Musings on Mormonism

Transitioning out of Mormonism

2011-05-09T13:48:00.004-06:00

Greetings!

It has been a long long time since I have blogged here. I have kept this blog up to share with those who cross my path, who are interested in hearing about my journey out of Mormonism.
It's a lot easier to refer them to this blog vs. telling people over and over again. :)

Recently, I came across a series of videos that are geared at helping LDS transition out of the LDS faith community. These are excellent, and I wanted to share them here. They are helpful not only for ex-LDS, but also for members of the Body of Christ, who wish to understand and minister to those in their lives who have come out of the LDS church.

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FBBJECNU

If you wish to share your thoughts about the videos, I would love to hear from you.

Grateful for grace,

gloria

Looking back.... no regrets.

2010-03-01T13:25:00.004-06:00

Dear readers,

I began this blog about a year ago. It was very therapeutic for me to share my experiences and thoughts concerning Mormonism. There is something very healing about writing down one's experiences. The LDS church was my life for 19 yrs of my life. My life took a dramatic change when Christ took a hold of my life in the fall of 2007. It has been 2 yrs plus since I took that step to completely surrender my life to the lordship of Christ my King.

As I look back, I can honestly say I have absolutely no regrets in my decision to resign from the LDS church. Please don't get me wrong, it was not an easy thing to do! Far from it! But, honestly and sincerely I have no regrets.

The Lord spoke thousands of years ago of "counting the cost" of being one of HIS disciples;

" And if anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father, and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes and his own life, he cannnot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me, cannnot be my disciple. For which of you intentending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it------
Lest after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying ' this man began to build and was not able to finish'. .....

Luke 15;26-30

When I resigned from the LDS church, I knew it would be hard.

I knew it would "cost" me something and it has. The loss of relationships. The loss of love from loved ones.

Thru it all though, thru all the ups and downs ... I can honestly and boldly declare;

Christ is worth it!!!!!

I wouldn't change one thing.

I wouldn't go back and re-do things differently.

I have counted the cost, and found that HE is indeed worth everything!

So some may ask where am I now?

I will tell you that after 2 plus years of walking with the lord Jesus Christ, I am more convinced now more than ever that truly Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.

He is the living waters.

The bread of life.

The Messiah.

The I AM.

He is, and was, and is yet to come.

2 yrs later you would find myself and my 10 children lovingly embraced by the body of Christ in a wonderful non denominational church here. We are growing and learning along with the Body of Christ. My 10 children have all accepted Jesus as their lord and Savior. We have been blessed with wonderful ministry opportunities to share Jesus with the lost. We are loving our life as believers and embracing every chance to grow in our walk with the Lord!

I truly can say looking back, that embracing Christ.. surrendering to His headship has been the singular best decision I have made in my lifetime.

No regrets....

One of my favorite hymns is : I have Decided to follow Jesus

The words stir my soul.......

I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow, I have decided to follow Jesus.......

No turning back, no turning back.......

The world behind me, the cross before me, The world behind me, the cross before me.....

No turning back, no turning back.......

Though none go with me, still I will follow, Though none go with me, still I will follow......

No turning back, no turning back......

Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

No turning back, no turning back.........

_________________________

So, with that I have decided to retire this blog. I have hoped and prayed that it has in some small way it has helped . I will also continue to pray for the Body of Christ, that we may continue to reach out to the LDS in a spirit of love & truth.

If any of you wish to continue to read about me or my family. I invite you to read my blog at http://www.thepotters-hands.blogspot.com/ or you can catch up with me on Facebook.

I thank my Lord, My God & My Savior for His gracious mercy and grace in pulling me and my children out of the LDS church and for the giving of His precious body & blood, so that we can receive the gift of Eternal life.

Thank you , Jesus. I love you so much.

New blog!!!

2010-01-02T12:40:00.003-06:00

A New Year!!!! A new blog for me!!

I will be blogging at :

www.thepotters-hands.blogspot.com

May you each enjoy a blessed New Year~

gloria

Dispelling Myths

2009-11-16T11:24:00.003-06:00

It has been almost 2 yrs since I left the LDS church. In that time I have noticed some interesting things. In speaking with my LDS friends , both in "real life" and "online" I have picked up on a trend ( for a lack of a better word) that I would like to write about.

There is a tendancy, for some LDS to hold beliefs about "why" members of the LDS church resign. Sometimes these beliefs are in fact valid, but many times they are not. In fact there are some "myths" out there about "why" we leave. I thought it might be helpful to discuss those reasons, with the hopes of dispelling the myths.

First of all, the "myths".................

I have noticed that some LDS "may" think former Mormons have left because:

1. They have been offended.

Ok, this one is what I think is one of the silliest reasons and myths around. Why? Because one can be offended in any church, not just the LDS church. Goodness knows people are people -- whether LDS or not. People say and do hurtful things, and are often times insensitive. LDS are not immune to such behaviors, and it's not a reason to ultimately leave a given faith.

Was I offended at any point in my time in the LDS church? Sure, I was! Was that a reason to leave? NO! I would not leave a church simply because someone there says something or does something that is insensitive. Have I been offended by Christians? Heck, yeah! It happens! Church denomination set aside... it happens... both in and out of the LDS Church.

I was a Mormon for 19 years. Yeah, my feelings got hurt from time to time, but that was not the ultimate reason why I resigned. In my 2 yrs since exiting the LDS faith, I have met many former Mormons both online and in "real life" and I have yet to meet someone who resigned because someone hurt their feelings. I am not saying it "can't happen".... I am just saying I don't know of someone personally who left because of this reason.

Honestly, most former Mormons I have met, including myself ... took their faith very seriously. They did not expect perfection from other Mormons, and certainly did not have unrealistic expectations that Mormons were a "perfect" people. I for one would have not left simply because someone hurt my feelings. I took my former faith much more seriously than that. I was committed to what I believed at that time was "the one true Church" and would not have resigned based on some insensitive remark from a fellow LDS.

2. We just didn't "get it"......

I hear this reason probably more than any other reason for leaving the LDS. I have ran in a number of LDS who when they hear that I left the LDS faith, assume I just "didn't get the LDS gospel" . They make the assumption that I really didn't understand the LDS doctrines & faith or I wouldn't have left. Instead of just agreeing to disagree and wishing us well, they just assume we weren't listening all those years, didn't study the LDS gospel and just didn't understand. Can I just say how ridiculous this argument is? Especially for those of us who served full time proslyeting missions, spent years in the LDS church teaching doctrinal classes ( such as Sunday School,Gospel Doctrine, Seminary, RS. Priesthood, etc.) .

Many former Mormons also spent their lives in the LDS church. From the time they were born they were taught LDS doctrines & faith. To be told they didn't "get it" well , that is a bit insulting.

Just because a person chooses to leave a particular faith , does not mean they did not understand it's founding principles and doctrines. Actually the opposite is usually true. It's because they did "get it" ..... that they ended up making the choice to leave.

Most former LDS I know, studied the LDS gospel deeply. In fact, their study led them to find things that were deeply concerning to them. Contradictions in LDS doctrines, and challenging aspects of LDS history have led many a LDS to question their faith. This is true for those who question in other faiths. When I was a Roman Catholic, there were many aspects of the R.C. faith that troubled me. From their non biblical teachings and traditions , to their emphasis on ritual I was disturbed enough to make the choice to leave the R.C. Church.

I have met few former Mormons that left without studying the LDS gospel deeply! Many not only took a deep look at their former faith, but also spoke with their eccliastical leaders, such as their local Bishops, Stake Presidents, Insitute teachers, apologetic leaders from FAIR and other LDS apologists before making the choice to leave the LDS faith. Like me, they wanted to try to make "sense" of the contradictions in doctrine and the troubling spots in LDS history.

To say " we didn't get it" it is to imply that because we made the choice to leave, we never really understood it to begin with. May I say how wrong this assumption is? For many of us, we did get it , and we simply did not agree with it. We chose something different. Whether that was Biblical Christianity, or whether that means to simply exit and not affiliate with another faith.

3. The LDS gospel was too hard to live.

This "myth" is almost laughable. Believe me, being a Christian is so much more difficult in many ways than being LDS. Loving your enemies, doing good to those that hate you & forgiving your LDS family members for shunning you is no easy thing! The LDS gospel may be rule ridden, but that doesn't mean it's "hard" to live. It is also insulting for those of us who truly did committ to living the LDS lifestyle and gospel. Most former Mormons who are now Christians, truly did love their faith and tried sincerely to live it to the best of their abilities. I have also run across a number of them who served faithfully in their LDS church callings, from Bishops to Sunday School teachers to former Temple Presidents and Mission leaders. They didn't leave because it was "too hard".

4. There is some unrepentent sin that was committed .

This is another "myth" that is floating out there with some LDS about "why" some of us leave. Maybe for some this may be true, but I have yet to meet a Former Mormon who left, because of some "sin" they didn't want to repent of!! Goodness knows there are plenty of LDS who stay LDS, sinning set aside! We all can agree we are sinners. For all have fallen short and have sinned. LDS and non LDS. Many LDS sin and "stay" LDS .

I did not leave the LDS church because of some awful sin I committed, that I was unwilling to repent of! Good grief! This "myth" is probably the most insulting of them all. Not only that but terribly judgemental.

The above "myths" are just that..... Myths..... they are simply not the truth, for the most part on why we leave. Yeah, perhaps there are some who may leave for the above reasons, but for the most part those who I have spoken to , this is simply not true!

I would encourage those who remain affiliated with the LDS church to perhaps take some time to really try to understand "why" people really do leave. I believe it will be helpful to them, because the truth of the mattter is Mormons do leave, and they will continue to leave. Who knows, it may be one of your loved ones one day. A child.... a spouse.... a parent... may very well choose to leave the LDS Church.... what will you do about it? Will you be upset? Will you try to understand them and reach out to them with compassion? Will you just make "assumptions" about why they left?

May I suggest the approach of trying to make steps to understanding? If a loved one leaves the LDS church, they are still your loved one are they not? Just because they choose to leave the LDS Church does not mean you need to excommunicate them from your life? Why not try to understand where they are coming from? I can assure you that if you do this, you will build bridges and your relationship will have a better chance of weathering the storm.

As a former LDS, ( I was LDS for 19 yrs) I would like to share with you the following reasons that people may leave the LDS Church for. This list is certainly not inclusive, but it may help you to understand a little more and perhaps help you to build bridges . Who knows, it may be your child or spouse one day who chooses to leave... why not equip yourself with some tools to help you navigate the situation... in any case, all LDS know of at least a few former mormons, whether they be inactive members or former Mormons who have resigned. This may help you understand them a little more. These reasons are based not only on my own expierences with leaving, but on the expierences of the many former LDS I have run across thru the years.

Reasons why LDS may choose to leave or resign from the LDS Church:

1. They simply found something else.

Yes, as hard as that may be to graps for current LDS, some Mormons may simply choose to attend another church or faith expression simply based on the fact that they found "greener pastures". This is not an insult to your faith. Please don't see it that way. It just means that the LDS church is not a "one size fits all" orginization. What works for one, may simply not work for another. That is just human nature. Many former mormons choose to disafilliate with the LDS church simply because they found something that works better for them. That may be another Church or Faith, or it may simply mean they don't want to affiliate with any religion what so ever. Please try to not be offended by that.

I recall a friend of mine who when I told her years back I had left the LDS church because I had found something that ultimately fills my needs more adequately, her response surprised me......... " oh that can't be.. nothing is better than the LDS church! You can't find anything better!" Ok, well that may be very well for her, and her family, but that is her personal choice. Just because she feels that way does not mean others agree. For me personally we have found a church that is staffed with better teachers for my children, offers a more alive and relevant worship service and offers a multitude of ministry opporotunities. Why can't current LDS simply say : " Hey, I'll miss you at church, but I wish you the best!"

The fact of the matter is that the LDS church does not have the corner on the market on Sunday School teachers & worship music. What works for one family, may not work for another.

2. For those of us who have embraced Biblical Christianity, we ultimately have placed our trust fully in Christ and not in a religious denomination.

This is a reason many have for leaving the LDS faith. They have found that the grace of Jesus Christ is enough for them. They do not wish to place their trust in a religion or Church, or the church's ordinances, but in the person of Christ . This reason would definately be one of the main reasons I left personally. I simply came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ, and His work on Calvary is what I need to place my trust in.

3. They have studied LDS history & doctrines and have found discrepncies and contradictions.

This is another common reason I come across for leaving the LDS. Many of my former LDS friends began their journey "out" by studing the LDS doctrines at length. They could not reconcile the contradictions, and so chose to leave. It happens. It is a valid reason for leaving any faith. When one can no longer embrace the doctrines of one's faith, many are not willing to continue to affiliate with that particular faith expression. They resign.

When I realized that Joseph Smith's accounts of his first vision contradicted each other, it greatly disturbed me. Instead of putting it on a shelf as some choose to do, I chose to study it at length and made the ultimate discovery that Smith was not being honest. As a former Mormon, I could not reconcile this part of LDS history, and ultimately this played a part in my choice to resign.

This reason is a common reason why many former Mormons leave.

4. A spouse or loved one exposed them to another faith, and they ultimately made the choice to resign from the LDS church.

Though not as common, as the other reasons stated above, I do from time to time run into a former Mormon who did ultimately choose to resign from the LDS , because they either married a Christian or because a friend or loved one introduced them another faith expression.

5. They just don't "believe it" anymore.

I hear this a lot from former LDS...... ultimately they just didn't believe any more in the doctrines and LDS Church. Perhaps it was a combination of searching doctrines, or just a slow demise of their former faith -- they ultimately just didn't believe anymore. I don't want to get too specific as to "why"... because I have ran across so many reasons, but I think it's fair to say that a great many former Mormons leave because they simply don't believe anymore.

As you have read thus far, former Mormons leave for various reasons. Each one's exit is unique..... but the bottom line is that for most of us who are former LDS, we do not leave for the "myths" stated at the beginning of this post. We don't leave because we are offended, or because it was "too hard" to live. No, for most of us, we have chosen to resign after deep study, prayer, and really a heart search. For most of us who were at one time LDS, we sincerely believed the LDS Church was all it said it is. We did not take delight in leaving. Many of us, left behind a spouse or children or loved ones. We did not embark upon our journey out with light mindedness and flippantness. No for most of us the decision was wrought after deep soul searching and months if not years of questioning and prayer.

Instead of embracing the "myths" why not try to really understand "why" we left? Why not communicate with compassion and an attempt to understand? I can promise you when you do so, you will build bridges with your loved ones, instead of alienating them.

Remember it may be your child or spouse that in the future leaves the LDS church. Why not try to understand them? I think you will find that when you do so, you will be better equipped to navigate the changes in your relationship and build bridges towards understanding and mutual love & respect.

God bless,

Gloria

" I hope my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock, the one who saves me."
~ Psalm 19:14~

Is it really about grace?

2009-10-08T11:10:00.008-06:00

For some time now, God has been prodding me to blog here about grace. To be honest, life is so incredibly crazy full with homeschooling my 10 kiddos, bible study, fellowship with the King, ministry work, keeping house, shopping, house keeping, etc. that my time to blog takes a back seat.

This morning after my time of fellowship with the Lord again, I once again had that distinct thought to blog here again on grace.

So, I guess I need to follow thru on what God is clearly pushing me forward to share, eh? Lord Jesus, may my words be acceptable to You!

My church is studying the book of Romans for bible study. Awesome, amazing stuff in the book of Romans! I am thoroughly enjoying the study and learning so much!

Last night, we studied Romans chapter 10 & 11.....( some of my favorite chapters in the entire book) .......

This passage jumped out at me and I knew I needed to share it here.

" And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace otherwise work is no longer work. " - Romans 11:6

If we believe we are saved by grace + _________ ( fill in the blank) then it's no longer grace, friends.

Abraham, the "father of the Jews" was justified by God because of His faith, not because of his good works.

" For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. " Romans 4:2-3

" If" Abraham had been justified by "his works" he has nothing to boast about before God.

" Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness." -- Romans 4:4 & 5

If we are saved by "works" or by "grace + works" then the wages of our works is not counted as grace. The wages of our works then are counted as "debt".

The whole awesome amazing thing about grace is that it has nothing to do with our works... but on the whole entire work, life, and blood of JESUS Christ the Messiah!

Abraham was made right with God even before he was circumcised. It had nothing to do with circumcision and "works". Romans 3:10

As a born again believer, I am made right with God thru my faith and belief in the *work* Jesus did . More specifically, the work He did on Calvary.
It has nothing to do with my good works. Sure, God cares about our good works. The purpose of our good works was clearly defined by Jesus when he said :

" By this is my Father glorified, when you bear much fruit." John 15:8

Our "fruit" or "good works" are to bring glory and honor to God. Not to seek favors or to gain something from God, and definitely not to be able to "gain" or "work out" where we will end up in the eternities.

Jesus worked out our salvation on Calvary.

His blood is what justifies us.

" Since we have now been justified by His blood. " Romans 5:9

Grace is not grace if we add works or anything else to it.

It is solely the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that saves us, and allows us access us to the throne of God to live eternally is His presence.

Anything else, simply put.... is not grace.

That's the message I have today here for those who stop by and read. That is what God has led me to share. I hope it leads you to think deeply about grace... for those of you who already understand how awesome and amazing His grace is, I say to you, Praise God.. and to those of you who are still wondering if the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is enough... I say to you, YES, YES, YES! His blood is enough.

Amen & Amen it is enough ,

Gloria

New Poll!

2009-09-28T15:15:00.001-06:00

Hi, all! Please take a moment and vote in my newest poll I have posted on the side of my blog.

Thanks!

Gloria

New Bible for the LDS Church?

2009-09-28T13:10:00.005-06:00

The LDS Church has announced it's plans to re-translate the Spanish Bible. Before this time, Spanish speaking LDS members used their own Spanish Bible translation of the KJV or " Reina Valera" translation. It's important to take note, that this a new translation, not just a reprint of the KJV translation with a LDS book cover. To read more about this, you can visit the LDS Church's official website and read up on this project.

I suspect the LDS church will include the various changes it's founder Joseph Smith, made to the original text of the KJV. These can be found at the back of the current English version of the LDS published Bible. I also suspect the new Spanish LDS edition of the Bible will have the LDS footnotes at the top of each chapter and cross references to other LDS scriptures, as it does in the English version.

What I do wonder is how long will it be before the LDS Church re-translates the English Version of the Bible into their own translation/version? Right now, the LDS church uses the KJV, and also adds their own footnotes, and cross references to other LDS cannonized Scriptures. I wonder if this step will lead LDS leaders to come up with their own Bible translation in English and then do the same in other languages?

I also wonder, and wondered when I was a practicing LDS, "why" they just don't lay aside the KJV all together and use the Joseph Smith Inspired Version like the Reorganized Church and other splinter churches from the original church Joseph Smith founded.

My concern is this, right now the LDS people have God's word available to them in the KJV. Yes, there are LDS footnotes, and cross references, but God's Word is still available to them to read. For me personally, my exit from the LDS was deeply affected by reading the Bible. ( and yes it was an LDS published KJV bible!) God has promised us that His word will not return void and will go forth and fulfill the purposes it is intened by God to do, and that is to bring men to a knowledge of their sinfullness and need of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As long as the LDS do have access to the Bible, there is great hope, that many will pick it up and read and may come to see the truth.

"If" the LDS church re-translates the Bible it's members use there is reason to be concerned. Other Cults also have their "own" translations, including the Jehovah Witnesses. These translations change God's Word in essential ways.

For example, what if the LDS church changed John 1: 1 from what it states now to what Joseph Smith said it should be?

Right now John 1: 1 states:

" In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. "

Joseph changed this passage to read:

" In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God and the Son was of God."

Can you see the significant change in the text & meaning of this passage?

All of sudden Jesus is no longer the WORD, and no longer is HE GOD.

Big difference! Big change!

So there lies my concern.

All I can do is hope & pray God would intervene, that the LDS people would begin to read their Bibles more , like I did, and that God would use His word to divide asunder, and to convict them of the error of the LDS doctrines. I guess time will tell.

One can hope & definately one can pray ~ He is able!

gloria

My LDS friend keeps inviting me to LDS functions, what should I make of it?

2009-09-01T11:31:00.004-06:00

A while back, a comment was left by a reader who was wondering if her LDS's friend desire to invite her to her church's function was sincerely just wanting to "include her in the fun" or could there be an "ulterior motive" to her invites?

First of all, I do not claim to be able to discern the motives and intents of an individuals heart. I simply can not make that call. Only the Lord Himself can make that judgement call. With that said, I can share with you what my personal experience was when I was a LDS.

If any of you have spent any time with LDS, you know for the most part they are a social people. They enjoy getting together . They host "ward dinners" ... that is another word for a "potluck" or "fellowship meals". They host big Halloween parties, Christmas' Dinners & celebrate the Mormon pioneers who travelled to Utah by handcart and wagon. ( Pioneer Day Celebrations)

LDS are not only encouraged to bring their families, they are also encouraged to bring their "less active" friends, that is Mormons who are not actively participating in the LDS programs or attending Church regularly. The hope or "desire" is to "activate" them or "bring them back into the fold sort of speak". Active Mormons ( those who attend church regularly) are encouraged to also invite their friends or family who are *not* LDS. Their hope or motive is to "share the LDS gospel" with them.

When I was trained at the Mission training center in Provo, Utah prior to leaving for my 18 mos LDS proselytizing mission to Argentina, I was taught the "commitment pattern". The commitment pattern is a multi step program geared at activation and converting non members to the LDS gospel. It is a very simple program involving that the active Mormon do the following:

1. Build a relationship of trust with the non member, or less active Mormon
This should be done subtly, thru showing concern , empathy and interest toward the potential convert. For example, as a missionary we were taught when door knocking, we should not just tell a person strait out " hi, we are here to share the restored gospel, and to invite you to become a member of our church!" No, that wouldn't work too well! Instead we were trained to come up with methods to build a relationship with the person *first*. We might ask or inquire about the person's work, family, home, interests, etc. The goal was to "build trust" with that person.

2. Share/ Invite the Spirit was the second step involved in the commitment pattern. Missionaries were taught that after inquiring about a person's interests, showing concern, etc. we were then trained to share something "spiritual" with them. For example, if an Elder or LDS missionary approaches the home of a family with children, he/she may first ask about each child. Their name, age, interests etc. They then would state that they know families are special and that God has a plan for families to be forever together. The missionary may then ask the potential convert if they believe or would wish to be with their family forever?

3. Testify: The next step of the commitment pattern would be to "testify" to the potential convert. An Elder or Sister may say something like " I know God has a plan for families to be together forever. He wants us to enjoy our families for not just this life but the next".

4. The final step would be to invite or challenge the potential convert : " We would like to invite you and your family to hear a message about how families can be together forever. We would like to return on such and such a day to share that message. " That is the final step of the commitment pattern. Committing the potential convert to some kind of commitment, whether it be to attend LDS church services, or listen to the missionary discussions or to be baptized into the Mormon faith.

The above steps are taught to the LDS missionaries prior to being sent off on their mission.

The LDS church teaches and believes that *every* Mormon should be a missionary.

Missionaries work with the members in the wards to help them in their missionary efforts.

I remember well many times the Elders would come over and we would write a list of non member friends and family. We were told to pray over that list and listen to the "spirit" tell us which one of those names listed we would invite to hear the Mormon missionary discussions. We were encouraged to fast and pray that God would help us to "share" the gospel with these people.

We would plan a "family home evening" ( Monday night family activity) and invite our non member friends or family. We might even have the Mormon Elders there to "share" or present a "gospel" message. The goal was to help the non member convert to Mormonism.

Members are encouraged by missionaries and their Bishops to invite their non Mormon friends to Ward dinners, and activities. A stake or ward may even go as far as to host an "open house" or activity especially geared at teaching the non member about the Mormon faith.

I want to state here, that as a missionary I was taught to set goals and determine a certain number of converts I wished to see baptized each month. I was told to set goals for how many book of Mormons I gave out each week, and how many discussions I taught to potential converts.

Mormon Stakes & Wards have "stake missionaries" or "ward missionaries" that is a lay member of their Ward is called by their bishop to serve as a missionary within their particular ward boundaries. ( they do not leave their families or area they live in)

So as you can see, the LDS church is a Church that places great emphasis on converting non Mormons to their Church. They also try hard to "re-activate" those LDS who have drifted away from the Mormon Church.

The question posed by my reader, about her LDS friend then can be addressed in light of the information shared on this post. Her friend may most likely be inviting her to these events with the hopes of converting her friend, or she may be feeling pressured by LDS missionaries that are working with her family to invite non LDS friends to her Church's events and activities.

Please take note, that the LDS do this with sincerity of heart for the most part. They truly believe they are being obedient to their leaders wishes, and please take note that they believe that their Church is the ONLY TRUE church on the earth today. They believe that it is only thru the LDS church that one can receive all the necessary teachings and ordinances ( baptism, confirmation, temple endowment, sealing, etc) for a person to live with God forever.

So the next time your LDS friend invites you to a ward dinner or over to dinner ~ be aware that there may very well be an ulterior motive to their invitation. For Christians reading this post, you may wonder "what should I do, if that is the case?" I would strongly recommend that you tell your LDS friend that you are aware of their church's focus on converting people to their Church. Be sure to tell you friend you are aware, and understand their motives for doing so. Be sincere & kind. This will unguard them sort of speak --- once they "know" you "Know" what is going on, they may feel more free to just be themselves. The pressure will be "off" and they can let their true colors show. Many LDS will feel a sense of relief that they don't need to work at converting you! :) You may then just enjoy one an other's company without any strings attached. Be aware though, that not all LDS may wish to continue the friendship once they know you "know" what is the motive. They may have just become a friend with the intention of converting you. That is not always the case, but it happens enough to warrant my sharing this here. To give you an example, my older sis moved to Utah in the 1990's. Never been a Mormon, she knew little about the LDS culture. She moved to very Mormon Sandy, Utah. They purchased a home in a predominately LDS neighborhood. She was amazed at how friendly everyone was! Cookies, brownies and bread came from all over the place! Wow, she was impressed. Everyone welcomed them to the neighborhood. After a bit , the invites came to attend the local ward and to have the missionaries come over. My sister, being a devout member of another faith, politely declined their offers. What happened next is so sad. Basically these people were only friendly for the possible conversion of my sister and her family. After being told they had no interest in becoming Mormon, they basically ignored her & her family.

