The Latter-day Saint Thread v. 8.0

I'm Willing To Answer Questions To Anyone! I Don't Know How Efficient I'll Be But I'll Try!!

Welcome to the boards Becky. I noticed you just joined and posted in a couple of the other forums and your posts seem really thoughtful.

I wish the current hymn-books had Come Thou Font of Every Blessing. It's my fav hymn. It's beautiful. Supposedly it was in the old ones. You know the line, [I]I raise my Ebinezer[I]? FYI it has nothing to do with Scrooge. Apparently in the Old Test. it was some sort of stone that had to do with humility...idk...something like that!!:love:

I'm definitely looking forward to Girls Camp. It's stake camp this year (we don't have it every year up here) and I'm looking forward to doing activities in huge groups. Fourth years are going on an overnight canoe trip :clap:. Some of them aren't too thrilled, but I've been canoeing since I was nine.
My Girl's Camp was totally awesome too! Hey GinnyP I think it's awesome you live in Alaska! Wow! How is that? I'm just a boring Utahn! JK!! Utah rocks, but I wanta visit somewhere else.:lol:

My Girl's Camp was totally awesome too! Hey GinnyP I think it's awesome you live in Alaska! Wow! How is that? I'm just a boring Utahn! JK!! Utah rocks, but I wanta visit somewhere else.:lol:

I :love: Alaska. I've lived here for more than a decade, but we're moving at the end of the summer. It's going to be miserable, for two reasons. 1. Leaving everyhing behind, and 2. the climate. I live in south-central Alaska, in Anchorage, which is the biggest city, but not the capital. It's a beautiful place. We even have our own temple, which had to be re-built a couple of years ago, because it wasn't big enough! If you want to know more about Alaska, feel free to e-mail me.

I have a question for you guys. I've always heard that the LDS church believes that some sins are unforgivable such as murder (I heard a couple others too but I can't remember them right now). Is this true that this is what you believe? If it is true, why is that? I'm from a protestant background and have always believed that salvation is for everyone and that no matter what you may have done, anyone can still come to Christ and be saved through repentence and being reborn.

Excerpt from 'Proclamtion to the world'
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. "And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come." (Doctrines & Covenants 42:18).

another source

"The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord." (Doctrine & Covenants 132:27).

Contents of One-Minute Answers
Are Some Sins Unforgivable?
Question: If Latter-day Saints so readily accept Jesus Chnst, why do they believe that there are some sins which are not forgiven in this life or in the life to come?

We believe that some sins are not forgiven because that is what both the Bible and latter-day revelation teach us. In Matthew 12:31-32 the Lord states that blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men: "Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world neither in the world to come."
In addition to blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, murder is also a grievous sin, and its penalty is the denial of the gift of eternal life. It is God who gives the gift, and God can say who receives the gift and who does not. The Apostle John wrote "Ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1 Jn. 3:15)." The Lord made his point even more clear in latter-day revelation: "Thou shall not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor the world to come... he that killeth shall die" (D & C 42:18-19). He shall die to things pertaining to eternal life.
In the standard works, the Lord reveals that murderers will have a kingdom, for the Telestial kingdom is reserved for murderers and adulterers, whoremongers, liars, sorcerers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie (Rev. 22:15, D & C 76:103).
In the light of these passages, it is clear that it is not Latter-day Saints who limit the effect of the blood of the Lamb, but Jesus Christ himself.
Non-LDS Christians also limit the atonement of Jesus Christ to only those who confess Christ as their Savior. According to their doctrine, Christ's atonement is of no effect to those who do not accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Latter-day Saints hold a broader view--they teach that his death and resurrection enable all to be resurrected, the just and the unjust alike (John 5:28-29). That does not mean, however, that all are forgiven and are entitled to entry into the highest of the degrees of glory, the Celestial kingdom.

Wow. Great answer.

I gave a talk on this once. Not on everything covered here, but it was on sexual sin, a rather dificult topic for a thirteen-year old (at the time). In Alma chapter 39 verses 5 and 6, it reads: (in reference to his son's misbehavior)
5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?
6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness.

But I liked how you backed it up with Biblical references also, snowgoose.

Well thought out answer Snowgoose. I can't really think of anything to add to it. I hope that answers katromig's question sufficiently. If it hasn't follow up with another question and we'll try to answer it as well.

Cool GinnyP! But sad that you're moving...sorry, i've moved a lot myself too!

Hey everbody, I'm really annoyed 1.) because I'm trying to get a job with difficulty &
2.)tomorrow's Youth Conference
Okay yeah, sounds great...but the guys in my ward just act so arrogant & act too cool for me, the theme is to be unified which is a good idea because I think the Youth are spread into a bunch of divisions. :(

How was everone's fourth? That is if you're in the U.S. :)
The loud explosions remind me of war. Then again maybe that's what it's "re-enacting".

Cheers!

Reminder:

The rules:
* * *
2. This is not a chat thread.

This is very strictly enforced. Discussion of what you did (or are planning to do) at camp or youth conference is OK because it's religious discussion, but please don't stray from that into general type chat.


Thanks.

Tomorrow is Youth Conference for my ward too! I'm really excited because i have 2 of my very best friends in my ward! I've heard about the one we're going to, and it's supposed to be really good!

Tomorrow is Youth Conference for my ward too! I'm really excited because i have 2 of my very best friends in my ward! I've heard about the one we're going to, and it's supposed to be really good!

Rather than just telling us that you think it will be really good, tell us why you think so. Is it the speakers or the activities or the fact that it is going to have a lot of cute boys that makes you think it will be good. I think telling us about these things will help those of us who are leaders to help organize better activities for the youth and will help those who aren't members who read this to better understand what makes youth conference special to you.

Is Youth Conference for you just in your ward?

Just wondering, because ours is for our stake, but then again, since we're not exactly what you would call an area with a high percentage of LDS, we have about 15-20 youth all together...

The Youth Conferences we have up here (I've only been to 2) have been with two stakes. I think it's even better than single stake, because there's more people (we had over 200 this year), and because you get to meet new people, people who don't live near you and don't see at Stake Conference. And that's really my favorite part of Youth Conference- meeting new people. There are so many people in the world that I'm never going to meet, and so, when I can, I try to meet new people, and get to know them beyond their name, age, ward, family, and favorite color.

This year, for us, we're having two stakes. Which is different from the last several years, when it's just been our stake. I guess we've started trying to do more stuff with the youth of these stakes... we've had a few tristake dances, which means we've got the youth from half of the state at one dance...

I just got back from girl's camp. Our ward's testimony meeting is normally one that runs smoothly but this year there was one awkward silence after another, it was weird not to have them go one after another. You can only take so much silence around a campfire with people looking around expectantly before they decide it's time to close the meeting. Though I did get the oppurtunity to bear my testimony before the closed the meeting and I'm glad I did. I didn't my first yearand I felt bad afterward. I loved being there though I got about 25 mosquito bites (and I used bug spray!!). I've got one on my ear that's absolutely killing me. I got pretty good at clapping them between my hands when they were flying around me.

On the Youth Conference topic we alternate between ward and Stake Youh Conferences every year last year was the pioneer trek (sp?).and this year we're going to some pageant in Logan (can't remember the name).

we've had a few tristake dances, which means we've got the youth from half of the state at one dance... A tristake dance for me means we have about 1/5 of the town/city. That's definitely different, but then again I live in Utah...

I'm just a boring Utahn! JK!! Utah rocks, but I wanta visit somewhere else.images/smilies/lol.gif
Yeah I get what you mean, unless you live in an older part of an older town being LDS is near standard and meeting someone who isn't is an experience to remember.

Rather than just telling us that you think it will be really good, tell us why you think so. Is it the speakers or the activities or the fact that it is going to have a lot of cute boys that makes you think it will be good. I think telling us about these things will help those of us who are leaders to help organize better activities for the youth and will help those who aren't members who read this to better understand what makes youth conference special to you.
I wasn't sure what it was going to be, cuz I hadn't been there, but now that I'm back, I can tell you. We had one fireside the first night that wasn't my favorite... It was good, but it was one that has been done in my ward a lot... Mountain climbing. We've had a few firesides on that before. The second day, we had some returned missionaries from our own ward come and speak to us. That was really good! It helped that we personally knew them and that they were closer to our age and could relate to us really well. On the last day, there was a seminary/EFY instructor that came and spoke to us. It was also awesome! He was a really good teacher and i loved how he took the principles that we already knew, and taught us how to live them.
The activities were also really fun!! I like activities with everyone that where we could just have fun! like the games, the dance, swimming, and even meals. Just being together and bonding was a great experience!
---the fact that there were cute boys was just a plus... it also made it even better that you could meet them at Youth Conference where you know they are strong enough in the gospel to come to the activities and pay attention.
Is Youth Conference for you just in your ward?

Just wondering, because ours is for our stake, but then again, since we're not exactly what you would call an area with a high percentage of LDS, we have about 15-20 youth all together...
This year it was just our ward, which we had 26 Youth there.
On the Youth Conference topic we alternate between ward and Stake Youh Conferences every year last year was the pioneer trek (sp?).and this year we're going to some pageant in Logan (can't remember the name).
We switch every year, too. And last year was our pioneer trek, too! That was incredible! Every single thing about it! It's every 4 years.

My best friend went to her old ward in the lower 48 (that's all the states except Hawaii and Alaska, if you didn't know) and they did a pioneer trek. Here, we just go on trips down glacial rivers. As in, the water is only a couple of degrees above freezing. I just got back from the trip. It was really cool. It was only the youth from 14-18, ao we had eight young women (five mia maids and two laurels) and five young men. There were also several leaders. The boys and girls had seperate campsites, and we had a fireside at the girls campsite before the guys went downstream to theirs. It was a really short fireside, but it was really, really good. We all felt the Spirit so strongly. It was a very simple topic, too- don't grow up too fast. Just do the best you can with how you are right now. Two of the leaders (husband and wife) just told some stories and brought it all together. It really hit home for me. I don't mean that it applied especially well to me (I'm one of those nostalgic types), but it really made me think. I think it made all the Mia Maids think, because we didn't talk very long after we went into our tent for the night. (which was highly unusual for us. We've been the most talkative group in our stake since we were Beehives. We were only missing one person.)

Reminder:

The rules:
* * *
2. This is not a chat thread.

This is very strictly enforced. Discussion of what you did (or are planning to do) at camp or youth conference is OK because it's religious discussion, but please don't stray from that into general type chat.


Thanks.
Sorry if I was doing that! I didn't realize it! :)

I'm always here alone. It's sad

Anyway, Youth Conference was good, considering there were only two boys! It really kind of made me mad at first. There were seven or six girls. But we still had a lot of fun even though about half our population were leaders. The theme was unity which I think was really neeed in our ward. The kids that didn't go just missed out. Anyway, the last night, all the youth, a cool guy leader and a cool girl leader stayed up all night. I thought I was awake the whole time, but aparently I fell asleep for a few minutes befor dawn. Some scout leaders had cut us so much wood that we were trying to use it all up. You know, it's a lot colder right before dawn than in the level temp. during night, because the sun's rays begin pushing the cold air away. Whenever I go camping, get along better with my ward, and notice little things like that sun thing, I can't help but think about my Savior's love for us all.

Have any of you played Mofia. We did a lot of that. Our leader, in charge of games, was obsessed with that. He was so funny. The whole unity thing also came about because we did quilting. It started pouring rain on the first night. My pants got filthy

Testimony meeting was not near as comfortable as usual at Girl's Camp. It's Youth Conference. I guess it's different when it's guys & girls, even with just two guys. We all sometimes did the thing where you all go in a cirlce and sit on each other at *** same time...Te He it makes me laugh just thinking about it...

Sounds like fun Youth conferences all around. My most memorable one as a youth was a regional youth conference. We went to another city for 3 days, stayed in member homes and had awesome classes, games, dances and a testimony meeting. I've always figured it was like a mini EFY.

My eldest daughter was baptised and confirmed this evening. It went really well, probably because last week I just gave up trying to organise it as every time I had sorted it a letter would arrive from First Presidency saying this had changed. I think at one point I really worried the elders! I was so cross.But then after prayer, and a little time, I suddenly saw all the positives these changes brought so I was happy to go along with all the things that needed to be changed.

