Unfortunately there are people out there spreading these misconceptions--many of them innocently because it's just what they have been taught. I've more than once had the very odd experience of trying to explain my beliefs to someone who insists that no, I really don't believe what I am telling them, I really believe xyz that their pastor told them or they read in a book. Um, seems I would know what I do and don't believe...:001_huh: Thing is, there are legitimate doctrinal differences between LDS beliefs and those of other denominations--exactly what the differences are of course depends on the denomination in question. I think it is entirely reasonable for someone to point out those differences and why they believe y and not x. I don't expect everyone to agree with or adopt LDS beliefs--but I don't think it is unreasonable to expect and accurate presentation.

Ya know, after reading the excerpt I'm thinking I must be a Really Bad Mormon--I mean, I've never sewn a single skirt for my daughters, I wear sweat pants most days, I don't follow lessons carefully outlined by my husband to teach my children, my kids have been known to show up at church without shoes (woops! I guess the bishop must not have noticed, or he forgot to call us in to excommunicate us:tongue_smilie:) and I seem to have completely missed out on the "race to earn exaltation by doing everything right and especially not letting a church leader see you mess up" principle--maybe I slept through that Sunday School lesson??? I agree it was disturbing--all those oh-so-cheerfully presented half truths and twisted interpretations. Seems the author wouldn't have a chance of recognizing a real Mormon or real Mormon doctrine if it walked up and greeted him:seeya:

Matthew 7:15-20 King James Version (KJV) 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Look for the fruits:)

I like Burt's Bees shampoo. Try to find something without Sodium Laureth (or Lauryl) sulfate--that seems to the the nearly universal shampoo ingredient that irritates my scalp.

I'm just curious to know what labels, affiliations, achievements, etc. form the basis of your personal identity--that is, how do you think of yourself beyond the individual? For example, I think of myself as a child of God, as a mom, as a Mormon, as a homeschooler, and as an American (in roughly that order). I know people who have strong identities attached to their profession, to education, to hobbies, to race or ethnic groups, political persuasions...I think there are a lot of possibilities. So, how do you identify yourself?

A couple more thoughts: I see people compare IB and AP--I actually don't think they are comparable. First of all, the IB exams are the primary requirement for receiving a diploma, whereas AP exams have no bearing on a high school diploma--they are simply meant to show advanced level work in a subject. I think this greatly affects the way both teachers and students approach a subject. Also, IB classes usually cover two years--and students must internalize all the information taught over the course of those two years and be prepared to demonstrate their knowledge at the end not only through multiple choice answer but through extensive essay questions and, for foreign language exams, through oral examinations (at least that was true when I went through). In my experience the AP exams were significantly easier than IB exams even at the standard level--although the content covered might have been similar at that level. At the higher level, there was really no comparison--but content and rigor of the exams was much higher for IB than for AP. I sat for both exams because I was planning to attend university in the States and AP seemed to be better recognized. I also self-studied for a couple of AP exams for which I did not have high school classes, that would have been much more difficult (even if allowed) for the IB exams.

I did the IB in high school, at an American school in Austria. A brother did the IB in Sweden, and an a sister did the French Baccalaureate. Another sister graduated from a non-IB school in Sweden, the rest of my siblings graduated from American style high school programs. Of all these programs the non-IB school in Sweden was the least academically rigorous--don't know if that is a general trend or just that particular school. Those who graduated from schools that offered IB and chose not to go that route did so because they did not like the lack of flexibility in the IB program. By going the American-style diploma route, they could take IB classes where they wanted them but weren't locked into the entire system--they could more easily customize their education. The full IB program is very time intensive and leaves little time for either other academic studies or for extracurriculars. Honestly, I like the American system overall for its flexibility--with the caveat that academic excellence should be encouraged and schools should offer high level classes for those that want them. I really like the US high school to university system because it does not lock students into a particular specialization early on as most European systems do (in fact, it is high school that often locks in the specialization as a student who does not to the higher level science track for A levels, IB, Baccaulareate, etc. would not be able to get into a science program for university). At the same time, some of the European systems allow a student to finish their university studies with a specialized degree in fewer years than the American system, because specialization did start earlier. There are going to be pros and cons to any system. I think the great challenge of the American system is that it tries to be all things to all people--the same high schools try to meet the need for both college-prep and direct entry job training, for example, where most European countries seem to separate out these two tracks by high school. Also, our university system seeks to cater to both elite, highly motivated and prepared students, and those who just scraped by with a high school diploma. I'm not saying it shouldn't do so, just that it makes things very complex--there are so many possible tracks to consider.

