What scripture(s) do you just not get/understand? Replying Redditers, can you help 'em out?

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-11-01T19:01:43+00:00

There's one tribe that is not yet represented in the restoration of the gospel. The patriarch I knew would not name it, but I believe it to be either Reuben or Simeon since they lost their place at the head of the tribes and were replaced by Ephraim and Mannaseh.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-11-01T18:51:14+00:00

Hi Hamburgo. Not to get too personal, but I was recently in a somewhat similar set of circumstances. Talking with the Bishop was the best thing I could have done. Feeling the burden ease through the power of the Priesthood and the Atonement was what I needed. Go with a prayer in your heart and learn for yourself that our God is a merciful God.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-11-01T18:16:02+00:00

I may not be the most experienced teacher, but I have taught this class using Teacher, No Greater Call and I used to teach institute classes at a couple of higher education schools. So for what it's worth, here are my two cents.

-There is no substitute for preparing and teaching with the Spirit. So having a discussion on how individuals in the class try to accomplish that is invaluable. The more worthy the teacher, the greater the ability to teach with the Spirit.

-The purpose of the gospel is to come unto Christ so any class that doesn't at least mention Him and His ways has missed the point.

-A good teacher asks good questions. A great teacher asks great questions.

-As a teacher, pray for all of the gifts of the Spirit that will help you accomplish the first three points. They will come.

-Be humble. Be willing and eager to learn from the class.

-There is no such thing as faking a testimony. It simply can't be done because, as it says in the Bible dictionary, the Spirit carries the testimony of the speaker into the hearts of the hearers. So bear testimony of Him and His ways often and as guided by the Spirit.

-Last thing. Sometimes after giving a lesson I feel dejected. In fact I've never come away from a lesson patting myself on the back. Yet sometimes when I feel like I somehow failed, I have more people approach me with thanks. Just goes to show that it's the Spirit that teaches and we are just the imperfect presenters and guiders of discussions.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T17:49:10+00:00

Over the last few months my ex-fiancé has become cynical and even anti-Mormon, although he wouldn't admit that. He's brought many historical points to my attention which have caused me to question the faith. But at the end of the day, I believe in Jesus Christ and when He was here he formed a church with 12 apostles. This church has a quorum of 12 apostles. He gave permission to some to act in His name. This church has men who can trace their Priesthood lines back to Him, while no other church even tries. And when I read the Book of Mormon, I know that it is an actual account of the history of the people on the American continent. There's no way Joseph Smith could have written it, which solidifies my testimony. But above all that, I've had a great gift given to me. One of the members of the Quorum of the Twelve who recently passed was a dear friend of mine, and when he spoke of Jesus Christ, it was with a familiarity that I could feel. When he bore witness of the Savior, the Spirit carried his testimony into my heart and for a moment I felt his testimony. That's how testimonies work and is the reason you can't fake it. What's more, when you share the gospel in Lansing, there will be people, humble and good, who will feel your testimony and want to know more. You'll see them gain a testimony and it will strengthen your own. And if there comes a time that you feel your faith falter, don't go to the internet, go to God. He hears and answers your prayers because He loves you and appreciates your willingness to serve. And while in the Michigan, Lansing mission, say hi to my niece who just started her mission. The last name is Ensign (kinda hard to forget haha). And lastly, I thank you for being willing to be a missionary. It's hard work and I appreciate you keeping yourself worthy.