Congratulations! We've still got a few months at our house. :)
Wait--you were just getting spontaneous letters from the First Presidency? I'm confused!

I'm off to EFY on Monday. I'm really excited to go. I'm going with one of my really good friends so I'll know at least one person. I'm not to thrilled I have to go to the Marriott center at 6:45 in order to catch the bus to Rexburg (I really wish I could have gotten into BYU Provo would be a much shorter drive) that leaves at 7:15. I bet that I won't mind once I'm on the bus though.

With all this talk of youth conference I'm feeling rather depressed because mine isn't for another month. We're going to the Martin Harris pageant, going to one of the bishopric's cabin by bear lake, and doing baptisms for the dead at the Logan temple. I can't wait but I'm glad I do have time at home between I've been gone most of the last two weeks.

Ack! I would LOVE to go to EFY. The traveling one comes up to Alaska every few years or so. But now that my family is moving to Washington, BYU Idaho will be within a day's drive, as opposed to a few days from here. But EFY at Rexburg has a much tighter dress code.

Anyway, I just got back from Stake girl's camp, and it was so incredibly awesome. Wow. The most wonderful things happened. One little thing that happened was that a girl who doesn't like me (and the feeling was mutual) was in a cabin with me as my YCL, and we had some clashes. But on the last night, two girls from our cabin had left early, and three others were running around with the Tongan ward (which I would have also done, had I not twisted my ankle), so this girl and I spent the night in the RV with two of our leaders and another friend of ours, and I became really good friends with the girl who I hadn't gotten along with. I was so happy. I know Girls Camp friendships don't always last, but this will help tide us over while we patch up our once-good relationship. My old best friend and I also had a chance to fix our friendship, which had become rather rocky. And I became really, really close to another girl in my ward who I had been only sort-of friends with before, as we went to different schools and she's a year older than me. And our ward got really close to the Tongan ward, which was so awesome.

But there was a real miracle that happened. I kid you not. The fourth years (and some third years and YCLs) went on an overnight canoe trip. My dad was the guide for it (and myself somewhat, as I had been on the trip a couple of times before). We had gone over twelve lakes and eleven portages, and we had one last portage and lake to get across to our campsite for the night. It was the third-hardest portage on the trip, but since we were tired, it was, in effect, the hardest. My dad sprained his ankle getting onto the dock. It was bad. I was in the fourth canoe, and all the girls, once we got out, picked up our gear right away, no complaints, and we walked to the end. We knew that we would have to work harder. And when we got to the end of that portage, just the first group of us, there was a ward camping there for their girls camp. We told them the story, and they instantly got up and walked to the other end, to help us.

It turned out that they had intended to be done, as their bishop had broken a rib, but he prayed, and felt that they should stay, because he felt that there was something they needed to do. And they had brought extra food, and they fed us, which was also a miracle, because the leaders back at camp had not packed us enough food, even if we hadn't been working hard. This event really strengthened my testimony. There is no such thing as coincidence.

Wait--you were just getting spontaneous letters from the First Presidency? I'm confused!
not me personally!!!!
Until very recently girls in England were being baptised in dresses, buying them from Temple etc, discovered that now have to wear jumpsuit unless already have dress! That was first , then had everything planned and organised and the sunday before baptism, very nervous missionary phoned me and asked if bishop had spoken with me yet? No. why? Because we've had a letter from 1st pres, saying need to be more cost effective when baptisms taking place. Unlike the States, UK did not have stake baptism, in fact it was nly through being on here that I found out it was done this way as it has always been individual baptisms. Eldest would need to share her baptism with adult convert, this wasn't my problem, my problem was trying to work out how to tell people that due to changes they wouldn't be doing x, y, z anymore. I hate doingthis sort of thing as you neve know who you're gong to wind up. So eldest was the first of the mutil baptisms for York, all will need to be 2 plus per baptism from now on. I don't know if we'll have the numbers to have stake baptism days yet...
that was what I meant. Not me gettingthe letters but me it affected first.

hey everyone! It's been a while!
I went to EFY last week! It was so so so so so so amazing! I went to U of U and I loved it so much! I wish i was there right now! John Bytheway was one of our speakers. We had such amazing speakers and lessons! I also had way fun counselors!! I learned so much and was so happy there! there's a special spirit while you're at efy! It's so awesome! Since I've been home, I've been trying to incorporate what I learned at efy into my daily life. It's hard to do, but i'm trying! i LOVE efy!!

Hey everyone,

I'm new to CoS and was excited to see this thread. Anyway, I've never been to EFY before and I want to go soooo bad. I'm looking forward to girls camp next week though! It's going to be so much fun!!!!! :clap:

not me personally!!!!
Until very recently girls in England were being baptised in dresses, buying them from Temple etc, discovered that now have to wear jumpsuit unless already have dress! That was first , then had everything planned and organised and the sunday before baptism, very nervous missionary phoned me and asked if bishop had spoken with me yet? No. why? Because we've had a letter from 1st pres, saying need to be more cost effective when baptisms taking place. Unlike the States, UK did not have stake baptism, in fact it was nly through being on here that I found out it was done this way as it has always been individual baptisms. Eldest would need to share her baptism with adult convert, this wasn't my problem, my problem was trying to work out how to tell people that due to changes they wouldn't be doing x, y, z anymore. I hate doingthis sort of thing as you neve know who you're gong to wind up. So eldest was the first of the mutil baptisms for York, all will need to be 2 plus per baptism from now on. I don't know if we'll have the numbers to have stake baptism days yet...
that was what I meant. Not me gettingthe letters but me it affected first.

Gotcha. You talked about some of those things in the thread, but it sounded a little more personal in that last post. :D I've only heard of individuals getting personal letters when they receive mission calls! :lol:
Sorry things got so confusing for you. I'm glad you were able to let go and enjoy it, though. The next one should be easier. :)

Hey everyone,

I'm new to CoS and was excited to see this thread. Anyway, I've never been to EFY before and I want to go soooo bad. I'm looking forward to girls camp next week though! It's going to be so much fun!!!!! :clap:
I never got to go to EFY because it's so expensive. I did go to Best of EFY on Saturdays in Provo, and we went to BYU Ed. Week every summer when I was a teen, and they had most of the same youth speakers. I always enjoyed girls' camp.

If you have the chance, I strongly reccomend efy! It's amazing! and the best of efy thing is great too!!
I have girl's camp next week! I'm SO excited!!! I'm a YCL this year! ah! that's so crazy! I hope this girl's camp can live up to all my previous ones... but I'm sure it will! half of it is what you make it!

I just got back from EFY today. Let's just say the bus ride up was more interesting then the one on the way back. I had so much fun. It was worth all the work it took me to pay for it myself. It's such a great experience. I had a really great counselor who had just come back from a study abroad in Spain so we had a great time trying to figure out what she was trying to say because she hadn't spoken English for 2 months. All of the girls and guys in our company got along really well so I was happy about that.

The thing that I'll probably remember the most though is that one of the girls I got to know really well rolled off the bed at like 3am this morning. It was a loft bed (with a desk and dresser underneath) and she had one of the few beds without a rail. So when she fell she hit her head hard on the ground and woke her roommate up. When her roommate realized she wasn't faking that she couldn't remember she ran for a health counselor who called an ambulance and took her to the hospital.

She fell hard enough she had a concussion and so because of that she couldn't remember the last few days or what happened at all. She'd ask over and over what had happened to her and why she was so sore at first because she couldn't remember more then the last 30 seconds but by the end of the bus ride back to Provo she'd been able to remember the last half hour and had a conversation that was n't her asking questions and us answering them. It was great to see the progress from not knowing what had happened the last week to remembering the dance the night before and the college guy that had snuck into the dance.

AchelRay: isn't EFY the best? It makes you feel so good! it's amazing how close you can get to your group in less than a week!!! My mom says that it's the spirit that makes it possible. I don't doubt that! It's such a great experience!

But now that my family is moving to Washington, BYU Idaho will be within a day's drive, as opposed to a few days from here.
If you move to Washington, there are two sessions in Tacoma. Kids come from all over and they are packed. My son went this year and had a great time. You won't have to go to hot Rexburg! You can enjoy a beautiful campus right here in Washington.

But there was a real miracle that happened. I kid you not. The fourth years (and some third years and YCLs) went on an overnight canoe trip. My dad was the guide for it (and myself somewhat, as I had been on the trip a couple of times before). We had gone over twelve lakes and eleven portages, and we had one last portage and lake to get across to our campsite for the night. It was the third-hardest portage on the trip, but since we were tired, it was, in effect, the hardest. My dad sprained his ankle getting onto the dock. It was bad. I was in the fourth canoe, and all the girls, once we got out, picked up our gear right away, no complaints, and we walked to the end. We knew that we would have to work harder. And when we got to the end of that portage, just the first group of us, there was a ward camping there for their girls camp. We told them the story, and they instantly got up and walked to the other end, to help us.

It turned out that they had intended to be done, as their bishop had broken a rib, but he prayed, and felt that they should stay, because he felt that there was something they needed to do. And they had brought extra food, and they fed us, which was also a miracle, because the leaders back at camp had not packed us enough food, even if we hadn't been working hard. This event really strengthened my testimony. There is no such thing as coincidence.

Your girls camp sounds quite rugged in your area. Our girls go to the local boys scout camp and stay in tents. It is not nearly as rugged as you described.

If you move to Washington, there are two sessions in Tacoma. Kids come from all over and they are packed. My son went this year and had a great time. You won't have to go to hot Rexburg! You can enjoy a beautiful campus right here in Washington.
Really? That's so awesome! Although having lived in Alaska most of my life, I would probably consider Washington hot, too. I die when it gets above 80 degrees, and my dad is in our new town right now, and he says that there's a heat wave going on, with temps up in the 100s. He's not having much fun.

Your girls camp sounds quite rugged in your area. Our girls go to the local boys scout camp and stay in tents. It is not nearly as rugged as you described.
Actually, it's not normally that tough. In my stake, we alternate between stake and ward camp every other year, as there's only one campsite big enough for our stake. It's curch-owned, and there are cabins with electricity (no running water). It's called Camp LaDaSa, and it's not just used by our stake. It's used by stakes all over, for both Young Women and Young Men, and wards sometimes have campouts there, and my family uses it for family reunions. And during ward Girl's Camp, we do just stay in tents, and we don't leave, except for the certification hikes. That big trip we took was unusual for our stake, and itt was only for third years (fourteen), fourth years (fifteen) and YCLs (sixteen and seventeen). But it was also better than the easier hikes we've done before, because we had to work harder and help each other out, so it helped us become better friends, and meet girls we hadn't really talked to before.

If you move to Washington, there are two sessions in Tacoma. Kids come from all over and they are packed. My son went this year and had a great time. You won't have to go to hot Rexburg! You can enjoy a beautiful campus right here in Washington.



Your girls camp sounds quite rugged in your area. Our girls go to the local boys scout camp and stay in tents. It is not nearly as rugged as you described.

Rexburg hot????? Are you kidding its so much cooler than tons of other places. My grandparents lived just outside of Rexburg and it can get into the 40's at night during July.

Also somewhat coincidentally, my sis-in-law was an EFY counselor this year in both Boise and Rexburg, so Ginny could go to Boise as well which is closer to most places in Washington than Rexburg is and possibly even Tacoma depending on where in Washington she lives.

Rexburg hot????? Are you kidding its so much cooler than tons of other places. My grandparents lived just outside of Rexburg and it can get into the 40's at night during July.
The forties at night? Are you sure? Or is that Celsius? Even here in Alaska, I don't think it's ever gotten that cold in July... although the sun shining all the time might have something to do with it... perhaps in the Aleutians... of course, in the winter, it rarely gets above 40(in the part I live)... 50 is not unheard of, though... and it's all relative. I've lived in Alaska for quite some time, and summer always feels hot to me. But my best friend moved up from Kansas at the beginning of the summer two years ago, and it felt very cool to her.

Also somewhat coincidentally, my sis-in-law was an EFY counselor this year in both Boise and Rexburg, so Ginny could go to Boise as well which is closer to most places in Washington than Rexburg is and possibly even Tacoma depending on where in Washington she lives.

I don't live there yet... but it's Yakima... sort of south-central. Does anyone know where the nearest temple to that is? I don't think there's one in town. I've gotten a bit spoiled, having a temple nearby.

