I actually got an e-mail response from the primary president (PP) late yesterday, four days after I e-mailed her my explanation for not being at the sacrament program last Sunday.
"Dear Lisa,
I'm sorry I am so slow to respond to your email, but my computer was down over the week-end and when I did get it back up, I wanted to take a moment to think about what you had said. First and foremost Lisa, I love you and your children, and would feel it an insult if you would feel that any contact I might make to you would be out of obligation rather than genuine caring about you. for eg. Just today (my granddaughter) told me she had been bugging J. to go to winter quarters with the youth. THAT IS JUST (MY GRANDDAUGHTER) BEING WHO SHE IS AND WANTING J. TO BE A PART OF THEIR GROUP. I know you might think I had something to do with that, and I assure you (my granddaughter) knows nothing about your decision.
I have encountered the Adam God Theory long ago as a missionary, and I too have researched that statement with much different conclusion than you have reached, but I respect your right to believe as you choose. I do however want you to know that I know Joseph Smith is a prophet based on the study of the fruits of his labors, namely the Book of Mormon. I know that no mortal man could have written it. Also in the book, Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie explains the Adam God theory, better than I can express it. Quote "Enemies of the restored truth, for their own peculiar purposes, sometimes try to make it appear that Latter-Day Saints, worship Adam as their Father in Heaven. In support of their false assumptions, they quote such statements as that of President Brigham Young to the effect that Adam is our father and our God and the only god with whom we have to do. This statement, and others of similar nature, is perfectly consistent and rational when viewed in full gospel perspective and understood in the light of the revelations relative to the patriarchal chain binding exalted beings together. Full and detailed explanations of all important teachings on these points are found in Doctrines of Salvation, vol.1,pp96-106
Faithful members of the Church worship the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and view Adam in his proper high place as the pre-existent Michael,the first man and presiding high priest(under Christ) over all the earth for all time, and as the one who will again lead the armies of heaven in the final great war with lucifer. There is a sense, of course in which Adam is a God. But so in the same sense are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Moses and all the ancient prophets
All exalted beings become joint heirs with Christ and inherit the fulness of the Father's kingdom. They shall be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; D.&C 132:19-21 Of all these Adam is the chief, presiding (under Christ and the Father) in patriarchal order over all the rest. There is no mystery about this doctrine except that which persons ignorant of the great principles of exaltation and unfriendly to the cause of righteousness have attempted to make." Unquote.
Lisa, when you are ready, I would love to go to lunch with you and enjoy your friendship and have a good visit. You are a great lady whom I care about deeply.
as your father said to me that is one thing he and I have in common. Lisa, I hope you will let W., S. and I know when you would like to get together and do something fun. We all care about you. Love, T."
A few thoughts...I have never "done something fun" with these three members of the primary presidency, unless you call countless hours of presidency meetings FUN. I feel close to her only through working so many hours for the kids in the ward. I'm pretty sure I won't be doing lunch with them, 3 vs. 1.
The fact that she had to comment about her granddaughter tells me they did in fact discuss me. Also, I knew immediately that I had been discussed because on Monday afternoon the granddaughter stared me down in the bleachers at my son's football game. And on Tuesday my son asked her granddaughter if her grandma had asked her to ask him to the Zion's Camp. She said NO! but obviously they discussed me after that, if not before, prompting the PP to include this in her e-mail. Whatever.
My point is that LDS people have a hard time disassociating "genuine caring" from intrusive behavior. They think they should show their genuine caring by giving me their testimony in letter and e-mail form. They think they show their genuine caring by personally inviting my son to an activity before he's even stopped going to church enough to be called inactive.
Shaking my head. I have no idea how I should respond to this e-mail I got, so I probably won't.
September 29, 2006
On a lighter note...
I noticed too many of my blogs revolve around my experiences leaving Mormonism behind...I want to dedicate this post to my newfound happiness.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY
Stepping out of my detached garage to find my husband sitting on a lawn chair in the late afternoon sunshine, beer in hand, enjoying watching the kids and puppy play ball around him on the freshly mowed lawn. These days are the best.
Watching my kids play sports, and seeing their secret smiles or nods to me from the field.
Erdbeer-Rahm Schokolade. (Strawberry cream chocolate) Nobody here makes it like they do in Europe.
Painting for 8 hours straight with nobody making me feel guilty that I could be spending time with them instead. I'm not sure I've done this but the thought of doing so makes me happy!
Travel plans of any kind. Especially of the book-a-trip-to-Hawaii-or-Austria variety!
