I wish I could embed this. Alas, WordPress doesn’t believe in iframes although Google loves them, and the two can’t seem to agree. The quotes in the slideshow are all unaltered, but the media experience isn’t quite the same. I was able to embed two video clips that I wasn’t able to insert previously (the magic of advancing technology!), and I added in two text quotes to go under the pictures that used to have audio quotes under them. You’ll get the basic idea. I created this for TH somewhere around February of 2007.
He mentioned the reasoning behind it, but I thought I would refresh your memory. We were best friends, spending all of our time together (my roommates couldn’t figure out where Jenna had gone all the sudden), but neither of were dating. I wasn’t dating because I was overweight. He wasn’t dating because he chose not to (and figured he could just marry after he retired at 40), and it was killing me that this fantastic guy who I had such a huge crush on was acting like he wasn’t even going to consider dating me. So I started working on breaking down his “marriage isn’t for me” mentality. I knew it was risky, because it might mean he would decide to start dating, date someone else, and then marry them, but he was graduating and moving to Texas soon so I knew I only had once chance to give it a try. One thing he established very early on in our relationship is an unwavering belief in modern day prophetic counsel, meaning if a prophet of the LDS church declared it as doctrine or a sound warning, he would obey. So I began combing LDS.org, looking for every single quote on marriage I could muster. I didn’t look for secular statistics because that wasn’t what this discussion was about. I was arguing that our belief system stated that family is of the utmost importance, and that God would not take his decision to delay marriage deliberately lightly.
After viewing it one more time, I wondered if showing this to you was going to be a good thing. You are inevitably going to have questions about the LDS church’s attitude toward those who do not marry. In 2007 it was quoted by a prominent church leader that 1/3 of adult members of the church are single. There is a place for singles in the church, although it cannot be denied that a large part of our belief system is based upon the idea of reaching for exaltation, a state of being that neither man can reach without the woman, and woman cannot reach without the man. As I explained in previous Sunday posts, we believe in not just life after death, but eternal progression, which provides hope to those who never have the opportunity to marry in this life.
Singles have been told by church leaders:
Some of my closest and most admired friends have never married in this life. One of my mother’s dear friends, who served as her counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency, was a retired lieutenant colonel from the United States Army. She was a beautiful, cultured, intelligent woman whose encouragement was of great value to me and many others. She died with faith and poise, having earned a great reward. I know she yet will have an experience equivalent to that enjoyed by women in choice mortal families. No joy, priesthood ordinance, or family experience will be denied her.
Think of all who have been cut off from life in infancy, in war, or through disease. Heavenly provision is made to ensure that they will enjoy all the fruits of the gospel.
If it begins to appear that you will not have the opportunity to marry, continue to be active in good causes, to develop your talents, to improve your mind, to love and serve your friends, and to stay strong and secure in your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be active in the Church. Elder John K. Carmack
This post isn’t about singles in the church, it’s about the marriage powerpoint, but I knew that I would get several comments about how hard this doctrine is if I didn’t address it right now 
. It’s important to remember that I compiled these quotes for a singular purpose, to convince That Husband (then That Boy), that he needed to start dating. I dug for the most intense hard-hitting quotes I could find so I could prevent him from making any more excuses. It worked!
This is getting really long, and you’ve probably clicked over to see the powerpoint already, but I’m going to share one more quote with you, that I really think sums up what I believe is the LDS viewpoint toward finding someone to marry:
… “Soul mates” are fiction and an illusion; and while every young man and young woman will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a mate with whom life can be most compatible and beautiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price. …
Two individuals approaching the marriage altar must realize that to attain the happy marriage which they hope for they must know that marriage is not a legal coverall, but it means sacrifice, sharing, and even a reduction of some personal liberties. It means long, hard economizing. It means children who bring with them financial burdens, service burdens, care and worry burdens; but also it means the deepest and sweetest emotions of all. Spencer W. Kimball
I showed him the powerpoint. We talked. We dated. We weren’t soul mates. We were willing to “pay the price.” We married. We’re happy.
Click Here to View the Powerpoint that Snagged Me a Husband
LDS readers,
Don’t you just LOVE this line from President Kimball:
I shall feel sorry for this young man when the day comes that he faces the
Great Judge at the throne and when the Lord asks this boy:
“Where is your wife?”