The nearest temple to Yakima is the Columbia River Temple. It is in the tri-cities area. That is over by Richland. It would be about a two hour drive (educated guess) maybe less. They are having a terrible heat wave right now although it gets pretty hot in Yakima most summers.

From Yakima, I think Tacoma wuold be closer for EFY, but Boise wouldn't be bad either and closer than Rexburg.

The forties at night? Are you sure? Or is that Celsius? Even here in Alaska, I don't think it's ever gotten that cold in July... although the sun shining all the time might have something to do with it... perhaps in the Aleutians... of course, in the winter, it rarely gets above 40(in the part I live)... 50 is not unheard of, though... and it's all relative. I've lived in Alaska for quite some time, and summer always feels hot to me. But my best friend moved up from Kansas at the beginning of the summer two years ago, and it felt very cool to her.



I don't live there yet... but it's Yakima... sort of south-central. Does anyone know where the nearest temple to that is? I don't think there's one in town. I've gotten a bit spoiled, having a temple nearby.

40's as in farenheit, and I'm sure, I spent many a weeks during the summer on my grandparent's farm. Remember though that is the overnight low, usually happens around 4 in the morning. It didn't always get that cold but it did on occassion. So for me Rexburg is never "hot." Granted I've lived most of my life either in the desert southwest where we think 90 degrees is cool or in the tropics where it is always about 90 and humid.

Its funny you should mention being spoiled by a temple so close. I think lots of people think that all of us Americans are close to a temple, at least that is what the members in France always said to us (you know something like, "You americans have it so lucky, you can go to the temple so easy because you live so close to one") they were always shocked when I told them that they lived closer to a temple than I did for most of my life. On my mission the furthest I was from a temple was about 3 hours, granted all of them were outside my mission boundaries so we never could go, but they were close by. Aside from living in utah for college and now Arizona the closest I ever lived to a temple was 3 hours and before they built the Vegas temple it was more like 4 hours.

Its funny you should mention being spoiled by a temple so close. I think lots of people think that all of us Americans are close to a temple, at least that is what the members in France always said to us (you know something like, "You americans have it so lucky, you can go to the temple so easy because you live so close to one") they were always shocked when I told them that they lived closer to a temple than I did for most of my life. On my mission the furthest I was from a temple was about 3 hours, granted all of them were outside my mission boundaries so we never could go, but they were close by. Aside from living in utah for college and now Arizona the closest I ever lived to a temple was 3 hours and before they built the Vegas temple it was more like 4 hours.

I remember when the Anchorage Alaska temple was being built. Everyone up here was so happy, because we wouldn't have to take a plane to Seattle. People didn't quite believed it at first. It was like a dream. I was ALMOST eight for the dedication. I was so, so angry it wasn't even funny. But then, when I was twelve, it had to be rebuilt, because it wasn't nearly large enough. A couple people wrote a musical about the history of the Church in Alaska (written by the daughter-in-law of some of the first Mormon Pioneers, the McCarreys, who are in my ward), and it was put on in a high school (mine, although not at the time). I wasn't able to go to the auditions, but my sister was in Primary, and so could be in without an audition, and when I went to see it (there were multiple performances), the Prophet came. It was so, so wonderful.

Incidentally, I also got to assist with the temple Open House, before it was dedicated. I got to stand inside the doors for three nights in a row, and hand out plastic bags for people's shoes, and foot covers if they had bare feet. Whenever any of us got cold (bear in mind that the door would open quite often, and this was in the coldest part of an Alaskan winter), we would excuse ourselves and join the next tour, as there were more than enough of us to do the job. We could also do that if a relative or friend came on the tour. It was so wonderful- I must have gone through the temple at least six times, and each time, it was just as wonderful, but in a different way. I also went on a tour with a sign-language interpreter, and that was incredibly cool. Also, because I was helping out, I got to see parts of the temple most other people don't see, unless they're a temple worker (nothing terribly interesting. Storage rooms and the like).

Please, what is EFY?



I also need to ask someone who lives in hot climes and has been through the temple some questions but I would prefer to owl this info so if this is you, please, please owl me. I'm turning into a greasy little puddle.

Please, what is EFY?

EFY is Especially for Youth, its a church program where Youth go to week long summer camp sponsored by the church with classes, speakers, devotionals, games, dances, etc...

Please, what is EFY?

EFY is a program that the church education system (CES) sponsors for youth ages 14-18. Often the youth stay in dorms on the college campus that particular session of EFY is held on. Throughout the week there are classes, service projects, devotionals, dances, and other things that the youth participate in.

It's a great oppurtunity that I wish'd be available to people overseas because I know that people fly to the US and Canada to be able to attend, there was a guy from Africa and a guy from Indonesia at the session I went to (that I knew of). If there were that many at one session here in the US think of how many would go to a session that was centrally located in Europe. The only issue'd be the language barrier as there are a number of languages spoken across Europe.

Thanks for that. I joined *** Church when I was 17 and only went on summercamp once so there is a lot I don't know, especially in the youth programmes.
Am doing on the job training now though..3 kids growing up makes you discover stuff really fast!

EFY is extremely fun. I'm so glad I was able to go to it three different years. I also love the music. Both the CD they put out and the Musical Devotional are extremely excellent. I loved this year's musical. I was able to participate and saw so many people change their hearts that night. It was so awsome. I felt like I was sent to my particular session for a purpose. My roommate shared my name (with a slight spelling change) and we had several long talks with all the girls. You bond so completely at EFY.

Just a quick fun question for everyone who has been to EFY:
If you went to an EFY where you didn't know anyone, was it better, or just as good as, or (I hate to use this in connection with EFY) worse than going to an EFY where you knew a group of people?

For me it was just as good, maybe a little better, but I'm interested to know about everyone else's experiences.

Heya! I accidently found this thread while searching for another thread, but this is cool! LDS people rock! And I'm in Utah right now so I'm around a whole bunch of our kind.
Random topic here, how many people are going to/went to/thinking of going to BYU? I'm going to be a senior in high school this year and I need to figure out what i'm doing for college. I think i want to go to BYU, but if I can't get in, i need backups. Hmm...?

I'm at BYU right now. It's awesome. You definitely should consider it.

I've been spoiled enough with the Church Education System that I'd have trouble going anywhere else. All the schools--BYU Provo, BYU Idaho, etc.--are all on one school application now. I started out in Rexburg (then Ricks College) and absolutely loved it. I think it's a good starting-out place; it's easier to get into (and more entry tracks), it's easier to get scholarships, and it's a more intimate environment. Plus now they're a four-year university, so if you like it and they have your degree, you don't have to transfer.
I also went to BYU-Provo and loved it, but for the reasons I listed above, it's harder to start at.
If you choose to go to a state-run school, make sure you get involved in Institute! I've heard only good things about it, and it can help things feel a little less "alone."

BYU double Grad here, undergraduate and grad school. Loved every minute of it. I always tell people the most fun year of my life was my freshman year in the BYU dorms, great times without the worries of drugs and alcohol like at my southern california highschool (on a paranthetical, I'm not naive and I do know some guys he were both drinking and doing drugs in the dorms but overall its a pretty safe and clean place). You can't beat the church schools for the price of the education. Not even with any in-state schools. I'd consider any of the church schools but Provo is probably the hardest to get into these days, although I hear Hawaii is really competitive too.

Hawaii is a little harder to get into if you aren't Polynesian or Asian. If you are, say, Samoan or Tongan, it's really easy to get in, because that was sort of the goal for BYU Hawaii. I have lots of Tongan friends, and my best friend is Hawaiian, and most of them plan to go to BYU Hawaii. As for myself, I plan on going to BYU Idaho, simply because it's about an hour closer to home and it's easier to get into. And there is, of course, reason my friends joke about- the climate is more my type.

Hi everyone! I'm going to be in my third year at BYU. I'm home for the summer now but I can't wait to be back. BYU was major culture shock for me at first even though I'm LDS born and raised. It took a while to get used to being completely surrounded by Mormons because there are very few in my part of Ohio. But I have grown to love it. Plus, almost all of my classes have been awesome. It's so wonderful to talk about the gospel in any class. Plus, any religion course rocks. I didn't really want to go to BYU but now there's nowhere else I'd want to be. It's grand. :tu: :tu:

Woah, thanks everyone for your responses. I definetly want to go to BYU provo. I only hope I can get in. If my high school grades aren't quite good enough, could I go to a community college, get good grades there, and have a better chance of getting accepted?

Are you talking about transfering into BYU? Sometimes it's a little hard to meet BYU's requirements at a community college. I had someone in my home ward go to a state college for two years. When he tried transfering his credits, BYU would accept less than half of them, because the courses weren't rigorous enough for BYU standards. Also is that little problem of all the religion credits being completed at BYU. I'm not trying to discourage you or anything; it just might be hard to go from one type of schooling to another anyway. It's hard enough transitioning from high school to college.
I've heard that it is easier to get into BYU if you plan to start school in the summer term. That's what I'm doing right now, and what my sister-in-law did.
If you are really on the borderline of getting in to BYU-Provo, don't exclude BYU-I from your possibilities. Have you taken your ACT yet? I think that gets valued slightly higher than your GPA. Also, make sure you are involved in extra-curricular things. That isn't very hard, and it counts for a lot.
Hope this helped.

Woah, thanks everyone for your responses. I definetly want to go to BYU provo. I only hope I can get in. If my high school grades aren't quite good enough, could I go to a community college, get good grades there, and have a better chance of getting accepted?

If you do go to Community college first, make sure you plan on being there two years and getting your full associates degree that will take care of the credits transfering issue. Otherwise you will add at least a year onto getting your degree that way. BYU is super picky about transfering credits. It used to be (and to my knowledge hasn't changed yet) that BYU provo didn't accept all the transfer credits from BYU Idaho or Hawaii so just switching between those schools can add all kinds of time to your educational plan.

If you are really on the borderline of getting in to BYU-Provo, don't exclude BYU-I from your possibilities.
It's on the same application. I strongly encourage you to fill in the hole for it, even if it's down as a 2nd or 3rd choice. I didn't know much at all about it until after I got accepted--and got a scholarship, which I didn't to BYU-Provo. I'm so glad I took the effort to apply in the first place, even though I was completely determined to go to Provo. Idaho was the right choice for me, even if I didn't know it at the time.

My son went to BYU-I and my daughter to BYU Provo. They were good fits for both of their personalities. Neither one would have changed schools. BYU-I should definitely be considered. It has a more close knit envioronment with excellent courses.

Both have the nice religious atmosphere and requirement.

I'm making the effort to try to be able to get onto BYU-Provo out of highshool. I guess I can only do my best and hope my dad will let me use one of the one bedroom apartments he has close to 7 peaks. I know it'll be hard but if I can't get in then BYU-I is a definite possibility as I have family in Rexburg and IF.

What about living in the dorms? They're also good to consider. They're more easy to get to know people in; your whole Relief Society is on the same floor or in the same building. In any case, make sure any off-campus housing you are considering is approved by BYU before you plan on living there.

What about living in the dorms? They're also good to consider. They're more easy to get to know people in; your whole Relief Society is on the same floor or in the same building. In any case, make sure any off-campus housing you are considering is approved by BYU before you plan on living there.
And get the word on whether or not it's approved from BYU administration - not from the landlord. (Not implying anything - just making a suggestion.)

What about living in the dorms? They're also good to consider. They're more easy to get to know people in; your whole Relief Society is on the same floor or in the same building. In any case, make sure any off-campus housing you are considering is approved by BYU before you plan on living there.
Actually, it's an absolute requirement for single students that the housing be approved, and there's a whole list of approved housing on the school's website. Most places are approved, since they have to be in order to be a profitable rental. The question becomes whether or not the landlords do what they're supposed to; imposing curfew, maintaining living quarters, etc.
I didn't live in the dorms; they were long filled up before I even considered Ricks as an option. I lived in a complex right across from the music building, which is where most of my classes were. It was three floors, and each floor was in a different ward. I met my husband through my next-door neighbors; he was one of their FHE "brothers."

Actually, it's an absolute requirement for single students that the housing be approved, and there's a whole list of approved housing on the school's website. Most places are approved, since they have to be in order to be a profitable rental. The question becomes whether or not the landlords do what they're supposed to; imposing curfew, maintaining living quarters, etc.
I didn't live in the dorms; they were long filled up before I even considered Ricks as an option. I lived in a complex right across from the music building, which is where most of my classes were. It was three floors, and each floor was in a different ward. I met my husband through my next-door neighbors; he was one of their FHE "brothers."

