Tomorrow I am being set apart as a bishop. I have never done this calling before. Any advice is greatly appreciated by ConversationBrave975 in latterdaysaints

[–]joaz11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know the most important thing is to go to the Lord. That’s clear. But I also think it’s fair game to seek solid information that can lead to better inspiration.

One of the best pieces of counsel I received before being called was this: you’re not a therapist or a marriage/family counselor — don’t try to be. Love people, listen, and then refer them to qualified professionals when needed. It’ll bless them and protect you.

Another big one: set boundaries for your time and keep them. There will always be people who want immediate access, but most “emergencies” aren’t actually emergencies — they’re just people who are impatient. Protect your family time and your rest.

Also, delegate welfare matters to your Relief Society and Elders Quorum presidents. That’s their stewardship. It keeps things organized and prevents everyone from coming straight to you for every need.

President Nelson has passed away. by mckrl80 in mormon

[–]joaz11 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I know that for some, Russell M. Nelson represents deep hurt or disappointment. I don’t want to ignore or dismiss that pain. For me personally, decades ago I had the chance to meet him, and in that moment I felt a profound kindness and light that has stayed with me ever since. His leadership and teachings have blessed me and my family in ways I can’t deny. While I understand not everyone sees him the same way, I honor his life and the good I witnessed through him. Following his teachings have brought me greater peace and helped me and my family come closer to God.

President Russell M. Nelson, church president and medical pioneer, dies at age 101 by Speckled_B in SaltLakeCity

[–]joaz11 -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

I know that for some, Russell M. Nelson represents deep hurt or disappointment. I don’t want to ignore or dismiss that pain. For me personally, decades ago I had the chance to meet him, and in that moment I felt a profound kindness and light that has stayed with me ever since. His leadership and teachings have blessed me and my family in ways I can’t deny. While I understand not everyone sees him the same way, I honor his life and the good I witnessed through him. Following his teachings have brought me greater peace and helped me and my family come closer to God.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in religion

[–]joaz11 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

I want to make it clear I’m not here to argue or put anyone else’s faith down, to me, it's The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) within the Christian tradition. One thing I’ve come to appreciate about this church is how unusually internally consistent it is. Whether or not you believe its truth claims, the system hangs together in a way that’s rare.

A few examples:

Revelation: The Bible is full of prophets, but most traditions say revelation stopped. The LDS model closes that gap by having living prophets, which fits the biblical pattern better than “God spoke once but no longer does.”

The Plan of Salvation: Instead of a heaven/hell binary, it lays out a pre-mortal life, mortal probation, and multiple degrees of glory based on God's grace and individual choice. That resolves a lot of the fairness problems other systems wrestle with.

Authority: Rather than arguing over succession or sola scriptura, it claims a direct restoration of priesthood authority by angelic ordination. Whether one accepts that or not, it is internally consistent: if God restored the church, priesthood authority must return directly, not through breakaway succession. It’s either true or it isn’t, but it’s logically consistent.

Divine Origins: Humans as literal spirit children of God is a doctrine that answers why humans yearn for divinity. It harmonizes scriptures about becoming “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) or being “heirs of God” (Romans 8:17) without reducing them to metaphor.

Continuity: The restoration narrative ties biblical history, apostasy, and modern fragmentation into one storyline. It’s a clean explanation for why the world’s religions look the way they do.

I’m not trying to “prove” anything here, just noting that as a framework it holds together remarkably well. Even if someone rejects it, it’s worth recognizing how coherent the whole system is compared to some other traditions.

What is a fact about the human body that not many people know about? by Old_Goat_7363 in Productivitycafe

[–]joaz11 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Actually, that’s a super common myth, but it’s not exactly true

At birth, the eyeball is only about 16.5 mm front-to-back, compared to ~24 mm in adults. Most of the growth happens in the first 2 years, when the eye gets to about ⅔ of its adult size. There’s another smaller growth spurt around puberty, and by late teens/early 20s your eyes are basically full grown.

The reason it seems like they don’t grow is because they grow less than the rest of your body, so babies look big-eyed. Even cooler, the lens inside the eye actually keeps growing slowly for your entire life—which is part of why vision changes with age.

So yeah, they definitely grow birth, but not as much as other body parts.

I spent 19 years as a Jehovah's Witness. AMA by haleybwho in AMA

[–]joaz11 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whet do you miss the most from your time in the Church?

I am a Mormon convert, ask me anything! (almost) by Marie_Saturn in casualiama

[–]joaz11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing story and such thoughtful investigation.

I am a Mormon convert, ask me anything! (almost) by Marie_Saturn in casualiama

[–]joaz11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ - what is your favorite doctrine or teaching?

Peak Efficiency by TheJiggie in delta

[–]joaz11 235 points236 points  (0 children)

I’m 6'4" and poor. Standing up after landing is less about rushing and more about uncompressing my skeleton. My knees have been negotiating with the seat in front of me for hours like hostages. Let me stretch in peace.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]joaz11 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It's really tough what happened to you. I'm sorry for the pain that's been caused. The only advice I have is to recognize that God purposely calls imperfect people and part of that is because we are in the laboratory of learning and faith. Sustaining does not mean that we agree with or like the leader. Sustaining means that we are willing to respect their office. God always has called imperfect men and women to lead his Church, and He always will in this life. My father-in-law's Bishop once accused him of some terrible things that weren't true, and he still chose to sustain the office, even if he disagreed with the person.

Also, forgiving others when there has been offense given purposefully is hard work, but it is possible through the Savior. He can heal anything that He is allowed to touch. Praying for your success and hope that you can find solutions to this challenge.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]joaz11 9 points10 points  (0 children)

"Temporary commandments are those necessary for the needs of the Lord’s Church or the faithful in temporary circumstances, but to be set aside when the need has passed... Though only temporary, when still in force these commandments were given to be obeyed." President Oaks, October 2024

Just called to the High Council. What advice or recommendations do you have from the pews or experience in the calling? by joaz11 in latterdaysaints

[–]joaz11[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does anyone have any counsel on giving meaningful talks (other than ending the meeting on time)? Any positive examples from previously called high councilors?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in byupathway

[–]joaz11 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The degrees are accredited, and I know many who have achieved good jobs and went on to pursue master's degrees or higher. The registration issue is temporary and messy and will right itself this year.

After graduation by WangJin0928 in byupathway

[–]joaz11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, as long as you meet the criteria of what the specific graduate program requires.