How do you manage the rules?

[Dario_M]

I will admit that i struggle kind a bit with all the commandments. I drink alcohol on special affairs. I have sex. And i swear a lot. Not with the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ or God. But other swear words. I'm only human. 🤷‍♀️

But what about you? How do you manage all the rules of the LDS community? Do you find it hard? Or do you manage it quite well. Are you consistent in wearing your garment every day. Or do you not always wanna wear that thing? Let me know. Oh if somebody want to throw some scriptures in this topic that would be magnificent as well. Since i moved back to the Netherlands i have lost my Book of Mormon. So unfortunately i can't read any of that good stuf anymore. Unless i look it up on the internet. 

[JVW]

There are some commandments I have an easier time with than others. It's ok to be broken. I'm very grateful that God let's me screw up so often and make my own choices. God wants to hear from you, He wants you to be close to Him. Whether you are the greatest sinner or the most righteous among us, we are all guilty and unworthy to be in His presence. As we turn to Christ and rely on Him, as we submit to God instead of wriggling around when He pins us down, we can become closer to Him, even in our weakness. As you become closer to Him, and according to your desires, Christ will give you a new heart and a new mind. One that makes it easy and delightful to keep more of His commandments. This is a process that can be repeated many times throughout your life.

Keep praying in the woods, pray in the shower, pray in your heart. Be honest with God. If any of the choices He's making are confusing to you or feel like they are less than the ultimate expression of His love, confront Him about it. God is always in your life, 100% of the time, He is constantly working to try and help you. And -every- choice God makes, whether to seem absent, or to feel close, is the most loving choice He could possibly make. There is so much we don't understand, but as we turn to Him He can help us gain new perspective.

I know of someone (not religious at the time) who in a moment of anguish prayed to God for cigarettes because he was having such a hard time, and God led him down a street while he was walking that had an unopened pack of cigarettes lying in the gutter. (This man, 10 years later, is now an ex-smoker.) I know of another person who spent 2 decades in anguish over the fact that her dad died while her mom was pregnant with her, and as she was praying and asking God "why?" before committing suicide God answered her and said (not a direct quote), "I took him then, and haven't allowed you to see him since, in order to minimize the amount of pain you'd experience from your loss. I had to take him early for my own purposes." In my own life there have been days where I spent hours indulging in my addictions, and all I could do before going to bed at night was think to God, "Please give me a new heart, one that doesn't want to do this anymore, because I am a slave, and I want to keep doing it." And He started performing spiritual surgery and completed it last week. It was very painful, and took decades to get to this point, but was so worth it.

I typically expect my prayers to be answered within 6 months to 2 years. But sometimes I've had prayers answered immediately or within a day or two. And other times I've had questions that didn't receive answers for over 10 years. Life is a marathon. I don't know why God does the things He does, but I do know that God is love. Just keep on setting one foot in front of the other and try each day to be a little more focused on Jesus Christ, and before you know it you'll be dead and in a warm embrace with Him. We're all born terminal and life feels shorter with each passing year.

Here's a few verses that I've been thinking about while typing, they aren't verses that typically come to mind, and they're from the Book of Mormon.

Quote

Alma 40:11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Quote

3 Nephi 9:13-22 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? ... Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive ... Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. ... I am the light and the life of the world. ... And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. ... whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

Quote

3 Nephi 10:4 O ye people ... how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you. And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, ... and ye would not. O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.

Jesus, the Anointed One, heals, redeems, saves, lifts, exalts, etc. There is nothing that He can't heal, there is no one that He can't save. If you don't feel healed. If you don't feel redeemed. Seek Jesus Christ. Ask Him to heal you. In your wrestle with God, submit to Him and give up. He's going to get His way every time whether you submit or not. He loves you, whether you keep one commandment or a million of them. All of God's commandments are designed to accomplish one thing, to turn your heart and mind to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice was the ultimate expression of God's love.

Here's a quote from President Nelson's most recent General Conference address.

Quote

There is no limit to the Savior’s capacity to help you. His incomprehensible suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary was for you! His infinite Atonement is for you!

