Rain

That's a good question. Something I occasionally see when people ask how they should act is people asking, "What do you want the result to be?" I think that is important to ask here.

Last year my mom told me, "You were always the spiritual one" (of my siblings.) I can't tell you how much that hurt, because I am still spiritual, just not in exactly the ways of church members. When my parents were here this spring I really had a good talk with them and I brought it up. I'm so grateful my mom really listened and concluded that I am still spiritual. That isn't to say that there is something wrong with members who have left and are no longer spiritual. It's just to show that there is often things that members are not understanding of those who have left. There are few members I like to be around anymore because so many with sadness treat me as broken or deceived rather than...a child of God with light and talents just like they are. I'm grateful to those who have continued to treat me well and I have kept them in my life.

The concern is not some things of God are hard and we should be open to them. The concern is that not all hard things are of God, and sometimes maybe we are open to some of those things when we shouldn't be. This may especially be a problem if the thing is in the scriptures or taught/practiced by leaders. Not all that find some hard practies against their morals are turning away from God. Some are turning to God. Shorty is saying that we have to be careful in deciding where we are turning to God and where we are justifying.

My husband can attest to how painful this is as we have 2 fig trees that he has to trim. Even with long sleeves, pants etc he always manages to have a problem with it.

Thank you! As I was writing that post I was thinking about medical providers and how so many people find them through their insurance, but since insurance often doesn't cover therapy you can't always find even a list of therapists let alone anything really about them.

I get your rant! I recently read a book in book club that would have been very sweet, but at the end got a preachy version of that exposition. I was thinking, "do this man's actions not show what you are saying enough?"

Would you please share how to find one with a good fit? I suspect your knowledge would be just for the US, but maybe you have knowledge outside.

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It may just be where you lived? I've heard a few members speak against it because of their idea, paraphrased, "if you empty your mind Satan can get in" and other things like that. I also heard negativity towards yoga for many years till long after it was becoming widely available as an exercise practice and not just religious.

Start learning mindfulness. There are a lot of apps and youtube channels that can help you get started. I like the app called Smiling Mind. It is free, but you can donate to it if you want. Mindfulness helps you be present. But it's not just being mindful with sounds, sights, things you touch etc., but also with your thoughts.

Recently, I was with someone who was going through a tough time. I no longer believe in the church and am unsure of my feelings about Jesus, but I understand the doctrine. Your son sounds like he may have feelings similar to this person. My active, believing husband was in the room. I feel very stongly that God loves each of us. I asked this person if they would like a blessing because it might bring them comfort. I expected they would say no and they did, but I can't imagine Heavenly Father saying no to a blessing like that when it might bring them comfort or understanding. Sometimes I think people are too worried about the correct thing instead of the right thing. More important than asking if it is appropriate though I think that it is more important to ask if you are offering out of love or out of changing him. They are not the same thing. You can want to change him because you love him, but change has to be his choice and if he feels your desire for change rather than your desire for love it will put a wedge between you.

I think the biggest problem might be how many might think the church approved of their match and therefore God approved of them getting married. In a non-affiliated place people may at least think that the system doesn't work or the right person may not have joined, but in a church owned one far too many would think it is God's way and they should be together despite any signals they see that they should not.

I hope it goes well and gives you many good memories.

This is oddly so very comforting. I say oddly, not because you said something odd, but because what I am dealing with currently is so totally unrelated and yet your post has brought comfort to me because you took the time to truly understand. Today, apparently, I just needed someone to focus on my needs without focussing on my most difficult things going on. I can't tell you how grateful I am.

Doing the happy dance!

Nope. Our plan was for my husband to sit next to my daughter since I was a witness. But they had both me and the other mom sit next to the couple and both of the dad's, (other dad was the other witness) sit in the regular attendee's chairs.

Odd. The only complaint I had was when my daughter asked me to be a witness to her sealing, the temple told us that they don't have witnesses sit in the witness chairs anymore. I didn't care about being in the chair. It just bothered me that the chairs were important till women could sit in them. Especially since the chairs were still there, but now were empty.

Rest assured, I'm sure that Bluebell's post is not so much about bending or breaking rules of this bishop, but more about whether policies have changed and if the church is ok with these experiences being open to others.

Shouldn't need to. The requirements: "The person who gives the blessing: Addresses Heavenly Father. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Gives the child a name. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ." My husband says the only wording that would need to be changed may be typical, cultural wording. However, @bluebell I found this on the same page: "In conformity with this revelation, only worthy men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may participate in naming and blessing children." https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/family-guidebook/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng

Welcome to the board! Thanks for the review.

That's good to know!

You've got that right.

Thanks. I have like it a lot better as it just gives 1 picture I can actually see rather than a dozen tiny ones.

It's not a matter of seeing you as a potential friend, rather than a threat. It's not like women are usually choosing between the two and you are a threat. It's about seeing you as BOTH a potential friend and a potential threat.

And also recognize that Choosing ye this day and choosing/serving the Lord may look different for me than it does for you. Just because my answer is different than someone else's doesn't mean I was not serving the Lord. Yes, or sometimes that if my answer was different I could have been sincere, but not in tune enough or deceived.