You Guys Need a Hug

[california boy]

As most of you know I don't start threads very often on this discussion board.  But for some reason the past couple of days I been thinking this thread needs to be started.  I think you guys need a hug.  It seems like there is a lot of criticism of the church coming from all directions.  Some little.  Some big.  Some perhaps deserved.  And some not deserved.  What we need is a thread that discusses just the positive aspects of the church.  Because there is an awful lot to like about the church, both in doctrine and in the effects the church has in the lives of those that embrace it.  

So let me start.  As most of you know, I have a partner.  He didn't know much about the church before he met me.  But since we have been together, I have shared with him a lot about the church.  There has been things that he has liked.  And things that he kind of rolls his eyes about.  But the one consistent thing he has always said is "You have the happiest grandkids I have ever seen."  He is constantly amazed at how kindly they treat each other.  How they like to be around each other.  And how rarely they are ever not without big smiles on their faces. And I solidly agree with him.  They are really happy kids.  I know that a lot of that has to do with their membership in the church.  Their parents are solid, and together and kind in their discipline.  These kids get strength and confidence with both what they learn in church and the tasks they are asked to do.  The concept of Junior Sunday School, where the kids put on the sermon is really remarkable.  I explained to my partner that kids start as young as 3 standing up before a group and talking.  Usually at that age, just a few lines.  But it is a beginning that will be of value to them throughout their lives.  Of course there is much more that the church gives them, but I think you know why I have such happy grandkids.

So that is my contribution.  What I would like is for the participants of this thread to share what they love about the church whether they are members or not.  We don't want to question any of the contributions.  This is just a thread to remind each other of why the church is a positive influence in their lives.  And when you are feeling down about some of the other threads, come back to this one and share some more.  We need a happy place.

[Mystery Meat]

Thanks, CB. Excellent idea. 

Most of all, I just love that the Church will have me as a member. That says a lot about the organization that they have patience for even me.

[bluebell]

This is very kind of you CB. 

I love that the church asks tweens and teens to stand up and teach and testify in front of the entire congregation.

My 12 year old had to talk on Sunday and it's such a phobia for him I was concerned he might stand up and faint or something but he took control of his fear and did it, and did a great job. 

I know he will think of this experience whenever he is confronted with something that scares the crap out of him but that he needs to do anyway. 

It's a skill (and being able to do things you don't want to do really is a skill) that will serve him in every aspect of his life and I'm so thankful that the church recognizes the power that comes from these kinds of experiences. 

Edited April 24, 2017 by bluebell

[Jeanne]

Good Topic CB!!

Memories,   The ones that included making Christmas bulbs for the ward Christmas trees..Gold and Green Balls, Roadshows..and the many ward parties that brought community together.  I will forever be grateful for the opportunity the church gave me in expanding talents and being creative.  There are things in life that I can do because I participated in the many good things the church offered.  Forever grateful for geneology (sp) and the many stories I have of ancestors.  Good friendships still remain.  The very thought that I may see my loved ones again is more than a blessing and I still hold dear the Heavenly Mother that I want to believe in.  I have learned service and the joy of giving and better still, how to receive with a grateful heart.

[Calm]

I love the fundamental sense of extended family, we are all children of God and we are all working to create stronger family bonds even though we may not be that great at doing it.

I am not someone who feels like they belong in groups very often, probably can count on one hand situations I have felt that way about in my entire life.  That the Church has been shaped in such a way I can feel at home even in a ward where I know no one is a miracle for me.

[Tacenda]

I ditto Jeanne, every word. 

 

[HappyJackWagon]

I love that there is an organized program to look after and serve each other. I believe home and visiting teaching is the kind of ministry Jesus would do.

It is personally helpful to have a structure of sacrificial service that keeps me engaged in serving the needs of others.

[Rain]

Thank you.

This probably wouldn't be the first thing I would think of putting here had I not  just received news about a half hour ago.  

