askandanswer

This may well be true, given that the potatoe originated from the area close to where the Book of Mormon happened. However, I lack the courage to suggest that the sisters of Utah might not already be following the true order recipe. 

Its rumored that there might also be some sort of reference to the latter -day saints of southern ontario but whether its blessings, cursings or counsel I'm not sure. 

Give him a brake. Its bin a long day.

This may well be true, given that the potatoe originated from the area close to where the Book of Mormon happened. However, I lack the courage to suggest that the sisters of Utah might not already be following the true order recipe. 

Hi Petty3, I'm going to share with you my experience on Revelation.  It's not quite related to leadership positions but it relates as to the question of "Why does God do what God does" questions.
My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2009.  He had an estimated 6 months or less to live.  My dad did not want any treatment because he believes he is ready to meet the Lord.  But I insisted that we try to fight the cancer because he might be ready but I'm not.  So, we flew him from the Philippines into this clinical trial for cancer treatment in Houston.  I prayed and prayed to God that my father would be healed and I felt so at peace and confident that God would answer my prayers.  Sure enough, my dad's cancer did not progress, it even shrunk!  Every milestone - 6 months after chemo, 1 year after chemo, etc. etc. confirmed God's answer to me - He loves me, He loves my dad, He is blessing us with healing.  I bore my testimony of it as I felt the Spirit so strongly.  After 2 years of this, my dad went through debilitating depression and demanded that  we send him home.  I fought with him and insisted he remain in the treatment as it is God's answer to our prayers.  A few months later my dad went on a hunger strike.  I was in despair but finally we sent him home.  A year later he passed away.  I couldn't understand it.  Why would my dad refuse God's blessings?  Why did God not soften my dad's heart so he can live?  All these testimony-shaking faith-shaking questions was rushing through my brain.
Finally, after more prayer and after I stopped blaming my dad and God for everything, I realized that God did not preserve my dad for that long so he can be healed.  I realized that God was trying to give me time to accept my dad's passing.  He gave me all that time and I wasted it clinging to my own desires, demanding that MY WILL be done.  I realized that my prayers should not have been - God, do this.  Rather, it should have been - God, may your will be done and may I have enough humility to understand why.
Your question of "Why?" is a noble one especially as you cling to the knowledge that God established a house of order and empowered it with His priesthood.  There is a divine purpose to things even at its darkest.  We cannot possibly understand how God can allow a person with priesthood authority to wield such authority in such a despicable manner.  All I know is, sometimes it's not about how we, in our obedience and faith, are blessed by God to not have any harm befall us.  Sometimes it's about God not staying the hand of the devil that we may all come out on the other end brought down to the lowest depths of humility, desperately clinging to God with strengthened faith and testimony.

In Kentucky, I was in a branch with 600 members but only 80 attending regularly

This is fairly typical in units outside of the Mormon Corridor.  I’ve lived in California all my life, and those are typical statistics for the units I’ve lived in. I suspect in many third world countries, this statistics are worse than this.

Matthew 7: 15 - 20
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
 

In my conversion I thought about topics like this often. How could the Church be true if “x, y, and z” happens in it.  I came to several conclusions.  These are mine and have no official bearing, obviously.  
1.  The natural man is an imperfect vessel holding a perfect Spirit and receiving perfect revelation.  We make mistakes in listening to the Holy Spirit due to our imperfect nature.  Sometimes we let OUR wishes cloud the message we receive.  
I liken us to an earthen pot (analogy stolen from a Stake President).  Inside we hold the purest of water, but outside is dirty clay.  The contents can be difficult to analyze.  
2.  Sometimes bad people do good things.  Use this case as an example.  OBVIOUSLY, if the stories are accurate, he didn’t run around the MTC as Rapey McRapesalot.  He was a mentor, teacher, administrator, and likely did much good in that position.  He may have been in that position for one specific purpose, the likes of which are unkown to us.  
In the end, I trust God.  I trust the Church.  I accept that man does evil things and some of them exist in society and Church. 

Yes inspiration and revelation are given to leaders. Its one reason very very few predators make it into high leadership positions. Theres a great filtration process thats included in calling people into position. But, even still, the Lord generally isnt going to bar good people from making bad choices. The Lord doesnt micro manage the church. He allows men who have flaws to make judgment calls on their own and learn in that process. After all- men must be tested to see if they will be obedient or not. Gods justice and mercy pick up where man fails and in the end God is the perfect judge, Christ the perfect mediator, and His atoning power saves all that is possible. We cant expect men, even in leadership, to be perfect. We are mortal, a fallen people, and we will make mistakes. 

Utah Mormons truly are the most righteous Mormons
Proof that we really do believe in the Old Testament (I forget this sometimes)
Bishops ought to wear ‘5 finger death punch’ T-shirts to church
Bringing casseroles to new neighbors is symbolic of the true celestial way of being accepted into God’s presence.
When Brigham Young said “this is the place”, he was really said “this is definitely not the place”, but it got lost in translation as word passed back down the wagon line.

