Any current LDS or LDS church attending mama's? - Page 2

[Nursingnaturalmom]

Really?  that would rock!!!

[rnra]

Originally Posted by Nursingnaturalmom 

Okay, FHE sounds fun.  Can I ask day you have all picked?  I read that the church sets aside Mondays, but i that doesn't work to try a different day.  I was thinking Fridays would work nicely.

My family has stuck with Mondays 95% of the time.  It works better for us because there are often church activities planned on the other days of the week, and the weekends get hectic.  Whatever day works best for your family is a-ok though!

[rnra]

Originally Posted by Nursingnaturalmom 

Coffee is a deal breaker! 

The "no coffee" rule comes from the Word of Wisdom.  You can read the Word of Wisdom in the Doctrine & Covenants:  http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89.1-21?lang=eng#0

Interpretations of the word of wisdom vary widely.  Some people don't drink any hot beverages, some people don't drink any caffeine, some avoid coffee/tea but drink anything else, etc..  You can read more answers by going to this website and scrolling down a bit-- http://mormon.org/faq/law-of-health .

[Nursingnaturalmom]

Having an interesting time with the book of Mormon. Lots to pray about

[rnra]

Nursingnaturalmom--I was thinking about you today!  In fact, I came to Mothering.com this evening just to see if you'd posted anything.  I hope your studies are going well and that, as you pray and ponder, you will be guided in the best direction for you and your family.  

[Nursingnaturalmom]

Talk to me about the eternal family concept. I'm not sure I"m udnerstanding it

[ancoda]

Originally Posted by Nursingnaturalmom 

Talk to me about the eternal family concept. I'm not sure I"m udnerstanding it

I am not sure what part you want explained, but I will attempt.   We will all live again after death. That is given to everyone no matter how they live their lives on earth. 

We have the chance to be able to live forever with our families in the Celestial kingdom if we are righteous enough.  We believe to be able to live with our families in heaven we have to be sealed together in the Temple. 

[Nursingnaturalmom]

So, how does that work if the husband ais not a believer?

[Nursingnaturalmom]

And, I am reading the gospel principals. I am on the heavenly family. Am I reading correctly that the belief is that we had to leave heaven for a bit to be ale to choose good and evil? Also, it talks about being told by God that we will be like him. If that is true, how can that be? It's very clear in the bible that Satan was thrown out of heaven because he wanted to be like God and have all the power that God had. So how can we be given that power if Satan was tossed out of heaven for wanting it and trying to get it.

[rnra]

Originally Posted by Nursingnaturalmom 

Talk to me about the eternal family concept. I'm not sure I"m udnerstanding it

We believe that families have the opportunity to be together in the eternities.  In order for this to occur, we believe that the husband and wife must be sealed together in the temple.  That sealing ordinance, coupled with individual worthiness, our Savior's atonement, and a desire to be together allows families to never be separated--even by death.  This means that you and your husband will always be husband and wife.  When temple marriages occur it is not "til death do us part"--the couple is sealed together for time and all eternity.  Their children are also sealed to them.

I'm certainly not the most eloquent, so here are a few resources for more information:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-eternal-family?lang=eng

http://mormon.org/faq/together-forever

http://mormon.org/faq/mormon-families

[rnra]

Originally Posted by Nursingnaturalmom 

So, how does that work if the husband ais not a believer?

Each individual is responsible for their own salvation--but we all have the responsibility of doing all we can to help others (especially our family members and spouses) to live their lives in a way that allows us to return to our Heavenly Father's presence together.  Having a spouse who is not a member of the LDS church can be difficult in many ways.  In order for you to be sealed together, you must both be worthy and willing to do so.  However, you can still do many things on your own without your husband.  With his approval, you can go to the temple and make covenants with the Lord that are essential for salvation--even if he chooses not to do so.  Once again, death is not the end.  We believe that it is possible for people to choose to join our church after they have died and that individuals can be baptized and families can be sealed posthumously.  

Again, a few links to explain things better than my feeble attempts can...