I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart aches for those who are mired in sin and don’t know how to get out. I weep for those who struggle spiritually or who carry heavy burdens alone because they do not understand what Jesus Christ did for them.

Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”

It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ.

As you come to understand what Jesus did for you, you will naturally live your life more in harmony with God's will. You will begin to surprise yourself when you make decisions because they aren't the decisions you would expect yourself to make in the situation. Hang in there Dario, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[Calm]

3 hours ago, Dario_M said:

Since i moved back to the Netherlands i have lost my Book of Mormon. So unfortunately i can't read any of that good stuf anymore.

Just in case no one has mentioned it, you can ask the missionaries for a copy or your ward may have a library where they have a printer for making needed copies and pictures and DVDs for teachers for lessons as well as maybe a stack of scriptures (since most people can read scriptures on their phone, this may be not done anymore in some places).  All the chapels do have libraries in the US and Canada, I assume they do the same thing elsewhere.  The branch I went to in Russia didn’t have their own building yet, but rented a school to meet in, so no library there, so I don’t know for sure if libraries are standard practice in other places.  I am guessing they are in chapels that are similar in design to the American ones.  

They should also have a number of copies of the Book of Mormon.  You can likely borrow one from there and maybe even keep it.  They only cost a few dollars to produce and ship at most and the Church is usually having them handed out for free, so it’s not a big deal to ask as it happens all the time.  It is a big deal for you not to have one when you want it, so please do ask.

Edited November 5 by Calm

[Dario_M]

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

There are some commandments I have an easier time with than others. It's ok to be broken. I'm very grateful that God let's me screw up so often and make my own choices.

Me too. It feels really nice to break the rules from time to time. The Law of Chastity is my favorite rule to break. Later on when i go to church on sunday i make it up with God. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

God wants to hear from you, He wants you to be close to Him. Whether you are the greatest sinner or the most righteous among us, we are all guilty and unworthy to be in His presence. As we turn to Christ and rely on Him, as we submit to God instead of wriggling around when He pins us down, we can become closer to Him, even in our weakness. As you become closer to Him, and according to your desires, Christ will give you a new heart and a new mind. One that makes it easy and delightful to keep more of His commandments. This is a process that can be repeated many times throughout your life.

Nice to read that. And you're right. We are all unworthy in his precence. And everytime we screw it up again. It's just part of it.

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

Keep praying in the woods, pray in the shower, pray in your heart. Be honest with God.

 

My preference is to pray in the woods. Being in nature brings me closer to God i feel like. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

If any of the choices He's making are confusing to you or feel like they are less than the ultimate expression of His love, confront Him about it.

I feel that often. But mostely i know the reason why. He does it as a punisment. Everytime when i screw things up. Like i did a lot of times in my time in Portugal for example. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

God is always in your life, 100% of the time, He is constantly working to try and help you. And -every- choice God makes, whether to seem absent, or to feel close, is the most loving choice He could possibly make. There is so much we don't understand, but as we turn to Him He can help us gain new perspective.

Yeah. God is good. Amen to that fact. 🙏

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

I know of someone (not religious at the time) who in a moment of anguish prayed to God for cigarettes because he was having such a hard time, and God led him down a street while he was walking that had an unopened pack of cigarettes lying in the gutter.

Why didn't he just buy the cigarettes if he wanted it so badly?

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

(This man, 10 years later, is now an ex-smoker.)

Wooow good for him. Maybe that was the work of God. To give him the power to stop smoking. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

I know of another person who spent 2 decades in anguish over the fact that her dad died while her mom was pregnant with her, and as she was praying and asking God "why?" before committing suicide God answered her and said (not a direct quote), "I took him then, and haven't allowed you to see him since, in order to minimize the amount of pain you'd experience from your loss.

Woow. This goes deep. But it's true though. If she knew her dad throughout her life. Spend time with him. Developed a bond with him. Created a lot of precious memories with him. And then he would die after all those beautiful moments. The pain would be so much more tougher after his death for her. That amount of pain would be unbearable. Btw...sad that she wanted to commit suicide. I have done plenty of attempts as well. Unfortunately i haven't succeeded. Things are going a bit better now. But i just know that when times get hard again i probably wanna die. Like i used to. This world is unbearable these days.