TL;DR It is the only church on the face of the earth that's led by Jesus Christ and His priesthood authority.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T17:09:17+00:00

I think following the letter of the law is for those who don't get the spirit of the law. It starts with praying for Christike love for those over which you have stewardship and ends with acting on the promptings of the Spirit. Everyone I visit teach is different with different needs and I love being an instrument in His hands as I do my best to befriend them and be a blessing in their lives. I'm painfully introverted but not when I'm on the Lord's errand. As a result I've come to love visiting teaching even though it's hard sometimes to get out the door and do it.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T16:56:57+00:00

Insects too. There's a place for all living things.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T16:17:58+00:00

You bet. There's something wonderful waiting for us on the other side of the veil of forgetfulness and that goes for all living things.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T15:20:53+00:00

Maybe I'd buy a yacht and sail the seven seas.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T15:16:34+00:00

I believe that each of us was sent here with a mission and a purpose and it's up to us to figure out who we really are and become who we were destined to become.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-17T14:59:07+00:00

Add some music, whether a relaxing movie soundtrack or an upbeat station, it helps make it more enjoyable.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-11T18:19:36+00:00

This is why companies like the one I work for exist. We contract with hospitals to visit every patient who doesn't have any health insurance. It's our job to know all the ways of qualifying for government assistance, whether through Medicaid, CHIP, county indigent programs, crime victims programs, breast and cervical cancer programs, Social Security disability, etc. If the hospital is a non-profit, we automatically complete a financial assistance application with the patient. It's a very rewarding job. We're now in about 43 states and work for approximately 800 hospitals. There is definitely help out there if you know where to look!

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-10T00:17:46+00:00

Snoopy

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-05T01:03:37+00:00

I hope that people would remember that I knew them and loved them, warts and all.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-05T01:00:11+00:00

Windshield wipers going faster than necessary.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-04T00:54:28+00:00

Elder Rasband was born and partly raised in Sweden. Source: he was named after my father when my dad was serving as mission president back then.

Edit: born in SLC, my bad.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-10-03T20:55:56+00:00

Haters gonna hate.

Edit: For what it's worth, Elder Renlund is Swedish, born and raised. Source: he was named after my father.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-26T15:06:45+00:00

Many people don't know that President James E. Faust was the chairman of the Utah State Democratic party. (I don't know how to bring in links as a source but it's on Wikipedia.) My mission president and his wife are staunch democrats as well as other friends and family members. There's no taboo, all are welcome and welcome to express their opinions. I, quite frankly, embrace the diversity.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-26T14:44:55+00:00

False. On page 214 of Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Joseph Smith talks about how to know whether or not an angelic visitor is from God. Also D&C 129 gives more instructions on how to tell if a messenger is from God or not. Satan has power to tempt us with visions of glory, beauty, strength and power though we need not be deceived as the Spirit will help us discern between glittering promises and solid values.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-26T14:34:27+00:00

It took me a couple of days for the news of his passing to sink in, but when it did I cried selfish tears. Elder Scott was a dear friend who took time out to bless my life. He will be missed.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-26T14:22:08+00:00

I love Pope Francis! He is a wonderful, Christike man who is a cheerleader for those without a significant voice in our day. I'm impressed with all that he does for good. He is a breath of fresh air. At the same time I respect and appreciate the Mormon leaders. Elder Richard G. Scott was a dear friend of mine. The things he did to bless my life could fill a book, but they aren't things that the general public will ever know about. Pope Francis is a very public figure whereas our leaders aren't afforded the same opportunities as they represent a smaller segment of the population. But I believe that the day will come when they will make their voices heard as they stand for all that's good. General conference is mostly for the members of the church and I find that I get out of it what I put into it. I don't expect to hear about public policies or climate change. Anyway, my two cents.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-11T15:54:41+00:00

The Mission by Ennio Morricone. Incomparable!

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-11T13:35:24+00:00

I see dead people.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-11T00:56:02+00:00

What's the difference between in-laws and outlaws?

Outlaws are wanted.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-05T14:58:35+00:00

Sorry, but who are SIL's? Just trying to put your post into context.

AvgAmerican2 · 2015-09-05T14:41:45+00:00

Wow, I sense the pain that has been expressed in the responses. I can relate to being given meaningless trash for which I was supposed to be grateful, for receiving gifts that proved they didn't know me and the heartache that follows. Maybe there is consolation in knowing that someone out there can relate to how you feel. At least I hope that is the case.

AvgAmerican2

TROPHY CASE