tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post5586813948327736968..comments2023-10-30T07:47:15.419-07:00Comments on She May Be Naked: How to Stay Mormon When You're Tired of MormonsLizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17843219433075940501noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-5744929032753588362019-05-11T04:42:38.954-07:002019-05-11T04:42:38.954-07:00This post helped me years ago, when I was unhappy ...This post helped me years ago, when I was unhappy with certain church teachings or “policy” and I took a little break to evaluate why it is I come at all. I chose to come back and find value in many church teachings while allowing myself room to not see things as black and white. A friend was been struggling and it reminded me of how meaningful this post was to me. Upon rereading it, I am again grateful for balanced, respectful insight that allows us each room to be human, to give our thoughts credit. Thank you for your relatable wise words and insight!Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14305328341214959785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-82331566537135052062017-08-08T19:19:39.573-07:002017-08-08T19:19:39.573-07:00Actually it is people like her that help others to...Actually it is people like her that help others to stay in the church knowing that not everyone has to live the gospel the same way... it's people like the commenter that make it hard for others to stay in the church... honestly. I believe the gospel is true but I don't want my child to ever grow up acting like this. Close minded, judgemental, and holier than thou.... these kind of comments are why I probably will be leaving the church... also no one has any right- unless you're her bishop or receive revelation for her- to tell her to repent. Shame on you! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-30049430908648951332017-05-17T05:53:44.642-07:002017-05-17T05:53:44.642-07:00Same sex attraction per se isnt against Gods plan ...Same sex attraction per se isnt against Gods plan it is acting on that attraction that is against Gods plan. In much the same way that acting on opposite sex attraction outside the bounds of marriage is againsy Gods plan. Or acting on alchoholic or drug adicted impulses are against Gods plan. You may recall fro "Pearl of Great Price" that we fought a war in heaven so that we would have free agency. Do you find it coincidental that many of the thing we are commanded to avoid are addictive in nature or give someone authority over us (debt) and thereby cheapen or dilute our agency? At the same time, do you think it is strange that those things we are counseled to do, involve strengthening our agency, like paying tithing or obeying the Word of Wisdom? People who struggle with same sex attraction have no bigger and no less a burden than those who struggle with masturbation, pornography or sex outside of marriage. We should love them, they should hold callings, they should in everyway be fully functioning members of their ward...in the same way that everyone else who struggles with "thorns of the flesh is".Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00076597029061878694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-9359410678456548352017-05-17T05:39:30.721-07:002017-05-17T05:39:30.721-07:00Point 1 - In the old Testament there were "pr...Point 1 - In the old Testament there were "prophetesses", in the early LDS church women gave blessings and there was instruction in the RS manual on how to do so, in the Temple endowment we are endowed to become "priests and priestesses"...the doctrine for women to exercise priesthood authority has existed and still exists. I believe that when the time is right women will have priesthood authority restored and I believe the time is not far off.<br />Point 2 - The common LDS practice of believing the Prophet or Apostles are perfect people is flawed. We say all the time that,"The only perfect person to have lived was Christ". That implies that everyone else inclusive of Prophets and Apostles is/are/were/will be, imperfect. Want proof? Moses wasnt allowed to enter the Promised Land, Jonah had a running disagreement with the Lord, and Joseph Smith had business failings and was a pomygamist (as was Moses)...but they were still all prophets.<br />Point 3 - the author's initial point is incorrect "It doesnt matter what anyone else thinks of you, it only mattets what you think of you and what the Lord thinks of you" is symptomatic of a modernistic world view of the supremacy of the individual, a spoiled, self-centered world view that has nothing to do with Christ's teachings. The opening should be re-written as, "It doesnt matter what anyone but the Lord thinks of you". If you are an evil son of Perdition and think highly of yourself...doesn't matter. If you are a kind, compassionate, generous person who has charity in their heart, but is tortured by the belief that you arent doing enough, but the Lord thinks you are...see what I mean? Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00076597029061878694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-18988355871076650902017-05-17T02:56:38.503-07:002017-05-17T02:56:38.503-07:00Thank you for sharing your perspective, Chloe. I h...Thank you for sharing your perspective, Chloe. I have never heard or thought of that before and I hope it helps me better connect to others who may feel the sameAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-62850724134899228162016-07-11T11:45:13.141-07:002016-07-11T11:45:13.141-07:00Yes, yes, yes! Thanks, anonymous! Things I didn&#...Yes, yes, yes! Thanks, anonymous! Things I didn't understand 10, 20 or 30 years ago are now becoming more clear as my rough edges are sanded down with life experiences and a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with God and Christ. I used to feel so uncomfortable in the LDS Church. Now I long for Sunday when I can renew my covenants and I don't try to fit into some imaginary Mormon Mold. Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14344846639568313367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-35665743744289436932016-05-22T13:43:13.413-07:002016-05-22T13:43:13.413-07:00I'm probably alot older than many people who r...I'm probably alot older than many people who relate to this article, and even though I don't agree with everything she says, so what? People have there own paths to follow. As a teenager, my daughter never felt like she fit in at church. We loved her just the way she was, required her to come to FHE, scripture study and prayer, but when she felt like she couldn't continue with seminary, we let her quit. For a time, she was inactive while she was in college, but I was proud of her anyway because all her other choices were great. She ended marrying in the temple, and is active to this day. Our whole job is to love others, teach them correct principles, and let them govern themselves. I have to laugh at some of these comments. Sure, there are few problems with some "church culture," but as I grow older, I've seen things slowly changing. For example, women praying for the congregation during Sacrament Meeting. I've seen women's opinions given more value in everything since I was young. Eventually, the church will get to where the Lord wants it to be. But that will be culture, not doctrine. Anything different than the life our Father leads is sin; He doesn't say, for example, gay marriage is wrong because He doesn't like those people, but only because He wants us to have the life He has. Gospel laws are like physical laws; a 2-year-old doesn't know anything about gravity, but s/he'll still die if s/he jumps out of a high enough window. For whatever eternal-law reason, there's a consequence, like falling because of gravity, to those whose actions are different, even if we don't know better. So let's be kind in our comments, not so harsh, and be less judgmental. Kind of reminds me of living like Jesus. Also, our own sins, no matter how "small," are just as damning to us as having an abortion would be. Adam and Even were kicked out of Eden for just a small transgression. I prefer concentrating on ridding myself of my own sins than judging people because their sins are different from mine; I'm alot happier this way. God bless all of you to experience God's love, and show it to others, myself included.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-81867931469933380052016-05-21T09:38:46.403-07:002016-05-21T09:38:46.403-07:00As far as gay marriage is concerned. It goes agai...As far as gay marriage is concerned. It goes against the plan of salvation. It is very basic doctrine to the gospel. It is sin pure and simply. That being said, our Heavenly Father loves all of his children and knew us well before we came to this earth. He sent us with our own personalized set of circumstances and struggles. Our struggles give us the opportunity to overcome them and receive blessings for that. I can't even imagine how difficult it would be to be attracted to the same gender and not be able to follow through on those feelings, but my loving Heavenly Father does and even understanding this difficulty he gave these challenges to many people and the opportunity to deny their urges and be blessed for overcoming such a huge obstacle in this life. My heart breaks for those who struggle with same gender attraction, and I am even more sad for those who go against our Heavenly Father's plan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-48009517769360020102016-05-21T09:11:36.052-07:002016-05-21T09:11:36.052-07:00Blog posts like this are very concerning. There a...Blog posts like this are very concerning. There are many good and true