Ya know, I just thought of another potential benefit of the earlier mission eligibility rules: kids who save for a mission will be able to use those savings for their intended purpose without paying a penalty in the amount of financial aid available for college. Most schools assess any student savings at 50% when determining the expected student contribution to educational costs, which would mean either depleting a mission fund or coming up with that extra money some other way. A student who serves their mission before starting school would use up those savings in the manner intended, without being penalized in school financial aid determinations. This is actually something I have worried about when thinking of mission funds for my kids, so I'm quite relieved.

You know, I think maybe we could view Jesus Christ and those who seek to follow him in two ways: First, Jesus Christ is a King, and his Kingdom--like any kingdom--must be administered in an orderly manner. This is the organized church, with rightful priesthood authority and proper channels for receiving direction and revelation. Second (just in my numeration not in importance), Jesus Christ is a shepherd--and in his flock are all those who seek sincerely to know and follow what is right and good. The man or woman who prays in sincerity for God's direction in their life will receive inspiration and direction as he is able to accept it--whether a baptized member of Christ's church or not, whether an ordained minister or not. I believe that God inspires and directs and helps many who do not hold the priesthood or who have not received the official ordinances of the church, and that there are people in many places and circumstances who are contributing to the work of God and doing his will as best they understand it. Nevertheless, there is a very real need for a clear line of authority when it comes to moving forward the Kingdom of God in the form of the established church, and for administering the ordinances of salvation. That is what the priesthood and its organization are for.

If you figure out how to teach this last please do let me know!

There's a lot to take in, isn't there? I think the key to understanding the need for a second baptism is understanding our view of the restoration. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints declares itself to be the same church as that established by the Savior and his Apostles during and immediately following his mortal ministry. At that time, the Lord himself ordained men to administer the church and the ordinances and sacraments pertaining to it. When Peter or John or one of the others baptized, they did so with authority directly from Jesus Christ--they could act in his name because he had authorized them to do so. We call this authority the priesthood, and believe it is required to perform any ordinance in the Lord's name. We believe, however, that in the years and centuries following the time of Christ apostasy in the original church eventually led to a loss of priesthood authority--the outward performances of such things as baptism continued, but the power and authority of God were no longer available to validate them. A modest comparison might be a person who signs a legal document in behalf of someone else--unless that person has legal power of attorney to do so, the document is not binding and the signature counts as no more than a forgery. Anyone can say the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father (etc.)" but without the proper authority from God, the ordinance is not truly effective. As you consider the teachings and doctrines of the LDS church, this will be a key point that you will need to ponder and pray over. In the end, conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints hinges not on deciding that its doctrines make the most sense or that the members are nice or that the programs fit your family--it hinges on gaining a personal testimony, through the witness of the Holy Ghost to your own heart, that this is in the restored church of Christ on the earth; that God has once again called Prophets and Apostles who hear His voice and administer the church directly through His authority. Joseph Smith was not a great religious scholar or thinker or minister--he was a prophet called of God. Just as God called and spoke to Abraham and Moses and Samuel, just as Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus and commissioned him to bear the gospel to the gentiles--so he appeared to a 14 year old boy in 19th century New York, a boy who was praying earnestly to know which of the churches he was familiar with was God's true church. God himself appeared with his son Jesus Christ, they spoke to Joseph just as God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, just as Jesus spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus. The Lord had always known that the early church would fall into apostasy, and he had prepared the way for a restoration, a restoration that would once again bring the true priesthood authority to the earth, a restoration that would recall forgotten doctrine such as the baptism for the dead that was only fleetingly referenced and never understood in the New Testament, a restoration that would bring to light buried scripture, the record of God's dealings with a branch of the House of Israel in a part of the world far from Jerusalem. Have you read the Book of Mormon? A world of doubters will tell you that it is nothing more than a made-up fantasy...but when I read it I hear the voice of God speaking through words on a page, just as I hear His voice through the Bible. There is a power of inspiration in scripture that no man could falsify, and I find that power in the Book of Mormon. That witness can only come by reading the book for yourself. God is our father, the father of all men and women, in the East and in the West, in our time as well as in the past. He loves us. He is not hiding from us. His work is going forward--it is the work of salvation of souls, and He is directing it, through Prophets and Apostles and Elders and Teachers who hear his voice and act with his authority. God witnesses of his own work through the Holy Ghost that touches our hearts and teaches and witnesses to us when we seek confirmation of the truth. That confirmation is the true answer to questions of doctrine and authority.

Ya know, I wouldn't personally mind a little more enthusiasm of that sort at church. I know we're all about quiet reverence and listening to the still, small voice, but maybe every once in a while we could have a more lively meeting:001_smile: Seems I've heard there was some of that at early church meetings (with people converting from other denominations and bringing their traditions with them). I wonder if it was all the somber Scandinavian converts that brought the tradition of sit-still-and-listen only to church? (Says the girl with lots of Danish ancestors...)