So back to the OP
Doctrine and Covenants 88
36 All kingdoms have a law given;
37  And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom.
38  And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
These verses suggest to me that law is universal – that everything and everywhere and everybody exist in a situation that is governed by law. I submit that this extends to animals
2 Nephi 9:25  Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.
27  But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!
These verses suggest to me that where there is a law given, and where that law is transgressed, there is a consequence.
In response to the possibility that these principles only apply to people, I point to the Earth (1), the fig tree (2) and the serpent as examples of non-humans that seem to have been affected as a result of the operation of the scriptures quoted above.
1)      The Earth D&C 88 25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—26  Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it. (Obedience by a non-human to the law, resulting in a beneficial consequence)
2)      The fig tree Matthew 21: 19  And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.  And presently the fig tree withered away and the serpent (A punishment given to a non-human, possibly for disobedience to a law, otherwise we are faced with the quandary of Christ inflicting a punishment on something innocent)
3)      The serpent Genesis 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: (Disobedience by a non-human to a law resulting in an unfortunate consequence)
 
So it seems to be as if there is at least some reason to consider that animals are subject to law and subject to consequences if they abide by or ignore the law.
However, Moroni 8:22, says “they that are without the law” are saved through the atonement of Christ, and possibly animals fall into this category.
22  For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law.  For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing—

2 Nephi 27:7  And behold the book shall be sealed; and in the book shall be a revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending thereof.
 
In addition to the revelation from God referred to above, here are some thoughts on what else might be included in the sealed book:
A cursing on all fountain pen users, and a prohibition on the use of these tools of the devil;
Specific instructions on the wearing of white shirts by Deacons passing the sacrament;
A ban on partaking of cola type caffeinated drinks
A detailed and complete map of the setting of the Book of Mormon
Teachings about the eternal destination of animals and whether or not they will be damned
Counsel on male facial hair and whether or not beards are appropriate
A promise about the greater depth and knowledge available to members of the church in Australia compared to anywhere else.
Counsel on whether or not @pam is just an abbreviated form of spam
What do you think could be contained in the sealed book?

Is a flowchart made by a Mormon good enough?
I should probably preface this by saying that I have one of those little, not obnoxious "No Soliciting" signs on my door.  Didn't work.  So I made an 11x17 one which cites the city code in regards to soliciting.  You can read it from the sidewalk across the street.  It mostly works.  Since it doesn't completely work, I added a No Trespassing sign in the window.  Then my dad came home from the store saying "I saw this and thought of you" and handed me a Halloweeny sign that says "I'd turn back if I were you" which is in the window next to the No Trespassing sign.  I also have a doormat that says "Come Back With A Warrant".  Some people still don't get the idea, so....

So back to the OP
Doctrine and Covenants 88
36 All kingdoms have a law given;
37  And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom.
38  And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.
These verses suggest to me that law is universal – that everything and everywhere and everybody exist in a situation that is governed by law. I submit that this extends to animals
2 Nephi 9:25  Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him.
27  But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!
These verses suggest to me that where there is a law given, and where that law is transgressed, there is a consequence.
In response to the possibility that these principles only apply to people, I point to the Earth (1), the fig tree (2) and the serpent as examples of non-humans that seem to have been affected as a result of the operation of the scriptures quoted above.
1)      The Earth D&C 88 25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—26  Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it. (Obedience by a non-human to the law, resulting in a beneficial consequence)
2)      The fig tree Matthew 21: 19  And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever.  And presently the fig tree withered away and the serpent (A punishment given to a non-human, possibly for disobedience to a law, otherwise we are faced with the quandary of Christ inflicting a punishment on something innocent)
3)      The serpent Genesis 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: (Disobedience by a non-human to a law resulting in an unfortunate consequence)
 
So it seems to be as if there is at least some reason to consider that animals are subject to law and subject to consequences if they abide by or ignore the law.
However, Moroni 8:22, says “they that are without the law” are saved through the atonement of Christ, and possibly animals fall into this category.
22  For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law.  For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing—

One of the things I like the most about my faith is my belief that,. through inspiration and personal revelation, I can come to know virtually anything if I put in the apporpriate effort and exercise faith and humilty. My patience sometimes falls a little short when people sometimes suggest that there are things that can't be known. 

I am guessing that it is me even though I am more of a turkey than a goose.
Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Our local teacher’s union is selling members shirts that explicitly reject “thoughts and prayers”—actually drawing a line through them—and demanding policy change. How sad that those I hand my children over to would consider one of my most primary acts of spiritual devotion to somehow stand in hostile opposition to their favored government action. #Muslims, #Jews, #Christians —all people of earnest #faith —really all of #goodwill, let’s stop for a moment and say, “No!” When government and #secularfundamentalists get together to weaponize acts of religious devotion, history tells us the end is always bad. Have your political debates about guns, taxes, the environment—just do not try to label and demonize your neighbors, who happen to believe #Godstillloves and #Godintervenes.

One of the things I like the most about my faith is my belief that,. through inspiration and personal revelation, I can come to know virtually anything if I put in the apporpriate effort and exercise faith and humilty. My patience sometimes falls a little short when people sometimes suggest that there are things that can't be known. 

One of the things I like the most about my faith is my belief that,. through inspiration and personal revelation, I can come to know virtually anything if I put in the apporpriate effort and exercise faith and humilty. My patience sometimes falls a little short when people sometimes suggest that there are things that can't be known. 

Do you open with... "Hi, for those who don't know me, my name is Grunt..."?

@Blossom76. Loved having you here! If you ever want to vent or just let us know how you are doing, we are here! All the best!

One of the things I appreciate most about other Christian faiths is their penchant for record-keeping in the distant past. (births, christenings, marriage, death, etc.) It has been a great help to our genealogical and family history research. 
I am also deeply grateful for the extensive charitable services they provide.
Thanks, -Wade Englund-

I never missed that.  It always seemed so "staged" to me.  I enjoy the loud family atmosphere of the Church, the quiet reverence during Sacrament, and the differing lessons from the membership.