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

I had to take him early for my own purposes." In my own life there have been days where I spent hours indulging in my addictions, and all I could do before going to bed at night was think to God, "Please give me a new heart, one that doesn't want to do this anymore, because I am a slave, and I want to keep doing it." And He started performing spiritual surgery and completed it last week. It was very painful, and took decades to get to this point, but was so worth it.

God did a surgery to you? How do you know that for so sure that it was him? And in wich way did it hurted so much? 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

I typically expect my prayers to be answered within 6 months to 2 years. But sometimes I've had prayers answered immediately or within a day or two. And other times I've had questions that didn't receive answers for over 10 years.

I think that that is because in Gods world time doesn't excist. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

Life is a marathon. I don't know why God does the things He does, but I do know that God is love. Just keep on setting one foot in front of the other and try each day to be a little more focused on Jesus Christ, and before you know it you'll be dead and in a warm embrace with Him. We're all born terminal and life feels shorter with each passing year.

A warm embrace from Jesus Christ must be such a delightfull experience. 🫂 I hope when that time will come i will not get to much in love with Jesus Christ. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

Here's a few verses that I've been thinking about while typing, they aren't verses that typically come to mind, and they're from the Book of Mormon.

Thank you so much. I was asking for some scripures because i have lost my Book of Mormon unfortunately. 😞

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

Jesus, the Anointed One, heals, redeems, saves, lifts, exalts, etc. There is nothing that He can't heal, there is no one that He can't save. If you don't feel healed. If you don't feel redeemed. Seek Jesus Christ. Ask Him to heal you. In your wrestle with God, submit to Him and give up. He's going to get His way every time whether you submit or not. He loves you, whether you keep one commandment or a million of them. All of God's commandments are designed to accomplish one thing, to turn your heart and mind to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice was the ultimate expression of God's love.

Amen. 

35 minutes ago, JVW said:

Here's a quote from President Nelson's most recent General Conference address.

As you come to understand what Jesus did for you, you will naturally live your life more in harmony with God's will. You will begin to surprise yourself when you make decisions because they aren't the decisions you would expect yourself to make in the situation. Hang in there Dario, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you so much. Thank you also for the scriptures you posted as well. That's very nice of you. 

God bless you. 🙏

[Dario_M]

22 minutes ago, Calm said:

Just in case no one has mentioned it, you can ask the missionaries for a copy or your ward may have a library where they have a printer for making needed copies and pictures and DVDs for teachers for lessons.  They should also have a number of copies of the Book of Mormon.  You can likely borrow one from there and maybe even keep it.  They only cost a few dollars and the Church is usually having them handed out for free, so it’s not a big deal to ask as it happens all the time.  It is a big deal for you not to have one when you want it, so please do ask.

Yes i will ask my church for a new book. Hopefully i will get the Book of Mormon for free. 

[JVW]

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

My preference is to pray in the woods. Being in nature brings me closer to God i feel like.

I'm also a big fan of nature. It's nice to be around the things that God has made when I commune with Him.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I feel that often. But mostely i know the reason why. He does it as a punisment. Everytime when i screw things up. Like i did a lot of times in my time in Portugal for example. 

Does He do it as a punishment? Do you think God punishes you often? Do you think a perfectly loving Father would punish you as often as you feel like you are being punished? Maybe you are punishing yourself and instead God is crying while He watches you and waits for you to turn to Him.

I can't properly communicate this message, because when having an experience with the divine only the words remain, but the words aren't what changed me, it was the experience that did. But the words are this, "God doesn't hate me, and He doesn't want me to hate myself." I hope you can have a moment with God one day where He can teach you that truth, it will be according to His will but I hope it's sooner rather than later.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

Why didn't he just buy the cigarettes if he wanted it so badly?

Dude was fresh out of jail and didn't have a job or any family to support his addiction.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I have done plenty of attempts as well. Unfortunately i haven't succeeded. Things are going a bit better now. But i just know that when times get hard again i probably wanna die. Like i used to. This world is unbearable these days.

