On O.W. and the Spirit of Revelation (My Thoughts)

I rarely blog about controversial topics.  Most of the time peoples points of view are so set that any type of rhetoric rarely sways them and instead can lead to fiery contention.  When I started this blog, I didn’t want this space to become a place of arguing.

That’s why I’ve been a little apprehensive to approach this subject, but there’s just an aspect of this story I feel is being strongly overlooked.

I have a strong testimony of the power of revelation both in my own life and revelation on behalf of my priesthood leaders.   I worked closely once with my old Bishop through a rough repentance process.  HIs counsel, while difficult at times, was inspired.  As I followed it I was able to overcome some difficult obstacles and I grew closer to Christ.

Likewise, while I served my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I grew an intense love and respect for my Mission President.  I witnessed him make some incredibly difficult decisions, but I had no doubt that he was inspired.

Some of those decisions were unpopular, but they were right and they were made under the influence of the spirit and authority of his calling.

This recent case of a choice made by priesthood leaders is not about PR, it’s not about “silencing”, it’s not about politics.  It’s about the spirit of revelation.

I strongly believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is organized and led by Jesus Christ Himself.  A bold claim, I know.

Thus, when difficult decisions have to be made by leaders, I believe it is through the power of the Holy Ghost that these decisions are made.  Especially a decision of this magnitude, is not to be taken lightly.

I can only imagine the amount of prayers and struggle to come to such a decision.  It’s just sad that something that should be a very private matter has been made into such a public spectacle.

But that’s another topic for another day.

Keep the faith,

-Alex

Comments welcome.  But please be respectful.  🙂 

 

 

I Finally Did This…

I finally completed something I’ve thought about doing for a long time.

I had an idea to do this a few years ago but I just could never settle down enough to do it.  You see, it’s always been a bit of a dream of mine to

My (Personal) Defense of the Law of Chastity

I’m no lawyer, and I sure don’t play one on TV, but what I’ve observed from trials is that they usually call witnesses to the stand either testify against or for the defendant.  Today I’m sharing my personal experience and testifying on behalf of the law of chastity.  A law from God that is constantly on trial and is constantly attacked by the world.

Before I go on, I think it’s important to talk about a few things that the law of chastity entails.  The law of chastity as revealed by the Lord (through his scriptures and his prophets) deals with some of these:

So I Lied.

Kind of.  I mean, I didn’t intentionally lie.  But I did say I was going to be closing this blog down…however, after a few weeks of not having it, I’m reliving a chick flick.

Justamormonwriter.com Is Closing Down. Here’s Why-

I have a testimony that God reveals things to us “line upon line, precept upon precept.”  Starting this blog has been no different.

When I first started this site I had no idea what I was doing, only that I felt it was something I should do.  I was at a dark place in my life, I was nearing graduating college and I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.  This caused me great anxiety.

But I just started writing because I wanted to share the Gospel.  As I did though I started to feel that writing could be the path for me.

And today, I’ve decided to finally go for it.

What It’s Like to Lose a Battle to Crippling Anxiety (And How to Win)

Yesterday, I lost the battle.  At least on my own anyway.  Don’t worry though, this story has a happy ending.

From Catholic to Mormon: Brandon’s Conversion Story

Here’s another conversion story shared on another blog I follow as part of the series on my blog, “The Conversion Chronicles”. Thanks for sharing this brandon.

Grace for Grace

A few weeks ago I was asked by our local missionaries to find some people willing to share their conversion story with one of the people they were teaching. I knew of a lot of my friends from various walks of life who had converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) so I asked for their conversion stories.

I appreciate the responses and will have a little “series” of posts called Mormon Conversion Stories. Each person’s story is unique and very personal, but it illustrates just how personal our Heavenly Father is when we open our hearts up to Him.

The first story I would like to share is from one of my friends named Brandon. He is a gifted illustrator and has a website: http://www.drawingfaith.blogspot.com where he has drawn images from various stories in the scriptures.

Here’s his story:

Brandon’s Conversion Story: From Catholic…

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What’s Behind A Mormon’s Testimony?

Every 1st sunday of the month, LDS Churches everywhere hold a meeting called fast and testimony meeting.  This meeting is an opportunity for members of the Church (or in some cases, non-members) to share their testimonies and thoughts with the congregation.

It’s what I affectionately call, “Open Mic night for Mormons” (although it doesn’t really take place at night…but you get the idea…)

Typically you’ll hear a lot of personal stories, things people are grateful for, and ALWAYS, without a doubt, you’ll hear the phrase, “I know-”  in conjunction with an aspect of the gospel.

Someone is bound to say something like,

10 Things I Learned in 2013

1. Changing the way you say your prayers can change your life.  For a long time I prayed as if trying to conform Heavenly Father to my will, but once I stopped and started seeking what He would have me do and not what I would have Him do, things changed for me drastically.

VIDEO: “How Mormonism Saved a Life” Conversion Chronicles Part 3

Truth be told, I’m not the biggest fan of the term “Mormonism”, but since it’s a term that is used by many to identify the principles of the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter Day Saints, I use it.

But semantics aside, the truth is that the foundational principles of  “Mormonism” involve coming unto Christ and partaking of His glorious Atonement.  Coming Unto Christ is “Mormonism”.

In regards to this, I saw this video yesterday and I just had to share it.  It’s beautiful.  It’s the conversion story of a young woman who found the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it changed her life.  As a matter of fact she writes in the description of this video,

“What Saved My life”

I’d have to agree.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has saved mine as well.

Anyway, please watch this video, it’s incredible.  Thank you Charlotte for sharing your story.