Honor

Shoulda written an introduction for yourself. We see you in chat, but have such a hard time getting you to participate!

Wow that's crazy Siouxz! Glad you made it home safe and sound!

If it was, it'd be full of VERY innapropriate themes - Lesbians, LDS doctors getting picked on, pregnancy outside of marriage... etc. I wish that I could find a job and that paid enough for what I need.

I second Pam's advice. It's so strange to be on the other side of things. My husband and I are getting a divorce and I can't tell you how much time and tears I've spent agonizing over what it means for my son's future. I do know that Heavenly Father can bring you peace in this most emotional time in your life. Pray for it and seek out the companionship of the Holy Ghost. You'll be in my prayers.

I don't think I've ever heard it said before, just heard my brother talk about it but I knew a few of the things it had listed in it. Thanks for the full thing powder. I looked on the church distribution site, but didn't find it.

I think there's a difference between healthy competition, learning to play on a team, encouraging sportsmanship, etc... and a competition based on things of a more superficial nature. It's healthy to learn how to win AND lose gracefully, but a competition based on look or physical attraction doesn't exactly provide a learning experience for those involved. I know you can fight this one to the end, speaking of those with disabilities who cannot participate on the same level as others when it comes to athletics, but I think there is a difference between the two types of competitions. I believe that there needs to be a general sense that everyone is needed and appreciated for each of their abilities. Being awarded with the trophy for being the "Hottie in the Ward" doesn't really do that. I think if this competition can be done in joking and really fun way, it could be a blast - almost where the guys are being goof balls and playing around - not seriously just a GQ competition.

I think there is a way to stick to a personal feeling WHILE still supporting our leaders. You don't have to participate in the activity, and you might want to run how you feel by the bishop, but I wouldn't make a stink about it. By not participating in something like that, I think you'll find that your example will speak more to other people who might feel the same, than it would if you just get vocal about it. Just always remember to be polite and respectful. I doubt they've been sitting there going, "How can we get the guys in our ward to take off their shirts and call it a wholesome activity." Some people think things up and simply don't think about how it could be taken by others. I think the important part is that you don't embarrass someone who might have thought it was ok. Compassion and kindness are the key here. I personally would have a reaction similar to yours, but I think what you do with that reaction from here out is the important part.

Were you looking for a poster like THIS? Here's the text: The purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood: BECOME converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its teachings. SERVE faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices. GIVE meaningful service. PREPARE and live worthy to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances. PREPARE to serve an honorable full-time mission. OBTAIN as much education as possible. PREPARE to become a worthy husband and father. GIVE proper respect to women, girls, and children.

About an hour north of it YEP! We grew up in the same ward and I'm great friends with his family. I used to babysit him! Wow I guess I'm only 4 years older than he is, but it felt like more then. Small world! Sorry for taking this OT, back to the issue at hand...

You ended up serving in Panama, right? You didn't happen to serve with an Elder Ginn, did you?

I'm glad things turned out well (at least as far as your situation). I hope that she's alright. Isn't it amazing how big an impact these kind of things can have on your day/week/month?

If you're getting your surgery because you really need it before your mission, then yes you should talk to someone about it. If, however, you're too excited about possibly being called somewhere else afterwards, Heavenly Father usually has a funny way of teaching us that we should obey his will the first time around. I know that you might not be able to think of a place that could sound worse than the call you already have, but don't go ASK to find out if there is. Please know that I'm not making fun or judging you. Things like this have happened in my life too many times. Answering the Lord's directions the first time around is ALWAYS the best choice. I don't think Ben meant to sound terribly sarcastic. He was answering your question honestly. It could have been a life long member or one of his own children - he'd give the same answer regardless of who was asking the question. I wish you the best with your situation. Yes talk to your bishop about your knee surgery, listen to and follow whatever his counsel is. You might not see the reasons for your call until you're able to look back with a future perspective.

Too quick LW, too quick! LOL You rock!