There is one exception to the approval rule. If you live in a family owned apartment and don't have non-family member roomates then your housing doesn't have to be approved, its the same rule as applied to those students who live at home.

I lived in Helaman Halls at BYU-Provo my first year and loved it. I would recommend to anyone that they do their first year in the dorms if at all possible. Space is tight though so you should apply for on campus housing before you know if you are accepted to school. You can get your deposit back if you don't get accepted but it will assure you a place in the dorms. Just by way of contrast, my older sister didn't live in the dorms her first year. She lived in off-campus approved housing because she thought the dorms were for nerds. Well she had a horrible year (including a roomate who had a boyfriend stay overnight and well, you get the idea). She hated it so much she only stayed for a year and half and then quit school. By contrast my brother and I both lived in the dorms and we had the best years of our lives then.

Hey! I've been gone for a long long time! I hope everyone's had a good summer! Mine has been so amazing and i can't believe how fast it's gone!!!
It's my 16 birthday on saturday!!! oh my goodness i'm so excited!

Sixteenth birthday...the golden age...got a date yet? ;)
Well she had a horrible year (including a roomate who had a boyfriend stay overnight and well, you get the idea). She hated it so much she only stayed for a year and half and then quit school. By contrast my brother and I both lived in the dorms and we had the best years of our lives then.
It's completely an individual thing, though. Bad roommate experiences can happen anywhere. If it's an honor code violation, report it; it's for their benefit as well as your own. Otherwise, you can always move, like you said.
I've known lots of people who have had good and bad experiences in and out of the dorms. I didn't have all golden roommates, but I married the best friend I met there, and I had an educational and spiritual experience there I'll never forget. In fact, now that they're a four-year university, I may be returning to BYU-I to get my editing degree.

Happy Birthday Jenni! :birthday:

I lived in Heritage Halls my freshman year at BYU. It was great and I do suggest it for any freshman. You will learn more about the school and the opportunities around you by starting at the dorms. The apartments assume you know your way around and how things work.

THANKS! :clap:
Sixteenth birthday...the golden age...got a date yet?
well... kinda! It's hard for me cuz i'm in the grade younger than i'm supposed to because i was really sick when I was little, so all my friends are younger than me! But i've got some friends in the older grade who are hookin me up! :D lol!

Happy Birthday Jenni!

Yeah the apartments my dad owns are BYU approved, and he manages some others for another man (those are really close to Lavell Edwards Stadium).
I just got back from Youth Conference and I am so sunburned. What's not fair is my friend didn't put on any sunscreen and barely got tan, me I put on sunscreen three times and still got burned. We went to Bear Lake and the Logan temple to do baptisms for the dead. Because we all brought our own family names I think the people in our ward had a better experience.

Happy Birthday, Jenni! Cheers!


I just got back from Youth Conference and I am so sunburned. What's not fair is my friend didn't put on any sunscreen and barely got tan, me I put on sunscreen three times and still got burned.

I know what you mean... my skin seems to be weird when it comes to tans and burns. I've been out in the sun for hours without sunscreen and not gotten burned or tan, but other times I only need to be out for half an hour to be the same color of a cooked king crab. But I've noticed that the only times I've ever tanned (enough for it to look like a real tan, as I'm roughly the colour of ivory and a tan on me just looks like normal skin color), I was at girls camp. Hmm...


We went to Bear Lake and the Logan temple to do baptisms for the dead. Because we all brought our own family names I think the people in our ward had a better experience.
I'm not sure... I've never done my own family names, as my mother's family have been members for several generations, and my dad is a convert, and we're still working on family history there. But I have several friends who have done both, and they say the experience is just as good, only in different ways. For members of your own family, it's more personal, of course. But for people who aren't in your family, it's more like service, because it's for people you don't know. And part of getting everyone's work done is so that, eventually, everyone will be sealed to everyone else. I love thinking about that- that perhaps I'm doing work for a sister whom I never met, but will someday get to know.

You know, you hear about getting your history done "back to Adam." Impossible, of course, but you don't even have to go back that far to all be related; you just have to go back to Noah's family!
We've been members for generations, too, but my mom has recently been able to go back almost 2000 years, which I find absolutely amazing. She actually found a place where I could be related to my husband that far back, and she has a tie to Charlemagne like my dad has. The population hasn't always been quite so vast.

Yeah it helps if you can find one line that has some relation to some sort of aristocracy because they seemed to keep better records of their lineage. We've been able to trace back more then 1500 years because of that but on other lines we can't find anything they got off a boat in England. If you go back far enough we're all related somehow, for example I know I'm related to one of my best friends about 10 generations back because we were doing family history together.

Sometimes it's harder when you find a family line that was part of the aristocracy. A lot of the noble and royal families in, say, the Middle Ages, had illegitimate children. And doing family history, I've always felt, isn't just about direct ancestors- their siblings still have work to be done. So it takes a while, because, honestly, there are probably only a few (and I use the term "few" rather loosely here- it could be anywhere from 4 to 40 to 400, but, considering the amount of people in the world, that's still huge) "family groups" on the earth, just right now, through marriage. Because we aren't severely inbred in small pockets anymore. And also- we generally don't even need to go back to Noah. Most of us are descended from Abraham. But it would probably still be a good idea to go back to Noah. Then we can follow the lines down.

And at church dances, I can sometimes find about 5 or 6 different people I'm related to (this is at a 100-person dance), either biologically or through temple sealings. It's hilarious- my aunt's little brother is my age, and he has lots of cousins his age, and he usually brings a couple of them, and they sometimes bring people they're related to. So we all joke about how we can't dance with each other, and we can give each other a hard time about dancing and stuff because we're RELATED. We just all call each other cousins- it's too confusing, and it takes too long to explain it while we're at the dances. But the Church really is a small world, isn't it? Up here, I only have to say my mother's maiden name for nearly anyone to know who I'm related to, because her family is big, and my grandmother is so outgoing, and I only have to name one family in my ward for everyone to know where I live, because they were some of the first Mormon pioneers up her and they haven't moved out of the ward, for the most part.

And just in my ward, there are a whole bunch of other families that are all related. It was really confusing when we first moved in, especially since we moved in just after the daughter of one family married the son of another, so when people were trying to explain it all, they would stop in the middle and be like, "Oh, yeah, and so-and-so just married this person, so now this family is part of the clan, too." But now I've got it figured out, just in time for us to move to the hometown of one of the families that's part of the ward clan.

Things are a bit different for me. :D Where my dad grew up, nearly everyone was related to him when I was a kid, but a whole bunch of other people have been moving in for the recreation/tourism. He came from a small town. Living in the Salt Lake area, there's a much bigger melting pot; all the members don't automatically know each other. Not by a long shot.
The Charlemagne thing is actually rather funny to my mom, because my dad can't really prove his line, it having come through an illegitimate child, but he's still rather proud of that line. :D My mom just found her connection, and it's through an actual wife! :lol:

My daughter works in a lab in Utah. She studied genetics quite extensively and because my husband and my family are both from Utah (pioneer lines) she doesn't want to marry someone from Utah. She thinks the pioneer in-breeding would be too close. :no:

I tell her then she needs to move out of Utah County. :lol:

My daughter works in a lab in Utah. She studied genetics quite extensively and because my husband and my family are both from Utah (pioneer lines) she doesn't want to marry someone from Utah. She thinks the pioneer in-breeding would be too close. :no:

I tell her then she needs to move out of Utah County. :lol:

Tell her to marry a convert :)!!!! That'll solve the pioneer ancestry problem.

Actually, I don't know the statistics, but it seems like most of the people at BYU are from out-of-state, so she's pretty safe. :D (And actually, there were plenty of converts from different families back in the pioneer days, too; it's not like we're all one big in-bred family. :p )

Actually, I don't know the statistics, but it seems like most of the people at BYU are from out-of-state, so she's pretty safe. :D (And actually, there were plenty of converts from different families back in the pioneer days, too; it's not like we're all one big in-bred family. :p )

Don't I know it. Both my parents come from pioneer stock and ironically enough my great uncle on my dad's side of the family is my third cousin on my mom's side of the family. But the most significant close family interelations in my family history occured before the church. Seems those colonial families often liked to keep it in the family too.

My wife and I met at BYU and her parents are converts. Turns out her ancestors likely persecuted mine with no sign of any marriages for as many generations as we've been able to trace so far, so we've brought fresh blood into the gene pool :lol:

Well you're right about Utah county, my cousin just married one of my best friends cousins and I didn't know this until we were at the rece[tion in her grandma's backyard. My grandparents found out they were related to the same person about four generations back after they were married. How did they not know that they were so close, I have no idea. That's close enough that they have family reunions for that person, is it not?

Well you're right about Utah county, my cousin just married one of my best friends cousins and I didn't know this until we were at the rece[tion in her grandma's backyard. My grandparents found out they were related to the same person about four generations back after they were married. How did they not know that they were so close, I have no idea. That's close enough that they have family reunions for that person, is it not?

Four generations back is a little far for family reunions at least normal family reunions. In my family if you did a four generation family reunion on my dad's paternal side it would have to include about around a 100,000 people (good old polygamy). Too many for a gathering really. But still a funny connection plenty far enough apart though to not need to worry about genetics and grossness.

Family History, eh? That's something I don't know too much about! I should learn more about it though! My dad is big into it!
There have been so many miracles around me this summer! a guy (about 22) in my ward got in a consruction accident and had to be revived, and they were sure he'd die and if he didn't he'd have major brain damage, and now he's in physical therapy, engaged, and on his way to a full recovery! and then on monday, one of my really good friends got in a motorcycle accident, and they didn't think he'd make it! It was so sad! I couldn't believe it! I learned a really important lesson about how you have to be kind all the time! because the last thing I might ever get to say to him (well that he may understand) was pretty mean because he was annoying me! I feel so bad now! But now they think he'll probably survive, but he will have brain damage! we're having a community prayer for him tonight! Ah, the power of prayer! ... and blessings!

Four generations back is a little far for family reunions at least normal family reunions. In my family if you did a four generation family reunion on my dad's paternal side it would have to include about around a 100,000 people (good old polygamy). Too many for a gathering really. But still a funny connection plenty far enough apart though to not need to worry about genetics and grossness.
I don't know if my family is normal then... We have them for my Great-Great-Grandpa's on all sides and they're about the only ones we ever go to because they're the closest. At least within Utah and Salt Lake counties, compared to California, Idaho, Nevada, and St. George. Of course maybe we're just crazy because we had one for the generation before the pioneers who came across the plains and it was international. There were events in Australia, England, and here.

Actually, I don't know the statistics, but it seems like most of the people at BYU are from out-of-state, so she's pretty safe.

My husband and I were both born in SLC but grew up in different states (Oregon and Washington). We met at BYU and yet there is a very very distant genealogical hook up. It isn't surprising when you condsider we all started with the same parents. There must be a genetic allowance. :p

Last year at school my class studied the Latter-Day Saints (Mormans?) when we were studying the American West. Being a scatter-brain I can't remember much at all. So would someone mind outlining the basic beliefs and foundations of the Latter-Day Saints?
Thank you! :)

(if not then that's fine).

The easiest way to do that is to give you the official website: www.mormon.org

The easiest way to do that is to give you the official website: www.mormon.org
Perfect, thanks Pegasus! :)

Perfect, thanks Pegasus! :)

I would also add that after you've visited the site, you should come back with any questions you've got. I'm sure we'd all be happy to answer them.

I went to my first day of Seminary today... I don't think I have an opinion quite yet as the class was only 15 minutes, but I did find out that I have my bishop as my seminary teacher. I surprised myself by volunteering to play the piano without anyone persuading me to volunteer. I was wondering (this question is more directed toward release time seminary but if anyone else has an opinion go ahead and share) if you guys carried scriptures back and forth everyday or if you had another copy that you kept at school just for Seminary?

I went to my first day of Seminary today... I don't think I have an opinion quite yet as the class was only 15 minutes, but I did find out that I have my bishop as my seminary teacher. I surprised myself by volunteering to play the piano without anyone persuading me to volunteer. I was wondering (this question is more directed toward release time seminary but if anyone else has an opinion go ahead and share) if you guys carried scriptures back and forth everyday or if you had another copy that you kept at school just for Seminary?

