Gaia

GAIA: Dear Anthony -- Good luck and blessings to you, as you -- like Jacob -- "struggle" with God. May your rewards be as great, as his were. Blessings -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Hi There, Anthony. I guess my response is going to be a little different, but i hope you'll give it no less prayerfull consideration -- Who says that doubt is something that should be avoided? Not God. I see God repeatedly telling people in various ways-- both literal and symbolic --that he WANTS us to "struggle" with Him, and with the "Big Questions" in Life. For example, Consider Jacob, who won a blessing from the Lord precisely because he "wrestled" -- and refused to give in easily or quickly (Genesis 32). The Jews have a somewhat different (and more positive) view of this episode than is often heard in Christian circles; May i encourage you to explore it a bit? -- I think you may find some meaningful ideas --- In fact, i think we CHEAT both God and ourselves, when we try to put down, suppress, ignore or deny our questions and doubts. We're talking about the most important issues and questions in life, right? - The things that in fact, make life worth living. Shouldn't they present us with difficult questions that make us struggle? Shouldn't they be difficult to find? Instead of fearing, avoiding or denying their questions, many people feel that the Questions are often at least as important/ valuable, as the Answers -- If i may quote a line from a movie ("On A Clear Day, You Can See Forever") that raised some of those questions in an interesting way: ".... The answers make us wise, but the questions make us human." Being human connects you with others: If you acknowledge your questions, you begin to be more understanding and compassionate, toward others who have similar questions -- and more understanding if they find answers that differ from yours *smile*. I think the questions themselves are important, and have much to teach us -- and we should avoid rushing to answer them too quickly or easily. Blessings -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Hello There, Ami -- It is probabe that any man who presented himself as the woman's potential suitor, would meet with skepticism by her father -- that's how fathers ARE *smile*. But in your case, at least some of her father's concerns are legitimate. Y'see, The problem is not just that you have a "difficult" past; the problem is that you are asking someone to trust you -- and not just on a superficial or moderate level -- but on the most powerful level of all -- that which concerns the person nearest and dearest to him (his daugher), whom he has all his life worked to protect from any and ALL dangers. At this point, you represent a potential danger. There is pretty much nothing you can say that will change his mind; if anything will, it will be your actions -- your everday behavior, as you prove day in and day out, that you have in fact changed and can be trusted. Have you ever watched "Dr Phil"? He has some very interesting ideas -- One of which is: "The best and most reliable predictor of future behavior, is past behavior." So if your past behavior has been -- well, problematic or mixed --- it is going to take a considerable amount of work to establish a NEW "track record" by which people can judge you. Yes, it can be frustrating and humiliating to feel that someone is constantly watching, waiting for you to "mess up" -- but (try to) look at it as an opportunity to prove your sincerity and determination to really become the (good, honorable) man of integrity, that you can be! Good luck -- ~Gaia

