my two cents

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  1. Like
    my two cents reacted to BeccaKirstyn in Choosing my love of men over god   
    I'm confused of what kind of responses you are looking for. Are you looking for an answer to this question? 
    Because you've made it clear that it doesn't really matter what the answer is. You, as you said, will still "choose your fiancé over God every time". So does any response/answer to your question actually matter? I don't think so. 
    So beyond that, the next thing I can think of is are you looking for validation for your feelings/reasons? I can promise you that you won't find that here. If you peruse any other "advice" seeking column about scenarios looking for validation for their sin-like decisions, you will see that the members here will not give you a validating "perspective". They will give you what the doctrine of the Church says, and why they find it important. 
    Since you've made it very clear that you would "choose your fiancé over God every time", I don't know what other information you could possibly be looking for on a mormon forum, outside of validation for your decisions. At the end of the day it is your life, your choices. Because God gave you the agency to do that in this Earth life. Does that agency come without consequence? Absolutely not. But it does come with a full, free rein to do whatever you'd like. So no one is going to stop you from making your own choices--not even God himself. He won't stop you from choosing your fiancé over Him. Because that's how important you are to Him. Your ability to decide for yourself is something He will never take away from you. 
    So fair warning to whatever other responses you get. 
  2. Haha
    my two cents reacted to Fether in First date ideas?   
    Ring shopping
  3. Like
    my two cents reacted to Latter-Day Marriage in What is a good way to start a conversation with a girl in my singles ward?   
    You can always start out saying something like "Hey, I know asking you this over Facebook is kind of lame, but I've tired getting a chance to ask in person and it hasn't worked out and I don't want to put it off any longer so... "

    If you acknowledge your not doing it the best way right at the start, people are likely to cut you some slack for it.
  4. Like
    my two cents reacted to pam in Looking for advice, not judgement   
    So I've now read through this entire thread.  And I will say that I see both sides of the responses that are being given.  But one thing I want to say and we say this quite often here on the forums.  When you come to a random internet forum (LDS or not) you can expect a variety of responses.  Not all of them are going to be what you want to see or what you want to hear.  And we will allow a variety of responses unless they start breaking some of the site rules that we have set into place.  So far none of the responses meet that criteria.  
    Many times responses are given because that person or someone very close to them have gone through the same situation.  Now I'm NOT saying that is the case here because I don't know and frankly it is none of my business.  Believe me.  I have some subjects that just push my buttons and because they are something I am passionate about, I voice my opinion even if it goes against the grain.  It's just how we as humans are.
    Putting a disclaimer or a rule in the title such as "no judgment" won't stop people from having opinions or expressing their perspectives on a situation.  It's like saying, "I want to hear what you have to say but only if it is something I want to hear."    In fact many times it fuels it more than stops it.  It's the nature of an internet forum.   But we can't ask people to leave unless they are breaking site rules as I mentioned earlier.  And that can only come from the moderating staff.  
    What I get from the OP is you are asking about what kind of action, disciplinary or other, you might receive for your actions with another.  To be honest, none of us can tell you that.  We are not your  Bishop.  We don't hold any stewardship over you.  Only your Bishop can guide you and direct you and decide what action might need to be taken.  
    Having a porn addiction can cause problems in a marriage.  By your own admission you stated that he came to you months before your got married and admitted he had a problem with it.  Getting married doesn't just magically make that addiction go away.  The same can be said with any other addiction.  
    You mentioned he is a wonderful husband that treats you like a Queen and is a wonderful father to your child.  That's such a glowing compliment to him in a world where some just don't take marriage and parenthood that seriously.  
    I guess what I really want to say is, it sounds like both of you have issues right now that are affecting your marriage.  That's really what it boils down to.  Both of you need to work on your individual issues.  Both of you need to have some long serious talks with your Bishop and follow his counsel.  Both of you also need to have some long serious talks with our Father in Heaven.  I'm sure you are already doing that.  
    And again, keep in mind this is a public internet forum.  If you are going to come and lay your problems down for the world to see and expect only kind, thoughtful, and encouraging words it doesn't always happen.  The forums are filled with different people with different life experiences and many times give their opinion based on those experiences.  
    I truly do wish you the best and hope that both of you can receive the help you need.  It does sound like there is still much hope and love in your marriage.  
  5. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from pam in Looking for advice, not judgement   
    @In Idaho I'm sorry you're experiencing these challenges and I know you're new to this forum but we don't call names here or tell people to leave just because you don't like their reply.
  6. Like
    my two cents reacted to a mustard seed in Walking off 100 lbs.   
    Thank you so much for the support you guys! You really made my day with your messages. <3 <3 <3 <3 I sometimes forget how far I've come and to take the time to enjoy it. I was able to wear jeans today that wouldn't fit up my thighs before coming to Rexburg today, so, that was another thing to just hammer home how much has changed for me. *hugs for everyone*
    @priesthoodpower I don't think I could do that diet. It would not be a sustainable lifestyle choice for me. Unless eating carbs made me ill, I will probably never be able to let them go(unless it became a commandment, then I'd have to pray every day for the Spirit to console me through the loss of pasta and Italian bread and bagels). I really respect people who are willing and able to give certain things up for the long haul.
  7. Like
    my two cents reacted to mirkwood in 230 Years Ago Today   
    "230 years ago today 41 delegates to a convention in Philadelphia, after nearly 4 months of deliberation and debate, signed the Constitution of the United States.  Some of the signers of the U.S. Constitution, including George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, later testified in their own words of the divine assistance of "providential agency", that "Almighty hand", or the "finger of God"  toward establishing the Constitution.  And we Latter-day Saints have been told  by the Lord Himself in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 101:80 that He established the Constitution of this land by the hands of wise men whom He raised up unto that very purpose.  Since that revelation was given in 1833, almost every latter-day prophet and many apostles have testified of the importance of our understanding, upholding, and abiding by the principles of the U.S. Constitution. President David O. McKay said it this way: “Other than being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States." (The Instructor, Feb. 1956, p. 34)
  8. Like
    my two cents reacted to a mustard seed in Walking off 100 lbs.   
    So, Sunday weigh in: 238 lbs! I am just relieved that I keep losing weight and not gaining any of it back, although I wish I had more self control and could lose more, faster. I broke down and had some Chinese food this week and ate at Taco Bell twice. My favorite is that crunchy taco put inside a soft taco with cheese between them. I don't know what it is called and I better not learn the name of it. This week, it rained and all of a sudden it is cold now. That chill of autumn has definitively set in. Going to try on my skinny jeans tonight and see if I can start wearing them because it'd be nice to wear something a little longer than my capris while I walk to work. Even if they do end up being a little snug for a bit. Wish me luck!
    Oh! And some pictures I've been meaning to post. Orange shirt is August 17 and blue shirt is September 6. Do I look skinnier than the pic in the OP? It's hard for me to tell, even as my clothes fall off of me, lol. Sometimes I look in the mirror and I think the scale is lying to me.