I didn't have release time, but I did have a set that I kept at our seminary teacher's house when we met there and when we met at the church I carried them back and forth, but they were specifically for seminary. My regular scriptures for church were a different pair. However, since then I'm come to realize that the notes I make in my scriptures only help if they are in the pair I'm taking to church and reading from at night. So now, all my personal study and reading is done from one set in my mission language and one set in English and I try to make sure the notes get put into both sets when I make them.

I had one set of scriptures that went from church to home, then from school (seminary was in the middle of it) home. Those same scriptures have been through many post-seminary college religion courses, BYU Education Week classes, etc. I actually really regret having taken so many notes outside of my scriptures, without at least making mention inside my scriptures, during those classes, because everyone once in a while I'll remember something really profound in Sunday School and I can't explain it as well to the class as I'd like.
If I ever have to replace these scriptures it's going to be a sad, sad day. So much knowledge written in the margins will be gone.

I have a set that just goes to seminary. At my sem, we had a cupboard for them. The ones that i take to seminary have those seminary lessons in the margins, and then my personal scriptures have my personal study, efy, girl's camp, chruch, and oher study. so they are both very valuble to me!

If I ever have to replace these scriptures it's going to be a sad, sad day. So much knowledge written in the margins will be gone.

When I was in my 30s my mother gave me a new set of scriptures in the large print. I was a little surprised as I in no way needed the large print. I spent many years transfering information and getting used to the new scriptures. I still used my old ones but transitioned very slowly to the new ones. By the time I needed the larger print, they were like old friends. My mother was a wise woman. ;)

When I was in my 30s my mother gave me a new set of scriptures in the large print. I was a little surprised as I in no way needed the large print. I spent many years transfering information and getting used to the new scriptures. I still used my old ones but transitioned very slowly to the new ones. By the time I needed the larger print, they were like old friends. My mother was a wise woman. ;)

I like the large print solely for the room in margins where I can write notes. I have/had a set of the compact quad and its so tiny I can't really make any good notes. Mostly I use the standard size ones but large print is great for note taking.

My dad taught Sunday School (14-15) for two years, and would have kept doing it had we not ended up moving, and he uses a set of large-print scriptures, which I think were more convenient for teaching. It's easier to read them at a glance, the margins are larger, and when you point at a verse to show something to someone, your finger doesn't cover it up. Very nice. I'm thinking of getting myself a set, although I'm far from needing one. (unless I forget to put my contacts in or my glasses on. But then I can't read the large print anyways, so it doesn't matter!)

When I was in high school I only had one set of scriptures, and they stayed at the seminary building. When I was in primary we each had a Bible that our parents bought that stayed in the church library, and our teacher would pick them up before class when she picked up any pictures, teaching aids, whatever, so we always had them. I still have that bible on my bookshelf at home (it's the old one, obviously, without all the good cross references and stuff). And right next to it are my old seminary scriptures, that have been so well used some of the pages are coming loose. The set I have at home now, and carry to church every Sunday, still has my notes, though, because I sat and highlighted and copied margin notes etc. so my new (well, newer - it's pretty old now) set has all of the info I had from Seminary (which actually came in quite handy way back in the day when I took the temple classes - the teacher thought I really knew my stuff :D )

The set I've used since my baptism are starting to fall apart, but since I'm not done taking seminary, I'll use them as my seminary set for notes, just to complete the notes already taken. Besides, they're only falling out of the binding, the pages aren't separating.

Heya! I just barely found this forum. I had no idea there was a place for us here! That's so freaking sweet. Well, none of you know me, I don't think, but I thought I'd let you know that I'm leaving on my mission in four days!!! I'm going to Vina del Mar, Chile! MAN, I can't tell you how excited I am! :D Well, stay true to the faith, I know this church is true with all of myself. Read the BoM, and PMG. Both are great testimony and knowledge builders! And of course the Bible too. Alrighty, unless I get a reply to this, I prolly won't be posting again til after my mission... have a wonderful two years, enjoy mugglenet as much as possible, have faith that Snape will prove to be on the good side, and that Draco will join the good guys! (I hope I haven't violated any posting rules by saying all that... if I did, it was unintentional :() Thanks, mugglenet staff, for all you've done and continue to do for us all. This place rocks!

That's awesome, selroc. Chile has its own MTC now, doesn't it?

Well, I know that they did have one, but I think it's no longer active. I'm going to the MTC in Provo, staying for nine months, and then I'm off to Chile. :D It's possible that it still does have an MTC, because it has nine missions now, but I'll be at provo, along with a buddy of mine who's going there, entering on the same day! It'll be sweet for sure.

This thread rocks! I am so glad that I can post with members on this site and answer peoples questions. I dont have alot of oppurtunity to do that kind of thing because I get to live in the great LDS state where EVERYONE is a member. Its cool though, because just about everyone has your beliefs and respect your standards and it is alot easier than living somewhere where we are a minority.
I'm going to the MTC in Provo, staying for nine months,
Are you kidding me? My brothers went to Brazil and they only had to spend 8 weeks! My brother went to PA and only spent 2 weeks. 9 months? Thats crazy. But cool! :) Good Luck!

Are you kidding me? My brothers went to Brazil and they only had to spend 8 weeks! My brother went to PA and only spent 2 weeks. 9 months? Thats crazy. But cool! :) Good Luck!

LOL I'm guessing he meant 9 weeks which is what I spent there.

LOL I'm guessing he meant 9 weeks which is what I spent there.
Probably. Hey, just wondering, does anyone here go to BYU or are a BYU fan? Cause I'm a BYU NUT!!!!!!!!! (look at my location)

Probably. Hey, just wondering, does anyone here go to BYU or are a BYU fan? Cause I'm a BYU NUT!!!!!!!!! (look at my location)

BYU Alum here, and fan, I can't wait for Saturday when I can cheer on the cougs again.

Sweet!!!!! Go check out my College Football Gridpicks Competition in The Leaky Cauldron and pick BYU to win! :)

LOL I'm guessing he meant 9 weeks which is what I spent there.

Hahaha, yeah, I meant nine weeks. It's weird, I looked right at that, thinking that I needed to make sure it said weeks instead of months, and my brain thought, "hey, that looks good!" :P Oh well. :) but yeah, I'm so excited. Last day here!!! Woot!

Hahaha, yeah, I meant nine weeks. It's weird, I looked right at that, thinking that I needed to make sure it said weeks instead of months, and my brain thought, "hey, that looks good!" :P Oh well. but yeah, I'm so excited. Last day here!!! Woot!
You are so lucky!!! I have three brothers who have gone and I'm the next!!!! Three more years!:)

... I get to live in the great LDS state where EVERYONE is a member ...Not all of us. :)

It's a very pleasant place to live, though; I mean the people are generally pleasant. And the mountains are gorgeous.

It's a very pleasant place to live, though; I mean the people are generally pleasant. And the mountains are gorgeous.
Do you live there?

Do you live there?Yes, in Salt Lake City.

So what time does everyone go to church? What time do you do seminary, and do you have a teacher who has written a book or something?

Yea!! Another Utah county rep. I go to church at 11:30, it's not bad considering I know people that go at 8:30AM and 4PM. I have released time seminary so I go at about 10 or 11 everyday. So Cougar Town huh? Are you part of the campaign to turn Provo blue? I really only know about the whole Cougar Town thing because my friend's brother used to play for BYU (last year and the two years before).

Reminder: Please stay on topic (that would be religion, which does not include BYU football ;) )

:clap: Good luck Selroc07. You know we rememeber the missionaries in all our prayers. We will be here when you get back. By then we will be able to discuss all 7 books!:p

I think a lot of us are BYU alum. Both my husband and I graduated from there and two of my children have graduated from there (well one was BYU-I). We will all be rooting on the Cougars.

Ready everyone...Rise and shout the Cougars are out....:clap:

Sorry Rap just read your post. What if people want to know about why there is a BYU?

Yea!! Another Utah county rep. I go to church at 11:30, it's not bad considering I know people that go at 8:30AM and 4PM. I have released time seminary so I go at about 10 or 11 everyday. So Cougar Town huh? Are you part of the campaign to turn Provo blue? I really only know about the whole Cougar Town thing because my friend's brother used to play for BYU (last year and the two years before).
I love Utah County!!!! Where in Utah County do you live? I go to church at 9 am Killer!!! I have release time seminary sortof because I go to a private LDS school and we take seminary at 8:00! We start tommorrow but I think I have the same teacher so, ROCK ON!

Whoa! I haven't been on here for FOREVER! How is everyone? I got a job and went back to school and had no downtime whatsoever. . . but I quit my job and got a new one, so I'm back! What's up?

Hey, does anyone know what mission agpotter went to?

I dont know but selroc07 leaves tommorrow for Chile!! I think. Or somwhere down there. I couldnt help but notice your sig. Do you like Wicked?

I dont have alot of oppurtunity to do that kind of thing because I get to live in the great LDS state where EVERYONE is a member. Its cool though, because just about everyone has your beliefs and respect your standards and it is alot easier than living somewhere where we are a minority.


You do have to be very careful with this generalization. :) Utah in general, but especially Utah County, can be very isolating for those who don't share the "prominent belief system." I had a friend whose children weren't always allowed to play with other children and always felt left out because there were no "neighborhood potlucks", only "ward potlucks." That type of thing. I'm sure she's not alone. I also remember shopping for my two-year-old when we lived in Provo and hearing the lady next to me telling her husband she had to be very careful because if her kid's summer clothes didn't fit all the other moms' standards, they would get looks and comments. I think of this type of thing whenever Pres. Hinckley gives talks on being good neighbors.

Reminder: Please stay on topic (that would be religion, which does not include BYU football ;) )

I know a few people for whom BYU football is a religion in itself :lol: Notwithdstanding, I agree though, let's not turn this thread into a chat thread about football, there's the Leaky Cauldron for that. Hopefully some more people will come and ask questions about the church here.

Oh and for those of you who are posting information like what county you live in, what type of school you go to, what time you have seminary at that school, that's probably not a wise thing to do. We just had a stake priesthood meeting where we had a member of the stake talk who works for the government tracking down bad guys in chat rooms and he said that's exactly the type of general information you think is safe but would enable a net stalker to track you down in about 2 hours time. So for your own protection, try and keep it a bit more general here about religion topics like what you are studying in seminary and how it affects you, or how we should be better neighbors by being more inclusive to those around us who don't necessarily share our standards.

Hopefully some more people will come and ask questions about the church here.


There I am! :lol:
In France the "latter day saint religion" is not very well known. I would like to learn basic things on the religion, what is very different of another religion which may look like... because I'm too lazy to read all previous posts but I would like to get the general idea of the religion. I'd heard bizarre rumors on mormons (including it's a lot like a sect) but I think we should first know the truth about mormons! :D
If a post like that has been posted previously, just tell me the number of the post and I'll go and watch the answer! Thanks!

There I am! :lol:
In France the "latter day saint religion" is not very well known. I would like to learn basic things on the religion, what is very different of another religion which may look like... because I'm too lazy to read all previous posts but I would like to get the general idea of the religion. I'd heard bizarre rumors on mormons (including it's a lot like a sect) but I think we should first know the truth about mormons! :D
If a post like that has been posted previously, just tell me the number of the post and I'll go and watch the answer! Thanks!

One of the best ways to learn about the church generally is to visit the website www.mormon.org

But so you don't go away empty handed, we believe in God the Father and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God has called prophets in our time just like he did during the times of the Bible. We believe that God had a people in America who also kept a record like the Bible called the Book of Mormon. It is a record of God's teachings and Christ's visit to the people in America. We believe that certain ordinance are necessary for salvation, such as baptism, and that these ordinance must be performed by someone having authority from God, namely the Priesthood. We believe that after the Apostles from Christ's time died the Priesthood authority was taken from the earth because of wickedness and that it was restored by God to Joseph Smith, the first latter-day prophet.

That's really a quick summary and I'm sure others will add more to it. As you know French Hermy, I speak French (I was a missionary for our church in France) and would be happy to explain anything you don't understand in French. Also I'm aware of many of the views about Mormons being a "sect" like we don't use electricity, and we dress funny and we all live in separate villages, but none of that is accurate.