Lunch at Olive Garden with Jazzy & Tony eating our usual: Salad with Naughty Sticks dipped in Naughty Sauce!
My husband letting me warm my ice blocks I once considered feet on his warm ones every night in winter.
Fall leaves as they change.
All trees.
Going to the fair and drinking that delicious freshly-squeezed lemonade, and eating greasy fair food.
Sitting home on rainy days with a warm blanket and a good book, with a perfect view of the rain outside.
The smell of wood fences just after it rains.
Laughing about childhood antics with my siblings. I mean really laughing. Oh yeah, mocking and making fun of each other too. Our cutting wit is just too much.
Coming to work to find I got a dollar raise for no reason.
Sitting with my dog in my lap, playing with his soft ears.
Going on hot dates with my man.
Giving my kid a back massage every single night. Even though I protest, I really don't mind doing it, because someday he won't "need" me anymore.
When my daughter climbs in my bed in the morning to sleep just a little longer before I get us up.
Blaring the radio in my car when a good song comes on.
The fuzz on old ladies' cheeks.
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Playing games until late on Saturday nights, without the worry in the back of my mind that I still haven't prepared a sharing time lesson yet.
Listening to my kids tell me about their day.
Shopping for swimsuits. HEY! How'd this get here? That should be on my "Things I Absolutely DETEST" list! I'm just checking to see if you're still reading or if I've put you to sleep yet.
Looking west at the Montana sky in the evening. There really is something bigger and better about the sky here.
Taking photos of my stepdaughter, A. She's one beautiful person, inside and out.
Reading a favorite novel.
Watching the movie Love Actually again, even though I've seen it 5 times.
Music from The Sound of Music.
My husband when he sings.
Being around my extended family.
The smell when I walk into a bookstore. Same when I walk into an art supply store.
Wearing my favorite pair of jeans.
Big round hay bales in a field.
Sitting by the ocean while my kids play in it.
Knowing that I'm OK.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY
Stepping out of my detached garage to find my husband sitting on a lawn chair in the late afternoon sunshine, beer in hand, enjoying watching the kids and puppy play ball around him on the freshly mowed lawn. These days are the best.
Watching my kids play sports, and seeing their secret smiles or nods to me from the field.
Erdbeer-Rahm Schokolade. (Strawberry cream chocolate) Nobody here makes it like they do in Europe.
Painting for 8 hours straight with nobody making me feel guilty that I could be spending time with them instead. I'm not sure I've done this but the thought of doing so makes me happy!
Travel plans of any kind. Especially of the book-a-trip-to-Hawaii-or-Austria variety!
Lunch at Olive Garden with Jazzy & Tony eating our usual: Salad with Naughty Sticks dipped in Naughty Sauce!
My husband letting me warm my ice blocks I once considered feet on his warm ones every night in winter.
Fall leaves as they change.
All trees.
Going to the fair and drinking that delicious freshly-squeezed lemonade, and eating greasy fair food.
Sitting home on rainy days with a warm blanket and a good book, with a perfect view of the rain outside.
The smell of wood fences just after it rains.
Laughing about childhood antics with my siblings. I mean really laughing. Oh yeah, mocking and making fun of each other too. Our cutting wit is just too much.
Coming to work to find I got a dollar raise for no reason.
Sitting with my dog in my lap, playing with his soft ears.
Going on hot dates with my man.
Giving my kid a back massage every single night. Even though I protest, I really don't mind doing it, because someday he won't "need" me anymore.
When my daughter climbs in my bed in the morning to sleep just a little longer before I get us up.
Blaring the radio in my car when a good song comes on.
The fuzz on old ladies' cheeks.
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Playing games until late on Saturday nights, without the worry in the back of my mind that I still haven't prepared a sharing time lesson yet.
Listening to my kids tell me about their day.
Shopping for swimsuits. HEY! How'd this get here? That should be on my "Things I Absolutely DETEST" list! I'm just checking to see if you're still reading or if I've put you to sleep yet.
Looking west at the Montana sky in the evening. There really is something bigger and better about the sky here.
Taking photos of my stepdaughter, A. She's one beautiful person, inside and out.
Reading a favorite novel.
Watching the movie Love Actually again, even though I've seen it 5 times.
Music from The Sound of Music.
My husband when he sings.
Being around my extended family.
The smell when I walk into a bookstore. Same when I walk into an art supply store.
Wearing my favorite pair of jeans.
Big round hay bales in a field.
Sitting by the ocean while my kids play in it.
