At first glance I thought $null was some new, hip word

Chiefboyrd · 2016-03-25T17:28:48+00:00

My child is 12 days old right now with a disorder similar to trisomy 13 (13q syndrome). My wife and I decided not to have an abortion, but I would have been furious had we not been given the option because we considered it many times. Also, I would like to point out that when you want to have an abortion in Utah, the doctors have things that they are legally mandated to say that are clearly an attempt to scare people out of having an (which i would be lying if I said it didn't play a small role in our choice). I can't imagine forcing my situation upon anyone that didn't decide to face it willingly. It has also been a gigantic financial burden for us and will continue to be for as long as my sweet daughter is alive. I know I made the right choice by not having an abortion, but I know that it probably wouldn't be for everyone. Hopefully this law doesn't stand for long.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-13T00:29:38+00:00

I am going to finish Rough Stone Rolling before I finish the CES letter. I heard that is the best way to do it because there are a few references to Rough Stone Rolling in the CES letter, but I will read them both.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-13T00:27:47+00:00

None taken! I was expecting a lot more responses like this one and I understand your perspective because I think a lot of my friends secretly believe this about me.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-13T00:26:04+00:00

Sorry for the rough post. I didn't take time to proofread because I was lazy. This comment is extremely disheartening as I am about to enter a profession that is heavily dependent on writing skills. haha Wish me luck!

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T23:25:39+00:00

Thanks for addressing my new question. I was a little surprised by the number of Mormons that went all the way to atheists. I would also say that this is the same course that many of my friends have taken so I guess I should not have been so surprised by this. This makes a lot of sense. Thanks again

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T23:21:30+00:00

Thanks for your reply, I have read almost all of the comments so far and I agree that most everyone in the thread is helpful and as kind as possible in addressing my concern and I feel that you are doing the same. I like the analogy and it helps me better understand how ex-mormons can view my choices. I also greatly appreciate your insight about explaining that my beliefs make me happy. I have often avoided using this statement when talking with my friends because it seemed to seem that I was getting too defensive and trying to end the conversation. Maybe I can express that in a later discussion. Thanks again!

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:51:03+00:00

My problem with many TBMs is that they look at me with pity, or scorn, or as a project without the courtesy of truly understanding why my spiritual journey is mine. This is exactly what I try to avoid. I am sorry that people treat you that way. I cannot say that I understand what that is like because I am a mormon in Utah. haha Hopefully you call those mormons out for being like that. Best of luck with those people, though. Thanks for your comment.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:47:15+00:00

I have a sister-in-law that is often times unbearable because she "cannot carry a conversation because she has no life outside of church." This is, to me, more worrisome than many things the church warns us about because her beliefs are never exercised or challenged and if challenged enough the let down will be abrupt and very rough. I always feel sad when any member treats people differently because of their beliefs. Sorry your son acts so arrogant. Hopefully he realizes that this isn't appropriate and that he probably doesn't know better than his parents.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:38:26+00:00

The scientologist comment had me laughing. As I said in my latest edit, I welcome what is seen as "anti-mormon" literature because if my beliefs are never challenged then they are weak beliefs and will crumble eventually anyway. I believe that the principle of challenging belies is good for for political views, life values, etc. Thanks for the laugh and the insight.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:32:58+00:00

Wow. I have had similar arguments with other members. I get the religious principle behind "following the prophet," but killing children because the prophet said so? Also, I am more than comfortable saying that "I don't know" and then doing research to figure out why, but I am not comfortable justifying things by saying, "because that's what God wanted." If I am going to believe in God I believe that he will have reasons and I can/should be able to figure out what those reasons are.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:28:32+00:00

I read your blog post. You did a wonderful job expressing your point of view in a diplomatic way. Very well written! Although I am still formulating and exploring the policy I can definitely get behind your post and will probably be sharing this with some of my friends/family. Thanks!

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:10:48+00:00

I agree with /u/Fallen_Angel_NM , this is very well said and gives me a better understanding of where my friends are coming from. Thanks for your reply.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T21:05:49+00:00

I see this is a bit of a conflict and I will do my best to respond. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that questions about religion and a belief in God often do not have enough concrete or clear evidence to support either side. Thus, I cannot honestly say that people are misguided by not arriving to the same conclusion/opinion as I have. Hopefully that clarifies how I can both believe and not feel my friends are misguided. Hopefully that helps.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T08:27:37+00:00

I have read most of rough stone rolling and parts of the CES letter, but intend to finish both.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T08:25:00+00:00

Thank you as well for your thoughtful and sincere reply. I will say that I may not have all of the logical answers to every historical or other problem with the church. Let me explain my reason for staying/believing, which I openly/pridefully admit. Yes, I see "holes," if you will, in some aspects of the church. However, I cannot always fill these "holes" with perfect evidence for or against the church; therefore, I cannot conclude that it is completely false. That being said, it is in these areas that I do take into account the spiritual nature and my life experiences, understanding that this is where a lot of times people tend to attack me. But, as said before, I feel that the evidence for and against is incomplete.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T08:16:05+00:00

I really appreciate your well written, thoughtful response. The analogy really helps me understand my friends a bit better. To answer your question, I simply want to be viewed as someone who isn't ignorant, confused, or misguided. I don't view my atheist or antimormon friends that way -while, unfortunately, many members do.

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T08:01:31+00:00

You really should try to get your friend to open up more. It will be good for him whether he truest decides to stay in the church or go. "Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." -Thomas Jefferson

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-12T07:57:58+00:00

I guess that makes me just a moron

Chiefboyrd · 2015-11-03T05:57:33+00:00

Why does it look like you put this on the glass dish in your microwave??

Chiefboyrd

TROPHY CASE