[Iggy]

Originally Posted by MormonMama

Now I have been specifically told that God did not have "sexual relations" with Mary, because the Bible and the Book of Mormon both explicitly state that she was a virgin. I was told (and keep in mind, I'm a convert) that we don't know how God's and Mary's "genetic material" (if you will) was combined, but that it did not involve sexual intercourse. And that's just within the last 10 years. I have also heard, as you and others have mentioned, that Mormon Doctrine is not considered "canon", but I know some members who absolutely believe that it is inspired doctrine.

I was converted/baptized in 1967- and I was taught that God's spirit passed into Mary and she became with child. I always thought that meant that the Holy Ghost was God's Spirit. Now as an adult I know that the Holy Ghost is a separate entity. Then I figured that if the spirit of John the Baptist could recognize the spirit of Jesus Christ while they were still in the wombs of their mother's, then that spirit that passed into Mary was the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Originally Posted by MormonMama

I have also been taught several times over the years that we will be creators of worlds. I have always assumed that we would have our own universe, as it has also been taught to me that God is the creator of this particular universe. I, too, am in Arizona, but I know members from all over the world who have been taught this.

Me too- Me too- Also that God will always be our God for all eternity. That Jesus Christ will always be our Elder Brother and the Creator of Earth.

I was raised and joined the church in Seattle Washington. During all of my travels in the US, the wards and branches that I have attended- they have never said different.

No, Elphaba- you are not crazy, just a little bit nutty around the edges.

I also thought all wards/branches had Linger Longer's - My Sister's Ward in Seattle has had them for decades. I really enjoyed them when I went to visit her on my vacations. What a great way to socialize and get to know the members of your ward. (this was when I was inactive) Once every two or three months - they would have combined Linger Longer's with the other Wards- THAT was fun- MORE people to meet, get to know, socialize with.

My Branch in Oregon didn't have them- at least we didn't call them Linger Longer's- we just sat in the church and visited. Once in a while we would bring sack lunches/small pot lucks and eat out in the parking lot.

Then I moved here to AZ - and no one knows what I am talking about. They act as if I am talking in Greek to them! So I thought- well it is only my sister's Stake doing this.

Nope, found some members on another LDS forum who do this on Fast & Testimony Sundays. The members are from all over too- My sister in law in Enumclaw WA have them too.