused animal life to have genetic problems.

pluggedinonline.com is an excellent resource for determining which movies, music, video games, tv shows, etc... are worth watching from a moral standpoint. It describes what is uplifting or objective in terms of sexuality, substance abuse, violence, spiritual content, etc... It is very in-depth. For instance, a movie may be rated G, but my kids won't be able to see it if it treats being disrespectful to parents as normal. Pluggedin gives me the info I nee to make an informed decision.

People have different gifts. Even those with intellectual disabilities have something to offer the world. We had a gentleman with a severe learning disability in our church. He served through prayer, especially for the youth. After he passed away, our pastor found his prayer journals. He prayed for hours a day for the youth of our church. We won't know this side of heaven everything those prayers accomplished, but I'm sure it was huge. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." People with disabilities don't need pity. They need acceptance, to be treated with dignity and respect, just like anyone else. They are here for the same reason we are, because God has work for them to do!

Not being a Mormon, I can't answer from a spiritual standpoint. But here's my take on it- green tea has caffeine. Caffeine affects your heart. I used to drink soda- some with caffeine. When I started working out I had no problem reaching my maximum heart rate for cardio. Then I cut out caffeine. After I cut out caffeine I had to work out at a higher lever to get an aerobic conditioning level heart beat. The caffeine had sped up my heart and I hadn't even realized it. Anything that effects your heart so much can't be good. Why not just enjoy some seltzer with lime? No sodium, so sweeteners, no caffeine, but a really good taste!

Anddenex- when is a prophet not acting in his calling as a prophet. I assume, that is his words before he becomes a prophet? Is it only when he is at an official function like a General Conference or in a publication printed by the LDS church (In don't know if Deseret Books counts as official LDS publications)?

These are good points! 1.It is important to go to original sources of info. 2. I would hate for my worst to be compared to others best. 3. There is a lot that I admire in LDS people, the family emphasis, low divorce rates, emphasis on morality and modesty, and in general similar political ideas. My girls even buy clothes from Mormon owned companies that specialize in modest clothing. They tend to be the only places with decent hem lengths!!!

I know that non-LDS are often confused about this. I know I am! I assume any thing in the Bible, Book of Mormon, PoGP & D&C are considered doctrine. Are General Conference talks, articles in the Ensign and LDS teaching manuals considered accurate representation of doctrine? Also, what about books written by prophets? How do the LDS deal with situations when members or church leaders teach things that contradict LDS doctrine? For example, in my church (Baptist), a pastor can be fired for preaching that contradicts the Bible or goes against our articles of faith. I appreciate your responses. I think a lot of animosity between traditional Christians and the LDS comes from not understanding the difference between official teaching and opinions of certain people. edit: I can't type. I meant "source" i don't even think sorche is a word. :)

I know Mormons. I really care about them and value their friendships. While we have similar lifestyles, we also have significant differences in beliefs. Is there a way to discuss the differences, when appropriate, in a way that doesn't harm the relationships. I've noticed online that at times some LDS get offended when they are asked about certain doctrines, at times denying they believe certain teachings even when it is in literature published by the LDS church. How can I have a discussion on "meat"? I am not a novice when it comes to scripture, so suggesting I need "milk" is not reasonable. I would really like to address the differences in beliefs with them, but in a non-judgemental, loving manner. Oh, and just so you know, I know Mormons don't practice polygamy, don't use real dead bodies in baptisms for the dead, etc... :) I would also not bring up what happens in the temple, as I know it is considered sacred.

Be careful with the Motrin. If you have heartburn, see a doctor because you might be getting erosions in your esophagus. Then you'll be anemic, too. Been there, done that. Have you tried deep-water fitness classes? They are fun, feel good, and provide social contact/support. I don't know how you feel about Yoga (some Christians are opposed to it) but the gentle stretching can feel great. I don't think pot would help. From I remember from my wilder (and forgiven) days in high school, it can make you have panic reactions and other nasty side effects. Sometimes I still get whiny on my bad days. That usually means I need to rest. Someday we'll be free from the pain!

Girl, God gives us gut feelings for a reason! The guy my be fine, but the time may be wrong. When it's the right guy and the right time you won't have a doubt. Focus on your relationship with God. WHen the time and guy is right He'll let you know. Mat. 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I have Lupus, so pain is just a part of life. A book that really helped me is "The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand. Brand is a doctor who was a medical missionary to lepers in India. He writes how destructive a life without pain is and how to put pain in proper perspective. It helped me see that at times pain is inevitable, that pain free isn't always a good goal, and how to have joy even when I have pain. Knowing that some degree of pain is just part of my life, I have the freedom to focus on life, not my pain. I also think of Paul in 2 Cor. 12. He had an infirmity that he begged go to remove. God reminded him that His grace was sufficient. Paul came to see that when he was weak, he had to rely on God's strength, which is always greater than man's. Depending on God gives better results than depending on self! I hope this helps. Let me know how I can encourage and pray for you.

?????? Funerals aren't held in temples, that I know of. Aren't they just in the meetinghouse?

LiterateParakeet, I am so sorry that you were hurt and sinned against in such a horrible way by people who were supposed to love and care for you. I will be praying for your complete healing.

I think there are no easy answers for depression and should a Christian of any denomination be depressed. Sometimes people forget that our brain is part of our body and as such, prone to illness. When depression is an illness it needs to be treated. On the other hand, there are times when our thinking can be un-Godly, which can make us have feelings of depression. We can become depressed when we don't forgive and become bitter. We can also become anxious and depressed when we have sin we haven't confessed and repented for. It is important to follow God's Word in Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." If you've examined your heart and found sin that's causing the pain, deal with it. If there is no sin that accounts for the pain, assume it is medical and treat it as such.

I quite agree. People need to know every side of an argument to make informed decisions.

I don't mind. I married someone with similar roots. I just remind him frequently that his ancestors oppressed mine. :) Maybe I can recommend some Irish history books written from the correct perspective?

I am interested in promoting understanding between traditional Christians and the LDS. I think LDS and traditional Christians have many misconceptions about each other. Perhaps we can understand each other without forcing our beliefs on each other.:)

If a non-mormon used your tone about LDS literature you would probably accuse them of being "anti-Mormon". We homeschooled our children. We have one in high school, one in college, and one out of college and in a career. We use Christian curriculum. My oldest two received ACT scores that were so high they earned large scholarships to private schools. All three excel in math and science. They all have a strong faith in God and lead moral lives. BTW, Saxon doesn't give kids enough background in geometry or calculus. I recommend Teaching Textbooks, Jacobs Geometry and Ask Dr. Callahan.

I'm not a Mormon. I have vastly different beliefs than Mormons. However, I have a 19 year old daughter that I love with all my heart. If she joined the LDS church, I would have a broken heart, but I would love her just as much. If your mom is a Christian, she will still love you. She will still want you to have a good future. She may try and talk you into leaving the LDS church, but I am sure she won't disown you. I couldn't even bear the thought of not having my daughter in my life. If anything, she may fear that you will distance yourself from her because she won't convert to Mormonism.

From a Christian perspective it is impossible for a believer to lose the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God (part of the Godhead, as Mormons say). The bible says, in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave or forsake us.

Many couples at our church have saved their 1st kiss for the wedding day, too. They didn't even want memories of kissing anyone but their spouse. Purity is so important!