One of the best ways to learn about the church generally is to visit the website www.mormon.org

But so you don't go away empty handed, we believe in God the Father and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God has called prophets in our time just like he did during the times of the Bible. We believe that God had a people in America who also kept a record like the Bible called the Book of Mormon. It is a record of God's teachings and Christ's visit to the people in America. We believe that certain ordinance are necessary for salvation, such as baptism, and that these ordinance must be performed by someone having authority from God, namely the Priesthood. We believe that after the Apostles from Christ's time died the Priesthood authority was taken from the earth because of wickedness and that it was restored by God to Joseph Smith, the first latter-day prophet.

That's really a quick summary and I'm sure others will add more to it. As you know French Hermy, I speak French (I was a missionary for our church in France) and would be happy to explain anything you don't understand in French. Also I'm aware of many of the views about Mormons being a "sect" like we don't use electricity, and we dress funny and we all live in separate villages, but none of that is accurate.

Thank you for this summary. Quick indeed, but exactly what I wanted. I think this is very much like to a Christian religion, because you believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but there are many differences... Thank you clawscall, if I wanna know something more about Mormons, I'll ask you!

Reminder: Please stay on topic (that would be religion, which does not include BYU football ;) )
Hehehe sorry. About getting comments and looks when they approve of what your child is wearing, I've seen people in my ward do that (a lot). I see it at school as well when people wear something that someone else might think of as too tight, too short, too big, etc. they get looks as if to say you shouldn't be in Seminary or here at all.

FrenchHermy- The LDS church is a Christian church. A Christian church is characterized mainly by it's belief in Jesus Christ. All Christian churches differ from others so wouldn't it be the truth to say that the LDS church is a Christian church? It's different from the others by the way it wasn't formed in protest to the Catholic church (protestant religions), and it's not a division of the Catholic church, but it's still a Christian religion.

FrenchHermy- The LDS church is a Christian church. A Christian church is characterized mainly by it's belief in Jesus Christ. All Christian churches differ from others so wouldn't it be the truth to say that the LDS church is a Christian church? It's different from the others by the way it wasn't formed in protest to the Catholic church (protestant religions), and it's not a division of the Catholic church, but it's still a Christian religion.

Yeah, we can say it's a Christian church because of the belief in Jesus, but I learnt at school in R.E that there are four Christian churches - catholic, protestant, orthodox and anglican (I don't know the translations, if this isn't right, I'm sorry...) so I don't know if it's really a Christian church or not... As you said, it isn't a division of the catholic church... But I'm not an expert...

I learnt at school in R.E that there are four Christian churches - catholic, protestant, orthodox and anglican...


The Anglican churches are Protestant and there are many Christian groups (not just The Latter-Day Saints) that don't fit into any particular catagory.
.

Yeah, we can say it's a Christian church because of the belief in Jesus, but I learnt at school in R.E that there are four Christian churches - catholic, protestant, orthodox and anglican (I don't know the translations, if this isn't right, I'm sorry...) so I don't know if it's really a Christian church or not... As you said, it isn't a division of the catholic church... But I'm not an expert...

Those are the correct translations of what the four main branches of Christianity as taught in schools in France. Which is also generally true. But Selmo is also correct saying that the Anglican Church is really just another form of a Protestant church. The word Protestant means a group of people who formed a religion based on a protestation of the Catholic Church. In a sense the LDS church encompasses some of those ideas. We believe the Catholic church lost the authority to act in the name of God many hundreds of years ago. In Europe, there are really only two main groups of protestants (at least as far as I recall) the Lutherans and the Evangilists. There were also smaller groups of Anabaptists and Baptists and other Protestant groups. In the U.S. though there are probably hundreds of different Protestant churches, all of them with differing beliefs.

Also it may interest you to know that until the 1980's, the French Government considered the LDS Church to be a "sect" (for those of you who don't speak French, sect in French translates to "cult" in English). But since that time, the government has officially recognized the LDS church as a Christian religion.

I also agree with Achel Ray who said that any Church who worships Christ is Christian.

Yeah, as they were saying a bit earlier those are the four MAJOR groups of Christians. The full name of our church is actually the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

(Hi folks. Long time no type.)

As I understand it, our church is considered to be a Restoration church--that is, we consider our faith to be a restored version of the Primitive Church established by Jesus Christ, complete with a prophet, apostles and priesthood (the power to act in God's name). In this sense, it does not neatly fall into any of the four described categories, although it holds a number of tenets of faith in common with Protestant churches and also believes strongly in the importance of authority to act, similar to Catholics. The concept of a Restoration church, as a restored version of the ancient Christian church, predates all four of these categories.

I know that different people have different ideas of what does and does not constitute a Christian. In my opinion, you are a Christian if you accept Christ as your Savior and try to follow His example in your life.

(Hi folks. Long time no type.)

As I understand it, our church is considered to be a Restoration church--that is, we consider our faith to be a restored version of the Primitive Church established by Jesus Christ, complete with a prophet, apostles and priesthood (the power to act in God's name). In this sense, it does not neatly fall into any of the four described categories, although it holds a number of tenets of faith in common with Protestant churches and also believes strongly in the importance of authority to act, similar to Catholics. The concept of a Restoration church, as a restored version of the ancient Christian church, predates all four of these categories.

I know that different people have different ideas of what does and does not constitute a Christian. In my opinion, you are a Christian if you accept Christ as your Savior and try to follow His example in your life.
Very well said Pirate King. I agree with this :)

Hi guys! i haven't posted in a while. sorry i don't think this is exactly what you're talking about, but i wanted to say it.
#1 we're getting a new bishopric on sunday! It's kinda sad cuz our bishopric has been absolutely amazing! but i'm excited to see who it is! It's very interesting to see how well the bishops work with your ward's needs at the time!
and #2 I've realized how great personal scripture study is. i've done it my whole life, though not always consistent! but for the past 2 uears, it has been very consistent, and especially since i went to efy this summer (july 10th) I haven't missed one day since then. TO me, life is better and easier to understand when i read my scriptures! last year, on the last week of school, i didn't read my scriptures, and i had a horrible, stressful, crazy week! since then i've really tried, and life seems so much more under my control. Scripture study brings understanding and peace to me. I've learned so much through readng and PONDERING the scriptures. This weekend i had the opportunnity to go on a trip with my team, and i was one of the only active lds people, and my roommates thought it was so cool that i read my scriptures every night and they'd wait especially for me to be done before they'd turn off the lights! I was really glad for the chance to be a good example and stand up for my beliefs.
That was a random rambling post... lol!

Hi guys! i haven't posted in a while. sorry i don't think this is exactly what you're talking about, but i wanted to say it.
#1 we're getting a new bishopric on sunday! It's kinda sad cuz our bishopric has been absolutely amazing! but i'm excited to see who it is! It's very interesting to see how well the bishops work with your ward's needs at the time!

It was really hard for me when we switched bishoprics, because I didn't get along very well with the new bishop's daughter who's my age. I also loved my old bishop because he was such a grandfatherly figure. I've eventually gotten used to having him as a bishop and his daughter and I have become fairly good friends but at first it was really hard for me as the first bishop had been the bishop since we had moved into that ward 5 years before.

ya! we got our new bishopric today. it should be good! but i'm really gonna miss my old bishopric! they were amazing! but when they called the new one, it felt right, so i'm excited to see what happens!

ya! we got our new bishopric today. it should be good! but i'm really gonna miss my old bishopric! they were amazing! but when they called the new one, it felt right, so i'm excited to see what happens!

It is hard to adjust especially fo me, because I have some difficulties with change. I still kind of miss my old bishopric but I've found that I've come to love my new bishopric.

I have to go eat dinner because I've got mutual in an hour. Apparently we're making a video for a stake multicultural event next month so I guess I'll drop in again later.

I have to laugh that I ran into this here. I don't get to spend much time on the internet, and when I do, I try and at least drop in here. I saw the spiritual division and wondered how active the LDS church is on here, and figured if getting the message out was really anything big, there would be a thread. Before I even looked, I noticed this thread had the last comment.
It's really pretty coincidental. I've been innactive for five or six years, and before that you had to drag me to anything beyond sacrament meeting, if you even got me to that. It's been a big issue in my family. See, but I'm a head strong person, and I made a bet with god earlier this summer, or a deal, whatever you call it, and I lost. A lightning bolt could have hit me and it still wouldn't have been as clear as it was. So...I've gone back. I still haven't made it past sacrement meeting, I don't know where I'm supposed to go. Relief society??? What's that about??? I can't go to the singles ward, I've been with my boyfriend for over a year, but I'm not married, so...haven't pressed it much. The funny thing is, my family doesn't know I'm back. My friends do, take that back, my innactive or non member friends to, but anyone who ****** me off by pushing way to hard in the last few years...not a word to them. I like it being back, I don't want them to ruin it for me by pushing hard for more of what they want, without thinking about what I want. My boyfriend on the other hand, is sooo supportive. He hasn't joined me in returning; I've made it clear I don't expect him to, but he is invited. He's excited that I'm going back though, more excited than I am.

Do you have any friends in Relief Society who you can go with the first time? That is where you belong. It's a wonderful organization. As far as Sunday School, I would recommend Gospel Essentials. If you're not married and you'd feel more comfortable, you could go to the Singles Ward. Obviously, this is all just a personal opinion, and prayer and a chat with a member of the bishopric would be a lot more helpful.
That's awesome that you've found your way back. :tu:

Welcome back, zoeydsngwrtr! We have similar interests! Don't you just love forums, where you can go at talk about anything you want without having to worry?! Yes, making bets against God is always a great idea if you want to lose. And I'm so happy that you did! I saw where you on another thread and almost asked if you were LDS and so now I'm happy to see you here.
Sure you could go to the singles ward. You actually might be more comfotable there because its just a bunch of 18-30 year olds who aren't married yet. THere are plenty who have boyfriends and girlfreinds as well there.
Relief Society is where the women go to be strengthened. We are taught the gospel. It's pretty simple. And actually, there will be the annual General Relief Society meeting this saturday night at 6, moutnain time, which will be broadcast on BYU TV. It's a meeting where the General Relief Society Presidency as well as a member of the First Pres. gives talks that uplift and inspire.
Owl me if you'd like to chat. :)

I have to laugh that I ran into this here. I don't get to spend much time on the internet, and when I do, I try and at least drop in here. I saw the spiritual division and wondered how active the LDS church is on here, and figured if getting the message out was really anything big, there would be a thread. Before I even looked, I noticed this thread had the last comment.
It's really pretty coincidental. I've been innactive for five or six years, and before that you had to drag me to anything beyond sacrament meeting, if you even got me to that. It's been a big issue in my family. See, but I'm a head strong person, and I made a bet with god earlier this summer, or a deal, whatever you call it, and I lost. A lightning bolt could have hit me and it still wouldn't have been as clear as it was. So...I've gone back. I still haven't made it past sacrement meeting, I don't know where I'm supposed to go. Relief society??? What's that about??? I can't go to the singles ward, I've been with my boyfriend for over a year, but I'm not married, so...haven't pressed it much. The funny thing is, my family doesn't know I'm back. My friends do, take that back, my innactive or non member friends to, but anyone who ****** me off by pushing way to hard in the last few years...not a word to them. I like it being back, I don't want them to ruin it for me by pushing hard for more of what they want, without thinking about what I want. My boyfriend on the other hand, is sooo supportive. He hasn't joined me in returning; I've made it clear I don't expect him to, but he is invited. He's excited that I'm going back though, more excited than I am.
:clap:
Good for you! I'll be honest, I've had a difficult time going as well. Not because my family pushed me too hard, but the opposite. Most of my siblings are inactive, and me being active kind of makes me the "odd one out" and I'm not always invited or included. All of us were raised LDS, but only two out of the eight of us children are active.
I finally started going to my singles ward because I realized that the only reason I was going before was that I went with my parents. I started going by myself. That way, I felt that I was going for me, and not for them. Good for you, for going back because it's what you want. It's difficult to take a stand on your own, especially when other people around you are so pushy. I used to ditch young women's because everytime I would go after not being there for a while, they'd make a big deal when I showed up and I HATED it. I think they were trying to make me feel welcome, but they also made me feel guilty and left out, so I'd just ditch again, cause I didn't want to put up with it. Just let me come!
Anyway, I think that it's great, that you are making up your own mind about it, just you and the Lord, no one else. It's no one else's business, and it's between you and the Lord.
hehe, you live in UT? If you need someone to go to Relief Society with, let me know where you're at. hahaha!:lol:

It's General Conference weekend. What talks are the ones you've really liked or really hit home? I'm starting to get really tired of the same commercial between conference sessions. The documentary type things between sessions here in Utah have been really good this year.