When I presented this to That Husband (we sat down together and went through it in my kitchen at the Yellow Brick House at BYU, a cute little place located right behind Brick Oven) I remember saying “Spencer pities you if you consciously decide not to marry. He PITIES you.” Haha, I think it really got to him.
August 15th, 2009 on 4:19 pm
Hey, Jenna - thanks for posting this. Since I first heard the story of “The Powerpoint” I’d been curious.
I think some things clicked for me, reading the quotes you pulled together to make your point, and I’m not LDS. Suddenly it made sense to me (correct me if I’m wrong… I’m treading lightly) why LDS people aren’t concerned about waiting to get married or being accomplished or even having a really long engagement… because with work, almost any marriage between almost any people can be successful. Also, you continue your personal and spiritual growth through your marriage, not in spite of it.
And the same can be true for me whether I’m LDS or not.
So thanks for sharing. Every time something clicks, my marriage improves.
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Katy Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 12:55 am
“…Also, you continue your personal and spiritual growth through your marriage, not in spite of it.”
I loved that line-you hit the nail on the head (I believe) in one aspect as to why we LDS couples *tend* to marry before schooling is over, careers established, and what not. Growing, working, and sacrificing together is all part of the journey and when done by working together, can bring two people closer and more committed to one another. Thanks for sharing your thoughts too!
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August 15th, 2009 on 4:53 pm
6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.
9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
….
32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
….
While you say that TH was putting off marriage due to wanting to be financially stable and those border on selfish desires instead of selfLESS desires, I feel as though it’s extreme to believe and advocate that those who aren’t married should be pitied.
God gave the gift of celibacy AND marriage. If you cannot withstand the power of lust, then it is “better to be wed than to burn” for the sin of lust. But the gift of celibacy gives one the opportunity to focus more on the Lord instead of worldly possessions and how to please one’s spouse.
So, to say that one should be pitied for not marrying (but still remaining celibate), would be like saying one should be pitied for giving up worldly desires and devoting one’s entire life to serving the Lord, and only the Lord.
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Evelyn Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
“I shall feel sorry for this young man when the day comes that he faces the Great Judge at the throne and when the Lord asks this boy: “Where is your wife?”
“All of his excuses which he gave to his fellows on earth will seem very light and senseless when he answers the Judge.
“I was very busy,” or “I felt I should get my education first,” or “I did not find the right girl”—such answers will be hollow and of little avail. He knew he was commanded to find a wife and marry her and make her happy. He knew it was his duty to become the father of children and provide a rich, full life for them as they grew up. He knew all this, yet postponed his responsibility.”
The pity doesn’t come simply because the young man wasn’t married, it comes because the man knew what he was supposed to do and then willfully chose to NOT do it. There is a distinct difference between what was said and how you interpreted it… hopefully you will be able to see that with the quote being reiterated.
Also, it is also inferred that this young man wasn’t marrying because of worldly pursuits, so although he may have been celibate, there was nothing admirable about his choosing to be celibate. Again, because he knew he should be married and he was being celibate for the wrong reasons-worldly gain of some sort.
Also, while we believe that celibacy before marriage is important, necessary, and commanded, the doctrine of celibacy rather than marriage is not accepted in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (per my 19 years of “membership” and 27 years of listening to the principles and doctrines of the gospel). [When the chapter is looked at on a whole the verses you quote can be interpreted differently.]
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Anna Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Hence, why Mormonism is NOT Christianity. Christians believe in worshipping and pursuing a relationship with God before all else. After all, He is the only reason we are here. Christians believe that they are sinful by nature, that they need Jesus Christ for salvation, and that God is enough. Christians focus on God first, God may bless us with a partner, He may not. It is our purpose to follow His will, even when it may not be what we desire at the moment. On Judgement day God will determine if we have been His good and faithful servant, if we have followed HIS will above our own.
Mormons believe in following a regimen to achieve salvation, as if God’s sacrifice isn’t enough and that they remotely humanly capable of earning salvation. Specifically Mormons believe that they will become celestial beings, a god of sorts, with their families in tow. This is why marriage and child-bearing is SO important. Focusing on all this rather than God sounds pretty selfish to me.
Therefore it is not a matter of celibacy. It is about following God’s will. A religion that says one MUST be married (“the doctrine of celibacy rather than marriage is not accepted in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (per my 19 years of “membership” and 27 years of listening to the principles and doctrines of the gospel)” obviously is not interested in God’s will, or individual relationships, but control.