"Unfortunately"? Why do you say that? Do you think you will feel happier after you are dead? Why is the world unbearable?

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

God did a surgery to you? How do you know that for so sure that it was him? And in wich way did it hurted so much?

It's hard to explain. The surgery is a figure of speech. He only changed my heart after I: recognized that I couldn't change myself; asked God to change me; acknowledged that because I had tried so many times to change myself and failed every time that if I had a change of heart it wasn't something that I did; submitted, with patience, to God's timing and waited; turned to God as I faced a variety of circumstances that ultimately led to my broken heart; gave up in my wrestle with God.

Someone I know very closely has had a tooth infection for over 6 months. He takes antibiotics, but refuses to see the dentist to get the tooth removed. Whether it's because of time, expense, fear, or confidence in handling his own problems he will not go to the dentist. There are people who have had their tooth infection travel to their brain and kill them, and I'm sure he's aware of that, nevertheless he continues to tackle the problem on his own. Even now his cheek is all swollen and puffy. Tooth pain is the worst pain and I'm willing to bet he's been experiencing a lot of it. He's probably gotten used to it, but it's still there. If he goes to the dentist to get surgery to remove the tooth, undoubtedly there will be pain as a result of that, and in the recovery, but ultimately he will be better off. That is kind of like how my experience has been in dealing with my addictions. Does that make sense?

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I think that that is because in Gods world time doesn't excist.

I disagree with you here. God is very aware that time exists for us. And He is very intentional about when, and how, He addresses any problems any of us face. He also does things according to His eternal perspective that we cannot understand. I don't know why He has made me wait so long for resolutions to some big challenges I've faced, but I do know that after the resolution, I don't mind that it took so long because "the labor pains were worth the price to have the child". If you are confused about why God is taking so long to act in your life, feel free to ask Him very candidly and see how He responds in the coming weeks. God may communicate quietly, but if you're paying attention you'll find that He is always whispering to you.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

A warm embrace from Jesus Christ must be such a delightfull experience. 🫂 I hope when that time will come i will not get to much in love with Jesus Christ.

It's impossible to love Jesus too much. And if you're worried about sexual attraction to Him, I can't explain it (you'll just have to take my word for it), but that's not going to be an issue when you return home. It will feel more like the love of a family member, not a lover.

[Dario_M]

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

I'm also a big fan of nature. It's nice to be around the things that God has made when I commune with Him.

Yes. I do believe that nature is the most beautiful creation God has ever made on this earth. So when i'm in the nature. I'm in Gods presence. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

Does He do it as a punishment? Do you think God punishes you often?

Yes. I've done some things that are just, not done. My behavoir last year was horible. 2 years ago i've cheated on my partner. I left my partner alone. I've just done some things that i regret a lot now. I feel sorry for my partner. It breaks my heart now. 💔 And i have absolutely been punished by God. Plus i have punished myself as well... by trying to take my own life. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

Do you think a perfectly loving Father would punish you as often as you feel like you are being punished? Maybe you are punishing yourself and instead God is crying while He watches you and waits for you to turn to Him.

I don't think that that is the case. Have you read all the things that have happend to me in my previous topics? In those topics i have written what happend. And i believe that that is God punisment. Given me the feeling of dread. So that i won't make the same mistakes ever again. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

I can't properly communicate this message, because when having an experience with the divine only the words remain, but the words aren't what changed me, it was the experience that did. But the words are this, "God doesn't hate me, and He doesn't want me to hate myself." I hope you can have a moment with God one day where He can teach you that truth, it will be according to His will but I hope it's sooner rather than later.

I don't believe God hates me though. But i believe he regretted my actions in the past. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

Dude was fresh out of jail and didn't have a job or any family to support his addiction.

Oh my. So he was poor. Yeah that is fussed up. 😔 I know that the system in most of the States is quite hard. So if you're having problems it's really difficult to get out of that dreadfull situation. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

"Unfortunately"? Why do you say that? Do you think you will feel happier after you are dead? Why is the world unbearable?