Now, I know not all LDS are going to respond that way. I most certainly did not when I was LDS. If a friend or some one else said "sorry, not interested", I did not just drop them and move on. I saw this happen enough though to know this does indeed happen. I hope my LDS readers realize that I know that not all LDS respond like in this way.

Bottom line, the LDS do have an agenda. The agenda is to convert you to Mormonism.

They may invite you to their local ward activities, or over to dinner or share an LDS movie production with the hopes of converting you.

All you need to do is be honest with them and politely tell them you know "what's up" and "no thanks". They may ask you "why not" and that may open the door for you to share about Jesus with them.

I also want to say, I realize that Christians as well have an "agenda" . As a born again believer, my hope my great desire is to see souls sold out for Christ Jesus!!! I want to see as many people as possible come to the saving knowledge that Christ Saves! I long to see my LDS friends released from the bondage of a religion and into a relationship with the King of Kings!

Yeah, I have an agenda too.

The difference is, for the most part the Christian evangelist is open, transparent about their motives. They will come out and say I want to see you saved, friend. There is no commitment pattern. No building a relationship of trust. To be honest friends, there may be not be enough time for such things, because the world is on fire, and we are called to grab our houses and start crying out : JESUS SAVES, run!

I think that is the greatest difference I see in the evangelization efforts of the LDS vs. Christianity.

Our goal as Christian is not to fill up our Churches -- but to fill up Heaven!!!!

Our goal is not to convert to our particular denominational choice, but to see souls converted to the King of Kings!

... And hopefully if our friends and neighbors and loved ones reject the good news... we will keep loving them....... we are called to do so, friends. We just don't drop them off, and say "move on". No, we keep loving on them, knowing that the God who saves is able in His time to open eyes and ears to the truth in Christ!

So the next time your LDS friend or neighbor invites you over for dinner with the Elders, you'll hopefully be equipped to perhaps unguard them , and also with God's help and grace to share the fantastic news that what Jesus did is sufficient for all men!

God bless,

Gloria

My child has decided to serve a Mormon mission, now what?

2009-08-24T11:52:00.004-06:00

Recently, a reader left a comment here on my blog. His daughter was soon to leave on a Mormon mission. He asked "what" he could tell her before she left. This young woman's father was a former Mormon, now redeemed by God's amazing grace. He loves his daughter and is concerned for her.

After pondering upon this situation and giving it some prayer, I wanted to offer some encouragement to this dad. :) Perhaps there are other Christian readers who are in a similar situation, with a child or loved one getting ready to go on a Mormon mission.

First of all, I would encourage this dad and any others to PRAY! I can not encourage that enough. Pray that God will give you the words to speak. Pray that God will give you the grace to love that person in spite of their choices, and pray for the wisdom to speak and share God's word with them. Pray for opportunities to share the Good News! Pray for their hearts to be softened and for their eyes to be opened. Pray that they will be receptive , when the time comes to what you may be led to share! In short PRAY!!!!!

I have shared here recently, about a young LDS woman I have been praying for. She recently was sent to the Midwest on a Mormon 18 mos proselytizing mission. I have been praying daily for her. God , has answered my prayers in amazing ways!!!! She has been meeting with a christian pastor each week and he has been teaching her about Jesus. She has also befriends born again Christians who have opened their home to her, shared the love of Jesus with her and a meal too! :) I am just floored by how God is working!! I am praying daily that God will use believers to share the truth with her in love and with boldness. I believe God will do a great work in her while she serves her Mormon mission. God is not restricted by the situations around Him, folks. That means He can save Mormons while they serve a Mormon mission ! I have personally read the testimonies of young Mormons who were saved while serving a Mormon mission and then came home and left the Mormons and embraced Christianity. Friends, it is possible! Our God sits on the throne and He is still in the miracle business!!

Never ever ever underestimate the power of prayer, friends!!!!!!

Secondly, I would encourage this father and others to really show forth LOVE. Love is a huge thing. I think we underestimate it's power in the lives of the lost. When we reach out with love, hearts are softened....... minds are opened...... ears become receptive. Let your Mormon friends see that love. Genuine love. Show them the defining fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ -- LOVE.
They will know we are Christians by our love. I love that song!!! We sing it often in our home!

For this dad who is worried about his daughter -- I encourage you to love her!!!! Write to her when she leaves and just tell her how much you love her, and are praying for her.Let her never doubt your love for her. Let it be an unconditional rock in her life!

Friends I know it's easy to become frustrated with our LDS family and friends. But let's remember, God calls us to love. Sometimes that can be tough. Sometimes , they are hard to love.
Believe me, I understand..... but God calls us to love one another. He didn't not say "love only believers". He said to love everyone.

Finally, when the time is right and the Holy Spirit directs, share the truth we know and hold dear. Share the good news! Plant those seeds of grace. Perhaps you are discouraged, thinking they won't listen.... won't receive. Friends, one never knows. God calls some to plant seeds, some to pull the weeds, some to till the soil and some to harvest...... it's rare that any of us would see the entire process all the way thru with a lost soul. Most of the time, we get to do one of the above... plant a seed, or weed, or harvest........ all are important.

I want to encourage this father and others to PRAY, LOVE & when the time is share the good news!! God is more concerned about your lost loved one than we are!! He wants them saved and safely in His kingdom more than we do!

Entrust HIM with your loved ones that are lost.

He is still the God who saves.

It is HIS work.

We can trust that He will complete the good work He has begun in their lives ~

And remember, I am praying for you too!!!!!!

God bless,

Gloria

Mormon Apostle Urges Mormons to Avoid Defensiveness

2009-08-21T14:01:00.002-06:00

Recently, Russell Ballard, Mormon Apostle spoke at the Commencement Exercises of BYU students in Provo, Utah. He urged LDS to avoid becoming defensive when speaking about the LDS church and it's teachings.

Mr. Ballard referred to recent research that suggested that Mormons can sometimes appear defensive to those who are not members of the LDS Church." The study said, that when Mormons are explaining their beliefs, they couch their language in terms that suggest that they are expecting criticism. "

The full text of Mr. Ballard's remarks are available at the LDS website newsroom.

I thought this was timely to share in light of my recent posts.

I agree with Mr. Ballard.

" Among the reasons for this type of reaction is the long history of persecution that Mormons faced during the early days of the Church.... that is now an inedible part of history. You have heard these stories of hardship and sacrifice since you were a small child. And yet this isn't 1830 and there aren't 6 of us anymore." -- Russell Ballard

Well said, Mr. Ballard!

I have for many years, even prior to leaving the LDS church, felt that some LDS suffer from a "persecution complex".

The LDS suffered persecution for a relatively short period of time in U.S. history. When you compare it to the years and amount of persecution Christians have endured. Don't believe me? Check out www.persecutedchurch.org and read up on what is going on in the world today, and you'll get a better idea of what persecution is all about for Christians.

Do you know that in 53 countries today the Bible is outlawed?

Do you know that as I type Christians are being burned, killed and imprisoned in countries like Korea, Iraq, and India?

As Christians, what is our response to the persecution?

Jesus said it well when He said, " Blessed are you who are persecuted... rejoice and be exceedingly glad!!" Yep, we are to rejoice and count it all for joy when we are counted worthy to suffer for Jesus!!!

Are Christians to become angry and bitter and defensive at those who persecute and chide?

NO!

The Lord told us to love our enemies.

Do good to those that use us.

And pray for those who persecute us.

Yep, we are to pray for the Muslim nations who kill and imprison Christians.

Yep, we are to pray for those who would seek to harm innocent Christians.

Yep, we are to pray for our mormon friends and family who make fun our salvation experiences. ( that has happened to me more times than I can count!)

We are not to become defensive and angry and bitter and least of all to develop some kind of persecution complex.

Persecution is the name of the game if your walkin with Jesus.

Bring it on!

In Christ alone,

gloria

Once again.... this is getting old....

2009-08-18T19:36:00.004-06:00

Here we go again. I don't know how many times I need to revisit this, but obviously some just don't get it. So , here I go again.

Personal attacks will not be permitted.

PERIOD.

If you have nothing better to do than attack me personally, maybe you have too much time on your hands? Might I direct you to the many wonderful organizations out there who would love your volunteer services. Big brother & Big Sister programs thru the YMCA is a great program, that always needs help! Most churches offer wonderful programs that would love your help too! So many causes, so little time.

I don't mind that people personally disagree. That is understandable and expected.

The focus of your arguments should be on the topic at hand and not on the person commenting.

I am not sure "why" this has to be revisited so often, but it does.

There are other places on the web where you can name call, attack a person, etc. but NOT ON MY BLOG. I will not tolerate it. If you disagree with what I am saying or what someone else says, then focus your comments on the argument presented. Good grief. Simple civility - is that impossible here?

ALSO from now on, NO more anonymous comments. Sign your name or screen name. Take responsibility for your comments you make. I find it odd that some of the personal attacks are most often left by anonymous people.... come on, if you have the courage to be rude, take ownership of it. If you don't sign a name or screen name, then your comment will not be approved.

Comments that contain personal attacks and anonymous comments will not be approved. They go in the "garbage can". Where they belong.

Kind regards,
gloria

The Fruit of the Spirit & Answered prayers

2009-08-13T23:15:00.004-06:00

I have been blogging about Mormonism now for a few months. I also frequently visit other sites of other Christians who are witnessing to the Mormons. I have noticed one thing that I believe is very very telling.

For the most part, there is a great deal of hostility coming from the LDS towards we Christians who are blogging or commenting. I was a bit taken aback by that! In all honesty I would think it would be the other way around! LOL! I just want to send out a kuddos to my christian blogging buddies out there. You are doing a great job! You are witnessing in love and with respect and kindness... something that speaks volumes about you and about our awesome God we serve!

My heart aches when I read the comments left by many LDS here and other places. There is so much hostility, anger, frustration and condescension in their writings. I can feel and sense their angst. There lack of inner peace. It is so very sad.

I am reminded of a beautiful passage of scripture, from the book of Galatians:

" but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith, temperance" Galatians 5:22

My dear readers, if we truly confess Christ -- and have that filling of the Holy Spirit..... we will have these fruit.... we will have love, joy and peace, and self control.... we will be long suffering...

Not because we , in and of ourselves, are "naturally" this way.. but truly because Christ lives within us!! His Holy Spirit indwells and as a result there will be fruit .. fruit that is visible... fruit that tastes sweet and is wonderful and glorifies our great and awesome God!

I really thought when I began to blog about Mormonism, that it would be the Christians that would be nasty and mean spirited, etc. But that has not been the case! In the months I have been blogging , it has been the LDS who have name called, been rude, attacked me personally or my family or my relationship with my husband, or have just been down right discourteous.

My goodness! How telling this is friends.

I also want to say there have been exceptions to this. A few LDS, and you know "who" you are can engage in debate without resorting to such things. Kuddos to you too!!!

Friends, if you visit my site, you will quickly notice I am not " Ed Decker" or " Bill McKeever"... I am just a former mormon, who has been redeemed and purchased by my great God, Jesus. My heart's desire is to see LDS won over to the real God, who is more than able to save. I don't want to get nasty, mean and name call...... why? Because God calls me to live differently. Because I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to show forth love, long suffering , kindness, and self control.

This is the ONE SINGLE thing I notice so glaringly now between the LDS and Christians... the gifts of the Spirit....... I am amazed at the joy I see in the lives of believers, even in the midst of heavy trials.... I am shocked by the long suffering they have for the lost in the LDS church..... how patient and kind they are... how they won't stoop to personal attacks against a person, but will focus on the argument and the facts.

Friends, it is all so telling.

You can't fake "fruit"....

There is good fruit......

And then there is stinky rotten fruit.......

For the LDS, do you really think it helps your cause when you name call and personally attack a person? Is that what your faith produces?

Something to think about.

My friends, I continue to pray for the LDS and I hope my Christian friends will join me.

This week I had a sweet experience. I have been praying for a friend of mine who is serving an LDS mission. I have been praying that the Lord would lead her to the home of born again believers who will witness to her in love. She is serving in the Midwest. She is a sweet young woman who has lived her entire life in Utah. I have been praying that God would lead her to the home of a pastor who would open the doors of his home to share Jesus with her and the good news.

This week I found out that just this very thing has happened! She has been befriended by a born again preacher ( her words not mine) and he has been sharing with her and her companion. She also has had no success in converting souls to Mormonism, but has run into a lot of Christians, saying " we have Jesus!".

Isn't that AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friends, we have a great BIG GOD who is the business of doing GREAT BIG THINGS!

Keep praying for your LDS friends, and family.

Never give up hope for them!

And when those LDS missionaries come by, open your home to them and share the GOOD NEWS!!!!!

I am so excited to hear how God is working in this young woman's life! He has answered my prayers and knocked my socks off!

I just had to share this, to encourage my Christian readers!

God is working....

God is working.....

He is parting the "red seas" in the lives of our Mormon friends and neighbors........

Praise His holy holy name!!

gloria

How does God answer our prayers? New poll!

2009-08-06T12:38:00.005-06:00

I have posted a new question that I am polling. " How does God answer our prayers". Please take a moment and vote! I am interested in what you believe. This poll is on the right side of the blog. Just scroll down.

Thanks,
gloria

On a personal note...

2009-08-06T11:36:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers,

I just want to write and share that I appreciate you taking time to stop, read and share your thoughts about what is shared here. Please know I read each comment before I post them.
With that said, I am not always able to respond to your comments. I thought it might be helpful to share some personal insights into what goes on in my life so you can understand "why".

Some of you may not know that I :

1. am the mother of 10 children! Yes, 10!! That keeps me busy folks! My oldest is 16 and my youngest is 5 yrs old ( we have a set of twins in there too!)

2. I homeschool my children. Yes, in addition to being the " mom" ; I am also my children's school teacher. We school all year round, so life is busy to say the least! :)

3. We live on a small farm. ( 66 acres to be exact!) I keep a garden , and a large yard.. that means full time yard work on top of the above responsibilities!

4. I am a married woman. So that means I take time to nurture my relationship with my husband as well .One more stewardship the Lord has blessed me with.

5. I am a full time home keeper. I take my job seriously. I cook all our meals from scratch and work with the children to keep a tidy and organized home. ( as well as one can possibly do with 10 children!!)

My day begins at about 7 am and I usually am in bed by 11 pm.....

As you can figure from reading what I shared above, my plate is "full".

God placed a burden on my heart to blog about my thoughts and experiences about the LDS faith. I pray daily for His leading in this endeavor. I take seriously what I share here. Sometimes I am led to be silent and sometimes I am led to speak. What I write is directed by the Lord. No one tells me what to write or share. God does.

With that said, sometimes I am not able to respond to every single comment left here. :)

Please don't take that as a personal offense. If your comment is offensive, I don't post it. If you find your comment is published here, then I am not offended. :) For LDS readers, I understand not everything I share will be agreeable to you. I understand, but my allegiance is to God first, not my readers. You will most likely not read things here that will tickle your ears. I don't expect you to be pleased with me or even like me for that matter. That's OK.

So, please understand.... I will respond to your comments if I can. Sometimes it may take a few days to get back to you. Please forgive me if you are frustrated by this, but it's what works for me at this time in my life. Hopefully readers will be able to understand now a little more as to "why" sometimes I don't respond to their remarks. It's not that I am ignoring you.

In any case, thanks for reading, leaving remarks and for sharing.

God bless,

gloria

How to witness to an LDS missionary

2009-08-04T14:08:00.003-06:00

I would like to take some time and answer some questions that readers have left for me.

The following question was left by Anna ~~

" My best friend just left on his mission to Peru. It honestly is heart breaking. Do you have any advice on how I can minister to him through letters? To help him understand who the real Jesus is. "

Dear Anna,

Thank you for taking time to share what is on your heart!! God bless you for your sincere desire to see your friend won for Christ! You sound like you have a burden placed in your heart to witness to your friend. I am thankful he has you there to share the good news and the liberty and grace that awaits those who surrender their lives to the King of Kings!

First of all, I want to say the greatest thing you can do, and you probably are doing this already is P R A Y. Remember, that fervent prayers of those that are right with God, availeth much!! Continue to go before the throne of grace boldly in behalf of the salvation of your friend! Pray specifically that God may lead him to the homes of believers. Pray that when he knocks doors and tracts , he will be led to people who know the Lord and the Word of God, who can testify to him of the truth in Jesus. Pray that he will have a desire to read the bible -- specifically the book of John . Pray that God will draw him. Pray!!

I want to encourage you in this, because there were members of my family that prayed for me for 19 yrs to come to the Lord!!! 19 yrs!! God heard their prayers all those years. Looking back I can see how God was drawing me to Him... showing me and leading me one step at a time closer to Him! It took 19 yrs for those prayers to come to fruit, but they did!! Praise the Lord they did! My parents prayed every night for 19 yrs for me! When I called them and told them I had given my life to the Lord and left the Mormons, my father broke down and wept... thru tears he told me how he had prayed each night for this very thing!

The Lord is faithful! He does hear our prayers! Take time each day for prayer for him!

The second thing I would encourage you to do is to write him!!!! Yes, write!! There is much you can share in letters, you may not be able to share in person. I would encourage you to write weekly if you can or as often as you feel led by the Lord to do. Share passages from the Bible. Share how much Jesus means to you! Share how good God is and how He is working in your life!

I want to share another experience from my own life. My mom, had a cousin. Her name was Doris. Doris loved the Lord with all her might mind and strength. She radiated Jesus. Doris had been afflicted with MS for many years. She had been abandoned by her husband and left by herself after many years of marriage. But thru it all, Doris just sang! Yes, sang.. the Joy of the Lord was so evident in her life! Doris was a born again believer! She felt a burden in her to share Jesus with me while I was on my mission in Argentina. Often I would receive letters from cousin Doris. She would never tear down or mock Mormonism. What she did do though , was share the JOY she had in Jesus with me! Her letters were full of " Jesus, this and Jesus that.... full of scriptures and verses, etc." Full of her faith and love for the Lord.

She was faithful in writing me often on my mission. I never spoke to cousin Doris again, because she died soon after I arrived home from my mission. The other day I was mowing the grass and praying ( I love to mow the grass and pray!) and the Lord brought cousin doris to my memory. I thanked the Lord for what Doris did. I can't wait to meet Doris one day and hug her and tell her how she impacted me!

Write your friend, Anna.. share passages from the bible. Speak of Jesus and how wonderful and faithful he is! Share the JOY of the Lord with your LDS friend!

I recently heard the testimony of some young men, who had come to the Lord while they were serving their LDS missions!! Amazing! These young men have started a worship band by the name of Adam's Road. God is so faithful! He is not limited! He is not bothered by circumstances! These young men had been brought to the Lord because they began to read the Bible on their missions, in particular the New Testament! God doesn't need us to save souls..... He can use His word to bring souls to Him! He is all powerful. He is not dependent on us to save these precious souls. We do get the blessing of praying for them and witnessing to them, but rest assured He can draw souls to Him without our help!

Ana, I hope what I have shared can be an encouragement to you in some small way!

I am thankful that the Lord has placed you in this young man's life. When the time is right, this young man and you need to have a face to face talk where you share with him the real Jesus. So that he knows that there is a difference. Perhaps you have done this already? In any case, as hard as it is, our LDS friends and loved one need to know where we stand and they need to be lovingly shown that the god of Joseph Smith is not the God we worship and adore.

Anna, I will be praying for your friend!! God moves in mysterious ways, and just because your friend is on an LDS mission does not mean he can not come to saving knowledge that Jesus is the WAY , the TRUTH and the LIFE... not a religion, or a denomination, but Chris the Lord!!!

Thank you for posting and sharing your concerns.

For those of you who are Christian and wondering "how to " witness to those LDS missionaries that stop by at your door, I want to encourage you as well to open your mouths and hearts and share the good news of the Lord with these young people! They need to hear from us! They need to hear the passages in the Bible that speak of salvation and what one has to do to receive eternal life. Please prayerfully consider studying up on those passages so that when they come you may be prepared and equipped to share the good news! Don't turn them away, but share with them who Jesus really is and how one does receive eternal life. Some may be afraid to open their homes to the LDS missionaries, and there are some biblical mandates about such, but I would encourage you to at least share a verse with them or two and testify of the real Jesus who died on Calvary so that all men may be free. Perhaps even have a tract or two available for them to read about the differences between Christianity and mormonism. Pray that God will help you to witness in love and with boldness. Lastly, pray for them when they stop by ... ask God to open their eyes to the truth and to set them free. I just want to encourage you my brothers & sisters in Christ to share the good news. We don't need to go to Africa to bring the truth to the lost, we can do so right from our very homes.

God bless you and help you as you minister to those who have not yet received the free gift of eternal life thru Christ our Lord,

gloria

A question for my readers

2009-07-30T11:42:00.003-06:00

Hello, all. I have been in prayer seeking the Lord's guidance on what to share here on my blog. As I have been led to be quiet and still and wait for the Lord's lead.... it came to me today... the nudge to ask those of you who read my blog, who are Christians, "what" you would like me to share that may help you in your witness to the LDS or perhaps help you to better understand their theology or culture.
So please, if there is a question you have had on your heart, but haven't been comfortable in asking your LDS friends, or if there is something you would like to better understand, please leave a comment.
I also invite LDS readers, is there something you wish to ask me concerning Biblical teachings, etc. I invite both LDS and Christian readers to please feel comfortable dropping me a comment and letting me know if there is something you wish to see discussed in more detail here.
This is something I have felt nudged by the Lord to do, so please feel comfortable sharing.

I look forward to hearing from you,

gloria

And another thing....

2009-07-10T08:17:00.003-06:00

Upon re-reading my post I left yesterday, I wanted to add that the content of what I post here on my blog is just that *mine*. It is not up for discussion. That is, I blog about what *I* chose to blog about folks. If you don't like what I have to say here, I respect that, but in no way does that give anyone the right to tell me what I shall share or not share. That's simply not any one's call to make but the Lord's. I have mentioned this before, but I will say it again... I pray about what I write hear. I don't just write. Sometimes the Lord leads me to be quiet. Sometimes He lays something on my heart. He leads and directs, I follow. It's that simple. I understand that LDS readers may not appreciate what I share here, but that doesn't give them the right to tell me what I shall write or not write -- it's just not your call folks. It's God's call.

Thanks for taking time to stop by and read my thoughts,

Gloria

Kind Reminder

2009-07-09T10:31:00.002-06:00

Hey all, just want to post and say thanks to all of you who take time to share and leave courteous remarks. I appreciate both those who are LDS and non LDS, who take time to share their thoughts. I may not always agree, but I do appreciate your taking time to share what you believe. I generally will approve messages you leave here, even if I don't agree. Be warned though, that I will be reading the "tone" and if it hints of condescension or rudeness, it will not be posted.
I also want to say once again ( I think I said this once before) that I will not post comments that are in any shape or way critical or demeaning about my family, my children, my husband etc. That will not be accepted and your comments will not be posted. Period. This is my blog, and as such I will not tolerate remarks about my personal life.
If you wish to share a remark about how you disagree with my beliefs, I will not be offended, but I will not accept remarks geared at my family or my relationships.
I hope that clarifies things and hopefully this won't become an issue.

Thanks for letting me get that off my heart,
gloria

Can our hearts be trusted?

2009-07-08T12:03:00.005-06:00

A few days back, my 10 yr old daughter had found some money. She didn't know if the money was hers or not. She had found it in an old purse my daughters' share. She wondered whether the money was hers or one of her sisters.... what to do, what to do..... keep it ... or not.....

She came to me and explained her situation. I listened and told her to pray about it. I told her if the money wasn't truly hers and she "knew" it, then she would most likely have little joy in spending it! I told her to ask God and wait for an answer. That seemed to appease her and she did just that. A few minutes later she came downstairs and said she was going to "keep it" and upon asking her if God had told her to do that, she said "well, no.... but I sure feel like it!" I encouraged her to let the Lord lead her on this one. For the next few hours she went back forth wondering if she should keep the money or not... one second she "felt" she should ... the next minute she didn't.... the result: confusion!

She also talked to my husband about it. ( he is a practicing LDS) He encouraged her to pray about it too.... but instead of telling her to wait for God to answer, he told her to see how she "feels about" it after praying. If she feels "good" about keeping it, then she should. If she doesn't "feel good" about it then she shouldn't. My daughter , told her daddy that it doesn't work that way. She shared w/ him her struggle to give this issue to God and *not* rely on her feelings.. because her feelings were "selfish" and wanting to keep the money, regardless of "whose" it was. Her daddy didn't agree and a discussion ensued. She got out her Bible and shared the following verse with her daddy:

" The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9

My daughter then proceeded to tell her daddy that she can't trust her heart, because her heart is selfish and wants to keep the money regardless of what God would want her to do.

My husband and I later discussed the situation. He is a practicing LDS and believes that thru the promptings of the Holy Spirit ( thru feelings given to the heart) a person is able to know what to do in a given situation. That means, if a person feels peace and good about something then they can know that God is approving of that. I explained to him, that the bible does not teach such a thing, but rather teaches us that our heart is "deceitful" and desperately wicked. How can we trust our hearts in making choices, when our heart can deceive us? Our hearts naturally, apart from God's redeeming grace, is described as "deceitful". Therefore man can not trust his own heart solely, but must leave all to God.

Because my heart feels "good" about something then that means God is giving me the go ahead? How can I be sure my heart isn't being selfish? Lots of times I may feel "good" something.. but that doesn't mean God views it that way.

As a Christian, I make sure to check what God has to say about things before I make a decision. I check my views with what God has revealed, and if my views are not in harmony with God's revealed Word, then I can be *sure* that I have been deceived.

