StrawberryFields Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 In the missionary declining thread, it is suggested that part of the problem is that todays LDS people are not having enough children. I wonder come "judgement day" how much this will wager into our judgement? Quote
Nate Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Is the decree to multipy and fill the earth still in effect? Quote
Fiannan Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Conference Report, April 1969, Pg.12The world teaches birth control. Tragically, many of our sisters subscribe to its pills and practices when they could easily provide earthly tabernacles for more of our Father's children. We know that every spirit assigned to this earth will come, whether through us or someone else There are couples in the Church who think they are getting along just fine with their limited families but who will someday suffer the pains of remorse when they meet the spirits that might have been part of their posterity. The first commandment given to man was to multiply and replenish the earth with children. That commandment has never been altered, modified, or canceled. The Lord did not say to multiply and replenish the earth if it is convenient, or if you are wealthy, or after you have gotten your schooling, or when there is peace on earth, or until you have four children. The Bible says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: ". . . Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. . ." (Ps. 127:3, 5.) We believe God is glorified by having numerous children and a program of perfection for them. So also will God glorify that husband and wife who have a large posterity and who have tried to raise them up in righteousness.http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/s...th_control.html Quote
Nate Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Oh snap! Well if you would excuse me I have something to do. Quote
Winnie G Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 None. No I did not have enough, but my body decided other wise, Oh How I wish :) Quote
Gwen Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 i think it only matters if you were supposed to and don't. if you get revelation that you are to bring a child into the world and you deny that revelation i think it will come into account in judgement. but i guess if that is the case you are being judged on obediance not number of children. lol Quote
Dr T Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Yes; none. What was it that Jesus said about getting to the Father? Quote
StrawberryFields Posted February 23, 2007 Author Report Posted February 23, 2007 i think it only matters if you were supposed to and don't. if you get revelation that you are to bring a child into the world and you deny that revelation i think it will come into account in judgement. but i guess if that is the case you are being judged on obediance not number of children. lolInteresting thought Almom. I wanted more children, hubby said no. I wonder what will happen with that scenario. Quote
MaidservantX Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 LOL, Nate! Ok, this commandment is just like everything else -- do not run faster than you have strength, and yet be diligent. Popping out one baby a year is NEVER going to be for everyone. Hopefully, though, the things that cause us not to have another child are not worldly reasons; but what does that mean exactly, either? I know I had children before I was ready to and at way too young of an age for me. AND YET, I have become who I am because I have parented those children and I'm grateful to know them. And maybe this is cliche, but number six has been the most fun of all. I am so delighted and tickled that he is my little boy. Every day I whisper in his ear (he's one year old) "I am so lucky". Quote
mom_of_jcchlsm Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 SF, I'd say it's like the wife who has no personal income, but her husband won't/doesn't pay tithing - the woman still quallifies for a temple reccommend. If you are willing to do what is right, but have not the opportunity to do it, you are justified. Quote
Nate Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 My wife and I are expecting our 4th kids and just hit our 5 yr anniversary. I think its something in the water. Truthfully sometimes I find great joy and others times all I can do is lay curled up in a ball back in the corner saying "why oh why" as I cry myself to sleep. Quote
Adomini22 Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Well, I have read somewhere that it is possible that the earth will become so wicked that only LDS people would want to have children. I dont remember the source. That of course, is purely speculation. Now, I dont think that not having 8 children will be a deciding factor in our judgement. I understand the spirit of the law here. But I dont like hearing about Utah families that have 8 plus kids, namely because all moms that do that are baby making machines. While reproducing does bring happiness, I think women are more than just that. My opinion, of course. Anyone from Utah want to respond? Quote
Marsha Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 My wife and I are expecting our 4th kids and just hit our 5 yr anniversary. I think its something in the water.Truthfully sometimes I find great joy and others times all I can do is lay curled up in a ball back in the corner saying "why oh why" as I cry myself to sleep. YOU saying why oh why? 4 kids in 5 years. Does your wife remember NOT being pregnant? And before any of you "let me have it," please don't. I am sure that those same thoughts have run thru your mind.Seriously though, more power to you. I really wish that I had more than my 2, eight years apart. It just wasn't meant to be. If I could have more now, yes even at my age, I would. Marsha Quote
Nate Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Does your wife remember NOT being pregnant? And before any of you "let me have it," please don't. Holy smoke you have no idea. We are so lookin forward being done with makin kids (she is getting a hysterecomy after this one). I have nothing to "let me have it" cause its been hard, very difficult pregnancys. Now that its coming to an end we are both gratefull that we did not choose an easy road of no more difficult pregs for now the wonderfull life we have in our home. We prayed very much on our kids and did nothing unless we have personal revelation in regards to them. We have had them early myself being 27 now with soon 4 kids and its going to be great in 10 years when we can all go out hiking together or anything outdoors. Quote
Adomini22 Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 Nate, you really are blessed. You will have a blast, man. Quote
