Dove

I would like to come with my husband, Beau. I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about it, but would like to meet everyone. Ceeboo, are you goint to come? Pam, you give me hope, LOL.....I have a little bit of a hard time in crowds, but, as has been said, I'll come with bells on!! Did someone from West Jordan say they would like a ride?

Hello, OneTimeQuestion, I'm sorry to hear you are struggling so much, My personal vice is smoking. I'm glad to hear you are trying already to conquer this, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. It sounds like you have already sought a blessing through your bishop, and that for whatever reason, that didn't work out...... Yes, faith is required on something like this, and you need to go to people you can trust in the church. Do you have family members, friends in the church who would fast with you that this evil spirit would be removed? Can you go to other friends, maybe the stake president for a priesthood blessing? Is is truly in your heart to be freed of this evilness? You know, I had an evil spirit follow me for quite some time in my life, for over a period of years......even though we cast him out once.....he came back. Though this experience of mine definately doesn't sound as bad as yours, I want to share it with you to let you know you are not alone. It wasn't until one night in particular that I was so tired of him bothering me, I just had had enough, I was done, somehow. Then I cast him out in the name of the Saviour, and he gave one last angry sign that he was there, and left. He hasn't bothered me since...... Know that you are a son of God, don't worry so much about the son of perdition part, know that God loves you so much. Satan sure doesn't, never could, and never would. His intent is to destroy you, if you allow him to......but don't let that frighten you, because God stands between you and the adversary, through Jesus Christ, with open arms of love, to protect you and save you......if this is your will and desire. This is all up to you, what you want. Thank our Heavenly Father for the atonement to give us choice and agency in these matters. Please let us know how you're doing and what's going on for you. We are concerned for you and hope the best for you....

If you are going so far as to posting it as a question on a thread, it would seem to show that it's bothering you. Traveler, we all make decisions everyday about moral questions....Larry Miller made the decision to pull "Brokeback Mountain" from his movie theatres, yet his theatres show rated "R" movies all the time.....I choose not to work Sundays, and declined a job where I would raise money for planned parenthood as they condone and help women get abortions.......this when I reeeally need a job an not much else is forthcoming. I think it's up to you to decide where you draw the line in moral decisions. However, I believe that sure blessings are there to be had when one chooses on the side of righteousness......Sure, I really need a job right now, but options are coming through, I still have a roof over my head, food on the table and clothes on my back. Better yet, it's kept me out of a field I have really grown to dislike, telemarketing, and I am now being considered for other, better job opportunities. I always feel better in my conscience when I err on the side of righteousness in matters like these, especially when it's already bothering me. There's such a wide arena of choices in business when selling products. Sure, this juice may mix well with alcohol, but with that being said, it's probably a great mixer with other many other combinations of juices/sodas/waters/possibilites as well.

Where's the LOL button when I need it?! How old was this man anyway? I'm sorry to say this, but I wonder how sound his mind was when he got up there to confess????

RC, Justice, Thanks so much for your kind, truthful answers, they meant so much to me.....the inherant nonjudgmentalness in your thoughts brought tears to my eyes....Your support has helped me. Dove

I'm sorry to see that the sniping at each other's religion has continued.....and have reported this thread to the moderator's for their review and to hopefully close this permanently. There have been many things said here that have been said in direct conflict of the site rules, which are there for good reason. It's not such a bad idea to read them from time to time...

Thank you for your testimony, Bytor, I catch the energy and "zeal" from your words.... Unfortunately, it seems I've had a different row to hoe in the church, for me one difficult and severe. Not that your road is not "difficult." While I do have a strong testimony of the Spirit and God's influence in my life, it seems that following His will has produced catastrophic consequences for me.....consequences I live with to this day. Perhaps I needed these consequences to learn the deeper things of Christ.... I say this in peace, with no intent to produce contention or "ill will." It's a differing perspective, and one I will cut short. I'm happy for the journey you have undertaken, as it seems a happy, fulfilling one~My hope is that the wonderful things of life continue for you and your family, and that the "void" you have spoken of is forever filled Dove

Hey Hemi, Sorry, I think we are talking about two totally different things, I wasn't talking about the government at all in my prior thread; but rather about my personal experience of life. I agree with you, I think Hitler, and the Gadianton Robbers were all about man's agency, not God's will....However, I also think God is amongst the victims of these evil leaders, and that He never leaves His people alone.... PS, while we may deny Him all we want, we are still in His hands for Him to do with us as He sees fit, when He sees fit...