" The hearts of men, moreover are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live and afterward they join the dead." Ecc 9:3 NIV

The Lord speaking of the children of Isreal whom He had brought out of Egypt:

" But they did not listen or pay attention, instead they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts." Jer. 11:8

When I was an LDS missionary, I taught those who were investigating the LDS faith to "pray about" the things I was teaching them. I told them that if they prayed with a sincere heart, with real intent , the Holy Ghost would manifest the truth of what I was teaching them. ( Moroni 10:3-5) When I returned to their homes, one of the first things I would ask them was "if they had prayed" and if they had, how had they "felt" while they prayed and after they prayed.

We used the passage from Galatians 5:22-23, as a gauge to teach those investigating Mormonism that if they felt "peace, love, joy, etc" they were receiving an answer from the Holy Ghost telling them that the things I was teaching were true. They had received a "testimony" . I encouraged investigators to focus on their "feelings".... did they feel peace upon praying? Did they feel any physical manifestations like a warm heart or did they begin to cry and get emotional? All of these manifestations were taught to be from the Holy Ghost. Interestingly I never taught those investigating to compare the teachings of Mormonism with the Bible and it's teachings . I never once told those whom I taught to "test" out the Mormon's claims and research out the back round of it's church, history, leaders, etc. No, most definitely the focus was on the "feelings" people were experiencing.

The same rules are used today by many LDS for receiving answers to prayers. If they feel peace,and good about something, then that is a "yes" answer. That was what my husband was trying to tell my daughter about her issue with the money she had found. If she felt "good" about it, then that was the Holy Ghost confirming to her that she should keep it.

My concern with that pattern is 1. it's not biblical. 2. it opens one up for being emotionally driven instead of being driven by solid truth and 3. it's leads to confusion

For LDS readers , you may ask "how so"?

1. It's not biblical: No where in the Bible does the Lord tell us to use our feelings as a guide to determine truth, or find answers to questions. On the contrary we are told to "trust the Lord with all our hearts"..... Proverbs 3:5-6 and "lean not unto our own understanding. Be not wise in thine own eyes and depart from evil." We are being warned in this passage to trust GOD , not our own understanding, our own hearts. We are not to be "wise" in our own eyes. Why? Because we are naturally interested in our own selfish ways! As believers, we are to trust GOD, not ourselves. Not our hearts, not our feelings but God.

2. It opens one up for being emotionally driven: When we focus too much on our feelings... we can become immune to what God has already revealed and spoken. For example, if God says we are not to fornicate or commit adultery, it doesn't matter how much I "feel like" I may be in love with another person. I am a married woman. Regardless of my feelings, I am to not look at another man, for to do so would be to commit adultery. Not even to peek at a man to lust after. God's word is pretty clear. I don't need to "pray" about such a thing or focus on my "feelings" . Focusing on feelings has led many many a soul into adulterous relationships. Our feelings are simply not safe enough to trust. We need God's wisdom.

3. It leads to confusion: Simply put our God is not a God of confusion. He does not work in confusing ways. If we are confused, we can now for a surety God is not in it. If we trust our feelings for answers, we may find ourselves confused. In all honesty, especially for women, our feelings are constantly changing! Our feelings are effected by how much we sleep, eat, the weather, stresses in life, etc. They can change from one hour to the next... how can we possibly trust our heart to lead us? We can't. God is to lead us. We are to trust in God, not our feelings.

Recently a good friend of mine, who was born and raised LDS mentioned to me , after attending my church for prayer meeting, that she had felt the "tingling up the back , goosebumps, and a burning in the heart" while at the prayer meeting .... according to her LDS beliefs, she then could conclude that "my church" was the correct church to attend, right? She sincerely wanted to know what I thought. I told her that the "feelings" she experienced at prayer meeting, were simply that... "feelings". Emotional expressions and responses to the heartfelt prayers she heard offered up. They were not to be taken as any manifestation from the Holy Ghost. They were the tender feelings of her heart, but not to be equated with "truth" .

Many LDS stay LDS because of their "testimonies". They have felt the goosebumps, chills, and a warm fuzzy feeling in the heart. They sincerely believe this is how God reveals truth to them. As sincere as they may be, and I don't deny in any way that they experience these feelings, I would point out that they are simply that... "feelings" nothing more and nothing less. My concern is that many souls are basing truth on feelings, instead of God's Word.

So how does one know truth? How can one know what God's will is for you? May I share with you a passage from the book of John, these are red letter verses:

" If ye continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

Jesus identifies the true disciples as those who believe in Him, and continue in His word, unlike the Jews who did not believe, disciples will be freed from sin by the truth. ( Jesus it the TRUTH) They will not be sinless , but blameless -- free from the power and eternal effects of sin ( death & hell).

We can know God's will for us , by reading what He has said and spoken in His revealed word , the Bible. I am constantly amazed at how much ground God has covered! I have yet to face a problem that has not already been dealt about and written about in the Bible!! When I have a problem, I turn to the Lord and seek for answers in His Word. I also wait for God to open doors and close doors. That is, if something is not for me, God will close the door. Literally. We must ask according to His will.

Never, am I told to rely on my heart or my feelings. This is precisely what my daughter my husband that day with her money issue. The heart is a deceptive thing. To trust our hearts, we could be led to sin. We should seek out God's will, continue in His Word, and trust in Him with all our hearts. My 10 yr old daughter has also learned to trust God, not her heart. God is growing her in HIS Word and revealing Himself to her daily as she studies His Word. As tempting as it may be, our hearts can not be trusted. We need God's wisdom, guidance and direction in our lives if we hope to navigate our lives. I am so grateful God is teaching my 10 yr old daughter that as well as me!

God bless,
gloria

Who is God?

2009-06-16T13:12:00.006-06:00

It's been a busy two weeks since I last posted here.... lots of things going on the home front. As I pray about what I should share here, the Lord has been laying something on my heart continuously. I need to spend some time sharing about "who" God is. Understanding the very nature of God is so important to being able to truly have fellowship with Him. Let me share an example -- many people have heard about God, know of a few facts about Him, but don't know Him personally. Many people say they "know" God but sadly may have the wrong ideas about "who" He is, and what He is all about. I truly believe understanding who God is, is critical to truly having fellowship with Him.

I was what I would call a "Christian" for 40 yrs of my life. Having been raised Catholic, and spending 19 yrs as a Mormon, I thought had a grasp on "who" God is. I thought I had a relationship with God. As a Catholic I was told God is a "mystery" as a Mormon I was told God "was once a man and you can become like Him". As sincere as I was in my beliefs -- I was dead wrong. God is neither a mystery, ( although His ways are often mysterious to us ) and neither was He once a man who progressed to becoming God.

How did come to the point that I truly began to understand "who" God was and is?

The answer is simple -- I read the Bible cover to cover.

Here is what God has to say about Himself.

Jesus says this about God His Father. He was speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well. He tells her that she doesn't "know" who she worships. He then tells her the "time has come" when true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth. John 4:22-23

He then goes on to define to her "who" the Father is:

" God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth." John 4:24

The woman then goes on to tell Jesus that she knows the Messiah is to come. He then reveals that HE is the Messiah.

Isaiah -- my favorite Old Testament writer, also spoke a great deal about the nature of God.

He beautifully sets forth that Jesus is the only redeemer , the only God.......

" I am He. Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. "
Isaiah 43:10

" I , even , am the Lord and beside me there is no savior." Isaiah 43:11

" Therefore you are my witnesses , saith the Lord, that I am God." Isaiah 43:12

"Ye before the day was, I AM He." Isaiah 43:13

Not only is Jesus our Redeemer, He is GOD. Before the world was, the day was HE WAS.

Speaking about false gods and the folly of worshipping false gods:

"Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is NO God, I know not any". Isaiah 44:8

" I am the first, and the last, and beside me there is NO God". Isaiah 44:6

And who is that God? JESUS. " I am the Lord that maketh all things". Isaiah 44:24

Not only is Jesus GOD -- there is NONE ELSE.

" I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me," Isaiah 45:5

" There is none beside me, I AM the Lord, and there is none else." Isaiah 45:6

Jesus is clearly stating the fact that HE IS GOD.

" And there is no God else beside me, a just God and a Savior there is none beside me". Is.45:21

" Look unto me, and be SAVED, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is none else."
Isaiah 45:22

It is a folly to worship anyone else but the ONE true God.

" For I am God, and there is none else. I AM God, and there is none like me." Isaiah 46:9

" Unto thee it is showed, that thou mightest know that the Lord HE IS GOD, there is none else beside Him". Deut. 4:35

Jesus, along with God the Father, and God the Spirit make up the ONE TRUE GOD. There is none else. That is what I discovered upon reading the Bible! What an enlightenment!! God is manifested in 3 persons: 1. God the Father - a personage of Spirit, God the Son - JESUS, and God the Holy Spirit ( or comforter as Jesus spoke of Him). Please take note the only one in the godhead that has a physical body is JESUS. They all work as ONE God. For LDS readers, I explain that the godhead works like the First Presidency: 3 distinct persons acting as one presidency.

Once I understood "who" God was, and is .... well it made a huge difference!

As sincere as I had been when I was LDS -- I had my facts about who God was all messed up. He was not a resurrected man, who lived on a planet with his celestial wives, and had progressed to becoming GOD. No, according to the Bible, God has always been. He didn't "become".

Man, can tell you how awesome that is??? To know that God didn't become , but always has been? !!!

After reading the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation I had to ask myself : "who is right"... the Bible or Joseph Smith? I prayed. I studied. I prayed and I studied some more. The conclusion: I had my facts messed up, and God was teaching me about "who" He is thru reading the Bible.

The LDS Church teaches that : " as man is, God once was, as God is man can become". -- Joseph Smith Jr. King Follet Discourse

God has shown me that this teaching is simply false. As sincere as I was in my beliefs, I was incorrect. As sincere as Muslims are in their belief systems, they are incorrect about "who" God is... and the same goes for LDS. As sincere as they are in their beliefs about "who" God is, they are simply incorrect.

Jesus told us we should worship God in Spirit and truth.... we can't do that when we don't have the facts about "who" God is. The Bible clearly teaches us the basic simple truths about God.

I for one am so thankful that God opened my eyes and showed me the error of my ways!

I now know my God is the most awesome God who has always been God, who is not restricted by a human body, who did not progress to becoming a "god" but is the only true God that ever has been and who ever will be.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Will the true believers please stand!

2009-05-28T12:15:00.003-06:00

This morning I fell upon a wonderful, wonderful article! You can read it below. I just want to take a moment to share some "snippets".....

" The truth is that Christianity is not a religion at all, it's about a relationship with the one true God through His Son Jesus Christ. "

" Many are living the religious life without knowing the Savior or anything about true Christianity. Don't you know that the enemy of Christ enjoys using these folks to confuse and baffle a searching world! As long as true Christians are ashamed to speak the truth in love and are hiding behind the mask of religion and rituals then the lost world will continue to search and be drawn to various religious practices - never actually meeting the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. "

Wow, way to go Ms. Sexton! Plainly and boldly stated! When are believers going to realize it's not about "joining a church" or getting "churchy".... it's not about teaching Sunday school or supporting ministries. It's all about HIM. It's not about us, and what "we're doing". It's about lifting up the name of the Lord, about glorifying the king of Kings and Lord of Lords.

To read more, follow the link below.

Happy Reading!

Gloria

Christianity Vs. Religion and Relationship Vs. Tradition
"Religious Leader Arrested..." Time after time we read the headlines, we hear the news reports and we just want to cry! What is going on? Will the true Christians please stand up.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/303258/christianity_vs_religion_and_relationship.html

Religion vs. Relationship with Jesus

2009-05-27T11:27:00.004-06:00

One of the greatest things God has shown me since surrendering my life to Him, is that He longs for me to know Him. I mean really know Him. He wants to be close to me.... have fellowship with Him. Really have a relationship with Him. I am not talking about going to "church" on Sunday. I am talking about having an intimate and personal relationship with God.

When I was LDS it was all about religion. My families entire life revolved around "church" not Jesus. Starting with 3 hours of meetings on Sundays, and any other "meetings" that may be scheduled during the week. Then there was the kid's meetings, the youth mid week activities, the visiting teaching, home teaching, going to the cannery to get food storage, missionary work, and getting to the temple frequently . I have often heard LDS joke around and say that if there was a 14th Article of Faith it should be something like:
" We believe in all meetings. We hope to attend all meetings. If there is anything to be gained from meetings, we seek after them". LDS are known to have a meeting just to "plan" another one! There was so much to "do" when I was LDS it left precious little time to be able to really get to know God and to know and understand His heart.

When I surrendered my life to Jesus , I found that He wanted all of me..... not just part of me on Sundays......but He wanted all of me, and that has nothing to do with going to church and meetings. He wanted to have fellowship with me, and like the story of Mary and Martha, I needed to chose the "better part" and sit at the feet of the Lord.

Since surrendering my life to Jesus, I have experienced that sweet fellowship with the Lord. Those moments of deep intimacy -- whether that is thru prayer..... or worshipping Him thru music... or just having time with Him as I walk across the green fields of our farm...... He wants me to Himself..... and I long to know Him. So much has changed.

I have been pondering a lot about the radical changes that have occurred in my life since I surrendered to the King. For once in my life, I know God.... maybe just a little...but I really feel like I know Him... and that He truly truly knows me.......... man, that is so sweet.

I wanted to spend some time blogging about this fundamental difference I have experienced since being born again. Jesus is now the center of my life, and my life evolves around HIM , not around church. Do I attend church? Sure, I do! I enjoy the fellowship with other Christians, but it is not my "focus" or my life or the center of my life. The center now is Jesus.

Hopefully these quotes will give you something to think about.......

"Religion can be very different than having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Religions are man made, and are based on trying to get to God through rules and regulations and works. Man made religions all are based on people's efforts at reaching God and being made right with Him through their own efforts. God's plan for man's salvation and for being right with Him in told throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament and the NT, God's plan is not based on people's efforts and good works, but is based on His amazing love and amazing grace for us. His plan involved His precious Son, Jesus paying the price and cost for our sins on the cross. You need to put all of your trust and faith in Jesus and in what He did for us on the cross and not in any religion or in your own efforts. Simply put all of your trust and faith in Jesus, and accept His gift of salvation and eternal life, and experience the joy of having a right RELATIONSHIP of love with God. " http://www.intimacywithgod.com/

Religion ( self effort, works)

Goal : reach out to God , try to work your way to heaven

Means: diligent service and works, with hopes of reward ( heaven)

Power: good honest effort through self determination

Control: self determination and self control

Results: apathy, failure, chronic guilt eternal separation from God

Salvation through faith in Jesus ( personal relationship)

Goal: Trust fully in Jesus, then live to please HIM!

Means: confess sins, repent, yield self to Jesus

Power: The Holy Spirit does God's work in and through us

Control: allow the Holy Spirit to control and direct our lives

Results: love, joy, peace, freedom, eternal life in Heaven....

"Man's way to reach God is religion. God's way to reach man is JESUS".

Please join me in praying specifically for the Mormons. Please pray that God will draw them to HIM, and that they will long to know the King.

This is a burden I have on my heart ~ please share it with me,

gloria

Religion vs. The Gospel

2009-05-25T15:41:00.004-06:00

What is the gospel? The word gospel simply means " good news". The central message of the Bible is the gospel, or good news, about the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 1 Cor.15:1-4, Paul provides the most succinct summary of the gospel: The man Jesus is also God or Christ and died on a cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sins, three days later He rose to conquer sin and death and give the gift of salvation to all who believe in Him alone for eternal life.

The great reformer Martin Luther rightly said that, as sinners we are prone to pursue a relationship with God in one of two ways: The first is religion/spirituality and the second is the gospel. The two are antithetical in every way.

Religion says that if we obey God He will love us. The gospel says that it is because God has loved us through Jesus that we can obey.

Religion says that the world is filled with good people and bad people. The gospel says that the world is filled with bad people who are either repentant or unrepentant.

Religion says that you should trust in what you do as a good moral person. The gospel says you should trust in the perfect sinless life of Jesus because He alone is the only good and truly moral person who will ever live.

The goal of religion is to get from God such things as health, wealth, insight, power and control. The goal of the gospel is not the gifts God gives, but rather God as the gift given to us by grace.

Religion is about what "I" have to do. The gospel is about what I get to do. Religion sees hardship in life as punishment from God. The gospel sees hardship in life as sanctifying affliction that reminds us of Jesus' sufferings and is used by God in love to make us more like Jesus .

Religion is about "me". The Gospel is about JESUS.

Religion leads to an uncertainty about my standing before God because I never know if I have done enough to please God. The gospel leads to a certainty about my standing before God because of the finished work of Jesus on my behalf on the cross.

--- Mark Driscoll, Pastor of Mars Hill Church
http://www.marshillchurch.org/

Is marriage eternal?

2009-05-21T12:53:00.004-06:00

" In the beginning marriage was given as a law of the gospel. It was intended to last forever not just for our mortal lives. Many people in the world consider marriage to be only a social custom, merely a legal agreement between a man and a woman to live together. But to Latter-day Saints, marriage is much more. Our exaltation depends upon marriage. Our father in heaven has given us the law of eternal marriage so that we can become like him. We must live the law of eternal marriage to become as he is -- able to have spirit children." Gospel Principles, pg. 231

This quote is taken from a the book : Gospel Principles, a book that is published by the LDS Church, and is an official publication. This book is used as a manual for the LDS Sunday School Class, called " Gospel Principles" or the new member class that is taught to new or returning LDS.

While I agree with the LDS that many people today view marriage as a "legal contract" and do not give it the serious regard that the Lord gives it, I would like to look at the LDS belief that marriage can be forever.

The Lord spoke of marriage various times. We have His recorded words.

" Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God. For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels which are in heaven." Mark 12:24 & 25

" Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God, for in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage , but are as the angels of God in heaven. " Matt. 22:29 &30

" The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage. But they which shall be counted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage. Neither can they die any more, for they are equal unto the angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. " Luke 20:34-36

Jesus spoke very plainly and clearly regarding marriage in the next life. Those that are counted to obtain "that" world ( heaven!) and the resurrection , will not be married. They will be like the angels.

For Christians, the life to come wil be something incomprehensibly superior to the present one. Jesus spoke of the resurrection from the dead , this is not the general resurrection "of" the dead, but the redemption to the fullness of life from the dead for those who died in Christ. ( Thomas Nelson KJV Study Bible, pg. 20)

The LDS know these verses and will say that these verses refer to the resurrection, not life eternal. 3 gospel writers included this passage in relation to the question asked by the Sadducees about marriage in the next life. He spoke very plainly and clearly. For those who are obtain " that " world -- that is life eternal in the presence of our God, they will not marry or be married or live in the married state but we will be as the angels of God, and ARE the children of God.

The fellowship of marriage as high an ideal as this is in the Scriptures will be superseded in depth and diversity of a new life in the presence of God. Death will be a thing of the past. People will be equal to the angels. in the sense that they are incapable of ever again experiencing death. Life will certainly not be reduced to some level beneath marriage. Rather all will be taken up into a fuller life of God's eternal family. ( Thomas Nelson KJV Study Bible, pg. 1588)

For Latter-day Saints, they believe that without the temple marriage sealing, there is no possible way of entering the presence of God. ( D & C 131: 1-3) They believe that only those men who hold the LDS priesthood ( called the Melchizedek priesthood) have the authority to "seal" or marry a couple not only for this life but forever.

In the LDS scripture Doctrine & Covenants, Joseph Smith wrote:

" If a man marry a wife by the new and everlasting covenant by him who is anointed... it .. shall be of full force when they are out of the world." Doctrine and Covenants 132:19

" In the temple, LDS couples kneel at once of the sacred alters in the presence of their family and friends and two sacred witnesses. They make their marriage covenants before God. They are pronounced man and wife for time and all eternity. This is done by one who holds the holy priesthood of god and has the authority to perform this special ordinance. He acts under the direction of the lord and promises the couple the blessings of exaltation. He instructs them in the things they must do to receive these blessings. He reminds them that all blessings depend upon obedience to the laws of god. If they are married by other than priesthood authority, the marriage is for this life only. After death their marriage partners have no claim on each other or their children." Gospel Principles , pg 233

As Christians, we believe that God ordained marriage. We believe He gave Eve to Adam to be his wife and help meet. He told them the two, shall be one. Marriage was designed by our Creator. He saw that Adam was alone and took a rib from Adam and created Eve to help Adam.

With that said, marriage was created for this earth. In Heaven, with our Lord we will not need to be married - we will have perfect fellowship with our God and with our brothers and sisters. When we believe in His name and receive Christ, we *become* the sons of God. John 1:12
We will enjoy the blessed state of an eternal family in Christ in Heaven. If our children also believe and receive Christ, then they too will be in Heaven with us in God's eternal family. If our spouses receive and believe in Christ, they too will be there in God's eternal family. But rest assured, we will not experience a married state in Heaven -- I believe we can't even imagine what life eternal will be like! The fellowship we will have with God will fill us completely. Married life and conjugal relations are earthly. We are not married in heaven. Our spouses who are Christian will be our brothers and sisters in heaven. I can't wait!!

Jesus never taught us that marriage was eternal. That the marriage state will continue and that couples will have "spirit children" and receive "exaltation". Jesus did teach us that we may have life eternal in Him when we are born again and receive Him as our Lord and King.

When I was LDS, I "hoped" to have an eternal family. I wanted to live forever with my family and God. Now, as a Christian I KNOW I have an eternal family. Most of my children have received Christ and believe He is their Lord and King. If any one of them were to die today, I would most definitely would see them again in the Kingdom of God!!! I have a hope and assurance now that I didn't before!! The LDS believe that having an eternal marriage and family is dependent on their obedience to the LDS ordinances and laws. ( see my previous post on marriage to read the LDS wedding covenant made in the LDS temple).

Marriage was intended for this life, as our Lord plainly put it. The Bible also speaks plainly that it is ok to chose a life of singleness as well. Paul writes about this extensively. Our married state does not determine our salvation state and where we end up in the next life. Praise God for that! My salvation and eternal life is not dependent upon my husband! It's dependent upon what JESUS did for me so long ago. His work, guarantees me eternal life.

In the next life, we will have a fullness of fellowship with God and will truly enjoy the blessings of living in God's eternal family! I can hardly wait!!! It's going to be awesome!

gloria

Wedding Vows

2009-05-16T11:49:00.008-06:00

" But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife. And they twain shall be one flesh, so they are no more twain but one flesh. " Mark 10:9

I recently attended the wedding of my niece. Our family travelled across the country for her special day. She was a beautiful bride. Her beautiful long black hair and olive skin looked stunning next to her beautiful white gown....... I remember the day she was born. Can it be that she is now a grown woman and married to the man of her dreams? Where has time flown?

As we sat in the chapel and listened to the ceremony I was so very touched by the vows that my niece exchanged with her beloved. They were traditional vows, but they really touched my heart..... I was so touched....... I wept....... and my niece was weeping as she pledged her love and commitment to her husband. It was beautiful.

As I pondered the vows they exchanged to one another, I felt an ache in my heart..... my husband and I will be married 17 yrs and on our wedding day we exchanged no vows to one another. We were married in an LDS Temple, and there was no exchange of vows. There was no " I promise to have and to hold, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health..........." there was no such vows made. Instead we recited the following:

Officiator: Brother ______, and Sister ______, please join hands in the patriarchal grip or sure sign of the nail.

Couple: Joins hands in the patriarchal grip ( a hand grip similar to the boyscout hand shake) . No clothing is supposed to interfere when this grip is given to one another.

Officiator: Brother_______, do you take Sister Pickering by the right hand and receive her unto yourself to be your lawful and wedded wife for time and all eternity with a covenant and promise that you will observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to this holy order of matrimony in the new and everlasting covenant, and this you do in the presence of God, angels, and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?

Groom: says "yes".

Officiator: Sister ___________, do you take Brother Pickering by the right hand and give yourself to him to be his lawful and wedded wife and for him to be your lawful and wedded husband for time and all eternity, with a covenant and promise that you will observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to this holy order of matrimony in the new and everlasting covenant and this you do in the presense of God, angels, and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?

Bride: says "yes"

Officiator: By virtue of the holy priesthood and the authority vested in me, I pronounce you legally and lawfully husband and wife for time and all eternity, and I seal upon you the blessings of the holy resurrection with power to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection clothed in glory, immortality and eternal lives, adn I seal upon you the blessings of kingdoms, thrones, principalities, powers, dominions, and exaltations, with all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and say unto you: be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth that you may have joy and rejoicing in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. All these blessings, together with all the blessings appertaining to the new and everlasting covenant I seal upon you by the virtue of the holy priesthood through your faithfulness, in the name of the father and the son and the holy ghost. Amen.

That's it.

Basically an LDS couple is making a "covenant" or promise to be faithful to the LDS ordinances, laws and rites. They make no promise to love one another, to cherish one another, to be there in sickness or health or good times or bad. Nope. There is no exchange of rings as a symbol of their love and commitment. There is no lighting of the unity candle, to symbolize that they will be a "light" to the world. Finally there is no glorifying God in the entire ceremony. There is no singing His praises or promising to be faithful to God. The promise is made to "observe and keep all the rituals rites, laws and ordinances". There is no promise made to one another other than to take the said person as your lawful wife or husband.

After attending my niece's wedding I can honestly say there is no comparison.

Here is an example of traditional vows made in a Christian wedding:

Male: I ______ take you, ________to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part. I hereto pledge you my faithfulness.

Wife: I ______ take you, ______ to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better , for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.

The Christian couple makes promises to one another. They are promises to love, to cherish, to be there in good times and bad.

I was also touched when I watched my niece being walked down the aisle by her father....... it was so beautiful. When the pastor asked "who gives this woman to be wedded today and the father answered : " I give my daughter to be wedded today"..... I just wept..... I know how much my brother in law loves his girl.

My dad never got a chance to walk me up the aisle. He had to stay outside the temple and wait for me to come out before he could kiss me and hug me. I knew how hard that was for him. It just about broke his heart to not be there on my wedding day.

