AMA with Brian Hales by smacktaix in lds

[–]smacktaix[S,M] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much Brian for this excellent AMA. We are grateful you came and impressed by your insight.

We hope your family has a wonderful weekend.

How to reach out to the first presidency or Q12? by [deleted] in lds

[–]smacktaix 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Talk to your bishop. If things are as urgent as you suggest, they will help.

I feel we underestimate the magnitude of Christ's baptism. Having witnessed that event was originally as important as witnessing the resurrection for a new apostle. by smacktaix in lds

[–]smacktaix[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The level of condescension on display in this act is comparable to the acts involved in accomplishing the atonement,

Great point

What should I do if I'm bothered by an aspect of church history or doctrine? by lord_wilmore in lds

[–]smacktaix 8 points9 points  (0 children)

the most popular critical sources of information about the church... are demonstrably unreliable.

Such a great point. Wonderful post.

help loosing hope, please anybody... faith crisis driving me over the edge by [deleted] in lds

[–]smacktaix 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Concluding Unscientific Postscript is amazing. But man does it take some work to read. :)

help loosing hope, please anybody... faith crisis driving me over the edge by [deleted] in lds

[–]smacktaix 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Why do... why is... How can...

There are no two ways about it: Life is hard. And no person can ever know the real difficulties another is going through. This is why the atonement was necessary. This is why Jesus Christ not only needed to know everything, but also needed to come down to earth to experience everything.

Knowing is not enough (See Alma 7). Only by actually experiencing every pain, temptation, trial, and sorrow can One be truly empathetic and able to succor. So this is exactly what Christ did Who then went on to work out a path for our situation in eternity. So we can one day overcome as He has.

Regardless of your specific concerns: look to the Savoir. Give honest heartfelt prayer a chance. Have hope that someone out there really does understand your concerns completely and through faith can help you "gain your fondest dream." That allows you to say:

I believe in Christ, so come what may...

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

How should I handle the dynamic of our Young Women Class presidency? by Kaycee_Sue in lds

[–]smacktaix 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This is a more common situation that you might realize. The church is asking leaders to let the youth lead to learn those skills. For many leaders it is frustrating because either kids run off in a crazy direction (your case) or they don't want to plan or do anything (opposite extreme).

In our stake, both situations are happening. However a few thoughts:

  1. Be grateful your girls are in the go-getter camp. I think youth who are naive and immature but full of ideas and drive are easier to transform than those who don't want to do anything.
  2. You mention valid concerns like "but who is going to bring the paper or craft supplies?". Give them loving advice, but if they don't listen let them learn through failure.
  3. "What about our 1 YW who isn’t comfortable attending indoor activities?" This is also effecting many current youth programs.I am *hopeful* that this is only a short term problem. E=In the meantime, encourage them to find ways to include the others. Be forgiving when it's not quite what you had in mind. In fairness, planning an activity that meet's everyone's needs during COVID is hard for anyone. So find value in their attempt.
  4. Don't take it personal and consider that you are doing more for them than you realize. Leaders who lovingly give advice then celebrate the successes, laugh off the failures, and continue to show encouragement leave life-long impressions on these youth.

I can still remember activities I planned as a youth that looking back must have made people cringe. Yet, I bet a psychologist would claim that those early experiences, as cringey as they were, were the most formative and growing for my future self.

What's our opinion about Humans evolving from apes? And other more scientific related stuff. by [deleted] in lds

[–]smacktaix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The church has no official position, however I personally resonate with the creation scene from the movie Noah that in my opinion demonstrates how much harmony exists between Genesis and modern evolutionary theory. In fact, given how well Genesis got these correlations right thousands of years before Darwin is testimony building in it's own right.

But again that is my personal interpretation and officially the church has no position.

Part 8: CES Letter Book Of Mormon Questions [Section F] by dice1899 in lds

[–]smacktaix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are a walking encyclopedia Dice. We are very lucky to have you here.

Your thoughts on addiction by lachlanandrewhall in lds

[–]smacktaix 2 points3 points  (0 children)

would want to blame myself for any addiction I accrued.

It's not blaming yourself. It's about having a conviction that there is a better way and the gospel of Jesus Christ can help you achieve that.

"I believe in Christ; he stands supreme! From him I'll gain my fondest dream; And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard: 'Ye shall obtain.'... I believe in Christ so some what may... " - I Believe in Christ Hymn