tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.comments2013-09-07T00:58:20.585-06:00Random Ramblings About... StuffCoriAntonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12997716800823321862noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-53921263043476422422013-09-07T00:58:20.585-06:002013-09-07T00:58:20.585-06:00Hey, if you want a word from the wise (non-apostat...Hey, if you want a word from the wise (non-apostate) 50+ year old masturbator, then I'll share a thought...<br /><br />Women are a lot more sensitive to this stuff. The same situation gives her nightmares, but not you... that's a completely beautiful part of who your wife is!<br /><br />You'll have to be the judge... but based upon my own experience... coming clean with my wife really sweetened every part of our relationship... timing is critical, so don't be a duffass and and come clean when she's already pissed, or I'm not to blame!<br /><br />Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-70362206445974552612013-09-07T00:51:10.271-06:002013-09-07T00:51:10.271-06:00I'm not the original poster, but my situation ...I'm not the original poster, but my situation is similar. My wife 'caught' me!!!!!!!!!!! It sucked!!! (temple married mormons)<br /><br />She discovered all my porn mags, and other 'paraphernalia... (it was back in the early 90's before online porn, and I had a bunch of other nasty sh!t that I shouldn't have had in a storage shed... specifically so that she wouldn't find it... but she did.) <br /><br />Who cares... porn... artificial vaginas... dildos, silicone masturbators, sex dolls and porn videos (all legal) from a sex shop... seriously you may be trying not to believe this... but I am not an making this up, and I am also not an apostate! <br /><br />I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... but I am trying to better my life... <br /><br />anyway... after she found out, we talked. (or rather... she yelled for several months, and I talked as calmly as possible) hey, I realize this won't work for everyone, but for my wife it did. We love and accept each other for who we are, and I feel so much better knowing that I don't have any secrets with her. I would honestly tell her anything, even if I were humping pumpkins at midnight in the back yard... yea, there I go... crass again... but seriously, it's not that she would be happy, but she would say - "please try". I know she accepts me.<br /><br />I need to close... but I sincerely hope my post can help someone else to realize that their situation isn't really that unique... we're all really in a big mess together, and giving up is the only true failure there is.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-13446369875075656712013-09-07T00:30:13.559-06:002013-09-07T00:30:13.559-06:00Just wanted to post so that everyone is aware... i...Just wanted to post so that everyone is aware... it is totally normal for couples who have been married for 20+ years -- it's normal for one or both partners loose interest in sex. :0 oh my goodness!<br /><br />In my case it is my wife. I still want to love and caress her bad, but no biggie! She is still comfortable being nude (showering and dressing in front of me.)<br /><br />Granted, I have an absolute testimony of Christ.... but I'm starting to realize that sex is actually kinda childish in a way... I know that's hard to believe.<br /><br />Sure it feels great, and (this is just me, and I really don't want it to sound crass) but I sorta think that if you believe in church doctrine... and therefore believe in eternity... that humping your pee-pee together with your wife, will probably get old after a couple hundred years, or many thousand millennial. Don't you think there is something even better?<br /><br />Yes, I'll never f***ing know... but I believe that there is probably something even better that humping. <br /><br />Come on... in 100, 1,000 - 10,000,000,000,000 year is sex or masturbation really going to do anything for you? <br /><br />(reluctant confession here...)<br /><br />After 30 years of porn, good (and I must admit... my wife was really nasty, and super sexy back then... before she became RS president.) sex with my dear wife in those early years was awesome!. But... since I MB 5 times a day to every kinda porn you can imagine... F U C K! (yea, i said the 'F' word... the reality is, I'm kinda burned out! Excuse my non-mormon language... I would never say that in front of a church member, but I also think this is wisdom of sorts...<br /><br />If 30 years was all it took for me to burn out... then what about eternity? We have more porn and sexual content available today than ever before... shouldn't we be able to look at this fact and realize...<br /><br />"While you enjoy sex, and want sex... be genuine and honest before God!" I think that's going to be more important than anyone trying to justify why they deviated from church standards...