Rosewood

I have a question. Its a little off the subject but........ something our family will be dealing with shortly. My son is sure he wants the military to pay for his college because right now he's considering it a career. I don't like him putting all of his eggs in one basket. I'm planning on researching this myself, but thought maybe someone here has already gone through this. Does anyone know if scholarships or a congressional appointments will wait until after a mission? I know the army will. But I don't want that to be THE factor in him choosing a military career.

Thank you, Berry, that really says it all.

I'm so glad you posted this. I had seen this before but couldn't remember where! Thank you. I'll see if it helps me stay on track!

PC - I didn't understand this; Are you saying they don't think we're faithful? or that they think they have a good reason for what they believe?I used to think the reason people got so easily worked up about the word cult was because it sounds so much like occult.

Actually there were a couple. One was Ishmael My Brother, I can't remember the other, but they were both very eye opening.I agree, Joseph could have, but I think it's more fun to think he might have actually met Muhammad, the man Who WROTE it! I don't know what has happened to book since it was written, but we all know that things don't always remain intackt through time. I think it's kind of funny to think that people judge the ancient religion by what it has become today.

There's an old EFY song called What Have You Done with My Name? It's a great song that talks about all the names we have and what our responsibility is to them. The Grandfather asks the question to the boy bout his last name, the father asks about his first name, Mormon asks about his name, and Christ asks about His. I think we are all these things, so it's not so important what name we glorify ourselves with, but what Glory do we bring to the name of the people we take. I heard a quote by Brigham Young that said, (paraphrased) "There are more Later-Day Saints than there are Mormons" He was implying that not all Mormons live up to the title Saint, and not all Saints are LDS! "There are many people we may meet in Heaven we will be surprised to see, and many people that will be surprised to see us there" - unknown

Bad things happen to good people. At least thats the way it looks on this side of the veil. Most of us have been touched personally by people who have WoW problems in cars or not. I get too upset about the tragedy if I let myself. I find what works for me is to keep an eternal prespective concerning seemingly undeserved suffering by seeing these events through Heaven's eyes. We have a lot more family and friends on the other side than we do here. Life actually goes on, it doesn't end. Also, remember we fought a war just to get here so we could experience these very things (what was I thinking!) It's sad for those of us that remain, not for those that are gone. The test is ours. I just try to remember that when I hurt.

I LOVE John Bytheway, he has such a great way of explaining things. Yes, I think it was him and he used that in several talks. Get an attitude and Things I wish I knew in High School (?) Hmmm. I've heard so many anti-mormons say that. Could it be that cult is a personal state of mind? sort of 'in the eyes of the beholder'? I've read old lectures (early 1900's) and listened to tapes that refer to the cult of Christianity with absolutely no hostility or controversy intended. And according to what I've read in dictionaries, I have found both attitudes, (I didn't check to see when the sources were copywriten) One definition could have been describing any religion the other implied extreme, radical, and unreasonable. The later definitely sounded fearful. I've made it my personal policy to never make decisions based on fear. I do however, make them occasionally based on irritation

Heartensoul4u, so glad to see you made it! I checked out your link; its a good one. I've also read some of your 360 blogs. Very good. You should be a writer! I really enjoyed the Love is a Choice blog. You seem like a real web warrior with a very heart felt testimony of Christ. There's a person here by the name of Outshined who has a great web site. I think it's ilikelife.com Check it out. I pretty much stay in Gospel discussion, Gengeral discussion, and Advice. That's about all I have time for. Hope to see you there. Rosewood