Because i regret the mistakes i made. Because i have been abused abroad. Because i have a bad condition in my eyes that makes it difficult to see decently. I have a glasses but even with my glasses on i don't see my environment the way i should. And i'm scared that one day i will be blind. Because i have no contact with my parents anymore and have find out that they don't give a fuss about me. Because i have lost all my friends. Because my sister hates me. Nobody really would miss me if i would leave this world behind me.

If life get's to hard again i will sign myself in for euthanasia. The good thing about the Netherlands is that having a death wish is not such a taboo as in other country's. Asking for euthanasia is pritty normal here and nobody is gonna beat you up for it. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

It's hard to explain. The surgery is a figure of speech. He only changed my heart after I: recognized that I couldn't change myself; asked God to change me; acknowledged that because I had tried so many times to change myself and failed every time that if I had a change of heart it wasn't something that I did; submitted, with patience, to God's timing and waited; turned to God as I faced a variety of circumstances that ultimately led to my broken heart; gave up in my wrestle with God.

Aaah i see. That's quite interesting. I'm really happy for you that God have given you this devine surgery. 🩵

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

Someone I know very closely has had a tooth infection for over 6 months. He takes antibiotics, but refuses to see the dentist to get the tooth removed. Whether it's because of time, expense, fear, or confidence in handling his own problems he will not go to the dentist. There are people who have had their tooth infection travel to their brain and kill them, and I'm sure he's aware of that, nevertheless he continues to tackle the problem on his own. Even now his cheek is all swollen and puffy. Tooth pain is the worst pain and I'm willing to bet he's been experiencing a lot of it. He's probably gotten used to it, but it's still there. If he goes to the dentist to get surgery to remove the tooth, undoubtedly there will be pain as a result of that, and in the recovery, but ultimately he will be better off. That is kind of like how my experience has been in dealing with my addictions. Does that make sense?

Poor friend of yours. Tooth pain is horible. I hope his infection wouldn't kill him. But i also understand his feelings. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

I disagree with you here. God is very aware that time exists for us.

Yes but in heaven there is no time you see. I also believe that God is aware that in this world time does exist. God is aware of everything. He knows it all. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

And He is very intentional about when, and how, He addresses any problems any of us face. He also does things according to His eternal perspective that we cannot understand. I don't know why He has made me wait so long for resolutions to some big challenges I've faced,

Maybe because he wants you to experience it all? The good and the bad? I believe that we are on this world for the whole experience. Why would we otherwise be here for? If we don't wanna experience dread as well then we might as well stay in heaven. If you don't wanna take the scary ride you will stay behind in the safe corner. This life on earth is that scary ride i believe. 

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

but I do know that after the resolution, I don't mind that it took so long because "the labor pains were worth the price to have the child". If you are confused about why God is taking so long to act in your life, feel free to ask Him very candidly and see how He responds in the coming weeks. God may communicate quietly, but if you're paying attention you'll find that He is always whispering to you.

Yeah that makes sense. God is good and righteous. 🙏

2 minutes ago, JVW said:

It's impossible to love Jesus too much. And if you're worried about sexual attraction to Him, I can't explain it (you'll just have to take my word for it), but that's not going to be an issue when you return home. It will feel more like the love of a family member, not a lover.

I hope so. ☺️ Hahaha. I think his love would feel more like a fatherly type of love. Allthough i have heard that his love is quite intense though. 

[CV75]

6 hours ago, Dario_M said:

I will admit that i struggle kind a bit with all the commandments. I drink alcohol on special affairs. I have sex. And i swear a lot. Not with the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ or God. But other swear words. I'm only human. 🤷‍♀️

But what about you? How do you manage all the rules of the LDS community? Do you find it hard? Or do you manage it quite well. Are you consistent in wearing your garment every day. Or do you not always wanna wear that thing? Let me know. Oh if somebody want to throw some scriptures in this topic that would be magnificent as well. Since i moved back to the Netherlands i have lost my Book of Mormon. So unfortunately i can't read any of that good stuf anymore. Unless i look it up on the internet. 

It is the direction you are moving on that matters. Which commandments are of least struggle? Do you feel closer to God in keeping them, as opposed to before? What is your experience with the Gift of the Holy Ghost that you received with baptism?

