Tough Grits

I wonder...what should we call ourselves? Why do we call ourselves anything, for that matter? Shouldn't Christian suffice? Though being followers of Christ, thereby making us Christian...aren't we different? Don't we differ in certain (key) doctrines and principles from the average Christian? Boyd K. Packer, “‘The Peaceable Followers of Christ’,” Ensign, Apr 1998, 62 Still, I do agree with what has already been said in some posts. Why is there a need for a label at all? When a man murders another man...we only hear a label when it is a label that the media knows will draw attention. If they were to say that a man killed another man...ho hum, they think nobody will perk up and tune in to the broadcast if that is the title of the news story. Oh, but if they say, "Mormon man kills two people on Saturday." Well, now that would get most people's attention. Why is that? Maybe because even the media and the general public knows what our basic standards are? Well, that's a good thing! However, it is disgusting how some seem to glory in the downfall of any Mormon (whether they are actually affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is another matter!). Still, that is what the media does...they try to give the slant that will attract the most viewers. Maybe more people will tune in to see a news story about "Mormons" more than just any average Joe. That can be a positive or a negative. It is good that people are curious about us and would tune in just to hear more. It is bad that some of the things attributed to our Church truly have nothing to do with us at all. So, back to the original question...what are we to call ourselves? Boyd K. Packer, “‘The Peaceable Followers of Christ’,” Ensign, Apr 1998, 62 Russell M. Nelson, “‘Thus Shall My Church Be Called’,” Ensign, May 1990, 16 I believe that the feelings thus far on this topic have been valid and worth consideration. For those who are offended by the nickname "Mormon", I can understand and agree that it is not always best to call ourselves this or to allow others to refer to us by this misleading nickname, as there are too many in this country who claim that title, but do not belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Using such a nickname can often lead to more confusion and dislike of our faith. For those who do not see a problem with the use of the nickname "Mormon", I can also understand your feelings and reasoning's. If we do not see ourselves as evil, ungodly people, then why should we be offended to associate ourselves with a nickname that to some of us only links us to a gospel that we love and know to be true? Personally, I think we should search for ourselves what the prophets and leaders of our Church have said regarding this matter. Ponder. Then pray, taking the matter to the Lord. Let Heavenly Father guide you. I see no fault in either side of this discussion, as we are all at different levels of spirituality and testimony, and we are all unique with different personalities and experiences. As long as we are doing the best that we can with what we currently know and understand, and as long as we are following the promptings of the Spirit and the direction of our leaders, then we should not be too hard on ourselves or others. Just a thought.

WATER!!!! scrambled eggs or sunny-side up?

Yes, but not sure why. Do you brush your tongue? (I try, but it makes me gag!!! LOL LOL)

speed dial. Tuna sandwich or tuna on crackers?

No. When I am full, I do not try to gorge myself. Now, Michael does...every time we eat at that Chinese buffet in the next town over, we end up having to go to Wal-Mart (the evil empire...LOL) to walk off his meal. Do you give your scraps from meals to your dogs?

Yippee, you have your gavel back! I have missed it!!!!! LOL LOL Hey, I am gonna send you a PM. I have a question about something... YOU IN TROUBLE NOW!!!!! LOL LOL LOL

polite

flip phone Desktop or laptop?

2 Ne. 9: 41 41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name. Why is it that we cannot deviate, even a small step, from the straight and narrow? Because one step in either direction can lead us away from the path forever. Satan does not jump out in front of us screaming and yelling at us to follow him instead of the Savior. No, Satan is much more subtle and crafty. He knows that in order to entice us from the path, he must do it softly with half-truths. Once we have stepped from the path, he does not immediately throw a net over us. No. He continues to tempt us away, further and further, one step at a time. All the while, we are slowing allowing ourselves to be bound by a thin, silken thread. At first, we can easily break this thread at any time and run back to the safety and truthfulness of the straight and narrow. But too often we allow ourselves to remain a little longer in the dark...following the lies and illusions of one who hates us. At some point, that silken thread becomes so entwined around us...that we can no longer break free by our own strength or effort. This is not what Heavenly Father wants for us! It is so much better to remain on the straight and narrow, and not even deviate one step to the left or the right, than to risk being bound so think in the devil's silken lies and half-truths that we can no longer break free on our own. Now that we know what the straight and narrow is, and how important it is that we remain on it, we must now know HOW to remain on the straight and narrow. Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Straight and Narrow Way,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 64 Staying true and valiant to the gospel of Jesus Christ may seem hard, and the path may seem too straight and too narrow, but those are the exact kinds of lies that Satan wants you to believe. It is FAR easier to follow a straight, narrow path that is illuminated by the gospel of Jesus Christ, than it is to fumble around in the darkness, being scratched by tares and brambles, and all the while being subtly and gently wrapped by the fine, silken thread of the one who hates us. I don't know about you, but down here in Georgia we have plenty of thorns and vines and all kinds of nasties...I would much rather be on a straight and narrow path lit by the light of Christ, than itching and bleeding from all the stickers and thorns of the dark woods. Just my perspective!