  9. Like
    my two cents reacted to priesthoodpower in .   
    .
  10. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from Sunday21 in Non-Mormon Wants to Live by Mormons   
    Welcome to the forum! I love that you "want in" but you need to understand that being LDS is a lifestyle. Yes, there's the standards but there's also the time commitment. We're a lay church which means everyone is supposed to pitch in to help things run. Sometimes it can require a good deal of time outside the 3 hours of church on Sunday so your wife could at times be quite busy and need your support with that. To have a strong marriage, the more "equally yoked" you are the better so you may want to consider how aligned you're willing to be. And fwiw - not sure what line of work you're in but you may want to consider southern Idaho as well (you still get mountains and conservative values but without the smog).
  11. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from seashmore in Non-Mormon Wants to Live by Mormons   
    Welcome to the forum! I love that you "want in" but you need to understand that being LDS is a lifestyle. Yes, there's the standards but there's also the time commitment. We're a lay church which means everyone is supposed to pitch in to help things run. Sometimes it can require a good deal of time outside the 3 hours of church on Sunday so your wife could at times be quite busy and need your support with that. To have a strong marriage, the more "equally yoked" you are the better so you may want to consider how aligned you're willing to be. And fwiw - not sure what line of work you're in but you may want to consider southern Idaho as well (you still get mountains and conservative values but without the smog).
  12. Like
    my two cents reacted to Grunt in Non-Mormon Wants to Live by Mormons   
    I'm a heathen, so let me share my story with you since many of the points you raised rang true with me.
    Everything that draws you to the church you can have without it (in terms of values).  I have them.  You just need to choose your partner wisely.  Most people don't.  
    I was attracted to the church for the very same reasons as you:  Traditional values, emphasis on family, preparedness, and the like are all things I was living long before I was introduced to the church.  Because of that, it caused me to look into the church to see what about their religion caused them to believe so much like me.  In doing so, I found that their faith and values stem from God, Prophets, and Scripture.  I can't explain much more than that because I'm a neophyte, but someone else could probably help if it's important to you.
    I've found that I am accepted in the Mormon community as long as I continue to have a desire to learn.  I'm not sure what would happen if I said: "I'm just here to hang out".  I'm sure they would be fine with it, but being fine with it doesn't mean I'd get the same reception.  The Mormons are a very welcoming people and seem to pride themselves on not being judgmental as individuals, or at least acknowledging when they are.  That's odd because as a religion they are very judgmental.
    Mormons aren't pushy.  Missionaries are pushy.  That's a huge difference.  If one more missionary asks me to set a date for baptism I'm going to stop inviting them over.  I don't, though, because I find value in their fellowship and lessons.  I think next time I see them I'll ask them to not mention baptism again.  I honestly believe they likely won't.  I learn doctrine and scripture from the missionaries, typically.  I learn application through association with Mormons.  
    One thing I've learned is Mormons aren't just a religion, they are a family.  The skeptical side of me believes this is to keep everyone on the straight and narrow, and that is likely part of it, but I believe it stems from a genuine desire and belief that they are to care for each other.  They have dinners together, study together, work parties at each other's homes, and just generally interact regularly.  At least they seem to.  I'm invited to many things and was at first treated like a special guest, but now I'm just one of the guys.  I've only been around for three months, so maybe these invitations will wither, but I doubt it.  They seem genuine.  Most of them are just open invitations that I attach myself to.  I think they may be surprised that I participate as much as I do without being a member.
    So, my advice to you would be to seek out your local ward and become active in it.  Accept the fact that the missionaries are pushy and learn from them as much as you would like to, but become active in your ward.  That is where you will learn the root of the values you seek.  You'll learn the faith along the way and if it rings true to you follow it.
     