Knowing that I'm OK.
September 28, 2006
Check it out!
Here's a great story written by Matt at NOTAMORMON
I like the style of this story very much. Check it out if you want a good read. Thanks, Matt, for letting me link to it here.
Happy Thursday to all!
I like the style of this story very much. Check it out if you want a good read. Thanks, Matt, for letting me link to it here.
Happy Thursday to all!
September 27, 2006
This one's for you, Tony!
Disclaimer: Tony, I'm not poking fun at YOU here. I've obviously taken liberties with our actual conversation. Please don't take it wrong.
CONVERSATIONS WITH TONY
SML: After reviewing much evidence, and considering all that I was taught my whole life, I have come to the conclusion that what I was taught was in fact made up, or NOT TRUE. I now know that blue is NOT the only true color on the face of the Earth.
TONY: But how can you KNOW that? I mean, here you are telling me that blue isn't the only true color on the Earth, and you're basically saying that I've been BRAINWASHED when I say I believe it! It's what they taught me at church! I feel a testimony that it's true when I hear it even now!
SML: I'm not exactly calling you brainwashed. OK maybe I am. Heck, I'm also saying that EVEN I was brainwashed. For 34 years I thought that blue was the only true color as well. I knew there were other colors out there, but blue was so pretty and it made me feel good to look at it. I was told by my parents whom I love and trust that blue was the only color I should like, so that's what I did. And heck, blue was PRETTY! It felt good to look at it! I was told that in order to be able to live in God's presence in the next life, I'd have to love True Blue and live the True Blue lifestyle my whole life. My entire wardrobe was blue. I thought all my thoughts in blue. I DREAMT in blue. But then I fell in love with and married someone who preferred red, and not because some church told him he had to prefer red either. And lo and behold, he was an OK person without blue in his life. How could this be? I was always taught that happiness only comes to those who choose blue!
TONY: And I married someone who prefers green. So what?! Can't I also choose to believe that blue is best? I happen to LIKE blue! The color blue makes me into a much better parent! Without it I'm certain that we won't be able to teach our kids all the things they need to know.
SML: And I believe you can. Since I found out blue wasn't the only color I could look at, I've been so amazed by the colors I can see and the true beauty in my life! I'm at peace not listening to anyone tell me that only one color is the best. I'm able to see for myself that God loves me no matter which color I choose as my personal favorite, or even if I choose none of them. That's why he blessed me with my inner compass, so I can follow my heart and know what I should do that's right for me. What a gift! That's how I know my kids will also be OK, and will be able to learn all the things they need, because I am even closer to them on a personal level, now that I'm not so focused on the color blue so much.
TONY: You have such conviction that the color blue isn't the one true color, and there's nothing I can say that will convince you it is the color you should choose. It's like I'm talking to a brick wall! You are afraid people will think that Satan is influencing you to dislike the color blue, and it's hard not to think it too when I hear such strong conviction in your voice, and I see no signs of FAITH in the color blue when you speak.
SML: I found so much beauty and peace in looking at all the other colors, and there's no way I can cram those colors back into their little box and repaint my world blue again. Why would I? It's too beautiful to have all the colors inundating my senses right now! I know blue makes people happy, and good for them! The church has even worked hard to find the exact shade of blue that invokes the best feelings, and this is the blue they show the world. But once I discovered the blue the church started out with, and how ugly it actually was, and also how much better life is with ALL the colors at my disposal, why would I go back to only favoring blue? It makes no sense to me.
TONY: But you don't exactly seem very happy, even though you say you are happier than you've ever been.
SML: That's because I'm having to deal with letters and calls from people at church whom I specifically asked not to contact me unless it was in friendship only, without church stuff involved. And yet virtual strangers at church still insist on telling me all about how great the color blue is, and it's a bit irritating. Disrespect like that doesn't give me a lot of happiness. They think they are reaching out to me in friendship, when the real thing they are trying to tell me is that I'm being led by Satan to look away from the color blue. I'm worried that when my son goes to church without me, he'll come home with blue-tinted glasses on that he won't take off. That makes it hard to always feel happy, but believe me, I am still way happier and more at peace inside without the blue blinders on. Sometimes when I'm down, it makes me happy to fantasize about buying a paintball gun with rainbow colored paintballs that I can shoot the front of their homes with, as a little gift from me to them, in the same spirit as their love notes in the mail.
TONY: Every time we talk about this it feels so frustrating. I feel like we get nowhere! I just wish you could see that blue is such a great color.
