Self-disclosure: John and I were engaged in within a month after he returned from his Mormon mission to Japan. ACK! I hadn’t even turned 21 years old yet. [Of course, no regrets…] 🙂
Self-disclosure: John and I were engaged in within a month after he returned from his Mormon mission to Japan. ACK! I hadn’t even turned 21 years old yet. [Of course, no regrets…] 🙂
LOL……this reminds me of an advertisement I saw once published by BYU with the intent of getting corporations interested in hiring BYU students as interns. It showed a picture of an obviously confused student in a slightly-rumpled suit, staring blankly at a coffee maker. The headline accross the ad said something to the tune of “Our students make great interns, even if they don’t make great coffee.”
There’s something endearingly cute and funny about Mormons – or any other group, for that matter – making fun of their own quirks!
The salient question here is: Did you at least know your husband before he returned from his mission?
That was a funny clip. I had seen it once before and it makes you laugh for sure. But it also made me want to know what kind of advice you will give your own children on love and marriage. What are your hopes for them in these areas? Does your change in religious affiliations change what you will teach them? Are you going to give them motherly guidance or just let them experience and experiment for themselves (find their own path so to speak)?
I love you lots, little sis. I wish we could see you for Thanksgiving. Hope yours is great if I don’t get to talk to you beforehand.
I’m not sure that my advice would be too much different if I were Mormon or Quaker. I’d counsel them on the importance of their decision and encourage them to choose a partner who will cherish them and who holds similar values.
What advice will you give your children?
Jana,
Does that mean that Quakers believe in forever families too?
When I was visiting with Paul’s brother (the preacher) I was surprised by a comment that his wife made one time. She said that they did not believe in marriage in the next life and that she wouldn’t even want to be married in the next life if it was an option. I have always been confused by that because of our upbringing. So, when I have children I want to teach them about the precious nature of marriage, because it is a blessing they can have in the next life if they live up to their covenants (and by the grace of the Lord too, of course).
So what do you believe now about family and marriage? Are Quakers and Mormons very similar on their viewpoints? Do you and John see yourselves married for time or for time and all eternity?
I am curious because when I wsa reading about Quakers I never saw anyhting on the family. I appreciate your time in answering my questions.
anon:
Yes, I knew John before his mission–we were friends for about 6 months before he left. 🙂
My idea about family and the afterlife mirrors what Jeffrey Holland said in the movie they played at the Newport Beach Temple Open House. He said, “Heaven just wouldn’t be heaven without my family there with me.” I totally agree with him on this. For me, every day is heaven because I am surrounded by the three people that I love most. 🙂
Becky, you probably don’t want to hear from me, but I’m going to venture a response.
First of all, you won’t find much about Quaker beliefs, because there really isn’t any doctrine in modern (non-Evangelical) Quakerism. What you will find are common values: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community/Compassion, Equality, etc. Thess, and a few unique but simple practices (like silent worship) are what unite Quakers.
Concerning eternal families: As much as we may want to be with our families forever, believing something or desiring something really bad doesn’t make it true. We do know with a certainty that we have each other in the here and now and we try to love each other with as much devotion and understanding and passion as possible in the precious, precious time we have together. Just because we don’t conviction of immortality doesn’t mean that we love our families any less. And supposing that your view is the right one, it would be a cruel God that would deny someone such blessings because they chose to act according to both spirit and conscience.
I just read over my comment, and I want to make it clear that I’m not trying to attack your beliefs as I am trying to help you understand ours.
John,
I wouldn’t be here “blogging” if I did not want to know what you and Jana think. I desire that very much. I would prefer to hear what you believe to hearing which parts of my religion you have problems with, if that is okay. I don’t intend on saying anything bad about your religious views as you share them. You raised an interesting point John. I can’t know “for sure” that my family will be together in the eternities as with other church doctrines. Religion requires faith. I like this quote from Neal A. Maxwell re: the the Book of Mormon: “It is this author’s opinion that all the scriptures, including the Book of Mormon, will remain in the realm of faith. Science will not be able to prove or disprove holy writ. However, enough plausible evidence will come forth to prevent scoffers from having a field day, but not enough to remove the requirement of faith.” I was happy to hear that Quakers believe in personal revelation as I read about them on websites. I pray that you and Jana will find truth on your journey and will exercise faith in the things that the Spirit whispers to your heart is true.
One last thought, I appreciate Armand’s comment that we all are doubters. The degree of doubt is different at various stages of our life. I personally don’t think one can grow in the gospel without questioning it.
Beautifully expressed, Becky. I entered the fray hesitantly because I didn’t want to intrude on a conversation between you and Jana. But I agree with you and Armand that we are all doubters to various degrees. It is more often characterized as weakness, however, which is why I ultimately felt unwelcome at Church.
Thanks for your thoughtful insights and your prayers for us.