A host of scriptues come to mind as I read your thread Bytor, "Be in the world but not of the world," Justices' allusions to praying always, etc..... Sorry, it's so early in the morning for me (My husband gets up at 4am, and I've been up since) that I'm not up to giving scriptural references at this point. There was a point in my life when I was much more devout/devoted. I actually put my TV in storage, hung-up pictures of the Saviour all over my apartment, and would read my scriptures and Ensigns/other church publications for an hour a day. My heart was so much into what you're saying. Then I tried to interface into my wards. Wow, what a bitter experience the single wards were for me....backbiting, gossiping, two facedness, judgementalness. Frankly, I have never recovered the zeal you speak of. I know God lives, but honestly, the pain of life, and the weakness of the arm of flesh has stumped me, maybe my arm of flesh. I am too weak to make it on my own, perhaps..... I see such a dichotomy as to what Christianity teaches (love your fellow man, charity, selflessness, self restraint, humility, Christlike attributes) and what those who call themselves His followers really do.....it perplexes me. I feel lost and unsure. Often times the people I find in my life who are sincere and kind are the ones who have distanced themselves from christianity. I don't know how to regain this zeal you exhibit through the pain I've so often experienced in my dealings with "fellow" christians....I don't believe the answer is to live a life of exclusivity from them, I am not an island. I don't know what to do.... Thought?

I was thinking of this topic the other day. I was speaking to a Christian friend who was telling me of a few families in his congregation that have had severe losses while doing "good" things. One person actually died while being baptized--an electrical current went through the water and killed him. We discussed how it is so hard to understand something like that...he was doing something God commanded, yet lost his life. I made the comment that rain falls on all--good and bad. It is up to us to respond appropriately to the event. I'm not convinced that God is the root of all the seemingly "bad" things that happen to people. I simply don't know if some of the events in our life are punishment by God. I do believe in agency and that many, many events are results of consequences by people exercising their agency. But one thing that I try to do. I try to give God praise for any good in my life (and give praise for those rare times when I recognize that bad things are simply a challenge or way to grow). I prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to God--I'll give him praise for any good in my life and attribute any bad to consequences of actions by me or another. Quote from prior thread by Beefche Hi Applepansy, Beefche, AP, thanks so much for opening up this thread, while this is a "hard topic," it's one I've given so much thought to throughout my life, why opposition in all things, Beefche, why the good and the ill? Of course, this takes us back to the garden of eden, and the necessity of Adam and Eve in partaking the forbidden fruit in order for mankind to come into the world....."Adam fell that man might be, and men are that they might have joy...." The fact that this verse in ensconsed in the chapter on opposition is not lost on me....and that opposition is necessary for our agency, growth and "glory" if I might say in coming home to our Heavenly Parents.... Hard concepts for me to learn due to the issues I was dealing with from my childhood at the time. I will always be grateful to a dear friend who showed up in that hour to be there and "help" me learn these things. And my, how it did seem that God's hand was in all things in those hours of my life. Very pointedly so~ I was once told in a priesthood blessing years ago that I had agreed in the pre-existance to have diabetes here in earth life~which makes sense to me. I believe that we all were given choice beforehand to experience the trials that we now have~Maybe given a rough draft as to what we would go through, in order to preserve our agency as to the pain we would experience. Just my opinion though. As my friend would say to me, there are no accidents..... I also believe that pain is necessary in the great plan of salvation....that trials and opposition are for our good and benefit in the end. NOT that we would seek after them, that's not our place, neither to hold negativity towards our great creator for placing us in an existence that can and will inflict this upon us, but to be grateful for all things to teach us more deeply who we are as children of God, and to confess His hand in all things....for making us who we are. I don't think there are accidents in this life, that all things are directed, and done according to God's will, even if it is the giving of consequences to our choices and use of agency in direct conflict with His commandments.....I strongly believe God already knows the end from the beginning, and plans accordingly.