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Evelyn Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I’m not sure if I offended you with my response, but I assure you that was not my intent or desire. Please note that my responses are not meant to be accusatory or inflammatory. Although there have been numerous “trolls” lately, please know that I only seek to explain where I see misunderstanding. Let’s please be respectful in this discussion.
One of the first commandments God gave Adam and Eve was to, “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth…” (Genesis 1:28). Humans bear fruit and multiply in the way of children—so, this commandment God gave to the first man and woman on earth was to have children. We believe that this commandment is still in force. THAT is the most basic reason why marriage and child-bearing is so important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To be honest, with that commandment in mind, I’m not sure how one could interpret celibacy to be better.
I’m also unsure of the regimen you speak of? If it is ordinances, such as baptism, I assure you that Mormons are not the only Christians to believe that baptism is important. While your specific church or belief system may not deem ordinances such as baptism as important, there are others which do. You are welcome to refer to past discussions in the comment sections of previous Sunday posts.
By what you said, I’m not sure how you deduced that Mormons are not Christians? If what you have said is proof enough for you that Mormons AREN’T Christian, I would like to point out to you, kindly, that your understanding of our beliefs is imperfect. I hope you will see that with the clarifications above. Even if you do not, I can assure you that having been taught the gospel my entire life, the things which YoU said we believe are actually NOT what we believe. While small parts may be true, the whole of your statements are not.
I have a firm belief that the natural man is an enemy to God, but that He—that is, God—in His divine wisdom and mercy, provided a way—via the perfect life and atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ—that I can repent and seek to more fully live the laws and commandments He has given to us. Because I am a mortal woman I know that I will never be able to live perfectly, but I know that as I humble myself and seek the will of the Lord and obey His commandments I can become better than I was before, and, if the Lord sees fit, be saved from an eternity of separation from God after death.
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MrsW Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Evelyn, you may disagree with me, but I think you might be reading a bit much into Anna’s tone. It is certainly a controversial thing to say, but I didn’t see any inflammatory language used.
I think conventional Christians see Mormons as non-Christians because there is such a dependence on things such as the ordinances and living by the Way of Wisdom, not just out of obedience or because they are right (we do that too, with some differences), but because it is REQUIRED to get to heaven (I suppose you would say celestial realm?). Also, from all that I have ever studied, Mormons have a very different idea than conventional Christians on who God and Jesus Christ are. We believe that the ONLY eternal being in the universe is God, who is one being in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), who has never not existed. I have learned that the Mormon view is that God the Father is an exalted created being who fathered many spirits and sent them to live on this earth to prove their loyalty or disloyalty to him after the rebellion of Satan, who was I believe the same type of being as humans? And that Jesus was the same type as well? Correct me if I am wrong. Also, again, from my understanding, you believe that humans from this world could, in time, after this life, proceed through a number of levels of exaltation in order to achieve the same level of exaltation as either Jesus or the Father.
I think my understanding of these two facts does take the LDS faith out of the realm of true Christianity because 1. You do not rest ALONE on the saving work of Jesus Christ for salvation and 2. You do not believe in the Trinity as an eternal, unique spirit existing in 3 persons. For reference, my definition of baseline Christianity comes from the traditional creeds of the early church, such as the Nicene Creed: http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/nicene.html
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Lisa of Written Bliss Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Thanks for clarifying, MrsW. I sometimes forget the differences between traditional Christianity (as defined by the Nicene Creed, for example), and mormon beliefs. This was helpful!
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Anna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Evelyn,
On to the discussion. I apologize if any of my comments came across as unkind, that was not my intention. I was debating the theology. I, too, can be sensitive regarding what is close to my heart.
Please remember that disagreeing is not synonymous with disrespecting. As for the insinuation that I “troll” this site, I love reading the blog and respect the creativity and discipline of Jenna.
I have deduced that Mormonism is not Christianity (not even a progressive/enlightened form), by not only studying the Bible and BOM, but by being involved in both churches at one point in time.
For “proof” of fundamental theological differences please see the link in MrsW’s comment.
Love your name btw.
