[Willhewonder]

I was always afraid to go on a mission but I lived in a town where everybody did it unless there was something wrong with you. So, I went. I kept hoping the second coming would happen first and make it not necessary, but no such luck. So, I went. I’m glad I did now, but my mission was certainly more to my benefit than the people I tried to serve. But I think I just barely made it through without serious disaster. Thanks to God and a very wise mission president.

[Willhewonder]

What a fascinating discussion. I think I must have been a very difficult missionary for most of my companions and a challenge for my second mission president. I didn’t mean to be, but it seemed to work out that way quite often. At one point my second mission president asked me if I was happy on my mission. I said I was basically, although I didn’t walk around all day with a giggly smile. He seemed to accept that. Another time after accepting and completing an assignment with the other junior companion on splits – I was the senior of the juniors, word must have gotten to the president about our almost James Bond operation, because he asked me if I wanted to go home, but it was the furthest thing from my mind. Why would the seniors assign us to do something that would get us in trouble, especially when one of them was the district leader? I just came up with the methods and made the tactical decisions that got us back to our companions in one piece with the desired result. We didn’t harm anyone or break any sexual morality laws. Talk about being naive and needing to grow up. He didn’t press the matter.

On my very first preparation day I was pared with a notorious elder while our companions had to make visa renewals at the country’s border. We ended up on a double date at a sort of commercial regional fair watching some event in the bleachers with my “date” pointing her lips at me when she asked me questions. I thought she was blowing me kisses, but I later found out it was how people in that country point at things when their hands are busy or they are too far away to not confuse you with another person (I insisted on sitting on the other side of my companion from her).

At the finish of my mission, I was a district leader out in the boonies. I mentioned to the mission president on my exit interview that I had had some difficulties with my last companion, and he replied to my amazement that now I knew how it felt. Floored me.

[Willhewonder]

Here is the source of my comment: On July 17 a Facebook page blogger posted a quote by a BYU professor in a social sciences class saying in a classroom discussion that since gender was on a spectrum, the General Authorities made a mistake saying gender is eternal in in the Family Proclamation. Then the blogger went on to say that people ask him all the time about BYU and apostate professors and that he personally believes a sifting is on the verge of taking place. Note that this posting comes just after a recent announcement that candidates for faculty positions at BYU must have temple recommends.

The reason I saw the posting was that one of the respected widowed matriarchs in the stake that I follow had chimed in with a comment saying she thought it was high time there was such a sifting. The other comments ran about 3/4 for a sifting and 1/4 for a “ Hold on, we should be more tolerant and inclusive” approach to faculty members at BYU.

So I wondered if others were hearing of a new groundswell of opinion, or if I was just seeing a typical expression that appears every so often. My stake is part of the area of the last colonization by the saints in the Deseret area, so opinions may not be those typical throughout the Church.

[Willhewonder]

I have heard the office theory before and it resonates with me. Sometimes if the Bishop does something, it is not so important who the actual person in the office is. Two thoughts come to mind. First, the Church is all about delegating. “ …whether by my own voice or the voice of my prophets, it is the same” – or something like that. So suppose the Holy Ghost office is held by Heavenly Mother, and She delegates the specific tasks to pre or post mortal beings?

The second thought is that, what if the delegates are members of our family groups? Personally I have felt very strong affinities to particular passed on members of my family as I have sought for divine answers to prayers. I know that those that have passed on are very interested in us and would not be a bit surprised to learn that some of those that have lent me strength have yet to be born. I have felt the strength of these family members and not just I think from reading their writings and the stories I know about them (although those stories have been a huge benefit to me as well). Just sayin.

[Willhewonder]

Roy wrote:

Minyan Man wrote:

This is some general questions for the Administrators & followers of this site:

Where do you see this platform going?

As the finance person, I think that the cost of keeping the site alive is something to be considered. The Mormon Stories umbrella has not supported this site financially in years (maybe 5). The last two years we have received a generous donation from one of our members to pay the annual hosting fee ($177.02). Otherwise, I could see us getting to a spot where we just do not have the money to pay the bills.

I am honestly feeling ok with that possibility. I feel that there are seasons in life and it is ok to let go of a previous season (I am also looking forward to a potential future as an “empty nester” so I am experiencing life’s seasons on multiple fronts).

Minyan Man wrote:

Is there a natural life to sites like this one?

Yes, there is a natural life to almost anything (AKA the product life cycle). Sometimes you can extend that natural life by reinvention. Incidentally, I also think that the churches and governments tend to have such life cycles.

Minyan Man wrote:

What has covid done to limit the reduced actively?

Do you see it coming back?

Looking back, I think StayLDS peaked at about the same time as the “Mormon Moment.” I think that this was a time when Mormonism was in the news and StayLDS itself was referenced in some publications. This would serve to make people aware that we exist and we would always see a traffic boost. I do think COVID has had an impact but it was probably to accelerate a trend that was already there rather than be the sole cause of reduced activity levels.

Coming back is the tricky part. As I mentioned above, reinvention is possible but it usually takes work and money and we are all just volunteers doing our best to maintain.

How does one make a contribution? I’m sure there is a post somewhere that says, but could you save me some time? Thanks

[Willhewonder]

Ilovechrist77 wrote:

Hey, welcome back. Different perspectives are welcome. And, like you, my perspectives have changed so much over the years.