points made, but some pretty concerning ones also. I understand that for where you are at in your level of obedience and understanding that the counsels from church leaders may not be something that you are ready to accept. That is your own personal struggle and no one should dispute that if that is where you are at and trying to progress in the Gospel still, there should be no judgment on you. My problem is that when you write posts like this it gives legitimacy to the doubts of others who are questioning counsel from church leaders. They don't need more support for the thinking that it's OK not to follow the Prophet. There is enough truth in this article to give quite a bit of credibility to dangerous messages about not heading the counsel from the church. I understand your personal struggle and your need to express it, but there is a reason that we are told to teach the rule not the exception in the church. Placing doubt in the minds of others can have devastating consequences for their lives and their testimonies. Cheryl Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00401736040041027346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-24719499003932909722016-05-19T00:33:18.105-07:002016-05-19T00:33:18.105-07:00I don't know if you were really looking for an...I don't know if you were really looking for an answer or not... but if you were, I think this may clear it up: Many church members have doubts or questions or things that we don't agree with in the church, but we continue to call ourselves Mormons and continue to go to church on the hope that someday, things will become clear and we will understand. It may seem naive or pointless to continue to try to progress in a religion that we don't fully understand or agree with, but many, many people do so because of things we've seen (miracles, blessings, healing) or things we've felt (confirmation by the Spirit, the light of Christ, love from Christ and the Father). Or we continue because there is so much MORE of the gospel that we do agree with (that does not exist anywhere else that we may know of), than things we do not agree with. Personally, I think there's a difference between rejection (which, to me, seems more permanent) and simply disagreeing or doubting. I believe that the author was experiencing the latter, but I could be wrong. Krisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-50771619662466674842016-05-19T00:23:45.203-07:002016-05-19T00:23:45.203-07:00I would like to know what you're referencing, ...I would like to know what you're referencing, Anonymous, when you state that we are still taught not to use birth control. In various classrooms it may be taught as the teacher's opinion, but if you read the section on birth control on lds.org ... nowhere does it state that birth control is not allowed or even discouraged. Abortion is a different matter, but birth control? Nothing against that. Here's the link if you're unsure. https://www.lds.org/topics/birth-control?lang=engAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-23513213304445377552015-08-10T11:45:49.080-07:002015-08-10T11:45:49.080-07:00Here's a Question:
We have the Heavenly Fathe...Here's a Question:<br /><br />We have the Heavenly Father The Son The Holy Ghost<br /><br />LOOKING AT THAT, WHO REALLY would the Holy Ghost Represent? WHO REALLY would be the COMFORTER? What does your hearts FIRST say? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-39196979815080867092015-08-09T18:09:19.910-07:002015-08-09T18:09:19.910-07:00One needs to follow the official doctrine of the c...One needs to follow the official doctrine of the church all else is side info. When and if the Lord desides to advance a doctrine beyond its current level is up to him and will be revealed. I am certainly not the typical Mormon that but my current advance has helped me a lot.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-68613310315736292222015-08-09T15:00:02.367-07:002015-08-09T15:00:02.367-07:00I am a convert, raised Italian Catholic :), a reco...I am a convert, raised Italian Catholic :), a recovering alcoholic of 28 years, 3 husbands, and a huge truck of 'baggage' BUT I joined the church because of the Gospel; the scriptures, and the fact that my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ love me more than I love myself. I have learned over the years that " people will always fail you... it's a human condition" I stay in the church for the doctrine and NOT for the people. If I follow the people I will fall flat on my face; if I follow the doctrine of God and His Son I will stand tall and know I have a place in eternity. Grandma of Six Boyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04790046039587886351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-20640876785208516742015-07-28T14:39:32.851-07:002015-07-28T14:39:32.851-07:00I want to thank