[Old-Timer]

I have seen beards on temple workers (and some chin hair on some sisters 😃). I also know multiple bishopric counselors, EQ Presidents, and high councilors who now have beards.

Things are changing, but we aren’t where I would like to be yet.

[Old-Timer]

The leadership talks a LOT more about grace now.

Elder Kearon is focused on that concept more openly and explicitly than any apostle in my lifetime, I think – even more than Elder Wirthlin was. I am sure it is his own nature, but I’m sure Elder Uchtdorf was an inspiration for him in that regard.

[Old-Timer]

The handbook lists it as a priesthood ordinance, says it is performed by a MP holder, and says other MP holders form the circle. It says nothing about a mother or someone else holding the baby (just that the MP holders put their hands under the baby or on the head of an older child).

In other words, a mother holding the baby is not officially authorized, but it also is not officially forbidden.

There is nothing that says the family can’t have their own ceremony, in any way they choose. It just won’t be a formal priesthood ordinance. Importantly, it also is not a “saving ordinance”, so it has no “binding” significance no matter how it is done.

[Old-Timer]

My concise response:

I accept as scripture anything that I believe brings me closer to God and helps me be more like what I want God to be (to make me not only godly but also God-like). Anything else, no matter the source in which it exists, I do not see as scripture.

That isn’t entirely uniquely Mormon, except in its totality (actually becoming like God).

[Old-Timer]

I like the current ordinance versions much more than past versions, especially the changes to the initiatory and the endowment.

I like the current, explicit statement that the endowment is symbolic – and the way I view the symbolism.

I love the idea that nobody can fail the endowment if they are trying, no matter how many mistakes they make.

I like that Adam and Eve now are real equals throughout the endowment.

I have had some issues with some things over the years, and I still would tweak a few things if it was my call, but there are no big, glaring issues anymore for me – and I really like the fact that a lot of significant issues / concerns have been addressed in very obvious ways.

[Old-Timer]

Our ward uses whatever people bring – and we have had quite a variety.

[Old-Timer]

What Roy said.

[Old-Timer]

Just one short point, since the thread extends over a long time:

The original “sin” punished in the Old Testament (in the ONLY verse used to condemn masturbation) was not masturbation. The man had married his brother’s wife specifically to have that brother’s blood line continue – as was the custom of that time. It was the entire reason why sexual activity with her was allowed: so his brother, through her, could have a legacy. (Twisted, but real back then)

The wording says he was having sex (getting that benefit from the marriage) but “spilled his seed on the ground” (didn’t finish his responsibility / didn’t have complete sex, so to speak). Literally nothing in the story explicitly says he masturbated. In other words, he used her for his own pleasure and “killed” the future child he was supposed to be creating. The sentence (death) was for that theoretical murder.

Later cultures took the story and translated it into masturbation being a sin.

I agree that masturbation can BECOME sinful (for various reasons that are not appropriate to detail here in our forum), but there is no scriptural justification for labeling it always AS sinful.

[Old-Timer]

The differences in congregations are interesting.

We have been working our way through the new hymns on a fairly regular basis in our ward, and the general response has been very good so far.

[Old-Timer]

Have you considered that maybe you like the thrill of new things that challenge you – and when the challenge fades, so does your interest? (that you are a builder, not a maintainer)

If that is the case, moving on to something else might be exactly what you need. I would say just try to make sure the previous project has a good leader to replace you.

[Old-Timer]

From Sister Runia’s talk:

“You are not the voice in your head. You are not the mistakes you have made.”

“Your worth is not tied to obedience, your worth is constant, it never changes, your worth is always great in the sight of God.”

Some individuals feel repentance works for everyone but them. They might wonder, “When I keep falling short, does God know I still love Him?”

“Distancing oneself from God after making a mistake and thinking that He is disappointed is not true. Likewise, waiting until an individual feels clean before going to the Savior misses the point.”

“God forgives without shame, comparison or scolding us because this is the same thing we were repenting of last week.”

“Jesus Christ is forever brighter than the darkness of shame and would never attack someone’s worth.”

I am going to watch this when I can.

[Old-Timer]

I couldn’t watch the morning session, but my wife said she absolutely loved Sister Runia’s talk. She said it was exactly what she needed when she was a teenager.

She is a TBM in many ways with heterodox views on some things. She said Pres. Oaks’ talk was “okay” until the end, and she said the way he explained the ten virgins (“delineating people who are modern unwise virgins”) absolutely ruined the talk for her. Definitely one for people here to skip.

[Old-Timer]

Elder Christofferson: Story of the wise men going to Herod to worship the new king. Meant falling down and offering expensive gifts. What does it mean to us?

1) Actions: Gather to perform acts of devotion on Sabbath. Dress respectfully but modestly. Reverent conduct. Participate not just listen. Other elements of worship. Not to be entertained. Worship, not just attend. Studied list of things to do and not do, but realized it isn’t about lists but what sign we want to give. (I like that this framing opens other things as appropriate, not just church stuff, even if that wasn’t said explicitly.) Worship outside of church, including charitable acts. “Living in thanksgiving daily”

2) Gratitude and service: Striving to follow example of Jesus.

3) Exclusivity of worship: Worship only God, not other things/beings/people that often are worshipped. example, “loyalty to party or cause” can be a form of worshipping a false cause. (SO glad that was said explicitly.)

4) Emulating the Father and the Son: That is the center of the Covenant Path. Repentance (change) is a form of worship.

This might be my favorite talk from Elder Christofferson.

[Old-Timer]

Elder Vargas: Saw my life and purpose change after my baptism.

Salmon have a powerful guidance system. (like an internal GPS) We have that same kind of GPS: the light of Christ.

Remember our divine nature when faced with challenges.

“I know how strong the hooks of uncertainty can be.” Story of tipping point in his life and advice to focus on Christ. (“Go after him. He is important to me.”)

“Jesus is our heavenly guidance system.” He is known as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

Mention of two of his children who require daily care for the rest of their lives. We believe the impossible will be possible.

This is a good, solid talk.

[Old-Timer]

Elder James R. Rasband: D&C 109 – a plan of mercy (with a focus on missionaries, but applied to all)

God empowers us in a sacred way. Time in the temple is meant to soften our hearts and help us understand mercy. “Manifest myself to my people in mercy.”

Mercy in the covenants. All blessings are manifestations of mercy. Plan of happiness because of mercy.

In Sacred Grove, Joseph cried for mercy. Moroni’s appearance followed prayer for forgiveness. Other examples of same experiences.

We tend to shorthand the promise at the end of then Book of Mormon. Moroni 10:3-4 is about remembering and pondering mercy, BEFORE the promise of v. 5. (I have said that for many years, and I loved the mention in this talk.)

Some struggle to believe the promise of an answer to prayer. Ponder about God’s mercy. “I hope you feel what I felt.”

I absolutely LOVED this talk.

[Author]

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