The LDS Church's Stance on Marriage and Why?

To start with, here are some jokes to cheer up your week:

• Did you know you can keep track of your age by checking your underwear size? Little Luke said his shorts read 4-6 years.
• When Grandpa reported that he was 62 years old, his grandson asked, "Wow! Did you start at one?"
• After swatting mosquitoes in Nauvoo without success, one youngster suggested as the sun set that the swatter might as well surrender ... the mosquitoes were now coming out with flashlights.
• One kindergartner reprimanded her teacher after an oral inquisition of reporting what various colors were and then replying, "I think you should figure out some of the colors yourself."

We had a rather different lesson for our missionary training meeting this week. We talked about the concerns the church has on the country's new definition of marriage and how we can field answers to questions. Following are some of my notes which are also mixed with some of my own observations.

But first I have to tell you that knowing my topic for you this week, I looked for opportunities to take pictures of families playing together. 

 I fear that I got a little carried away with families galore in Pioneer Pastimes.

 Not to worry...I only gave you a taste of what I took, but aren't they cute?

 So here is the deal...Laws and commandments given by Father in Heaven are for the purpose of leading His children back into his presence. Of course, being with Father in Heaven is the ultimate joy for us as well. We are taught in D&C 130: 20  "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—"

 The laws of God are not our laws. They are God's and no one despite their office or status in the world is authorized to change them. Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. See Family Proclamation

This is not dangerous doctrine to society. The church is 100% behind all citizens around the world having equal housing, equal opportunity for employment, equal healthcare and equal probate. See Response to Supreme Court ruling

Never-the-less, men and women complete each other. They are different and complimentary. They contribute differently but equally. Men and women complete or perfect each other. By design, they need each other in order to bare children. Scriptures support that neither gender by itself can progress to its highest potential in the eternities after our life on earth. Families are indeed forever.

 Same gender marriage contradicts the gospel plan which includes offspring. Our eternal destiny has marriage and family at the heart. That concept is key in why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes same gender marriage.

There are possibly some very devastating ramifications that could follow the passing of the recent Supreme Court decision on marriage.

• Churches with our values may be judged as bigoted and disallowed their tax exempt status.
• The school curriculum throughout the country could change in an attempt to "educate" our children with disregard to individual family morals and values.
• Laws may be established limiting free speech in regards to different opinions about same gender attraction including social media. (As you know, loss of jobs has already resulted from individuals expressing their disapproval. Can we possibly tolerate laws that punish rather than protect freedom of speech in this regard?)

  The family is under attack by a frontal assault with great momentum. One of the first examples was passing no fault divorce which states that no proof of mental or physical abuse was needed in order to obtain a divorce. This doesn't sound too bad on the outside, but think about it. Truly, it was done for individual interests not societal interests.  The ramifications are that divorce and broken homes are now rampant and that's not what is best for innocent children.

 Obtaining a divorce easily was only the beginning, of course. I won't take time to list the other laws passed that are devastating to children and families, but look at the results:

In 1960 5% of children were born to unwed mothers. In 2015 40% of births were to unwed mothers. Remember, children of single parents have a drastically higher potential for poverty. (I missed the statistic.)

 Childhood psychological disorders have increased 1000% in the past 50 years.

We are also taught "Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence;" . Moses 6:57

If you were learning the rules to a game, wouldn't you want to know how to win? Men and women are not the game makers in this case. So, learn the rules, follow them as best you can, and watch what sweetness and goodness follows. I can think of no greater joy than what I've experienced as a mother and grandmother as well as nurturing my relationship with my husband.

God is a God of love. For those with same gender attraction, please know that you are just as loved. There is a way for you to return to your Father in Heaven and receive all that He has. However, the way I understand it, it doesn't include following after your own lusts. None of us can change the rules. All of us must learn to control our appetites and passions, but I believe you will be judged fairly and lovingly. Certainly, we can treat each other with kindness and civility even though we may disagree.

For more information check out this talk Why Marriage Why Family

What a fun surprise...one of my former seminary students, Sherilyn McGinnis found us after Sunset by the Mississippi last night to introduce her new husband, Devin Cobia who was a Young Performing Missionary last summer. Sunset is now officially over so we celebrated by playing card games with the young Cobia couple.

Invitation:
As I was reading the Book of Mormon this week another principle jumped out at me. See Alma 12:8  

In summary, Zeezrom had become a bitter enemy of the Church of God. He was convincing people that it is impossible to know of things to come. Therefore, no one can know that Christ would come into the world. As Alma and Amulek taught Zeezrom how they had come to know these truths, Zeezrom began to ask questions.  Therein lies the principle. How many times do the scriptures--both the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon tell us to "ask and ye shall receive"? The Lord won't pour down knowledge and understanding unless we ask for it. It's as simple as that.

So the invitation is for you to think about what you don't know about heaven and earth, about your purpose on earth, and the nature of God. What don't you know or understand that has become a stumbling block? Then, will you ask in sincere prayer for the answers?