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pkstpaul

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Everything posted by pkstpaul

  1. pkstpaul
    ??? The Earth will be administered under only one gospel.
  2. pkstpaul
    I think a conversation about leaving a faith is only of interest to a former member or athiest. To discuss what someone doesn't like about a faith is to attack the faith. I don't discuss why I left Catholisim with my devote Catholic family but I do discuss with them Mormonism in the context of how the gospel brings me happiness.
  3. pkstpaul
    Thanks. Reading this and re-reading your question helped. I don't find discussion of the topics get "prickly" within our church settings. Certainly not as prickly as they do in this forum. I think the facelessness of the forum brings out some extremism. Even myself tend to be more liberal than I am in person just because some of the hard-liners in the forum bug me. Your initial post is about "discussion" and I think I have only stated that discussion in a forum is different than in person. In person, we may have strong opinions but are less likely to be argumentative. We do allow more diversity of opinion to those who are active at church and with whom we interact. The reason being that we know that, while active at church, we are "exposed" to the truth and are "growing" in testimony. We are happy to state our opinion but not looking to convert within our own ranks. In a forum environment, we are more likely to take the time to formulate an argument and find evidence. I personally don't intent to convert anyone with my arguments. They are stated as mine. I have an obligation to share my testimony with others but I'm more than happy to let them die in their sins (tongue in cheek).
  4. pkstpaul
    I had similar thoughts about losing expectations of your spouse. I do think though he is a caustic influence to your children and the reason your family has decided to not visit you or to lower you on their priority. I would say you could endure this a bit longer but your children deserve more. I wish I could offer specific help. I am almost always in the camp of trying to make a marriage work. It is often easier to make a marriage work than a divorce. I did have a friend recently have a painless divorce, when in a situation similar to yours, simply because the husband/father didn't care enough to fight. I think you may have just that scenario. I think you are going to have to act to make a move that openly makes a statement to everyone that "you care". Tolerating what is obvious to everyone else (and believe me, it is more obvious than you seem to realize) is only saying you don't care. Hitting 400 lbs is all HE has to say to tell the world what you are going through. Good luck.
  5. pkstpaul
    I love the book "Wind of Fire", by Stephen Fritz. I mention it every chance I get (some forum posters might think I have only one drum to beat). It is a fictional story told with an LDS perspective. It is fiction, so it has its "interpretation" of things and not to be considered totally doctrinal based, but you did ask about theories. The story ends by giving a perspective of day-to-day life following the Second Coming. There was a post just yesterday about different perspectives/theories on the millenial period. You might want to check that thread out.
  6. pkstpaul
    Just to add a voice... I agree with the comments above. I would welcome you on a personal level but you should expect some frustration if you want to be in full participation but the leadership cannot progress you (i.e. you would not be asked to give prayers for general meetings other than Sunday School, and you won't be offered a calling). You should definately attend and let the Spirit guide you.
  7. pkstpaul
    I'm not understanding your question. Do you mean to dicuss here what others teach against us? I thought we did have those discussions. I've never shy away from a discussion when someone brings up anti-Mormon doctrine and I frankly don't know any Mormons that do. Most of it is so comical that we find it humorous. We still here new ones every now and then that defy any reason how such a myth could be perpetuated. Edited based on Gator's comments that posted same time as mine. I NEVER seek out anti-Mormon lit, as I know he does. But I wouldn't avoid a conversation about it.
  8. pkstpaul
    I believe it is due to extremes. All religions have extremes in dogma (at least as perceived by other faiths) and have believers who act to the extreme. Too often it is the extremes of two faiths juxtaposed against each other. If we were to concentrate on common ground with an attitude of tolerance, we'd have more prolonged discussions. Unfortunately, I have found that even in this forum, the use of the word "tolerance" isn't tolerated.
  9. pkstpaul
    I consider them the same. I think knowing our prophets today helps us to understand the nature of the prophets of old (i.e. they being very human and imperfect).