“We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home. But the bathrooms are all ready, the towels put out, and the clean clothes in the airing cupboard.” (C. S. Lewis, Letters to C. S. Lewis [London: Geoffrey Bles, Ltd., 1966], p. 199.)

Thanks, but I am already taken. LOL LOL Do you leave the water running when you brush your teeth?

Without a firm foundation of all the the doctrines and principles of the Church, then we cannot construct a solid testimony that will withstand trials, tribulations, persecution, and the temptations of Satan. Part of my firm foundation of the gospel, is my testimony and belief that the Prophet is a mouthpiece to the Lord. LDS.org > Gospel Library > Gospel Topics > Prophets I know that the above quote is true. Without this truth, then there would be no need for me to go to Church on Sunday, or go to Stake Conference, or watch General Conference. If I did not believe that my leaders were called by Heavenly Father to lead and guide me, then why bother attending meetings were I am to receive instruction from them? When I hear my Bishop speak, I know that he holds the authority and the keys to lead and guide our Ward. When I hear my Stake President speak, I know that he holds the authority and the keys to lead and guide our Stake. When I hear the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak, even the Living Prophet of the Lord, I know that he holds the authority and the keys to lead and guide this Church. Just as there would be no point in being a member of this Church if one did not believe and know Joseph Smith to have been given a divine mission to restore the Gospel upon the earth once more, then there would also be no point in being a member of this Church if one did know and believe that all our leaders hold the authority and the keys to lead us and guide us. What would be the point of giving heed to Bishops, Stake Presidents, or the Prophet if we did not believe that they spoke for the Lord in relation to us, our ward, our stake, and the Church as a whole? I would rather err on the side of caution. There are some who question us for walking a path that is too straight and too narrow. We might be found to respond, in turn, that we would rather err on the side of caution and walk a path that is too straight and too narrow, rather than a path that is crooked and broad. In the same manner, I would rather err on the side of caution, and take all that my local and Church leaders counsel as coming from the Lord, than to suppose that I am above said words and counsel. No, I am not to be lead in everything. I am to go to Heavenly Father for myself and seek counsel, guidance, and revelation on a personal level. However, there are some who can be lead away by extremes. There are some who place their own "revelation" above the counsel or guidance of a leader. There are some who only wish to be lead, and never ask of themselves if a thing be true or right. Those are extremes. The quotes below are much more concise and direct in meaning than my own feeble words and thoughts... James E. Faust, “Continuing Revelation,” Ensign, Aug 1996, 2 LDS.org > Gospel Library > Gospel Topics Revelation L. Lionel Kendrick, “Personal Revelation,” Ensign, Sep 1999, 7 James E. Faust, “Continuing Revelation,” Ensign, Aug 1996, 2 Be ye not deceived. This gospel of Jesus Christ is NOT a buffet in which we can pick and choose what we will consume. No, it is for us to know what our Church believes, what the principles and doctrines are, and then follow them. We cannot follow only certain things, and cast off other things. We cannot be lukewarm. MorningStar posted a wonderful thread based on an address by Dallin H. Oaks given at a Brigham Young University on June 7, 1992 in Provo, Utah. Most of my thoughts for this thread were inspired by that address that she posted for us to read. Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Liahona, May 1995, 10 Thanks again, MorningStar, for the wonderful thread that you posted.