SML: I'm sure it's a great color. It even used to be my favorite. But I see nothing wrong with loving ALL the colors, as I feel God would do. Heck, he even CREATED the colors. It makes no sense that he would have me limit myself to only one of his precious colors.
TONY: I don't know what I'm going to do. I know that it's probably good to look at other colors, but I just don't know.
SML: You've got to find it out for yourself, or not. It's OK either way. That's what I've been trying to say all along. I don't judge you for liking blue the best. I just want you to respect my choice to love all the colors if I want to.
TONY: I do. I do. We still on for lunch on Friday?
SML: Of course! See you then!
CONVERSATIONS WITH TONY
SML: After reviewing much evidence, and considering all that I was taught my whole life, I have come to the conclusion that what I was taught was in fact made up, or NOT TRUE. I now know that blue is NOT the only true color on the face of the Earth.
TONY: But how can you KNOW that? I mean, here you are telling me that blue isn't the only true color on the Earth, and you're basically saying that I've been BRAINWASHED when I say I believe it! It's what they taught me at church! I feel a testimony that it's true when I hear it even now!
SML: I'm not exactly calling you brainwashed. OK maybe I am. Heck, I'm also saying that EVEN I was brainwashed. For 34 years I thought that blue was the only true color as well. I knew there were other colors out there, but blue was so pretty and it made me feel good to look at it. I was told by my parents whom I love and trust that blue was the only color I should like, so that's what I did. And heck, blue was PRETTY! It felt good to look at it! I was told that in order to be able to live in God's presence in the next life, I'd have to love True Blue and live the True Blue lifestyle my whole life. My entire wardrobe was blue. I thought all my thoughts in blue. I DREAMT in blue. But then I fell in love with and married someone who preferred red, and not because some church told him he had to prefer red either. And lo and behold, he was an OK person without blue in his life. How could this be? I was always taught that happiness only comes to those who choose blue!
TONY: And I married someone who prefers green. So what?! Can't I also choose to believe that blue is best? I happen to LIKE blue! The color blue makes me into a much better parent! Without it I'm certain that we won't be able to teach our kids all the things they need to know.
SML: And I believe you can. Since I found out blue wasn't the only color I could look at, I've been so amazed by the colors I can see and the true beauty in my life! I'm at peace not listening to anyone tell me that only one color is the best. I'm able to see for myself that God loves me no matter which color I choose as my personal favorite, or even if I choose none of them. That's why he blessed me with my inner compass, so I can follow my heart and know what I should do that's right for me. What a gift! That's how I know my kids will also be OK, and will be able to learn all the things they need, because I am even closer to them on a personal level, now that I'm not so focused on the color blue so much.
TONY: You have such conviction that the color blue isn't the one true color, and there's nothing I can say that will convince you it is the color you should choose. It's like I'm talking to a brick wall! You are afraid people will think that Satan is influencing you to dislike the color blue, and it's hard not to think it too when I hear such strong conviction in your voice, and I see no signs of FAITH in the color blue when you speak.
SML: I found so much beauty and peace in looking at all the other colors, and there's no way I can cram those colors back into their little box and repaint my world blue again. Why would I? It's too beautiful to have all the colors inundating my senses right now! I know blue makes people happy, and good for them! The church has even worked hard to find the exact shade of blue that invokes the best feelings, and this is the blue they show the world. But once I discovered the blue the church started out with, and how ugly it actually was, and also how much better life is with ALL the colors at my disposal, why would I go back to only favoring blue? It makes no sense to me.
TONY: But you don't exactly seem very happy, even though you say you are happier than you've ever been.
SML: That's because I'm having to deal with letters and calls from people at church whom I specifically asked not to contact me unless it was in friendship only, without church stuff involved. And yet virtual strangers at church still insist on telling me all about how great the color blue is, and it's a bit irritating. Disrespect like that doesn't give me a lot of happiness. They think they are reaching out to me in friendship, when the real thing they are trying to tell me is that I'm being led by Satan to look away from the color blue. I'm worried that when my son goes to church without me, he'll come home with blue-tinted glasses on that he won't take off. That makes it hard to always feel happy, but believe me, I am still way happier and more at peace inside without the blue blinders on. Sometimes when I'm down, it makes me happy to fantasize about buying a paintball gun with rainbow colored paintballs that I can shoot the front of their homes with, as a little gift from me to them, in the same spirit as their love notes in the mail.
TONY: Every time we talk about this it feels so frustrating. I feel like we get nowhere! I just wish you could see that blue is such a great color.