GAIA: May i offer some suggestions? First, i think it's important to understand that attachments to people can be very strong; In fact, they are based on the same thing as addictions to any substance: biochemicals are released in the brain (endorphins) which very much "mimic" the actions & effects of certain drugs -- So your friend can't just "decide" to change his thinking/ feeling about the woman; he (probably) has to actually get over an addiction -- to a person -- and that takes time and work! One of the things you can tell him is that if he cuts it off completely -- no phone calls, text messaging, or contact of any kind, whatsoever-- it will be better and easier in the long run. -- Contact of any kind will just "re-infect" him. Here's a book that might help (there are many similiar to it): http://www.amazon.com/How-Break-Your-Addic...n/dp/0553260057 I think you can do a lot of good by being a support and encouragement to him, and reminding him that he will get over her -- it will just take time and effort. Each day, each week, he WILL feel a difference, until the day will come that he'll find himself realizing he hasn't thought of her at all. for some time! Meanwhile, now is a good time for him to recall the things he enjoys, looks forward to, his gifts or talents or interests that he could now put energy into, that would help occupy his mind/ time now. Keep in mind that depression (and he's likely somewhat depressed) does tend to diminish our ability to get pleasure out of even our favorite things / passtimes, but as he recuperates from his "addiction", he will likely find his interests renewed..... The symptoms of clinical depression are as follows: - Changes in sleeping habits - changes in eating habits - Inability to derive pleasure from even previously enjoyed things, people and activities; - Thoughts of sadness, grief; - Tearfulness; - Inability to concentrate; If he has many of these symptoms for any length of time, it might be well for him to discuss the matter with his doctor. Depression can become a chemical imbalance that can only be solved with appropriate medication. Many people are afraid to take such meds, but it's important to realize that there have been enormous strides in the last couple of years, in understanding and treating depression and stress. Within a matter of 10-14 days, one can feel a huge difference -- as if someone turned on a light in a dark room! I hope that's helpful -- Good luck to you and him! Blessings -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Hi Again, Checkerboy. May i respectfully point you toward a few other posts, for a more "balanced" view -- For example: http://www.ldstalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...10197&st=15 - # 24 http://www.ldstalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...10133&st=15 - #20 http://www.ldstalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...=6026&st=15 - #27 There are several others. If you'd be willing to check them out, i'd be happy to provide the links -- GAIA: On that we agree! *g* Blessings -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Hello Checkerboy. I think it's interesting, and perhaps a little revealing, that you gave my remarks a "negative" spin. I certainly don't consider "negative" the idea(s) that we should: a) cut mothers some slack and reduce some of our unrealistic expectations of them; B) get "real" about our conflicted feelings about motherhood: the way we alternately ignore, avoid or take for granted our real mothers, and then try to salve our guilt over that, by overly-sentimentalizing motherhood in general. Now, if you had talked about how you personally cherish your mother all year long, and given some real-life examples of that, it might have demonstrated my error; But in fact, your labelling my thoughts "negative" and in effect, trying to silence them, suggests that i may have been more on track than you felt comfortable thinking about. Y'see, Checkerboy, i AM a mother. My children tell me that i was an "incredible" mother. My daughter says the only time she can remember me "loosing it" (ie, my temper) and actually swatting her on the behind, was when at the age of about ten, i heard her take the Lord's name in vain to one of her friends. But i happen to know that -- despite my best of intentions -- i have many weaknesses and made many mistakes as a mother, which grieve and haunt me now. I would hope that my now-grown children would learn how to ACTUALLY value and express their EVERYDAY appreciation and love for the real, live mother they had, and forgive her actual, real-life weaknesses and mistakes; -- rather than harboring a lot of frustrations, disappointments and griefs over her imperfections, and then trying to salve their consciences over that with a yearly orgy of sentimentality that has very little to do with authentic mothers or mothering. If you really want to honor your mother, forget the Mother's Day orgy, and just phone her every week. Visit her every month. Spend some time getting to know who she is as a person -- her likes and dislikes, her dreams and hopes, her thoughts and feelings on things. Offer to fix HER a holiday meal -- or clean up the mess. Take her OUT to dinner during the holidays. Gift her with a hair, clothing and makeup makeover -- and (if you can afford it) a new wardrobe. Tell others (within her hearing) about some real-life happening in which she did something that was courageous, wise, thoughtful, or otherwise wonderful. Send (or TAKE!) her flowers on YOUR birthday. Cut her some slack when she does something that irritates, annoys or embarrasses you. Loving and honoring our mothers is NOT about eulogizing "motherhood"; it's about loving and honoring your real-life, honest-to-gosh Mom, with all her faults and weaknesses. AND that's NOT negative, son -- that's some advice from a real life Mom -- who, i'm sorry to have to remind you -- also deserves just a bit of that "honoring" you were so hot to defend. {gentle smile and wink} ~Mom (and 4x Grand-Mom) Gaia

