Tribute to Reta

[andees]

well, today was a pretty big day, but not for me. I don't know if any of you remember Reta, but she was my ex from something like 3 years ago. Anyway, after we broke up, she started dating Charles Hunt, a guy from my ward (church). Anyway, she ended up taking the discussions, and deciding she wants to be baptized. However, her mom didn't want her

Comments

[monkey_funkel]

servant?

[andees]

It's a quote from the scriptures. Not servant in the sense of a butler or something, but servant as in we follow whatever God tells us. The reason the word servant is used, I think, is that a servant usually does whatever is asked of them without complaint.

[miffmuffin]

I still don't understand what he did that was great that you couldn't do...

[andees]

he stuck to what he believed, didn't bend the rules, even break some....me on the other hand...... well, you can put two and two together

[miffmuffin]

I think personal morals and beliefs are way more important than those a religion tries to bind you to. Whatever you did was right for you... if you thought it was wrong, you wouldn't have done it, right? Go with your own, gut feelings :)

[andees]

sorry, I can't agree with that. My religion is not something that tries to control me or anyone else. I mean, how does my church benefit from me not drinking or smoking? I don't want to sound mean or harsh, but I need it to be understood that the morals and beliefs of my church are also my own personal morals and beliefs, because I believe and have faith in what my church is all about. I knew the things I was doing were wrong, but I did them anyway. Why, do you ask? Because I had no control over my physical wants and desires. I was not ready to make the sort of decisions I did, and I made mistakes. I'm sure you've done something you know and feel is wrong right?

[catwoman03]

What did you ever do that was soo wrong? Please inform me, have you ever drank liquor or smoked tobacco or mary jane?? I can't see it. Well maybe you've had pre-marital sex... but what teenager these days hasn't. I think that alot of religions are set up for an earlier time when society didn't have soo many pressures on teenagers.
I'm glad that you found inspiration in this experience though. And I'm glad you could see this before you leave. I know that you will find much more inspiration in the things that you do for yourself in the years to come. Because you're like that, you're a good person.

[andees]

am I that obvious? Well, yes, you're right about what it was that I've done. But unlike some things that go out of date, these things don't. Will the 10 commandments ever go out of date? A sign of a good and strong person OR religion is one that will not change what they believe because society doesn't like what it is they are doing....and of course, there are exceptions, but generally that's true. These laws and commandments have been around for thousands of years, and for a good reason, and that's because they're true. I do appreciate your comments though, Laura, they're always a good pick-me-up.....although, I'm not feeling sad or anything right now, but still!

Re:

[catwoman03]

Love you Jon :)

[astroboy009]

Did you know there's nothing in the 10 commandments that prohibits pre-marital sex? THat's a rule made up by religion.

[andees]

that's true that it's not in the 10 commandments, and I'm not trying to push my beliefs on any of you, but I know that God has given revelation since then about what he wants done on this earth. I don't believe that he gave the 10 commandments and then just sat back and let things go. He knew that there would need to be more rules and commandments for later times. And I believe and know that the rules that are within my church are not rules from my church, but are from revelation, even from today. This I can testify to.

Re:

[astroboy009]

meh i just thought i'd state a fact, See my friend got me this book on sex and religion, it's called the puzzle of sex, so far it's really intresting.

[andees]

whoa..... that's cool...a whole book on it?

[steven_mageven]

Tis good to hear that you're proud! So many shun their beliefs in todays world. I am not very familiar with your religion (or any religion {even my own}, to be honest) but I do believe there are great moral lessons to be gained. I'm glad you stand for what you believe in. I havn't said it before, but I also wish you the best of luck on your mission! And worry not about things you have done in the past. Everyone makes mistakes and to be honest, you are one of the purest guys I know !!! I cannot think of a person who has a slate cleaner than yours :) Even my own clean slate has a few dirty areas on it... (but not many mind you... I am a man of priciples !!! )

[andees]

well thank you Steven! I truly do appreciate it. It's nice to have all your friends respect what you're doing, even if they don't agree with it!