ABQ Friend, Ceeboo, I've been reading through this whole thread, and frankly, as a latter-day saint, I am quite embarrassed as to how you're beliefs have been treated by other latter day saints as a whole on this thread. I do feel there has been disrespect, unkindness, and ingnorance displayed, for which I'm deeply sorry......I hope that I can consider all of you as friends, and would never want to say anything hurtful to you, or about you, or misrepresent/malign your religious beliefs. I'm not sure I would even have the right to tell anyone/represent to anyone what your religious beliefs are, as they are not mine to tell!!! I appreciate your attempts to share what your beliefs here. ABQ friend, thank you so much for your studies of the LDS Religion. You have done far more than I have to find out about our doctrine.....Frankly, I am quite ignorant of the doctrine of catholicism, as I am about most other religions other than my own, embarrassing as it is to admit. I absolutely do agree though, that it is not correct to degrade or denigrate anyone because of their belief's! Thank you both for your patience with all of us. We definately need lesson in Christ like attributes towards people of other faiths....perhaps your examples will help us out :-) Take Care Dove

Hi Applepansy, What a difficult topic! So where does our agency end, and God's hand begin?! While you are applying this to who was elected president, I'm applying this to life as a whole. While in many ways I agree with bmy and Hemi, that much of what is given to us is hingent upon our agency, to me it is all still such a gift! Yes, it is a fine line between agency and God's grace, imo..... I definately do not agree that we are "in charge" of this kingdom altogether. I believe that we are in a promised land, a blessed land that is thriving because of the Hand of God. However, I do not dismiss that God may have placed people here at the right time who would make the kind of choices to cause the land to thrive, LOL. Still, I attribute it to God's omniscience and knowing who to place where to make the choices needed to bring His purposes forward. Doctrine and Covenants 59:21 might be helpful here: "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is His wrath kindled, save those who confess not His hans in all things and obey not His commandments." Maybe it's a combination of the two....

Faded, Thank you for bringing this question up, as this is exactly the argument my very inactive sister will bring up when voicing her reason for not believing in the great apostasy at all, nor in the restoration..... You certainly seem to have studied and have been educated on this topic~ (I for one have not been,) I do have some very basic and simplistic thoughts. Hopefully what I have to say will at least become fodder for further discussion. Feel free to correct what is said in ignorance though, LOL..... Maybe it's as simple as what I was taught years ago, that mankind, as a whole, was not ready for a fullness of the gospel during those earlier times. That the people who populated the earth would have rejected the gospel. However, I do recall passages in the Book of Mormon that say He has spoken to "all the nations of the earth...and they shall write it....."(2 Nephi 29:7-13). Which leads me to believe that mankind, as a whole, has had the gospel given to them at some point, and it has been recorded, but has been lost. Maybe everbody had been given a chance in the annals of history, and all have fallen into their own apostasy? IMHO, I don't believe that God did "abandon" mankind, that we all are accorded blessings according to our choices and desires, much of which was determined in the pre-existence. I am soo grateful to be born in a time where the gospel is here and that I have been able to reap the benefits of the priesthood and its ordinances. I definately believe that the gospel was restored in a promised land.....and that yeah, sadly the earth was veiled in "darkness" for quite some time. More because of our choices than the desires of our Heavenly Parent....... I am also very grateful for the great truths of other religions, they really do have a lot to offer in their teachings. The thirteenth article of faith comes to mind. Best of wishes with your thread :-) Dove

Thanks for bringing up this topic, SBG, I believe it's an important one. Wow, we certainly have gone a ciruitous course with all the differing (and informative) threads! I've learned some importang things concerning the sacrament. I do believe that unless we have sinned so grievously as to need to confess to the bishop, it is important to fulfill our covenants each week by taking the sacrament. For me, this is truly the case. I have struggled with this. I have a word of wisdom problem in that I smoke. I didn't take the sacrament for years because of this....it was a self-imposed abstinence. A friend of mine encouraged me to talk to my bishop about it and ask if I could still partake, even though. Wouldn't you know? He gave me permission to still take the sacrament?! I was so surprised! What a blessing! I struggle with making it to church each Sunday, I could so easily slip into inactivity at this time in my life. Feelings of inadequacy and despair in relation to the gospel and how I'm living it creep in so easily. But, just this past week I made it to church after lapsing a couple of weeks. The Spirit was so strong as I walked through the doors. I could feel how pleased He was with me for being there, that this was where He wanted me to be. When it came time to take the sacrament, I too wondered if I was ready to do so, if I was truly "worthy." Again, I felt the Spirity strongly as I partook. That the covenants I was making were binding, that it was appropriate for me to do so, that He acknowledged them, and was pleased. What a blessing to feel all that! The sacrament is so important to participate in. It's up to us to "ready" ourselves, or make ourselves available to feel the Spirit as we do participate. To treat the process lightly or without due respect becomes our loss, and His sorrow. I have struggled, not having children, with how noisy family wards can be during the sacrament. I really respect the example of one sister of a ward I was in. During the sacrament, she would bow her head and become very reverant and still. It was very clear that she was worshipping at that time. I'll never forget that.