I had a friend, Kelly, who was a cutter and was seeing a Dr. or psychologist for years. She got hooked on her doctor! Couldn't make a move without him. Was terrified when he went on vacation. I think her case might be a little extreme, but the agony she went through was so frustrating for those of us that loved her. There was no way we could understand. She said the depression/fear would build until she couldn't stand it, and after she cut, it all melted away and she could cope again. She learned to control it from time to time but it never went away. I am a depressed person and I thought with a little therapy or some meds it would go away like a cold. But after several years, my doctors say that with some people it just won't go away. I've gotten frustrated and refused to read any more books or see another dr. I'm sure I have an attitude problem, but I get tired of thinking about it. Kind of like going on a special diet, so all day long you prepare food! I now have HORRIBLE and frequent migraines! My dr. said they also can be caused by stress or depression, even though they aren't 'tension' head aches (?) I burst into tears when she told me. How can I not know whats going on in my own head? We're very strange creatures sometimes. I guess thats the kind of humbling thing we experience that makes us reach out to God. Sometimes I have trouble feeling the Spirit because as xhenli said, I hate myself for feeling depressed (only another depressed person would understand that) but if a open up and pray my Heavely Father sends me a loving message to let me know He still loves me and that He's near. Diet helps a lot and especially exercise & being outside. Something about sunlight I think. Strangely enough I'm an optimistic, active, loving person. People with these kind of problems aren't necessarily 'blue'. Kelly was also a very bubbly happy person. At least on the outside. I also think one of my big problems is I don't want to deal with the trauma, so I like your idea of being gentle with ourselves.

I just love you guys & I think this is really fun, kind of like a little online ward. But then I've never experienced it any other way. This is my first forum of any kind, and I just started a few months ago. I always was a late bloomer. I agree; chat rooms are too fast for me and some can be very rude. The forum on deseret was closed as of Feb. 11 due to contention. Do you believe that. I'm amazed at the way some of our bros & sis' behave! I got lonely living so remote. I'd also been having a little trouble. I needed to remember who I am and what I like, outside of family & callings. This really helped. It was also fun to figure out how to talk without offending because no one can hear voice inflection. I used to try to research every thing I said, because if you don't someone is going to call you on it. But now I've settles into knowing what I have time for and what I don't. Oh, and the lingo, thats all new. I've heard one of the things that makes us old is not keeping up with new technology. That reminds me, I've had trouble posting a picture on my personal info page. Any suggestions? One more thing what's "Deep Doctrin" & why do they boot people off?

Whew, you don't know what a relief that is! My patriarchal blessing says I'll be responsible for setting the spiritual tone in my home. I thought that was a gospel principle for the longest time. Then the bishop told me that was not my sole responsibility, but If I'm the only one interested in doing it, then it is. It can be VERY FRUSTRATING. Family nights can be a nightmare. But I feel driven by the promise. I must have "issues"! "You WILL become an eternal family, whether you want to or not!" lol!

I love relief society

Beautiful thoughts, beautifly put. I agree.

All of my kids except my oldest went to EFY, and I'll tell you what, it was worth every penny we didn't have!, What a testimony builder it is! I now have a 16 yr old at home that would like to go but he's so involved in advanced scouting programs (he's on staff at NYLT) that he hasn't had time yet. This year for the 1st time Fresno State U is having efy on their campus. More and more area are getting the programs. The kids have mixed feelings because traveling away from home has been part of the experience they love. My older ones went to BYU & Ricks. EFY also has a scholarship program for those who can't afford. Sometimes even the Bishop can help.

That quote opens up a whole other can of worms, for another day!Yes, it could only increase if we were already here. But lds believe that when we live with our Father/Celestial kingdom/Heaven, we will be in a higher degree of glory than Eden was. So eventually we may be without pain (I hope). The Millenium will be like Eden, but after that the earth will become Celestial. I have found my diet makes a big difference, and it's definitely related to sugar intake!

Mormon Doctine by B. R. McConkie As pertaining to eternity, preisthood is the eternal power and authority of Deity by which all things exist; by which they are created, governed, and controlled; by which the universe and worlds without number have come rolling into existence; by which the great plan of creation, redemption, and exaltation operates throughout immensity. It is the power of God. (Discourses, new ed., p. 130; Gospel Kingdom, ;/ 129)

Yep, fibromyalgia! Mine also has a Thyroid problem connected. How about migraines? Oh, my word, I feel like such a whiner! "He trembled because of pain, and yet He, amidst profound aloneness, finished His preparations, bringing to pass the unconditional immortality of all mankind and “eternal life” for all those who would keep His commandments" (Moses 1:39). If there's any sin connected with this, He takes care of it.