SML: I'm sure it's a great color. It even used to be my favorite. But I see nothing wrong with loving ALL the colors, as I feel God would do. Heck, he even CREATED the colors. It makes no sense that he would have me limit myself to only one of his precious colors.
TONY: I don't know what I'm going to do. I know that it's probably good to look at other colors, but I just don't know.
SML: You've got to find it out for yourself, or not. It's OK either way. That's what I've been trying to say all along. I don't judge you for liking blue the best. I just want you to respect my choice to love all the colors if I want to.
TONY: I do. I do. We still on for lunch on Friday?
SML: Of course! See you then!
I hate it when you're right!
SIMEON WAS RIGHT when he commented to me that my letter to the bishop may have left a huge loophole where people will use the guise of friendship to get to me.
I got home last night from work and there was a letter from my ward clerk (I think, I don't even know what he does). I have been in this ward for 5 years since the ward boundaries changed, and I've spoken to him once in all that time, to ask for a new printout of the primary classes. I don't know his wife either beyond seeing her at church. Here's the letter:
Dear Sister (last name),
I just wanted to write you a note and tell you how much I appreciate your service & sacrifice. You have truly helped to improve the primary program, which my children love to attend. I admire your faith and courage. Please know that (my wife) and I are glad to have you teaching our children the gospel. Forgive me for not expressing my gratitude more often. It is so easy to get all wrapped up in our own little world & not see the service of those around us.
I still remember a couple years back the ward chili cookoff. I enjoyed meeting Brother SML (last name - he couldn't even take the time to look up my hubby's first name!) and sharing our passion for insanely hot chili. That was shortly after the ward boundaries had changed and the new ward was still trying to come together.
Last Sunday I was very impressed by J. as he stood up in priesthood and gave a report on the Teacher's quorum's activities. (Note, my son is a deacon still) How mature & handsome he looked! (Note, Stay AWAY from my son, do you hear me?!) I am always impressed with how reverently he passes the sacrament.
I want you to know that you do belong to the True Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith is a True Prophet, as is Gordon B. Hinckley. The blessings of the Temple are true & eternal. The adversary knows this, and he did everything in his power to keep me from those blessings & still works very hard to keep me from attending. There have been times in my life when doubt has come upon me. About four years ago I was the Elder's Quorum President. I let doubt enter my heart. The adversary was working overtime on me. Looking back I can't believe how close I came to loosing everything that is most precious to me, but it happened. I remember one Sunday, Bishop K (our previous bishop) said 'If you don't have a burning testimony of this church, you need to get one.' Well, my testimony was smoldering if not out. I determined to get a 'burning testimony.' I started reading scriptures, saying personal and family prayers, reading the Ensign. It was very hard. But at one time I had believed & I was determined to find out why. It took a while (years), but I finally discovered the why. It is different for each of us. I cried many nights as I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me KNOW. The process never ends, I still work every day at reading scriptures & praying. Some days I am better than others. But now my testimony is stronger than ever.
Back in July we had two women from the Jehova's Witnesses stop by. I introduced myself and told them we were members of the LDS church. Over the next half hour or so they would try to convince us that our beliefs were wrong on various gospel topics. They would read scriptures, I would quote scriptures (amazingly they just kind of popped into my mind). After awhile I would just look them in the eye & bear my humble testimony of the truth. After that, they could say no more & would move to another topic. Same thing we would discuss & I would bear testimony & tehn they could say no more. Eventually they left & I went on about my day. About a week later, one of the ladies came back. She said 'I just wanted to appollogise how I acted. I felt a very wonderful spirit in your home & felt we offended it by how we acted.' (My wife's) jaw hit the floor & graciously accepted her apology. I am not perfect, but now I can look people in eye & bear my simple testimony of true principles. Yesterday I had the priviledge of baptising & confirming (my son.) When confirming, I was so nervous that I mess up the words. I just started over (after a gentle prompting from Bob E!) and a beautiful blessing flowed through me from Heavenly Father to (my son.)
I hope I don't offend or sound preachy. That is not my intention. I just wanted to express my love & gratitude for you. I have had times where I have had doubts, like trying to fill callings or receiving inspiration concerning my family. The words of a General Authority (I can't remember which one!) come to mind that If it was right when you received it, it is still right when the trials & storms come.
We moved to a new home @ (such and such address.) Please stop by & say hi. We would love to have your family over. Forgive us for being so close minded to forget a wonderful person & family like yours.
Take care & may God bless.
Sincerely..."
