Oh.....Russ. You are so sweet..... I mean that. Thanks for all your honest answers. You do have a good heart. And I'm sorry...I am a character sometimes. I AM cynical.... I've dealt with a lot of crap especially the past year or so. My SIL is evil incarnate sometimes I think. But I can't judge the church harshly by her. She joined the same age as me and her mom was an unbelievable character. (Alcoholic in fact). My husband and her went through a lot as kids especially after their dad died so young. I knew their mom before she died, though, and loved her. His sister has never forgiven her. I think that is half her problem. She tries, but I seem to bring out the worst in her... (And she is an unbelievable control freak due, I believe to being the oldest in a family as an adult child of an alcoholic. I on the other hand, while not controlling do resist being controlled like a mule : ) I guess after saying that that I myself have some forgiving to do.

I'm researching the masonic issue right now, but having taken out my endowments and having been to the temple many many times and having performed these "rites" if you want to call them that (although not what they are), I understand what they are and don't see a problem with them. I feel so close to God when I am in there. Its the most uplifting thing I do. Its like a piece of heaven. There is nothing immoral that goes on in there, I assure you. I do hope that no one thinks anything along the nature of the female worship goes on in there. Nothing sexual....However, having said that, it is a most romantic religion. Women are respected and revered. I like that. I haven't actually been in a while. I need to go.

It is so special that you are still a virgin Russ....It can't be easy. I waited till I was 25 and married. Its not always all its cracked up to be anyway, but it is a wonderful thing - when you love someone. I'm sure you will find someone. You're probably going to have a rush of interested ladies now : ) Seriously....I am very impressed.

I know the scriptures say those things, but we don't go against that???? To me, nothing makess sense other than believing Christ and God (Elohim and Jehovah....Yahweh is Christ isn't He?) are separate, but it doesn't detract from Jesus in the least... People use that to make it seem like we have a lesser estimate of him, but it just isn't so. But Jesus IS the god of this world and even created it. God, though, is our literal Father in Heaven. But that only truly makes sense if you know (and believe) we existed before, which I do! God gave complete authority to Jesus and is our Lord and Savior. He IS the God of this earth. And will rule..hopefully soon. Things are getting scary.

Other than that, I didn't even know about the Masons till I watched the DaVinci Code. I think there may be some truth to that movie.... I think their original purpose may have been noble but as Joseph Smith said, it is an "apostate" priesthood ordinance they copy. I'm still researching, but am gathering we did use them in the building of our temples. Just like all the way back to the time of Solomon's temple. We're kind of funny that way....much like the original ancient church.

Anyway....sorry, but I now understand you better. By the way, there are definitely secret combinations in society as I posted to you in private. No doubt of it. And every church (not saying that's the case with Brigham Young, though!) has its Judas's as Bex put it... There are people who left our church who make a career of blasting and twisting it. It's happened from the beginning. I still hold, though, that to forward something painting the Pope that way - whether you believe in the Catholic church or not - is not fair... Kind of like personal character assasination. He was a great man...and I'm sure the present one is, too. I agree about how you see churches to a point. But you know what we believe. I just don't think you really understand some of it.

I hope I didn't upset you.... You do sell your stuff at unbelievable prices. When we get on top of some financial issues, I do intend to order from you. Sorry....maybe I was testing you. I figured I had nothing to lose and turnabout was fair play. I apologize, though.. You really are a precious person! I suspected as much, but we all have different sides. I didn't know there were men out there like you! You are good looking too! My son-in-law was a virgin as was my daughter. But even amongst our members its not as common as it should be even with the churches strict teachings. I am just really really impressed! Having said that I'm not judgmental of those who have not lived within those perameters, but do think its healthier all the way around to do so. Gosh, its so in your face with these kids anymore. They are getting involved younger and younger now as a whole. Nice to know its not always quite what it looks like....