<br /><br />I'm going to talk with my bish.. this week. I've done it before, and it wasn't the end of the world.<br /><br />God Bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-28023473915793192012013-09-07T00:04:50.286-06:002013-09-07T00:04:50.286-06:00My Mormon wife of 25 years never masturbated befor...My Mormon wife of 25 years never masturbated before marriage either. I love her virtue! <br /><br />Together during sex, I know it isn't a sin to MB together or each other. It's a selfless bonding act! Together!<br /><br />Yet, after 25 years of marriage (temple marriage) I haven't had sex with my wife in 3 years... however, I'm happy. At age 50 I realize sex isn't everything, or anything. Yes I still masturbate at 50... Oh my! And yes she knows that I do it, and that I view pornography... Oh my! I have since before my mission.<br /><br />However, I will never deny my testimony, or try to justify what I do. I will continue to try and meet the standard! She is happy that I do... and I am happy that I try! It is better to admit you're not meeting the standard, admit it, and work on improvement, than to try and find ways to justify... (which I realize you aren't, so good job!)<br /><br />I hope this rambling makes sense. In any case, re-read the BoM! It's awesome every time! Do what you can. I know God will judge us according to our works... but that means both good and bad!<br /><br />I am giving every spare moment to go with the missionaries and have investigators into our home... I give all my spare dollars to others every day. Yes I still MB and look at porn. Yes my marriage is still surprisingly happy and without contention... and yes... God who judges all with a just judgement, will need only look to the heart and charitable actions to know where my intentions are... I think it will be well... and at the least, I'll have that discussion with Him, and in the mean time I'll continue to try and resist/meet the standards of the church.<br /><br />Good luck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-2261987619409291362013-07-26T15:12:43.528-06:002013-07-26T15:12:43.528-06:00I don't think God needs, or wants, our money. ...I don't think God needs, or wants, our money. I think He wants our hearts. (He owns everything BUT our hearts.) He puts us in positions where we have to show whether we value Him more than this or that thing. What may be an easy test for one may be hard for another. The rich young ruler was asked to part with all his material wealth and follow Jesus. The young man couldn't clear the bar. Peter patted himself on the back, and announced that he and the other twelve had done just that. But Jesus warned him of higher bars to clear--Peter denied knowing the Savior to save his own life.<br /><br />"If ye love me, keep my commandments." Peter loved the Savior more than his career, but it took a while before he loved Jesus more than his own physical safety or survival. But Peter's overall trajectory was one of progress.<br /><br />The way we pay tithing, the attitude, is the most important thing. It shows how, and whether, we love God. If we let go of it grudgingly, we've already failed. We've drawn near to God with our lips, but our hearts are far from Him.<br /><br />The names of various sacrifices in the Old Testament are instructive. You mention "first fruits." "Free will offering" is another instructive phrase. We are simply told "ten percent," but the spin we choose to put on those words--net or gross, before or after the bills are paid, etc.--tells the Lord where we rank Him on our list of priorities.<br /><br />God has has given us everything we have, and the very best He had (the Savior), for our spiritual and temporal welfare. He is generous and openhanded, ready to share all He has. It seems reasonable that we should reciprocate, and be willing to part with all we have, however small, at His request. We expect, and receive, so much from Him.<br /><br />Does our reciprocation of love really have to pass through the filters of a calculator or a budget? Can it even survive after passing through the meat grinder of legal technicalities and gnat-straining?<br /><br />If we are looking for ways to give as little as possible, our hearts are probably in the wrong place to begin with, and we will probably receive blessings in kind.Jessehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03134621740198372535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-1167943034909417922013-05-14T15:52:55.165-06:002013-05-14T15:52:55.165-06:00I have a Mormon married man friend who is tortured...I have a Mormon married man friend who is tortured at masturbating in his marriage. He is approaching 50. I am not Mormon but I agree with Cori.<br /><br />Having been married for over 40 years, my wife is in ailing health. The big M has become obvious again in my life occassionally. <br /><br />As a boy I masturbated to the pleasurable feelings in my body and never masturbated to porn or images. I never have even today in my adult life.