Anna
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Jenna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Here we are arguing salvation again, when we are talking about two different things. At the judgment day there will be placement in the three kingdoms as well as exaltation, which IS conditional upon obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. The saving grace of Jesus Christ which allows men to be saved from their sins IS NOT conditional. It is extended to all who have ever lived. We believe in an afterlife that allows all the chance to choose for themselves, but we also know that “Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before Him”.
In terms of exaltation, there is no progression, only assignment based on worthiness and obedience in mortal life. And God and Jesus Christ are not on different “levels”. They are both exalted beings of the highest order.
As per works vs. grace, the beliefs of Catholics are very close to that of the LDS church when it comes to baptism. Baptism is a necessary ordinance in Catholicism. Calvinism was created in response to this when he developed the concept of pre-destination in response to the belief that a “work”, i.e. baptism is necessary for salvation.
The Nicene Creed is actually not part of the Original church of Christ, it is a creed made by ministers of the early Catholic church. Thus if you are a Catholic you believe in the Nicene creed, if you are a protestant you can choose whether you would like to believe in it or not, and many protestant faiths do not believe in the Nicene creed even though they are Christian. Those Christian faiths who do not believe in the Nicene creed believe that the Book of Revelation decrees that nothing shall be added unto the Bible from that point, which would mean the Nicene creed is not included in their belief system. Would they be labeled as non-Christians as well?
Rather then basing understanding of the word Christianity on a declaration made 300 years after the death of Jesus Christ, why can’t we use etymology to define Christianity instead? Thus a Christian would be defined as someone who believes in the being who lived in this earth identified as Jesus Christ, the Savior of all mankind. It cannot be denied that the theology of the LDS Church revolves around this personage, as it says in the Book of Mormon: “We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins”
Your understanding of the Plan of Salvation and our belief of the nature of God are spot on, and I ask why those things are dis-qualifiers for a belief in Jesus Christ? Does the Nicene creed declare that all those who do not believe in it are not Christian?
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MrsW Reply:
August 18th, 2009 at 8:01 am
There are a way lot of personal things going on for me right now that makes it hard to concentrate on this the way I’d like to, but in order to not leave people hanging:
1. I know of no Christian who accepts the Nicene Creed as an inspired piece of Scripture in the way that the LDS church believes in the BOM. I believe that creeds and doctrinal standards such as the Westminster Confession are our best efforts as humans to imperfectly distill and define what precisely it is we believe based on what is revealed to us in the inspired word of God, which ends in Revelation. I’m pretty sure all Christians would agree to this, though they might disagree on the standards that they would accept. I don’t believe that someone has to say that they accept the Nicene Creed in order to be a Christian, but I do believe that there are baseline attributes and beliefs that are spelled out in the Nicene Creed that all true Christians should believe in, the uniqueness of God and the sufficiency of Christ.
2. I disagree with your understanding of the history of the church as being lost or corrupted from the time of the death of the Apostles to the revelation to Joseph Smith. I believe that as God revealed long ago to Elijah, that He ALWAYS saves a remnant of His people, and though the church goes through dark times, a core remains. Thus I accept and will listen to and compare against Scripture (the final standard) works of the Church throughout all history. I am a Calvinist, but I love the Early Church Fathers, and I believe that the Reformation was, again, not so much a reestablishing of a lost church, but a refocusing of a misguided church, and that things had only been very bad doctrinally in certain locations for under 100 years.
3. I do not believe that Mormons are Christians because you do not believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal, unique Son of God in a way that no other being in the universe is. He was never created. Neither was His Father, or the Spirit. All 3 have co-existed from all eternity past.
I’m sorry, I know there is more I could say and I could say it so much better than this but there is really something terrible, family-wise, that I’ve just found out and I can’t focus. sorry.
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MrsW Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Something else that strikes me from your response, Evelyn, is from the last bit:
“Because I am a mortal woman I know that I will never be able to live perfectly, but I know that as I humble myself and seek the will of the Lord and obey His commandments I can become better than I was before, and, **if the Lord sees fit**, be saved from an eternity of separation from God after death.” (emphasis mine)
I’ve never studied Islam in depth, but my husband has, and from what he has told me, this is essentially the Muslim idea of assurance of salvation, NOT the Christian idea. The Christian idea is that God has chosen to save me from my deserved fate in hell, by taking my place before God’s wrath and judgement. Therefore, no matter what mistakes I make from now on, I am assured of His love for me and the preservation of my place in Heaven. It’s not to say that I am free to make whatever mistakes I want, but instead like a marriage… Jesus vows to love me forever, and I vow that back to Him, but because I am not perfect, I know I’ll hurt him. But because He made a vow and He IS perfect, he keeps on loving me and I am inspired and driven by His love to become more like Him.
