Heckya

I really like him, but I prefer his songs that are in English....easier to sing along with!

I think I'll try both tips. Thanks. I've read 1 and 2 Nephi quite a few times then stop reading, can anyone suggest a different book to start on. I'll hop around if it helps me. I am more considered with understanding and gaining a testimony than following the time line to start. Is there a specific chapter/book that anyone finds particularly inspirational/motivating? Thanks again.

Congrats on your baptism! And not smoking!!!

Any tips on how to stay focused while reading the Book of Mormon or other scriptures. I'm having a difficult time. I find I lose focus easily. Thanks

Do a search for a local scottish society or St. Andrew's Society in your area. They can help you get started.

Isn't taking the sacrament like renewing the commitments you made to Christ when you were baptised? That's how I understand it, but I'm still learning this stuff. Anyhow, if that is the case, then you don't need to take the sacrament until after you are baptised.

I have to say that I agree with cjcampbell in a lot of ways. Three years ago my step brother did commit suicide and it has destroyed by step dad. He has never actually dealt with his grief and it is obvious that his guilt is overwhelming. I sometimes wonder if he considers suicide and am trying to get him help with dealing with his grief. Statisics in suicide are terrifying especially when a parent commits suicide. Just being his friend is probably the perfect way for you to be there for him, but you should probably talk to a bishop, seminary teacher and school counselor to see if they can get him some additional help. He doesn't have to know that you were the one that talked to the bishop, etc. You can ask for it to stay confidential.

Making friends sometimes worries me when it comes to attending church. I'm not too sweet and I'm not at all innocent! I worry about not relating with others. Plus, I'm insanely quiet unless I'm talking with someone one on one.

How long have you been active in the church? I am just taking the steps to become active again. Currently, it's like I'm preparing myself to go back. I was wondering how your husband handles your decisions and if there are children involved. I'd love to know how it works for your family.

I was not active at the time and didn't know if I've ever be an active member. We did discuss religion prior to marriage. The decision was that I got to make the final decision for kids when it came to religion, but he doesn't have to follow what the rest of the family does. This decision still holds, however, I think it's because my husband wasn't raised with any religion. I think if there were a different religion involved it would be very difficult.

I'll take the challenge. I'm struggling with my reading so this is perfect. Plus I have great admiration for President Hinckley so it's another reason to follow through. Thanks for posting this!

My mother's old ward had her come in a teach some very simple interior design tips. If you have someone with interior design talents in your ward or if you know someone from outside your ward. It was an enrichment that got a lot of praise. Another time they had her come and teach them how make toparies and other types of floral arrangements. I really like the idea on teaching how to correctly apply makeup. It's something all women can benefit from....it seems there are always new tips to learn.

I'll have to try this, but I think I'll wait until he goes to school. That's good incentive. Thanks

I agree that 50 isn't old. I often tell my parents that they aren't old until they are 80, then they can complain all they want. Although, I don't think President Hinkley would have agreed with 80 being old.

I've got a few questions on this subject. 1. What is the process of repentence? When can you pray and repent on your own? And when do you need to go to your bishop? (this is a biggie for my husband. he doesn't understand why we have to repent through a bishop...frankly, neither do i. I'd saw it is one of his top three reasons why he isn't excited about the lds faith.) 2. Do bishops make annual appointments to meet with every member of the ward or is that just torture they put teens through? (I'm joking on the torture part....well sort of...some of the questions as a kid were agonizing and embarassing) 3. What does somebody do to be excommunicated? I know one person who was excommunicated for adultery, but he was married in the temple. What other things do the lds excommunicate for? 4. Are the standards for being excommunicated different/higher for someone that has been through the temple than for someone who has not? 5. Do I really have to repent for things I did 10 years ago? Isn't going back to church enough? I say this somewhat jokingly, but seriously, I've got some pretty major things in my past. Plus, I've done a lot of asking for forgiveness on my own. I don't really want to repeat my sins to someone else. It's humiliating? Any answers/input is appreciated! Thanks

