LdsNana

Happy is a state of mind, and a gift to those that choose righteousness. Happy? No... But I am sure he finds, if even for brief moments, some form of pleasure and satisfaction in his work, which is an indication of the evil that he is. And most likely all that he is able to experience, as he has not a body, and will never know any feelings concerning righteousness. Nor has he been granted the opportunity to experience for himself, opposition, which allows for one to then know differences or contrasts for themselves, because of consequence. Therefore, it is not possible to receive a complete knowledge or understanding of THE forces of energy. For him and others like him, their ability to 'feel', can only come from the carnal and sensual imitations of this world, as they at-'tempt', for the moment, to experience literally anything, but is not that, which will or can last... for their existence continually, is digressing toward the only complete and final state of darkness... which is 'emptiness', and is eternal. A fullness of 'truth', other than evil, is all he will ever know or comprehend, for in that darkness, which is what he used his agency, to choose, prematurely for himself... is his reward. He may think himself bright, but to credit Him with any ability to See What G-d Sees, or to Know What and Who G-d Knows, and to FEEL What G-d IS, Who is MERCY... gives this lacking, of any form of light, way too much credit, IMHO. He only knows deception, according to the truth that is in him... and with that, he has deceived himself and still, even now... recruits those he 'thinks' he is able to convince, by attempting to deceive them, here and in this very temporary and mortal state of, 'God's College'... as his way to achieve his own glory. He never did and never will, comprehend The Universal Plan of Salvation, for God's children, who kept their FIRST estate... even Jesus Christ, Who IS, our Savior and Redeemer, from both death and hell, AND from before the foundation of this world!

Thanks, I will definitely take your advice and give Steve a call... when my aspirations fall into that category of which he has expertise. No doubt he is the bomb, when it comes to motivating those who have goals in their lives to excel in their jobs, etc... of which they are seeking to be their best and maintain their motivation to achieve that which they desire... he is a good personal coach, and is very well ascribed to in the world. I understand he makes a ____load of money doing what he does! Problem is, if I were to ascribe or purchase his goods, as you are suggesting I need to... are you saying that his purchased goods are better teachings than what are in place inside the Kingdom? Now if you believe that his selling of principles of the gospel, and made appealing out of the Kingdom would serve me better in understanding your point of view... I think that could be considered as priestcraft? I don't think Steve would like that being pointed out... do you? Certainly that is not his intention... Again, as members we step out of the world and up into a place where we submit our will... thus we have Prophets, Apostles, Bishops.... and personal revelation to confirm those things that are taught to us, that they are true and that they do come from God. And once again, you make a good call in noting the differences between the 'mind of Christ' and the ways of His Kingdom, and 'the world' and the ways of The Kingdoms of this World... The ways of the Kingdom of God are 'giving' ways, in contrast to, The ways of The Kingdoms of this World, which are the taking ways. Although, it may appear from just looking at this suggestion, with natural eyes, that perhaps this is mixed up.... but when seen with spiritual eyes, one is able to see truth, with clarity, and not be deceived, by he who is the god of this earth. President Benson gave the great and classic talk on PRIDE... you might want to look it up at lds.org Pride, he said, IS the great stumbling block. He tells of how, that in the Book of Mormon, this was the major issue being dealt with throughout the history covered in that sacred record. And of course, we are given this book that we might learn to do better... What sanctifies the soul is sacrifice, and sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven. One of the great blessings of heaven while here upon the earth is that of revelation. I hope that all of my bishops are overwhelmed by their call to serve, that they are humbled by their lack of abilities... be it time, knowledge, etc... this, so that they must sacrifice their heart, might, mind and strength unto God, and say okay, this is all I have... what are we going to do? In this way, He will come unto this fallible man and bless him with His Spirit. The Lord magnifies and qualifies him who He calls and comes unto Him, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Look at so many prophets of the past, and of course Joseph Smith. The Lord calls the weak, so that He might make them strong. These men are given Keys of Priesthood and authority, which belong to the Lord. He expects these men to depend on Him completely as they seek inspiration to know what it is HE would have them do, in regards to His children and Kingdom or Church here upon the earth. So, bring it down and when it has to do with my spiritual progression, I like to know that my sweet Bishop is seeking our Heavenly Father, to know what it is that is best for me, as he counsels me, my children and husband... and conducts interviews, preaches the words of Christ from the pulpit and when he looks at me across his desk... and humbly states that he is representing the Lord, as he interviews me for my temple recommend. I am not looking for my Bishop to have been or be, at the head of the class, when he leaves the church building and has to then step out into the world. I am happy to allow the Lord to look at all of our hearts, and decide what we all have need of. Frankly, I prefer His Kingdom, much more than the competitive nature of the world... By the way, I really do love your spirit and spunk. And when I do hit the big 100, I will send you all an e-vite! And for sure I want you there... because then I will know for sure, that we will have a gooooood time!

