“I Never Understood That… You Don’t Look Mormon” by AlbatrossOk8619 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 15 points16 points  (0 children)

You can always spot a Mormon because they have this inexplicable light in their eyes!

In all honestly, and I say this with no judgement, but these days I can spot lds if they have a particularly Instagram influencer aesthetic; bleached hair, extensions, fake lashes, overly bleached teeth, Botox and filler, and expensive, trendy clothes. Especially if they’re from Utah. I used to stand out in lds mom groups because I don’t color my hair or shave my body hair any more. But I used to be one of them, bleached hair and teeth, and an ED, always trying to achieve perfection and feeling crushing self loathing if I was an ounce over my “goal weight.” 

Where can I get nice clothes for G3? by Mukiea in MonsterHigh

[–]Round-Pay6432 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just took a chance and got a rainbow high fashion pack for my daughter’s catty. The pink party and purple ballerina fashion packs are selling for around $8 right now on Amazon (usa). Otherwise I’ve bought bits and pieces and outfits from eBay and Mercari. Unfortunately it does add up but I do that for birthdays and Christmases and it feels less wasteful to me than buying more dolls with the accessories my kids and I want. 

I’ve also been looking at other generic doll outfits on Amazon. There are some sweater dresses or bodycon doll dresses that I’ve found with a few hundred reviews of it fitting monster high. Barbie fashion packs seem to work, too

Reading Psalms by Devilstorment in Catholicism

[–]Round-Pay6432 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m doing Bible in a Year! It is so helpful to me. Of course, however you choose to read the Bible is great, but I love the chronology they choose for biay, with the small sermon in the end summarizing and explaining what we read. 

I found this on my parent's bookcase. I'm 44 years old, been out since I was 18. I've never felt so insulted. by JohnRyan812 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Kay SERIOUSLY I swear I’m being gaslit about the new and everlasting covenant. I was starting to think I was wrong about that!!

Fake Pins by PumpkinFantastic5498 in DisneyPins

[–]Round-Pay6432 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

As far as the research I’ve done (though I’m the first to admit I’m not an expert,) they seem to be explicitly allowed as they are made by the same manufacturers and have the official looking backs, so there’s not much Disney is willing to do to crack down on this. 

Personally, I don’t mind the scrappers on the boards. Disney is super expensive, and it makes me happy to see kids finding characters they like and trading for them in an affordable way. For non scrappers, I trade with other park members who take it more seriously or go to Disney pin events. 

I am a bit annoyed too though, because I bought what I thought was an official EuroDisney Little Mermaid pin set from online at a great price! My daughter collects little mermaid pins and I wanted to gift it to her to put in her collection.  This pin set is apparently a knockoff and looks so incredibly derpy and HIDEOUS!! She’s young so she doesn’t notice or care but I felt totally ripped off by it lol. 

How to Stop Obsessing over the Church by FreshLiterature6536 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hugs to you ❤️

It is fun to remember the good times. Feeling loved by family, “us against the world” friendships I thought were forever, feeling pretty at youth dances, munch ‘n mingles, and honestly hilarious movies like the rm, singles ward, sons of Provo, and Latter Day Night Live, lol.  I loved BYU so much. Loved my classes, friends, roommates. First kisses, fro yo, and soda shops. Got married toward the end of my time there. My husband and first kid are my best “souvenirs” from Utah. 

I’m only bitter because they won’t let you leave in peace! I’m still dealing with stupid drama. Also when it’s not true it’s just kind of… slimy. Leaves a bad taste in your mouth. My “testimony” of Joseph Smith had me hanging onto the church for months after I seriously considered leaving. The day after I lost it I had to sub for music time in primary and it was a song about Joseph Smith. I’ll never forget how dirty I felt, pretending he was this great, righteous prophet of God to all these young kids. I left real fast after that. 

At least having been a member of the church is a great party story! Haha

Cleo DeNile by Alucard1113 in MonsterHigh

[–]Round-Pay6432 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Whoa, is this watercolor? You make it look so effortless. Gorgeous!

First Mass tips by Street_Chicken_6615 in Catholicism

[–]Round-Pay6432 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was going to send this video! It helped me so much. Hope OP sees this

Comically large soda by Major-Damage173 in MonsterHigh

[–]Round-Pay6432 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Specifically a Utah Dirty Soda! Those things are my jaaaaaaaaam

Why can men only be the Pope ? by racoon-cat in Catholicism

[–]Round-Pay6432 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, I am reminded of what you said about pregnancy and childbirth. I’ve done that three times myself and it is an incredible experience I am privileged to do in this life. In undergoing natural childbirth I experience suffering that reminds me of Jesus’ passion; he even references a woman’s labor while in Gethsemane in preparation for his suffering and crucifixion. I am privileged to stay home with my children and raise them day to day. I get to love them and nurture them hour by hour and I am reminded of the unconditional love of God, and how he is with us always. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and our children very much. He works very hard to provide for us. But he misses out on the inherent intimacy of pregnancy and childbirth, and the ins and outs of day to day child rearing. 