  13. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from BeccaKirstyn in Backed into a corner because of Church calling   
    Sounds like you need to focus less on burnings and whispers and more on this from Galatians: 
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
    23 Meekness, temperance
    Also, start telling yourself that you *do* feel spiritual things. What you tell yourself matters so think (and speak) positive.
  14. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from Sunday21 in Backed into a corner because of Church calling   
    Sounds like you need to focus less on burnings and whispers and more on this from Galatians: 
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
    23 Meekness, temperance
    Also, start telling yourself that you *do* feel spiritual things. What you tell yourself matters so think (and speak) positive.
  15. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from zil in Backed into a corner because of Church calling   
    Sounds like you need to focus less on burnings and whispers and more on this from Galatians: 
    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
    23 Meekness, temperance
    Also, start telling yourself that you *do* feel spiritual things. What you tell yourself matters so think (and speak) positive.
  16. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from Maureen in TV shows in the last 5-10 years   
    Downton Abby
  17. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from seashmore in My husband's obsession with our family being perceived as perfect.   
    @JKing  - Welcome to the forum. A couple thoughts - If he thinks that you've been too 'soft', he may see that as a problem and be overcompensating. He may also be worried about what message the younger kids may get if there's too much "you poor dear". Some people are more comfortable with showing emotions of frustration than sadness but it doesn't mean they don't feel it but they might just need more time to work through the different emotions before getting to the one/s you'd like to see. 
  18. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from seashmore in Teaching a child about Mormons   
    Not really. Maybe just show him this picture and explain that it's a special prayer and to sit still and listen.

  19. Like
    my two cents got a reaction from seashmore in Teaching a child about Mormons   
    Welcome and my condolences. I think it's great you want your kids to understand this about their dad and no, they're not too young.
    There's a monthly magazine for kids with stories and activities. You can read current and previous issues online or get a yearly subscription for $8. https://www.lds.org/friend/?lang=eng 
    There's also short videos on various topics https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/categories/primary?lang=eng 
    Music would also be good https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook?lang=eng
    There's also this booklet (what they learn during the Sunday School portion this year) https://www.lds.org/manual/2017-outline-for-sharing-time?lang=eng
    There's also this family home evening book free online https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book?lang=eng
  20. Like
    my two cents reacted to BeccaKirstyn in My husband's obsession with our family being perceived as perfect.   
    Or maybe there are some opinions (like yours concerning women, relationships, dating, marriage, etc.) that are better left not said. 
  21. Like
    my two cents reacted to anatess2 in Hey Florida People   
    Okay... Whew.  That was bad.
    We had flooding but thankfully it didn't go inside the houses.  It just blocked the entrance to our subdivision.  Lots of our shingles are now in our backyard and we have a leak in one bathroom.  Our screened-in patio is now an un-screened patio.  But other than that, we've been very fortunate!  Even my DIY chicken coop sustained ZERO damage!  I am very impressed by my husband and kids' tying-down skills!  It was bone dry inside the coop even with the siding being built with deck boards.
    The neighbor's tree fell on the road but that's a good thing because if it would have gone the other way, it would have hit her house.  But the whole tree did not fall, it snapped in half and the top half fell, which is good because it would have fallen on our house instead of just blocking the road.  Several other trees fell but they all fell towards backyards or frontyards but none on houses.  It's amazing actually. 
    The power is out so we are enjoying the symphony of portable generators.  Our generator has been running for 20 hours and it still has almost half a tank on it.  We did very well on generator usage.  Yes, it helps that we're not powering the portable AC.  My husband is the only one that needs it so he capitulated and used a portable fan that's constantly pointing at him wherever he goes in the house. 
    The city did not cut off our water supply which was a Yeay! so we still get to have cold water coming out of our fridge door.  No hot water though.  That ran out yesterday.  Which is just fine.  Cold showers are actually very refreshing after working out all day cutting off trees out of roads.
    Kids can't go back to school yet as some schools are flooded and other are used for shelters.  Husband's work is still closed too.  So, they've been going places cleaning up debris, etc.  I am like a Disney Princess just nitpicking our house into order especially with dogs and chickens and birds sharing the space and fish and turtle filters not running.  The boys even come home to fire up the grill and cook our meals - my husband thinks grills are a boy's job.  That's one gender stereotype I don't have any desire to dissuade them from. 
     