<br /><br />Jesus spoke of lust. Masturbation is not mentioned in the Bible. If it can be done without lust as I have done it and other guys I have met who were considerate enough to talk about such issues, then it is not sin. Lust, images, porn.........those are things that make the big M sinful.<br /><br />Like a poster above, when my wife is ill, I can do it and feel the wonderous feelings in my body and at orgasm, give glory to God for being wonderfully and fearfully made as a man. I identify with the poster above on the spiritual aspect of the big M<br /><br />I always tell my wife when I get off and she always encourages me to make myself happy. We have a great sex life and marriage and even in our sixties, we are trying new thing and trying to keep our marriage bed hot.<br /><br />Blessings to all who have written and to Cori for pressing the envelope on what I feel to be a correct interpretation of scriptures. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-85005403397169731142012-07-12T02:02:52.480-06:002012-07-12T02:02:52.480-06:00Thanks for all the comments. I'm so glad that...Thanks for all the comments. I'm so glad that this has been useful or interesting for others. It was really originally helpful for me, just in writing it out, putting everything I felt in some kind of coherent order. <br /><br />It's been a while since I wrote it, and looking back, I wouldn't change much of how its written. As far as an update though, I still feel as convinced as ever that masturbation, per se, is not sinful. I think it is important to stress how easily it can be sinful, either by lusting with accompanying porn use, or by betraying trust of a spouse if done secretly, against their wishes. <br /><br />Anonymous: I'm glad you've come to a situation you're both comfortable with. I think that is completely healthy, and don't see any sin there at all as long as both parties are happy with the situation. One thing though, on the inspiration part, is I'd say that those brethren were not inspired in their wholesale condemnation of this act (rather than that they are [entirely] uninspired).CoriAntonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12997716800823321862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-59242322824401315242012-07-01T16:17:54.059-06:002012-07-01T16:17:54.059-06:00I really appreciate the original post and most of ...I really appreciate the original post and most of the comments. My story is similar. I definitely did not feel guilt with my first masturbation experiences as a 14 year old. But I did start to feel bad about it; so much so that I became obsessed with getting other boys to admit that they did it. <br /><br /> I had one six month stretch of total abstinence (long story), but then indulged again. However, when I became engaged my frequency dropped to zero or near zero; I do not remember which. Now after decades of marriage, my wife's desire is much less than mine. Sometimes she is too tired to engage in an act. So I ask her, 'Can you hug me?' She holds my hand or lightly fondles me somewhere on my body as I bring myself to a climax. We are both perfectly comfortable with this. <br /><br />I do know that most teenage boys are going to do it and I do not worry about that. I am active LDS, have always held a temple recommend. As others on this post have said, I feel that the brethren that wholesale condemn this act are not inspired. I could be wrong, but that is what I have concluded after years of thinking about the issue. <br /><br />Thanks for this thread!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-60627590887212114252012-03-12T20:16:19.325-06:002012-03-12T20:16:19.325-06:00You know, I think the whole tithing thing is total...You know, I think the whole tithing thing is totally flawed in the Church today. There are so many members paying their tiths off of loans. They are actually financing their tithing with creditcards and so on. Tithing confuses me, because it seems very fair in the beginning. All have to pay 10% of their annual income. But the fairness only applies up to a certain extent. <br /><br />Is it really the same for a low income family and a high income family? There are many members who don't even "feel" the payments. They make so much moeney it doesn't matter to them. When I was thinking about this I came across a scripture, a paragraph from the old testament (JST). "Wherefore Abram paid unto him tithes of all that he had, of all the riches which he possessed, which God had given him more than that which he had need." JST Genesis 14:39. Now this gives me a whole new perspective and I can understand why the GA's don't mention this paragraph when talking about tithing. <br /><br />Should I only pay tithing from what is more than I need? If so, I will have to determine what is needed and what is plain luxury. That takes effort, but I think that's what the Lord wants us to do. He wants us to be actively sorting out what is needed and what is not. We need a place to live, in most cases we need a car, food, clothings etc. It's really up to you to decide. It's an exercise of common sense and love. When our money is spent on these necesseties first, the rest is subject to tithing, at least according to this JST paragraph.joherihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00323588917095919658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-67521260979716702062011-12-17T18:04:55.164-07:002011-12-17T18:04:55.164-07:00Doc:
By the time everyone realizes how flawed soc...Doc:<br /><br />By the time everyone realizes how flawed socialized medicine is, it will be too late. The healthcare delivery system NEEDS reformation, to be sure. But how we get there is the very difficult question. <br /><br />There may be hope. I realize that plastic surgeon earn most of their revenue from cash transaction procedures, without any insurance reimbursement. That group of docs seem to do pretty well. Why, because enough citizens value bigger boobs or tighter faces or whatever sort of rebuilding and are willing to pay out of pocket for those changes. <br /><br />I am all for a system that does NOT allow the poor and indigent to fall through the cracks, but it should be a system which rewards users for living healthy, eating natural foods, drinking adequate water and reducing stress. If one likes to smoke and drink and carry on with self destructive behaviors, then that person should take on the full responsibility for their well-being, i.e., and have to pay for procedures they need. Take abortion for example. I as a practicing Christian Mormon abhor the sacrificing of a life through murderous abortion procedures. However I am also pro choice; You make your choices and you pay FULLY for your choices and I will make and pay for my own choices. This approach is fairest.Bonezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07962090551197040509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-52983687712548451562010-10-30T05:00:30.974-06:002010-10-30T05:00:30.974-06:00Wow, what a conversation. lot's of ups and do...Wow, what a conversation. lot's of ups and downs. <br /><br />Now I do have to admit that I never did masturbate as a youth. I did have my first experience after my mission. I guess I felt some guilt about it but not anything significant. Over the next few years until I got married I did have frequent episodes but not overbearing. Just something to release some tension. Did I feel guilt over them? Not particularly, there were probably times that I did and I guess I did try to stop a few times but in the end I continued. <br /><br />Once I got married, it almost came to a full stop unless I was away from the wife, as happened all too frequently as I was in the military. Through my marriage there have been times that I have done it. The wife has been aware of it and we have discussed it. She has also done it but due to some issues really doesn't have that much of a desire to do so. She has stated that it doesn't bother her unless I do it in place of her. As we've discussed this issue, we have determined that for the most part it is an individual issue. Is it wrong? Not necessarily, is it right? Perhaps not so much. But will we be condemned for doing it, most probably not, some likely will. In my experience and research I would say that there are potential problems with it. Is it selfish, in most cases that is likely. However, there may be some cases where it is justified and ok. A soldier deployed for a year away from his wife might be one. <br /><br />Now that being said, if the behavior fits one of several conditions then I would definitely say it's a sin and should be stopped. Those can be but not limited to: addictive (you have to do it frequently), where it replaces ones spouse (not tonight dear, I've already taken care of it), in revenge (he/she won't give it to me, so I'll do this in spite). In short I veiw it pretty much like anything else, what is the intent and spirit of the action? Is it purely selfish, then perhaps you shouldn't do it. Only you as an individual can honestly answer that, but keep in mind that your Father in Heaven also knows the answer as he knows your heart. However, if your heart is true and right, then it's another matter entirely. While masturbation in those situations may be ok or justified it doesn't necessarily mean that you should do it. It might still be best to avoid it. Can't say as if I've completely held to that statement. <br /><br />Along this line is an awesome book that I've recently discovered "And They Were Not Ashamed" by Laura Brotherson. We do have far too many inhibitions and false concepts of ourselves that are placed upon us by culture and society. However we need to be careful in defining them in variance with what the church leaders teach, even if they are only stating their opinions. In the end as in all things I strongly suggest seeking the guidance of the spirit. There are many things that are not expressed