  10. pkstpaul
    I was priviledged to get an advanced copy, since I am a fan of Wind of Fire. I also received the updated/edited Wind of Fire. I loved Natiya's Garden, which should be obvious since I made the book cover my profile pic. I like that he portrayed one of the "three Nephites" as human and sometime frail and not put up as exalted, as some fiction I have read. It is a fun story with good - basic - gospel lessons. Congrats to Mr. Fritz for finishing the work.
  11. pkstpaul
    I liked a post that gave advice about focusing on active members being happy and that will draw in new members and help in reactivation. That post got shot down by one of the Pharisees in the forum as kowtowing to members' whims. I personally feel the suggestions were valid and the "health" of the ward has everything to do with the growth and leadership can take very direct steps to ensure members are serving the callings for which they are well suited, etc.
  12. pkstpaul
    I'm not much in agreement with many of the comments. I think slower is better. A new member will be overwhelmed the first six months. I would wait a year for the Blessing. You want to have a firm testimony in order for the Blessing to be meaningful. Like Leah said, you don't need to immerse yourself in study. It will be enough just to learn the organizaion and working in a calling and dealing with three hours of meetings....the list goes on. Your family is #1 - above the Church. You should give them the utmost respect. That doesn't mean give up your membership, but it does mean to assure it does not hurt your family relationships. Be respectful of their opinions and let differences work out over time. For me, the changes in my life were so positive that there was no argument that joining the Church was the right thing for me to do. I would let things happen naturally and not feel forced to reveal your decision. It isn't something you will be able to hide. You may be living in a Branch and not a Ward and therefore may have a Branch President and not a Bishop.
  13. pkstpaul
    I have some experience with an SO that, given some understanding of his circumstance, needs some opportunity to overcome the incredible shackles put on all SOs by default. Because of the stigma, he finds doors closed everywhere which only adds to his isolation and the issues that led to his offense. Having said that, you shouldn't be in a position to have to judge each offender and it is a safe bet to treat them all the same (as we see is what happens). A long winded response, but the short end is that you are better off banning the SO. I only added the explanation because I do understand that SOs shouldn't be painted with one brush and am basically grateful that you felt they could have a chance.
  14. pkstpaul
    I was once an 'accidental' landlord. Then I found out that banks love investment properties. Consider a HELOC loan on your home or a second mortgage on the investment home (I don't think they do HELOC on investment homes). The fact that you have a tenant and cashflow is more valuable than your equity right now (assuming you don't have a monthly loss). I've had so many friends move and have me manage their properties until they sell them. Then they found out they don't need to sell them and I ended up with a property management business.
  15. pkstpaul
    I could tell from your descriptions of his treatment of his mother and the taxi driver smoking that you were not from the US. Even his expression of anger tells me that you may be dealing with cultural issues as much as personal issues. I've spent time in the Middle-east and South America and see what you describe as fairly typical. You are from that culture, so I'm not saying anything you don't already understand. The fact that there is cultural acceptance doesn't make it right. You have every right to expect him to live gospel standards. I am generally in the camp of encouraging someone to make the marriage work. It is work even with compatible, well behaved couples. Divorce is hard too. I often say 'it is easier to make a marriage work than a divorce'. However, if you don't "have" a marriage and if you are suffering abuse, you are best to force your hand and separate. Culturally, that may be very difficult. Unless you can return to family, you may have few options.
  16. pkstpaul
    I suggest using the Ward Council to help you. Get active Home and Visiting Teachers to come out. They can acclimate you to what's going on in the ward. Have the bishop and/or Relief Society President visit you. Yes, activation does involve walking back in the door, but you don't have to dive it. Go to a social or two. Talk to the bishop about an appropriate calling - Cub Scouts or Activity Days but not Primary or Nursery. Or be on a Relief Society commitee. As for drinking.... it is hard to imagine starting when you never drank before. I couldn't wait to stop after my baptism. It only makes you feel sick and regretful. I found the only way to quit an addiction is cold-turkey. Get it out of the house and ask for something else when you are out. Best wishes.
