Midwest LDS

I don't have a problem with this tradition, as I think it shows respect to the family you are marrying into. I don't think many people truly think that the parent's permission is neccessary anymore (if it was I got totally screwed on my wife's dowry, where's my slice of Poland😃?) But, like it or not, you are joining your wife's family for life. Why not take a little time to help start things off on the right foot?

A valid question, but I wouldn't be too concerned about this. Remember Matthew 19:13-14: "13 ¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." While little children have no covenants to renew, God loves little children and I am positive He doesn't condemn them or their parents for participating in this ordinance. Especially when you consider his command in D&C 93:40: "40 But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth." What better way to raise up your children in righteousness, then by explaining the purpose and meaning of the Sacrament, and encouraging them to participate?

First off I'm glad you're friend has decided to repent. It can be really difficult to bite the bullet, and talk to the bishop but he did. That being said, the only answer I can give you is maybe. He might be cleared to go to the temple for the sealing and he might not. The only person that can give him some kind of an idea about that is his bishop so he should ask him.

Sounds like exactly what I was trying to say☺

Dup

Dup

Yes it seems so. We know Noah was a real person, Joseph Smith saw and spoke with him, and we know that the flood happened and destroyed a group of people who would not listen to Noah. Elder John A. Widstoe in 1943 said this about the flood "“The fact remains that the exact nature of the flood is not known. We set up assumptions, based upon our best knowledge, but can go no further.” So as I said about 20 pages ago (this is a long thread, people are pretty passionate about it☺), I believe in a global flood. It doesn't seem any harder to me than stopping the Earth in it's rotation like the Lord did through Joshua or causing a decomposing corpse to rise up and walk as the Savior did with Lazarus. There is far less scientific evidence of those events. But, this does not seem on the same level as the principal aspects of the Gospel (Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, Repentance, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins etc.) so if you are struggling with the idea of a global rather than a local flood, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Whichever group ends up being right, can say to the others I told you so when we get to the Celestial Kingdom.

Coffee doesn't bother me, as it doesn't cause any social problems, and they have not covenanted to follow WOW. Although if you want it in my house you need to bring it, I won't buy it. Absolutely no alcohol. Way to many negative experiences with alcohol in my life to let that crap in my house unless it's specifically for cooking.

No I understand. That's why I said that it would require direction by the Holy Ghost if I were in any of these scenarios. I would have to seek the Lord's guidance before I got involved in anything that may be a violation of my principles. I think that's one reason we are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost is to find our way through murky decisions where what's right and wrong are not immediately clear.

Yeah, I don't know what it tasted like, but judging by how long it sat there sometimes, I probably was committing some kind of violation of the Geneva Convention by serving it.😃

Honestly, I feel like this is an area where you need to be guided by the Holy Ghost. Personally, I don't consider non members bound by the WOW, so what would be a sin for me isn't neccessarily for them. As a result, I didn't feel guilty working at McDonald's and making their, I'm guessing, delicious and not terrible instant coffee☺. I also wouldn't have a problem working as a waiter in a restauraunt that serves liquor, or a clerk in a store that does the same. But if I owned a store myself? That's where I would draw the line. I've seen first-hand the destructive aftermath of alcohol use, so you ain't getting that crap in my store. Ditto for tobacco, albeit not as dangerous as alcohol. I wouldn't judge a member who felt they had to work at the local Budweiser factory to make ends meet, but personally I wouldn't do it. Basically, if I'm providing a service, I wouldn't feel guilty, but if I was choosing to sell those items, I would feel like that's wrong.

That's awesome news, welcome back to the fold!

Thanks I'll keep that in mind.

There are always Good Samaritans around I've found. Glad to hear there was no permanent damage. Especially because that does look really fun. For the Emperor brother😉

Ooh ouch. That kind of thing does make you feel a little less heroic lol.

I'm not going to lie. That's awesome! I bet that was fun to walk around in. " No pity, no remorse, no fear!"😃

Dark Heresy looks fun. I like reading some of the Inquisition stories like Eisnehorn and Ravenor so I'm sure I'd like Dark Heresy. But there is something satisfying about playing a Space Marine, and being a total engine of destruction. I remember getting a whole bunch of perfect roles and gutting a hive tyrant with my heavy bolter, while shouting out "Purge the xenos scum!" Good times.☺

Agreed, I'm sure this isn't widespread, it's too complicated for most kids.