The Lord spoke and taught about marriage. He believed that marriage was one man and one woman joined in one flesh. That is the picture of marriage taught in the Bible. That has always been God's plan for marriage.

I love the passage in Ephesians chapter 5 ........

" Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself and the wife see that she reverence ( respect) her husband. "

What a beautiful passage on marriage! A godly man should love his wife , enough to lay down his life for her as Christ loved us.......when a husband loves his wife like this, then the wife is easily able to submit to his headship and reverence or "respect" him.

God knew that men needed to be respected and women needed to be loved. He created us that way. Women have a need to be loved and cherished and men have a need placed in them by the creator to be respected and reverenced.

What a beautiful picture of marriage! Marriage was not designed to be a vehicle for us to receive dominions and powers and kingdoms. Marriage, ordained of God is a symbol of the relationship Christ has with His bride - The Church - one of love and reverence.

Simply beautiful,

Gloria

More thoughts on the reliabilty of the Bible

2009-05-12T18:28:00.002-06:00

This week it has been on my heart to study more about what the Bible says about God's Word.

In my study I fell upon the following passages that speak so beautifully.....

" Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35

The Words of our precious Lord are recorded in the Bible. The Bible has withstood the test of time, and the words of our Lord were guarded and preserved for generations. How thankful I am for all those men who guarded God's word!! Not one of the Lord's words will pass away.. that is His promise to us ( red letter in my bible!) .

" Every word of God is pure, He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him." Proverbs 30:5

" The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them for this generation forever." Psalm 12:6

" As for God, His way is perfect, the Word of the Lord is tried. He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him. " 2 Samuel 22:31

" As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried. " Psalm 18:30

" Thy word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it." Psalm 119:140

These passages clearly tell us that every one of God's words are pure. For something to be pure it has no blemishes. God's word has not "blemishes" ... no errors, not mistakes or mistranslations. The word of the Lord are as pure as silver that has been tried , purified 7 times!!! Now that is pure! If a piece of silver has been placed thru a hot furnace 7 times, what will the silver be like once it comes out of that furnace???? Is there going to be any blemishes left??? I don't think so. That is how pure God's Word! It is without blemish. The Lord has also promised us that He shall preserve HIS Word forever. That is exactly what God has done! He has truly preserved the Word of God found in the Bible thru generations and it will continue to be preserved! God's word has been tried. It has past the test of time. His promises in His Word of salvation thru Jesus has not been written in vain. The bible has accomplished what God hoped it would -- to bring the message of salvation to a lost and dying world!

As Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:20-21, scripture did not come from "private" interpretation, by the Holy Ghost.

The Bible is pure, without blemishes and will be preserved forever!

Wow, don't we have an awesome God!

His word truly is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path!

I praise Him for that,

gloria

Response to a comment from an LDS reader

2009-05-10T16:21:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers,

I am always encouraged when you leave comments, and even more encouraged when LDS readers leave a comment. Thanks friends for taking time to leave your comments here. I also appreciate that the tone is courteous. :) Thanks!

I wanted to take a moment and respond to a comment left here in response to my post on the Bible.

" You don't have to believe the Bible is inerrant to believe the Bible. "

--- Seth

First of all, I wish to thank Seth for taking time to stop by my blog and sharing his thoughts about the Bible. I have visited enough blogs and sites that are similar to mine to know that the comments left are not always shall I say "kind". :) Thanks Seth for your courteous sharing.

I just wanted to take a moment and respond to Seth's comment, about "not having to believe the Bible is inerrant -- that is without error-- to believe in the Bible and it's message. "

Seth also mentioned that in the Book of Mormon it mentions various times that the Book of Mormon is not without error. Seth is correct. The Book of Mormon does not claim to be a inerrant book. That is, it openly declares it contains errors.

I want to point out to Seth and other LDS readers who may actually read the Bible , is that no where in the Bible does it state by any of it's writers that it contains errors. Not one place that I know of. On the contrary the Bible declares that God's word shall accomplish what is sets out to do ( to share the message of salvation thru Christ) and that it shall prosper in the thing that God sends it out to do.

" So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

God's Word, is found in the Bible. It shall accomplish that which He desires and shall prosper. God reveals Himself to men by His Word, which shall not return to Him in vain. ( void) The Word of God therefore, accomplishes His purposes by announcing salvation to all mankind. Thus the great need and importance the world has, to read the Bible.

I also love the passage in Isaiah 46:9-11

" Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying: "My counsel shall stand, and I will do my pleasure.... yea, I have spoken it I will also bring it to pass, I purposed it, I will also do it."

He speaks thru His Word and what He declares and has declared shall come to pass. We see that over and over again thru the Biblical prophesy. Prophesies about our Lord's birth, life, and eventual sacrifice was prophesied years prior. What God has declared in His Word, has come to pass. There is yet things to come to pass as well. His eventual return for His Bride, The Church is something we look forward to as believers. What God has spoken is found in the Bible. It shall truly come to pass , if it has not already been fulfilled.

The concern I have with the LDS view that the Bible is not inerrant, and does have errors, is that "if" that is the point of view the reader has about God's word -- then how can the reader of the Bible truly come to trust God? How can one "trust" something that it believes contains error? To say The Bible contains errors is to declare God is a God of errors. As I mentioned earlier, The Bible does not declare itself to be a book that contains errors. The writers of the Bible, were inspired by God.

" ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, or correction for instruction in righteousness. " 2 Timothy 3:16

This refers to the supernatural guidance of the writers of Scripture by the Holy Spirit, so that what they wrote was the divine Word of God, transcribed accurately, reliably, and without error in the original manuscripts. The word "inspiration" itself pictures God "breathing" out His Word to men. Since the scriptures are given to help Christians grow in their walk with the Lord, they should rely upon them for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in how to live correctly.

" Knowing this first that no prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of men, but holy men of God sake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-21

The scriptures were written by holy ( holy in Greek and Hebrew means "set apart") men, or men "set apart" by God to write His Word. While in no way denying the individual personalities of the writers, or rejecting the distinctiveness of their particular styles, the Holy Spirit controlled the process of bringing things to the writer's memories. ( John 16:13) and ensuring what they recorded was the very Word of God. For example, Jeremiah once became so frustrated with the work God called him to do, he wanted to quit. But God's Spirit compelled him to go on. ( Jer. 20:9) Jonah also at first refused God's call to preach in Nineveh, but later obeyed. ( Jonah 3:1) As Christians we can read the Bible and be confident that this is the very Word of God.

When I was LDS, I regarded for many years the Bible with suspicion. I had been taught that the Catholic Church had thru the years ( middle ages and early Church years) meddled with it and had taken out plain and precious truths. I was led to believe that it was not reliable, and had errors, at times significant errors. ( case in point the passage in John 3 that states God is a Spirit, that is not a man. The LDS declare that to be an "error" or mistranslated.) When I began to read the bible in earnest, I read with sincerity, wishing to read it in it's entirety. I began my study with a sincere desire to read and understand. An amazing thing happened in the process. My eyes were opened, and I came to know and understand WHO Jesus was and is, and Who God is and Who is the Holy Spirit. My eyes and heart were further opened to realize, that NO where in the Bible is there any such command to join a particular church or that one has to have membership in some religious organization to gain eternal life. No, after reading the Bible, it was so clearly laid out to me that JESUS IS THE WAY. Jesus preached Himself, He did not preach a religious denomination. It was so very simply laid out.

My concern for Seth and other LDS readers is that they have been taught that the Bible contains errors. First of all, as I stated earlier no where does the Bible state that as it does in the Book of Mormon, and secondly we have texts today, ancient manuscripts that point out to us that there isn't errors as the LDS teach. The Bible can be trusted. It is not in error. Another book I highly recommend is the book : Evidence that demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. This man , was an atheist when he began to study the Bible. He began it's study with the intent to prove it's falseness. In the process of studying God's Word, He was proved of it's truth! A wonderful and very intense book for those Bible critics out there.

If one truly believes The Bible is God inspired, not of " private interpretation" or "mistranslated" then one can come to understand and know that Jesus , The Messiah is the ONLY means by which man can inherit eternal life.

I challenge my LDS readers to perhaps consider picking up a non - LDS version of the Bible, that does not have the Joseph Smith translations and read for one self. There are many wonderful modern translations of the Bible, and yes they are reliable. The New KJV and NIV Bibles are reliable and wonderful translations. Pick one up and give it a try. I promise you that if you read with a sincere heart you will be changed. God's Word is just that powerful.

Seth, thanks again for sharing and for the opportunity to respond to your comment.

God bless,

gloria

Is the Bible translated correctly?

2009-05-09T15:17:00.010-06:00

" We believe the Bible to be the Word of God, as far as it is translated correctly"

--- LDS Articles of Faith, # 8 ---

When I was LDS, I believed that the Bible was "mistranslated". That is to say, I didn't believe the Bible was completely in error, but had been "mishandled" in the translation process over the years and "plain and precious" truths had been removed. There is a kind of mind set in the LDS church that the Bible is "hard to understand" not as easy to read as the Book of Mormon. LDS are biased in their belief that the Book of Mormon is more "pure" than the Bible. Although they do recognize the Bible and use it in their Sunday School classes , there is a underlining mistrust in the Bible.

The above quote, at the top of the blog entry, is from the LDS Articles of Faith. ( similar to a statement of faith).

The LDS church believes the Bible is "correct" as long as it is translated correctly. So "who" decides if a particular passage is translated correctly or not? Mr. Joseph Smith, founder and first LDS prophet believed that the Bible was mistranslated and as such changed verses and passages from the Bible. LDS today call his translations the "inspired" translation or Joseph Smith Translation. These changes and alterations can be found in the back of the LDS published version of the King James Bible. ( the only authorized Bible LDS are encouraged to read).

The Book of Mormon, "another" book of scripture for the LDS states the following about the Bible:

" ... for behold they have taken away from the gospel of the lamb many parts which are plain and precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore thou seest that after the book ( the Bible) hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church , that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book which is in the book of the lamb of God." ~ 1 Nephi 13: 26-28

" And because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men.... because of these things which they have taken out of the gospel of the lamb an exceedingly great many do stumble , yea insomuch that Satan hath great power over them." ~ 1 Nephi 13:29

The Subheading for Chapter 13 of 1 Nephi in the book of Mormon, states the "loss of many plain and precious parts of the Bible".

These passages from the the Book of Mormon ( a book that LDS believe is the most correct of all books) clearly states that LDS believe that the Bible has "missing" parts/truths that cause men to stumble. The believe that the "abominable church" ( once believed by many LDS to be the Roman Catholic Church, but now no longer taught) took out truths from the Bible. This was done with the "intent" to blind men and harden their hearts.

Later on in the Book of Mormon, it goes further to state:

" ... Many of the gentiles ( non mormons) shall say A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible! and there cannot be any more Bible.... O fools they shall have a bible, and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. Thou fool that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible." -- 2 Nephi 29: 3,4,6

For non LDS readers, now you understand "why" LDS have a hard time trusting God's Word found in the Bible. Their own set of Scripture, that they view as the most correct of all books, teaches them that it is a "fool" who says that God's Word, found in the Bible is enough. They have been taught that the Bible is missing truths, that the great and abominable church ( once believed to be the roman catholic church) took out "plain and precious" truths to harden mens' hearts and to blind man.

Do you see why the distrust in God's Word?

Joseph Smith undertook the daunting task of re-translating the Bible. Most passages stayed the same as the original KJV version, but there are some key passages that have been changed.

Recently the LDS church announced that they have re-translated the Spanish Version of the KJV Bible. For LDS readers you can read more about this on http://www.lds.org/ This is not added footnotes and such as found in the LDS KJV, but a whole "new" translation. I wonder if the English KJV is next in line to be "re-translated" by the LDS. Time will tell.

When I began to read the Bible from cover to cover, it changed me from the inside out. My eyes were opened and God's word did a mighty work in my heart. It was not difficult to understand, but very plain and simple. THe gospel of John affected me the most. It so simply and clearly pointed me to the Messiah -- the Lamb. My heart was not hardened, nor were my eyes blinded. On the contrary after a lengthy study of the Bible, I came to the conclusion that Christ alone is all I need to inherit eternal life. That is how powerful God's word is.

" The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand forever." Isaiah 40:8

" So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. " Isaiah 55:11

"For the word of the Lord endureth forever. " 1 Peter 1:25

God did a great work in my heart and mind thru the reading of the Bible. I was not "looking" to leave the LDS church, when I began my extensive study of the Bible. God clearly pulled me out, and the Word of God, found in the Bible had a mighty affect on me.

I realized the Bible can be trusted! It is reliable! It has not been mistranslated as the LDS claim.

After leaving the LDS church I began to study the History of the Bible and how it came to be put together. Amazing. I recently purchased a book that helped my children and I understand the painstaking process of compiling the bible. I recommend this book not only for LDS readers, but also for Christians. It's a great book, especially for kids because it is a visual book, with lots of photos. How We Got the Bible by Clinton E. Arnold, published by Zondervan.

There is so much archaeological research that also supports the Bible as authentic and reliable. There is NO doubt that places like Jerusalem, the Jordan River and the Dead Sea existed! They exist today! Ancient ruins have been uncovered, places like Jericho, that show that the walls were indeed destroyed/torn down. The oldest form of any portion of the Hebrew Bible is over 2,600 yrs old and contains portions of Numbers chapter 6. This was discovered in an excavation of a burial tomb near Jerusalem in 1979. The Dead Sea Scrolls also reveal evidence that the Bible is not only authentic, but recent translations support the translations of years past. There is congruence and continuity. The oldest fragment of the New Testament is a portion of John's gospel that dates to AD 125. It was discovered in Egypt in the 1920's.

Contrary to what the LDS church teaches, the Bible has not been mistranslated. So far the Dead Sea scroll translations show that the translations are congruent with Biblical texts today. Men like William Tyndale, John Wycliffe and Mart Luther went thru extraordinary feats to translate the bible from the Greek and Latin and Hebrew so that the common Christian can know God's word. The Bible continues to be translated today into many languages and dialects. The Bible continues to be the World's Best selling book.

The LDS reader may question whether the Bible is still accurate after 2,000 yrs?

The answer to that question is a resounding YES!!!!! The Bible was translated thru a very careful process with many checks and balances along the way. Furthermore, the scribes working on copying the text of scripture took extraordinary care not to make careless mistakes. They had great respect and reverence for God's word and handled it carefully. Today we also posses the advantage of having many ancient manuscripts that can be dated back not far from the originals. When we compare the Bibles we use today the result is an astonishing degree of correspondence.

The Bible is God inspired and God breathed. John wrote :

" And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true and he knoweth that he saith truth that ye might believe. " John 19:34

The apostle John, walked and talked with Jesus and bore His record in written form. His record is true, and he does so that readers may believe that Jesus truly is the WAY!

The Bible is God's record of His dealings with His people, of their falling away, and of their need for salvation thru Christ the Lord. It is relevant for us today and it is most definitely reliable and translated correctly.

I challenge my LDS readers to put my words to test. Sincerely open God's word, and read for yourselves. I have faith and trust in God that He has preserved His word for generations.

I promise you that if you do read God's Word with sincerity of heart, your heart will undergo radical changes. For those of you who are reading who already know the Bible to be God's word, that endures forever, I challenge you to continue your study of it.

" For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. " - Hebrews 4:12

Now you understand why your LDS friends may not accept the Bible as God's word and may express a distrust of sorts. The LDS church has recently been attempting to show forth a different face when it comes to the Bible. A recent video by an LDS leader depicts the bible as a "miracle" and "inspired". Be careful, and remember that in their statement of faith, they openly declare that it is translated correctly only to their approval. The book of mormon also declares that the Bible has been tampered with. Although the LDS church has made recent attempts to place more focus on the Bible, the fact does stand that their scriptures teach that the Bible can not be trusted as accurate. The truth of the matter is that the LDS will take into consideration Joseph Smith's translation over what the Bible states. ( for an example of this, you may compare John 1:1 from the KJV to the Joseph Smith translation of the same passage of scripture) .

I testify to my LDS readers that the Bible is indeed God's word! It has withstood the test of time, and will continue to do so. It continues to testify of the need of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His sacrifice for our sins. It can be trusted. It is reliable. It is not mistranslated as you have been taught. It can be trusted! Don't take my word for it, but go and read it for yourselves. God is the author of the Bible, and His word surely has not returned void.

God bless,

gloria

MIA

2009-05-08T22:03:00.002-06:00

Hey all, so sorry I have been MIA lately. :) The family and I took a trip out west for my niece's wedding. We drove 1,800 miles from Missouri to Seattle. The kids did great and we had a wonderful visit with family. We also enjoyed a visit to Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands in S.Dokata. Both amazing sites to see!

God was so good to us, after praying for weeks for the funds to be able to make this trip, the Lord provided the funds a week or so before the wedding to be able to make the trip. Not only did we have enough money to stay in hotels and eat out occasionally and put $ into our gas hog of a huge van, we came home with some cash in our pocket book too!! Thank you Jesus! We paid cash for the entire trip and were blessed beyond measure!

As always the Lord is soooooooo good.

I'll post more in the next few days,

gloria

Corporate Prayer

2009-04-23T12:32:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I was talking with a dear friend of mine who happens to be LDS. ( born and raised, in fact!) She knows that I am born again in Christ and have resigned from the LDS faith. Fortunately, we have stayed very close. We love each other so much. I am blessed to call her my friend. Somewhere during our conversation the topic of prayer came up and I shared with her how very blessed I am to be able to be in a church that prays "collectively" or holds 'corporate' prayer. My friend didn't know what this meant, so I explained to her what it means to have a "prayer meeting" or to pray collectively as a body of believers. She thought it was really neat that the Church I attend sets aside time each Sunday for prayer, and also holds a prayer meeting weekly.

I realized again, how very richly blessed I am to worship with a body of believers that truly believes in the power of prayer and collective or "corporate" prayer. For my LDS readers,
"corporate" prayer involves praying together with others. The practice of praying together with other believers is a Biblical one and was practiced in the New Testament Church. One of the earliest accounts of corporate prayer took place in the "upper room".

" Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the Mt. Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath's day journey. And when they were come in, they went into an upper room where abode both Peter and James, and John and Andrew, Philip , and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer, and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his bretheren." Acts 1:12-14

Both women and men had united in prayer and supplications. The Mother of our Lord was even present and praying as well. How beautiful a sight this must have been.

Then there was the account of collectively praying when Peter & John were released from prison and they went "into their own company" and when their friends heard the great things that God had done for them, they " lifted up their voices to God with one accord and said: Lord thou art God, and hast made heaven and earth and sea and all that in them is..... and now Lord behold their treatings, and grant unto thy servants that they with all boldness they may speak thy word...... And when they had prayed, the place was shaken were they were assembled together and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness."

What an awesome experience!! They lifted up their voices to God -- that is more than one person at that time raised their voices! That is various believers raised their voices with one accord ( at the same time) and the when they prayed the place was shaken & they were filled with the Spirit! Wow - now that is a prayer meeting! Wow!

Then there was the precious prayers offered by believers as Paul embarked on his journey to Jerusalem ....

" and when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way and they all brought us on our way with wives and children , till we were out of the city and we kneeled down on the shore and prayed. " Acts 21:5

We also have the precious account when Peter, who had been miraculously released from prison by an angel came to the house of Mary the mother of John , where "many were gathered together praying". Acts 12:12

All these accounts give us beautiful illustrations of "collective" or "corporate" prayer........

Our Lord said beautifully when He stated : " when two or more are gathered in my name, there I am also".

From the earliest days , believers have gathered to pray. Believers continue to do the same today. Many churches offer "prayer meetings" and that a set time set aside for prayer. This can be done in various ways:

1. the pastor calls for prayer requests and he prays for them , while others listen and are in 'agreement' with him .

2. a prayer meeting is open to all who wish to offer up prayers - so various believers can pray one at a time ..... while others listen and then pray as well.

3. collective prayer can also be held like the first account mentioned here where various believers lift up their voices "with one accord" and with supplications. That is one person may begin a prayer and others join in and pray along with that person, so that various people are praying at the same time. ( usually for the same reasons or over the same person)

I have experienced each one of these methods of praying as a "group" or collectively.

Each Thursday night my Church hold prayer meeting. At the beginning the children are invited to pray.... we break up in small groups, children with parents. Each child is encouraged to offer up a prayer. We take turns praying. Then afterwards, the women have a time of praying together and then the men have a time to pray together.

It is a precious experience! Not only do we get to lift up the burdens before the throne of grace, we come to truly taste of what "fellowship" is all about. It's simply wonderful to know that my brothers & sisters in Christ are praying for me, and lifting up my burdens before the Lord! It's also a blessing to be in prayer for others who may need it. The Lord knew that we needed one another - that is why he told us to not forsake the fellowship with other believers. We simply need each other!

As I shared this with my LDS friend, she was touched by this. She admitted that there is no prayer meeting in the LDS church, and they do not take time to allow for prayers to be lifted up during their Sunday meetings. They do allow their members to add the names of those who need prayers to be added to the temple "prayer roll/list". And each day these requests are prayed over in the LDS temples, although there are no specific names or requests made in behalf of individuals. That is the closest the LDS get to collective or "corporate" prayer.

As I mentioned in previous blog posts, prayer has become a precious blessing to me. Not only praying as an individual , but also praying with other believers.

"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it unto you.... ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full". ~ John 16:23 -24

There is a fullness in joy when we pray. The sweet fellowship we experience with our Lord and with other believers unites our hearts and souls.

In Christ alone,

gloria

Spiritual Scales

2009-04-23T12:10:00.003-06:00

" And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he
received sight forwith..." Acts 9: 18

This morning I re-read the account of Paul's conversion. It never ceases to amaze me "how" the Lord "chose" him and changed his heart in such a dramatic manner.
Paul was truly not seeking a relationship with Jesus. In fact, he was travelling to Damascus on "business". His business was to collect Christians and have them bound.

" And Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord went unto the High Priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues that if he found any on this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem." Acts 9:1 & 2

Although I did not experience a "Damascus" experience, I can relate to Paul's experience of being "blind" and then receiving his sight! I love the passage that describes how he received his sight -- and not just physically but spiritually........ he was once blind to Jesus, and what Jesus had done, and there fell from his eyes " as if it had been scales" and he received sight forwith.........

After Paul received his spiritual and physical eyesight..... he ate and "straightway" he preached Christ in the synagogues. He went first to those of his church.. the Jews. His heart was to first proclaim the message of grace & salvation to the Jews!

When I came to the Lord Jesus and completely surrendered my life to Him in the fall of 2007 -- I too experienced a "falling away of scales"..... not real physical scales, but spiritual scales that had been blinding me for years. It was an amazing experience..... I kept telling my husband over and over again that it was like 'scales were coming off.... layers were coming off my eyes.... I literally felt as if I was being released from a prison I had been in for so many years and my chains were removed." It was incredible. Of course these were spiritual manifestations that I experienced as a result of being born again in Christ, but none the less there was to me, an apparent release from bondage and removal of scales from my eyes.......

For once I was blind and now I can see!
I was lost, but now I am found,

I love the old hymn Amazing Grace -- it speaks volumes to my heart........ I also love the new rendition to that old hymn by Chris Tomlin -- Amazing Grace, My chains are gone..... beautiful.

I also can relate to Paul's desire to go his friends in the Jewish Synagogue and share the good news of Christ! I too have that same desire to share the good news with those in the LDS faith. Paul spent years as a Jew.. I spent years as a Mormon....... Paul would often go to the Synagogue first when he stopped in his missionary journeys ........ he has a "soft spot" for the Jews and longed to share Christ with them.

Many former LDS, including myself, also feel that "soft" spot for LDS to share the message of grace and salvation! That is why some of us have blogs or websites dedicated to sharing that GOOD news , and that is why some of us do continue to maintain ties with our loved ones in the LDS faith -- with hopes of sharing the news of our Lord with them!

For my LDS readers, this is one of the primary reasons I began this blog ... that is for YOU. To share the news that Jesus , His blood shed on Calvary is enough to guarantee you eternal life in the kingdom of God. That is it's all about Him, and not about a "church"....it's about a personal and saving relationship with the Son of God.

My heart's desire is to see many LDS come to taste of His goodness and that they too may have the scales removed and shed, and yes perhaps even have their own "Damascus" experience!

That is my constant prayer for the LDS.

God bless,

gloria

Speaking of prayers...

2009-04-17T11:19:00.001-06:00

Speaking of "praying" .... would you kindly pray for me while I travel across the country today . I am going back west to visit my parent's for their 60th wedding anniversary party. I am excited to see them and other loved ones, but also nervous to leave 10 kids behind with dad! I know he'll be ok, but my mama heart always gets a tad bit concerned. I know I know... I need to let go and let God.

Please pray for safe travels, and for the kids and dad to just enjoy each other this weekend.

Thanks so much, I 'll be back on Monday. So it's not too long of a trip.

God bless,
gloria

Praying

2009-04-16T20:31:00.004-06:00

" Pray without ceasing " ~~ 1 Thess. 5:17

Some of my LDS friends have asked me "what" aspects of my life have changed since becoming a born again believer of the Lord. A few of my closest friends really wanted to know "what" could be better in my life now as a Christian vs. when I was LDS. I would have to honestly say that there are many areas that God has completed transformed in my life, since coming to a personal & saving relationship with Jesus -- but "if" I had to choose one area...... I would have to say the most drastic change that I have experienced has been in my prayer life.

When I was a young child, my mom would pray with me each day before bed. We would recite the Lord's prayer each night before bed, and then she would tuck me in and kiss me goodnight. This gave me a great sense of security knowing not only my mom loved me, but " My Father" did too. As I grew older though, this traditional prayer was simply not enough to satisfy my longing to have a closer relationship with God. When I became LDS I learned how to pray a more spontaneous prayer, but formal with the formal language of "thee, thine and thou". This is what I call the King James language. I say that because the Hebrew and Greek languages ( the languages the bible was written in) do not have the formal "thee and thine".