Just keep this in mind, as much as the smartest men here upon the earth know about this and that... you know the ones of which I speak... scholars, scientist, etc... and we must continually deal with the ongoing debates, in wherein they refuse to accept any truth that does not come from a research book, where the research has been 'peer reviewed' or a theory sounds right to a group of learned men who surely would KNOW, because of their incredible I.Q.'s, and of course we know this can change, if and when more information comes along... Thus, they toss aside that truth, which has come directly from the Creator of the Universe, directly through His Spirit, to the humble follower of His Son... and this because they, with all their knowledge, have not yet discovered the laws upon which God can communicate to His children, and this because of their pride. Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you... You said that you don't think this is a huge question... but really when one does give it the thought the it should be given, we realize that there is so much for us to learn about submitting our will to those things that the Lord requires of us, and the consequences that result, either way. I love knowing that God gives us commandments so, that through our obedience to His laws, He may then bless us in ways that will bring us joy, not only at the moment, but also toward our progressing in our return unto Him. Don't fall for that which gives Satan more credit than God in bringing about His Plan... The Plan of Salvation is God's Plan for the Salvation and Exaltation of His children. The formula, which he put in place, and of which brought about the Fall... was His Perfect math, and according to His knowledge of that which He brought forth... Remember... Satan himself, was and is, a part of God's formula, to bring to pass His Perfect Results, of which there was only one possible answer... The Fall! God is a perfect mathematician.

Moshka, You are absolutely correct, when you stated that you "think people strive for higher aspirations and goals". I think you are using the word 'forbidden' with a bit too much suggestion of 'bad' undertones with it. What other things and why do you consider them or it forbidden? I can think of many things, but for different reasons. Anyway... that is beside the point. Why do people strive for what they do in the first place? I believe that is maybe the best way to help you understand that to refrain from desire or aspiring position, power, etc... in the Kingdom of God, and that is precisely what you are asking or feeling to encourage here, should maybe be rethought... perhaps? The main purpose of The Church, is to invite ALL to Come Unto Christ, and be perfected in Him... thus to put off the natural man, then becomes the challenge of a lifetime. The very first thing we do as we become a part of His Kingdom, is that we step up and out of the world... and put off the natural man. The natural man is an enemy to God... you know the rest, right? Reason is, because of the natural tendency toward 'selfishness and pride'. So again, I would ask 'why do people strive for higher aspirations and goals'? What are their motives? Desires? Intentions? Are they looking inside or outside of themselves, to whom will benefit in their goals and aspirations? And, what is the hopes that you are desiring as you learn that although other members certainly have preferences in what they feel they may do better and enjoy more... isn't there a big difference in someone who desires a thing? Desire is a powerful word, in that God will make sure you do have that which you desire... of your heart. Thus, we must examine our true motives to what others may suggest to be only innocent... Things that are forbidden of God, are only to protect His children from spiritual death. Is there anything I have said that would fall into that category, and that you feel is a bit too much drama or over-reacting? As a man thinketh, so is He...

Some of my favorite excerpts... You may read the entire text of his speech here... Romneys Speech, "Faith in America" I think that WHAT is important, to note regarding THIS SPEECH, is that it WAS political, and that... is precisely, what it was intended to be. In my opinion, the speech was to draw a very clear line in the fact, that ALL Americans have a right to their beliefs, and should be respected. He made very strong statements in regards to the fact that this country was built on faith and God, and that we could build more faith as a country through the very religious tolerance of which this country was originally founded... Freedom. From a religious aspect then, I feel that Romney has set a wonderful example of exactly HOW we ALL must come together and receive all the good from each other... and offer the MORE GOOD, that we feel we have to offer. In this way, everyone is on the team, and I believe that if all were seeking for the best way... then TRUTH, or the RIGHT candidate would naturally lift itself to the top and it's light could easily shine and be seen... thus followed. No matter what happens, as avatar4321-blastoff has said, I feel that we can all stand proudly in the great principles that we are taught, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, and be grateful that one amongst us, has set such a good example, and in doing so, it will enable the rest of us TO DO MORE GOOD.