  22. Like
    my two cents reacted to Jane_Doe in My husband's obsession with our family being perceived as perfect.   
    You continually point out the perceived flaws of women (aka every single woman-- including your wife) and every single woman (including you wife) does a bunch of horrible stuff.  You do not seem to understand the difference between 1 person doing something versus an entire category of people doing something.  Yes, you need therapy.  
     
  23. Like
    my two cents reacted to ElMattio91 in The first time I TRULY felt the spirit   
    So you never forget the first time you really feel the spirit properly. For me, it was during a fast meeting, let me tell you what happened...
    So during fast meeting on time, one of our Elders got up to bare his testimony. He told the story of when he was serving in Wolverhampton. He and his companion were out finding and they spoke to a man who was super depressed. After talking to him for a while, the Elder decided to give him a book. The man started to cry and when they asked what was wrong, he told them that he had previously had a dream that a stranger would give him a book that would change his life for the better. Some would argue that that was a coincidence but I believe father was telling him he knows what he is going through but everything is going to be ok. It just goes to show you that sometimes if we go through trials and we feel like he has forgotten about us (I know I've felt that way before) he hasn't. He's helping us all the best way he can. I'll never forget the day my testimony was strengthened for the first time. I just wish i had brought tissues that day...
  24. Like
    my two cents reacted to zil in Convert serving a mission?   
    Welcome, @ElMattio91!  A few thoughts:
    Preparing yourself to serve a mission would be a good thing whether you go on a formal mission or not.  One of the benefits of this is that if things evolve in such a way that you want to serve, are able to serve, and the Lord calls you to serve, you're already ready. We often think we know what will and won't work out, but God really is a God of miracles.  Things you cannot now imagine may happen which lead to you being a missionary.  Or maybe the Lord needs you to stay in the ward you're in to influence someone there (e.g. as a friend or member missionary).  Or, things may happen such that you meet exactly the woman God wants you to marry and start a family with.  All are worthy activities.  I hear a lot about the "only dating return missionaries" thing, but (a) I'd think once they learn you're a recent convert, that wouldn't matter; (b) if someone can't get over that despite the fact that you're worthy in every other way, you're better off without her (or so I think).  (So make sure you're worthy in every other way!) Keep the commandments, counsel with the Lord in all you do, learn and progress in the Church, and I'm sure things will work out better than if you didn't do those things (that's the promise, and God keeps his promises). I wish you well wherever your path leads, and hope you hang around on the forums.
  25. Like
    my two cents reacted to Grunt in Teaching a child about Mormons   
    I'm not a Mormon and I've only ever been to one ward although I've met members from many.  Take what I say with a grain of salt, speaking as someone who isn't of the religion.  
    The best place for your children to learn about their father's religion is from Mormons.  Go to a meeting house.  I'm amazed at how welcoming people are.  They don't care who you are, what your background is, or what your motive for attending is.  They're just happy to see you taking part.  I'm amazed what my kids have learned in primary (or Sunday school, whatever it's called, I obviously haven't learned much).
    Just go.  Even if you have no interest in the religion, if you're anything like me you'll still enjoy the service.   There's a lot to be said about spending a few hours with friendly people with positive attitudes.  I always feel refreshed after.