Even though as a LDS I did become more spontaneous in my prayers -- it still did not satisfy the longing I had to really fellowship with God. I so longed and looked for a more intimate and personal relationship with Him. In the last year of my time in the LDS church, I did begin to have some more personal prayers addressed to Jesus ( the LDS do not pray to Jesus, all their prayers are addressed to "heavenly father".) I noticed when I dropped the formality and focused on what I was expressing, then my prayers took a drastic change. They became more intimate.

Now, as a Christian I can say that my prayers are radically different than when I was LDS and when I was a child!!!! Now, I can't wait to get up in the morning and spend time with my Lord in fellowship......... it's a precious time of day for me. Just me & my Lord. It's the first thing I think about when I get up in the morning. I could never do that as LDS!! I could never no matter how hard I tried, get myself out of bed to pray early in the morning! I was lucky to sneak in a few minutes sometime in the morning between getting breakfast for my family and getting babies cleaned up! Now I find that is not the case! I am so anxious to get up in the morning to be with the Lord -- it's something I just can't wait to do!

The content of my prayers have changed dramatically as well. I no longer just focus on "my needs" but I have learned to love praying for others. It's such a blessing to sit and just pray for friends and family and even total strangers who may be sick, afflicted, needing encouragement, etc. I recently started a prayer journal to keep track of prayer requests, and answers too. I also love just taking time to give a prayer of thanks. I usually do these kinds of prayers at night before bed. I will just thank the Lord for everything......from food and good health, to the birds outside.

I also find that during the day, the Lord beckons me to pray ........ if I am being led, I will grab a cup of coffee and head off to a quiet place and spend some time in prayer again. Another thing I notice is the Holy Spirit's leading in prayers. As I sit to pray, I always love to begin my prayer time in worship... singing a song of praise to the lord.... at that time the lord may impress a certain thing I need to pray for. It's amazing how the Spirit can lead in prayer.

Not only has prayer become something absolutely precious -- I have seen huge changes in my children's prayer life!! They too have learned to pray from their heart. No longer the formal "we thank thee for food, clothes, we ask thee...." I am amazed at how intimate their prayers have become. They no longer need to fold their arms across their chests, as they did when they were LDS. LDS have a tradition of folding their arms across their chest . It supposed to help people maintain reverence..... and although I do believe one should be respectful when addressing our Lord, we certainly don't need to have our hands folded. Many times during prayer I will lift up my hands to heaven or just fold them simply on my lap.... there is no 'set way' of how we should keep our hands. The Lord truly cares about what is in our heart, not the formalities of "how" it's done. Thank you Lord! The kids love that freedom to express themselves as they feel led during prayer. I do ask that they maintain a worshipful attitude but they are not required to fold their arms, as when they were LDS. No more formalities.

I also want to note that prayer is a huge huge part of the Christian's life. I realized this quickly when I became involved in our local church. I began to attend prayer meetings, and there is also a time set aside each Sunday at the beginning of service for prayer. My pastor has also called on us to have a time set aside at the end of Church to pray for the lost. Each Thursday night, the women in our church get together for prayer. The men do the same. We pray with the children of our church. Believers are a praying people -- that is what I have noticed. When I talk to a friend who is a believer, and they are having a hard time or are sick or in need of encouragement, we will pray. That maybe on the phone even! It's such a blessing!!

When I was LDS I would never tell someone why don't we stop and pray and ask God for help... or healing or whatever the need may be........I would tell LDS friends that I would place their name on the temple prayer roll, but collective and corporate prayer is not a integral part of the LDS church. When a friend was sick, I would typically make them some bread and soup and drop it off and tell them I hope they feel better -- but ask to pray with them? No, that just wasn't a part of the way things are done.

Now as a believer that is precisely the first thing Christians will think of doing! "I'll be in prayer for you" is often heard in Christian circles. What a blessing! What a wonderful thing it is to know that one is being lifted up in prayer thru the difficulties of life!

Prayer has become so precious, so sweet...... such a huge part of my life and the life of my children. I'll even find myself praying while I am on the ride mower mowing the grass, or when I am in the kitchen cooking, or in the car, etc. Praying without ceasing....... the Lord has taught me what that is and how very precious it is!

" Pray always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" Eph. 6:18

I am so thankful to Jesus for teaching me how to pray, truly pray. Not just a wrote pray ... but truly a prayer from the heart........

I never realized how very precious prayer can become in the life of a believer. Thank you Lord, for lovingly teaching me what it truly means to pray. Thank you for capturing my heart, my mind and my life..... I so long to worship you...... you are my all in all.

I love you, Jesus.

Yours forever,

gloria

I was blind, but now I can see....

2009-04-16T11:26:00.007-06:00

"For I have come unto this world, that they that see not might see." John 9:39

The years that followed my first prayer of salvation, were ones of gentle and gradual awakening. God proceeded to do an amazing work in my heart and life. He literally removed the scales from my eyes. Looking back now upon those years ( 2000-2007) I am absolutely amazed at how loving, compassionate and gentle my Lord was with me. He did not "pull me out of a burning building" but gently called me to HIM.... He truly is the good Shepherd and His sheep know His voice.

As I mentioned in my last post, I was not "looking" to leave the LDS or to "find" another Church for that matter. For the most part I did what I was counseled to do.... I put my concerns about polygamy and the historical data surrounding this doctrine aside. I figured, God would "work it" out when and "if" I had to live it in the "next life". It's important to note that although the LDS mainstream church does not live a polygamous life style -- they do still indeed believe in this teaching and allow LDS men to be sealed to more than one wife, if his first wife is deceased, or has the man has been divorced. So, in "theology" the LDS church still believe that plural marriage is of "god" and will be practiced in heaven/the next life. I think most LDS don't give it too much thought though, because it isn't part of their culture or lifestyle anymore.

I continued to attend my meetings, and serve faithfully in my "callings" in my ward. I "thought" things had been resolved about my concerns and doubts. I pressed forward and dove even deeper into the LDS faith. As much as I "wanted" to believe the LDS church was "the only true church", the Holy Spirit really began to work on my heart. In 2001, my husband and I chose to begin the process of adopting a child from Guatemala. I began to study about what the Bible said is "pure and undefiled religion". James 2:27 I realized God really had a heart for the orphans. I joined online support groups for families who were adopting . I "met"many families who really loved Jesus and who were also adopting. My heart wondered "why" the LDS church was not more actively involved in orphan ministry. I even went as far as to call the LDS church Social Services headquarters in SLC ( a LDS adoption placing agency that places babies of unwed mothers into LDS homes) and asked them what "the" church was doing with orphan work in the world. The response I received was shocking! I was told, ( very kindly, mind you) that there was no budget set aside for running orphanages or becoming involved in orphan work. I was stunned. It was obvious the LDS church has the financial resources to spend some of their tithing funds on orphans! The Bible speaks very clearly about the mandate to care for the orphans. I couldn't understand how the LDS church could spend millions on temples, and a conference center, and large church buildings, and money to run sports programs at their Universities and NO money to build orphanages? That stunned me.

Other things were brought to my attention, that had never bothered me before..... For example each month the LDS hold a "fast and testimony" meeting. The first Sunday of the Month - LDS are asked to fast for at least 2 meals a day and give the proceeds of the money they would have spent on food to the go towards the care of the needy in their congregations. I realized the LDS do not use these funds to run "soup kitchens" or other food ministries to help feed the poor and hungry. It deeply troubled me that their large welfare program was used primarily by LDS and is not open for the local poor in the community.

" For I was a hungered and you gave me meat, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in." Matt 25:35

Why didn't they set up soup kitchens? Why not use the proceeds of fast and testimony to be used to feed ALL the poor and not just the LDS that were hungry? I didn't understand. Many churches are involved in outreach programs to feed the hungry locally. When my husband and I attended General Conference, we noticed how many beggars there were on the streets of Salt Lake City -- I also noticed that all the conference attenders walked right past these begging souls......... what was wrong, I wondered as my husband and I ran around to get some food to hand out to the homeless.....why doesn't the LDS church set up a soup kitchen and homeless shelter right here in the City right next to their conference center ? We went to eat lunch at the plush "roof top" restaurant at the top of the J.Smith memorial building -- we were amazed at how luxurious and ornate this building was. Marble floors, huge statues of Joseph Smith -- beautiful appointments........ while waiting for our table to become available we toured the top story of the building and noticed a lovely room set up with a beautiful buffet...... we asked the help there if someone was having a wedding reception -- no, we were told, "this is the luncheon for the general authorities". ( that is the LDS leaders). I became sick, and upset. Here there were homeless going hungry outside and these men are having a buffet? How can this be.

My LDS readers reading this, may think I am being very judgemental.... and perhaps I am....... but I am merely sharing with you what was so deeply troubling to me. No money to build orphanage, no money to set up soup kitchens and homeless shelters.........but money to put on a lavish buffet for it's most prominent leaders? After lunch my husband and I checked out the chapel in the building where the locals meet.....including the President of the LDS church.... all I will say is goodness gracious........this is not some typical LDS chapel. I was amazingly appointed. Lavish is a word to describe it. It made me angry. Here LDS in latin america and other places hardly have shoes and food to eat and here their leaders were eating in style and worshipping in luxury. It hit me like a ton of bricks.... is this what our tithing money goes to? I was told it went to build temples....... not build memorials for Joseph Smith or to pay for lavish buffets for leaders. Something was wrong with this.

Another ephinay happened when I sat in our Sunday Ward Sacrament meeting and the song: Praise To the Man Was Sung...... as I sat there singing a song I had sung more times than I can count thru the years.... I audibly heard in my ear the whisperings of the Lord speak very clearly: PRAISE NO MAN BUT ME. I can't describe the bolt I experienced. I was made dumb literally --- from that moment on I never sang that song again, and told my children to not sing it either.

For those of you not familiar with this LDS hymn paying homage to their leader & founder Joseph Smith here are few lines from the song...

Praise to the man that communed with Jehovah.

Jesus anointed that prophet and seer.

Blessed to open the last dispensation

Kings shall extol him and nations revere.

Chorus:

Hail to the prophet, ascended to heaven!

Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.......

Mingling with gods he can plan for his brethren

Death cannot conquer that hero again.

Great is his glory and endless his priesthood

Ever and Ever the keys he will hold

Faithful and true he will enter *his* kingdom

Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old

I'll never ever forget that Sunday when so clearly I was commanded to speak NO more praises to the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith.

Then there was the experience when I was sitting in a Sunday School class, and the teacher asked what the difference was between the LDS's teaching on grace and the Christian's view on grace and why. I remember raising my hand and quietly and yes even nervously saying " I believe I am saved by grace... I really do believe... and I don't believe it's grace after all you can do...... but by grace we are saved, not of works. "....... oh the clamor that arose! People started speaking out and saying how wrong I was and how it's not grace that saves us, but "grace after al we have done" grace after being baptized mormon and grace after we have gone to the temple and done the work for the dead..... grace "after". I knew at that point that I was deeply treading on new ground..... I knew that I knew that I knew that I NO longer believed the LDS gospel.

Jesus had done a work, and I was beginning to see..... slowly the scales were starting to come off my eyes.

One of the final moments of 'awakening' was when I was sitting in the LDS temple, and watching the endowment movie that portrays the fall of adam and eve and creation -- and hearing the man who portrays satan say " put on your aprons, see you are naked, go hide..." and the movie is stopped at that time and you hear the words "brothers and sisters put on your aprons"....... I was gripped with the knowledge at that moment that the apron was being commanded to be put on by satan! In the Genesis account of Adam and Eve, Adam and Eve sewed themselves fig leaves together and made themselves aprons to cover themselves. Gen. 3:7 But in the LDS temple, it was "satan" who told them to do so...... God made adam and eve, "coats of skin" ..... Gen 3:21 not fig leaves.

As I look back now there were many many experiences and events I could share where the Lord was just opening my eyes and revealing truth and also falacies....... there are so many it would take too long to write them all, but these are some of the ones that stood out the most to me.

The most amazing of all work the Lord did on me though, was thru the reading of the Bible. In the winter of 2005-2006 I began to read the Bible from cover to cover in it's entirety. I had read sections of it in the past, but not the entire book from Genesis to Revelation. It took me approximately 2 yrs to complete the study -- but let me tell as I read it God did an amazing work on my mind and heart..... I began to see very clearly that not only was the Bible not mistranslated as I had been taught as a LDS, but it was God's word! As I made my way thru the Old Testament, I read thru the Jewish Temple ritual and realized that the Jewish temple experience was nothing like what the LDS did in their temples, I also noticed how everything in the OT pointed towards Jesus -- the I AM. As I read thru the Book of John, the most amazing thing happened -- my eyes began to open and I read over and over again that it was a belief in Jesus as Messiah that saves and grants eternal life...... NO where in the Bible did it teach that one was saved "by obedience to the laws and ordinances" but by the grace of our Lord Jesus alone! I made my way thru the New Testament gospels and the writings of Paul....... and then to the end to the book of Revelations...... I realized the New Jerusalem - the City of God, will descend from Heaven and not in Jackson Co. Missouri! So many thing jumped out at me........ it was if Jesus himself was showing me "look at this gloria, and look at this........and finally....... that it was by His grace and His grace alone that I receive eternal life!

Oh my! I can't recall the exact day I realized that NOTHING I could do - no good works, no temple ordinances, could grant me a place in eternity...... No nothing but the grace of our Lord.... it is not of "works lest I boast but a gift of God." Eph. 2: 8 & 9 Wow. What a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. I didn't have to earn it........ I didn't have to endure to the end and hope that I did enough temple work, was faithful enough, etc to secure my eternal life....... No it had nothing to do with me! It had everything to do with HIM!

At the time, I was teaching the women in Relief Society, and I gave my final lesson the last Sunday of November of 2007. I came home and told my husband I would not be returning again to the LDS church. 1 month later I emailed my bishop and told him I would not be returning again. I never looked back. I completely surrendered to Jesus........ I told Him I wanted Him and Him alone. That I was tired of religion, tired of "good works" and tired of failing miserably and that I was a sinner, and knew that I would never be "perfect" or "good enough".......... what a weight was lifted. I just prayed and asked Jesus to please show me the way.... that I wanted Him more than anything.... that I didn't want to err, but be right with Him.

My husband was as you can imagine surprised. He didn't know really what to say. I had showed him the discrepancies in the Joseph Smith first vision, and initially this really troubled him. I won't lie and say it's been an easy road for him. We now have a interfaith marriage and family and that has posed some challenges, to say the least. But God in His grace is working on things and helping us to live a life of love and grace and forgiveness. In the next few months, we read thru the gospel of John. One by one the children gave their lives to Jesus......some sooner than others...... each of their experiences were unique and certainly a personal giving of their hearts to the King of Kings. Other than 2 of the younger ones, I wasn't even there when they were saved. From the beginning they were allowed to have the choice to remain LDS , or not. I fully expected my older kids to want to return to the LDS church -- after all it was all they had known. Given a chance to read the gospel of John and to hear the "good news" that Jesus is all they need - they chose Christ. Thru the past year or so, many of my children have shared with me how "burdened down'' they felt when they were LDS.... especially my teenage son , who was almost 15 yrs old when we left. He has expressed his relief with not having to have the pressure to be "perfect" and fall into the mold of the LDS man. At the time of his release he had been serving as his qurom president, and apparently he had felt a bit of pressure to lead, etc. I didn't even realize it until months after leaving and he opened up. I thank God each day my children were saved. God knew that they would be needed to encourage their mama down the challenging journey that lay ahead. They have been my greatest cheerleaders -- when things are hard, they are the first one to say " Go to Jesus, mom" or " remember don't let satan steal your joy"..... they are full of faith in the Lord and it blesses my heart so much!

Initially we stayed away from any church in general. Our family needed a time to heal and to adjust to our new found faith . We were for obvious reasons feeling "burned out" on religion..... and really to this day, the name "religion" conjures up less than positive emotions and feelings.
In the Spring of 2008 ( april) God began to lay in my heart a desire to fellowship with other believers. I was very concerned I would make a wrong choice again... so I really gave this step a huge amount of prayer and consideration....... I actually wrote a letter to God and wrote down all the things I was hoping to find in a church, and then left it in my Bible.

It wasn't too long afterwards that the Lord led us to a small non denominational church in our small rural town here. I'll never forget talking to the pastor for the first time and inquiring about the church's beliefs -- he basically said that they are all about Jesus and non denominational, and that they preach the Bible, God's word and that is it. I remembering weeping....... just so hungry for God's word..... I was like an orphan child that had not eaten for months..... just so hungry I could not get enough of the Word....... My husband and I began to attend the bible study and then the prayer meeting....... each time I would go it was as if someone was feeding me for the first time....... I was literally eating it all up. I loved every second of it. I am so glad that God led us to a congregation of believers that truly are sold out for Jesus , and where the Bible is preached each Sunday and not a "sermon" and where the only creed is Jesus! We continue to worship with this body of believers, and we have been richly blessed! Thank you Lord!

My husband did join us initially for Bible study and Sunday worship........but soon he chose to stop attending. We remain in prayer for his salvation, knowing God did begin a good work and will complete it. The work of salvation is truly the work of the Lord -- I am not called to be a "savior on mt. zion" ( an LDS saying) No, there is only ONE savior on Mt. Zion and that is Jesus! He is intimately involved in the work of salvation. My job is to love my husband, to serve him and to help him, but not to save Him. If Jesus wants him in the fold and in His kingdom, then it will happen in God's time, not mine. Meanwhile, we try to live a life of love one to another, although I will admit it can be challenging at times with our interfaith situation, but God is faithful to help us out each step of the way. I am learing to love and be the wife that God wants me to be ... not what I have been , but what He wants . So very different. The Lord is so patient with me and all my many screw ups a long the way.

After we came to the Lord..... God continued to work in our lives...... in such amazing and wonderful ways! I can not even believe how awesome a God we have! He is so faithful -- so faithful. He has been our provider, our protector, our shield, our refuge, our all in all. 4 of my children and I were baptized in Christ Jesus in August of 2008. Prior to our baptism, I sent in my formal resignation letter to the LDS Church. I simply stated that I believed Jesus was the ONLY WAY and all I needed to receive eternal life and to please remove my name. It was completed in a timely manner, and less than 2 weeks later I received my letter stating my name was removed. I can not tell you how much of a burden was lifted at that moment as well... I literally felt as if the doors of a prison had been opened up and I ran out screaming "I am free" I am free! Praise God I am free! Free at Last! The baptism was a very simple service, focused completely on Jesus. Baptism for the christian is not about "joining a church" it's about publically confessing that we are the Lord's. For my LDS readers, Christians believe that Jesus commissioned his disciples in Matt 28 to go and teach and baptize. Our authorization to baptize comes from Jesus. Not from a priesthood. But, from Jesus directly. It was a beautiful experience...... soooo different than being baptized as an LDS. My pastor prayed with me, and then he had me pray and I publically confessed the Lord in my prayer. Then I was immersed in the water and then my children followed........ I am baptized not because it is necessary for salvation, but because the Lord has asked me to do so and so I do. I count it a blessing and privelege to have publically confessed that I am the Lords!

His grace is amazing........and my chains are gone......... slowly, gently my Jesus wooed me , courted me and eventually guided me out of the LDS church and into the arms of His everlasting love. My exit out of mormonism, was a gradual process. I believe the Lord knew exactly what He needed to do for me individually. He did it ever so gently and lovingly..... showing me one step at a time, and opening my eyes to see the truth and also to see the lies.

Those first months after coming out of the LDS literally felt as if someone was taking off layers from my eyes....... literally........

I love the story of the blind man being healed. It has taken on such personal meaning to me.

Jesus truly does make the blind to see in more ways than one..........

Blessed be His name!

gloria

Hearing the " good news" for the first time

2009-04-14T11:53:00.001-06:00

It was the winter of 1999-2000 that I was presented the "good news". My husband, a general contractor specializing in remodels, was hired by two Christian couples to do extensive remodeling on their homes. My husband, being the faithful LDS that he is, wanted to have these couples over for dinner and share the "gospel" with them. We did end up having one of the couples over, and enjoyed a visit with them. They also homeschooled their children , so we enjoyed similar interests. I was later invited over to their home for a play date with the kids. At that time I was presented the good news. The obviously knew I was LDS and they gently shared with me the message of Jesus. I wasn't offended at all, but rather I pondered what she said. At that same time period, I had been called to teach R.S. and was going to be teaching about the the LDS prophets - in particular the teaching of Joseph Fielding Smith. A manual was given to me, and in my desire to learn more about this LDS leader and prophet, I purchased some biographies and also a video about his life. What I thought would help deepen my faith in LDS leaders created a dilemma! Joseph Fielding Smith practiced "plural marriage". That is polygamy. I was under the impression that this was lived in such a way: a man had to have the approval of his first wife in order to be married /sealed to another woman. As I watched the video on this man's life -- I soon realized that his first wife refused to share her husband with another wife, and as a result they divorced. Joseph Fielding Smith was committed to the principal of plural marriage and would not abdicate it's practice, even if his first wife disagreed.
As I researched this out and studied what the LDS scriptures state about plural marriage, I read the following in the Doctrine & Covenants, a book of LDS scripture written by Joseph Smith.

" And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood ( plural marriage) if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and he espouses the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to not other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him, for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and none else. " 132:61

"And again verily verily , verily I say unto you, if any man have a wife, who holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law of my priesthood ( plural marriage) as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe and administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your God, for I will destroy her, for I will magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide in my law. ( plural marriage) 132:64

"Therefore if shall be lawful in me, if she receive not this law, for him to receive all things whatsoever I the Lord His god, will give unto him, because she did not believe and administer unto him according to my word and she then becomes the transgressor, and he is exempt from the law of sarah, who administered unto Abraham according to the law when I commanded Abraham to take Hagar to wife." 132:65

These saying were shocking to me! Why had I not noticed them before? Had I just skimmed over them before and just ignored them because plural marriage was no longer lived in the LDS church? Why hadn't I seen this before?

I was deeply troubled that Joseph Fielding Smith had divorced his wife, simply because she would not accept a plural wife and that she would be "destroyed".

I began to do more research on plural marriage and the LDS history of it's practices.

What I uncovered was more disturbing than my heart could bear.

I was told that these men married widows and women who were left destitute because of the trek west ... when I did research I found this not true. Also It stated in the D & C that men were only allowed to mary "virgins" but yet many LDS men took wives who had been already married, and some to faithful LDS men. They surely weren't "virgins" as outlined in the LDS scriptures. I also found that LDS leaders not always married within their "age range". Many of these men married women who could have been their daughter and in some cases their grand-daughters! You can do the research on www.familysearch.org and type in the genealogy of the LDS leaders and do the math and see for yourselves that these men did indeed marry women who had been already married, and some of them very young at that!

This was all deeply troubling. I had been told that plural marriage had been lived by few and because their were so many widows in Utah. I was also confused by the conflicting passages of scripture above to the ones written by Joseph Smith in the same book of Scripture:

" Wherefore it is lawful that he should have one wife and they twain shall be one flesh" D&C 49:16

At one point Smith taught that a man should have but "one" wife and then later he commands men to take another "virgin" ..... and if the wife does not agree she shall be destroyed?

Then the remark about Abraham being "commanded by God to take Hagar to wife"... upon further study of the Bible I found the following to be in the bible:

" And sarai said unto Abram, behold now the Lord hath restrained me from bearing, it may be that I may obtain children by her, And abram *hearkened to the voice of Sarai. "
Genesis 16:2

God did not command Abram to take hagar! Sarai did -- big difference!!!

At this point I was deeply disturbed. I shared my concerns with my husband and my bishop. Their response, was "don't worry about it" .. it's not a requirement for this earthly life........ this answer simply did not satisfy me.
I decided it was time to hear what the Christians had to say about these things. I'll never forget knocking on the door of home of one of my husband's clients. "P" answered the door. She welcomed me into her home warmly. She was a seasoned believer, a daughter of Christian missionaries, who had spent years in the word and knew it well. I sat down with her and shared my concerns and feelings. She listened, did not judge, did not become angry, just listened. After I was done she asked me if I wanted to hear about Jesus. I said, yes I sure did, I have always wanted to know Jesus. She then proceeded to tell me the "good news" that Jesus died for me and that it is thru His grace I am saved and receive eternal life. I listened to what she had to say. She then encouraged me to pray and ask Jesus into my heart. I did just that. I went home and did the same.

I really wanted to know Jesus. I have always wanted to know Him and follow Him.

I came back home and prayed again and left it at that. I sincerely gave my life to Jesus.

I didn't really know what to expect at this point.

I continued to attend my LDS meetings. I really didn't think I needed to leave the LDS church or anything of the like. I did attend my friend's church a few times. My husband kids attended with me. My friend would call me and ask me how I was doing. She invited me to a bible study fellowship. I attended. My husband was fine with it all, as I was continuing to attend my meetings and such. I really didn't dawn on me that accepting Jesus had anything to do with leaving the Mormons........

Well, what I didn't figure on was what would occur in the following 7 yrs...........

God did an AMAZING work on my heart and mind and soul!

Looking back, I honestly believe I was saved in the winter of 2000. I just didn't realize it!

But God did , and He promised us that " they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand". John 10:28

Jesus had saved me, and He wasn't about to let me perish.

I remained active in the LDS faith for 7 more years, but during that time period God lovingly and mercifully removed the scales from my eyes and healed me of my blindness.

That is what I will be sharing next,

Gloria

Reflections on Easter

2009-04-13T12:08:00.002-06:00

Easter has taken on new meaning for me and my children. It has become a precious & JOYous occasion. I know a number of my readers are LDS, so I thought I would share our weekend, and explain how Easter is celebrated in the Christian Church. First of all the entire focus on this prior week is on Jesus. Starting with Thursday night, our church fellowship met together for the breaking of bread , in memory of the last supper. We gathered together and sat around the table and parted bread and drank the fruit of the vine... children and parents.... the elderly, the young and the 'in between." :) There were friends there as well, who do not attend our particular church, but are believers and share in our common love & adoration of our Lord... thus they too are 'welcomed' to partake with us. The Lord's supper ( or communion as it is called in some churches) is for believers who have unabashedly given their lives to the King of Kings. Denomination is not a barrier for partaking at the table ...... this is a time we lay down our denominational titles and are unified in our common belief that Jesus is Lord and that eternal life is thru Jesus. It was beautiful and how proper that we should partake of the bread & wine ( or grape juice) on that day of all days. My pastor then read from the Word about the washing of feet, and how we should all have a servant's heart and wash the feet of others......we then spent the rest of the evening "washing feet" at the local nursing home. Our little church loves going and visiting the widows there. Usually we just pray with them, sing a few songs and just love on them. Many of them suffer from dementia and senility, so it can be heartbreaking.