everyone who has commented on this...I want to thank everyone who has commented on this post. I'm preparing my RS lesson for this Sunday. Our RS (we are in CA) has really struggled lately with topics such as Gay Marriage and with some in our ward not agreeing with the church's stance. I personally do agree with the church, but when I act in the affirmative, it's almost like I'm offending those who don't agree, which is kind of crazy; I already have to monitor myself outside of church now I'm having to monitor basic church principles of the Family within church, what is happening? With all of this said, and because I'm in the Presidency I can teach on what I choose, I've been trying to structure a lesson around the concept that we are all at different levels of understanding, most of which we will never fully understand in this life. We are all sisters in this Gospel who have a desire to be unified, show love for one another, and help everyone feel included. I think its great when we have different perspectives, takes, and experiences on a topic, however, where I struggle is when people are calling upon personal revelation as the trump card for justification on how they feel on a doctrine. I loved how how one commenter stated, "personal revelation is exactly that, personal", its not meant to give you a different take on doctrine. I will be pulling a few of your comments from this string to share in class and I hope everyone is ok with me doing that. Thanks so much.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09905192706518138268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-72111426974234301162015-07-09T09:02:53.548-07:002015-07-09T09:02:53.548-07:00We are still taught in the Church to not use birth...We are still taught in the Church to not use birth control, though admittedly it is not talked about as often as it used to be. We are here on earth to "multiply and replenish the earth." This is part of God's plan of happiness. I do not ever remember anything about the "engaging in oral sex" thing. Ever. I am a convert and have been a member since 1972, so that's a long time. I also never went for a temple recommend where this was asked. Overall, I mostly agree with this article, though I would caution to be careful about our "own" revelations. Our Prophets and Apostles have been chosen to lead and guide and direct us. I know the Church to be true and so I absolutely know they are chosen by God and know a way lot more than myself so I am fully trusting in what they teach. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-77417007044628499632015-07-08T10:17:22.944-07:002015-07-08T10:17:22.944-07:00I liked this better without the clarifications and...I liked this better without the clarifications and edits. Anyway, thanks for taking time to share these thoughts. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-39131368855225109452015-06-19T15:03:18.301-07:002015-06-19T15:03:18.301-07:00I totally understand what you are saying. And if ...I totally understand what you are saying. And if we think about it, looking at the 'Bigger Picture' we are actually ALL "misfits" until the COMPLETE TRUTH of ALL THINGS is revealed and we can ALL live that ONE LAW, THAT LAW BEING LOVE. <br />Until then, People are trying to fit people into their own perceived way of living life and thus the judgement begin/began...<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-19456535816645560432015-06-19T11:38:38.635-07:002015-06-19T11:38:38.635-07:00Well said Jody. Bless You. And the most wonderful...Well said Jody. Bless You. And the most wonderful thing is, Jesus, Mother, Father, and the Company of Heaven, have NO JUDGEMENT of where you are in this life time, THEY ONLY LOVE and LOVE YOU. I discovered that there are 33 dimensions to this earth plain and we live in the 3rd! We are only experiencing a duality consciousness set up by the sinister force to believe in two powers of good and evil. JS was to teach the Tree of Life Knowledge and that didn't happen. Instead, dogma, creed, and Masonic ritual. SO! Can't wait until we get lifted up and out of this 3rd dimensional frequency SOON and we return back into the 'Garden of Edon' scenario once again. So great you had the intelligence to make the stand that you have made. It's ALL going to change. May you experience many blessings. We do get to choose! We were given FREE WILL...