LDS.org > Gospel Library > Gospel Topics Prophets

"The world is not big enough that you can run away from the testimony that the Lord plants in your heart." LeGrand Richards

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Before my depression in 2005, I kept several journals. My own journal, which just had accounts of my day-to-day life. I also kept a journal for my daughter and my son. My original intent, was to keep a journal of them throughout their lives. Then one day, they could have all the journals that I have kept of them from my perspective and they could then compare it to their own journals from their own perspective. I thought that would be cool for them, and most especially for future generations...to see two accounts. One from the mother's perspective, and one from the child's perspective...regardless of how old said child became!!!! Well, I have not written in their journals since 2005. Everything just came to a stop. I have written in several spiritual journals, though. I always keep a journal in my Sunday church bag. When I feel a prompting, I write down what came to me as I listen to a lesson, talk, or testimony. I draw pictures too. I am VERY visual. My cousin Chad once made fun of me and my drawings, but they are essential tools for me to learn and visualize what the Spirit prompted. I am still amazed at the power of the Holy Ghost whenever I thumb back through my Spiritual Journals. I always make sure to write in my journal during Stake Conference. Man, the promptings just come fast and furious during Stake Conference. I used to do the same for General Conference, but I stopped. I don't know why. Maybe too much information coming at me at one time? Not sure. I think that my writings on forums serve as expressing myself and getting my thoughts and testimony out there. I just need to be more diligent about copying and pasting the important stuff into Word. Then I can just print out my posts and blogs and place them in a binder. I don't think the format is what matters, so much as placing our beliefs and testimonies down for record. Also, the day-today things are important too. Oh, I am also a calendar and day-planner freak. I save ALL my past day-planners. Those are also a valuable resource to me. I can go back YEARS and read what I was doing on any given date. True, it may not be as in depth as a journal, but the information has helped me remember important stuff. Hope that helps!

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt Hey, how come I never got a call from Headquarters to vote Republican? Man, I hate it when I am left out!!!! :lol:

gnats...

When I first joined the Church in 1998, the very first calling I had was Primary. It was in Primary where I learned to rely on my scriptures and the lesson manual. There is a Church approved lesson manual for each of the different classes in Primary. After teaching in Primary for several years, I had the opportunity to be called as Teacher Improvement Coordinator. Not only did I get to teach the Teaching the Gospel Course, but I also conducted quarterly Teacher Improvement Meetings with the Ward Auxiliaries. I have taught in Youth Sunday School, and I have substituted for Adult Sunday School many times. I do not list these things to brag. I am absolutely thankful and grateful that Heavenly Father gave me these callings, because as a convert, I needed the teachings and the guidance that these callings provided. However, I cannot unlearn that in EVERY calling that I have had, there has been a manual for me to follow. There has always been further instruction. It is a part of every class, every auxiliary, to have manuals. How would the Sunday School teacher know what lesson to teach, were it not for the Church approved manual and lesson material? It is my testimony that the doctrines and principles of our Church can be found in more places than just in our scriptures.

“11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 52 “12: Teaching from the Scriptures,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 54 Use the Study Helps in the Scriptures

“Lesson 4: Teach the Doctrine,” Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, 203 Purpose To help class members understand the power that comes from studying and teaching the doctrines of the gospel, which are found in the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. Note to the Teacher As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for guidance to teach effectively from the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. As prompted by the Holy Ghost, talk about the effect the doctrines of the gospel have had in your life as you have studied and taught them. Preparation 1. Prayerfully study the scripture passages in this lesson. Seek to apply them to the purpose of the lesson.2. Study the section in this book titled “Teach the Doctrine” (pages 49–59) and the following in the “Gospel Teaching and Leadership” section of the Church Handbook of Instructions: “Teach the Saving Doctrines and Ordinances of the Gospel” (page 301), “Teach from the Scriptures and the Teachings of Latter-day Prophets” (page 302), and “Use Church-Approved Lesson Materials” (page 304).3. Invite a class member or another member of the ward to come to class prepared to talk about how learning a specific doctrine of the gospel has influenced his or her life.4. If current Church-produced lesson manuals are available, bring a few of them to class.