I was rather impressed with the way they broadcast the sessions in Utah this time. When we ran Conference through our TV it was in English, but when I switched it to the VCR, it had a Spanish translation running over the English. Then I switched from channel 5 to channel 11 and it was straight English. When I went back to channel 5 after the morning session ther was no sound. I switched the sound from SAP to mono and the regular
English was back on. So apparently there was simply a live Spanish translation feed over SAP. I'm not familiar enough with the technology to know exactly what I discovered (and I'm sure it was well publicized in the Spanish wards), but I thought it was really cool. I also think it's cool that it's become necessary to supply it in two languages in Utah. That certainly wasn't the case just ten years ago.
I loved Elder Holland's talk for its fervor. Several really stuck out for me, but his the most. He does not like people criticizing the Brethren!

I have to confess I did not watch Conference for the first time in as long as I can remember. Before I knew it was Conference weekend (I thought it was the first full weekend in Oct.) we had booked a trip to Nauvoo. I will be watching and reading all of Conference soon.

I do have to say what an amazingly spiritual experience we had in Carthage and Nauvoo. I know many people have already made this trip, but it was my first. I was apprehensive about Carthage thinking it would be depressing. It was just the opposite. The spirit was so strong and the power of the Prophet and Hyrum was almost tangible. The testimony of their lives and knowing exactly where they went after death was very powerful. It was a very hopeful and positive experience.
We were able to go to the Temple in Nauvoo and that is amazing. I wish so much I had gone through before it had been dedicated to see the whole thing. Well enough rambling, but for those who have not visited, it is well worth the trip.

conference was so awesome! i loved it! the one that stuck out most to me was Gibbons... i think! I don't have my notes with me right now, but i believe his name was Gibbons. I really loved it! I also really liked Holland's! and I loved the story (who told it is slipping my mind right now) about the grandpa who went blind and needed $195, and brother drinkwater who was an unlikely source of money had a feeling to contact him and offer $200! I'm not sure why that story stuck out so much to me, but i have been thinking of it a lot since conference!

Wow...I was reading through some old threads on the forums and realized that it has been quite some time since I've commented...on anything. I don't really have much to say now (it is quite late and I'm trying to figure out why I'm still even up), but I just wanted to say hi and let you all know I'm still alive. I have missed you all and hope you can forgive me for staying away so long :)

conference was so awesome! i loved it! the one that stuck out most to me was Gibbons... i think! I don't have my notes with me right now, but i believe his name was Gibbons. I really loved it! I also really liked Holland's! and I loved the story (who told it is slipping my mind right now) about the grandpa who went blind and needed $195, and brother drinkwater who was an unlikely source of money had a feeling to contact him and offer $200! I'm not sure why that story stuck out so much to me, but i have been thinking of it a lot since conference!

Yeah that one stuck out to me as well. I think my an=bsolute favorite was Elder Bowen (I think that was his name) witht the story about digging up past garbage and how the garbage compares to our sins. If Heavenly Father remembers them no more why should we. It was a good story witha good comparison included.

I found this today and was, needless to say, very thrilled. I don't know if any of you have seen this before but I thought I would share it. I have never seen or heard of any of the general authorities commenting on Harry Potter, but this is from a talk given by Elder Holland at the Fourth Annual Garden of the Light Award Dinner of the Lighted Candle Society. (Has anyone ever heard of that?)You are well aware of the Harry Potter books and movies by J. K. Rowling. One of the reasons the books are so popular, I think, is that they show children victorious in battle against dark forces. They give readers hope that, even in total darkness, there is that spark of light. Despite the powerful evil arrayed against them, they know they can defeat the darkness.

But fundamental to the message of the Harry Potter books is the idea that children don’t — indeed, can’t — fight their battles alone. In fact, the one gift that saves Harry over and over again is the love of his mother, who died protecting him from evil. Without any question one of those best “defenses against the dark arts” — to use a phrase from the Harry Potter books — is close family ties. Parental love, family activity, gentle teaching, and respectful conversation — sweet time together — can help keep the generations close and build bonds that will never be broken.You can link to the talk in it's entirety here (http://www.ldsmag.com/articles/060515holland.html).

Hey, that's just plain cool. Thanks!

So just wondering. What did you guys think about President Hinckley's "I'm Not Dead Yet" Talk?

On the Harry Potter reference talk by Elder Holland, I think that's good that a general authority has used it as a reference point. As for the I'm not dead yet talk it made me sad to think that he will die sometime. We don't know when but it is sad to think that he is thinking about the fact he will die.

I'm not dead yet talk it made me sad to think that he will die sometime. We don't know when but it is sad to think that he is thinking about the fact he will die.
It's o.k. He reminds me of Dumbledore. He never fears death. He also jokes about it. That guy Rocks!

President HInckley is so cute! You just can't help but love him! :D his "I'm Not Dead Yet" talk made me sad! I don't want him to go! but i know that when the time comes, everything will be alright!

President HInckley is so cute! You just can't help but love him! :D his "I'm Not Dead Yet" talk made me sad! I don't want him to go! but i know that when the time comes, everything will be alright!

Really, it's saddening but we know that he will go on to a better place. Just wondering somewhere it said that the earth today is about the telestial glory level. Have any of you heard this as well or was that something I thought I heard in seminary?

Really, it's saddening but we know that he will go on to a better place. Just wondering somewhere it said that the earth today is about the telestial glory level. Have any of you heard this as well or was that something I thought I heard in seminary?
Well really if you think about it everyone has to die sometime. Do you go around thinking your moms going to die?

Just wondering somewhere it said that the earth today is about the telestial glory level. Have any of you heard this as well or was that something I thought I heard in seminary?

We believe that when Adam was cast out of the Garden of Eden, the earth fell to a telestial level. And that is the way the earth will remain until it's renewed. It was at the Celestial level when they were in the garden.

And it would seem that Elder Holland must have read the HP books to be able to have such an understanding of them. And now my mind just jumped to seeing him in line at the next and sadly last midnight book release.... :P

I could be wrong, but my understanding was that the Garden of Eden was at the Terrestrial level? (I think I heard that in seminary and haven't thought about it much since.)

Sorry. My mistake. I looked it up in "Mormon Doctrine", which I should have done the first time, and it says that the earth was at the terrestrial state at the time if the garden of eden and then when Adam fell, the earth fell as well and it became a telesial state. Then the earth was baptized with water. And then before the millenium, the earth will be baptized with fire and then go back to the terresrial state for the millenium. And then after the millenium and a little season, the earth will die, be ressurected and become celestial.
I find it fascinating that the earth will go through the same process as motrals to achieve the celestial state. Only I guess, it doesn't have a choice.

I find it fascinating that the earth will go through the same process as motrals to achieve the celestial state. Only I guess, it doesn't have a choice.Doesn't it amaze you how much the gospel is reflected in nature itself? The one thing I would point out is about choice. Doesn't everything have a spirit? Perhaps when it comes to the spirit of the earth and the animals (etc.) there is choice involved, though different from what we would consider choice?

Then the earth was baptized with water. And then before the millenium, the earth will be baptized with fire and then go back to the terresrial state for the millenium. And then after the millenium and a little season, the earth will die, be ressurected and become celestial.
I'm confused slightly. Why then does it say the earth will regain its celestial glory. Did we have it before Adam and Eve?

The earth has never been celestial. The articles of faith say that the earth will be renewed and recieve it's paradisiacal glory, it means that it will return to the state it was in with the Garden of Eden, which was terrestrial.

The earth has never been celestial. The articles of faith say that the earth will be renewed and recieve it's paradisiacal glory, it means that it will return to the state it was in with the Garden of Eden, which was terrestrial.
o.k. makes sense. I was having a mind jam

No problem, I have those ALL the time! I had to look all this up, myself. I understand! :)

How is Seminary going for yall?

How is Seminary going for yall?
i did my four years...ha ha...but sometimes i have to wake up and take my little bro...its annoying having to wake up that early again...

Thanks for explaining that, I was wondering about that. Seminary's been good but because it's release time for me I may be able to say that easier then some of you.

Thanks for explaining that, I was wondering about that. Seminary's been good but because it's release time for me I may be able to say that easier then some of you.
Me too! Kinda. I go too a private school so we have seminary before at 8 but that is still not early morning stuff! lol :) It rocks! We just learned about section 28 on revelation. It was wonderful! It's really sad though because I am the only one in my class who can play the piano and I only know like 8 hymns so by the end of the year the kids in my class are gonna have it down pit-pat! lol :)

8 isn't bad at all. I've got a friend that does early morning because of Student Council and she's considering swithcing. Ahh the dreaded position of the only pianist. Luckily for me there is one other pianist besides me in my class so we can sing about 20 songs though it was strange on Wednsday we sang Ye Elders of Israel (I think that's what it's called). It was definitely different.

I bore my testimony last Fast Sunday. I was really nervous, but I just had a prompting. I hadn't done since I was, like, 6 or something rediculous like that. Through the last Fast and Testimony meeting I just kept debating on whether to do it or not the whole time. This time I actually did it! (Don't ask me how I got my feet to walk up there or my voice to talk.) But I feel so good now that I finally did.

I bore my testimony last Fast Sunday. I was really nervous, but I just had a prompting. I hadn't done since I was, like, 6 or something rediculous like that. Through the last Fast and Testimony meeting I just kept debating on whether to do it or not the whole time. This time I actually did it! (Don't ask me how I got my feet to walk up there or my voice to talk.) But I feel so good now that I finally did.

Good for you! I always have difficulty during testimony meeting. I can't talk in front of all 400 of my ward and still be able to function. I freeze and so the Girl's camp and EFY testimony meetings are often my greatest of the summer's because there aren't 400 people watching me. Only at most 60 so that's a great change for me because I can actually function when I go up to bear my testimony. I know like you said that you feel so good after but sometimes getting up there is the hardest thing for me.

I never bear my testimony at girls camp or church or youth conference. I never say it at all. It's kins of sad really...

I hope you feel comfortable with it soon. :)

I hope I do too. It's just not really my thing.

It's not exactly mine either but it's easier when there are less people for me to think about listening to me. It makes me wonder how the general authorities are able to speak during general conference or things like that though I do know that Hevenly Father probably helps them through the Holy Ghost.

And Heavenly Father can help you also through the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, if you sincerely ask! We have have been blessed with that same spirit, and if you ask, you can be just as powerful, in your own way. :)

This Church Rocks! I just love it! We played Seminary Basketball the other day and my team won! I was so stoked!





p.s. Did you figure it out picko?

I never bear my testimony at girls camp or church or youth conference. I never say it at all. It's kins of sad really...

well i never really like to bear mine...but im sure ill have to once im on my mission...papers sent in, im just waiting...but the one thing that always got me up to bear my testimony was peer pressure at youth conference...a couple years ago all my friends did and they pretty much made me...it wasent bad though

on another note...whats everyones opinion on males teaching in primary?...i was taking college close to home and stayed in my home ward where i was called to teach primary...now the church is sorta trying to get away from men teaching in the primary...i was released from the calling but am currently filling in for a mother in our ward who just had a baby and is unable to teach for a while...now i love being a primary teacher and working with kids...im teaching 7 and 8 year olds...its so much fun...i can sorta see why the church would try and stay away from it with all of the horrible things happening outside the church, but i think it would be good if the bishop would be able to make the judgement on what guys would/could be good as a teacher. the bishop in my ward is my dad so he could say it was ok for me.

In my ward all the primary teachers are turning towards priethood. I love children, I have been student teaching 1/2 grade for 5 years and currently teach math to 11 year olds. Primary would be my dream calling. But its one of those if the prophet says so.......have Faith!

My teacher was a guy, before I went into young women's. I think right now, it's just the sisters that teach it now. We just had our primary program yesterday. It was so cute. It also made me glad that I wasn't in primary anymore.