I just wanted to try to explain salvation by grace alone without coming off as condoning antinomianism.
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Jenna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
See my response per salvation above.
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Evelyn Reply:
August 20th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Jenna, besides being insanely busy my access to the internet has been severely limited since Sunday, I just came and saw that you responded (I’ve been worrying about leaving the discussion hanging) and although I haven’t even gotten to read it yet… THANKS! I’m sorry you had to pick it up for me, but I’m sure you did a great job! =)
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Jenna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Please see my response to Mrs. W below in regards to salvation vs. exaltation.
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Kristin Reply:
August 18th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Yes they can be interpreted differently. Just below the surface, Paul is urging followers to remain single and celibate b/c of the belief that Christ’s return was close at hand. And he was stressing that unless lustful urges were too strong “one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him.” (verse 17) The “time is short” he says and the Corinthians should be focused on serving the Lord, not finding a mate.
I deeply believe that the commands in Genesis. But more deeply I believe in the purpose/essence of Eve (woman) being a Help-Mate to Adam (man). This is the role of each woman, be it within a marriage relationship or not. Obviously to multiply in the numerical sense assumes a marriage relationship. But to be a steward of this creation does not mandate marriage, in my opinion.
I think, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:7, “each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” Some are called to marriage and others not.
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August 15th, 2009 on 6:04 pm
I think that the “1/3 of adult members are single” statement is very misleading (and must count 18-year-olds, engaged couples, widows, divorcees, etc. in that count). The lifetime incidence of marriage is very high in LDS. According to a mormon website:
“Heaton and Goodman (1985) reported that 97 percent of Latter-day Saints over age thirty have married, which is higher than the marriage rate in the same category for Catholics, Protestants, or those with no religious affiliation. According to NORC data, a higher percentage of LDS Church members have been married than any other religious group. Eighty-nine percent of LDS adults have been married, compared to 87 percent of Protestants, 81 percent of Catholics, and 83 percent of Jews.
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Jenna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
He isn’t saying that 1/3 have never been married. He is saying that 1/3 of the current membership are in fact, single. Whether widowed, divorced, or never married. His talk addresses those who aren’t married currently and how they fit into married wards and can be active participants.
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August 15th, 2009 on 7:17 pm
I think the unwavering belief in marriage that the LDS church holds in lovely. I just wish it thought every human had a right to be married to the person he or she loves.
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August 15th, 2009 on 10:43 pm
I think it’s nice to see such an importance on an everlasting marriage. Really encourages you to stick it out no matter what since your eternalness (i made that word up) depends on it according to your faith, particularly after you are sealed. I bet the divorce rate in LDS is almost unheard of.
I wish more people took marriage that seriously!
Although, I must say, it is unfortunate for the people who WANT to find true love and simply can’t, but perhaps have the opportunity to settle for a marriage of less than blissful happiness. I’m just saying (certainly not talking about you guys, just want to clear that up) that I personally would be VERY tempted to settle with a man (even if i wasn’t really truly happy, but he was good enough kind of a situation) in order to be able to reach the ending fulfillment you speak of. Sort of the “is it better to wait for true love/happiness or is it best to just marry and settle?” argument. I might be tempted to settle if I shared that belief. Lucky you two didn’t have to have that issue =D.
I like the emphasis on making a marriage work if both people work hard enough. I guess to an extent-as long as there aren’t some major personality issues going on. Then again, if you both share the fundamentalist beliefs, you are essentially already on the same page!
While I don’t necessarily agree with a lot of the points you made (but i see how they were quite convincing to TH), I really like this line from your powerpoint: “to marry is to become other-serving” because really, sharing a life with someone is quite the opposite of being selfish! Me likes =]
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August 16th, 2009 on 12:03 am
Seriously, as I was watching and reading through your powerpoint, I thought, “This could totally be made into a fireside.” and “Where was this when a relative of mine (not my husband I swear) needed this?!”. That was great Jenna! Not wonder TH fell for you.
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August 16th, 2009 on 12:59 am
“it means sacrifice, sharing, and even a reduction of some personal liberties. It means long, hard economizing. It means children who bring with them financial burdens, service burdens, care and worry burdens; but also it means the deepest and sweetest emotions of all.”