I think of the great intercessory prayer(s) given by the Saviour in the New Testament (and briefly in the Book of Mormon), where he talks about being "one" with the Father and the Spirit, and making all of us "one" with Him and the Father, and the Spirit. To me, these are some of the most beautiful passages of scripture~they further illustrate the humble purposes of the Father and Son in the plan of salvation~that all of us may become as "one." I have felt the power of the Holy Spirit strongly in my life, who has communicated to me the love of my Heavenly Father. I honestly struggle the most with understanding the atonement, or more precisely, knowing what the atonement was and how it applies to my life. However, because of my diabetes, I have had strong witnesses as to the atonement when I've faced those heart felt questions concerning life and death. I know God lives, that He loves me, that there is an atonement, and that because of this life does continue beyond the grave. I know this life, for me, is one big learning experience about loving myself and others. That it has eternal consequences. It makes sense to me that there is a Godhead made up of three members. I suppose this is because of my LDS upbringing; but, it rings true to me....

I have to admit, I have been pretty intimidated to even post on this thread.....It's not like I'm the greatest spiritual person around. I don't consistently read my scriptures anymore, I don't even consistently pray. But I know God lives, and I'm taking my stripes in life. I too, at one point, would want to have the Spirit with me "always." The funny thing is, through all these threads, no one has talked about the greatest gift of all, the "pure love of Christ."........Isn't that what Christ is all about? Charity? Am I wrong on this one?! I think of 1 Corinthians 13, and then 1 Corinthians 13:13~"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatese of these is charity. I have learned that life is about learning. Learning to love, learning to give, learning to be humble, to think of others, to make them comfortable, whatever that looks like. "Love thy neighbour as thyself" comes to mind. This usually can't be found through scripture study and prayer alone, but through hard experience, through getting out their and trying. Little children are good ones to practice this on. They have no concept of altruism usually, but they're pure. Elderly people are good. Anyone is good. Yeah, I do think that life will serve us up exactly what we want. Pray for your heart's desire. Then leave it to the Lord to provide.....Lose yourself in charitably loving others is my opinion.....Do it with all your heart. I believe you will begin to be guided by the Spirit as to how to help your fellow man, then you will find that you will have the Spirit with you more so. You will begin to feel His love for you and for others more and more. Maybe not in the ways you would expect.....but in the ways that will be for your best interest and others.

CJ, Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe in the New Testament, the JST translation is to judge righteous judgment~i.e. Matthew 7:2 and John 7:24, rather than not judging at all. For with what judgment we judge, we shall be judged. I agree with you, it's not mine to decide whose going to hell, or what kind of punishment, or non punishment, a person is deserving of. It is mine to decide if I can remain around people who degrade me or do things that harm me. It is critical in these circumstances for me to keep a sense of clarity about what "love" is, and what it is not, for often I have consented to allow their abusive acts towards me to continue in the name of being kind to them, or in understanding them, or forgiving them, when to do so is just inappropriate. There are times when the best response is to walk away from a situation that is not in my best interest emotionally or physically. That being said, it is so easy to harbor anger or ill will towards the people who have done these abusive things. So much harder to practice forgiveness at a safe distance. I think, for me, a key note of forgiveness is accountability for my own life and happiness. Not blaming another for my own happiness, or lack thereof. That's a hard one, I admit. Another hard one is not joying when I see them get there "just deserts" in life, their portion of pain..... I believe relying on the atonement of Christ is so important in this process of forgiving others~It is comforting to know that along with being all merciful, He is also just and fair, with all of us.