in detail for us, "a slothful servant that must be commanded in all things". We are expected to seek proper guidance, study, learn, pray, make a decision and then seek confirmation. I have learned that there is a fair amount of leeway in the details of the gospel, not much in the principles, but the details of execution are a different matter. What works for you may or may not work for me. <br /><br />In the end respect your spouse first and foremost. Treat him/her like a king/queen (my mother once stated that if you don't treat your wife like a queen all the time you can't expect her to treat you like a king when you want it.) <br /><br />DavidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-18689333953530137132010-10-29T16:52:34.087-06:002010-10-29T16:52:34.087-06:00Amen, Amen and Amen. Thank you for the thoughtful...Amen, Amen and Amen. Thank you for the thoughtful post. You have been able to encapsulate many of the feelings and arguments I have been trying to express about modesty for years now. I've boiled my own feelings down to the simple statement. "It isn't what you wear, it's why you wear it." Thanks again for your effort and ability to put your thoughts into words.<br />DdogerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-44224423081387870322010-10-29T09:06:26.960-06:002010-10-29T09:06:26.960-06:00OK, I know I'm late to the party here, but I j...OK, I know I'm late to the party here, but I just have to comment.<br /><br />CoriAnton, I wish so much that your views on modesty were more wide spread. It's sad, really, that for the vast majority of church members, the word "modesty" is now inseparably linked with sexuality. Modesty now seems to mean "hide any hints that you may or may not have sexual body parts", and completely gone is the scriptural notion that modesty means humility and lack of pride.<br /><br />I fear the emotional damage this approach to modesty has on our youth. The unspoken implications here are vast:<br /><br />1) It teaches our youth that their is something wrong with their bodies. We are basically telling them, "Your bodies will cause others to sin, so keep it covered."<br /><br />2) It teaches our youth to fear their bodies. I've read some anonymous posts from teenage girls who say they abhor and fear nudity so much that they won't even look at themselves naked in the mirror, afraid that doing so might be a sin. I've also seen girls in my ward refuse to go on temple trips to do baptism because they are afraid to come out of the font all wet, knowing that the jump suit will cling to their bodies and reveal their outline.<br /><br />3) It teaches our youth that their bodies can be used as a weapon to yield power over others. All I have to do is show a little skin, and people around me will start having immoral thoughts.<br /><br />It seems that the church's current push with modesty is a backlash against the rampant immorality we see all around us, especially from the media. Sex and skin are pushed at us from every angle and sold as enticing, luscious, and wonderfully naughty! So while the world is pushing "Show more skin! It's hot!" the church's response is "They are right! So do the opposite!"<br /><br />The problem with the church's response, as I see it, is that it only serves to reinforce the message being sold by the media. We are saying:<br /><br />"The media is right!! Showing too much skin IS sexy and luscious and enticing, so you shouldn't do it."<br /><br />I wish instead we would just say: "The media has it wrong. Showing excessive skin is not sexy. It's just prideful. All it does is show a lack of depth from the people who show it. They think their value lies with their outer skin, and not in their inner person, and they are trying to get attention in all the wrong ways." <br /><br />Satan, above all, would have us believe that mankind is carnal in nature, that we can't control ourselves when we are presented with human flesh, that we are just simply genetically programmed to become horny and start to have impure thoughts when we see skin.<br /><br />And the church, when we push the current, unfortunate definition of modesty, falls right instep with that line of thinking. Why should we cover up? Because your body is carnal and sexual, and if you don't, you are committing a sin and you might be causing others to sin as well.