I LOVE this advice that you give... LOL I only laugh because I KNOW you speak the truth my friend... and I DO take seriously your counsel, believe you me! Now, I have had a bit of time to read some of the ODES TO SOLOMON today.... beautiful """"" thanks for pointing me to them. I feel I need to read this daily. And have been studying Hebrews... Will post in the morning... later:-) as I may not make too much sense right now... heavy eyes. long day... perhaps a bit giddy?

Actually, I am quite impressed with your question, as it is very thought provoking. Good job. :) Off the top of my head... Just like ALL of God's children in the pre-mortal life, we ALL were presented with the Plan, at the Council in Heaven... Including Lucifer. And even at that, he felt that he had a better idea of how to accomplish God's work. But unfortunately, although Lucifer was very intelligent and even was one who had authority in the pre-mortal existence, he did not have the mind of God. Therefore, he could not understand really what the atonement was all about. The atonement required, that would enable the Father to allow the Son to Judge His children, required a Perfect Sacrifice... one that, as we know... would have a unique set of parents -- God the Father and a mortal and pure vessel in Mary, the mother of Jesus. In this Perfect life that Jesus lived, He was sinless, and He came to love us as Perfect as our Father in Heaven. Satan never had and never will have the ability to love, nor will he ever understand grace and mercy, which are attributes that are PERFECTED in both the Father and the Son. It is my belief, that for this reason... which is, that Satan cannot and does not know the mind of God, because he cannot comprehend it... he is unable to act fully to undermine the Plan of Salvation For instance, AGENCY, is a thing and THE very thing, that Lucifer wanted to withhold from us when he presented 'his' plan. (but remember there was only ever one plan) So, take away their FREEDOM to CHOOSE... how? Don't put no no's out in front of them, and then tell them NO, OR only give them ALL positive choices??? What about LAW or commandments? Which results in consequences... ( totally speculating here on how Satan proposed to accomplish this) In order for us to ACT, these circumstances are required... 1. OPPOSITION 2. AGENCY - THE ABILITY TO CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES - FREEDOM 3. COMMANDMENTS/LAW This formula, then has the result of consequences according to CHOICE! What we need to understand about OPPOSITION, is that ALL things have an opposition. Meaning all things ARE a compound in ONE. Every choice we make can be used for good and evil, NOT good OR evil. This is VERY important to understand. Lehi tells his son Jacob that if this was not so, neither wickedness or righteousness could be brought to pass! Now, give this some thought, when considering what God's plan IS through His Son, and then what Lucifer thought was a good idea? He does not understand that through opposition, God can take anything (choice within the compound) and IF then a person turns to Christ and accepts His atoning sacrifice... God will use it for their GOOD, to bring to pass HIS plan, which is... He told Joseph while in Liberty Jail -- that all these things shall give thee experience... to bring to pass the immortality and Eternal Life of man! So, the fact that Satan cannot understand ALL of these wonderful attributes, powers, principles, etc... means again, that he has no ability to know the mind of God. So, no matter how intelligent or smart or brilliant he is, he is no god... What Satan does know, is LAW and JUSTICE! For this reason, he is happy to help get us to earth, a telestial world, where he and his legions can tempt and try us here, and also possess disobedient bodies! First off, he did NOT believe that Jesus Christ WOULD complete the atonement, NOR did or does he believe you or I can keep our covenants, and so because he does not understand the POWER of the atonement... he has NO clue what judgement day will be like? He still believes that JUSTICE will get many of us! What fun he thinks he is having as many of us... no all of us are not perfect covenant keepers... But, remember... he just does not understand the atonement. I just know that he is going to be MAJOR ticked off, when he sees GRACE and MERCY satisfy the DEMANDS of JUSTICE! As those who have done their best to walk in the light, although not perfect as Christ, nevertheless, they did keep their covenants and in so doing, they apply the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and they are judged CLEAN and given entrance into the Kingdom, to dwell with God! Again, Satan just will never get it! And, remember, these are only my thoughts... and certainly not the teachings of the church. Although everything I did say about opposition, agency, law, compound in one, etc... that is correctly taught. Hope this gives some insight to help you figure this out... as it is very interesting to consider, isn't it?