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-58250047768259708272015-06-15T06:35:51.058-07:002015-06-15T06:35:51.058-07:00If only more "fits" had enough compassio...If only more "fits" had enough compassion to try to empathize with the "misfits" rather than judge them, there would be fewer people who felt like misfits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-58252903768744327772015-06-11T21:26:38.067-07:002015-06-11T21:26:38.067-07:00In my personal life situation, I have had to compl...In my personal life situation, I have had to completely let the church go, holding on to my own personal relationship with Christ and the Father, because of obvious reasons that clash with the church. I am gay. It was not a choice, and God does not make mistakes, and despite what 'others' may think or believe, it is not just a challenge to 'overcome' as my old leaders and teachers tried to pound in to me. My family had been LDS for generations all the way back to Upstate New York, where my ancestor was one of the first few members of the church. But in order to have any peace, joy, or happiness in my life, I had to let go of all those generations of membership. For all I know I am still an Elder, but really, I don't care anymore.<br /><br />Life is very different without what I thought was the unconditional love of the family and culture I grew up in, but it still can be good. It does make visits with family awkward, and two of my siblings won't even talk to me anymore, one of whom is also gay, but got married due to instructions from Boyd K. Packer himself, when at a young adults fireside in Logan Utah... My brother asked him personally what to do because he was going to be getting married... He was told to fake it until it became a part of him... It's advise like this from "The Anointed Ones" that I have to control my rage with, as this kind of advise has caused dozens if not hundreds of young gay members of the church to commit suicide, because it NEVER changed who they were. My brother has 5 grown children and grandchildren, lives in Utah, and stays in what I call a "Limbo" life, so as to not upset the balance of family and church... So he lives his life as a single gay man, who wants to just be a grandfather, and never have a partner since his divorce from his wife, because it would make life too awkward.<br /><br />I have been out of the church since I came back home from my mission early, the 2nd time (yes I tried twice and it didn't cure the gay) in 1985. For the next 25+ years, I tried to hold on to my membership because it was all I knew and felt it meant everything to me. But after all the reality and injustice I began to see more objectively, and the 'conditional love' I was getting from the LDS community and even family, I began to stand up to the church and it's interference in government and unfair treatment of people who just want to be what they were born to be, and have all the same rights everyone else had. The last General Conference was the last straw where I am ashamed of being a member, when the 'Anointed One' spoke of gay marriage as a 'Counterfeit' marriage and relationship. I became ill with disgust and sadness for his small bigoted mind.<br /><br />I am just as much a valued son of God, as any LDS member in good standing, I am not lost, degenerate, or perverted.<br /><br />I no longer need such narrow minded and conditional love in my life and I am sad that it has had to come to this, who needs that kind of misery? Why stay a member? How can any religion that is of this mindset be "The only true church"? Religion is of men, Spirituality is of God... I will join no religion, nor be a part of one that sits in self righteous dominance over people who are different than they are.Jodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13950597681514706241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-81133400754985275112015-06-10T12:48:40.156-07:002015-06-10T12:48:40.156-07:00Dear Heart, you are innocent and haven't done ...Dear Heart, you are innocent and haven't done anything wrong. You are a product of living in world of good and evil and because of how special you are as a feminine being, You are unconsciously working to discover your True Divine Self and Nature. This is your time to embrace your innocence. To get in touch with who you truly are as a Child of God. And ESPECIALLY, as a Daughter of God. You are on a path that is going to lead you to many answers and you will help many other females out there who feel the same as you... It is Your time to return back to LOVE and to LOVE and HONOR your self. You thus far, have given your own power away and have not valued your own self ~ like many of us. This is actually a time upon the earth where there is a CALL to ALL Hearts and Minds of all men and women to be filled with Love, Kindness, Respect and Honor for the Divine Feminine Principle of Life, AND to RETURN to the Heavenly Mother’s Presence! A time for us all to ELIMINATE and REMOVE all old beliefs, ideas, consciousness and customs that do not hold women equal to men! Women have for centuries felt "not as good as men." Women have been "preyed" upon and have been used and abused. For many Women, whose sacredness has been violated, many are NOW DECREEING that this all be STOPPED! That all abuse, discrimination, oppression, forced