I love being able to walk in churches all around the world and having people I connect with.  Some for just a few moments and some for a life time.

Fifty years ago my parents were in the military.  They went to church in San Antonio Texas and became friends with 3 other couples. Over the years they have kept in contact, but in the last 10 years or so they have all lived within a couple of hours from each other and make sure they get together each month.  Not having a lot of living family these friends have been like family.

When I lived in Northern Utah and my parents had moved away to TN, my husband and I became very sick with the flu and ended up in the hospital emergency room.  I called one of these women to come get my baby and take care of him for the night and she rushed to do so.  She was always helpful and kind.   

A couple of months ago we lost one of the men.  This morning we lost the woman who took care of my baby 22 years ago.  I have not seen her in years, but I miss her. 

I love that through the church that these 4 couples who probably wouldn't have met in another way connected.   

Edited April 25, 2017 by Rain

[Jeanne]

46 minutes ago, Rain said:

Thank you.

This probably wouldn't be the first thing I would think of putting here had I not  just received news about a half hour ago.  

I love being able to walk in churches all around the world and having people I connect with.  Some for just a few moments and some for a life time.

Fifty years ago my parents were in the military.  They went to church in San Antonio Texas and became friends with 3 other couples. Over the years they have kept in contact, but in the last 10 years or so they have all lived within a couple of hours from each other and each month make sure they get together each month.  Not having a lot of living family these friends have been like family.

When I lived in Northern Utah and my parents had moved away to TN, my husband and I became very sick with the flu and ended up in the hospital emergency room.  I called one of these women to come get my baby and take care of him for the night and she rushed to do so.  She was always helpful and kind.   

A couple of months ago we lost one of the men.  This morning we lost the woman who took care of my baby 22 years ago.  I have not seen her in years, but I miss her. 

I love that through the church that these 4 couples who probably wouldn't have met in another way connected.   

Wow...I love your experience written here. 

[CV75]

2 hours ago, california boy said:

What I would like is for the participants of this thread to share what they love about the church whether they are members or not.

I love that she is the Lord’s means to bring the fulness of the Gospel to everyone, and that everyone can enjoy membership. She is the Lord’s way of gathering His children together “as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings” -- a MEGA-HUG! -- and showing us how to do it also.

[Paloma]

So much to admire and like!

• Family and community values
• Devotion and self-sacrifice of missionary service
• For the most part, a genuine warmth, openness and winsomeness in LDS individuals

I could go on further, I'm sure, but these are at the top for me in terms of huggable traits!

 

[Garden Girl]

There is so much I love about the gospel and the Church culture... but I'll list just a few here..

First of course are the spiritual blessings... I was just going through some family pictures and came across one of my family... Mom, Dad, Sis and me... standing on the lawn outside the Salt Lake temple where we had just been sealed as an eternal family... I was 14 years, my Sis was 17...

I was happily married to a wonderful non-LDS man for 38 years... he died unexpectedly from complications following surgery (1998)... I had reactivated 3 years prior to his death. He had been steadily moving toward the Church the last few years and I believe would have eventually joined...  so I felt comfortable having his ordinances performed for him, and being sealed to him as his eternal companion... this has brought me peace and great comfort these past 19 years that I've been widowed.  

I love the doctrines of the Plan of Salvation...  I love knowing who I am...

I love the sisterhood of Relief Society... I love being a strong, Latter-Day Saint woman...  I love the caring stewardship of my very faithful home teachers; it means a lot to someone like me who is alone (except for one pushy cat), no children, family many miles away cross country...

I love the joy I find in life because of the spiritual and temporal blessings of a loving Heavenly Father (and Mother), and Savior... and the gospel...

I love...

