I AM, a Latter-day Saint, a true blue believer.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Recent comments of mine, both publicly on this board, or privately in PM's to friends, may have led some wonder if I am loosing my testimony. Or even worse that I might become an apostate, and would lead my friends or family away for the Restored Gospel. Despite any concerns I have penned or posted, they are just that "concerns, and questions", and none that should cause concern with those I love and those who are my friends, that I also love.

In January 1979, my wife had become friends with a dear sister in the Church. Sister Peggy Spencer, we are 40 years later, still a very close friends, it was her who gave me my first Book of Mormon, and her husband Jock Spencer, who Baptized, Pam and I, members in a hotel swimming pool, half way between our town and our Military Branch in Fulda, West Germany (at that time), now it all one country again.

When I was handed the Book of Mormon by a Sister Spencer (the first time), while she asked if I liked to read, I was overcome with the, "Spirit of the Lord", I could not speak over a whisper, so sacred was that moment. But whisper, I did while trying as simply ask, "What Is this? For the next five hours I had to drive my commanding officer, through a blinding blizzard, had it been just cold and mild snow, we could make the trip, in 2-21/2 hours, normal ride. Because of the many hours my mind eye was looking I to wonder, as in "I wonder why I am so taken aback, but a book I have never read".  

When I got to the "Live Fire Excersize"  , the book was so on my mind, I could not  wait to see what was in this book. I read that day, and most of the night, as well as the many pamphlets. I had read from 1 Nephi-Mosiah, and when I returned home, I told my wife I wanted every word published by this Church, first I did know what I was asking for, and secondly I was already converted to the Restored Gospel. Though I many wonder of recent changes. I am still field with wonder. I still can't get enough, I am still learning. 

Therfore, unless something crazy comes allow, disavowing the Book of Mormon, I will all stand ready to do all that Ican to build up this kingdom, and aid it in filling the whole earth. 

[pogi]

5 minutes ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

Recent comments of mine, both publicly on this board, or privately in PM's to friends, may have led some wonder if I am loosing my testimony. Or even worse that I might become an apostate, and would lead my friends or family away for the Restored Gospel. Despite any concerns I have penned or posted, they are just that "concerns, and questions", and none that should cause concern with those I love and those who are my friends, that I also love.

In January 1979, my wife had become friends with a dear sister in the Church. Sister Peggy Spencer, we are 40 years later, still a very close friends, it was her who gave me my first Book of Mormon, and her husband Jock Spencer, who Baptized, Pam and I, members in a hotel swimming pool, half way between our town and our Military Branch in Fulda, West Germany (at that time), now it all one country again.

When I was handed the Book of Mormon by a Sister Spencer (the first time), while she asked if I liked to read, I was overcome with the, "Spirit of the Lord", I could not speak over a whisper, so sacred was that moment. But whisper, I did while trying as simply ask, "What Is this? For the next five hours I had to drive my commanding officer, through a blinding blizzard, had it been just cold and mild snow, we could make the trip, in 2-21/2 hours, normal ride. Because of the many hours my mind eye was looking I to wonder, as in "I wonder why I am so taken aback, but a book I have never read".  

When I got to the "Live Fire Excersize"  , the book was so on my mind, I could not  wait to see what was in this book. I read that day, and most of the night, as well as the many pamphlets. I had read from 1 Nephi-Mosiah, and when I returned home, I told my wife I wanted every word published by this Church, first I did know what I was asking for, and secondly I was already converted to the Restored Gospel. Though I many wonder of recent changes. I am still field with wonder. I still can't get enough, I am still learning. 

Therfore, unless something crazy comes allow, disavowing the Book of Mormon, I will all stand ready to do all that Ican to build up this kingdom, and aid it in filling the whole earth. 

Amen brother!

[hope_for_things]

10 minutes ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

Recent comments of mine, both publicly on this board, or privately in PM's to friends, may have led some wonder if I am loosing my testimony. Or even worse that I might become an apostate, and would lead my friends or family away for the Restored Gospel. Despite any concerns I have penned or posted, they are just that "concerns, and questions", and none that should cause concern with those I love and those who are my friends, that I also love.

In January 1979, my wife had become friends with a dear sister in the Church. Sister Peggy Spencer, we are 40 years later, still a very close friends, it was her who gave me my first Book of Mormon, and her husband Jock Spencer, who Baptized, Pam and I, members in a hotel swimming pool, half way between our town and our Military Branch in Fulda, West Germany (at that time), now it all one country again.