No Ztodd, Not a commitment at all, but just to talk about it and encourage each other.... and IF you happen to have a missionary experience you can share it. But I am thinking IF we did commit to at least commit to keep talking to each other and thinking about it consistently, I'm thinking that something is bound to happen?? No, I definitely DO NOT want a "guilt thread" whatsoever! I don't need more guilt in my life. LOL And that is exactly why I am thinking this just might work?? Just encouraging and cheering each other on.... you know, kind of like we already do, but sticking with it more? Would that work for you?

Apparently the same one YOU didn't get either. LOL

Thank you. These are beautiful passages of scripture, of which I intend to ponder greatly upon today. I will add these truths to that which the spirit has thus far taught... Also, I am most anxious to read the text of ODES TO SOLOMON... would this perhaps be the same Solomon of The Book of Solomon? Okay, of course we are speaking of one, who while here upon the earth, as did Enoch and his entire city, prior their being taken up, were changed from their mortal state-- to this state between mortality and resurrection, which is most often referred to as being, translated, if it is of length and not just for the moment. Now this entire city did walk and talk with Jesus Christ, while here upon the earth for many years, as did many of the Nephites, after His visit to the Americas... In teaching my seminary students last year, I wanted them to know that the temple was not the end-all here in their journey on earth, but that it was HOW they would obtain the KEYS, that would allow them to WALK with God, while in the flesh, just as did those in the days of Enoch, and WAS the goal of the early Saints today, but IS their call to DO today, in preparation for His coming, for He will have a people prepared to meet Him! Now, when an individual receives that promise of Eternal Life, while in the flesh, it is only necessary for them to be changed momentarily, while they are in the Presence of Deity....? This is where I am feeling I may have, perhaps a misunderstanding? Are you saying that when a mortal being of the flesh receives this promise of Eternal Life... they are changed while still in mortality and upon the Earth, to the translated state for the remainder of their time on earth? If so, this actually makes more sense, when applying to many other verses of scripture off the top of my head... For some reason, I think that I had only put that state to those who were in a sense "gathered"... as in a Zion community, like the City of Enoch... not really thinking you could just be amongst others around you, but in this translated state? I am off to study for a few hours... and I will check back with you later today. This is a subject of deep import to me, as I have pondered upon it deeply for a time now... I am always touched how the Lord opens the next door and brings to me another teacher. Thank you. I look forward to learning more...

Hello Bert10, I enjoy your posts very much. This thread overall is of concern, as I am quite surprised at the general misunderstanding of the doctrine concerning the Fourth Article of Faith, and its application among these great saints. I really appreciate your bringing these verses of scripture to light from Hebrews. I have spent quite a bit of time studying this doctrine over the past year, beyond the basic understanding that is, and of what I believe, is generally understood among most active lds. This came about because I was challenged strongly by a close associate, who is also an apologist. So, this required greater understanding on my part so that I might be firm in what the spirit had testified to me, and yet was boldly being challenged by asserting great authority in words. I have taught for many years in the church these very principles and doctrines, with confidence, and so I still feel quite comfortable with my understanding. No, I am even more firm now. It is my hope that those involved with this thread will re-study this doctrine, and use perhaps, the gospel essentials manual. This is critical doctrine to understand, as it is a saving doctrine of the gospel. Also, if they are able to get to the temple, the clarity there is tremendous, IF you are looking to learn that particular truth. It is also interesting, that before my encounter I had never heard contrary to what had been 'always' taught. I am amazed that with the internet, etc... I am running into this 'new' way of teaching this doctrine continually. Perhaps, thus the confusion amongst our members now? If I might ask you one question... would you mind telling me, what is your definition of, as you stated, "to receive the promises of Eternal life in the flesh?" I would like to discuss your post, but feel that I need a little more clarity in your final conclusion before I do so. Although I could most likely assume, I would prefer clarification. Then I will know that we are in the same place. Thanks:-)

Selek, Have you any idea how much easier ALL of our lives would be, IF we could just simply give up our pride, and submit to the will of the Father? The fact that you recognize this in yourself in what is important right now. Why? Because it means that you realize that IF you work on becoming humble and doing what Heavenly Father is whispering to you to do, by the Spirit, even as difficult as this may be... you will progress! Remember, that it is AFTER the trial of our faith, that blessings come into our lives. But first, we must choose RELIEF from bondage, and then DO what we know is needful, for ourselves. Although God calls out to us and will point the way, He will not interfere with the use of that part of our divine nature, which is eternal... agency. It is our agency that decides that which we desire most in our hearts. When what is in our hearts-desire, becomes physical by our choice -- we enable law to bring about that which we desire, and He stands ready to keep His promises... Ask, seek, knock... and it shall be given. This is an eternal law, that is SURE.