<br /><br />I've got so much more I could say on this subject, but... it's not my blog :-) Thanks again CoriAnton.Bryan's Saturdaysnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-24997592639553954762010-10-19T12:38:59.032-06:002010-10-19T12:38:59.032-06:00I think this is a very interesting discussion! I t...I think this is a very interesting discussion! I think masturbation is in the same category as the way we satisfy other physical appetites. Can it be a sin? Yes, if used with pornography or unclean fantasies, or if it becomes an obsession that detracts from other worthy and constructive action. Can it be a blessing if used in moderation to relieve sexual tension that otherwise might lead to greater temptations and sins? In my experience, yes. Is it an ideal, a virtue to be preached from the pulpit? I think not. I think of it much like eating a Snicker's bar. When I'm stressed, I sometimes go for a bit of comfort food like a Snicker's. It is self-indulgent, not really promoting health, but it helps me stay away from larger problems. Is it the ideal solution. Probably not. Perfect self-discipline borne of love of God and gratitude for my body would be the ideal. But sometimes I'm just not up to that yet. Jesus was, I guess. I see the ideal as desirable, and something I want to achieve. But if I'm not all the way there today or next year, I'm not going to beat myself up about it, or allow others to beat me up about it. I'm going to keep my faith in God and move forward, knowing that I can become perfect in Christ and that that process is between me and the Lord unless I'm infringing on someone else's agency or doing them harm. Masturbation does not fall into that category. It falls into the Snickers bar category of things that help us diffuse the little pressures and needs of mortality, albeit in a less than perfect way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-23284368634072635062010-02-16T12:47:13.525-07:002010-02-16T12:47:13.525-07:00Did Christ give in.... that is an interesting ques...Did Christ give in.... that is an interesting question, though I'd say we don't know. I think your statement "I must say no" is about as solid as someone who'd say that Christ couldn't have been married. It just couldn't have happened! But I know a good many members of the church that think he was. It is very easy for us to project our notions of right onto Christ, making it impossible for him to have done otherwise, but it's shaky ground when there's no historical/scritptural evidence to confirm our ideas.<br /><br />Did Christ masturbate? I don't know. I'd be very interested to know what Jewish teachings on the subject would have been around the time of Christ. I also don't think it would have been as much of an issue for him as it is for most youth today, as he probably married much younger than we do today.<br /><br /><br />As for being selfish... Did Christ ever eat anything that just tasted good? Did he ever smell a flower just for the pleasure it would bring. I completely reject your implication that to reward yourself is always sinful and selfish. I play basketball a couple times a week, simply because I enjoy it. I go hiking or skiing a couple times a month... sure, I get exercise, but that's not why I do it. I love the solitude it provides me, and derive great pleasure from it. This could be seen as selfish and sinful too, though I've never heard anyone give a talk on that in church....<br /><br />I'd agree with you, Anonymous, that the Lord does indeed bless us when we keep his commandments. I just don't think that the Lord has actually commanded us not to masturbate.CoriAntonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12997716800823321862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-39918853589486776782010-02-15T23:56:14.261-07:002010-02-15T23:56:14.261-07:00http://www.familylifeeducation.org/gilliland/procg...http://www.familylifeeducation.org/gilliland/procgroup/Souls.htm this talk by jeffrey r holland really helped me .. masterbation is definitely not something to mess around .i have masterbated for a number of years even before my mission ..and on my mission i didnt do it once habits are hard to break ,,but the lord does bless us when we keep his commandments masterbation is a selfish act all u do is reward yourself ..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-13933433628055200852010-01-28T11:49:03.973-07:002010-01-28T11:49:03.973-07:00I guess one's ubringing has as much to do with...I guess one's ubringing has as much to do with our modesty as our culture with respect there is an interexchange. Interesting to know if true nudists and naturists are less likely to watch porn or any types of sexual deviency. I ask this as it would seem those folks may be more aware of the body types and not tend to sexualize the scenario !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-39507538858019734512010-01-23T01:23:36.426-07:002010-01-23T01:23:36.426-07:00Do you think Christ gave into urges? I must say no...Do you think Christ gave into urges? I must say no and we`re trying to be like Jesus right? You won`t receice answers that you`re unwilling to follow. Self-mastery is the issue here not pleasure. Don`t create excuses for people struggling with this to continue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-33346434754793568502010-01-03T19:06:16.411-07:002010-01-03T19:06:16.411-07:00I've never thought of it as though we are actu...I've never thought of it as though we are actually being told that we have to physically pay our tithing first. I've always just interpreted that as setting aside the tithe first so that it doesn't get spent between rent and insurance and that shiny new laptop.