After reading this letter D. just shook his head and said, "I wonder how many more 'friends' will crawl from the woodwork."
I got home last night from work and there was a letter from my ward clerk (I think, I don't even know what he does). I have been in this ward for 5 years since the ward boundaries changed, and I've spoken to him once in all that time, to ask for a new printout of the primary classes. I don't know his wife either beyond seeing her at church. Here's the letter:
Dear Sister (last name),
I just wanted to write you a note and tell you how much I appreciate your service & sacrifice. You have truly helped to improve the primary program, which my children love to attend. I admire your faith and courage. Please know that (my wife) and I are glad to have you teaching our children the gospel. Forgive me for not expressing my gratitude more often. It is so easy to get all wrapped up in our own little world & not see the service of those around us.
I still remember a couple years back the ward chili cookoff. I enjoyed meeting Brother SML (last name - he couldn't even take the time to look up my hubby's first name!) and sharing our passion for insanely hot chili. That was shortly after the ward boundaries had changed and the new ward was still trying to come together.
Last Sunday I was very impressed by J. as he stood up in priesthood and gave a report on the Teacher's quorum's activities. (Note, my son is a deacon still) How mature & handsome he looked! (Note, Stay AWAY from my son, do you hear me?!) I am always impressed with how reverently he passes the sacrament.
I want you to know that you do belong to the True Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith is a True Prophet, as is Gordon B. Hinckley. The blessings of the Temple are true & eternal. The adversary knows this, and he did everything in his power to keep me from those blessings & still works very hard to keep me from attending. There have been times in my life when doubt has come upon me. About four years ago I was the Elder's Quorum President. I let doubt enter my heart. The adversary was working overtime on me. Looking back I can't believe how close I came to loosing everything that is most precious to me, but it happened. I remember one Sunday, Bishop K (our previous bishop) said 'If you don't have a burning testimony of this church, you need to get one.' Well, my testimony was smoldering if not out. I determined to get a 'burning testimony.' I started reading scriptures, saying personal and family prayers, reading the Ensign. It was very hard. But at one time I had believed & I was determined to find out why. It took a while (years), but I finally discovered the why. It is different for each of us. I cried many nights as I prayed to Heavenly Father to help me KNOW. The process never ends, I still work every day at reading scriptures & praying. Some days I am better than others. But now my testimony is stronger than ever.
Back in July we had two women from the Jehova's Witnesses stop by. I introduced myself and told them we were members of the LDS church. Over the next half hour or so they would try to convince us that our beliefs were wrong on various gospel topics. They would read scriptures, I would quote scriptures (amazingly they just kind of popped into my mind). After awhile I would just look them in the eye & bear my humble testimony of the truth. After that, they could say no more & would move to another topic. Same thing we would discuss & I would bear testimony & tehn they could say no more. Eventually they left & I went on about my day. About a week later, one of the ladies came back. She said 'I just wanted to appollogise how I acted. I felt a very wonderful spirit in your home & felt we offended it by how we acted.' (My wife's) jaw hit the floor & graciously accepted her apology. I am not perfect, but now I can look people in eye & bear my simple testimony of true principles. Yesterday I had the priviledge of baptising & confirming (my son.) When confirming, I was so nervous that I mess up the words. I just started over (after a gentle prompting from Bob E!) and a beautiful blessing flowed through me from Heavenly Father to (my son.)
I hope I don't offend or sound preachy. That is not my intention. I just wanted to express my love & gratitude for you. I have had times where I have had doubts, like trying to fill callings or receiving inspiration concerning my family. The words of a General Authority (I can't remember which one!) come to mind that If it was right when you received it, it is still right when the trials & storms come.
We moved to a new home @ (such and such address.) Please stop by & say hi. We would love to have your family over. Forgive us for being so close minded to forget a wonderful person & family like yours.
Take care & may God bless.
Sincerely..."
After reading this letter D. just shook his head and said, "I wonder how many more 'friends' will crawl from the woodwork."
September 26, 2006
Nice letter by Joseph Smith
This is one of the letters that Joseph Smith wrote to the Whitneys within a month of acquiring 17 year old Sarah Ann Whitney as one of his plural wives. (Found it on the Deseret Books website) It really disturbs me. It just screams to me sneaky-cheating-bastard-but-I-know-it-is-the-will-of-God-that-you-should-comfort-me-now-in-this-time-of-affliction-bullshit. Note how he wants them to watch for Emma, and if she's there it isn't safe. Hmmmm. Wonder why he'd say that?
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