Loved this - we’re deep in the “burdens” that children provide - time, money, care, and worry. But with each hurdle we overcome since we became parents 3 years ago, we grow closer together and learn more about each other. It’s made us more dependant on one another every time things get a little rough or we face a challenge we weren’t expecting.
Love the Powerpoint!!
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August 16th, 2009 on 9:41 am
Might I ask what the point of mentioning this would be? Actually, I won’t even ask, I’ll just gently suggest that you consider the point of your comments before leaving them. Jenna is married and pledged to make it work… your comment, then, is rather pointless, sort of like telling a pregnant woman she might have planned better so as not to be pregnant in August. A little too late, regardless of whether the comment is valid or completely ridiculous, no?
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Kristin Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Marisa, amen to that!
And LPC, if you have to add in “I know that’s kind of rude to say, and I apologize…” Why say it? Honestly, what’s the point? Even if the thought does “cross your mind” it doesn’t mean you have to say it or write it out. You obviously know it is rude, so keep it to yourself please!
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August 16th, 2009 on 1:46 pm
So, let me get this straight. If he was gay he would be able to have the self-control to avoid premarital sex successfully, but not if he was heterosexual? I guess sex is the only reason people should get married, huh? Maybe you didn’t read the posts that he wrote, but the last one ended, “I really love my wife, and though it sounds like a fairy tale, she makes me happier than I thought I could be.” Yep, sounds like he’s just wallowing in despair, miserable that he has to make love to a WOMAN that he doesn’t feel lucky to have in his life. I can totally see that.
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Kelli Nicole Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
If you sincerely have a concern, EMAIL her. If you honestly thought that suggesting the idea that her husband is gay and doesn’t cherish her wasn’t going to get a response from people you need to read the comments on her blog a little more.
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Kelli Nicole Reply:
August 16th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
In that case, I can assure you. I’ve known Jenna for 6 years. I’ve known TH for over a year, and my boyfriend has known them both for 3-4 years. He is wonderful and I have spent a lot of time with both of them. They are lucky to have each other and they BOTH know it. This powerpoint was made before TH decided to start dating her, but he knows what he has. There are lots of other people who also made similar points to TH about the importance of marriage, it’s just that this powerpoint and THIS girl (and none of the guys) were able to finally break through. Trust me, Jenna, and TH, he truly cherishes her.
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August 16th, 2009 on 5:20 pm
I’m confused… I’m going to presume that some infammatory comments have been removed above.
Which is interesting, because I think this is a great LDS “culture” post. It clarifies the context for the two of you specifically, and for LDS marriages in general.
Plus I think it’s hilarious/awesome that you did this powerpoint. Back when we were friends, I did some work on my now-husband via IM. Yay technology!
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Mandy Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Me too. Unless Kelli Nicole was talking to herself
Just kidding!
I think it’s great that you (Jenna) put so much time into this. And that the reasoning you gave him was of a spiritual nature, versus, say all-encompassing stats that don’t necessarily describe your and TH’s beliefs.
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August 16th, 2009 on 6:30 pm
Jenna, this is fab! I wish I would have had it when my hubby was reluctant to get married. You SO need to make one for us ladies whose husbands think we need to wait on children!! Please?
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Jenna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Haha, I didn’t end up having to make one for TH about why we must have children, but it is an essential belief system of the LDS church. “Multiply and replenish the earth” was the first commandment given to Adam and Eve and we believe the commandment has continued down through the present day. If you are religious that might help?
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August 17th, 2009 on 11:23 am
I love the importance that the LDS church places on marriage and family. At the end of the day, THAT is what’s going to matter. Not the money or anything else. Family, love, respect.
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August 17th, 2009 on 6:59 pm
Normally, it bugs me when a girl tries to convince a guy that he should marry… but that doesn’t take into account your religious beliefs. In general, I’m probably still that girl who thinks “dont try and force his hand”, but I think that yall seem very happy and all decisions so far have ended up being the right ones. Congrats. Also, this was well thought out with a great balance of serious and fun… as all life should be.
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Jenna Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Well I think it’s important to note that I wasn’t trying to convince TH to marry ME, just that he needed to get married, which as you can tell from the powerpoint, is a fundamental part of the LDS belief system.
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