That's a wonderful experience Lovrie. While I know some people share stories like this wanting an outrageous reaction or to "wow" people, it still doesn't change the fact that I know people are put in our lives at certain times and places for certain reasons. My bishop reaffirmed that to me recently while I was visiting with him. We need to be more quick to recognize the Lord's hand in our lives and be more willing to be an instrument in his hands to bring about his purposes in the lives of others as well. You may not know the reason you were but in each other's lives for a very long time or maybe not even in this life, but even if you end up being no more than dear friends who are there in times of need for each other, know that you both have a loving Heavenly Father who knows every bit of your lives and loves to bless his children with things that we often write off as being just a happy coincidence. Count your blessings, be thankful for each other and remember that you never know what the future holds in store for you both.

Yep, I've gotten it a few times in the past few years.

Ahhh, that explains it... she's married to a U professor and as we all know, most of them are anti, right? Kidding, kidding, kidding!

Even some of the things written by very credible sources can bring doubt. It was a very challenging time in history and there were a LOT of things that did and still need to just be taken on faith. What I know is that the spirit will not testify of something that isn't true. Even the most difficult of doctrine can be received and we can be at peace with it. BUT there is a difference between doctrine and history. I don't believe that we're asked to pack everything that happened in the history of the church into our personal testimonies. What we DO need to have a testimony of is that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the restoration, not that he was a perfect man. That's not to say that anything we have a hard time accepting was something that made Joseph imperfect, but rather that we do not and cannot fully understand everything that was asked of him and the reasons why. I would hope that while I make plenty of mistakes, even with the way I go about my church callings, that the spirit of my efforts would be what is appreciated from my life even if people don't understand my reasons for some choices I've made. Joseph Smith isn't the keystone of the church, the Book of Mormon is. A testimony of Joseph Smith is necessary because of his role in the restoration and bringing forth of the Book of Mormon. Gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon will bring a testimony of Joseph Smith better than a book on his life. An excellent article from President Hinckley - Four Cornerstones of Faith Good luck my friend. I know that these challenges with our faith are real. My sister is struggling with the very same things. But please, don't disregard the things of which the spirit has already born witness. I wish you the best in your search for answers and peace with this.

The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister - He's in the Second Quorum of the Seventy. I know you weren't probably looking for books WRITTEN by GA's, but it's a great one. What about President Monson's use of Great Expectations in the last CES fireside?

I hope you're journaling this - or at least go back and read this post of yours often. Reading over some old journals recently has helped me refocus and brought back some of the feelings and goals that I used to have.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I've thought a lot about what it will be like to lose my parents, and how much of them will most likely continue to influence my daily life. I hope that you can continue to feel peace even with such a change in the road of your life. I'm really glad that you felt comfortable enough here to speak so candidly about such a person decision, and even more happy that your ward has been so welcoming as you've opened up to them. You sound alive, excited, empowered and hopeful. Congratulations!