I don't recall being interviewed for baptism, but if it's what happens, I must have been. I remember being interviewed every year when I was a teenager...well until I 15, then I really stopped going to church. Anyhow, I seriously can't believe the bishop approved my baptism. I really don't recall knowing who Jesus was other than that was why we celebrated Christmas. I must have answered his questions just right. My guess is that I looked like a dear in headlights through the whole thing, but I don't remember the interview at all. Maybe he thought if he didn't approve it, it wouldn't ever happen? That wouldn't surprise me. I didn't know him ever well until he wasn't bishop anymore...when I was a teen we toilet papered his house quite regularly (my best friend dated his son). He was always a good sport about it. Anyhow, the sad thing is that I've never felt like a real member of the church because my baptism was done for such poor reasons. Taking sacrament just doesn't feel like enough to remedy the feelings. I wish my baptism would have been under my terms. The only reason why my baptism has meaning to me is because my grandpa baptised me. In fact, he was the only reason I didn't run screaming from the room...otherwise I would have. I remember trying not to cry because I was so scared. In fact, I remember the whole day vividly.

I've been cleaning up my language for sometime and it's probably about as good as it's going to get. I really only swear when I'm really mad, then I'm a sailor (but it's better than beating my kids, right!? or if I hurt myself....which is quite regularly) I understand that I can't raise my kids with the "Do as I say, not as I do" method. That's how I was raised and it doesn't work. I think my biggest problem is not laughing when my kids do swear. It's hysterical and wrong all at the same time. I do have a good swearing story to share...this one occured at my brother's house shortly after Christmas. My brother and sister in law were having breakfast with their kids and out of a sudden their six year old said, "Jesus Christ!" They both looked at him with fury..."What did you say!" Then he pointed to the picture of Jesus and said "Jesus Christ!" They had gotten the picture for Christmas and forgot they hung it up. It was the first time my nephew had noticed it. Our whole family thinks it is an hysterical story....my nephew wouldn't even know that saying Christ's name in vain was bad. Well, thanks again for any tips. I keep thinking of making our family use a dollar jar to see if that helps us control our language, but what do you use the money for? You can't spend it on yourself or it's a reward. I'd even be hesitant to give it to charity because while that is a great thing to do, it can still be a reward of doing something nice. Those warm and fuzzy feelings...who ever thought they could be a bad thing. I guess we could give it to the kids (as long as they don't swear), then they get rewarded for calling us on our swearing. Decisions decisions, they give me a headache!

I'm in Utah. And with the small town we will be moving to in a few months going to church is the best way to make friends. It will just be me and the kids going to church. My hubby will go on the Sundays he is off work, but that will probably be only once a month at first. I am quite hesitant to go to church without knowing anyone, but I figure I can turn myself in to missionaries and have someone pounding on my door...at least that way I'll have a guide! It's a bit overwhelming (at least the thought) of not knowing anyone and having three kids in tow.

This is almost embarassing to write, but I need some help in talking to my 5 year old about swearing. He has learned a few words from his dad and myself (I admit) and is now experimenting with using them. Of course I have cleaned my language up and my husband is trying...he works with a rough group so it is hard to turn off 100% when he is around the kids. Anyhow, my 5 year old dropped the f bomb yesterday. I about died (I admit, I laughed a little, but he never saw it). His exact statement was, "What's wrong with this f---ing boot?" He was trying to get his snowboots on. He doesn't understand why he can't use certain words and I'm not sure I know how to explain it to him. He is just being introduced to religion so I can't really give a big Heavenly Father talk. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks so much!

Has anyone ever seen a JW church being built? I saw one in Cache Valley (Utah) about 5 or 10 years ago. It was neat....the church members did it themselves, almost like a barn raising. I think it was built in a week....maybe two. As for there being no windows in a JW church, I said I thought it was rumor, but it was the only explanation I'd ever heard. I"ve been thinking about where I heard it. I think it came from a guy my hubby used to work with that was an active JW.

I've heard that no windows is to limit distraction, but that could just be rumor. I've always wondered how they pass building safety inspections because of no windows....maybe there are additional doors and I've just never noticed.

What was the specific challenge?

He is probably between 45-50.

I understand that. It just doesnt' seem like enough. I'm sure it will in time. Thanks for the answers.

Thanks for the answer. I've never really felt like it meant anything. I have wanted to do it again so it was done for the right reasons and because I had understanding of it...I remember asking my mom the morning I was baptised why I had to do it. Her answer was because your grandparents want it done and I'd feel wierd if you weren't.