fsharp

I read one of the links given before and this really stood out to me “It is opposed to any game of chance, occupation, or so-called business, which takes money from the person who may be possessed of it without giving value received in return." In my understanding, this means a deck of cards to play solitaire is fine. There is no exchange of money. With this new knowledge and understanding, I do not believe I should do 50-50 raffles in addition to lotteries, or go to the casio. However, games with dice or cards that do not involve money and the intention is for wholesome recreation, it is ok. This is by no means official and subject to change, but I feel as this was the answer I was looking for.

This came about because I was listening to the radio and they were advertising Caller Number 101 wins two free tickets to Disneyland! I called, didn't win. Then I thought to myself - Is that ok? I mean, I'm not addicted to radio contests by any means. I'm not really gambling, but I was told the reason we don't gamble is because we are getting something for nothing, which is what this radio contest is.

I know gambling is seen as a no-no because you are getting something for nothing. However, what about a radio contest call in? Is a 50-50 raffle (like they have a school fundraisers) ok? If you guess the number of jelly beans in a jar and win a giftcard ok?

Hello everyone, I've been a member for a year and a half now and belong to a small singles ward. In church, people talk about visiting teaching and home teaching a lot. However, I have not had home or visiting teaching since my baptism in September 2012. I told the sister missionaries and they said that couldn't be right and asked them who my visiting and home teachers were and they said they would look into it. It appears as if they don't know and I really don't know who/how to ask for this. I think this would be really important for me to have because as a convert in a smaller ward it has been super difficult to fit into an already established group. I also want the opportunity to learn more about the gospel because I'm still trying to learn the basics of the Bible and D&C. Thanks!

I just wanted to say thank you for all your advice. I still have not told my mom, but last night when I thought my boyfriend was going to break up with me, he told me he could not decide until he read the Book of Mormon. I know he isn't going into that open minded, but I really pray that he will be able to find peace and joy inside.

Not really. When I went to my first and second church service there was no bishop. He moved to China and they were in the process of getting a new one. I met him for the first time at my baptism and haven't had a chance to really talk to him at all. I'm attending a small singles ward and I feel really left out. I'm not going for the social side of it, I'm going because I enjoying learning and having a peaceful day to connect with God. When I'm at church I feel like I've made the right choice. I still feel really left out. The only person that really talks to me is another convert (baptized 8 months ago) and that is because he gives me a ride to and from. As soon as I step back into college and the "outside world" I feel different and like everything is falling apart around me. I feel so stupid. What if I made the wrong choice? I don't feel like it when I'm at church and praying but I sure feel like it now.

Yeah. Today has been really difficult. I understand why I joined the church but I'm afraid I'm giving up so much. I can't get loans without a cosigner and if my mom is mad enough she wouldn't cosign for next semester, than I can't pay for my dorm or school and I can't go back home. I do not want to lose my relationship with my boyfriend and his family. I'm not starting to regret my baptism, but I wish things could be so much different than they are now. If I lose him, I will be losing my best friend.

I understand that I'm adult, but I'm still young (Today is my 19th birthday!) and I do have a part-time job, I'm just really busy with classes. I'm taking 11 classes with a lab right now and I can't take on more hours. I just don't want to lose my only parental relationship and I don't want to lose contact with my younger brothers. I'm starting to realize that the longer it goes without telling them, the worse it might seem when I tell them like I've been keeping a huge secret. My other problem that I've been facing is my boyfriend. We have been dating for 3 and a half years and he has supported me through some very difficult times (moving 3 times, losing my relationship with my dad). He went home this past weekend and told him family I had been baptized and they are like, You must break up with her! I have such a wonderful relationship with all of his family and it hurts me to much that they think I've joined a cult. I feel like I'm losing all my relationships and friendships because of this choice and I don't know what to do.

I began investigating the LDS faith in May and spoke with online missionaries during the summer. When I returned to college in August I began attending church and was baptized last week. I have not told my family anything. My mom will be upset and I have no idea how to tell her or even if I should. I don't want to hide anything (I'm afraid someone will post something on facebook, friend will mention it) but I don't want to hurt my relationship with my mom since I have no relationship with my dad and to be honest, I need her financial support. I'm so confused.