servitude, violence, exploitation, slavery, mutilation and harm towards all women be STOPPED across the globe! This is YOUR TIME for a New beginning, a fresh new start, where the Feminine is to be respected and honored, empowered, celebrated, side by side with the Divine Masculine qualities of Light! Our Beloved Mother in Heaven invokes Her Will of Love, Grace, and Elegance upon ALL of Her children at this hour. KNOW that She KNOWS you and LOVES you and ADORES you and DOES NOT JUDGE you. She gets you and your tender feelings and that you are here on earth having a "huwoman" experience is all. Thus, you are invited to ALSO pray to Her. Go to Her as well as Your Father in Heaven. ASK to be Strengthened with a Shield and a Protection for ALL who are standing for Justice, Freedom and Liberation of the Divine Feminine qualities in all people around the world - all who stand for the New Civilization Coming and for the Fulfilling of this Call for Earth and the people of Earth BE FULFILLED. May we ALL ask that there be a RELEASE for ALL the people of Earth into God's Divine Way of Life! To Restore Divine respect for the Feminine in families, organizations, communities, the media, political leadership, religious teachings, educational systems, cultures, the corporate world and the consciousness and feeling world of every man, woman and child upon the Earth! That the Masculine side of life be given the UNDERSTANDING of the role women are to TRULY PLAY upon this planet. For Women represent LOVE and the Men represent LIGHT. The two joined together in the proper demonstration will HEAL this planet... May the Masculine side of life be strengthened within them the fine qualities of Chivalry, Valor, Respect and Humility, and to open their own Hearts and Minds to the Great God Presence within their own heart in order to Honor and protect the Feminine side of Life, their families, and loved ones. <br /> In other words, Precious Heart, YOU are LONGING to be valued and honored and protected and LOVED for Who You Truly Are. To FEEL IMPORTANT. You are very brave and courageous and you have a Divine Purpose here to yet fulfill. In the old language, Namaste. <br />You ARE going to "Get You" and "Get God." God Bless You<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-69315732323441166812015-06-04T23:40:33.231-07:002015-06-04T23:40:33.231-07:00Hi. Thank you for writing this, I went to the chur...Hi. Thank you for writing this, I went to the church building for the first time in months this past sunday and I might try going to sacrament meeting this sunday. The reason I have dropped inactive is because I have MANY mental issues and I was sent to college and I have no support system. I know that God is supposed to be our system...and for awhile, that was enough. The only problem with that is I needed human help. I've actively tried to end my life once and passively another time, I've written several suicide notes. I have had a masturbation addiction which cropped up even when I followed the rules. <br /><br />This helped me realize that the church isn't wrong because they didn't support me through that. I would have given anything to have friends to guide me through that but it's SUCH a taboo subject. I have struggled to see myself as worthy because I couldn't control it and that is the worst feeling. It's like someone secretly spiked your drink with alcohol =, and kept doing it till you had a legitimate addiction. <br /><br />I want to be a part of the church, but the premarital sex thing has been a huge issue since romantic partners are usually my only support in-person. I can trust very few people because I have many complex issues. <br /><br />I tried going to 4 different bishops with my issues and nothing helped...my non-member boyfriend is helping now, but it came as close to wrecking my life as it could. I recognize that even at my worst points I know I have been blessed many times and that no matter how long I stay away from the church, I will always have a testimony. I have spent so many hours trying to study, pray, and think about my actions and my life events. I know I am not perfect, but at this point I just want to not be judged. <br /><br />And that is what this article did...which is so rare. I wasn't judged whatsoever. I have never felt that kind of acceptance outside my boyfriend and a few internet things. Thank you for writing this, I'm like pouring tears out of my eyes but I don't care. It's been such a struggle to believe in things so strongly (especially since I was BYU-Utah bound but then was the only one who didn't make it in my family despite sports/clubs and a 3.95 cumulative gpa). I was a goody-2 shoes mormon. Then I went into the world and was kicked to the ground. I was left alone and hurting and was kicked and kicked. Even then, I realize heavenly father has had a hand in guiding my path. <br /><br />I'm not sure if I will be active, but I want to try again if there are people out there like you. Because at the end of the day...that is part of the churches job: to make good people who love one another.