Thanks, I'll look into that program. It definitely feels like its my core muscles that are just -- weak -- I'm having trouble with my back too for the first time in my life and I suspect weak core muscles is a big part of that.

Big congratulations to your son! One of my favorite Elders (from my own mission) was from that area. He had an awesome southern accent--even when he spoke Japanese:D He really struggled with the language but was incredibly sincere and humble and just a great example and great missionary all around.

Honestly I doubt it's online. I would let your bishop know and he can contact whoever needs to be contacted to clear things up. Good luck to your son! Where is he going? (unless you'd rather not post that)

Might be able to get some time in in the evenings once soccer season is over (soon)--right now we have kids with practices/games almost every night. My husband leave for work at 4:30 in the morning, so I really can't get any exercise in before he leaves--and by the time soccer is done it's bedtime for all of us. I miss the days when I just had a toddler or a toddler and a baby and could put them both in the jogging stroller and go!

Here is an article that gives a fuller explanation of the doctrine of redemption for the dead. Please feel free to ask us publicly or privately if you would like further discussion or explanation. This is one of the doctrines of the restored gospel that I hold dearest, because I cannot imagine how a God who is a loving father would reject millions of his children because the circumstances of their lives prevented them from learning of and accepting the ordinance of baptism. The following is a quote from the article I linked above that speaks to my feelings on this issue:

I'm going to quote from lds.org to save typing time: In essence, this is God's way of providing, in his great mercy, the opportunity for salvation to every person who has ever lived or will ever live on the earth. Because the ordinance of baptism through proper authority is necessary to return to the presence of God, and because the opportunity to receive such baptism has not been available in life to every person on earth, this seems to me to be the only way God could be both just and merciful in his dealings with his children. --Sarah

Elder Scott made me cry--reading from his wife's journal about her experiences with family history work, then addressing her directly and with great emotion: "Jeanene, I love you" --and knowing that she passed away more than 15 years ago. There is no question that he feels the reality of ties to family members on the other side.

There is a chart on lds.org with pictures of all the General Authorities (First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, First and Second Quorums of the Seventy). Generally, all of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve will speak at some point during General Conference, along with some members of the Quorums of the Seventy. Some members of the General Auxiliary Presidencies will also speak--you can find them here. If you click on any of those pictures it takes you to a page about that person. And along the left side of the page there are links with explanations about the responsibilities of the different organizational units (i.e., First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, etc.) It's definitely a lot of names and just overall a lot of information to try to take in at once! I too am grateful that General Conference is recorded and available to watch/listen/read over and over again while we wait for the next Conference.

I miss Elder Maxwell :sad: Love Elder Bednar's talks as well though. And President Eyring. And Elder Scott. And... :001_smile: No wonder I love General Conference!

Well, it has been on my mind since yesterday that I would like to help my children, boys and girls, work through Preach My Gospel, a book/program produced by the church to help missionaries prepare to share the gospel, during their high school years. It was emphasized that families should be playing a major role in helping children prepare to serve missions, and Preach My Gospel was specifically mentioned (can't remember if that was during the General Conference announcement or during the Press Conference). If the eligibility ages hadn't changed that might have seemed less of a priority, especially for girls, during the high school years, because while the church has encouraged all members to study the book (as we all have a responsibility to share the gospel with others) it is especially designed for full-time missionaries. A daughter who might or might not serve and wouldn't even be eligible until age twenty-one would have time to study the program after high school, but if she may be going at 19 I would encourage her along with my sons to work through the book during their high school years. I also think the younger ages for both boys and girls will spur me to really teach life skills while they are in my home--cooking, cleaning, shopping, laundry, health. Of course I have always intended to teach all those things, but I feel a greater urgency if they may be living not only away from home in a college dorm or apartment but potentially in a foreign country with minimal support structure immediately after high school graduation.