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-83268492850005895792009-12-22T11:33:24.305-07:002009-12-22T11:33:24.305-07:00This discussion would be more interesting on IRC. ...This discussion would be more interesting on IRC. I have set up a discussion on IRC on undernet named #mormonrealism. I invite any on this list to come by and chat there. <br />If you need help figuring out irc let me know at sanchiro@gmail.comBonezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07962090551197040509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-48852920114559212162009-12-22T11:24:38.789-07:002009-12-22T11:24:38.789-07:00Very well put, Brother. Masturbation is just fine ...Very well put, Brother. Masturbation is just fine in my book!Bonezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07962090551197040509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-73683817230488187652009-12-12T13:34:54.318-07:002009-12-12T13:34:54.318-07:00Interesting read. I also wish this conversation wa...Interesting read. I also wish this conversation was going on when I was a teen. What I have learned:<br /><br />1. Self control is empowering (to the 13yr old deacon)<br />2. Open communication takes courage but should never be regretted<br />3. Masterbation seems to flange naturally with dirty thoughts - but does it have to...?<br />4. You are wasting your time if you beat yourself up about slipping now and then<br /><br />Questions I still have:<br /><br />For those with a wife that have never experienced orgasm - even after years of marriage, it could be that masterbation is the only (solo or assisted) way for them to understand and help you understand how to be equals in sex. So, how do I help my spouse not feel guilty about masterbation so she can focus and come to understand how it works? I feel completely fine if she needs to be alone when she does it. I just want her to know!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-37840721854947567782009-12-09T15:44:45.418-07:002009-12-09T15:44:45.418-07:00Hi I'm a 13year old deacon in the church
The i...Hi I'm a 13year old deacon in the church<br />The issue of masterbation just came up and I feelthe same way as you twords it<br />I think that the church leaders are mistaken<br />I don't want to masterbate witout permission from my parents <br />So I was wondering how I could approach them with the issue of this<br />Any thoughts?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-86080158143716053982009-11-29T00:35:57.537-07:002009-11-29T00:35:57.537-07:00In reference to Story #1, one could just as easily...In reference to Story #1, one could just as easily presume that the phrase "brothers and sisters" was referring to all of our Heavenly Father's children, as we are all literally brothers and sisters.<br /><br />Ultimately I feel the same way as you though -- many times the Spirit blesses us with feelings that can then be communicated into language. However, I have been a part of blessings where I didn't feel like I was the one speaking. It all likely depends on how in tune we happen to be at that moment, as well as how the Lord wants the blessing to be communicated. That's the gospel according to me anyway -- take it with the appropriate grain of salt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1369124697273735758.post-78952085046120639712009-10-10T14:44:17.418-06:002009-10-10T14:44:17.418-06:00A couple things, and yes, I do think it's defe...A couple things, and yes, I do think it's defensible. <br /><br />Your thought experiment is an interesting one, though it deals almost exclusively with the net vs. gross issue, not the chronological one I meant to address here. (Perhaps I shouldn't have said "hope they have enough left over" and left it as "then pay thier tithing")<br /><br />I think it's a poor assumption to say that anytime a commandment requires more, that must be what God wants. If God, who gave the commandment, wants me to pay net (or gross), that's up to him, not up to me to say, 'it'd show more devotion to do it this way, so that's now a requirement.'<br /><br />Lifestyle choices do affect bills. Is there anything wrong with having 7 cars, a boat, and a mansion? Just because it wouldn't violate the law of tithing doensn't mean it would be ok. Buying that beach house limits your opportunity ($$$) to give charitably to others. It makes you work longer hours to pay the mortgage, depriving your family of your time. <br /><br />In God's eyes, is everything equal in those two houses? Probably not, but that doens't mean they're not both paying tithing properly. <br /><br />Again, I think I'll have to get a post up soon on net vs gross, to get my feelings better explained. (actually, to help me understand where I sit might be a better explanation)CoriAntonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12997716800823321862noreply@blogger.com