Wow LW, I feel like I don't know where to start, but let me fill you in on my reaction to some of the things you said and then tell you about my initial impression of you in general (now probably repeating people's posts since it took so long to write it all). Bracing myself for a post, confessing some sin that should really be dealt with by speaking to your bishop... You need to remember that a call to serve a mission call is extended to those who express a desire to serve, not those who won the Scripture Mastery Challenge. The Lord knows who you are with all of your strengths and weaknesses and knows exactly how to use you as an instrument in accomplishing his work. There will be things that you will be able to do as you faithfully strive to seek his will that even those you look up to would not be able to. YOU + the Lord = an entirely unique combination. A very admirable reaction to feelings of inadequacy. I'll tell you that my first impulse when I feel like I don't stack up to the tasks of life is sometimes to curl up in a ball and cry instead of to muscle ahead and improve myself. HELLO?! You're awesome! As it shouldn't. Your education will impact your future tremendously and is a righteous endeavor. Your mission preparation is also important, but it is not a situation where one wins and the other disappears. There needs to be a healthy balance of both, and you don't have to be Superman to do it. I hope that you can hear those comments from people and know that they are not saying, "We're going to be watching you Elder, and if you screw up - OH MY GOODNESS you can't imagine the disappointment!" They are saying it trying to calm you - telling you that you already are the type of person that you somehow can't see that you are. Are you expecting to be translated before you even get the white envelope? Goodness gracious kid breathe! The fact that you even CARE about this says that you're probably trying your best. Now, I know that the type of person you are doesn't let YOU be the one to say if you're doing your best, but FYI, that's a skewed perspective on humility. Being ok with yourself despite your imperfections is not arrogance. Trust me, I do it to myself all the time. I'm so scared of looking arrogant that I beat myself up. That is NOT what our Heavenly Father wants. If I ever met a 19 year old that said, "I'm more than prepared to serve a mission, I'm not worried." I'd feel like giving him a smack upside the head. Well, no, Heavenly Father does that enough on his own (in his kind and loving way). It's the people who think they're set and good to go that fall victim to complacency and fall flat on their face. Sometimes it's the only way to get them to see the perspective of the world from their knees. Worry can be a good thing - if it moves us to action and we don't let it hold us down. I'd be more worried about not being worried... HAHAHA a circular statement if I've ever seen one! Not making me read or respond here, trust me, you couldn't make me if I didn't want to. Do you think that any of the prophets in the Book of Mormon ever felt the way you do? Please don't think that I'm trying to set the bar for you on par with ancient prophets - but honestly, did any of them feel not worried about a mission because they'd prepared plenty? Most of what I've read when speaking of their strength was all attributed to the power of the Lord that was with them. When speaking entirely of themselves, most of them DID feel inadequate, slow of speech, unlearned, even weak and unworthy. Do you think that any of the church leaders today receive their callings and go, "SWEET! I was SO ready for this like 10 years ago!" Uh no. One of the most touching testimonies I've heard from an Apostle was from James E. Faust and given in the video Special Witness of Christ. Feelings of inadequacy are part of being mortal, but please know that they are not always a true reflection of who we are. Just from how much you worry about this, and the fact that your worry moved you to action, I can see a bit of the type of person you are. I won't say you have nothing to worry about. None of us do. But please know that you are probably doing a much better job than you think you are. Keep that spirit to ALWAYS be improving, and DO NOT let your fears hinder the work that you are doing and will continue to do throughout the rest of your life. If you need to fall, let it be against the Savior. Our Father WILL send peace to those who seek it, regardless of what is swirling around their world. The strength you will need can only come from Him. Try to remember to see yourself from the perspective of a loving and perfect Heavenly Parent. I cannot imagine looking at my son, righteously struggling under a heavy load and feel anything but love. Can you? Your mission won't be a test with a pass or fail grade any more than this mortal life is. It's a trial at times, a challenge, a blessing, an experience. We're not judged on who we are when we start. It's all about the finished product and how we got there. Here's a secret - your mission isn't your life. It will be for the next 2 years. But all of the things you're going through now are just small lessons that can be applied on a grander scale to the rest of your life. I've been impressed by who you are, from what I've read in your other posts. Not specific bits of doctrine you've spouted or your sense of humor that comes through (both are there), but just you. You'll be fine. Just keep at it. It takes work, and I think you're a worker..... (you're not a firstborn, are you?). I feel like I'm rambling, but I hope you can feel what I've been trying to say. You can do this. Go read your patriarchal blessing again. Personally I find that whenever I do, I feel like Heavenly Father is saying, "Who are you to say what your potential is or who you are. I've told you who you are and can be so quit doubting and hop to." I'd give you a hug and tell you that I love you (in a web board big sister kind of way ). You'll be fine.

Too many things to say. Too many thoughts I kept in my head. I live with too many regrets. I'll probably die with them too. But thanks for the thought - I might try to write them in my journal tonight.

Killing you? You said you had a book! You're either going to flood the board with the questions or keep this one going for a VERY long time.

Don't ask if you don't like the answer! Hahaha! So don't ask another one until they've run their course. It'll insure that you have something to post about for the rest of your life.

Nah, put them all on here. Too many threads of the same type gets annoying (as we can see on the other site...). We'll quote which question we're answering.