dprh

This confuses me. Wouldn't the prophets counsel at least lead to reconsidering your decision? Honestly, it seems to me that most members who are deciding not to get the vaccine did this. They didn't like the CDC/WHO/etc guidelines and the government mandates. They made up their minds to fight against those, and that choice can now be in conflict with following church leaders. I'm not saying this is every case or even any of them, but it's the impression I get from most. I can fully get behind this. The vaccine isn't the only thing we can to do reduce the spread.

I just have a few thoughts. 1. I struggled with depression before my mission. I worked on it, and got to a point where I didn't need meds anymore. But it was still understood, with my background, I was going stateside. I was told that the Church had enough experience with so many missionaries, they've determined that people with mental health issues do better in their own country. 2. I was in my first area for 6 transfers, 8.5 months. Transfers are 6 weeks and usually thought of as a month and a half. But when you get past 4 transfers, it gets off. My trainer and I got 'shotgunned' (we were both new to the area) replacing sister missionaries. After two transfers, my companion was made district leader. We were together 2 more transfers. Then I was made district leader and got a new companion. Near the end of my first transfer as DL, I met with the mission president. He asked how I was, how the work was. Then he looked a little confused and said "How long have you been in this area?" "Near the end of my 5th transfer" His eyes widened, "Oh! We'll get you out of here next time." I had been forgotten. That was hard on me. It wasn't until later that I realized how taxing being a mission president can be and that when a missionary isn't on the president's radar, it usually means they are doing what they are supposed to. 3. It's hard when things don't go how we expect they will. In those moments, I find it helpful to remember the Serenity Prayer. I know in our church, we aren't much on saying rote prayers. But I know this has helped countless people. "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Where and when your son is serving is out of his, and your, control. He can control how and why he serves, and you can control how you support, encourage and love him. If you focus on those things, I think it will help him a lot. It is ok to feel frustrated, hurt and/or angry in this type of situation. Now, it is time to decide how you will respond. I'd suggest being supportive and giving it to God. In Recovery speak, it sounds like you and your son need to do a Step 3. (Not that I'm saying that addiction has anything to do with this. But the 12 steps can be applied in so many more ways than in addiction recovery ) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/addiction-recovery-program-a-guide-to-addiction-recovery-and-healing/step-3-trust-in-god?lang=eng

12 We believe in being asubject to bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the dlaw. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng

Yes. Yes. No. You didn't quote the scripture quite correctly. It is the nature and disposition of almost all men, but doesn't mean they will. No.

I can't speak for everyone, but I can control what I'll do. What my leaders (ecclesiastical) have asked me to do. Socially distance, mask up, and get vaccinated. We'll see if it comes to that. No point in playing the "What if" game. I don't think most in the gov't are looking for power for power's sake. I think they want to get back to 'normal.' as safely as possible.

Sorry for being vague. He talked about getting the numbers to a point where state and local governments will remove the restrictions that keep the temples closed.

We had our first Stake Conference since the pandemic this weekend. Elder Maxsimo Torres of the 70 came. In the adult session he told us we need to do everything in our power to open up the temples by curbing the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks in public and getting the vaccine if physically able.

I've been to a few baptisms that did this, and I love it. It gives me something to ponder and do during the quiet reverent time. And they can be used in a journal or scrapbook to help the child remember the day. As for memorizing the baptism prayer, it's equally important to review how to perform the confirmation. For my daughter, I stressed so much about the baptismal prayer, I didn't even think about the confirmation. When I started confirming her, I said her name, and was blank for about 7-8 seconds

Sounds like Dalinar's takama story from Stormlight Archives. https://coppermind.net/wiki/Takama

My dad is often asked to write reference letters. He usually asks the person to write the letter for him and he'll edit it if needed.

It seems to me that the point of having a vocabulary is to be able to communicate ones thoughts to others. If she's unable to do that, then her vocabulary might need to expand. Just in a different direction than most peoples.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Servo

To be fair, I said I didn't see where it was implied. His article definitely implies the vaccine pushed some high-risk people over the edge.

In all the links shared on this thread, I don't see anything that states or shows that the vaccine caused a death. That might be what some people take away from them, but I don't see it explicitly stated, or even really implied.

It does seem like she's crossing boundaries. I'd reply something along the lines as "Mom, I sustain my church leaders. And my friends will do whatever they want, regardless of the example I set."

I'm not understanding what the issue is. How is the analogy stigmatizing and divisive?

https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/us-capitol-violence-deer-suit-man-viral-3255641.html It seems Viking hat man has been identified. He's from Arizona, probably associated with QAnon, not BLM.

I think you linked the wrong video

Oh, wow! Now if that isn't the most (colonial) American thing I've ever seen

I don't recall having ever sung that song in any meeting, so I wouldn't miss it if it was taken out. It does seem like an odd choice to include in the hymn book.

I'm not sure how it's set up, but our ward uses Zoom to broadcast to Youtube. That way participants can't talk and interrupt the meeting. Every week, the ward clerk sends an email with the link and the meeting information. It's worked very well for us.

Maybe not yet, but hopefully there will be more than hundreds. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132?lang=eng

I know those songs, and can sing along if they're playing. But those songs don't seem built for caroling . They are more complex and longer than the songs that are popular with the people I've caroled with.

We were able to see it from our backyard. The kids were more interested than I thought they would be. I took these with my Pixel3. Thanks for all the pictures!

Yeah, Chang did Blackface, but they called him out on it and I thought it was done in a way that wasn't offensive. But as a white man, I'm not going to make that call for others.