GAIA: With all due respect to Mothers everywhere - after all, i ARE one *g* -- I think it's very important to note that not everyone has the dream mothers that are sometimes lauded around Mother's day -- in fact, very few have that. The reality is that Motherhood IS extremely difficult, especially because: a) Our culture makes huge demands upon MOthers; B) Iit should be remembered that Mothers are only people, and people tend to have their own problems, weaknesses, flaws, strengths, etc; c) There is not much "preparation" for MOtherhood; As many people have noted, you have to have a license to catch fish or drive a car, but(nearly) any female past puberty can be a mother. If i had followed my mother's "core values", teachings or example, i would have been drinking and having sex by the time i was 18. Instead, i was (on the very night i turned 18) trying to teach HER better values. And i know i am not all that unique in that respect. Neither is my mother entirely to "blame" for her mistakes or problems; each of us does the best they can at the time, with what they have been given. My point here is just to say: 1) I think we should cut mothers some slack -- they are after all, only human. 2) Every year we go through a virtual orgy of sentimentality over motherhood and the rest of the time, many of us ignore or avoid our mothers. I think we need to get real about how we honestly feel about mothers and motherhood -- and recognize that most of us have some very conflicted feelings about them. Blessings -- ~Gaia

God is a loving God, and loves us so much, he wants the best for us, and for us to be the best we can be. This is why he gives us commandments. By following his commandments we become better people. We know we can follow the prophets' advice, because they only state the will of God, though we must pray and ask God ourselves, of course. (D&C 1:38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. ") He is also a just God. In alma 42:13 it says "Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God." Laws, if broken, need consequences, or techniquely there is no law, meaning no justice, and hence no God. Since God is a just God, He needs enforce these laws. He will not force us to abide by his commandments, no matter how much he wants us to be with Him. Forcing is Satan's plan. He has granted us the atonement with which we can recieve mercy. Basically, it is up to us if we want to follow God or not, and if we haven't been, it is never too late to repent and begin. On the matter of all the people that have gone before us, Temples will be open 24/7 during the millenium for the salvation of the dead. God knows about those who have not had the chance to visit the temple, and cares about them as much as you or me. During the millenium, everyone who wants their work done will have that opportunity. (That doesn't mean we don't need to do temple work, however. Temple work is a commandment. D&C 127:4 "And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven." I hope this helps :) GAIA:" Hi There, Maedoc - I've heard that argument too -- in fact, I taught it for years. But i'm just not so sure anymore that it's God's way of viewing things; i think it could well be humans' (mistaken) view. We humans seem to need reassurance that there's somebody maintaining the Rules -- Some great Galactic Traffic Cop -- who won't allow those who have injured us to get away with it. I have begun to wonder whether our need for "justice" hasn't influenced our views of God and eternal Justice, rather than given us a correct understanding of how the Universe actually runs. I really do beleive that this life is about experience, learning, and growth. And as such, i don't necessarily anymore buy the idea that God doles out "punishment" and justice -- Back when i was a student at BYU, we learned a very helpful form of discipline called "Natural Consequences". If you put your hand into a fire, you get burned -- not because someone "punishes" you, but because that's the natural action of fire upon your sensory organs, and in the long run, it teaches you about the dangers of fire. Similarly, i hav begun to view the Universe acting less as a system of "Justice", and more in terms of acting according to "Natural Consequences" -- we experience the natural consequences of all our actions, thoughts, and intentions. If / When we send out positive, (sooner or later) we get back positive, which slowly teaches us that in the long run, being "good", ie kind, compasionate, humble, merciful, wise, etc - is GOOD for us and for others. I don't so much see God as a Traffic Cop anymore, i see God as a loving parent who -- like all loving parents -- stands by with compassion, understanding, mercy and Guidance, when we mess up. But not punishment-- we do that to ourselves. And ultimately, i think we learn that Repentance and Forgiveness, (rather than absolute "Justice") is the way to short-cut (ourselves and others) through the more painful aspects of mortality. Blessings -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Hi There, Prend1 -- I was reminded of several things in reading your post; May i share them with you? First, i'd like to say that i can certainly empathize with what i think must be your sense of confusion, concern, even worry, over your sudden questioning....It is NOT easy, to suddenly find oneself questioning things that one once strongly beleived. Are you familiar with the phrase and idea, "Dark Night of the Soul"? It is a metaphor used to describe a specific phase in a person's spiritual life -- the experience of loneliness, grief, confusion and desolation of a crisis of faith. It is generally accepted to be a universally inherent aspect of spiritual growth -- as you a) survive it and B) work your way through it, it imbues you with spiritual wisdom and maturity. You might find some comfort and guidance in what others have said about it: Try these, to begin: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Night_of_the_Soul www.ccel.org/ccel/john_cross/dark_night.t... www.themystic.org/dark-night/ www.themystic.org/dark-night/ Secondly, i would like to address this idea that "the Lord will not allow the church to be led astray" -- With all due respect, that is NOT quite what was taught in earlier days of the LDS Church. The idea originates from, or was first expressed in, a lecture by Wilford Woodruff -- in relation to the changing policy on polygamy: "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." (Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church, Monday, October 6, 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, October 11, 1890, p. 2.) * * * Now, the problem is that this is somewhat contrary to the teachings of Joseph Smith -- the Head of the Dispensation -- as well as Brigham YOung and other LDS apostles and prophets; and it is contrary to (other) scripture. Here are some quotes for your consideration: (IF the post seems too long for you to have to slog through, just note the bolded material in each quote --) 1. Joseph Smith: "President Joseph Smith read the 14th chapter of Ezekiel [see, for example, verses 9-10: 'If the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing ...the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him.']