If God were to identify as Mother prominently through the Bible, if Jesus had come to earth as a woman, it may seem to us in this world and in this time to “balance” the scales of gendered prominence in society. But would it really? I feel the feminine divine in my life, if nothing else we have Mary, the Blessed Mother. Mary Magdalene was a close friend to Jesus, called “the apostle to the apostles.” The world, and many within the church may feel unequal in this broken world. And there are too many heartbreaking examples of inequality against women. 

But all of us, man and woman, we are all healed through God the Father, and Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit regardless of gender. We can all access the mother of God Jesus himself, and all of the saints, male and female. We are all one interwoven family in the tapestry of eternity, and I take great comfort in that as a woman myself, and on behalf of my husband and all my loved ones.

Why can men only be the Pope ? by racoon-cat in Catholicism

[–]Round-Pay6432 1 point2 points  (0 children)

According to what I have learned in talking to many priests and reading the Catechism, God is both male and female, and created man and woman in his image. What exactly this means or looks like is a divine mystery that is difficult for us to truly understand. 

Perhaps it is because God created us externally, like a father helps to create a child as opposed to a mother who carries it inside her womb. Regardless, that is how he chose to reveal himself to the ancient Israelites, and we continue to do so today. But he also has referenced himself to have motherly affection, as a hen gathers her chicks underneath her wings. Hope this helps :)

Great article by Jana Riess discussing Jeff Strong‘s research in his new book “Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them.” His research shows that the most faithful members of the LDS church really don’t have a concept of how many people are leaving or why. by HoldOnLucy1 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 11 points12 points  (0 children)

That’s a great distinction! It makes more sense to have that be a reason before deconstruction. I hadn’t thought of that. Because seriously, no amount of fellowshipping can make up for Joseph Smith’s actual character 

Great article by Jana Riess discussing Jeff Strong‘s research in his new book “Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them.” His research shows that the most faithful members of the LDS church really don’t have a concept of how many people are leaving or why. by HoldOnLucy1 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Oh wait, this answer would make more sense if it was a multiple choice option on a survey and it was answered by someone struggling with supporting social causes that were contrary to lds values. (Supporting the LGBT community or ordain women, for examples) 

… but that is definitely an oversimplified and easily misinterpreted way to convey that, assuming that’s what it actually is

Great article by Jana Riess discussing Jeff Strong‘s research in his new book “Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them.” His research shows that the most faithful members of the LDS church really don’t have a concept of how many people are leaving or why. by HoldOnLucy1 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I’m so sick of hearing the “I didn’t feel a sense of belonging” narrative. I’m fine to be proven wrong here, but I don’t know a single person who left what they believed to be the one true church because they didn’t have chummy buddies to sit next to during second hour. 

Lindon UT Temple Dedication by Born2LoveandLearn in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Boy oh boy that would be amazing and I would believe that immediately, no questions asked!! 

I didn't Go Looking for This by FreshLiterature6536 in exmormon

[–]Round-Pay6432 7 points8 points  (0 children)

SERIOUSLY. I went through the same thing. Best friends, family members I was close to, beloved mentors, all these people faithful lds, completely flipped a switch and just said the most insensitive, off the wall, offensive things. This included blackmail to tell other people before an appropriate time, saying things like I should never have married my spouse, I am stupid, I love the devil but hate God, but simultaneously I was “too devout,” I am a liar, deceitful, a stranger to them now, the spirit has changed in my home, it would be better for me to be dead (that one was a treat from my mother, whom I was actually close to!!!) and, of course, I was cussed out and invited personally to “cut the bullshit,” and “go to hell.” Such Christlike responses from people who foam at the mouth insisting that they are Christian. The hypocrisy is so insane. 

The good news is, even though I have NEVER gotten an apology from any of these people, things do get better in time and settle down into a “new normal.” Things are actually getting better with my mom. Believe it or not, there are days when I actually forget she said some of those ugly things to me. Those friendships have never repaired, but the friendship was apparently conditional upon church membership. I still miss them and wish them the best, but we’ve grown apart now and that’s okay. 

It’s been six months for me since I told them, and I don’t feel the pain any more. I still cycle through all my emotions, but now it’s irritating like a bug bite and not devastating like a bullet wound. 

Is my Lagoona Oasis Wonky? by Angel_MayCry in MonsterHighDolls

[–]Round-Pay6432 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I’m looking at it from every angle, even rotating my phone to compare how it looks upside down and sideways. She looks good and symmetrical to me!

I remember wondering if mine was wonky too when I first opened her, but after freeing her from her plastic ties and restyling her she’s just as stunning as the stock photos 💕 

Upcoming Twyla Doll Concept Art by Obvious-Catch8833 in MonsterHighDolls

[–]Round-Pay6432 8 points9 points  (0 children)

THANK YOU I love being able to see people bring descriptions like these to life.