dprh

The only answer I ever got was that it was to cover all the BSA costs.

From the three wards I've been in that I had some access or knowledge of budgets, the Young Women had between 2/3 to 1/2 the funds budgeted that the Young Men did. The Young Men's fund raisers were also given more attention. That probably had a lot to do with what activities each organization was doing.

When we watched it yesterday, my wife was thrilled it was a temple on the ring, instead of the acronym STB.

That is a hard situation. In addition to continuing in patience (which sounds like you're doing), try to get to know the kids, what they like to do, play, read, watch... Try to build some type of relationship with them.

https://thirdhour.org/blog/faith/great-adventure-heros-journey/ As soon as I started reading this article I saw it was by a guest author, and I thought it was @Mores, until I got to the bottom and it was a woman author.

I can somewhat understand. My two boys were both born with hypospadias. Our first was so severe, the doctor and nurses thought he was a girl when he was born. They are androgen insensative, which means their bodies don't respond very well to male specific hormones. Both boys have already had multiple surgeries and the older one will have more when he's closer to puberty age. They will need to get testosterone shots. After our second son, we didn't want to bring more genetically defective people into the world. A couple months ago, my wife was a week late in her cycle and we went through a lot of similar feelings that you described. After a day, I felt better about it, even excited. After it was clear she wasn't pregnant, it was a little disappointing. We even started talking about adoption. I'm sure you'll find joy in your pregnancy and your new child. Have hope and trust in the Lord.

He had one of the worst unlucky breaks I've ever seen. I got queasy when I watched the video where his leg snap.

I've always liked the ones that include service of some kind. Something like a clothing drive, or putting toiletry bags together. I think it helps bring a real Christmas spirit.

And once we grow up, we can attend the Church of the meat of gospel truths.

I didn't even notice that.

@bnthome I can understand your concern. I was excommunicated about 8 months ago. You're right, things will work out in eternity. My wife really struggled the first few months with not being sealed. We have 'missed' some things. I was not able to baptize my son when he turned 8 this year. I couldn't give my kids back to school blessings. We had to call a local bishop for a blessing when my wife got sick on vacation. But each of these, have given other people opportunities to serve. My kids have been able to see extended family and ward members exercise the priesthood power. When I told them about being ex'ed, and explained that eventually I'll get baptized again, she excitedly asked if she could be a witness. (I'm choking up now just remembering how touching that was). The Lord will take care of you, your kid(s), and your husband. In this life, not just the eternities. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/broken-things-to-mend?lang=eng

I'm trying to catch up on reading the Ensign. Last night I read an article from October's issue, linked below. I know it's not exactly addressing your situation, but I think a lot of the concepts and questions could still be helpful to you. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/10/dating-and-pornography?lang=eng

Like @Fether, I can only tell you what I'd do in the situation. I'd continue building a relationship at work and on my/her last day, I'd ask her out. The flowers are a good idea, but not anonymously.

The church can still be a large part of a person's life even when they do not attend. Being a member of this church affects more of a person's life than almost any other organization, even for people who don't attend. And honestly, it isn't the inactive member on this thread that is worrying about what the church is doing.

You mean like how JAG insinuated that I was blaming him for other's mental illnesses? He took that on himself. I brought up a hypothetical situation and he made it personal. I just said that "I" won't stop doing what's right.

1. You had pointed out that we should be wary of causing others to stumble. I was just trying to point out that this might also cause some to rise. 2. We can't control how others react or what they conclude. This was simply a choir of men singing. I refuse to stop doing what's right and being a friend to others because of how others might interpret it. Overall, I think music is a safe way to interact with a community that exists, whether you want it to or not. We can be civil and "break bread" together without agreeing.

But what of the good that can come from it? Consider a kid who's struggling with same-sex attraction and all the shame, self-loathing, etc that can go along with that, especially in those who grew up in the church. What if he sees this and realizes that it gets better. This might just save his life, keep him from attempting/committing suicide. Also, I think there is a difference between providing a venue for a performance (which is what DC Temple is doing) and sponsoring or endorsing a group. The choir formerly known as MoTab has performed with many different individuals and choirs that did not uphold the same standards or beliefs. It's a performance, not a sermon.

Both of my mission presidents actively counseled against this. But I do think it's a good idea if it's allowed. Especially for missionaries in foreign countries.

I am currently going through something like this. I had similar thoughts about sacrificing my own salvation to keep the family together. But I got caught by my wife, in January. She was understandably hurt, devastated. I moved out of the house for a couple months. But we are working together. Our relationship now is stronger than it ever has been. There is still a lot of work for me and for us. These types of secrets should not stay secret, and often they can't. I've been going to meetings, groups, therapy to get help (most of my issues are tied to compulsive pornography use). And one message comes over more than any others. Be honest. There was a great quote in last week's Come Follow Me Sunday School lesson about repentance. Near the end, look for Elder Kevin R. Duncan. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-sunday-school-new-testament-2019/42?lang=eng I hope you have the courage to do what is right. It will be difficult but worth it.

I'd suggest thrift store suits. I tore through my two nice store-bought suits a few months in. I was lucky to find some members who were good with fixing them, but by 6 months, I was wearing thrift store suits.

I'm not sure, but my guess is the choir is the one who initiated the arrangement for the performance. The Church did not go out to create this choir. If there was a 40lb-overweight choir (or any other group) that wanted to sing, I imagine they'd let them have a night to sing also: as long as the songs and performance pass specific criteria.

I think "hosting" would be a better term than sponsoring. And what is wrong with letting a group of men sing?

It is a common 'born again' belief. All you have to do is confess Jesus is your savior (as long as it's not the "Mormon Jesus". You have to believe in the 'Real Jesus') All other commandments are good suggestions, but not necessary to be saved.

That's awsome! How specific do we need to get? Africa. West Africa. Ghana.Tacloban Mission or Tacloban Mission

Right. And part of his point, at the end, was "investing" can be more risky than gambling. He uses affinity fraud to support this claim. Maybe I should have added "with your money" between "trusting" and "others" in my post.