...said the Lord had declared by the Prophet [Ezekiel], that the people should each one stand for himself, and depend on no man or men in that state of corruption of the Jewish church -- that righteous persons could only deliver their own souls -- applied it to the present state [1842] of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- -- Said if the people departed from the Lord, they must fall -- that they were depending on the Prophet, hence were darkened in their minds, in consequence of neglecting the duties devolving upon themselves..." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pp. 237-38) NOTE: Obviously, according to Ezekiel 14:9-10, it certainly IS possible for a prophet to "be deceived". 2. President Brigham Young: "What a pity it would be, if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken the influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. This has been my exhortation continually." (JD 9:150) "How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually know the mind and will of the spirit yourselves." (JD 4:368) "I do not wish any Latter-day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied... Suppose that the people were heedless, that they manifested no concern with regard to the things of the kingdom of God, but threw the whole burden upon the leaders of the people, saying, 'If the brethren who take charge of matters are satisfied, we are,'this is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord." (JD 3:45) "...Now those men, or those women, who know no more about the power of God, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, than to be led entirely by another person, suspending their own understanding, and pinning their faith upon another's sleeve, will NEVER be capable of entering into the celestial glory, to be crowned as they anticipate; they will never be capable of becoming Gods. They cannot rule themselves, to say nothing of ruling others, but they must be dictated to in every trifle, like a child. They cannot control themselves in the least, but James,Peter, [or Bruce or Gordon] or somebody else must control them. They never can become Gods, nor be crowned as rulers with glory,immortality, and eternal lives; never can hold scepters of glory, majesty, and power in the celestial kingdom. Who will? Those who are valiant and inspired with the true independence of heaven, who will go forth boldly in the service of their God, leaving others to do as they please, determined to do right, though all mankind besides should take the opposite course. Will this apply to any of you? Your own hearts can answer." (JD 1:312) 3. President Joseph F. Smith: "We talk of obedience, but do we require any man or woman to ignorantly obey the counsels that are given? Does the First Presidency require it? No, never." (Journal of Discourses (JD) 16:248) 5. Apostle Charles W. Penrose, who would later serve as counselor to President Smith, declared: "President Wilford Woodruff is a man of wisdom and experience, and we respect him, but we do not believe his personal views or utterances are revelations from God; and when 'Thus saith the Lord', comes from him, the saints investigate it: they do not shut their eyes and take it down like a pill ." (Millennial Star 54:191) 6. "And none are required to tamely and blindly submit to a man because he has a portion of the priesthood. We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark, that they would do anything they were told to do by those who presided over them, if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God... would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without asking any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their minds to do wrong themselves." (Millennial Star, vol.14 #38, pp. 593-95) 7. George Q. Cannon, Counselor to three Church Presidents, expressed it thus: "Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a bishop, an apostle, or a president . If you do, they will fail you at some time or place; they will do wrong or seem to, and your support be gone;" (Millennial Star 53:658-59, quoted in "Gospel Truth", 1:319) * * * These are just a few examples of quotes clearly indicating that each and every person is encouraged to seek the Spirit and know for him or her SELF, what is true, and what is not; and that even the teachings of the Prophets are to be put to this test. Finally, if it were not possible for a Prophet to go or to lead the church "astray" -- WHY would the Lord consider it necessary to include an entire section in the D&C, giving instructions on exactly how to handle the apostasy of a Prophet? And, How would it have been possible for the several General Authorities who HAVE apostatized since the Restoration, to have done so? My point here is to recognize that things are not quite as clear-cut-and-dried as they are often portrayed, by people who are unwilling or unable to accept such contradictions, anomalies, inconsistencies, or paradoxes... In my experience, Life is FULL of Paradox, and the Church doubly so. The Church is not the Gospel, the Church is the (very human) institution that is charged with administering the Gospel. And the (perhaps difficult) truth is that the Church is subject to human flaws and weaknesses, and the fallen conditions in which it must operate (at least for now). Sooner or later, every member must examine (and sort out!) their assumptions and wishes about the Church, from reality, and learn to deal with both, wisely and productively -- with grace, compassion, kindness, faith -- but also discretion, prudence, and (a goodly amount of) wit! -- relative to themselves, other members, and the Church itself. Also, consider this: It can help enormously, to find others of like mind and spirit, who have also endured the "Dark Night" -- who can accompany and support you on your Journey. I hope that is somewhat helpful to you in some way. Good luck and Blessings to you -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Pearl of Great Price, MOses 1:30-35 30 And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?31 And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me.32 And by the word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth.33 And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.34 And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many.35 But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. Blessings -- ~Gaia

