Response Memo...

In response to THIS ARTICLE --> Click on "THIS ARTICLE" to read original...

If you don't read that article first, this entry won't make a lot of sense... if any.

Here's my take.  First point – I think what she is REALLY saying is that those who are bored need to #1 change their attitudes.  That was not reflected in my statement above, so I apologize.  I SO truly believe you get what you put in.  Honest to goodness, most Sundays I leave and feel incredible.  I have taken what I can and need to from the speakers and lessons... What she is saying is that we expect these big manifestations to happen and they don’t to everyone… well, not in those ways of old.  However, in my personal life, I've felt just as amazing and powerful manifestations in my heart – literally, JUST as powerful I’m sure.  I believe that for most people, it’s an individual thing – that’s the beauty of the gospel.  However, how I read her point is that most people EXPECT more than that and if we would just listen to the quiet manifestations, we would see God is ALREADY present in our meetings.  There’s that.

Second point – I agree and disagree with this point.  I think that some wards are spot on with having a balance about sharing facts about Christ and the church, and getting more at the why it matters.  However, many wards skip out on the WHY.  I am a BIG advocate of the WHY in everything.  What do I mean by that?  Well, why does it matter where Christ comes from and what he said in the lessons he taught?  Why does it matter what the Saints went through at the start of the restoration?  We have to teach more than “what happened” and teach why is matters to you as a Latter-day Saint.  How can your testimony grow and change from learning the importance of WHY we teach the doctrine?  If your ward is doing this, then I’m obviously not talk about the revamp in your ward.  If not, then perhaps trainings and ideas shared on how to talk or teach is appropriate, like in point #4. 

Third point – I learn through music best.  Sincerely, that is my “multiple intelligence” if you will… Everyone learns differently (visually, audibly, kinesthetically, etc.), and my main avenue is music.  When I’m at General Conference, I genuinely write down more notes from feelings I have during the songs than the speakers.  I LOVE MUSIC.  Knowing that, know that I love a lot of hymns from the hymn book.  However, we could have some revamp there.  Perhaps a good chunk of it is the tempo on songs needs to improve, but I think it’s more than that… We want to be respectful of the chapel and the place where one of the most sacred ordinances takes place, but we could still have music that a bit more joyful and even upbeat – I’m not talking going crazy to the point the spirit is driven out, but if done in the right tone and maturity from the congregation, there’s nothing wrong with a “worship” piece.  You can disagree – it’s fine – but I think that it would only enhance the service.  Also, what’s wrong with allowing the acoustic guitar into a service if it’s used reverently and can respectfully to worship… Just thoughts.

Fourth point – What is wrong with offering training to individuals and helping us all BE BETTER?  We are not just here on earth to grow spiritually, but in all manners of life.  That’s why we’re told to become educated –to study and learn from the best books – and those are not solely scriptural.  Thus, what is wrong with offering opportunities for growth in public speaking, teaching, and communication in general?  Especially when learning to communicate could only help us articulate and share the message of the gospel with greater comfort, accuracy, and passion, I believe this to be a wonderful idea for ALL individuals.  Even the BEST speakers could benefit from training on talking about the gospel.

Point five – Her language and point comes across slightly pompous, I admit.  Okay, her language through most of this comes across rather pompous.  However, I think her intentions are pure… Remember, Elder Utchdorf stated, “…it is quite easy to judge other people, often assigning dark motives to their actions in order to justify our own feelings of resentment.”  I don’t believe her intentions to be malicious or impure by any means. 

Now - Like my friend Brook said, ordinary people doing extraordinary things is the beauty of the gospel.  We don’t need theologians giving all our talks and lessons – nope, we just need those with willing hearts.  We do not need a change in the people or our leadership.  Those called are inspired and called of God – I know that for myself.  So point five is where I disagree with her… However, I think as those in our generation are coming into leadership callings it is important to realize that we are there for a reason – not to keep things exactly the same, but to look for ways to constantly strive to make things better.  The GOSPEL it perfect, but the people aren't – I am FAR from it… Why not give me tools that I need personally?  For example, in regards to point four, I feel VERY confident in public speaking and teaching, and I know I’m good at it – I better be as it’s my profession.  Haha!  However, of course I could use more training on speaking about the gospel!  That’s just one example.

Point is, there is NOTHING wrong with sharing a new or different idea.  That gospel has provided a safe space that should encourage individuals to share thoughts and impressions.  They may or may not work, but who knows if you voice a thought what glorious program or slight change could come forth to benefit someone or many.  There’s my two…. ten cents.

I will support and go with what the brethren say – always.  I’m just giving my ideas… and as a future and current leader in the church, I think we are blessed with minds and opinions to share.  Things don’t change if no one says anything… and perhaps they don’t need to.  However, we are on this world to be heard and to share the inspiration and thoughts that come to our minds… that I precisely why God has given us the ability to think and be inspired.

*muah* 

Song of the Day: My friend, Sean recommended this band to me  and I am IN LOVE!  They are fabulous... Here is The Orbit Group with "Typical."  Take a listen and you will NOT regret it - Enjoy!