While I agree this may just be an urban legend, I think most sins have been committed in one form or another by someone, somewhere. I think your missing the point though. In this scenario, this isn't just a case of people getting married because they want to have sex together. They are getting married, with no intention of staying married, in order to curcumvent God's Law of Chastity. That's what makes this sin especially repugnant. Trying to use a loophole to break the commandments is especially egregious.

You guys certainly have been through hell and back due to your decisions. However, you faced the music for your actions, and went before the Lord and His representatives in metaphorical sack cloth and ashes. To me, that represents an earnest and sincere desire to repent on both you and your wife's part. Hold fast to one another as you try to change. You will need each others strength as you both push forward in your repentace process. Just remember the Lord can and will forgive both of you as long as your repentance is sincere. Isaiah 1:18 "18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Stay the course brother. I will pray for you and your wife.

I do. God will not be mocked. He is not a rules lawyer, who winks at sin and says something like "whoops you caught me in a techniclity, I guess that's not a serious sin." In many ways I would argue this would be worse than standard fornication because you made light of God's commandment and attempted to lie to him in the process. Definitely grounds for church discipline.

Played a few different systems myself D&D 3.0 and 3.5. Definitly some issues but this was the first system I played in a group, so I have a soft spot for this system. Pathfinder. Improved 3.5, I like it a lot although I've only played it a few times. D&D 4.0. I didn't like this system at all. It felt too much like playing a video game. World of Warcraft on paper is how I think of it. Rifts. I really like Rifts. I enjoy the d100 based system and the background, essentially combining sci fi and magic in a post apocalyptic Earth is awesome. One of my favorites. D&D 5.0. Far superior to 4.0, I really enjoy the advantage system, as well as the class system. I like how you can have 3 people of the same class that all play completely differently from each other. Vampire the Masquerade. Eh I don't like playing as a Vampire so that defeats the purpose of this game☺. Shadowrun. Great setting but the mechanics get really complicated really fast. Changeling. Still World of Darkness, but far superior to Vampire. The inclusion of the Fey is very different, and the interesting setting makes up somewhat for the lackluster setting. Warhammer 40k Deathwatch. Really fun, I love Space Marines, and a great grimdark setting. Very much combat oriented though, less chances for role-playing.

That's tough there are a lot of great places. But here are my five in no particular order. 1. Norway. I have never been anywhere more beautiful. The fjords, especially early in the morning when the mist is up, are breathtaking. 2. France. The food is exactly as delicious as everyone says, and I love all of the old churches and castles. 3. Italy. Another place with delicious food on every street corner. Plus it was the heart of the Roman Empire, so for a history nerd like me, it was pretty close to heaven. 4. England. I loved everything about England, especially seeing the field where the Magna Carta was signed, and watching the Royal Family ride by right in front of me during the Queen's birthday. 5. Canada. Everyone, (except the border guards lol), is so nice and I love the coastal cuisine in Newfoundland and BC. 6. Greece. I had to list one more! The food is delicious, and it was so cool walking on the rock where Paul gave the Sermon on the Unknown God, and seeing the ancient temples.

That's tough, especially when he was/is a good friend like you describe. Politics and religion have seen the death of many friendships. I think, like any relationship, it's all about communication. If you can discuss your issues still, you can definitly save your friendship, and if you can't talk you won't be able too. My best friend is a Baptist preacher. I know the first time I mentioned I was a Mormon he became concerned for my immortal soul😈. But, after being good friends with me for years, I finally convinced him I'm a Christian. The rest of Mormonism is still a heretical cult, but somehow I'm saved😉. I consider it progress, and I love his different perspectives on things, plus we have a lot of similiar interests. He is a great guy, and if your friend is as fun to be around as mine, I really hope you can resolve your differences.

I love playing Dungeons and Dragons. I got my start playing computerized 2nd ed with Baldur's Gate 2, and I met all of my high school friends playing 3rd and 3.5. I really enjoy every part if it from escaping into far off lands full of adventure to cracking jokes and quoting movies with my friends. It truly is the king of games. I'm currently running a duel wielding 5th ed ranger.