workingonit

Hypothetical situation...Say a fella made some terrible decisions, which he is now repenting of but is currently excommunicated. What would happen to him is he were to die? Is there a temple ordinance for the restoration of blessings for the dead? Could they just start over for that person? Or is he just out of luck?

This is exactly the point. They dont want them sitting around and earning their eagles at 17 years and 364 days.

I know the feelings you are feeling. I've been there. I remember the feeling of I'm going to hell anyway so why change. 81 days ago I decided to change, I took some big steps, lots of discomfort, and it is all worth it. I had some of the same thoughts you are having and the fact that you are even considering all this probably means that you know where the truth lies. Sometimes it take the right circumstances to all come together in order for it to be the right time for you. I'm not a regular here...I came here only a couple weeks ago to bounce some ideas around with people who don't know me or my circumstances. This is a very loving group, that I know. I love you brother/sister, our Heavenly Father loves you, and If I were you...I'd try to feel that love and see where it takes you!

I've been a scoutmaster in a fairly high functioning ward. We had a military attorney from Texas move up here and get us all lined out on the "proper" way to do scouting. From that experience I believe that these boys should have their eagle earned by the time they turn 14 or within a couple of months following their 14th birthday. After that they rarely want anything to do with scouting anyway. They want to be involved in activities...it just need to be on their terms, and that is exactly what the church has been facilitating for some time now.

My understanding is that the Varsity Venture program is "owned" by the church and does not exist outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Do any of you out of the Utah bubble know if this is true?

Thank you @zil, I appreciate you helping me see that.

Update... This weekend we went up to my in-laws and gave them a brief summary of what has transpired over the last few months. Father-in-law was shocked, angry, protective, condemning and pretty much lived up to my worst expectations ( with the exception of shooting me, which I'm glad he didn't). Mother-in-law was loving and supportive. Right now I want to crawl in a hole and never ever have to look them in the eye again. I want my wife to have as much support as she needs, but as they pry for more information, I'm really regretting this decision right now. Note to self...don't take advise from your therapist.

Thank you guys. I really don't want to tell my in laws but my therapist and my wife both want ME to tell them. They feel it is part of my consequences, which I disagree with but at this time I will do anything my wife feels is beneficial to her. I don't want her feeling guilty that she is hiding something from them and being anxious every time they call that they heard it somewhere else. I don't think they need to know, and honestly while I hope they will be helpful, is see them as being a hindrance to our progress. Its kinda tough to make some of these decisions without the Holy Ghost to help (this is one of my consequences). I appreciate the advise on my kid. They way you guys worded is much better than what I was considering telling him. He gets worried in sacrament meeting if he see's that I "missed" the sacrament.

Hi All, As I stated in a previous thread, I was excommunicated a week and a half ago. It has been about 2.5 months since I decided to choose the path of repentance and disclose my misdeeds to my wife, bishop, etc. We have 2 young boys age 1.5 and 5. Right now my parents know about everything as well as a sister and her husband and a few close friends (for my wife's support). My wife and I are trying to decide if, and how much we tell her parents. She feels guilty that we haven't told them anything yet. We have a baby blessing in her family coming up that I will obviously not be able to participate in, but I don't want to miss. I also wonder how much and at what point we talk to our 5 year old about what is going on. Any suggestions.

Thank you everybody. I appreciate all the advise. I think those of you that said it is a time to work on my self really is important. Before all of this I was Scout Master and spent 15 days a month involved in my calling. I'm grateful I can now spend that time improving my relationship with my Heavenly Father, Savior and my Family. Thanks for the warm welcome as well.

I can still attend meetings, I'm just not allowed to participate in any aspect. Just sit and listen, which is hard for me. lol

Hi Everybody, I'm new here. I've recently started down a long road to recovery from several sexual transgressions that have ultimately lead to my excommunication. I have a very supportive and loving family and an AMAZING wife (in every aspect), but I am feeling like I'm now an outsider. I am obviously not allowed to participate in any church meetings, or callings, or responsibilities and I'm not sure what to do with myself. I lived in secrecy for many years hiding my pornography addiction, infidelity and SSA to myself. I felt like I could work my way to heaven, and not need to disclose my problems. Now that I've come clean I feel great hope, but I still feel lonely. Does anybody have suggestions to help me feel like I'm contributing to "building the kingdom"?