Day 4 or 2/15 of the way done!

I love that the religion question comes up following the drugs and alcohol.

I'm not sure, exactly.  Is that sad?

I believe that you must stand for something or fall for anything- see how I quoted someone there?!

^_^

But in all honesty and reality, I grew up in a lax household.  We didn't have Family Home Evening (except when we had visitors), we didn't have family scripture study or prayer- we did occasionally, but not consistently on any level (except we did pray at every meal, but not at restaurants or other public areas). We went to church on Sundays, we participated in weekly meetings.  That was about as far as religion went.  I mean, I never really made the choices between coffee and drugs, modesty, or any major decisions until well into high school.  By that point, it was just expected- you don't do that.  Why? - because it's against my religion.  Oh ok.  It wasn't until college that people were like, well, then why do you belong to that religion? And then I was somewhat lost.

I feel that religion should be a major facet of everyone's life- regardless of who/what you believe in.  I know some people take it a bit far and their entire life is consumed in badgering people to be saved or burn in hell for eternity.  That is a real turn-off.

For me, religion needs to play a bigger part, but currently I'm 'on the fence', 'merely existing', any kind of metaphor for 'the middle'.  There are absolutely things that I put my foot down on- odd things too.  I won't watch rated R movies, unless they're on a normal TV channel.  I won't drink coffee (tea), alcohol (for the most part), smoke, or do illegal drugs.  I try to avoid shopping on Sunday, but I have.  I have even rationalized that if I used a credit card, I would 'technically' be paying for it on another day.  I struggle to read scriptures every day, unless it's that scripture-a-day widget- does that even count?  I struggle with tithing, but I don't say any major swear word (unless I'm repeating what someone else said in an explanation).  I don't use the Lord's name in vain, for the most part.  I usually end up saying 'fez'.  I really don't know why.  I have shaky moral standing, but I would never steal from a store (unless of course, it is that one scenario from school where they have some one and unavailable cure for some disease your wife has and you can only acquire it by stealing, then would you?  Yes and if you say no- I don't believe you!)  I have faith, but not enough to move mountains. For a few years, I believed that God was who you wanted Him to be.  He was all powerful, all knowing, etc.  In the last year or so, I was told to be wary of such thinking because it could get you in trouble.  At the same time, I have church leaders that tell me I'll be a servant even if I am worthy to 'have it all' because I'm single and I can't rely on having a companion even in the eternities.  That's not very hopeful!

I believe in the 13 articles of faith.  They are somewhat vague, but give a good description of religion- and specifically, what I believe.  I also believe in the 14th article of faith- which mentions the resurrection of the body- have fun trying to find it (I found it today at lds.org).  We learned about it in Chicago institute and I thought it was fascinating... went to research it and couldn't find it.