I work in the Ward Library. If the Gospel Principles manual did not contain doctrine, then it would not be in the ward library. Only Church approved materials can be in the library. Church approved materials bear the name of our Church. The library is not to contain ANY material not approved by the Church. Not even books written by the apostles or leaders are allowed, unless expressly approved by local leaders. This does not only apply to written material, but no DVD's, videos, or music that is not approved by the Church is to be stored in the Ward Library. Basically, anything that can be purchased through LDS Distribution can be in the Ward Library, as the items sold to units (and individuals) from the LDS catalog come from Church distribution. It is called Church distribution, because the materials come from the Church. Also, the Relief Society/Priesthood manuals are used to teach lessons in Church. If the material in those manuals did not contain doctrine, then they would not be used in teaching lessons in Relief Society or Priesthood. If Teaching, No Greater Call did not contain doctrine then it would not be appropriate to use in the Teaching the Gospel course. I was Teacher Improvement Coordinator for two years. I cannot unlearn what I learned from reading that manual, or unlearn what I learned from the promptings of the Spirit. Just wanted to share my thoughts. ~TG

Great thread. Thank you for sharing. I just wanted to add one important part of his address: Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Liahona, May 1995, 10 From an address given at a Brigham Young University 18-stake fireside on 7 June 1992 in Provo, Utah.

Now, let the question be asked...what is an official Church publication? Anything that has: THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Have you ever noticed that books written by prophets, apostles, and leaders of our Church do not have the above printed anywhere on the outside or inside of the book. Why is that? Because they are writing it as personal opinion, not as official Church doctrine. However, any publication that bears the name of the Church, can be used and quoted as official Church doctrine. What is the difference? Well, we believe and have faith that the First Presidency has the keys and authority to be as a mouthpiece of the Lord. Therefore, when they come together in supplication and prayer, and receive revelation that a thing is true, then they are approving it as official doctrine. Church manuals, such as the Gospel Principles, Teaching No Greater Call, etc. are all approved by the First Presidency (therefore by Heavenly Father himself) to be doctrine. THE ARTICLES OF FAITH OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS History of the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 535—541 1 We abelieve in bGod, the Eternal Father, and in His cSon, Jesus Christ, and in the dHoly Ghost. 2 We believe that men will be apunished for their bown sins, and not for Adam’s ctransgression. 3 We believe that through the aAtonement of Christ, all bmankind may be csaved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 4 We believe that the first principles and aordinances of the Gospel are: first, bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, cRepentance; third, dBaptism by eimmersion for the fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ghands for the hgift of the Holy Ghost. 5 We believe that a man must be acalled of God, by bprophecy, and by the laying on of chands by those who are in dauthority, to epreach the Gospel and administer in the fordinances thereof. 6 We believe in the same aorganization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, bprophets, cpastors, dteachers, eevangelists, and so forth. 7 We believe in the agift of btongues, cprophecy, drevelation, evisions, fhealing, ginterpretation of tongues, and so forth. 8 We believe the aBible to be the bword of God as far as it is translated ccorrectly; we also believe the dBook of Mormon to be the word of God. 9 We believe all that God has arevealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet breveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. 10 We believe in the literal agathering of Israel and in the restoration of the bTen Tribes; that cZion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will dreign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be erenewed and receive its fparadisiacal gglory. 11 We claim the aprivilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the bdictates of our own cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them dworship how, where, or what they may. 12 We believe in being asubject to bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the dlaw. 13 aWe believe in being bhonest, true, cchaste, dbenevolent, virtuous, and in doing egood to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we fhope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to gendure all things. If there is anything hvirtuous, ilovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Although the 8th Article of Faith only lists the Bible (as far as it is translated correctly) and the Book of Mormon to the be the word of God, that does not mean that those are the ONLY words of God. Otherwise, there would be no need for the 9th Article of Faith. I personally believe that all that is contained within my quad to be the word of God. That includes, for me, the index, the Bible Dictionary, Joseph Smith Translation, Articles of Faith, etc. Why do I believe this? Because my quad bears the name of the Church upon it. To me, this means and signifies that the First Presidency, upon approval and direction of the Lord, has approved said scriptures, and all contained within (with observation to "as far as it is translated correctly"), to be official Church doctrine. These are my beliefs. They are based upon what the Holy Ghost has whispered to me, what I have heard, what I have read, and what I have learned in the last 10 years of my membership in this Church. I am not forcing anybody to believe as I do. I do not call condemnation upon those who believe differently. I just felt prompted to bear my testimony on what I knew to be true.

Approaching Mormon Doctrine Commentary SALT LAKE CITY 4 May 2007 LDS Newsroom - Approaching Mormon Doctrine