e-eye

When I was in a bishopric it always defaulted to the HP group leader and down that line - We never got to the secretary or beyond that so it was never discussed if the Elders Quorum presidency was to sit on the stand.  In all my years we always had at least a bishopric member but would default to the HP group leadership so if one member of the bishopric was there and nobody else they wouldn't have to sit alone. 

The church doesn't clean itself, regardless of the color of its skin.
 

True you don't. You simply say, "Please remove my name from the cleaning roster as I won't be able to serve in that capacity again".
Then move on and serve in some other way that better suits you physically.
Leave the church over this, um...
 

Our ward in AZ runs at about 55% but I know we are the highest in the stake and way above normal as I think the stake is at about 38% for an average with 6 wards.

Back when I was a missionary - from time to time someone would ask, "How many missionaries are serving in your mission?"  My response was, "About half of them."
 
The Traveler

The Holy Spirit of Promise has to ratify any sealing that is performed in the temple in order for it to persist in the exalted world, and He won't ratify that which is not in accordance with the desires of the consenting agents and God.

I believe most people's faith, or at least aspects of it, are fragile.  That's why study and prayer are so important.  That's why the Mormon culture, home teaching, and church activities are so important.  Faith needs to be fed and supported.  Communities are great avenues for that support.  Be mindful of what you say not only to new converts, but to all members.  Not because we all walk around in fear of losing faith, but because faith is SO much better when it is strong and clear.  That is when I make the best choices, am in tune with the Holy Spirit, and happiest. 

This past weekend I felt like my Sunday School lesson was a TRAIN WRECK!  I can't believe how many people came up to me and ranted about how much they liked it.  I can only assume the Holy Spirit used me to deliver a message that was needed.  I always feel good about my lessons when the missionaries start taking notes.  

I love converts.  I am always impressed by their faith.  I'm also always worried that their faith is fragile and some rude member might offend them intentionally or not.   I really think it's pretty easy to be born and raised mormon and although all members have to come to know the truth I am far more impressed with those who have the strength to leave Babylon and search for truth.

I love converts.  I am always impressed by their faith.  I'm also always worried that their faith is fragile and some rude member might offend them intentionally or not.   I really think it's pretty easy to be born and raised mormon and although all members have to come to know the truth I am far more impressed with those who have the strength to leave Babylon and search for truth.

I'm going to try this all the time now:
Boss: How was your weekend?
Me: Fine, I'm a convert!
 
Bishop: We'd like you to serve as Relief Society President.
Me: No way, I'm a convert!
 
Grocery store clerk: Paper or plastic?
Me: Plastic, I'm a convert!
 
I may have to start wearing a camera attached to my glasses so I can capture the reactions.

I could understand this for an every day Mormon raised in the church but for those coming back to activity, and those who are new, a calling can really be a boost to their spiritual development.  Even as a lifelong member I would never have become the person I am without opportunities to serve and that mostly started as a missionary.   What are callings for other than to have order in our service and opportunities to grow.  Yes, you can do without but if it was a free for all can you imagine the things that wouldn't get done in this work. 

Actually, I think pointing out hypocrisy is a very Christ-like thing to do. Perhaps not in the sarcastic manner I did...

We believe that God gives us weaknesses so that we will be humble.  The amazing thing is there is an endless list of things we need to work on to become like God yet he is kind enough to  show us just a few things at a time, not to overwhelm us.  It is a process to "become" like him.  It's easy for me to do the checklist things that God asks us to do and fall into the trap the Pharisees living by the letter of the law but failing to become like Him.  
It's interesting the love I feel from God when I repent of things and yet God knows that I will be back tomorrow or next week or next year repenting of the same old things.  He must be okay with it and He must understand it.  We beat ourselves up when we fail and sometimes we get a little prideful when we do well. It sure is a process though, and for a purpose we sometimes don't understand but God does and I think that is why we feel his love when we submit to his will.

I'm not addicted to soda. I could quit tomorrow...  I promise, or maybe I will stop next week.  Wait I already have goals for this year so we will make it for next year.     All this typing is making me thirsty...

I was somewhat younger when I was made a high priest in my earlier 30's and now that I am pushing 40 I have had many thoughts of how I miss the Elders Quorum and being with younger guys where I can mingle and mentor and learn.  When I talk to older Elder Quorum members I always let them know that there is no rush to be a high priest as those young guys need someone with experience and it's a great opportunity to be a bit older and in Elders quorum.

I'm not addicted to soda. I could quit tomorrow...  I promise, or maybe I will stop next week.  Wait I already have goals for this year so we will make it for next year.     All this typing is making me thirsty...

I'm not addicted to soda. I could quit tomorrow...  I promise, or maybe I will stop next week.  Wait I already have goals for this year so we will make it for next year.     All this typing is making me thirsty...

Haha - good job. That is way more effort than I care to put into the discussion of caffeineted drinks but I’m impressed with your breakdown. 

I was somewhat younger when I was made a high priest in my earlier 30's and now that I am pushing 40 I have had many thoughts of how I miss the Elders Quorum and being with younger guys where I can mingle and mentor and learn.  When I talk to older Elder Quorum members I always let them know that there is no rush to be a high priest as those young guys need someone with experience and it's a great opportunity to be a bit older and in Elders quorum.

Funny thing: I hate cola. Nasty taste. But I kind of like Dr. Pepper, which after all is basically cola. Go figure.

That much I agree with.

Source - My friend who took President Monson fishing and witnessed it.  Although I have heard on the internet that he drank caffeinated drinks by many people as well.
Like I said, it may not be where you live, but in my experience it's one of the most  incorrect misconceptions I hear in AZ. 
I drank Mt Dew at a teenager like it was water.  I have not had that stuff for a good 20 years.  I went about 5 years without drinking any soda and now drink Dr. Pepper (another childhood vice).  

President Monson drank the stuff regularly.  BYU sells it yet, I have been asked often or or it is mentioned by non members that we are not allowed to drink it.  May just be more of a localized misconception possibly.  Yes I do agree there are many Mormons who avoid it but not because it's against our morals it's just unhealthy like, eating junk food or the many other foods that make one unhealthy.  

Is it better to be right or better to be married?

2nd and 3rd hour hall monitor.  Blessing for sitting in the hall... count me in.