checkerboy

Pam you never said anything about my child!

Here are the specs. Born at 11:35 pm. 8 pounds exactly. 21.5 inches long.

Hey Congrats Jennarator!! I just had a baby too! He was also born on the 28th.

I am so glad this man is dead. This makes me worry so much about my own two boys because their mom has already used them as pawns against me. I want to meet these two boys after this life and give them a big hug. And then punch Josh in the face as many times as I can.

OK Call out time... Name three (even though I believe several would be more) LDS actors that curse, kiss and fake smoke along with their leadership callings please. I believe everyone has to define morality for themselves but the funny thing is that after this life Heavenly Father will tell us if we were right or wrong with our definitions.

There is an excellent book about Mormon and Moroni by Jerry L. Ainsworth called The Lives and Travels of Mormon and Moroni. I can't remember if it discusses these questions particularly but it gives some really good conjecture about their lives.

I was there. I think what you're going through is normal. I was really ready to get out there and find my next wife. I had to stop and realize though that I needed to make sure I was ok first. I needed to take my time and realize that she was out there if I took my time. I got involved in some "internet romances" that did absolutely nothing to help my self-esteem. My advice is to take it slow. I know you are not looking forward to "enjoying the single life," but it typically doesn't come around twice so take advantage. Plus most single women, if they haven't been married before aren't looking to jump up to the alter as soon as possible. Take your time and enjoy meeting people that even if they aren't the one, may become good friends. Yeah, there is still alot of drama even though you are older, it just comes with the territory I suppose. You just have to weed through it and you will find a gem. I think I got lucky because my new wife was someone that I knew growing up and we clicked immediately. But I had to take my time or I could have missed out on the best thing in my life.

Maybe doctrine was the wrong word to use. But I clearly remember from the other thread that there were those that were arguing that it would be appropriate for policy to be changed for some based on the circumstances of the culture they found themselves in. Or maybe better put that the leaders of the church had the authority to change policy based on a culture's traditions. Elder Oaks makes it very plain in this talk that that is not nor ever will be the case. He states that it is the tradition that needs to change not the policy. I keep seeing the length of garments brought up as a proof of this. The thing about that is that only the Lord through the prophet can make a change like that and I seriously doubt that it was a change made because people were yammering about wanting to wear shorts and t-shirts. Consider the revelation on blacks receiving the priesthood. If that revelation came about because of societal pressure and the changing of the times then by my estimate it should have happened in the 60's not the end of the 70's. Now, of course, if the prophet did come out and say we are making a change to the cut of garments I would pray and receive my own confirmation that it was of the Lord. I would seriously doubt, though, that it was because more people wanted to show off their shoulders. I guess I just wonder why so many people have to question the policies and doctrines of the church? If it is a legitimate "I was just curious about why we do it this way" type question that is one thing. But when you doubt and second-guess the Lord's anointed you are setting yourself up for a world of hurt. I am not accusing anyone specifically of the latter type of questioning but I have seen it done on several occasions here.

But Elder Oaks doesn't give any indication that the leadership of the church feels that they can or should alter church doctrine to suit the needs of the culture. In fact he indicates quite the opposite, in stating that "Repenting means giving up all of our practices—personal, family, ethnic, and national—that are contrary to the commandments of God." I think I pretty well understood the nature of the thread I had read. Sometimes people have a hard time letting go of the traditions of their fathers. Happened all the time to me on my mission.

Recently I read a thread discussing cultural traditions and the prevailing view was that the General Authorities had "wiggle room" when it came to enforcing gospel standards in cultures where they would appear abnormal. I found that to be very curious. So I did a little research. I remembered that Elder Oaks, an apostle no less, spoke about this subject. Here is the link to his talk. I believe this should put to rest any speculation that if you are raised with a certain cultural tradition that it is still ok to hang on to that tradition when you have received the gospel into your life. Repentance and Change Enjoy!

Not sure that I was asking for feather rustling. The point is that the church doesn't change its doctrine on the whims of society. Now if the Lord was to say allow gays to marry and have the same standing in the church as straight people then that would be different wouldn't it? That won't happen though. Just because I have never been gay doesn't mean I can't empathize with someone that is. And just because I don't have those tendencies doesn't mean that I am out to lunch as to what the Lord has said about them. It is a black and white issue, but one in which I can still show compassion. I have a couple gay friends and they know my stance on their lifestyle. Yet it doesn't stop us from being friends. I wish that people wouldn't make such a big deal about diversity because if they wouldn't we could all be less superficial and more genuine.

I can't wait to see what the world's reaction to this talk will be. Very powerful.

OK here is a challenge for anyone out there. Could you translate the following into these different languages, Afrikaans, Albanian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hungarian, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovenian, Swedish. Here is what to translate: Elder Sister Hometown Ward Stake Birthday Scripture Thanks to all who can help me out!

Thanks Wingnut. Would you be willing to translate other testimonies if I have more? I would even throw you some cash for translating seeing as it is for my business. I thought I remembered enough Spanish from high school and college but apparently I am lacking. The translation offer is for anyone actually. I do Missionary Trading Cards in English and Spanish and soon will branch out to French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and a few others. Let me know

I was wondering if someone out there that speaks Spanish could translate the following: "If you are reading the Book of Mormon, praying,and going to church, there is no way you are not going to feel the spirit, its just up to you if you want to accept it or not. Jesus is knocking on the door,we just have to open up the door to him." Thank you so much.