LOL!! Where's that laugh button when I need it, PC?! I'm thankful to you for this thread. What I'm learning from this isn't so much the laws of chastity/celibacy, etc. It's more that we each have our individual circumstances/backgrounds that we come from and are judged by, and that Christ is the perfect, all merciful, just, and loving judge. The words to a Mormon hymn come to mind, "Lord, I would follow Thee,"...."Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee~" I quote these lyrics because I feel this hymn applies here. I don't think we know the dragons other's fight in their heart to practice chastity, or in what form they choose to practice it or understand it. We don't know their history or background, therefore who are we to judge? I feel it is in order to proffer tolerance and love to anybody striving to become better, or more Christlike, as they understand Him. I tip my hat to those who dedicate their lives to serving Him, as they understand Him. We have young men who do that two years of their lives in the LDS church. I would be remiss to dress anyone down in the name of defending my doctrine. It's just not right. While I believe as I do, and I am a member of the LDS church, I do believe the doctrine of the church for the most part, and am working on the rest. However, it's not mine to tell anybody they're wrong, or going to hell, or anywhere less than heaven, for believing something different. That's between them and their Creator. I would say it is mine to show by example how happy I am to believe in Christ as I do, and to be Christlike. That's all....I think of Doctrine and Covenants 121:41; "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned....." How beautiful! Life is sooo hard! The Saviour knows this, and judges us according to the knowledge and the experiences and choices that we have. All of us, at some point in time, will receive a fullness of the truth, in radiant, beaming, truthful perspective. I believe that everyone one of us will agree in that moment that He is just, and that we are being given exactly what we wanted and have chosen..........Until then, why don't we do all we can to help each other, gay or straight, mormon, or a member of another faith (or even non-faith), married, divorced, or just single, whatever defining title we fall under, let's help each other make this life a little sweeter, brighter, kinder, more hopeful, loving, happier. For everyone. Isn't this what the Saviour would have us do?

PC, There is no doubt that the LDS doctrine/ideal is that in order to gain exaltation, or the highest level in the celestial kingdom, one must be joined in marriage to another of the opposite sex (I believe the term "sealed" in marriage in the temple is more exact or correct) in order to be able to procreate and people other world's in the eternities to come. This is the doctrine. Nothing can be said or done by anyone on this forum to change this.....it is what it is. That being said, I also revert back to what Stallion McBeastly quoted, that all blessings will be afforded to all those who didn't get the chance in this earth life to receive, who will accept them, will have them at a later time. Meaning, imho, this comes down to Christ's grace for all of us. I am so grateful for His grace. There are so many factors that come into play in having an ideal marriage with children. I received my patriarchal blessing at sixteen. It promised me sons and daughters in a beautiful temple marriage, this while I was undiagnosed with polycystic ovary disease, which renders me unable to conceive and bear children.....there are other factor's in my life which keeps my from being able to even adopt children. What a sorrow for me to bear, an LDS woman in the church........I feel so lost when my role is to be a mother in Zion. I am also married to a man of another faith~he loves me dearly, faithfully, loyally, deeply.....I couldn't have asked for a better man. Yet, we are not sealed in the temple. What do I do? I have struggled with this as an LDS Saint. My exaltation is so tenuous now, so unsure, and so hingent on a third party! I have decided that in the end I can only do my best in being Christlike and in getting home. My husband is Christian, and very devout in his own beliefs. I have come to know deeply the LDS doctrine of agency and in respecting other peoples agency, their right to choose how they believe, and my absolute duty in respecting that right! Meanwhile, I have my own boat to charter across the rough waters of life in attempting the voyage home to my Heavenly Family. I am so grateful for the atonement of Christ, His grace and His leverage in making it back, because I know that without His grace and leverage, I wouldn't be able to make it. I believe this life is such a gift, that there is so many things to be learned, in both the good and the perceived bad. How can we judge another person's intent in all this? I don't think we can.... I really do respect those who choose a life of celibacy over a life of the alternative, if that's the best they can do.....who knows what their best is?.......I didn't get married until my late 30's, and that by the skin of my teeth! Which leads me to state again, I really do believe that any marriage that is a happy temple marriage with children really is a gift of grace!

I appreciate those homosexuals who give up their temptations to live the alteranate lifestyle, who choose a life of celibacy, and do all that they can do to follow Christ. I believe we have an LDS person here on LDS net who is doing just that. Maybe this is a trial they must endure here in this earth life in their pursuit of eternal life....Yes, exaltation is about procreating other worlds, but we also must come to a point where we are like unto the Saviour, understanding what our children are going through, else how can we be ready to do this? Maybe bearing the cross of denying oneself of these impulses is one way of understanding. I think of the great intercessory prayers given by the Saviour, both in the New Testament, and in the Book of Mormon, how His goal is for all of us to become "one" together~ (John 17, 3 Nephi 19: 20-33). What a glorious state! This isn't about just one man and one woman in marriage, it's about all of us. It's these verses that put my mind at ease a great deal about polygamy! And while we as a church put a lot of emphasis on our identities/roles in the church based on our gender, I think of all those people who have the trial of being born with both genitalia. What a predicament! How does all this apply to them? How are they to choose? I saw a report on this a little while ago, and this trial is difficult for most of them to deal with. What comfort and upliftment/hope in this arena can we offer them?