  17. pkstpaul
    We set up a room in the Primary wing.
  18. pkstpaul
    I'll conceed the point. I was thinking in terms of the baptism itself. The bishop cannot deny the baptism. It all seems so silly. Why would the RS frustrate the situation? Something that should be special becomes a point of contention; over something like cookie crumbs and spilled punch. Spiritual should trump temporal.
  19. pkstpaul
    Anatess covered things pretty well. I have a glass top stove and have not had issues canning. They don't work well if your pan isn't flat. I had to buy all new pans when I went glass top. I love the glass top and wouldn't have anything else unless I was rich enough to have two stoves and I would have a couple of gas burners for more control over heat. I actually one several glass top stove and only had one break. It was when a tenant put a piece of foil under the pan because they didn't want the stove to get dirty. Something about the foil caused the glass to shatter.
  20. pkstpaul
    It's not the call of the RS President, nor the Bishop, for that matter. It is the Ward Mission Leader who conducts the business of a baptisim. He is a member of the Ward Council. Sometimes we have to take a deep breath and remember we are all "volunteers" (okay, not literally and not a point of discussion). The point being leadership in the Church is far from perfect and these things happen. Nobody's going to stand at the door and prevent people from bringing in refreshments. Just be respectful and clean up after. The RS's "policy" might be directed to the 8 yr olds. Even so, drinks get spilled on other events. Baptism is even more important than a social. Regardless of policy, I see it as a great opportunity for someone to host a reception, as was mentioned by others. I know my response is all over the board. To answer your question, I've never heard of such a thing, but I would avoid conflict and find an alternative.
  21. pkstpaul
    Facebook is just another place for cat videos. I go there when I want a mindless brain dump from people. I come here for content.
  22. pkstpaul
    Gay people are such a super minority that I don't have to give it much thought. There is a guy who bags groceries at my store. He asks, "Is plastic okay", I say, "Yes". He says, "Have a nice day", I say, "Thank you". And then I don't think about how I treat homosexuals until the next week, if he bags my groceries. There are two women who recently moved across the street from me. They both look somewhat masculine. We wave occasionally but have yet to discuss dandelions, which is as much as I have discussed with the single woman next door to them.
  23. pkstpaul
    In no way did I say anything remote to saying anyone on this thread was being the thought police. The context of the discussion is an investigator knowing how they would "fit" in the Church. As an investigator/new member, they will bring lots of "non-compliant" ideas/notions/precepts, etc. There will be no perfect knowledge in the gospel, for any of us, until we're long past dead. Having said that, my point is, as a new member, her contrary views will be allowed - or tolerated, as some of you hate hearing - until she has been taught the truth by the Spirit. It can take years. Short of giving a talk about LGBT in a sacrament meeting, I seriously doubt a bishop would pull someone aside to "correct" them - not a new member.
  24. pkstpaul
    This statement has been bothering me since I saw it posted yesterday. I wouldn't want a prospective member feeling we had thought police in the church. The statement of "Depending on how hard you push that belief..." could be better qualified. I would qualify it as saying you cannot align yourself with a group that disparages the Church. It does not mean you cannot belong to a group that supports your ideas, whether they be sin or not. I don't think belonging to an LGBT political action committee is cause for church discipline unless the PAC had an anti-LDS component. No need to split hairs on the fact that LGBT is not in alignment with church policy. It is different to have a faith contrary to church doctrine than it is to public decry the Church leadership.
  25. pkstpaul
    So many dynamics are involved. On a personal note, a young person in that position is undergoing so many changes that even if they were to stay in YM/YW, the dynamics will change so fast they aren't likely to stay. A bishop may give approval for them to stay, as a consideration of the youth's current mental health status with the expectation the status may change rapidly. Another factor could be the amount of influence the individual has over others in the group. If he/she is a leader, it may be best to remove them. If the person was an outcast and in need of fellowshipping, it may be the best consideration to leave them in the group where there is positive leadership. As stated, prayer and discretion.