[JVW]

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

Yes. I've done some things that are just, not done. My behavoir last year was horible. 2 years ago i've cheated on my partner. I left my partner alone. I've just done some things that i regret a lot now. I feel sorry for my partner. It breaks my heart now. 💔 And i have absolutely been punished by God. Plus i have punished myself as well... by trying to take my own life.

How has God been punishing you for those events that happened years ago? Do you believe that God judges us now, while we are alive? Or that He is focused on being merciful during our mortal life and reserving judgment until after we die?

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I don't think that that is the case. Have you read all the things that have happend to me in my previous topics? In those topics i have written what happend. And i believe that that is God punisment. Given me the feeling of dread. So that i won't make the same mistakes ever again.

The feeling of dread is not from God. Guilt is "I did something bad, terrible, evil, etc." Shame is "I am bad, terrible, evil, etc." Which one are you feeling? If how you are feeling is motivating you to turn to Christ, then it can be regarded as helpful and good, but if it's creating a barrier between you and God then it's from the devil.

Quote

Moroni 7:9-17 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil ... that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. ... every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I don't believe God hates me though. But i believe he regretted my actions in the past.

If you believe that God is upset with the decisions you've made in the past then you have not repented of them. You are still carrying the weight of those choices with you instead of letting Christ pay the penalty on your behalf. Alma's experience in the Book of Mormon is a really beautiful way to describe an experience we all can have many times throughout our lives.

Quote

Alma 36:6,9-10 For I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop us by the way. ... And [the angel] said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God. And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was for the space of three days and three nights that I [was in a coma].

12-14, 16 ... I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins. Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell ... so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror. ... for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.

17-20 ... as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

Consider this sentiment from the Doctrine & Covenants 58:42 "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." Or this verse from Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This is a nice article about the Isaiah verse https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2016/02/scarlet-crimson-snow-and-wool?lang=eng#aside1_p1

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

Because i regret the mistakes i made. Because i have been abused abroad. Because i have a bad condition in my eyes that makes it difficult to see decently. I have a glasses but even with my glasses on i don't see my environment the way i should. And i'm scared that one day i will be blind. Because i have no contact with my parents anymore and have find out that they don't give a fuss about me. Because i have lost all my friends. Because my sister hates me. Nobody really would miss me if i would leave this world behind me.

I have recently learned that God cares less about changing your situation, and more about changing us. He certainly weeps with you, but you cannot control so much about the situations you find yourself in. As you become closer to God, the burdens you carry and the problems you face will seem lighter and easier to deal with. This is because God changes you. Consider these verses from the Book of Mormon

Quote

Mosiah 24:8-15 And now it came to pass that Amulon began ... to persecute [them] ... and put tasks upon them, and put task-masters over them. And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God. ... And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort ... I will ... ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage ... And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

If life get's to hard again i will sign myself in for euthanasia. The good thing about the Netherlands is that having a death wish is not such a taboo as in other country's. Asking for euthanasia is pritty normal here and nobody is gonna beat you up for it. 

I don't know if the Netherlands is the same as Canada, but the method they use to euthanize in Canada is first they paralyze your body, and then they give you the drug that will kill you. That drug causes you to drown, it's similar feeling to being waterboarded, but because your body is paralyzed you can't respond. It's a very agonizing death, so please keep that in your consideration if you ever decide you want to go down that path.

2 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I hope so. ☺️ Hahaha. I think his love would feel more like a fatherly type of love. Although i have heard that his love is quite intense though. 

You may want to ask God if He loves you, or would let you feel a small amount of His love and see how He responds. God's love is unlike anything else, your negative feelings wouldn't stand a chance in its presence.

[manol]

3 hours ago, JVW said:

But the words are this, "God doesn't hate me, and He doesn't want me to hate myself."

And I can't help but notice you've taken that message and "payed it forward" in your own way.  

I think that's what we're supposed to do.