This last time we went, we met a precious woman named "Virginia". She is in her 90's and really very spry. She is there because Virginia has no living family and is unable to care for her home and farm. After we sang a few verses of Amazing Grace, I asked her if she "knew the Lord".. her response was so sweet: " Oh yes, I sure do! I'll never forget the day my husband and I knelt down at the altar and gave our lives to the lord at that revival"...... she wept when she recounted that event......... we prayed with virginia and asked the Lord to bless the last days and years of her life -- she longs to be "home" with her Lord. What a blessing it was to visit with Virginia. She blessed our heart so!

Friday night, the youth were invited to view " The Passion". Sunday we enjoyed a lovely breakfast prepared by the men of our church, and then worship services. All I can say about this is OH MY! How wonderful it was to celebrate and rejoice in the fact that our Lord overcome sin and death for us! We clapped, we sang, we shouted Hallelujah -- oh how we rejoiced!!! I invited a few families who were LDS and they too so enjoyed the joyful service!! How precious it is to fellowship with others who also adore and love Jesus. We enjoyed a full morning, and didn't realize it was nearly 1 pm when we all piled into the car!! We had enjoyed a "full feast"..... not just physically with wonderful food, but spiritually! Oh my!

I came home with the kids and we enjoyed an "egg hunt". Plastic eggs filled with little strips of scripture, about the resurrection. I made our traditional Resurrection cake -- a cake shaped as a cross, with " He is Risen" written on it. ( this year's cake was carrot and cream cheese frosting, yum!) We ended our evening singing praises to God and just feeling SO FULL of JOY!

I know many Churches enjoy sunrise services and celebrations too. My friend that lives in New Zealand, enjoyed a lovely sunrise service on the beach! Can you imagine?!! Christians all over the world yesterday were praising God and shouting HALLELUJAH!!!

My husband who remains LDS did not attend our Easter Service. His church held a "stake conference" where he was told by his leaders that they don't need "Easter" . ( that is his words he told me ) I was so sad when I heard this. It just broke my heart. Apparently they told the LDS that they remember Jesus every Sunday, not just Easter. I agree that we should remember Jesus every single day, but Easter is a day among days! A day to remember what our Lord and Savior has done for us! A day to rejoice!! It broke my heart that my husband did not experience the joy and celebration that we did that morning. Can't they hold Conference another Sunday? Why do they have to take away from the day -- it's Jesus' day -- not a day to hold a church conference. ( they just did that last weekend for 10 hours!)

I know many LDS may never have experienced a traditional Easter service, so I just wanted to give you a peek into what Easter may entail for many of us as believers.

It is a time to reflect, to ponder our Lord's atonement at Calvary and a time to remember that HE DID OVERCOME death & Sin. Because our Lord paid the price for my sins -- I will live eternally with God, because the Lord overcome physical death -- I will too will be resurrected. I don't know about you all, but that is something work celebrating to me!!!!!!

The greatest gift of all -- was given to us over 2000 yrs ago during the passover season.......Jesus truly is our passover Lamb. As believers we use the term " Easter" ..... doing a little research I found out that Easter means = passover in Latin. That is so cool! So it is an appropriate thing to say we celebrate Easter! Jesus our passover lamb, was given for us -- and He truly did overcome Sin & Death! Hallelujah!

When I was LDS , I never recall experiencing the JOY of the Easter Season or the solemnity of Good Friday...... there were no special Good Friday Services held, no special "parting of bread" on Thursday, prior to Easter Sunday..... and no celebrating on Easter Sunday. Other than for a few Easter Hymns and a few talks given by members of the congregation - that was the extent of it. It was really "business as usual"... a Sunday like any other, but with a few Easter hymns sprinkled in. There was no celebrating. No Joy. I think back to all those years and realize how much I missed out on.... but at the same time I am all the more grateful for the JOY I have now in Christ. I feel sorry for my husband who didn't get to experience the worship and the celebration.

My heart aches for my LDS friends and loved ones. I so long for them to partake of that feast the Lord offers us..... He IS living waters and He IS the bread of life -- He that drinketh of those waters and eats that bread shall never go hungry or thirsty.

When I was LDS I always felt hungry........ I always was starving ....... desperately wanting to experience that "fullness of JOY" that was always promised........

Now, I have it.

Jesus gave it to me.

Now, I have that JOY ..... and it's is more than I ever imagined it to be!

Praising Him!

gloria

HALLELUJAH!!!!!

2009-04-12T00:10:00.002-06:00

Wishing each of you a JOYOUS Easter!! Hallelujah our Lord is Risen!!!!

Praise Him!

gloria

The name of the WAY is Jesus

2009-04-10T22:21:00.005-06:00

Jesus is the WAY.........the "way" is not a church, a religion, a denomination, a ritual, a membership, a good work........ Jesus is the WAY...... the ONLY way.... the only membership you need to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven is the name of Jesus in your heart, soul and mind.........don't believe me?

He made it very clear....... He is the I AM that led the Children of Israel from bondage out of Egypt..............He is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world....... He is the bread of Life......... the Living Waters........... He that drinketh of His blood shall never thirst......... He that eats of His bread shall never hunger............

Are you thirsty?

Are you hungry?

Come, sup with the Lord...........

He is waiting...... and is preparing a lovely feast for you............

Run to Jesus.

He is waiting.

Run.

If you want JESUS, surrender........

Surrender your heart........

Surrender your soul..........

Surrender your life.........

Surrender.............

Pray and ask Jesus to be your king, to show you HE IS THE WAY......

He is waiting..........

Watching you..........

And hoping beyond hope....... that you will be present at the wedding feast.

So what are you waiting for?

Go.

Partake.

Today

2009-04-10T09:03:00.005-06:00

Today marks the day that the Body of Christ remembers and reflects upon the SINGLE greatest act of sacrifice that any one person has done in the history of humankind..........

The sacrifice of the Lamb of God...... Our Passover Lamb.....

May each one of us purposely be led to reflect, and and ponder upon what happened on Calvary today..... may we fall before our God on our faces... crying out HOLY HOLY HOLY God almighty, who was, and is and is yet to come! Rev. 4:8

Jesus, you are so worthy of our praise!

You are beautiful to me!

Blessed be your name!

gloria

Life after the "mission"

2009-04-08T13:55:00.004-06:00

I arrived back to the United States after spending 18 mos in Argentina. My family was so relieved to have me home, and there was a big gathering "welcome home " for me when I arrived home. I have to hand it to my family, they really tried to reach out to me, even though they didn't agree with my choices I was making. They just loved me. God bless them.

Upon arriving home, I promptly told my mom about my "head lice problem"..... yikes! Bless my mom she spent the first full day I was home tackling my hair! Fortunately those little critters were gone for good! I arrived home just a few days before Thanksgiving, so the whole family got together for good times and good food!

I was to "report" on my mission the first Sunday after I arrived home. That is a "homecoming" was in order. The LDS don't do homecomings and farewells anymore.. it's too bad, because it is really a nice gesture for the out going missionary or returning missionary. Basically a "homecoming" means a entire "sacrament meeting" ( the main Sunday meeting) was dedicated to letting the newly returned missionary share experiences and stories from their mission. I really enjoyed listening to these talks, but sadly they really don't do this anymore. Now, the LDS return missionaries are given a "topic" to talk about, instead of allowing them to share what they wish to. :( I don't recall much of what I shared about my missionary experiences, but I do remember the warm embraces and hugs from those in my "home" ward. I do remember my parents coming out, and that was always a blessing to see them try to support me in something they themselves didn't really agree with. They did it out of love.

I was asked by a high councilman ( an LDS man who serves in a calling to oversee the affairs of an LDS congregation or "ward" and then reports back to the"stake") to speak at a local single's ward. I showed up early and made sure my notes were in order. As I spoke I noticed a man slip in to the chapel a bit late. He later introduced himself to me after the meeting. The rest is history. We were married in the Seattle LDS temple 3mos after our first date.

It is typical in the LDS church to encourage short courtships. It is most definitely not a doctrine or "rule" but just an unspoken expected. There are exceptions to this, most LDS couples I know had short courtships. The LDS church teaches sexual purity to it's unmarried, so this may be a reason that they encourage speedy courtships. Overall, LDS marry young and they don't wait once they know "who" they are to marry to get married. :) Hope that makes sense.

In any case, our "quick"courtship flipped my parents out -- especially my dad! They had been so patient with so much, but this was too much for them. My father was especially upset and really concerned that we did not know each other well enough to make a decision to get married. Our minds were made up, and we moved forward .

Our Temple sealing, was attended by LDS friends, but neither of our parents attended the ceremony. My parents were not members and my husband's parents were not active in the LDS church and did not have a temple recommend. It was a beautiful June day -- the weather was gorgeous...... looking back I can only imagine how my non LDS parents and sisters and family felt..... they didn't say anything....... but quietly waited outside the temple for us to come out. If I was to do it again, I would have married in an LDS chapel and then waited to be sealed. It hurt my parents deeply, and rightfully so.

We enjoyed a typical LDS reception , held at the local meetinghouse "cultural hall" which also doubles as a gym complete with basketball hoops! :) Both of our families did the best they could with supporting us thru this time, even though they may not have understood "why" we were doing it the way we were. There was hurt feelings, but they sure tried hard not to show them. My husband had also completed a full time mission, and had been waiting for sometime to "meet" his eternal companion. The LDS believe very deeply in the teaching that "families are forever"...... that is they believe that it is only in the Temple, where a faithful LDS couple should marry, and receive the ordinance of eternal marriage. They believe marriage done in this way will ensure, if the couple is faithful to the LDS gospel, an "eternal" marriage... that means the husband and wife will be married in the next life as well as this one. The ceremony is a simple one. The groom and bride kneel down by an altar and hold each other's hand in a special grip that is considered "sacred" and not to be revealed. It's similar to a boyscout grip, if you know what that is. In any case, the couple kneels down, grip each other's hand, and then the "temple sealer" the LDS man who officiates, then "seals" them for time and all eternity. It is a very simple ceremony and very short. Maybe 5 minutes long or so? In any case there is no exchange of vows, no rings exchanged. Only LDS with temple recommends can attend the temple sealing. If a family member is not LDS or is not able to secure the necessary recommend they will not be able to attend the sealing/wedding.

After a short honeymoon, my husband and I returned to start our lives together. We soon found out we were pregnant with our first son. I was very ill thru out the entire pregnancy. Our son was born early, but healthy. Life got busy really quickly as my husband started his own business, we added on to our home various times, and quickly added 4 children to our quiver. Then there was the church callings we held, and the many meetings that are required ... so life was definitely "full" to say the least. :)

Each pregnancy was increasingly more difficult.... and after one c-section after another c-section I was left depleted and unhealthy. Cronic morning sickness for 9 mos with each child was really taking a toll. Close family took me aside and questioned my desire to have more children. They asked whether I was pressured to do so by my church. I would tell them "no", of course not, and really none of our church leaders ever said anything to us, but what I didn't tell them is my husband and I were studying about what the "prophets" said about children and family planning. My husband and I became convinced that birth control was not of God and that we needed to allow god to send down as many "spirit children" as He wanted. This whole concept of "spirit children" is an LDS teaching that teaches that God lives on his own planet and with "heavenly mother" ( s) ( God's wife) bears "spirit children". These spirit children do not have bodies but "spirits". They must be born on earth to have a "body" and the are assigned to a particular home or "choose" to go to a certain home/family. It was encouraged for many years for LDS women to have many children and to bring down as many "spirit children" as they possibly can. LDS women play a vital role in this "plan" because they bear the "spirit children" of God, and thus it is a blessing for them to have as many spirit children come to their home, instead of the home of "non LDS". I know this may sound really "odd" to non LDS reading, but I am trying to explain things as simply as I can. I explain this because , this teaching affected my husband and I, and our decision to have many children.

As much as I love love my children... my health was deteriorating and I was so tired and weak...... and burned out.... on the outside I appeared "happy and had it all together" but on the inside I was "burning out"........ each time I would become discouraged , I believed all I had to do was pray more, be more faithful in my callings, serve more, and read my scriptures! I really tried very faithfully to do all I was told by the church, and by what I was reading in the scriptures. I wanted to be obedient. I wanted to have that "fullness of JOY" that the LDS talk about....... but yet it hopelessly elapsed me..........

I did a good job "hiding" my feelings. My husband knew I was tired and exhausted, but no one else did. I hid that from my friends at church and my extended family. My husband's business had flourished and blossomed and were financially doing very well. We had a lovely home, and 4 beautiful children..... and from the outside it appeared as if "all was well". But in my heart of hearts, I was so tired....... and definitely not feeling the JOY I was promised to have.

What was wrong with me? I combated those feelings with being more faithful in my church callings, attending the temple more frequently, fasting and praying more, reading the book of Mormon more, and asking for priesthood blessings from my faithful LDS husband. I did all this and yet the JOY elapsed me........

It was at this point in my life, that I was presented the GOOD news of Jesus..........

And that is what I will be sharing with you in my next blog post.

Until then, God bless!

gloria

Leaving Comments

2009-04-08T08:53:00.003-06:00

Good morning! I hope & pray that you are enjoying a blessed week as we look towards the Cross of Calvary and the empty tomb on resurrection Sunday!

I just wanted to take a moment and tell my readers how much I appreciate their comments. I read each comment you leave, and I generally will publish them as soon as time permits. With that said, I welcome your "courteous" comments. :) That is even if you disagree with what I am sharing here, you are welcome to disagree ( thank God we live in a nation where we have freedom to do so!) . I have no problem with a person disagreeing, but I will not publish comments that are rude, or discourteous. Inflammatory remarks about my person, or husband or family or friends will not be tolerated. Period.

I am not a perfect person, a sinner saved by grace and helplessly flawed. ( big time!)

I want you all to know that I pray each day over this blog and ask God to guide my words.

I may make mistakes along the way, chances are I will stumble. It is not my intent to attack the individual members of the LDS faith, but merely to share my experiences while I was a member and to present the good news of Christ Jesus and how it compares to the LDS gospel.

I will strive to do my best to remain courteous and sensitive in my posts here as I share about sensitive doctrines and teachings that are controversial . With that said, I will not "hide" things. That in itself may irritate some LDS readers.

It is my greatest hope and desire that the Lord use this blog for His glory!

My heart yearns to see the LDS embrace Jesus -- the Messiah - the I AM -- and I will continue to write and share what the Lord impresses upon my heart. I also pray that this blog will equip the body of Christ to better understand their LDS neighbors and friends so that they may be able to reach them for Christ.

Jesus, was hated , despised, spat upon and reviled because He preached that salvation was not about a religion, a ritual or a "membership" into the Jewish faith....... He preached that HE IS THE WAY and He preached that it is only thru a personal relationship with Him that we may receive the blessing of eternal life.

This my dear readers is the message of Christ .........

He is the WAY............

May each of you enjoy a blessed week and a JOYous Easter,

gloria

Gethsemane or Calvary?

2009-04-06T11:42:00.021-06:00

This week marks the anniversary of the SINGLE MOST important event of all the earth's history........ the week we remember the suffering of the Lamb of God -- which takes away the sins of the world. John 1:29 and His glorious resurection!! It is the week we remember the blood that was shed on the cross of Calvary. Jesus made "peace" through the blood of His Cross.

" And having made peace through the blood of His cross to reconcile all things unto Himself, by Him ..." Colossians 1:20

It is thru the blood of the Lamb that we are justified, forgiven and cleansed from our sins.

" being now justified by His blood" Romans 5:9 KJV
" we have been made right with God by the blood of Christ's death"
Romans 5:9NCV
" Since we have now been justified by His blood." Romans 5:9 NIV

The *single* greatest act of sacrifice ever completed in the history of humankind was completed by our Lord, the Lamb of God on Calvary 2,000 yrs ago.

"Jesus being found in the fashion of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross." Phil 2:8

When I was a young child growing up in the Roman Catholic Church, I was taken to mass daily during Holy Week. My mother would take me thru the stations of the cross. The stations of the cross are pictures/drawings of the last week of the life of our Lord. I recall seeing my mom shed tears and she recounted to me what our Lord did. Those memories are deeply embedded into my heart.

When I became involved with the LDS Church, I immediately noticed that the LDS do not place focus on the Cross. In fact, if you go to their chapels ( which are open to the public) you would notice that there are no crosses either on the inside or outside. The same is for their temples. The LDS believe they are to focus on the "risen" Christ not the crucified Christ. Well, Yes, Jesus is risen! Hallelujah! That is why most Christian churches have an empty cross adorning their steeples or inside their buildings. LDS members do not wear cross necklaces and their homes do not have crosses on their walls. As a missionary , I was instructed to encourage new converts to remove the cross from their walls and to not wear any jewelry with the cross on it.

For those that are not LDS, you may ask yourselves "why"? "If" the LDS claim to be a "christian" church, why do they not use the cross as a symbol of their faith? The answer lies in the fact that the LDS church does not teach that it was on the cross that Jesus paid the ultimate sin offering. No, the LDS officially teach it was in the garden of Gethsemane that Jesus atoned or paid the price for our sins.

The art print above, is a popular print that can be seen in the chapels and temples of the Latter - day Saints. It represents Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. The LDS officially teach it was there that Jesus bled for our sins. This print can be purchased in a set with other LDS artwork. It can be used by families to teach the LDS gospel in their homes. On the back of this art print is stated the following: " In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus suffered for our sins. Jesus prayed more earnestly and He sweat great drops of blood as He atoned for our sins." You can purchase this art kit or print from the LDS Church distribution center.

The art print below is from "New Testament Stories,pg. 111" a book for Children published by the LDS Church.

This pciture depicts Jesus in the garden, "bleeding" for our sins....... Here is the caption printed below this picture: " Jesus was praying. He was sad. He began to shake. Blood came out of his skin. All his body hurt. It hurt because he was suffering for the sins of all the people. While Jesus suffered and prayed and angel came to make him stronger. Jesus finished praying. He had bled and suffered for the sins of all the people."

The LDS canonized scripture , Doctrine & Covenants, is a book of scripture written by Joseph Smith. He writes about the garden experience in D & C 19:18

" Which suffering caused myself, even God the greatest of all to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink --- "

The LDS Church teaches that Jesus "bled" at Gethsemane and there suffered and took upon himself all of the sins of mankind. Aside from their teaching from Joseph Smith, they use a verse from the book of Luke and make a "twist " to it's meaning.

What does the bible teach about his garden experience and his sweat ?

" and being in agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:44

" and being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. " Luke 22:44 NIV

" being full of pain, Jesus prayed even harder, His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." Luke 22:44 NCV

This verse from the gospel of Luke clearly states that Jesus prayed earnestly and " his sweat" was as it were great drops of blood. I like to compare the various translations..... they all state that his sweat "was like" drops of blood, not literally drops of blood. Big difference. When comparing the account of Luke to Matthew and Mark's account, Luke is the only one that gives this description of sweating at all. "If" Jesus had truly suffered for all the sins of mankind in Gethsemane, shouldn't the bible state that? I will share later that indeed the Bible teaches it was the CROSS where Jesus paid the price and by his blood on the cross, not gethsemane ( there was no blood shed there) we are forgiven. The bible does not teach that the atonement was made in Gethsemane. It does not teach that jesus paid the price for our sins there. If so, Paul and others would have been preaching " gethsemane not Calvary"!

Joseph Smith changed the verse in Luke, to the following, and the entire meaning was changed:

" and he sweat as it were great drops of blood". JST Luke 22:34

Thus, the Mormon teaching of Jesus bleeding for our sins in Gethsemane is born! He changed the verse from saying that "he sweat as if it was blood to he sweat blood". Wow.

Later, after Joseph Smith, other LDS leaders would teach that Jesus atoned for our sins in the garden of Gethsemane:

" We speak of the passion of Jesus Christ. A great many people have an idea that he was on the cross and nails were driven into his hands and feet, that was his great suffering. His great suffering was before he ever was placed on the cross.. It was in the garden of Gethsemane that the blood oozed from the pores of his body. That was not on the Cross. That was in the garden. That is where he bled from every pore in his body." Joseph Fielding Smith , President & Prophet of the LDS Church, From the Garden to the Empty Tomb, Liahona April 2006, 8-11

" On the night Jesus was betrayed, He took three of the twelve and went into a place called Gethsemane. There he suffered the pains of all men. He suffered only as God could suffer, bearing our griefs, carrying our sorrows, being wounded for our transgressions, voluntarily submitting himself to the inequity of us all. It was in Gethsemane that Jesus took on himself the sins of the world . " Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 1988, pg. 14

Now, you understand "why" the LDS do not revere the cross of our Lord, but rather the garden of Gethsemane was the place where Jesus atoned. Thus, the lack of crosses in their buildings and temples and in the homes of their members.

If pressured, the LDS will tell you that the cross was a painful death and surely not to be spurred at, but clearly and resoundly they preach Gethsemane and not Calvary.

Now, that you know what the LDS teach about "where" our Lord atoned, let's take a peek at what the Bible declares about the Cross. It is very important dear readers to understand that Jesus had to have died on Calvary. His death and the events leading up to his death on the cross were prophesied years prior. Here are a list of prophecies made about the events in the final days of his life that were fulfilled and finished on Calvary.

1. He was betrayed by a close friend:
Psalm 41:9 yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted which did eat of my bread, hath lifted his heal against me.
Fulfilled: Luke 22:47, 48 And while he yet spoke behold a multitude and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the son of man?

2.Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver:
Zech 11:3: And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price, and if not forebear. So they weighed out for my price 30 pieces of silver.
Fulfilled: Matt 26:14,15: Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests and said unto them, What will ye give me and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for 30 pieces of silver.

3. Accused by false witnesses:
Ps 35:11: False Witnesses did rise up, they laid it to my charge thing I knew not.
Fulfilled: Mark 14:57,58
And there arose certain and bear false witness against him saying, We hear him say I will destroy this temple that is made with hands and within three days I will build up another made without hands.

4. Silent to Accusations:
Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Fulfilled: Mark 15:4,5
And Pilate asked him again, saying: Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus answered him nothing so that pilate marvelled.

5. Spat upon and smitten
Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to them that plucked off their hair, I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Fulfilled: Matt 26:67
They did spit upon his face and buffeted him, and others smote him with the palms of their hands.

6. Vicarious sacrifice
Isaiah 53:5
Be he was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement o our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.
Fulfilled: Romans 5:6,8
For when we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

7. Crucified with malefactors:
Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he divide the spoil with the strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death and he was numbered with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressions.
Fulfilled: Mark 15:27,28
And with him they crucify two thieves ,the one on his right hand and the other on his left hand, and the scripture was fulfilled and he was numbered with the transgressors.

8. Pierced though hands and feet
Zech 12:10
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplications and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.
Fulfilled:
John 20:27
Then saith he to Thomas: Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands and reach hither they hand thrust it into my side and be not faithless but believing.

9. Scorned and mocked:
Ps 22:7,8
All they that see me laugh me to scorn, they shoot out the lip they shake their head saying: He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him seeing he delighted in him.
Fulfilled:
Luke 23:35
And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him saying: He saved others, let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

10. Soldiers Gambled for his clothing
Psalm 22:17,18
I may tell all my bones; they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them and cast lots upon my vestures.
Fulfilled:
And they crucified him and parted his garments casting lots that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet.

11. Forsaken by God:
Psalm 22:1
My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me? Why are thou so far from helping me and from my words roaring?
Fulfilled: Matt 27:46
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried, with a loud voice, saying " Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani? That is to say, My God , My God why hast thou forsaken me?

12: No Bones broken:
Psalm 34:20
He keepeth all his bones, not one of them is broken.
Fulfilled: John 19:32,33,36
And when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already they brake not his legs.

13 . His side pierced:
Zech 12:10
All I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced........
Fulfilled:
John 19:34
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side and for with came out blood and water.

14. Buried with the rich:
Isaiah 53:9
And he made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death
Fulfilled: Matt 27:57-60
When the even was come there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, which also himself was Jesus' disciple.... And when Joseph had taken the body and he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb.....

All of these prophecies have been fulfilled. Jesus had to be sold for 30 pieces and betrayed by Judas, He had to be spit upon and scourged and crucified and pierced! All of these were prophecies that were to be fulfilled in the final hours of his life on earth!

Furthermore the writers of the Bible preached the Cross.

" For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel not with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be of none effect. For the preaching of the cross to them that perish is foolishness but unto us which are saved it is salvation". 1 Cor 1:17 & 18

What is the cross? SALVATION. To those that are perishing spiritually it is "foolishness". But oh to us, as believers, it is Salvation -- for on the cross our blessed Lord paid the final price for our sins -- it was there that Lamb of God completed the work -- it is there that IT WAS FINISHED. Jesus shed blood on the cross is what saves us! There was no blood shed in the garden. The blood had to be shed, and that blood was shed when Jesus was crucified and pierced.

Paul, gloried in the cross ....I love the passage when he states that the only bragging he will do is about the cross of our Lord........
" The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging."
Gal. 6:14 NCV
"But God forbid I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Gal 6:14 KJV
" May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
Gal 6:14 NIV

Paul states that believers should only suffer persecution "for the cross of Christ". Gal. 6:12

As believers, we are reconciled and made right with God thru the Cross!
" And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. " Ephesians 2:16 KJV
" It was also Christ's purpose to end the hatred between the two groups ( Jews & gentiles) to make them into one body and to bring them back to God . Christ did all this with His death on the Cross." Ephesians 2:16 NCV

Jesus, the Lamb of God" humbled himself and became obedient unto death - even the death of the cross. " Phil. 2:18

Paul warned us of the "enemies" of the cross of Christ. Phil 3:18. I do not believe in any way that the LDS are enemies to the cross. I believe they are sincere in their beliefs. But, my dear friends "sincerity" does not equate truth. As sincere as they may be about their beliefs about Jesus atonement in the garden, it just simply is not the truth.