:grouphug: Life is just confusing isn't it? Certainly the intent of the new eligibility options is just that--to create new options (they emphasized that several times in the press conference) --not to create some kind of new rule for everyone to follow. I am so, so, so grateful for our understanding of personal revelation--that God has an ongoing, very personal interest in my very own life and that as long as I am trying to keep my covenants and His commandments and live so that the Spirit can be in and direct my life, I'll be OK. Unfortunately, I think human nature causes us to put lots of expectations on ourselves and others that God never intended. Maybe because life looks simpler if there is just a rule to follow. Then we beat ourselves up (or unfortunately we can be tempted to put others down) if they don't follow all those rules. I think you are right, Mama Sheep, to focus on teaching the gospel in your home--if your children learn that, really internalize it, learn to seek for and recognize and follow the guidance of their Holy Ghost in their lives--they'll go where the Lord wants them to go and do what He wants them to do whether you could have foreseen their path or not. I keep reminding myself of this lesson. I think I first started to understand when I was a young adult struggling with what seemed like immense life-determining decisions--and for a long time my prayers for direction just didn't seem to be receiving answers. It took what seemed a long time, but eventually I learned that I was going about things wrong--I was looking at choices I had to make and where I thought they would take me years down the road, and praying about them that way. Finally I stopped doing that and starting praying just about the step immediately in front of me--praying to know the right decision for the choice I was making now, and not worrying about where I thought that choice would lead to farther down the road. That was when I finally started getting answers--and they really were just one step at a time. Looking back, I can see how the path those choices took me on was one I was not capable of predicting when I made the decisions--so many things worked out differently than I thought possible at the time. I suppose this is on my mind because serving a mission ended up being part of that path for me--the one I was so confused about and struggled so much to receive guidance for. I was in ROTC in college and agonized over whether to stay with the program and commit to the military after my Sophomore year (you couldn't back out from the contract after the beginning of Junior year). A mission had been on my radar as something I hoped to do for a long time, and I thought I was giving up that opportunity when I chose to continue in ROTC. It was definitely not my main concern in making the decision, but it was on my mind. I finally received the spiritual confirmation I needed to move forward, with the understanding that I really didn't know exactly where my life was leading. Interestingly, it was only a few months later (during Christmas break of my Junior year) that I felt very strongly prompted to pursue a mission--even though I thought I had given up that opportunity for good. I went back to school and talked to the officers in charge of my ROTC program, and while they re-affirmed that I couldn't break my contract and that permission had never been granted in the past for someone to do what I was trying to do (obtain a leave of absence of 18 months to serve as a church missionary, after I was already contracted/committed) they were willing to support me in making an official request. I went ahead with my paperwork--one set to the Air Force, one set to the church, and then waited. The Air Force paperwork eventually worked its way all the way up to the Pentagon, to someone who had the power to make an exception to policy. The church paperwork went through a lot faster--when I got my mission call, I still had people telling me the Air Force wouldn't let me go. Then the miracle happened and the Lord opened a door--as he does when we are following His plan and not ours. My request for a leave of absence was approved and I was at the MTC a month later. I felt intensely privileged to be able to serve. And I learned the lesson that the Lord knows so much more than we do and will guide us one step at a time on paths that we can't possibly foresee ourselves. That is the lesson I pray my children will learn, the lesson of trusting the Lord, seeking to do what is right, heading the counsel of church leaders while also seeking for the specific guidance of the Spirit in their lives--without undue concern for their own or others' limited human understanding. Hopefully all of us in the church can learn the difference between keeping our covenants with God (necessary), following the general counsel and expectations of church leadership (good, but there are necessary and right exceptions), and following the specific guidance of the Spirit in our own lives. --Sarah

I'm not liking the way I feel physically these days--I just feel weaker and more out of shape than I have before. I'm in my mid thirties and had my 5th baby a couple of months ago, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. But I really, really want to feel stronger/more energetic again. And losing the baby weight would be really nice too. I'm actually only about 8 lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight for this most recent pregnancy, but I never got rid of my baby weight from #4 and I need to lose about 20 lbs to be back to where I am really comfortable. Thing is, I've got 5 young children and not a lot of time. I used to run for exercise, but our schedule doesn't really allow for it right now--I really can't get out of the house to exercise except for Saturdays. So I need things I can do at home, preferably in small chunks of time throughout the day. I have a balance ball, a rebounder (small trampoline), resistance band, and some hand weights to work with. Can anyone give me some tips/point me to resources to help me build a good workout routine? Any other advice or experience with getting back in shape after a baby would be good too. I have a feeling that my body is having a harder time bouncing back because, well, I'm older than I used to be...

Well, with the old rule (19 versus 21) I did think the age difference helped prevent distraction--I don't think its so much concern about inappropriate behavior, but ... in my mission at least the Elders and Sisters in a district worked very closely together and I think distracting "crushes" would have developed much more easily if the sisters weren't older. But I agree with you that one year isn't likely to matter much--especially since not all the young men will go at 18. Overall I'm super excited about the new policy. I've thought for years that many more sisters would serve if they could go at 19. Elder Holland spoke so positively at the press conference about an increase in sister missionaries. I'm feeling encouraged to help prepare my daughters to serve missions just as I plan to prepare my sons.