[Robert F. Smith]

9 hours ago, Dario_M said:

I will admit that i struggle kind a bit with all the commandments. I drink alcohol on special affairs. I have sex. And i swear a lot. Not with the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ or God. But other swear words. I'm only human. 🤷‍♀️

But what about you? How do you manage all the rules of the LDS community? Do you find it hard? Or do you manage it quite well. Are you consistent in wearing your garment every day. Or do you not always wanna wear that thing? Let me know. Oh if somebody want to throw some scriptures in this topic that would be magnificent as well. Since i moved back to the Netherlands i have lost my Book of Mormon. So unfortunately i can't read any of that good stuf anymore. Unless i look it up on the internet. 

The famous Bob Smith (no relation) was himself a drunk, and so in the 1930s (together with Bill Wilson) invented the very clever 12-step program and organized Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has been enormously successful, and has been key to the best narcotics recovery programs as well.  The key points are:

• Quote

  admitting that one cannot control one's alcoholism, addiction, or compulsion;

  • coming to believe in a Higher Power that can give strength;
  • examining past errors with the help of a sponsor (experienced member);
  • making amends for these errors;
  • learning to live a new life with a new code of behavior;
  • helping others who suffer from the same alcoholism, addictions, or compulsions.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program .

  Modify to suit yourself, and take it one day at a time (Matt 6:34).

Edited November 6 by Robert F. Smith

[Calm]

4 hours ago, JVW said:

don't know if the Netherlands is the same as Canada, but the method they use to euthanize in Canada is first they paralyze your body, and then they give you the drug that will kill you. That drug causes you to drown, it's similar feeling to being waterboarded, but because your body is paralyzed you can't respond. It's a very agonizing death, so please keep that in your consideration if you ever decide you want to go down that path.

Cfr please

[Dario_M]

7 hours ago, CV75 said:

It is the direction you are moving on that matters. Which commandments are of least struggle? Do you feel closer to God in keeping them, as opposed to before? What is your experience with the Gift of the Holy Ghost that you received with baptism?

The easiest commandment is that i don't murder somebody. And that i don't swear with the name of God.

Yes, i would feel closer if i would keep all the commandments. 

I was really emotional the moment i got baptized and received the holy ghost. I can remember that. My baptizing was the only positive thing that happend to me in all my time i've spend in Portugal. 

[Dario_M]

5 hours ago, Robert F. Smith said:

The famous Bob Smith (no relation) was himself a drunk, and so in the 1930s (together with Bill Wilson) invented the very clever 12-step program and organized Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which has been enormously successful, and has been key to the best narcotics recovery programs as well.  The key points are:

• Modify to suit yourself, and take it one day at a time (Matt 6:34).

Yeah you know..i'm not an alcoholic. I only drink on special moments. The last time i drank alcohol was 5 months ago. But thank you for your step by step plan anyway. 

Edited November 6 by Dario_M

[Dario_M]

7 hours ago, manol said:

And I can't help but notice you've taken that message and "payed it forward" in your own way.  

I think that's what we're supposed to do.

I don't think that it always work like that. Paying it forward? I think God sees right through it. And not only that but i don't find that JVW is paying his stuff foward. 

Edited November 6 by Dario_M

[Dario_M]

8 hours ago, JVW said:

How has God been punishing you for those events that happened years ago? Do you believe that God judges us now, while we are alive? Or that He is focused on being merciful during our mortal life and reserving judgment until after we die?

I believe by taking precious things away from me. Like my parents, my eye vision, my happiness, etc. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

The feeling of dread is not from God. Guilt is "I did something bad, terrible, evil, etc." Shame is "I am bad, terrible, evil, etc." Which one are you feeling? If how you are feeling is motivating you to turn to Christ, then it can be regarded as helpful and good, but if it's creating a barrier between you and God then it's from the devil.

Yeah i believe the devil has also a lot of involement in the problems i'm experiencing. I did a lot of bad things so there is a feeling of guilt and shame behind that. It's absolutely the first one. And because of that i can't move on. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

If you believe that God is upset with the decisions you've made in the past then you have not repented of them.