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/09/questions-and-answers?lang=eng

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/30603/How-to-strengthen-your-marriage-when-your-spouse-is-less-active-or-non-LDS.html

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1990/03/when-your-spouse-isnt-a-member?lang=eng

[rnra]

Originally Posted by Nursingnaturalmom 

Am I reading correctly that the belief is that we had to leave heaven for a bit to be ale to choose good and evil? Also, it talks about being told by God that we will be like him. If that is true, how can that be? It's very clear in the bible that Satan was thrown out of heaven because he wanted to be like God and have all the power that God had. So how can we be given that power if Satan was tossed out of heaven for wanting it and trying to get it.

Yes, we believe that we lived with God before coming to the Earth.  We came to the Earth so that we could learn, of our own experience, the difference between good and evil.  Coming to Earth allowed us to progress further than we would be able to had we remained in Heaven.  I remember a teacher once describing it the same way as what happens with children in our families now.  Children are born, are taught by their parents, grow up, and then leave home so that they can "test out their wings" and do things on their own.  Similarly, we were taught and loved in Heaven, and then allowed some room to experience a physical body and all that such a body brings.  Our time on Earth is a period of testing to show how we will use our agency.

We believe that Satan was cast out of God's presence because he sought to take away our agency--agency which had already been given to us by our Heavenly Father.  Satan's plan was to force everyone to do what was right and then be given honor because no one was lost.  To contrast, our Savior offered to follow God's plan (each individual has agency to choose what they will do) and give glory to God rather than himself.  

Yes, we believe that our Heavenly Father has provided us the opportunity for exaltation.  Exaltation is the kind of life that God lives.  We can become like God.  This does not degrade God, but rather elevates the potential of Man.  Here's a link with a more thorough explanation:  http://www.fairlds.org/authors/fordham-michael/do-we-have-the-potential-to-become-like-god

[Nursingnaturalmom]

How is everyone doing?

[rnra]

Hi Nursingnaturalmom!  I'm doing great--how are you?  I'm watching a bit of election-coverage on TV this morning.  I'm interested to see how this turns out!

[Nursingnaturalmom]

We are doing well. Woke up to SNOW this morning in Wisconsin :)

My kids and I watched the Testaments and I'm feeling such a peace about our decision of attending the LDS church.  However, we haven't let the"cat out of the bag" and there is still so much to learn, but I think we can call this home.

Today, since its snowy,we took my oldest daughter to her co op classes this morning, got some math done. Now there are library books all over my living room.  THis afternoon we are going to watch SchoolHouse Rock election video and hang out until its tme for me to go vote and get my daughter from class.

Have a great day, everyone

[rnra]

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling peaceful with your decisions.  That's great news!

There are lots of LDS videos here if you're looking for some on particular topics...http://www.lds.org/media-library/video

[Nursingnaturalmom]

Nice...Thanks :)

[tanyato]

hey! i've been awol for a while here but just read all the previous posts. glad you're enjoying taking your family to church! i found the children and youth programs soooo awesome growing up. i was one of like 4 LDS kids in my highshool but through the youth program i got to meet and make many LDS friends at dances, conferences etc. I hope your kids are finding friends too! even if they're unsure about being baptized, it must be nice meeting other kids that have similar standards and beliefs as them...?

i'm currently meeting with a friend as she learns from the missionaries. the other day, she expressed that she wasn't sure if she'd ever felt God's Spirit before. the missionaries asked he how she felt when she went to church. she replied: calm, peaceful, happy, welcomed, loved. and they assured her that those feelings were manifestations of God's Spirit. i thought that was a really nice thought. 

as you pray about the book of Mormon, it's hard to know what equates as an "answer" (at least for me it is). i never hear a voice or see a vision. for me, i know the book of mormon is true and good because when i read from it and live by it's principles, i feel good. i am happier  in my day to day things. it's nothing incredible or amazing...just...right. 

[Nursingnaturalmom]

That is a great way to look at it.  I've come to a pretty big road block with the LDS church and I'm not sure how to proceed.  So, I'm still praying and haven't been to church in a few weeks as I'm traveling and helping my mom who lives alone 3 hours away and just had a total hip replacement.

[rnra]

Sounds like you've got a lot going on!  Good luck!  

If you'd like to share any details about your road block, the ladies on this board may be able to offer some help and insight.  You don't have to share if you don't want to, but we're happy to help if you'd like additional thoughts.