Optimistic_Trish

I suggest you read President Monson's talk from last coference, the 3 R's of Choice. It talks about the right we have to choose, the responsibility that comes from our choices and the results of choice, he talks about how all of us make mistakes, but that is why the Lord atoned for us, so that we could repent. It is not easy, but you are faced with a choice right now. I think deep down you know what is the right choice, but it's extremely difficult, intimidating and scary to know the consequences that may follow. Have courage to do what is right, despite anything. The Lord will carry you and once you feel the love of him through repentance you can finally be healed. A person who hasn't been in your situation can't possibly know how hard it is (I am one of those) but there is one path to God and we must be willing to accept the consequences in order to gain Eternal Salvation. This is a test, your test, and to prove yourself worthy of the blessings of God and the presence of the Holy Ghost you must make the right choice. Seriously, read the article, it's a good one :) There is nothing more empowering than having sins washed away and feeling clean again. Take care of it now so you can become free of the chains of bondage that now hold you because of your actions. We are on this earth to prove ourselves worthy of eternal life. Don't waste the days of your proabation. There is nothing in this world that is worth risking your eternal life. I make no judgement on you as a person except that we are all here, making mistakes but moving toward the same goal...I would hope that people will help carry you despite your sins......we are all sinners afterall. I would avoid the danger of justifying your reasons for not repenting as we know that is Satan's greatest tool. Have courage and get it over with! :)

Hey rex! I grew up in Sandpoint, my parents still live there. I miss it like crazy! :) Welcome to the site!!!

I can see that point and you may very well be right, I was thinking of those as more so the false prophets spoke about, but you are right, it could be anyone that is teaching contrary to the Lord's teaching. Thanks for your insight

I think it is anyone who professes to be the Messiah. I think it's the same as Antichrist. If you look at Matthew 24:5 it says "many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ." I think it is prophesying that there are people who will come forth and claim to be the Christ and that we must be very cautious of these people not to be deceived. Read Joseph Smith- Matthew 1: 5-9. there are also other references under the topical guide. The elect are those who are righteous and those who are chosen of God. That's about all I know :)

I've always heard this too and we've always followed it.....BUT I can't find it in the handbook either.....weird! I'll keep looking!

#8 is really bugging me!!! Someone, please come up with the answer soon!!!! Oh, Thanks Anatess, that should have been pretty straight forward :) lol

We know in the last days the wheat will be separated from the tares and there will be many false doctrines which will appear. Satan will give every attempt to divide members of the church and take away as many as he can. There will be tests to prove our righteousness and many will falter, but we have the promise that if we do not falter we will have our eternal reward. This book just seems to be one of those separation points. This test seems pretty easy to me, but obviously it won't be that way for everyone. I have seen many members fall away lately over teachings of the prophets and positions the church takes but I have also seen lately many talks directed toward following the prophet regardless of outside influences. I don't know about you, but i'm preparing and trying to brace myself for any tests that may try to break my commitment to the Gospel. Luckily the Book of Jaraneck isn't one of them :) (I'll let you know what it may be in the future and hopefully you'll help me snap out of it!! lol)

Welcome to the site Julia!! You'll love it!

I often feel the same way, and this is going to sound REALLY churchy lol, but it's the only thing that has ever worked for me. I try to gain self control numerous times and often fall flat on my face, starting over every three days or so :) This often keeps me feeling either guilty or that i'm a complete failure. I've realized there are some things I will just never control on my own because at the moment of choice, the desire to exercise control is very minimal. It's always after the fact that I wish I had been stronger. I like the idea of delay words, but intsead of words for me I use (like I said, super churchy so be prepared!!) scriptures and prayer. Four years ago there was something that I just couldn't' overcome and so one day I finally just pleaded with the Lord to make that weakness a strength. Every time I had the desire I would get out my scriptures, sometimes begrudgingly or say a prayer (one of actually getting on my knees so it was effort) and it almost always worked although I still faltered once in a while. I would read or pray until the desire was gone and I felt in control. It took about a year to fully overcome it but now I can truly say that the thing in which I once desired isn't even a temptation at all anymore. I'm sure there are lots of other ways, but that has been the only thing to work for me when it comes to the things that are super hard... I started it to just at least show myself I gave an effort to not give in, but ended up actually gaining the self control I needed. Self-mastery is hard and a life long process with bumps along the way but it's possible (I think lol)!!! Good luck with your trek! :)

I use to be really active on this site, been away from it for 2 years or so, trying to get back myself! :) Welcome back!!!

I've heard if parents could skip parenthood and skip straight to being grandparents they would :) Yay for being retired and being able to hopefully spend lots of time with your family! Welcome to the site!:)

Often too many members think you can't talk about what goes on in the temple at all but that isn't the case there are very few parts we are told not to ever reveal. We do need to remember to keep it sacred though. I think just a guy said it best, I'd take his advice.

John, good luck!! I was inactive for quite a few years and going back was way easier than I had anticipated. The ward was welcoming and the nice thing about the church is it remains the same!!! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

that feeling of having a void or missing something is such a hard aspect of our character. Maybe you have found yourself in a rut, doing the same thing over and over each day. I think basic human character is this need to always be looking for something new and better but I think we also need to learn to be content with the things we currently have. It's a hard balance and I find myself feeling that way often myself. Best of luck with your search :)

Welcome to the site. Look forward to your participation!