There's no "move" that I know of involving men in primary. I know that men are often pulled out because they're needed in other callings. For example, in my last ward, our male chorister was called into the bishopric. I've moved a lot during my married life, and the wards I've been in have tended to be short on Priesthood leadership. The women do an awesome job in primary without the men. :)

My teacher was a guy, before I went into young women's. I think right now, it's just the sisters that teach it now. We just had our primary program yesterday. It was so cute. It also made me glad that I wasn't in primary anymore.
I haven't heard anything from the Church that they're moving away from priesthood callings in Primary. The dynamics of who is called and when will be different in every ward, because every ward has different needs. It might just be that the person who was called in your place will benefit greatly from that calling and is in need of it. The only non-priesthood callings in Primary that I'm aware of are in the presidency itself (except maybe the secretary, because I know the Sunday School presidency is supposed to be all priesthood, but my sister was called as the Sunday School Secretary for in her ward, and my dad said that calling was not designated as a priesthood calling...so maybe it's the same for Primary), but everything else is open to whoever the bishop calls.
My brother is a primary teacher :) Most of the teachers in our ward out males so I dont think that the church said otherwise.:)

well i heard that if you do have priesthood teachers,there should be 2 in a class...


We just had our primary program yesterday. It was so cute. It also made me glad that I wasn't in primary anymore.


Yeah our ward too...is it the same for everyone?...i was up there with all the kids and helped them get in line to say their parts and help sing the songs and everything...it was fun

There are some new guidelines that are not just for Primary, but across the board in all auxillaries. This, however, is not the place to discuss them.

We just had our Primary program and it was wonderful. It is always my favorite meeting of the year. I also had a friend who had a Sacrament meeting of all music. Members of the Ward were asked to bring their favorite hymn and tell why. The the whole congregation sang the hymn. She said it was really a spiritual experience.

We are having ours this Sunday, and the ward after ours was last Sunday. Its pretty cool stuff. I love the primary aged kids!

Ours was last Sunday. You get a very different perspective when it's your own kids you're watching, and from behind the piano, at that. Our music director (who I'm leaving to visit teach in about 20 minutes) did something different this year and had small groups sing different verses of Follow the Prophet (with the whole Primary singing 3) and the four girls in my oldest daughter's class sing Faith. Very sweet.

Hi everybody! I have mostly stayed on the Hogwarts portion of these forums because I like talking about Harry Potter, but I was wandering in other areas and found this forum. Our primary program is next Sunday and I teach the CTR 5 class so I am a little nervous about it.
Anyway, to answer some questions about men teaching in primary, a couple months ago the First Presidency sent a letter to the bishops basically saying that if men were going to be primary teachers there needed to be either two of them, or a couple, or there needed to be a window in the door. This was done simply as a safety precaution. I have not heard about any particular problems, but it is better to be safe now then to be sorry later. The main thing is that when we receive direction from the First Presidency, we need to follow it. We had a couple of really good men teachers in primary, so it was a little sad to release them. Sorry if this was a little longer than expected and I hope that explanation helped.

yeah, that helps. Its totaly fine to have men teach but just to be safe have two in there. Thats pretty much the crux of it.

Our primary program was about a month ago. My little brother who's 11 almost 12 wasn't very happy about it cause he still had to do it when all of his friends had graduated. I'm kind of happy I don't have to do it anymore but after primary you get youth speaking assignments which he won't be happy about either.

SUNBEAMS

This is originally from a physician in Utah:

I work part-time as a teacher of family doctors. The program provides training on psychiatric disorders and emphasizes the importance of emotional support. The new doctors are given plenty of time in clinic to visit with their patients and learn about their challenges. One of our interns who has never lived in Utah and knows nothing about Mormons is still struggling to understand the cultural climate here. Last week he was interviewing a new patient and stumbled on what he thought was a raging psychosis.

Doctor: "Well, Mrs. Olsen, we've talked about your high blood pressure and your medications. Are you experiencing any particular stress in your life?"

Patient: "Oh, yes! It's the Sunbeams. They're driving me crazy."

Doctor (very surprised): "The sun beams?"

Patient: "Yes. I've never had trouble with them before, but this group won't sit still. They bounce all over the room, and run out the door and down the hall."

Doctor (reaching for a pen): "Have you told anyone about this?"

Patient: "Of course. I told the president."

Doctor: "Really! What did the president tell you?"

Patient: "She said Sunbeams are like that. I'm just going to have to learn to deal with them."

Doctor (concerned that he may be missing something): "I know people who are sensitive to sun beams. Do they cause you a rash or anything?"

Patient (confused): "A rash? No."

Doctor: "What's the biggest problem they're creating?"

Patient: "It's the noise. They just won't quit talking."

Doctor (astonished): "The sun beams are talking to you?"

Patient: "Well, yes. But mostly they talk to each other."

Doctor (scribbling furiously in the chart): "I see. Can anyone else hear them talking?"

Patient (after a moment of stunned silence): "You're not LDS are you?"

:lol: Ha ha ha! It's so true, one of the worst things living in Utah is people who assume that everyone else is LDS. It totally cracks me up. Since I was born outside of Utah, I always make sure that when I talk about religious things that I ask the person first what religion they are. Makes the conversation run more smooth. But that is great! I totally love it! Very funny!Thanks for the laugh!

That was pretty funny. I live in California so it is never assumed. It is actually funny to drive into Utah and see billboards for scriptures and missionary stuff and all that. My husband and I were riding on the trax into downtown Salt Lake one time when we were visiting his granparents and thought it was so weird to hear people talking about the Book of Mormon on the train.

Utah is a very different environment than other states. There is alot of assuming going on! :) I love the billboards! Especially the one for Temple Square at Christmas that says "Stand All Amazed"

[Thanks, Ginny and Peg. The Pirate King said the Book of Mormon depicts a "different people in another land." Who are these people? Do they tie in in any way with the well-known people in the Bible?


Yes they do...The Book of Mormon actually begins in Jerusalem. It starts with a family (Lehi the father, Sariah the mother and their sons Laman, Lemuel, Nephi, and Sam). They lived in Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah before the time of the tower of Babel (600 B.C.). Lehi was a prophet at the time as well, and as a result, the Lord told him to take his family and leave Jerusalem. They did so, and traveled to the "promised land" or the America's. When they arrived, their family taught each other the doctrines of what we now know as the Old Testiment (or the writings of Moses). The Book of Mormon is essentially their recordings of sacred works that they brought with them from the Holy Lands as well as a sacred recording of the Resurrected Jesus Christ visiting their land (obviously many generations later). If you remember reading in the book of John, when the Christ was talking to his deciples after being resurrected, he says, "Other sheep I have, who are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and ther shall be one fold, and one shepard." (John 10:16) We believe he was referring to those in the Americas.

It's actually quite an amazing story...even from reading it with the point of view as a story. If you want a copy (free of charge of course!), I'm sure we could get you one. You might be surprised and what you find out!




oops...I just realized that this quote was on the front page of the thread and didn't notice how long the thread had become.......I feel really silly right now, but maybe someone else will read it and get interested....sorry about that!!!! =oP

Utah is a very different environment than other states. There is alot of assuming going on! :) I love the billboards! Especially the one for Temple Square at Christmas that says "Stand All Amazed"
It really is a completely different enviroment. Especially within Utah county. Salt Lake and Ogden areas are slightly less all LDS it seems but still it's different then most other places. Oh I saw that one. It's really pretty. Is anyone going to Temple square to see the lights? It's one of my favorite things about Christmas each year.

I will be in Provo for Christmas. Maybe we will have to take a trip up to Temple Square and see them. I have heard that it is really beautiful. They have Christmas lights at the Los Angeles temple too which we like to go and see.

Temple Square tops itself every year. I really like what they've done with it since they expanded Temple Square to include the Conference Center, Main Street Plaza, etc.

I'm really looking forward to being able to visit Salt Lake City now that I'm in the 48. I went there once before, but I was four years old, and the only thing I remember is my aunt's apartment and the visitor's center, with that gigantic statue. I wanted to touch it...

I love temples. On Saturday, I got to go see the Richland Temple... the youth in my ward were in Kennewick for Best of EFY (which was so awesome! Oh, my goodness), and we had to drop some people off at the temple. It seemed so... strange. Of course, I have no memories of any other temple but the Anchorage temple, so of course it would seem different, but it was still surprising. But it felt like a temple. I guess I've been spoiled, having a temple within a twenty-minute drive. Now it's ninety minutes away...

The Lights rock!! I am so excited to go this year. I got to perform with the MoTab around that time of year and is was a blizzard! It was crazy. We only saw a bit of the lights (mainly the nativity) before we had to go.

The Nativity is gorgeous every year. It's where my Uncle proposed to my aunt two years ago. I really want to go see the lights this year but I don't know if we will. I think we're going as a joint activity for Young Women's in December but I don't know for sure. If not I really want to go with my family.

The Nativity is gorgeous every year. It's where my Uncle proposed to my aunt two years ago. I really want to go see the lights this year but I don't know if we will. I think we're going as a joint activity for Young Women's in December but I don't know for sure. If not I really want to go with my family.

Suggestion: Go on the fourth night they are up. A ton of people go on the opening night and then it dies down a bit every night and the fourth or the fifth is about the lowest. Dont go between the 20-25. Especially Christmas Eve!!!!!!! It is so crowded Christmas Eve its not even funny. It is a wonderful and spiritual place to be on a night as important as this but still CROWDED!

Well that takes out my whole Christmas trip since I won't get to Utah until the 21st. I agree that all the temples are beautiful. We go to Redlands, which was weird to go to at first because we were used to LA, which is huge, but there is a very simple beauty in the smaller temples. When I grew up the LA temple was four hours away, then I moved to go to school and it was fifty minutes away. Now Redlands is about thirty-five minutes away from my house as long as there is no traffic. Here in Southern California, traffic can ruin anything.

Well, this has nothing to do with the lights, but speaking of proposals and the Christus statue, that's where my husband proposed to me. (November 25, almost 11 years ago. The lights were probably up, but this was in broad daylight.)

I think lots of people propose there because it's so symbolic to the church. PotterPig go anyway the lights are gorgeous and it doesn't matter how many people are there because you still get the experience. My personal favorite is the reflecting pool when all the lights are up.

He did it there because that was the scene I'd dreamed up in my head, and my cousin was nice enough to tell his roommate so, which nicely made it back to him. :D
We went once on Christmas Eve, and it was a lot less crowded.

Well that takes out my whole Christmas trip since I won't get to Utah until the 21st.
Still go! It is still gorgeous, beautiful, and spiritual its just more crowded than other nights.

He did it there because that was the scene I'd dreamed up in my head, and my cousin was nice enough to tell his roommate so, which nicely made it back to him. :D
We went once on Christmas Eve, and it was a lot less crowded.

Oh cute so it was the dream proposal scene...
Is it really only in Utah where we get the creativeness in asking people to places like prom or to get married. I don't know but one of the first questions people asked at EFY to the teachers of the classes was "How did you propose to your wife?" Is this just a Utah thing or something that happens throughout the church?

Oh cute so it was the dream proposal scene...
Is it really only in Utah where we get the creativeness in asking people to places like prom or to get married. I don't know but one of the first questions people asked at EFY to the teachers of the classes was "How did you propose to your wife?" Is this just a Utah thing or something that happens throughout the church?
Thats a good question! I thought that everyone did it. :)

It happens in CA too!
I was proposed to at a church dance. The music stopped and I suddenly saw my boyfriend on stage, he said some things about some guy who was going on a mission and then asked me to come up. All the other guys at the dance were mad at him after because all the girls there then wanted to be proposed to that way or better. And then the guys who had asked me to dance and had been refused, felt really foolish.
At that time, it was creative. It's been ever 11 years, so I have no idea what's considered creative today. But I'll never forget it and it was perfect for me!

Wow. Your husband is much more daring than mine. As it was, there was a crowd of people there at the Christus statue, so he kind of took me into a corner and whispered.
That's honestly the first time I've heard of someone being proposed to on stage at a church dance (usually it's just announced there), so that sounds both daring and creative to me.

Yeah, my husband can be a bit fearless at times, but he really doesn't like to call attention to himself or especially be up on stage for anything. SO I think it was more for me than anything else. I'm not like that either but having had a stressing week with him, I was in a fiesty mood and let myself dream away, and it turned out to be better than I dreamed it!