ldsguy422

Obviously this would be outside of your stewardship, but Ward Missionaries can be a good calling - provided the WML actively involves them with the full-time missionaries, recent-converts, and less-actives.

Whenever I teach a combined Priesthood class with Elders and High Priests (30-50 present in the Chapel), I like to encourage those to sit closer. I'm not going to ask more than once, of course. No need to be petty. I just think it's easier to have a discussion this way. It's easier for those present to hear me if there's close proximity; it's also easier for those who make comments to be heard clearly. I know that when I'm not teaching, I feel more comfortable participating if the space between me and the teacher is reasonably close. I think it helps facilitate an active, vibrant discussion. Certainly there are more important issues going on in Church, but if I can create a better learning atmosphere for a class, then I will gladly do so.

Well said! I think I'm going to print-out your response.

Not sure I completely follow your second paragraph. Yes, we all fall short sometimes. We all do things that are contrary to God's will. But going to church and missing meetings, IMO, is more like going to grocery store and not getting the groceries; going to the bank and not making a deposit; going to the dentist, and not getting your teeth cleaned. You're already there, now just finish what you started... But as some have mentioned, at least they are coming. That is certainly a step in the right direction. And it's probably more beneficial to befriend someone than to worry about why they aren't perfect. The point of my post wasn't to make myself feel better because some around me aren't doing all they're asked to do (ie: attend church meetings). I want to understand their rationale; I want to understand what's preventing them from coming to class. If I can help in anyway, I would like to do so. So after thinking about some this topic a little bit, it seems that the best thing I can do, the best thing we can do as a collective body, is simply to be genuinely interested in the well-being of these individuals.

Any specific suggestions? I'm open for ideas on helping them feel more comfortable. It just seems odd that these are individuals that are comfortable enough to go to sacrament meeting... but not class.

I'm pretty sure every ward has a myriad of members that linger in the hall for the duration of Sunday School and Priesthood/Reliefy Society. It's not really my place to say anything, of course. So I don't. I'm not sure it's anybody's place, really. But it seems like such a waste to me. I mean, there are so FEW opportunities to be taught and instructed by the Spirit. I find it difficult to find personal time to just study the Gospel by myself. But I enjoy studying the Gospel, when I'm not involved with work, family, kids, dishes, etc. Why would you take a few casual conversations or aimlessly roam the internet over receiving eternal truths? I don't get it. Thoughts?

Interesting. So I gotta ask, where do those numbers come from?

There are lots people on Facebook and other social media sites that ridicule congressmen and others that are publicly sending condolences. Essentially they're trying to send the message that thoughts and prayers don't make the situation better.

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I don't frequent this board very often. How do you all respond to people who scoff and mock those who publicly send thoughts and prayers to the families of victims?

Okay, I misspoke. Elder Holland was actually ordained one year before Eyring. So I'd so the 4 most likely in order would be: 1. Nelson 2. Bednar 3. Oaks 4. Holland

Tad Callister's talk was awesome... I've always been a fan of Bishop Gerald Causse. Would be cool to see the church have another non-American in the Apostleship.

I'm guessing the OP meant Gary E. Stevenson instead of Steven E. Snow (he's also the youngest apostle). In order of Senior ranking: Nelson, 93 Oaks, 85 Ballard, 88 Eyring, 84 Holland, 76 Uchtdorf, 76 Bednar, 65 The two most likely candidates would be Nelson and Bednar. Nelson is 2nd in line and he's in much better health than Monson. Bednar is pretty young for being the 8th highest Senior Apostle. Stevenson and Renlund are the only two apostles younger than Bednar (just barely). There will be a few Presidents in between Nelson and Bednar, of course. Perhaps Oaks and Uchtdorf.

Uh-oh! BYU breaks long-standing, fake LDS rule. What are we going to talk about in the annual Word of Wisdom lesson, if not caffeinated drinks? Fortunately, we still have the "hot drinks" and hot chocolate misinterpretation to fall back on.