I am not a morning person at all! Except when teaching early morning seminary... and then a miracle occurs! I am a night owl! I can stay up until dawn if I am reading or writing or hanging out with great people and talking. I completely lose track of time. Okay, what do you think about keeping an ongoing discussion of our missionary experiences that we are having either online or offline on a constant thread... no pressure, but just supporting each other, etc... I am a terrible missionary and I really think if I know I am going to be talking to you all once or twice a week and cheering you on, then I might just get inspired and become better. So, would you be up for something like this? Anyone out there.... would you?

That's a great suggestion! I would love to see if we could get a permanent thread going where we could post our missionary activity offline and online. I understand there is a lot of places online that we could make connections with others not of our faith... I just need to venture out. But this is a great idea! Maybe the Mods would see IF a dedicated forum to not just "missionary work", like they have it now.... and at the bottom of the forum, BUT make it more dominant on the ldsforums.com website and put it up at the TOP in the opening box, so it is seen as ONE of the MAJOR focuses of this FORUM. I just am not seeing that right now... are you? Oh and thanks on the 200 thing. I figured that it was us playing the game... that were checking in on each other? I guess I should have had a better title for the thread, maybe a tricky name and not associated with missionary work. But I figure if people are willing to talk online with other members... why not talk with nonmembers? Just makes total sense to me...

You are all such examples... I really need to learn from members like yourselves. And also the way that you are so ready to share your gift and talent on a moments notice. So many with music ability seem to not like it when they are called all the time... what a GREAT attitude. YOU ROCK! It is individuals just like you, that bring others into the fold. Your ward baptisms I am sure are filled with the spirit!

Oh my, it sounds as though we both have recently changed restaurants... and definitely for the better!

Shoofly, You are a middle of the nighter, or would that be an early morninger ??? like me? I guess it depends on whether you ever got to bed, or if you just got up early, right? Thanks for the participation. You all are great sports.

Number ONE reason given by this group, and apparently representative of the other 200 and some lookers who did not post. (and of course this could have been some of us, again, just checking the thread for others comments... who will ever know for sure?) #1 IT IS CLEAR THAT OVER 50% OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED JOINED THE LDSFORUMS.COM FAMILY TO INCREASE THE LDS POPULATION IN THE ONLINE CYBER-WARD. If not careful, we will need to split the ward soon... The overall response was to fellowship and have friendship with other lds members of like-mind, share experiences and discuss the gospel, learn more and this is huge... that it was a place where there would be no bashing or contention. It sounds as though we like each other. 2. To learn more about the Gospel and also to find needed support for various reasons, such as a new member would need, member wanting to understand better the teachings of the gospel, encouragement for those striving to build their testimonies, to hear others testimonies, or perhaps work their way back, etc... 3. To help others who are wanting to know more about the Mormon Church, to share our testimonies with them, help answer investigators questions and discuss the Mormon faith with those interested in actually learning, and of course without all the harassment. Well, it is apparent that we are all here for very similar reasons. Perhaps when we look at these overall thoughts rolled into only a few, it may open up some new ideas for each of us, in how we can be more effective with the time that we do spend online. Maybe there are ways that we can reach out a little further and see what we could do to be more effective missionaries online? You all know that this is something I have been thinking about lately, and how we could pull together and help one another... I will pull some of the ideas off the other thread that have been posted over the last few weeks, and see if any of those ideas sound appealing to any of you? I am still hoping to try and get something going with this forum, where we all work together to support and report our missionary efforts online, but in a great and positive way. As always, whatcha thinkin? HEY... I STILL DIDN'T GET MY MAT!