What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ based upon? Personal, immediate and Ongoing Revelation through the Holy Spirit.

GAIA: I think it's also relevant to remember that LDS are promised MUCH more scripture and revelations, as time goes on -- both in terms of the "Sealed Portion" of the Book of Mormon, and in terms of ONGOING Revelation: Joel 2:28 28 ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. I think we should therefore AVOID assuming that just because something is not currently known, it is therefore never to be known or revealed -- Blessings - ~Gaia

GAIA: Hi There, Purple -- It may be important to note that this is not an official doctrine of the LDS Church; It is instead based on: a) implications gathered from various doctrines and scriptures - For example, D&C 132 says that one must receive the "New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage' in order to be exalted; and B) Speculation OR c) Revelation -- from various leaders. The idea that some people have -- that if Jesus was married, it would have been expressly stated in the bible -- is not necessarily valid. Marriage at that era and in that culture was virtually a requirement for a man of his age; even more so for one who was acknowledged as a Rabbi. And it should be noted that even the Sanhedrin - those sticklers for rules and regulations -- did not dispute his being called "Rabbi" on that basis -- So, many feel it's just the opposite: If he had NOT been married, it would have been so unusual and remarkable, that would have been mentioned; but as it was, the idea that he WAS married would have been so "normal" and expected, that there would not have been reason to remark about it. I hope that helps -- Blessings -- ~Gaia

GAIA: Joseph was reputed to have said that if necessary, he would go to hell to help redeem Emma.....

GAIA: Hi There, Sheela -- What you're looking for is not in the D&C, it's in the records of what was (during the Nauvoo period) called the "Anointed Quorum" or "Holy Order" -- Joseph and Emma became the first couple to receive the Second Anointing (by which they BOTH made their Calling and Election Sure, and thus received the Second Comforter) or "Fullness of the Priesthood." By this ceremony they were each "anointed & ordained to the highest & holiest order of the priesthood." PLEASE NOTE: "EACH anointed and ordained", NOT just the husband, Joseph. ("Meetings of the Anointed Quorum- Journalizings," 28 Sept 1843; also slightly different entry in Joseph Smith diary, 28 Sept 1843, in Faulring, "An American Prophet's Record" p 412.) I hope that helps -- Blessings -- ~Gaia