To my LDS readers, please dear friends consider that Jesus truly is the "author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross".......... Hebrews 12:2

It is by His stripes we are healed, and He has made peace *through* the blood of His Cross. God has made peace with us ... sinners, thru the blood of Jesus on the Cross . colossians 1:20

I know Jesus' atoned for us on the cross.

I know His blood was shed for me on the cross, so that I may have "peace" with God and live with Him forever.

I know that Jesus, is the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the world -- my sins and your sins too..........

I boast of one thing and that is the cross of Jesus! Yes, I can brag about that ... I can brag about what my Jesus did for us all on that cross so long ago.

Yes, that 'old rugged Cross of my Lord!

Praising Him,
gloria

In response to my "anonymous" comment

2009-04-03T13:43:00.005-06:00

I am encouraged by the courteous comments readers are leaving here on my blog. Thanks to those of you who take time to leave a thoughtful reply or comment. I also want to write and let you know your comments get me thinkin' ........

I wanted to take a moment and respond to a comment left here by someone who wishes to remain "anonymous"..........

" For 10 yrs I felt so drawn to the LDS religion, but did not end up in it for various reasons. But I *have* learned the Bible well over the years, and recently when I began studying ( not with missionaries) the LDS faith, I see so much in it that is to me wrong and false. I am thankful God preserved me from joining, since I would have gone straight in full force because I would not have known any better. And then who knows if I would ever have had the courage or sense to extricate myself. "

First of all, I want to write and tell my 'anonymous' reader PRAISE GOD! Praise God that He preserved you from joining the LDS. Praise God that you began to read the Bible and that your eyes were opened to recognize that the teachings and doctrines of the LDS faith are not biblical and as you said many are "false". We serve a great God and He truly has preserved you! Praise Him for that!

I also was struck as I read this comment that , it is precisely because of the fact that you read the Bible and knew God's word that you were able to discern truth from fiction. Interestingly enough, when I served my LDS mission, I was never successful in teaching the LDS gospel to anyone who had a strong grip and knowledge of the Bible. NOT one. That isn't to say that I "tried" to share the LDS message -- it was just fact that those who knew their Bibles and read them , did not accept the message I was presenting to them! They were able to discern and know that the message I was sharing was certainly not biblical.

Recently my LDS husband, who remains active in his faith, made a comment that really has stuck with me......... he told me that people "like me, and other born again believers" would not make good Mormons....... I asked him "why"...... his response was .... " because Jesus is enough for you and you are not "open" to further knowledge and light"....... hmmm.... I took that in and then asked him "who" would make good converts to the LDS...... his response was " those that did not know their Bibles well"........... wow....... now that was telling.

This brings me to the point, that I believe is so important. Friends, if we wish to avoid being deceived we must know God's word! The Lord told us that we must "continue in His word" and to that I say AMEN!!

" Take heed that NO man deceive you" . Matt 24: 4

I joined the LDS as a 20 yr old young woman , who was completely Biblically illiterate. I knew nothing, absolutely nothing to compare what the Mormon Missionaries were teaching me. Nothing. I had no Bible until I purchased my first one as an LDS soon after I was baptized into the LDS.

I believe because I did not know God's word, I was easily converted to the Mormon gospel. That certainly was the case on my Mission. The people that joined the LDS church under my teaching, were all biblically illiterate. None of them had or owned a Bible and none knew God's word. Sure, they knew who "Jesus" was and who "God" was because most had been reared in the Catholic Church, but they had no clue about Biblical teachings.

For the most part, the LDS missionaries have greatest success with peoples who are biblically illiterate. I also want to point out , that the majority of LDS missionaries who are out there, are truly sincere and do not know that what they are sharing is a false message. They are sharing what they believe is the truth. I really don't think LDS missionaries even have a grip on the "meatier" teachings of the LDS church or know about it's contradictory teachings. They are simply being obedient to what they have been told their whole life to do. For my readers who are believers, please remember that when the Mormon Elders or Sisters come to your doorstep. I sure hope that if they do come, you will be able to share with them the good news of Jesus with them. They need to hear the message of salvation, and they have been taught to be courteous and polite so they will allow you to teach them, if you sieze the blessing of doing so!

I recently read of the experience of an LDS sister missionary who was serving in Idaho. She was invited into the home of a Christian family and they in love presented the good news of Jesus with her. This young woman returned home after her mission and gave her life to Christ. She ended up leaving the LDS and embracing the Lord! Praise God! So, please friends, when the LDS missionaries knock on your door please do share the message of salvation with them!

To my anonymous commentor:

I am so thankful that God opened your eyes to the truth and in time you were able to see the false teachings of the LDS. I am also grateful that God opened my eyes too! It was after a 2 yr in depth study of the Bible that I was clearly able to see truth from error and was able to embrace Jesus!

God's word is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! Psalm 119:105

I praise God that He protected you, and for the work He did on both of us thru His word!

gloria

Responding to a comment about "worship"

2009-04-03T13:12:00.005-06:00

I wanted to take a moment and respond to a comment left by " Seth" here on my blog. Seth, I believe is LDS, and left the following comment in response to my blog post about "worship" I shared yesterday.

" Lack of proper worship is hardly a unique LDS trait. I doubt that most Evangelicals in the USA , for instance, participate in "worship" to the degree you have discovered. This is just human nature. Not "Mormon nature". "

I wanted to point out that I agree that The LDS Church is certainly not the only Church out there that doesn't set apart time each week during their Church services for "worship". There are a number of Christian Churches and denominations that really don't spend much time in "worship" during their services. I would make mention that Fundamental Baptist Congregrations do not use music outside the hymns and do not dedicate a set time for "worship" as I described yestereday.

With that said, I would "disagree" with Seth, by saying that most Evangelical Churches *do* spend a considerable amount of time during their Sunday Services in Worship. That is a common "trait" of Evangelical Churches or a pratice that does appear to "set them apart" from other denominations. In defence of the Baptists, I would also say that there are some Baptist churches out there as well that devote time in their Sunday services to "worship". Although, Baptist tradition is rather formal and use of traditional hymns are more common.

I have visited a few Evangelical Churches and when I left the LDS church I did considerable research on local churches here and without exception Evangelical Churches ( non denominational and denomination) do see worship as am important part of their Sunday service and do set apart some time for worship service. Some , even have "worship bands" .

I also have to point out to Seth, that I do believe it is "human nature" or the "flesh" that naturally does not spend time in worshipping the Lord. Thus, the need to "crucify" the flesh and become a new creature in Christ Jesus! Thus the need to become "born again" and become filled with the Holy Spirit, and when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we are more inclined to desire to praise God, lift our hands to heaven and worship the king of Kings!

I agree with Seth, that this lack of worship is truly not a "Mormon thing" . Sadly, many churches today, do not set a time apart for worship. I merely was using my experience in the LDS church as a comparison to what I now experience with the body of believers I fellowship with.

Thanks Seth, for your comment and for the chance to respond.

God bless,

gloria

Oops!

2009-04-03T12:59:00.003-06:00

Oops! I have been working on a post about my Mission experiences and I didn't realize that blogger keeps the original date of the "draft" when I clicked to post it.

So if you are interested in reading about my experiences as Mormon missionary in Argentina, you can go back to the last post in March and you can read there.

Sorry about the confusion!

God bless,

gloria

The Purpose of Life?

2009-04-02T15:07:00.003-06:00

What is the "purpose of my life"? That is a question that LDS missionaries are told to ask potential converts. Since leaving the LDS church I have pondered that question deeply........ and I want to share with you that my purpose is so radically different than what I had learned as a Mormon! The Bible, God's word , tells us what our purpose is and "why" we were created by our Lord:

" For thou has created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created". Rev.5:11

" For all things were created by Him and FOR Him". Colossians 1:16

There is no doubt, the Lord God created me for wonderful purposes! He created me for HIS pleasure for HIM!

I have learned since coming to the Lord that we are here to glorify our God!!

The Lord told Moses just that :

" and in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee MY power, and that MY name may be declared throughout all the earth." Exodus 9:16

Jesus , the Son of God came to earth to fulfill His Father's will and what was that?

" For God so loved the world that whomsoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life". John 3:16

Jesus was "about" His father's work, and we should be to, and that work is to glorify our God!

" Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit". John 15:8

" Let your lights so shine before all men that they may see your good work and glorify your Father in Heaven". Matthew 5:16

Simply put, like Moses I am here on earth to glorify my God. Not to "earn" my glory or my exaltation , but to exalt the name of God above all others. That is my purpose!

Can I tell you something? That is so exciting!!!!

It's so exciting to be about "my father's work" ...... to be telling everyone how great and awesome a God I have........ to be "declaring HIS doings" among the people! Isaiah 12:4

I recently spoke with an LDS missionaries via http://www.mormon.org/ I asked "samuel" what the purpose of his life was? His response was: " to become like god" and one day receive exaltation.

Hmmmm........ I think that is the same "purpose" Lucifer had:

" O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut to the ground... for thou has said in thine heart I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will sit also upon the mount of congregation ...... I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most HIGH". Isaiah 14:12-15

Joseph Smith had the same vision of the purpose of life:

" ...and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fullness and continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end, therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue, then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power and angels are subject to them." Doctrine & Covenants 132: 19 & 20.

That is exactly the vision that Lucifer had, he wanted to be "like the most high".

And you know where Lucifer will end up?

"Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 14:15

Lucifer, the enemy, wanted to be like God. He wanted to receive exaltation too.

Oh my dear LDS readers, please please consider your lot before you.

God created you for HIS purposes - to glorify HIM!

The purpose of your life is not to become like "god" and to eventually receive your exaltation.

The purpose of our lives as believers is to exalt the name of the Lord not our own.

Oh my friends, my heart aches for you to understand.

You are in my prayers.

Meanwhile, I am thrilled to spend the rest of my life exalting the name of the Lamb, and glorifying my Father in Heaven!

Praising His Holy, Holy, Holy Name,

gloria

Learning To Worship

2009-04-02T11:43:00.004-06:00

As I type I am listening to Cece Winans on CD sing: " Jesus you are beautiful"..........oh how I love worship music..........

One of the most wonderful things that I have experienced since leaving the LDS is learning how to "worship". I know some of you may be thinking "what's the big" deal .. well, it is a BIG deal to me! You see the LDS don't worship in the same way Christians do. Let me explain, what they call "worship" is basically their Sunday meetings where they go and sing a few hymns and then offer a prayer and hear a few talks on assigned topics from members of their congregation. They believe that taking the "sacrament" each week ( the equivalent of communion for Christians) and singing a few hymns "is" worship.

My first introduction to worship came when after about 5 mos after leaving the LDS church, I found myself attending a small home bible study. My husband and I walked into this small group at my then pastor's home and we were introduced to "worship". They were singing songs that were completely about Jesus, and they were deeply focused on what they were doing. Some were raising their hands up in adoration to the Lord and others were had their eyes closed, focusing on what they were doing -- worshipping . The songs they were singing were all about God. Not about "people" or "events" but God. I was touched.

I mean one never ever sees LDS raising their hands up during their services. There is a brief moment in the temple ceremony where LDS raise hands up and repeat the words " O God, hear the words of my mouth" and that is the only time I ever have experienced raising "hands" as an LDS. It is definitely not part of their worship service or culture.

In the next few weeks and months I experienced what it meant to "worship" the Lord.

The Bible also teaches that raising or lifting up our hands towards the Lord is a form of worship and completely appropriate for believers to do as an act of praise, adoration and worship to the King of Kings.

" I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting " . -- 1 Timothy 2:8 KJV

" Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. " Psalms 134:3

" O come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:6

" Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool, for He is Holy."
Psalm 99:5

" For Solomon stood and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel and spread forth his hands toward heaven...."
2 Chronicles 6:13

As believers we should spend time each day worshipping our Lord. It pleases Him.

As I shared , I had to "learn" what "worship" meant. Thanks to a loving pastor & his beautiful wife and a wonderful group of believers to fellowship with, I learned what "worship" is.

I had been only exposed to a small selection of hymns in the LDS faith.

Now, I want to preface this by saying I really do like some of the old Hymns. I absolutely love the old hymn, " Amazing Grace" ( which by the way is not *sung* in LDS services, nor found in their hymnbook) and the Old Rugged Cross ( that one is not found in the LDS hymnbook either) . Although these old hymns are beautiful and worthy of being sung, I have absolutely completely fallen in love with praise & worship music!! One of the ways we can worship our Lord is thru music, and singing. The Lord delights in hearing our praises!

" Praise the Lord, call upon His holy name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted. " --- Isaiah 12:4

Psalm 15o tells us that we should "praise Him" with the sound of the trumpet, with the psaltery and harp, with stringed instruments and organs and with loud cymbals and praise Him with dance! Wow -- the Lord really loves music! My little ones love to dance while the rest of us sing praises to the Lord! Oh how precious!

" Speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and making melody in your heart to the Lord. " -- Ephesians 5:19

" If any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms."

When Jehoshaphat went to battle with the army of Judah, he appointed "singers unto the Lord" that would praise the beauty of His holiness, and sing before the army " Praise the Lord, for His mercies endure forever." 2 Chronicles 20:21

And when these singers began to sing and to praise the Lord, the Lord sent ambushments against their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20:22 Wow!! Their singing and praising God led God to deliver them from their enemies!! Can you imagine what that must have looked like? A group of men ready for battle and going forth singing praises to God???

Praise and Worshipping the Lord thru music has always been a very important part of the lives of believers and it continues to play an important role in the lives of believers today. Many Christian churches today have a time dedicated to "worship". This involves singing hymns, psalms or worship songs. The purpose of this "worship" time is to praise & worship the Lord God. Worshipping does not involve singing songs of praise about "others" ... only about God. My little Church I attend has a 1/2 hour or so dedicated just to "worshipping" the Lord thru music and praise.

This has been such an exciting and amazing blessing to me! I have learned to LOVE , LOVE worshipping my Lord. I have purchased lots of music CD's and my kids and I have enjoyed learning beautiful praise & worship songs.

There is nothing that blesses my heart more than seeing my 4 or 5 yr old raise their hands to heaven while they sing " Holy, Holy, Holy" ... it's so precious and I know it blesses the Lord too.

I think back to that first bible study I walked into almost 1 yr ago and I smile....... remembering watching my pastor and his beautiful wife raise their hands up now just warms my heart and soul........ oh how I love to worship the Lamb.

Thank you, Jesus for the blessed privilege of worshipping you!!!

gloria

My Mission

2009-03-31T18:05:00.006-06:00

I was "called to serve" as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission. Prior to going to Argentina, I was to report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.

My parents, not too thrilled with my dropping out of my last year of University, were none the less trying the best they could to be as supportive as they could under the circumstances. God bless them for what they went thru. They decided to make it a family trip of sorts, and drove me down to Utah from Seattle. We stopped and saw some sights in Salt Lake City, including Temple Square. They dropped me off at the MTC ( mission training center) on June 6th, 1990. There is a very large room where all the parents leave their children who are serving missions. A short speech of sorts is given and then the parents are told to exit thru one door and the missionaries thru another. It is an emotional moment to say the least. Especially for my non - LDS parents.

My experiences at the MTC were positive for the most part, although extremely busy. There are a strict set of rules that LDS missionaries live by. There is a "set time" to wake up at ( 6:30 am) to go to bed, ( 10 pm) and everything in between was dictated as well. The only "free" day is Mondays. I was assigned a "companion" , another female missionary that I would have within eye site the entire time I was assigned to be her companion ( with the exception of visits to the toilet). My companion was Hermana Caballeros ( Hermana is "sister" in spanish). I don't know what her first name was, because we were strictly forbidden from calling our companions by their first names. She was a sweet humble tiny little thing from Guatemala. Oh, could she eat! She was tiny but she could put down food like no one else, and at the MTC it was cafeteria "buffet" style eating, so you can imagine how much she could eat. I remember her fondly.

I also made friends with some other precious young women, some whom I have stayed in contact with for over 19 yrs. Amazing, eh?

Because I spoke Spanish fluently, I did not require language training. I was assigned to take classes that would help me to learn 6 lessons called "charlas" that I would be teaching to those investigating the Mormon Church. I learned them fairly quickly, as the language was pretty easy and the lesson material very simple. The first "charla" was about Joseph Smith, and how he had a vision and saw God and Jesus and how they told him that no church was correct and that he was going to "restore" the true church of Jesus on the earth again. I also learned to teach about how in LDS temples couples could be married "for time and eternity" . That is mormons believe that an LDS couple's marriage would not terminate at death but continue forever. There was also lessons on the "word of wisdom" , aka: the LDS health code. Basically NO alcohol, or tea or coffee. We were taught how to "build relationships of trust", that is get to know a potential convert before teaching them LDS doctrines. Find out about their interests, kids, job, etc and then teach them the doctrines.

My time in the MTC passed quickly and I was then sent to a "mini-mission" in the Provo Mission while I awaited my visa to arrive to go to Argentina. I was exposed to Utah - Mormon culture, while I served in the small town of " Castledale". I think I ate jello at every dinner appointment we had there. :)

In August of 1990, my Visa arrived from Argentina and I flew out to Argentina with a group of 20 or so missionaries destined for the same mission. We arrived in Argentina exhausted but excited to share the Mormon message.

I was committed to being "obedient" just as I had been taught in the MTC. I was told by my teachers and leaders in the training center that if I was obedient I would have great success on my mission. Success meant "converts" to the LDS church, and that is exactly what I hoped for.

I was assigned to be "trained" by an LDS missionary from Ohio. Sister "G" was a wonderful person. She was loving, patient and kind. We became friends quickly and have stayed close ever since our mission. Sister "G" taught me how to "door knock" , and share the mormon gospel. She was enthusiastic and had been on the mission for over 1 yr. ( female missionaries serve 18 mos and male missionaries serve 2 yrs)

We had many good times together. We grew to love the people we met, and they warmly invited us into their homes and lives. We taught many people the LDS gospel.

After being with Sister " G" for about 5 mos, I was asked by my Mission President ( that is the man who is in charge of the missionaries in a given area, in this case Buenos Aires) to "train" a new sister missionary from the states. I was a bit nervous about this, but excited at the same time. Sister " W" was from Washington State like me, and she was the oldest daughter of a faithful LDS family of 12 children. Sister " W" had some serious health problems and it created some challenges for us to be able to keep up the rigorous schedule. LDS missionaries have many rules to live by. They are told to get up at 6:30 am, and shower, and dress then study individually and then as a companionship and then plan their day and set "goals". Goals are very very important for the LDS missionary. Missionaries are told to set goals each day and for the week and month. That is "how many" Book of Mormons they will place each day and how many discussions they expect to teach and how many baptisms they expect to have. The LDS church keeps very acurate records and statistics to chart growth and development of their church.

Sister " W" had some serious health problems that prohibited her from working, so I had to find other young LDS women in the ward we were assigned to work in to help me out. I felt badly for Sister " W". She was not well and so weak at times. We did go to the Mission doctor, an American LDS Man who was volunteering in Argentina to oversee the health of the Missionaries in that country. Sister " W" was diagnosed with endrimitriosis. She wanted to go home. She was miserable and felt terribly. My heart just felt so badly for her. I , like my prior companion, had grown very close to this new companion and really we were like "sisters". We did everything together and were not allowed to leave each other's site, other than for bathroom purposes. So you can imagine how tight these friendships became.

Sister " W" became convinced she needed to go back home. We went to the Mission Home - where the Mission President lived with his family and requested an "interview". The Mission President didn't know what to do. It is frown down upon to have a missionary leave to go back home. It's just not OK unless there is serious illness. The Mission President called in the help of other authorities of the Church there in Argentina. ( Area presidents). We were hopeful that they would approve for Sister " W" to go back home. That was not the case. I'll never forget one interview with one of these authorities, who ranted and yelled and screamed at Sister " W" and told her she was failing God and her family and there was NO way she could go back home. It was an awful experience. I mean these men were supposed to be "men of God" and we were clearly seeing their "flesh" come out in a big way. It was discouraging.

At this point, Sister " W" was discouraged, and I didn't blame her. I was asked by my Mission President to translate interviews between her and him. ( he did not speak english and Sister W's spanish was poor) The Mission President encouraged me to do what was necessary to "keep" her on the Mission. To say I felt pressured is an understatement! Sister "W"'s parents were called, and while they were kind and sympathetic to her on the phone, when they asked to speak to me, her dad who was at that time serving as a bishop of her ward back home, told me in no uncertain terms that I "was to do what it took to keep her on the mission" that "she would never live it down if she came home dishonorably". Dishonarbly? She was sick for pity sake! I was feeling very pressured.

Sister " W" was given many "priesthood blessings" by the Mormon Elders in our area, promising her good health if she would be "obedient". Poor Sister "W". I recall one time in particular, we had just arrived to our apartment after a very difficult interview with one of the leaders there. They had spent a good deal of time yelling at her and telling her she would never live it down if she came back home and "quit" her mission. Oh my, we both felt discouraged. I remember sitting on our beds and looking at each other and joking and telling one another that we were going to "run away" and leave the mission! Of course we knew we couldn't. There was too much pressure to stay and conform and be obedient.

I would spend hours praying with Sister " W". Praying that she would be healed of her illness and praying that she would be understood. The Holy Ghost was supposed to "speak" to her and tell her what she needed to do, and all she could figure is that she needed to go home! Poor Sister "W".

I was told to work harder, and that Sister "W" just needed to catch the "spirit" of missionary work and once she did she would want to stay. Sister " W" did end up staying and finishing her mission. I think it was a struggle for her , poor thing but she did go home "honorably". That was the concern of her Bishop/Father. It amazed me that he was more concerned about her coming home at the right time than her health. It made no sense to me. I sure loved Sister "W". We have kept up via Christmas cards once a year. She lives in Idaho now happily married with 4 kids.

Meanwhile, after spending 3 months with Sister "W" I was received a call from the Mission President. I was to report to the mission offices in the city immediately. My Zone Leaders had no idea what this was all about. I arrived with Sister "W" to the Mission offices the next day. We were about 1 hour from this location, so we took the train into the City.
I was then interviewed by my Mission President, and told that I was being called to be a "travelling sister". I had no idea what that meant. He explained to me that it was similar to an assistant to the Mission President. Assistants or AP's as they wer called were in charge of picking up new missionaries from the airport and for training meetings that were held thru out different zones in the mission. Since our Mission had over 70 Sister Missionaries, the President felt we needed to call a Sister to help out and travel thru out the mission encouraging, training and seeing how the Sister missionaries were doing. I was not assigned a companion, and that was different. For the first time since I left my home , I was with another LDS young woman 24/7!! Now I was not. It took some getting used to. I found out later that that was not exactly appropriate for my Mission President to do. ( He was later chastised by other leaders above him for doing so). I was told that I would travel thru out the entire mission and visit with different sets of lady Missionaries. I was to work with them, see how they were doing and report to him of any problems or issues that needed to be resolved. I was also responsible for a training session at each Zone Conference there was sister missionaries present.

I enjoyed my time travelling thru the mission. I met and worked with many wonderful women. I also had some issues to deal with that were less than pleasant. ( like dealing with discipline problems when some missionaries were not being obedient to mission rules) Overall it was a pretty positive experience. I was released from my travelling duties about 5 months later. The Area Authorities "found out" that our mission had a single sister travelling by herself thruout the mission and that was not approved of.

I had one experience on my mission that really "rocked my boat" sort of speak that was deeply troubling to me. Looking back, I should have discussed it with another adult or called my parents. Towards the end of my time as a travelling Missionary ( that was what I was called) I was called in for an "interview" with my Mission President. He began the interview with the normal questions of "how" things were going, was there any problems he should be aware of, etc. Really interviews were a way for the President to gauge how the missionaries were doing emotionally, spiritually and with their work assignments. He is viewed in a way as the "dad" of the mission, but given more respect and always called " President". ( no first name or titles were allowed between missionaries or with leaders). He then proceeded to confess to me that he had been struggling with inappropriate feelings for me, and had 'fallen in love' with me. OH MY. I thought I would pass out! Let me just say this was / came as a complete shock. My Mission President could have been my father, ( he was in his 40's I was 21) and he was married with a lovely wife and 6 beautiful children! Not only that, my goodness he was my ecclesiastical leader for goodness sakes!!!! I had never ever seen him act inappropriately towards me in any way, so this came as a huge huge surprise. He then told me that he was dealing with his feelings and how did I feel about it. Excuse me? How did I feel about it?!!!!! I told him that I viewed him like a father and had NO feelings for me, and how I had trusted him and how totally and completely wrong this was for him to feel this way about me. He said " of course, of course". The interview abruptly ended. I was warned or "told"to not tell anyone about this , because it was "damage" the work of the Lord on the mission and the missionaries would lose faith in him.

I went back to my apartment or "home base" that is where my stuff was while I traveled. The apartment was large and there were 2 other sets of missionaries that lived there. I came back and felt this HUGE burden upon me. I recalled and replayed the previous months, trying to recall if there was anything I had done to "lead him on" or vice verse. Nothing came to mind, honestly. I just couldn't figure out "where" these feelings stemmed from. I respected my Mission President and always listened to his counsel and thoughts and was exactly obedient to his wishes. Could this had been construed differently? I am not sure.

All I knew is I wanted to go home. I wanted to call my mom and dad and tell them to come and get me the heck away from this mess. Worse, I couldn't share this burden with anyone. I knew if I did, problems would certainly only follow.

I didn't know what to do. I felt so huge a weight. Shortly after this interview, I was told by the Assistant's to the President that I was released by the Mission President as a travelling sister and that I would be assigned an area to work in. I was relieved. I hoped that by working hard, I wouldn't have time to think about the recent chain of events.