Hi Brenlae, Thanks for your curiousity~As you can tell, you will receive a lot of feedback from your questions. We hope to hear back from you in your search! The greatest thing for me about being a mormon is sensing that the covenants (promises to God at baptism) I've made are real and honored by God, and that He has given me the gift of the Holy Ghost as a result. The Holy Ghost is my daily guide, and the neatest things I feel through the Holy Ghost on a daily basis is God's love for me and others. I am a "mormon" because truly to me that means I am a member of Christ's church, I have taken upon myself His name, and this is where He wants me to be. We believe the Bible to be Holy Scripture, and true events. While Secular things are fun, we are careful about their content. Best of wishes to you, Brenlae. I hope we can be friends :). Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like. Best of luck Dove

Hello, Mirium, So sorry, it sounds like you are in a severe depression! I would say to get professional help! Maybe counseling and medications both. LDS social services in your area may be able to provide an LDS counselor who can help right now. Also, to go easy on yourself in the sense of going gently on yourself right now. To know that God loves you dearly and knows your situation and sorrows perfectly..... A lot of people have responded to your thread here...and have shown their support. One thing you might consider is building support in the ward you're in. Is it possible to find friends there? Maybe take an adult CES (church educational system) class? Can your home teachers/bishop give you a blessing? Get an extra visit from your visiting teachers? Anything to build support and positive experiences from the LDS people around you? Are you able to go to the temple in your area? Maybe try to make the gospel fun for yourself? Maybe get involved in a service project too, with children, elderly people, or homeless people, or animals? You know, Mirium, I wrote a thread months ago when I was severely depressed. You were one of the few to respond. You responded in kindness to me, and friendship. I am so grateful to you for doing so, it was welcomed and appreciated. I hope I can do the same for you now. To me, life is meant for trial and tribulation. We came here to experience pain and sorrow. "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy..." That verse is ensconsed in the chapter in the Book of Mormon on opposition. (2 Nephi 2:11). Remember, there is opposition in all things. I believe the only way through opposition is through Christ who descended below all things so that He could succor us through our trials. I think of Ether 12:24, where it says that He gave us weaknesses that we may be humble and come unto Him, and if we would come unto Him, He would make our weaknesses strengths. I have felt alone so many times in my life. Lately things have gotten worse. I've lost my job and am struggling in getting a new one......but the Spirit is so strong in my life right now. It is such a blessing. I feel His presence and love so strongly! Please don't give up. Don't be too hard on yourself. Go gently. Keep reaching out. Know that you are loved and not alone. Thank you for your kindness to me when I needed it!! You made a difference in my life! Dove

What would be wrong with being with our pets in Heaven?! Why wouldn't we be able to do that?! Would there be some law against that? I doubt it! Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in the details of what we think Heaven will look like that we make it overly complex. If the animal and the owner loved each other (as much as the animal and owner were able to) and want to be together again, what would keep them from getting together again in Heaven?! I don't know. I remember as a little girl, being reassured by my mother that I would be together again with my lost and dead pets, they meant so much to me. I don't doubt that I will be reunited with them at some point again, if that is what they want too....

I agree, I wonder what our pets experienced as they lived with us here on earth. They certainly have light and needed our love....and gave love to us. I remember our family pets vividly while growing up, the good and the bad (like the rabbit that bit me out of it's cage, LOL...) It will be interesting to know more about them.

Hello, RD, I'm sorry, I got sidetracked from answering your question. I would say that if you have a basic enough testimony to know that God lives and loves you, and that this is His church, for you to stick with it and keep working towards doing His will in your life as you understand it. There is no way that we can understand everything. I believe obedience comes line upon line and precept upon precept. The more obedient we are, the more He will give us to exercise our obedience by, the more blessings we will receive. I do believe that this comes down to our own personal revelation, in the end. It has been said many times that we have the right to pray about the counsel of our leaders to find out if what they are saying is true, by the Spirit. I feel this should be an ongoing exercise. I also believe that Heavenly Father is pleased with every bit of our efforts to come unto Him. Pulling away from Him is pulling ourselves away from the happiness/love He offers~