Thanks. For me, this is one of the few places I feel comfortable discussing perspectives on Church topics. The general church population is generally too uninterested or defensive.

[Willhewonder]

Thanks for your comments. For me, changing perspectives is what it’s all about to stay comfortable or at least in a state of truce with the Church. I started in life with the premise that the Church is true – first thanks to my parents, then thanks to Primary, Mutual, Seminary, Institute, other Church teachings, spiritual experiences, and scripture study. For some reason I start from a positive view instead of an immediately rejecting view – maybe because of my view of my parents. I don’t know for sure. Then some undeniable disturbing fact or observation makes me ask or say, “ How can that sort of thing be in the True Church of Jesus Christ?”, or “I can’t live up to that construction of righteousness or worthiness or even membership based on my previously accepted assumptions and how I now feel “, “ or how do I go on after that incredible embarrassment?”. These are terribly disturbing notions. This forum helps me find the perspectives that help me cope. For that I am grateful and to all you who help me do that. Thanks so much.

[Willhewonder]

This is one of those subjects that could benefit from a stricter discipline in specifying definitions prior to the discussion. Or maybe also in detailing all the possible elements of and interpretations for. Then there is the ties to things like the purpose for this life, why God made the world a beautiful place and the concept of variable worth. This is worth a penny , but that’s is worth a dime and this thing over here is worth a dollar. All the logic in the world about a penny value may be correct and wonderful, but enough knowledge to get the dollar may be less than all possible knowledge on how to get the Penney. So what should you do? What if your big test in life is to see how you handle cancer, but you live the Word of Wisdom. So you will have heath to the navel, until time to take your test. Prosperity Gospel is not invalid, but your case is trumped by your main test. Also, the interests of the institutional versus the personal church may confuse things. As someone pointed out above, some promises may be more applicable to the institution than the person, or even the aggregate of many persons. Confusing. Lots to sort out.

[Willhewonder]

So, after waiting for a little more life to pass by, seeing a little more of the state of the world, thinking on your replies and reflecting on the long view, I feel a little sheepish about my rant. I was not and probably still am not nearly grateful enough for the tremendous opportunities I have and have had. Dare I say blessings? So maybe I am just a pretty spoiled and entitled person. I think probably so. So thanks for being gentle with me.

At the same time, I have been thinking about the prosperity gospel and the many promises made to us in the Scriptures and in Church talks. Also about motivations for doing things. And about us. Are we just born caring (righteous) or not? What virtue is there in learning to care? Is trying to become more caring a form of believing in the prosperity gospel? If there is no element of prosperity seeking in our quest, and we don’t feel like being good for the sake of being good, what will happen for the greater good? For our personal good? Is being good the reward? Rolling this around a bit.

[Willhewonder]

As I understand it, the Church started scouts to avoid future fiascos like that of the Willie and Martin companies. When the Boy Scouts came along, it was a good match and efficient. So we adopted BSA. So now that we go our own way, are we still thinking about survival skills, or when we have to go back to Missouri, are we in for more Willie and Martin Company disasters? Just saying.

[Willhewonder]

Thanks to Roy for posting on the beginnings of home teaching, or ministering as it is now called. Helps me put things in perspective. I have great difficulty with pushing things on people. And with visiting people because of assignment. I remember the sinking feeling in my heart when I heard that Ward teaching was going to be renamed Home teaching. I did not like going ward teaching with my stepdad – no reflection on him, he did a nice job – and had hoped that the practice would wither away. The new name told me it was not to be. However, with this new change, I think I see the way to just opt out. Oh I may respond to personal requests, and visit out of pure respect and concern for someone, but if so, it will be with the agreement and accompaniment of DW. The idea of lining up a partner and then making an appointment with unwilling strangers and then coordinating with the partner is just not in the cards for me anymore.

[Willhewonder]

I read this book and couldn’t put it down. President McKay was the Church President of my youth. I was so excited to learn of his criticisms of Mormon Doctrine. Also the story about why all those baptism in Central America dried up just as I arrived there on my mission.

I met him when I was a young man. My grandfather worked in the Church Office Building and he took me up to his office one day. After he showed his office to me, he asked if I would like to meet the Prophet. I was excited to, but had mixed emotions. I was having some young man problems and I was just sure that President McKay would take one look at me and know all about it. But I couldn’t say no!!! I can’t remember whether my grandfather made a call, or left for a short time, but presently President David O. McKay came into the room we were in. He was in a wheel chair. My grandfather encouraged me to go shake his hand, which I tentatively did. I only regret that the thrill of meeting him was so tinged with guilt. He was very kind and gracious to me.

[Willhewonder]

“people who need people are the luckiest people….”

[Willhewonder]

Yay! I stayed in a hotel in the Rio Grande Station area across from the park last July, and the view out my window was very distressing. It’s good to see the Church and community doing something constructive about homelessness.

[Willhewonder]

Welcome. Sounds like we have lots in common, not the least of which is a history of mental illness in the family. Seems like schizophrenia has dogged my family for generations. Every family in the line has at least one victim. Scary. I’m glad you’re here, and registered. I’ve appreciated your comments and look forward to seeing your read on things.

Regards.

[Author]

Posts