When I was handed the Book of Mormon by a Sister Spencer (the first time), while she asked if I liked to read, I was overcome with the, "Spirit of the Lord", I could not speak over a whisper, so sacred was that moment. But whisper, I did while trying as simply ask, "What Is this? For the next five hours I had to drive my commanding officer, through a blinding blizzard, had it been just cold and mild snow, we could make the trip, in 2-21/2 hours, normal ride. Because of the many hours my mind eye was looking I to wonder, as in "I wonder why I am so taken aback, but a book I have never read".  

When I got to the "Live Fire Excersize"  , the book was so on my mind, I could not  wait to see what was in this book. I read that day, and most of the night, as well as the many pamphlets. I had read from 1 Nephi-Mosiah, and when I returned home, I told my wife I wanted every word published by this Church, first I did know what I was asking for, and secondly I was already converted to the Restored Gospel. Though I many wonder of recent changes. I am still field with wonder. I still can't get enough, I am still learning. 

Therfore, unless something crazy comes allow, disavowing the Book of Mormon, I will all stand ready to do all that Ican to build up this kingdom, and aid it in filling the whole earth. 

Don't be too worried about what others think about what you believe.  I'm happily a heretic by the standards of many here I'm sure, but I'm still around and participating in the culture in ways that are authentic me and I still feel like I'm part of that kingdom building effort.  I for one appreciate your participation, and I don't care whether you're orthodox or not.  

[ksfisher]

1 hour ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

Recent comments of mine, both publicly on this board, or privately in PM's to friends, may have led some wonder if I am loosing my testimony. Or even worse that I might become an apostate, and would lead my friends or family away for the Restored Gospel. Despite any concerns I have penned or posted, they are just that "concerns, and questions", and none that should cause concern with those I love and those who are my friends, that I also love.

It is easy to get frustrated with people sometimes.  From what I've read of your posts you don't seem to have any struggles with the gospel, but sometimes the people seem to be a challenge.

[poptart]

2 hours ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

Recent comments of mine, both publicly on this board, or privately in PM's to friends, may have led some wonder if I am loosing my testimony. Or even worse that I might become an apostate, and would lead my friends or family away for the Restored Gospel. Despite any concerns I have penned or posted, they are just that "concerns, and questions", and none that should cause concern with those I love and those who are my friends, that I also love.

In January 1979, my wife had become friends with a dear sister in the Church. Sister Peggy Spencer, we are 40 years later, still a very close friends, it was her who gave me my first Book of Mormon, and her husband Jock Spencer, who Baptized, Pam and I, members in a hotel swimming pool, half way between our town and our Military Branch in Fulda, West Germany (at that time), now it all one country again.

When I was handed the Book of Mormon by a Sister Spencer (the first time), while she asked if I liked to read, I was overcome with the, "Spirit of the Lord", I could not speak over a whisper, so sacred was that moment. But whisper, I did while trying as simply ask, "What Is this? For the next five hours I had to drive my commanding officer, through a blinding blizzard, had it been just cold and mild snow, we could make the trip, in 2-21/2 hours, normal ride. Because of the many hours my mind eye was looking I to wonder, as in "I wonder why I am so taken aback, but a book I have never read".  

When I got to the "Live Fire Excersize"  , the book was so on my mind, I could not  wait to see what was in this book. I read that day, and most of the night, as well as the many pamphlets. I had read from 1 Nephi-Mosiah, and when I returned home, I told my wife I wanted every word published by this Church, first I did know what I was asking for, and secondly I was already converted to the Restored Gospel. Though I many wonder of recent changes. I am still field with wonder. I still can't get enough, I am still learning. 

Therfore, unless something crazy comes allow, disavowing the Book of Mormon, I will all stand ready to do all that Ican to build up this kingdom, and aid it in filling the whole earth. 

TBH, it's been people here that have helped change my mind about Mormons, it's people like you I feel like would actually raise a finger for someone or try to stop someone from jumping off a bridge.  Christianity in the states (atleast Protestantism/evangelicals) isn't doing so hot, they're not the same anymore.  I can talk to my 93 year old Aunt and hear about how religion was back in the day, she laments how much the church and people have changed.  Even the Baptists would emphasize reformation history and education, not quite like the Lutherans but still it was there.  Now it's like a cruel joke.  Outside of Catholic Charities, Deseret Industries is about the only other viable charitable organization that really goes above and beyond like others did way back when, seems like most others just don't care or are broke.