GG

[CV75]

I also love that, even with all that is entailed with operating as a Church, she puts the Lord and His Gospel first and foremost above all else, as Joseph Smith said, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”

[Johnnie Cake]

I have an enduring love of my heritage and ancestry while I attribute this to my own interest...it was the LDS Church that first introduced me to Genealogy...and I love that due to the work of my dear departed Mother (yes MD&D I actually had a mother) and the genealogy work of a myriad other relatives both known and unknown...I can trace my ancestry back on many lines to the BC era. I attribute this work to the influence of the LDS Church.  I value this heritage and ancestry and value the lineage from which I've descended.

[waveslider]

18 hours ago, california boy said:

What I would like is for the participants of this thread to share what they love about the church whether they are members or not.

There are so many things I love about the church, but the single most thing I like the best is how I was taught, through it, how to have a personal relationship with Heavenly Father and our beloved Savior whom He sent for us. I have never felt such pure love before feeling theirs for me, and what's really great is that it is something that I get to feel over and over again as I learn to get closer and closer to them. It's nice that it isn't just a Sunday church, but an everyday church and a way of life.

[Darren10]

18 hours ago, california boy said:

As most of you know I don't start threads very often on this discussion board.  But for some reason the past couple of days I been thinking this thread needs to be started.  I think you guys need a hug.  It seems like there is a lot of criticism of the church coming from all directions.  Some little.  Some big.  Some perhaps deserved.  And some not deserved.  What we need is a thread that discusses just the positive aspects of the church.  Because there is an awful lot to like about the church, both in doctrine and in the effects the church has in the lives of those that embrace it.  

So let me start.  As most of you know, I have a partner.  He didn't know much about the church before he met me.  But since we have been together, I have shared with him a lot about the church.  There has been things that he has liked.  And things that he kind of rolls his eyes about.  But the one consistent thing he has always said is "You have the happiest grandkids I have ever seen."  He is constantly amazed at how kindly they treat each other.  How they like to be around each other.  And how rarely they are ever not without big smiles on their faces. And I solidly agree with him.  They are really happy kids.  I know that a lot of that has to do with their membership in the church.  Their parents are solid, and together and kind in their discipline.  These kids get strength and confidence with both what they learn in church and the tasks they are asked to do.  The concept of Junior Sunday School, where the kids put on the sermon is really remarkable.  I explained to my partner that kids start as young as 3 standing up before a group and talking.  Usually at that age, just a few lines.  But it is a beginning that will be of value to them throughout their lives.  Of course there is much more that the church gives them, but I think you know why I have such happy grandkids.

So that is my contribution.  What I would like is for the participants of this thread to share what they love about the church whether they are members or not.  We don't want to question any of the contributions.  This is just a thread to remind each other of why the church is a positive influence in their lives.  And when you are feeling down about some of the other threads, come back to this one and share some more.  We need a happy place.

One thing I like about the Church is the fellowship of the saints. I enjoy their hugs so, thanks, californiaboy.

"He is constantly amazed at how kindly they treat each other." - For a contrast, may your partner meet my kids someday.

[Guest]

19 hours ago, california boy said:

As most of you know I don't start threads very often on this discussion board.  But for some reason the past couple of days I been thinking this thread needs to be started.  I think you guys need a hug.  It seems like there is a lot of criticism of the church coming from all directions.  Some little.  Some big.  Some perhaps deserved.  And some not deserved.  What we need is a thread that discusses just the positive aspects of the church.  Because there is an awful lot to like about the church, both in doctrine and in the effects the church has in the lives of those that embrace it. 

I love the feeling of always being at home. After joining while stationed in (then) West Germany, it gave me a feeling of community right away. People were genuinly glad to see my family and myself each week. They rejoiced when almost two years later they went with us to the Swiss Temple where we were sealed as a family. Then on different military assignments, I could count on home being a welcoming place, and whatever Ward being the same...so it did not matter about all the strangers at work, that would end at 4:00PM, and then I could escape to those at home and Church who loved me. After joining the Church I read maybe, 100 books on Church leaders and Church doctrine. There I found such flawed (as all men are) men and women are) who despite their flaws did such amazing things. I grew to love those I read about, and felt injury and sadness when they were attacked. I love the Church, I love our leaders, I love always feeling at home. So maybe it is my poet's soul that bruises so easily when others are so harsh, even vicious things in many instances, which causes me to mourn for such comments, and for those who make them. I have always considered everyone who has a testimony, and for those who no longer do, as my brothers and sisters in Christ...even though I am not always viewed the same way. I pray God's blessings on all whom I have known over my 38 years in the Church, and love all whom I have met in Church and here on this website as well. I am just thrilled that I am allowed to converse with all here and at Church...before all see just how flawed a man I am. So God bless you all, s I have prayed so many here, despite their views about Church or her doctrines. 