Boy, that's a lot Rosie We experience pain because we live in mortality where we are allowed to be surrounded by sin and unprotected by Father's glory. We experience pain directly & indirectly as the results of sin; our or others. Technically, sin is anything contrary to God's LAWS. We don't even know what all the laws are, being human we can't help but be human. I don't believe it's contrary to God's WILL; this is what we're here for! Remember the 3 Nephites? They would experience no pain except for the sins of the world. When I examine my emotional pain, I don't think there's any other kind! As far as hidden sin, if it's hidden we have not control over it and I think it falls under the category of "blunder" not sin. No, It cant be, but prespective is everything in my opinion.I know so many people with chronic pain. I don't think there is any sin in managing that kind of pain with perscription medication; Narcotic, anti inflamitory or steriod. But I think it should be done with the blessings of a DR. Alternative is great if you can afford it. That's the problem. I think sometimes they ailments were brought on by direct sin, but, suffering from chronic pain myself, I know that the pain itself makes me feel guilty. Now, I don't know if it's an endorphin thing or what, but if Christ were to tell me my sins were forgiven I bet he'd also make me aware of what sin he was talking about. Or He might just give you a feeling of comfort and peace; which I would really appreciate.

I'm not sure what you're saying with this. Can you explain please? This is an exciting subject to me, because after 1/2 a century I have learned something very valuable. It is this; Don't worry about what other people are doing. You can only be responsible for your own relationship with God. Thats what you will be held accountable for. You won't even be able to get started until you come to this conclusion. You pray & listen, He speaks, you do. I't that simple. It really is. And don't say, "But....but what about....?" It is a walk with Him for the rest of your life, so you need to continue to pray & listen and let Him guide Don't be too hard on yourself, yours will be a path of discovery. This is where you accumulate wisdom. And it should be a joy.

How Jewish and Buddists? Although they were included in my original search, all the religions I considered as "in the running" were patriarchal and respectful of family. So, I started with the tradition of my fathers, which was Christianity. Excellent!

Spiritual guidance comes most accurately by way of the Spirit; in your closet so to speak. Thats my testimony. We probably should quote scripture more, but as CK said, many of us understand them differently. And even quoting the prophet can be ambiguous. This is just a talk forum, we're only human, and this is just a discussion. A meeting of the minds, so to speak. People should consider what is being said and then take it to the Lord. Meditation and prayer. James 1 3 Knowing this, that the atrying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be aperfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him. John 14 27 aPeace I leave with you, my bpeace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ctroubled, neither let it be afraid. :)

You can argue "religion" all day. But as Pres. Hinkley said, quoting scripture, "things of the Spirit are understood by the Spirit." The reason we believe it to be true is that we have studied, tested and then prayed and recieved confirmation by the Spirit that it was true. Thats a testimony. It's all about personal revelation I prayed because I was confused and was sent this with a powerful Spiritual witness- James 1: 5-6 5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him aask in bfaith, nothing cwavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. I wanted the truth of who I was and who God is and recieved this, again with a powerful Spiritual witness - Moroni 10:3-5 3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and bponder it in your chearts. 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may aknow the btruth of all things. I stake my whole soul on the truth of these two scriptures, but there are many more. God gave me knowledge. I know it and He knows I know it, and I cannot deny it.

I understand what both of you are saying, and sometimes I wonder if I'm making life more difficult than it has to be. But, when a Dr. prescribes a substance, we have a tendency to take it more seriously. We handle it with more respect. Do you remember the story of the Fathers of the Stripling warriors? When they buried their weapons and took an oath to God. Later when they were about to be attacked, they wouldn't take up arms again because they were afraid of loosing their souls. God hadn't commanded them to do that. But because they promised, they felt bound by it, to the point of laying down their lives. I think it was in 98 or 99 when Pres. Hinckley was interviewed by Larry King he said we avoid caffeine. Now, you can interpret that however you like. But, my son had just been babtized and he wanted to make that commitment to not drink caffeine, so I did it with him. I guess it's really just a personal issue having little to do with being lds in that it's not a "requirement".

That is SO great, the pivotal moment of your life. Would you mind sharing a little of the story? Was it a gradual awakening or suden light?