Maybe i haven't yet. I don't know. I don't know how to repend of those actions. In that regard i feel a little trapped. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

You are still carrying the weight of those choices with you instead of letting Christ pay the penalty on your behalf. Alma's experience in the Book of Mormon is a really beautiful way to describe an experience we all can have many times throughout our lives.

Yeah i think that is it. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

Consider this sentiment from the Doctrine & Covenants 58:42 "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."

Yeah that's how it should work. The problem is that my human brain remember those things. And if it's not me, somebody else will remember it. It's just complex. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

Or this verse from Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This is a nice article about the Isaiah verse https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2016/02/scarlet-crimson-snow-and-wool?lang=eng#aside1_p1

Oh how nice of you thank you. I will dig into it. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

I have recently learned that God cares less about changing your situation, and more about changing us. He certainly weeps with you, but you cannot control so much about the situations you find yourself in. As you become closer to God, the burdens you carry and the problems you face will seem lighter and easier to deal with. This is because God changes you. Consider these verses from the Book of Mormon

Thank you. Yeah i will consider it. And i get your point. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

I don't know if the Netherlands is the same as Canada, but the method they use to euthanize in Canada is first they paralyze your body, and then they give you the drug that will kill you.

Same in the Netherlands. It's a really soft death. I think it's the most pleasent way to go. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

That drug causes you to drown, it's similar feeling to being waterboarded, but because your body is paralyzed you can't respond. It's a very agonizing death, so please keep that in your consideration if you ever decide you want to go down that path.

Really? I thought that this method is the most pleasent way to go though. 

8 hours ago, JVW said:

You may want to ask God if He loves you, or would let you feel a small amount of His love and see how He responds. God's love is unlike anything else, your negative feelings wouldn't stand a chance in its presence.

This 100%💯 That is what i also believe indeed. I wish i could experience a bit more of his love. It would make life easier.

Amen to that. 🙏

Edited November 6 by Dario_M

[Dario_M]

3 hours ago, Calm said:

Cfr please

It shouldn't be such a taboo to talk about these kind of thinks. That's the nice thing about the Netherlands. You can talk about these things and nobody judge you for it. Being in this position is allready hard enough. People judging you for those feelings makes it only harder and more painfull. 

Edited November 6 by Dario_M

[manol]

40 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I don't think that it always work like that. Paying it forward? I think God sees right through it. 

I don't understand what you mean.  Can you explain?  Thanks.

[Dario_M]

1 minute ago, manol said:

I don't understand what you mean.  Can you explain?  Thanks.

Well... i don't find that JVW is paying his stuff foward if i may be honest. 

[Dario_M]

I just woke up so i hope i don't confuse anyone with my posts?

Edited November 6 by Dario_M

[The Nehor]

26 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

I believe by taking precious things away from me. Like my parents, my eye vision, my happiness, etc. 

If you honestly believe this why are you worshipping this God?

[Dario_M]

Just now, The Nehor said:

If you honestly believe this why are you worshipping this God?

Because i believe that God is always right. Eventhough i experience a tast of my own medicine i think that God does the right thing and in the end of the day i should trust him on his judgement. 

[manol]

22 minutes ago, Dario_M said:

Well... i don't find that JVW is paying his stuff foward if i may be honest. 

Thank you for replying and explaining what you meant.

Let me try to explain what I mean, in case I communicated poorly:

@JVW had an experience wherein God told him that "God doesn't hate [him], and He doesn't want [him] to hate [him]self."   My perception is that @JVW is now conveying pretty much that same message to you, "paying it forward" so to speak, in his own way. 

Of course I could be wrong.

[Dario_M]

Thank you @rodheadlee for your upvote. 💪⬆️👍

[Dario_M]

2 minutes ago, manol said:

Thank you for replying and explaining what you meant.

Let me try to explain what I mean, in case I communicated poorly:

@JVW had an experience wherein God told him that "God doesn't hate [him], and He doesn't want [him] to hate [him]self."   My perception is that @JVW is now conveying pretty much that same message to you, "paying it forward" so to speak, in his own way. 

Of course I could be wrong.

I don't know about that though. I feel like "paying it forward" is not the right term. Maybe it should have a differend kind of name. But yeah...that's just my believe.