Bill "Papa" Lee

Atlanta, Georgia (God's country)  

For those who would like, join me on Facebook, where we can come to know each other better. 

[Darren10]

I just read a blog post of a friend there whom I've only met once. His wife, who I've also only met once and have never blogged with, was hospitalized. The fellow asked for prayers for her. I said, "absolutely" and then offered to pay them a friendly visit if he/they so desire.

Call it, "the Mormon in me".

[Guest]

19 hours ago, california boy said:

But the one consistent thing he has always said is "You have the happiest grandkids I have ever seen."  He is constantly amazed at how kindly they treat each other.  How they like to be around each other.  And how rarely they are ever not without big smiles on their faces. 

You're a Papa, that is so great. Tell me, is there anything greater in all the world? 

[Ahab]

On 4/24/2017 at 0:22 PM, california boy said:

What I would like is for the participants of this thread to share what they love about the church whether they are members or not.  We don't want to question any of the contributions.  This is just a thread to remind each other of why the church is a positive influence in their lives.  And when you are feeling down about some of the other threads, come back to this one and share some more.  We need a happy place.

I love the church because even though a lot of members disagree with me or don't like what I say or want to ban me from sharing my thoughts or even reading what other people say in a thread, i can still feel the comfort and encouragement of other members of the Church and our Father and Jesus and the Holy Ghost.  A blessing that leads to other blessings and support as I just keep on "truckin'"!!!

Yes, we all need a happy place, and my happiest place is my home.

[hope_for_things]

I love the sense of purpose and confidence Mormonism has given me.  I reflect back on how serving as a missionary shaped my life and all the positive things that I learned and attributes I was able to develop within the programs of Mormonism. 

Today, I'm grateful for how I've been able to re-evaluate so many of my earlier values and principles that were given to me through Mormonism.  Its been a wild ride going from very devoted orthodox believer to a very nuanced and unorthodox participant.  I'm grateful for how Mormonism has played a part in this journey, and today I'm grateful for unorthodox thoughtful people that are involved in Mormon studies of one kind or another, regardless of their membership.  Very good people, and I'm learning so much.  

[california boy]

6 hours ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

You're a Papa, that is so great. Tell me, is there anything greater in all the world? 

Yes I have 8 grandkids.  And they are the best.  I wish I could live close to all of the, but they are spread across the country a bit.  And I love being a father as well.  When you start checking off what is important in life, family always rises to the top.  And it is another thing that I am so grateful for about the church.  The church is also at it's very best when it is supporting and helping to nourish families.

[Guest]

15 minutes ago, california boy said:

Yes I have 8 grandkids.  And they are the best.  I wish I could live close to all of the, but they are spread across the country a bit.  And I love being a father as well.  When you start checking off what is important in life, family always rises to the top.  And it is another thing that I am so grateful for about the church.  The church is also at it's very best when it is supporting and helping to nourish families.

I have eight as well, but every Sunday seven are here at my house for supper. We are also in the same Ward, I am blessed indeed. They are blessed to have my wife as Nanny, not sure how blessed to have me as Papa.  