Moksha, At first read, I was somewhat uncomfortable with the question that you posed... but then, here I am. LOL So, as much as I am uncomfortable with the topic of discussion and the implication of choosing our callings, which we don't, you are asking about individual desires and requesting the honesty of those younger than yourself. Since I am 99-years-old, I am exempt from answering, for which I am grateful. Although my thoughts on this subject of serving where we would desire, as one who is soooo old, could not help but realize a bit more, what it means to endure to the end... When we are baptized into the the Kingdom of God, we make many covenants. One of those, is that we bear one another's burdens. I am not so sure we think of our serving within our wards and stakes as a part of this covenant. Nor do we consider it as being part of living the law of consecration. The Lord has asked us as members of His Church, to bring all our gifts and talents unto the Bishop's storehouse, so that he may through the key that has been given to him for this calling, organize the members of his ward. For this reason, we do not desire, or ask and hopefully unless our circumstances merit such, turn down a calling, as it comes from the Lord, through His chosen servants. We, as members, are also taught... that through the spirit of revelation, we are then called to those positions that will not only bless the ward as a family, but probably most important, is that our callings will serve us, in helping to fulfill the mission of the church, i.e. 'Perfecting the Saints'. Through our callings, we learn to become more Christlike, as we often times must step out of our comfort zones, and become that which we may not be as yet. Do we not see this often? Maybe not in ourselves, but certainly in others.... right? Now, of course, none of us here would ever judge someone in our ward or stake because we felt they were blowing their job, right? Right! Of course, we know that we are called because we are the right applicant for the calling... I mean job, no calling. You know what I mean, right? But, what about when we have struggled ourselves? As I have been around for a bit now, and have had numerous callings in the church... I can testify that as we accept these calls that come from the Lord, through the keys held by our leaders, and strive our best to work with each other, remembering that we are here to become like the Savior, we will see that this truly does bring about His plan for individuals within the ward family. Think about it? I really don't like to admit it, but, I have more than once been humbled through the experiences that I have had in working and interacting with members of my ward and stake. It really is just like a family. As we are set up within boundaries, like families, and we don't just get to run off and change wards when things get tough, do we? Just like in families, in our ward families, when their are issues in our quorums, presidencies, boards, each other as friends, our children, with leaders, etc... we MUST learn how to first LOOK at ourselves and figure our what we have done, then REPENT. It is impossible to forgive someone that we feel has offended us, unless we have repented of the feelings of being offended FIRST. And then we MUST FORGIVE. And just like all families must in order to function well and feel the love and peace that is required to have the spirit.... ALL MUST FORGET! If ye are not one, ye are not mine. Perhaps there may come a day, when we will tell the Lord that we think that we would be best at _____, and it is because I think I would serve my brothers and sisters better than anyone else would in this calling and because I am the best at doing what you need. And I suspect this would be the day when YOU are NOT the most important person Heavenly Father is thinking about bringing HOME, when HE decides WHERE to call YOU, so that you can learn to become like His SON... To endure to the end, means to understand WHEN we are keeping covenants and NOT just doing what we are told and being happy about it, or maybe not seeing its purpose or understanding our place in the larger picture. The Lord knows the desires of our hearts, from an eternal perspective... lest we forget that it is His work and Glory to bring about the immortality AND Eternal Life of all of His Children. I am not sure what the appropriate or inappropriate answers are that you speak of Moshka, but I understand the Lord's plan and how the church is set up to bring about the best good for each one of His children, in ministering to them through those who He has given keys of the Priesthood, with authority to do so. And for this, I am grateful, for as I look back and have maybe questioned a call or two through the years, I can see now, how perfectly the Lord knows me and has given me exactly what HE KNEW that I NEEDED. So, now that I am soooo old, and completely trust 'the system', I must continue to, with enthusiasm, accept all the callings of the priesthood... so that HE can finish His work.... I mean MIRACLE! ENDURE TO THE END = KEEPING OUR COVENANTS

It looks as though many of you feel much the same? Keep these coming. Don't just look, POST! Yes, I mean those of you that are just looking in... we NEED your input as well.

Alright, I promise I won't repost this anymore. But I wanted to make sure that anyone that wanted to give there three reasons for why they joined the forum, goes over to the URGENT post that I submitted and does the little survey. PLEASE??????????????

Very nice work Bert. Welcome to the forum. You are a carnivore I presume?

Hey Mods, where's my mat?

Oh, i am so tough! You hang in there. Remember, we all learn from each other... But look how much quicker we are able to progress we can learn from each other! Thanks my friend:-) :)

kona, Do you have any idea how many people here have been thinking about you and praying for you? You are more than a "post" to all of us here... Please stay connected to us and let us continue to know how you are feeling, so that we may continue to support you and exercise our faith with yours. I have a testimony that If you will do this, that you will find strength that will assist you in finding the solutions that will enable you to do what they Lord would have you do. I am so glad that you went to church again. I know that it was exactly the right thing for you to do, and it is the feelings of goodness that we are given, that always confirm the right choices that we make in our lives. This is how our Heavenly Father always speaks to us and how we feel the spirit in our hearts.