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-32872297655747142802015-06-04T12:37:46.209-07:002015-06-04T12:37:46.209-07:00What social struggles we mistakenly attribute to &...What social struggles we mistakenly attribute to "Mormon culture" are actually just a reaction to Utah/Idaho culture. There are social characteristics that are unique to this area, but not unique to the religion. If you've ever lived outside of Utah as an active Mormon in a ward, the ward does not feel like "Utah." You can find Utah non-Mormons exhibit the characteristics that non-Utahns identify as "Mormon." As real as the social struggle here is, we need to stop confusing "Mormon" with "Utah." The Church exists outside Utah, and there is a Utah outside of the Church.Yo Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00763012545122100430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9243030.post-53728142967900203292015-06-01T11:36:59.248-07:002015-06-01T11:36:59.248-07:00RECOGNIZE: Organized religions were established as...RECOGNIZE: Organized religions were established as power structures to control and enslave populations in a similar fashion to that used by emperors and kings. Power is extremely seductive. Once held, it is never gently or willingly relinquished, and those holding it generally try to justify doing so by claiming that their subjects, or followers, need the wisdom and knowledge that they alone possess to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which they can live in peace. No one believes that for long. As leaders' promises are reneged on, or forgotten, dissent develops and eventually a new leader appears at just the right moment to overthrow the enthroned one. (Joseph Smith was endowed to teach the Knowledge of the Tree of Life, instead we got drenched in the knowledge of good and evil....)<br /><br />SO! Great news!!! We have now entered into a time of EXPOSURE! The new Catholic Pope, Sir Francis, just recently announced that there is no heaven or hell. That they LIED. That that was intended to be only a metaphor!!! That heaven and hell are ONLY states of consciousness. He knows his life is in danger now... <br /><br />REMEMBER: LOVE IS EACH of US. Each and everyone of US is Love, because that is how we were ALL created. All of us have temporarily lost sight of this, our inalienable nature, and it is to permanent awareness of our true nature that our awakening process is leading ALL of US. YOU, each one of us, as we turn inwards to seek the Divine Light burning eternally within each of our hearts, are thereby setting the intent to KNOW God. Jesus said the "Kingdom of Heaven is within you." And so it is better to KNOW a thing than to believe a thing. That intent to KNOW God starts the release of all aspects of ourselves that are of the illusion that we have all been living in. We have all been residing in a Hypnotic Spell which has not been in alignment with Love. Folks are taking their power back! So the journey ahead of us all can appear to be confusing, as doubts arise when we are seemingly attacked or judged while knowing something appears "off" and we can become tempted to defend ourselves out of fear while trying to reconnect and find ourselves. However, we are fully supported in every moment by God’s Love for ALL of US. We must all continue to also hold the intent to be only loving, because then our only option is to awaken, and so we shall and MANY NOW ARE. GOD IS NOT A JUDGING, PUNISHING, WITHHOLDING, ABANDONING GOD. GOD, the Heavenly Mother and Father DO NOT have the capacity to judge for GOD IS ONLY LOVE... We have all been taught to FEAR GOD. So great to finally UNDERSTAND that They are aware that we are only having an earthly experience here, and no other human has the right or authority to judge or condemn you on Their behalf. To attempt to is to judge God.<br /><br />When Moses asked at the burning bush what the name of God was? He was told the name of God is "I AM THAT I AM, I AM WHO I AM, I AM THAT I AM." As children of our Heavenly Father AND our Heavenly Mother, we therefore are the I AM RACE. If we rearrange those letters, IAMRACE, it represents AMERICA! GOD BLESS AMERICA and US ALL!<br /><br /> I love the saying that "Religion is for those who fear they are going to hell, and Spirituality is for those who have already been there." There IS a difference... God gave us FREE WILL. We have the right to FREEDOM of CHOICE. Listen to your hearts for it carries the TRUTH. We have all been endowed with an Inner Knowingness. Our time to return back to WHO WE TRULY ARE. Thank You for your bravery and God BlessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com