StrawberryFields Posted February 23, 2007 Author Report Posted February 23, 2007 SF, I'd say it's like the wife who has no personal income, but her husband won't/doesn't pay tithing - the woman still quallifies for a temple reccommend. If you are willing to do what is right, but have not the opportunity to do it, you are justified.I feel that you are right in that, thanks. :)Does your wife remember NOT being pregnant? And before any of you "let me have it," please don't. Holy smoke you have no idea. We are so lookin forward being done with makin kids (she is getting a hysterecomy after this one). I have nothing to "let me have it" cause its been hard, very difficult pregnancys. Now that its coming to an end we are both gratefull that we did not choose an easy road of no more difficult pregs for now the wonderfull life we have in our home. We prayed very much on our kids and did nothing unless we have personal revelation in regards to them. We have had them early myself being 27 now with soon 4 kids and its going to be great in 10 years when we can all go out hiking together or anything outdoors.None of my business Nate but since you brought it up I will tell you a few things about a hysterectomy. I had one at 36 due to medical problems but I wouldn't suggest it for birth control. It's much easier for the man to take care of that then a woman.I used to be normal before my hysterectomy! Quote
Nate Posted February 23, 2007 Report Posted February 23, 2007 My wife has cancer in her Uterus. Quote
StrawberryFields Posted February 23, 2007 Author Report Posted February 23, 2007 My wife has cancer in her Uterus.Yup a health issue. Sorry to hear that. Quote
shanstress70 Posted February 24, 2007 Report Posted February 24, 2007 My wife has cancer in her Uterus.Wow, and she's about to give birth? Is this a pregnancy that's harder than usual? I hope all goes well for you guys. Quote
Shade Posted February 25, 2007 Report Posted February 25, 2007 how does adoption fit into this picture? how important is it for families of the church to ensure that children already born to earthly temples (bodies) are cared for and brought into Christ's fold? viz: can we not do even more good by going out and adopting those 3 or 4 or 5 or 10 extra kids and bringing them into Christ's church? would LDS families not be an ideal place for homeless/parentless children? many children who end up going through the govt system of fostering are raised with no sense of spirituality, morallity or belonging. just a thought, cos i'm adopted... Quote
Adomini22 Posted February 25, 2007 Report Posted February 25, 2007 um. LDS families already do adopt. Alot. Also if there are unwanted pregnancies in the church via fornication, Lds families take those too. I know, cause that is what my sister almost did. Quote
Aphrodite Posted February 25, 2007 Report Posted February 25, 2007 My stake president told my husband and I before we got married it was between us and then Lord when and how many kids we woud have. That quote from 1969 I just so totally disagree with. It makes it sound that all women are here to do is be baby making machines. What about practical things like finances, etc? I actually think its a little irresponsible to just pop kids out of you do not have the financial means to support them. If you have them while you are university you are creating more work and pressure for yourself. Why? What difference does it actually make if you wait a couple of years? In the scheme of eternity thats probably like a second. What about the woman? What if she's scared or not ready or the prospect of actually being pregnant is frightening (like me!) We have been married for 18 months and have no plans for kids until I have completed university in 3 years. I dont think it would be right or responsible of me to not give myself a career as a back up. Like, what if my husband died and I had to support a family? Or he had an accident and couldnt work anymore? You have to think of things like that. And I know you can rely on the Lord, but why make it more difficult fir yourself? I believe in doing all you can and then asking the Lord to fill in the rest. Plus, I know its not fashionable to say this in the church but I love my job and career, and I wouldn't want to give it up. Firstly, we could not afford to and secondly I wouldnt want to. It stimulates me and gives me so much satisfaction and happiness. The church always teaches us is we need to BALANCE our lives.. I would say having a maneagable family (which is of course different for everyone), a career you enjoy and a happy home life is much more beneficial than just popping out one kid after another. One thing I would say to Nate-if you dont want more kids or want to space them out, why dont you use birth control? I dont believe it is wrong I think it is a responsible and sensible approach to aid in your wifes health and both of your sanity!!!!! Quote
Fiannan Posted February 25, 2007 Report Posted February 25, 2007 INteresting thoughts. Without dealing with quotes from prophets, etc. I will make reference to a talk I heard from a Christian lecturer a few years back. This man and his wife had decided that they would like 4 children as I recall. Upon the birth of their 4th. child things were fine and dandy until they discovered that she had become pregnant a short time after the birth of the 4th. child. At first they freaked out until they sat back and pondered their raction to what the scriptures say. They considered how God had blessed them and (to make a long story short) I believe they had 10 kids eventually. They pondered the meaning of life and God's role. They concluded their initial desires were based on worldly considerations (like materialism, ease, etc.) and that was against those values found in the scriptures. The speaker then said it was totally hypocritical for Christians (I'll throw in Mormons into that category although maybe he would object) to chastize a young teenager who has sex and becomes pregnant and considers abortion when many Christians with more than ample means to raise more children would go hysterical if they discovered an unplanned pregnancy. He felt that until Christians in the USA cleaned their hearts and welcomed children into their families as gifts from God we will continue to have abortion especially since young people who might have abortions don't really have that many examples of people who might get exicted about the birth of a child even though the birth might interrupt goals of financial advancement, freedom to play or even having to have present children share a room. If LDS people have an attitude that mirrors the attitudes condemned by Church leaders (making reference to the world) a few generations ago I would really caution LDS people not to condemn polygamists who at least seem hyper-pro-natal. Hey, if they continue growing through birth rates maybe they might excede the mainline LDS Church in numbers in the future. Of course, I doubt that would happen since before that time I believe that polygamy will be re-established in the mainline Church so those who are adhering to the first commandment can do so and increase their numbers as opposed to those who prefer the world's pleasures. Quote
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