[BlueDreams]

I've been thinking about it, and had a few:

Pragmatic level

I’m grateful for the church relationships allowing me a up close window into healthy and happy families. I didn’t have that for myself growing up and the relationships I experienced taught me that it was possible to have. The YW gave me balance and care in a way I hadn’t had in any of my other peer groups. Before then I was a mess going south into anger and bitterness fast. I was in a neighborhood that amplified that. When I moved the YW gave me a positive place to have a needed escape and belief that I could be happy if I sought it out. Ironically, and fittingly with the title of this thread, that started with a hug.

I have minimal college debt, with a quality education, because of the church. That’s HUGE for my generation that is bogged down with it.

 

Spiritual level

It was the vehicle to find happiness and peace. My patriarchal blessing gave me hope in my future instead of despair in difficult moments. My heart and mind began to expand in it. And I felt stripped of the emotional scars I felt littered with on my mission.

I love the doctrine of the afterlife. It was one of the first things that I remember feeling the Spirit really with. In a way that was tangible and clear, at least.

I love the BoM and temples. I have a very warm place in my heart for the story of the anti-nephi-lehites and the depiction of the flood in Moses 7. Both were integral for me in understanding God’s love and its power to change us.

I like feeling as though I’m part of an evolving body of believers in which I have contributions

 

Tongue-in-cheek level

Sometimes I’m just glad that what I find on the board here generally is NOT a reflection of what I find when I turn off my electronics. It’s not that there isn’t problems, there is. But its also balanced. Sometimes the contrast is really sharp. Like this weekend. My poor bishop’s counselor calls me up desperate for someone to give a talk the next day. I agree to it and pray for guidance, half preparing while I did my hike. I decide to talk about Sister Cordon’s talk about leaning not to our own understanding, focusing on Mormon culturally derived understandings that can shoot us in the spiritual foot. I talk about the problems of absolutes and excess idealism and constantly doing or feeling obligated to do more even when we are burning out or breaking down. Followed with how to recognize if what we’re doing or viewing as God, is. I told of the story of when I was truly broken, that the Spirit whispered to me to just go home from church and I went on a Netflix binge. It was well received. Someone asked for my talk, another messaged me, etc. It’s not to brag. It was followed with two very good talks that held similar themes from very different perspectives.  It was just a day that I find myself thinking of how change and introspection is a part of the church body. That things do differ from a stereotype that can paint the church too hierarchical and monolithic.  

Our answers and direction as a church body will definitely have a “peculiar” bend per se. But it is changing in its own direction and heavily influenced by the members involved….along with hierarchical decisions. It’s a dynamic process that is measured and thought out that I highly appreciate. And I’m glad to be a part of it….to feel like I contribute to that. When I think of “the church” per se, I first think of a community. It’s tight knit, but open enough to take in others. It’s framed by us all in one way or another. But maintains a framework that retains its shape. And I love that. I love being part of it.

 

With luv,

BD

[Scott Lloyd]

On 4/24/2017 at 1:22 PM, california boy said:

So that is my contribution.  What I would like is for the participants of this thread to share what they love about the church whether they are members or not.  We don't want to question any of the contributions.  This is just a thread to remind each other of why the church is a positive influence in their lives.  And when you are feeling down about some of the other threads, come back to this one and share some more.  We need a happy place.

One of the things I love about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the integrity of its general leadership, especially the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

By that, I mean they can be counted on to steadfastly remain true to the revelations, doctrines, teachings, standards and commandments of Jesus Christ. They are solid as granite. They will not be dislodged in that resolve by the shifting sands of societal trends or by being bullied by social and political pressure and criticism.

Notwithstanding such fortitude, they are as loving, forgiving and tolerant as they can reasonably and realistically be in any given circumstance while remaining true to principle.

Of course the latter is part and parcel of their integrity, because they are under commandment from Jesus Christ to be charitable.

Their integrity is so essential to their calling it is easy to take it for granted, but I do appreciate it.

I see it as crucial to our survival as a church. That is to say, Christ would reject us as a people if the leadership did not remain true to Him in all things, because we would then be unqualified to fulfill the mandate to set the stage for Christ's second coming.

 

Edited April 26, 2017 by Scott Lloyd