I was assigend to work in a new area or "open" the area as it was termed back then. I was assigned a companion from Bountiful, Utah. Sister "B" was wonderful. She was full of energy, and enthusiasm and willing to work hard, and work hard we did. We really got along well. But i spite of this all, I still felt weighed down by the last experience with my mission president. On top of that, the Mission President was not holding " Zone Conferences" in our Zone. Months had gone by and no conferences were being held. He was holding them in other areas, but not the Zone or area I was in. The missionaries in my Zone wondered "why" the President wasn't coming out for the monthly meetings. I had an idea. He was avoiding seeing me, meeting with me, etc. OK, I didn't know for "sure" but that's what I expected. I couldn't deal with the stress anymore and my companion noticed I was deeply troubled about something. She confronted me one day . I couldn't hold it in any more and told her all about it. She was stunned, but she was not shaken. She told me in NO way was it my fault, and that it was wrong of the Mission President to have shared these feelings with me. She challenged me to confront him and tell him it was wrong what he did and that he needed to talk about this to his wife and stop avoiding the Zone Conferences. Wow. That was a lot, and it would take some courage, but I was so miserable inside I couldn't hold it in anymore. Sister " B" told me that the Church was still 'true' regardless of the behavior of the Mission President and to not let it bother me. Bother me? Ugh.

I am thankful Sister " B" was there to talk to, and I did end up talking to my mission president again. I made an appt to speak with him and I did confront him on "why" he wasn't holding Zone Conferences in my area , etc. He did apologize and say it was wrong for him to have placed that burden on me, and that he had indeed not been to visit my Zone because he didn't want to see me.

Looking back I should have come home. Period. How innapporiate for a married man to have unloaded his adulterous feelings upon a young single woman, who was far from home. I often have wondered if he did share his feelings to see what my reaction would be. I guess I'll never know for sure, but I am so glad that he didn't speak to me again about his feelings for me.

The rest of my mission was spent training new missionaries and continuing to build up the LDS church in this new area I had been assigned to. I left the Mission exhausted tired, and worn out. I had worked hard, been obedient and had taught many families the Mormon gospel.

On a funny note, I also came home with a bad case of head lice!!! :) That was quickly taken of.

My last experience with my mission president before flying home was an interview where I was told to go home and "get married in the temple and marry a worthy LDS priesthood holder." I was given a letter from the First Presidency of the Church encouraging me to prepare for temple marriage. Once again I was feeling the "push" to get married.

I arrived home to a family very relieved to see me! It had been a long 18 months for them, although it passed very quickly for me.

It was good to come home and rest and sleep well. I had lost a bit of weight, hair mass and was generally worn out. Even my shoes had worn out soles. :)

I had competely my LDS mission with "honor".

I thought perhaps I would get a 'breather' of sorts now that I was home.

But that would not be the case....... life just got busier.........

Now that I understand that the LDS gospel is not the same gospel that Jesus taught, I have some regrets for having taught all those wonderul people a message that is not true... I have wished many times that I could go back and tell them how sorry I am and that it really is JESUS who is the "way" and not a Church membership . How many people did I lead astray? More than I can count...... and it hurts me to think of that........ all I can do is pray that somehow, someway, someday God will make it right. I did what I thought was right at that time. I was teaching a message I believed was from God. I had no idea that there were inconsistencies in the LDS teachings. I didn't know. I know God has forgiven me for that. I only hope one day He can make it right with those souls.

More later,

gloria

My First Temple Experience

2009-03-31T11:51:00.004-06:00

Seattle Washington LDS Temple

I wanted to briefly share some thoughts about my first experience in an LDS temple. As I mentioned in an earlier post on my blog, I went to the temple prior to leaving to serve on my LDS mission to Argentina. I took a series of classes on preparing to go to the temple from an older couple in my ward at that time. I was "interviewed" by my Bishop. Being 'interviewed' is another LDS 'term' that basically means you have a visit, or chat with your Bishop. For the temple interview, you are asked a series of questions. You are asked if you smoke or drink coffee or tea. If a person answers "yes" to these questions that person would not receive a recommend to enter the temple, because they would be considered "unworthy". Unworthy means you are not living your life according to the laws and commandments of the LDS faith/Church. You are also asked if you support your local leaders and the presiding leaders of the entire LDS Church. To "support" your leaders means you do not speak ill about them, you obey their counsel and pray for them. You are asked if you wear the temple garments ( sacred undergarments worn by faithful LDS) night and day. There are a number of other questions that are asked during this interview.

If a person answers "yes" to these questions, they are deemed 'worthy' to enter into the LDS temple. This recommend, is a slip of paper that is signed by the local leaders, and grants you permission to enter into the temple. You must show this slip of paper ( recommend) when you enter the Temple.

I was told by my Bishop to chose an 'escort' to go with me thru the temple for my first visit. My escort, Kathy was a seasoned Mormon who had grown up LDS and had been to the Temple many times.

She picked me up on a beautiful Spring morning in May of 1990. As I mentioned before, she proceeded to tell me some things about what would happen when I went thru the temple. She told me she felt she needed to prepare me so I wouldn't freak out. " Why" would I freak out? I had been told that this would be a special experience. Beautiful. Freak out? Why would I freak out?

Kathy, really had my best interest at heart. She was worried about me. I mean, I hadn't been raised LDS. She knew I was clueless about what went in inside of the Temple. I think she was trying to help me out.

As she drove, she told me about the "washings and annointings" that would take place. I had no idea what she was talking about. This was definitely *not* covered in my temple prep class! She briefly explained to me that I would be asked to remove my clothing, and that some sisters ( ladies from church) would pour / dab oil on my head and certain body parts to "anoint" me. OK, what did that mean? I didn't say this out loud. I just listened to what Kathy was telling me. She told me to not be worried about taking my clothes off.

She then told me that I would be putting on some clothes that LDS don't normally wear , outside of the temple. These would be different than I what I had ever seen. Again I just listened and really didn't get what she was saying.

We arrived at the temple and entered in thru the front doors. It was very quiet. There was some elderly men at a large desk. They asked for my recommend. I handed it to them. I was very nervous. Especially after what Kathy had just told me. The men behind the desk smiled warmly and welcomed me. Some elderly ladies escorted me to a room where I spoke with the Temple matron. The Temple matron is the wife of the Temple President, the elderly man who is in charge of running the Temple and it's activities. The Temple Matron was dressed in a lovely white dress and spoke in hushed tones. She explained to me that I was to take out my "endowments" and that this was indeed a very special day. Everyone there was very warm and friendly, all very happy to welcome me to the Temple for my first visit.

The Temple Matron explained to me that I would be "washed and anointed". There was those words again that Kathy had just told me on the car ride to the Temple. I was taken to a large woman's locker room, and I was assigned a locker where I could undress from my street clothes and put on a white draping shield/dress of sorts. Kathy remained with me thru it all. She was dressed in a white Temple dress as well. As we waited for me to be "washed and anointed" I noticed that women were going in and out of the locker room. Everyone was very quiet, hardly speaking.

When the time came for my washings and anointing I entered a small room, that was partitioned off by a curtain from another small room ( really a cubicle of sorts). There was an elderly woman there waiting for me, and she poured some oil and water on my fore head and pronounced a blessing / prayer of sorts. I then moved into the next cubicle or small room and then I was dabbed with oil again, this time on my chest ( I was not touched inappropriately in any way) and on my legs and arms and womb. Again a blessing was pronounced. This entire process took very little time. Everyone spoke in hushed tones.

It all happened so quickly, I really had little time to digest it all. Since my friend , Kathy had warned me about this part of the Temple experience, I was fortunately not caught off guard! When I completed the process of being anointed, I dressed in the temple garments. These are white undergarments that all faithful Temple endowed mormons wear under their street clothing.
The Temple Matron had told me to wear these night and day, other than for showering purposes and that they would be a shield and protection against evil. These garments can only be purchased at an LDS clothing center. They are cotton or made of polyester. The bottoms come to the knee and the tops cover the shoulder cap. Years ago, LDS wore them from their necks to their ankles! They had evolved with time, and I suspect with the change of fashions.

After I received my washings and anointing, I was told that I was ready to receive my "endowment". I then put on a white gown. I was given a "bundle" that contained ceremonial clothing I would be required to put on later. I was glad to be dressed, and headed to a small room where I was given a "new name". This name was given to me and for me to never reveal at anytime, other than a certain place in the temple ceremony. I was told that only my husband, whom at some future date would be sealed to me would know. This was the new name that my husband would call me forth on the morning of the first resurrection. The LDS believe this name is sacred and is to never be revealed. My husband loved my "new name" , and we even named a daughter after this name of Rebekah. Of course, I am aware now that I am under no such oath or such to keep things "secret". My Lord Jesus will be resurrecting me, not my husband on the morning of the first resurrection. I am sharing this with you so you can understand, that this new name is a very special name that each faithful Mormon receives upon coming to the temple for the first time.

Once I had received the "new name" I was escorted to a large room where the walls were painted with a lovely mural depicting creation. I was told to sit and wait until the ceremony began. Kathy, my escort sat by my side the entire time. I was so thankful for that, because I was getting very nervous. I was not told much about what would actually transpire in the Temple, so I was anxious.

Soon enough, a gentleman dressed in a white suit and tie ( everyone dresses completely in white in the temple, even their shoes are to be white, with white soles) came forward and welcomed everyone. A small altar covered in white lace was in the front of the room, and a large elaborate curtained area was behind the temple altar. After a brief welcome, the lights dimmed and a movie screen came down and a movie depicting the creation and fall of Adam and Eve was shown. There was so much to take in! Soon enough the movie stopped and we were told to put on certain clothing that was found in our bundles. First a green apron, then a white robe, and a bonnet with a veil. The Movie proceeded and was stopped as initiates and other temple patrons were asked to make "covenants" and oaths. I was an "initiate". It was my first time at the Temple. But in that same room , were many other LDS who had come to do the temple work for their dead ancestors ( proxy). The LDS teach that a person must receive their endowments, washings and anointing and be sealed in the LDS temple to inherit eternal life with God.

I was expected to return again to the temple, but the next time I would coming "proxy" for a person who had died already.

During the endowment ceremony, a LDS initiate is told to make the following oaths/covenants:
1. law of sacrifice
2. law of obedience
3. law of chastity
4. law of consecration
5. law of the gospel

They are told to raise their arms and swear before "god" and "holy angels" that they will keep these promises, oaths and covenants.

With each promise I made I was given a 'token' or certain handshake that I would be required to "give back" at another place in the temple. Boy, by that time I was completely overwhelmed! There was too much to remember!

It was all so new! I had been raised Catholic, so the pomp and ceremony and ritual was not completely a foreign idea to me. I was not shocked by it all, but overwhelmed. I was told I needed to recite back the name of each oath and the special handshake or "token". Oh my! I knew I would forget it all!!!

After the movie was over, and all the oaths and covenants made, I was told to go before the "veil" of the Temple. This veil was a large and ornate veil that was draped. I was told to put my hand thru a hole in the veil and I would be asked questions that I would need to answer - basically "testing" me on my knowledge of the oaths I had just made. I was very nervous about doing this. I knew I wouldn't remember a single word!! I wasn't scared, just overwhelmed!

As I approached the opening in the veil, an elderly woman ( temple worker) came up to me and helped me out. She told me everything I needed to know to recite back to the Male Temple worker who was standing behind the temple asking me a series of questions. I was relieved that she was there to help me.

After reciting back all the tokens and giving the special handshakes, I was allowed to walk thru the viel and enter into the "celestial room". This room represented what "heaven" will be like. For the LDS , the Celestial Kingdom is the highest level of heaven, where faithful LDS who have received their temple endowments and have endured faithful to the LDS gospel will reside.

The Celestial room is a large room. Bright with many windows , mostly stained glass or leaded glass. The furnishings are of the finest appointment. No money is spared whatsoever in the LDS temples. Only the finest of furnishings and workmanship. The room is quiet. Very quiet. Those that have been thru the LDS endowment ceremony can spend time in this room and quietly pray or speak in hushed tones. The colors are usually soft pastels and whites or creamy ivories.

I don't recall how long I spent in the Celestial Room on my first visit. I think I was just overwhelmed!

I did return many many times to that same temple thru the years that proceeded. It was the Seattle Temple where I was sealed to my husband , and where I went to many times to do the work in proxy for others who have died.

After receiving my endowments, I was ready to go on my mission.

It was just one short month later that I left my home and reported to the Mission Training Center in Utah.

Many LDS experience a wide range of emotions upon going to the Temple for the first time. The most common response I hear from LDS is that they were overwhelmed. I know I was. I was told that I would should go back many times and that God would reveal to me what the symbolism meant and that this was truly the House of the Lord. I was told to not speak about the Temple and what went on inside to anyone. Even LDS will only speak in "general" tones about the Temple to other fellow LDS. They call the temple and what happens in there "sacred". To outsiders, and NON LDS, it appears secretive. To the LDS this is so far from the truth. They truly believe that the Temple is God's dwelling place and that it is here, that they will learn truths and understand God.

Most LDS do go back to the Temple, mostly monthly and some more often than that, depending on where one lives. Since my husband & I lived close to the Temple (within 2o min) we visited monthly. The Temple for the LDS is not like a regular meeting house or chapel. The Temple represents the most holy of places. Thus, they feel the need to not talk about it outside the walls of the temple itself.

My first experience with the LDS temple was not so much frightening as it was overwhelming. I really did sincerely want to know God and I was told it was at the temple that I would find Him.

Meanwhile, my mission was drawing closer, and I had one hundred and one things to do to prepare to leave. "Understanding" the Temple would have to wait until some future date..........

To my non LDS readers, I can imagine that this all appears so "odd" and "strange" and mysterious. Believe me to most LDS it is rather odd and mysterious the first time too! The LDS believe deeply that the Temple ceremony existed in the time of Moses and also the time of Jesus. They believe that Joseph Smith restored those temple rituals. They believe it is necessary for eternal life with God.

I will be sharing here on my blog, why this is simply not the case. Using the Bible as guide, I will be sharing how the Jewish Temple ritual was radically different than the LDS temple experience. Using the book of Exodus and other Old Testament writings, I will be sharing how the Jewish Temple bears no similarity to the LDS temple.

To my LDS readers, I understand that for you my friends the Temple is sacred and holy to you. It is my hope, my prayer & desire that you may come to understand how the Temple was used prior to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, and how very radically different it was than modern LDS temples. I also am praying that you will see that Jesus -- the Lamb of God has opened up the holy of Holies to all who believe in Him, so that we may come boldly before the throne of grace.

Simply stated, there is no reason or need for a Temple for believers.

I hope to share "why" that is the case in my next blog post.

Until then, God bless ~

gloria

John 1

2009-03-30T15:22:00.003-06:00

The children and I just finished our study of the Book of Revelation.... and all I can say is : " Maranatha.... Come Lord Jesus, Come"! I think we are more excited about His return then ever!!! We all enjoyed our study of the Book of Revelation. This was our first time reading it in our entirety after coming out of the LDS church , and all I can say is "wow", did we miss a lot when we were LDS! For my LDS readers out there, I encourage you to read the Book of Revelation and really pray for God to open your eyes to understand the events that are to come, especially the eminent return of our Lord! It's very exciting!!

Since we finished up Revelation, I was in prayer about what we should be reading next. I also just finished up a personal study on the tabernacle and the Book of Exodus and have been in prayer about what I should be studying for my personal bible study. As I prayed 2 books came to my mind. The Book of John, and Isaiah. Hmmm.......both very fitting , especially at this time of year when we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord.

The kids and I have begun to read the book of John. This is the first book we read when we came out of the LDS church. It was life changing. In the words of my teenage son: " this is the salvation book".... the book that clearly tells us what we need to do to receive life eternal. It's been over a year since we have studied the book of John, so we began again.

Today we read the first chapter of John. By the time we finished the chapter I realized and so did a couple of the older kids, that there are some *key* verses in this chapter, that clearly refute LDS doctrines.

As I prayed about "what" I should share here on this blog today, I was directed to share the following passages from John chapter 1 and compare it with Mormon teachings and Joseph Smith's translation of the same passages.

1. John 1:1 & 2 : " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. "

The WORD in Greek means "logos". It appears 1,200 times in the Bible. Jesus was in the beginning, before the world was created. He was with God, as a distinct member of the Godhead, but also is God, and thus points to the unity of Jesus with God the Father.

Jesus did not become "God" as the LDS church teaches. He has always been God. He did not progress to "becoming" a "god". This is critical because the LDS teach emphatically that Jesus, the Son of God had to come down to earth, and become born, and have a human body, so He could himself become a "god" like God the Father. ( whom they believe has also a body of passions and parts)

John 1:1 & 2 completely refutes that teaching. Jesus has always been God and will always be God. He is perfect in unity with God the Father, but distinct in personage. For further reading on this, please refer to Isaiah 44, where Isaiah clearly teaches that there is NO other God, not before Him or after Him. He has always been God. He did not "evolve" or "progress" to God status.

The LDS also teach erroneous beliefs about the 'trinity'. They teach that Christians believe God, The Son and God the Father and the Holy Spirit are *one* in person . This is not true. John 1:1 emphatically declares that Jesus and God are essentially one in purpose and distinct in personage. The Word was with God, and The Word is God. That is, Jesus -- was with God the Father and Is also God. For my LDS readers, please take note that Christians do not believe that God the Son and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit share one body, and magically appear as the Spirit at some point and then the Son at other times. They are 3 distinct persons in One.

I was taught as a member of the LDS church that the doctrine of the trinity meant just that, 3 beings "mysteriously" appearing as Son or Father or Spirit , depending on the event. This is not the case.

John 1:2 " All things were made by Him, and without Him was not any thing made. "

All things were "created" by Jesus. Nothing was in existence prior to Him creating it. The LDS doctrine teaches that intelligence and "spirits" have always existed, and that Jesus did not create them. This is not what John 1:2 states. This passage clearly states that ALL things were created by the WORD, and the Word is Jesus and Jesus is God.

When an LDS goes to the LDS temple, they watch a movie that depicts the creation of our earth. The movie goes into detail and teaches that Jesus and Michael, ( the archangel for Christians and " Adam" for Mormons) "organized" matter. That is that "matter" already existed. The Bible my friends, clearly refutes that teaching.

Genesis 1:2: And the earth was without form and void.

God the Son, created the earth from nothing. All things, including human intelligence was created by Him. The Bible does not teach that Adam, or "Michael" had any hand in creating our earth. " The world was made by Him". verse 10

John 1:12 " But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

This verse clearly teaches that we "become" sons of God . We are not naturally sons of God. To them that *believe* and *receive* Him become the Sons of God. We must believe Jesus and receive Him to become Sons of God. Paul further explains that we are "adopted" into God's family when we accept our Lord Jesus, and are born again. ( Romans 8:15, 8:23,Galatians 4:5 Ephesians 1:5)

The LDS doctrines teach that "all" humankind are the "spirit sons and daughters of god". That is every person who has ever walked on the face of this earth is the spirit sons or daughter of god and one of his wives. Together they birth "spirit children" who come and inhabit a body here on earth.

The Bible clearly teaches otherwise. We are not naturally God's children. We "become" God's children thru adoption, when we receive & believe on HIS name. John 1:12

John 1:18: " No man hath seen God at anytime, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father , he hath declared him."

No man has seen God in all his essence, because God is Spirit ( John 4:24, 1 Tim 6:16). Although no man has seen God, the Bible does witness that many men have seen God in Jesus Christ. Moses, prayed to see God's presence. God's response was: " And he said, thou canst not see my face, for there shall no man see and live." Exodus 33:2o

Many people in the Bible have seen Jesus. As the prencarnate Christ, and as "flesh" dwelt among us. Jesus taught that if we have seen Him we have seen the Father, for the Father and Son are one.

The LDS teach that God the Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in 1820. They teach that God was once a man, who progressed to becoming a "god" ( I say "a god" because of the LDS belief that there are many "gods", but only "one" god for this earth). This teaching clearly contradicts the Bible.

John 1:29: " Behold the Lamb of God , which taketh away the sins of the world".

My dear readers, It is Jesus -- the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. Not baptism, as the LDS teach. Baptism, does not wash away our sins. Keeping commandments does not wash away our sins. Oh, my dear LDS readers, it is solely the LAMB of GOD that washes away our sins! We are justified ( forgiven) by His blood. ( Romans 5:9)

These key passages in the first chapter of the book of John clearly tell us many things. Jesus is God and always has been. We are adopted into the family of God, and become His sons & daughters when we receive Christ, no man has seen God the Father at any time, and Jesus is the Lamb of God and thru Him our sins are washed away.

Wow!

Please take note that Joseph Smith, re translated ( or changed) the first chapter of the book of John. You can find the changes he made in the back of the LDS bible under the section labeled " Joseph Smith translation".

Let's take a look at the passages I shared here and compare it to what Joseph Smith wrote:

John 1:1

" In the beginning was the gospel preached thru the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son and the Son was with God, and Son was God. " Joseph Smith states clearly that the Word is not Jesus - but the LDS gospel.

John 1:18

" For the law was after a carnal commandment, to the administration of death, but the gospel was after the power of endless life through Jesus Christ the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father."

This is John 1:18?????? Let's read again what the Bible states as John 1:18:

" No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten of the Son, which is in the bosom of the Father , he hath declared him".

Wow! Big difference!!!

I believe Joseph Smith had to change some key passages from this chapter in order to support the claims he was making.

God's word endures forever my friends, it will not return void.

I implore my LDS readers to please search God's word.

Joseph Smith did change not only these passages , but other passages in the Bible. I will be sharing these changes later here on my blog.

Why you may ask?

The LDS church teaches that the Bible is not trustworthy. It has been mistranslated. They believe Joseph Smith was inspired to change God's word.

They are sincere in their beliefs, but greatly mistaken.

Please pray for the LDS.

Pray that their eyes may be opened and that God may do a great work, using HIS word, which endureth forever ( 1 Peter 1:25) and will stand forever. ( Isaiah 40:8) .

To my LDS friends. You can find these references in your own LDS bibles. The J.Smith translation can be found at the back of your bible behind the Dictionary. Please pray and ask God to help you to understand His word as it was intended to be, not the way Jospeh Smith changed it to be.

The Bible can be trusted.

I will praying that my LDS friends who read this will come to believe that too.

God bless,

gloria

Question from my Christian Friend

2009-03-27T12:59:00.004-06:00

I wanted to take a moment and answer a question that a lovely friend of mine left here on my blog.

" I have many questions for you, as we live in an area where there are many Mormons. In fact, they just built a huge temple here. I feel like I need to better understand my neighbors whom practice Mormonism."

First of all, Sally I am blessed to know that your heart is in the *right* place. The Lord has called us to be a "light" unto the world, and to not hide it under a "bushel". Most of us don't have "bushels" laying around, but basically that means, Jesus wants us to share the message of salvation with the world! If you all knew Sally, you would know what a "bright" light she is to those around her.) Sally is a mom to 8 precious children. I "met" Sally , via an online support group for Guatemalan adoptive parents. Sally at that time, was in the process of bringing home her daughter, Marissa from Guatemala. I was at that time, still very much LDS. Sally was a "light" that the Lord used in my life, and I know she continues to be one to others!! The fact is, my friends the Lord does use us , His people to share the good news to the world. If we are willing, He can use us in marvellous ways, as He did Sally. I was blessed by many other "lights" in my life, thru the process of adopting my 5 children from Guatemala. Many of you are reading this blog, and you *know* who you are. :) Bless you my friends for being that "light" to me when I was lost.

Sally, you mentioned the need you feel to better understand your LDS neighbors there in California. I agree. It's important to understand the culture and beliefs of those we hope to reach for Christ. That is one of the reasons why I started this blog! It is my prayer that the Lord will help me to share about the doctrines and traditions of the LDS , so that you may more effectively shine your lights to the LDS in your own communities.

Stick around, as it is my prayer that the Lord will use this blog to help equip believers to reach out effectively to your LDS neighbors and friends. I will tell you that the most important thing you can be doing *right* now for your LDS friends and neighbors is to pray for them. Taking time each and every day to go before the throne of grace in behalf of the LDS in your community. Ask the Lord for specific opportunities to witness to them, and you will be surprised at who He will bring your way! Also, ask for the very words to be given to you to speak. The Holy Spirit will give you the necessary words at the very moment. There is no need to "practice" a speech or such. The Lord will speak thru you at the very moment that it's needed.

" .. do not worry about what to say or "how" to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. " ~ Matthew 10:19 & 20 NIV

Sally also asked the following:

" How do intelligent rational people in the Mormon Church put their trust and faith in Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and disregard Biblical truths?"

First of all, Latter-day Saints ( this is the name they preferred to be called) do not believe the Bible is God's inerrant Word. That is, the official teaching of the LDS is that the Bible is only correct as "far as it is translated correctly". The LDS Church teaches it's members that the Bible is mistranslated and as such can not be trusted as God's word in completeness. That is they take some parts of the Bible and accept it as truth, but then they take other parts and say it is "mistranslated". The LDS Church believes that thru the years, God's word was changed and that "plain and precious parts" have been removed from it. They only recognize the King James Version. They use no other translations. The LDS Church publish their own KJV version. It is word for word the same as any KJV translation, with the exception that at the beginning of each chapter there is brief commentary by LDS leaders on what the chapter contains. There are also cross references including cross references to other LDS canonized scriptures. At the end of the LDS KJV is a section called the " Joseph Smith Translation". This section contains all the verses that Joseph Smith changed in the Bible. These are the parts the LDS teaches that are "mistranslated".

The LDS do not view the Bible in the same light that Christians do. They do use it, and read it, but it is not given the same credence as the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, is considered to the LDS, the *most* correct of all books ever written.

Joseph Smith, plays a major role in the LDS Church. He is the founder of their Church. The LDS believe that it is Joseph Smith, who 'restored'... that is brought back the 'original' teachings of Jesus. They believe that the original teachings of Jesus were "lost" and that the early Christian church became "apostate" and that after the death of the early apostles, the 'truth' was lost. They believe Joseph "restored" that truth. Thus, they do place their trust in what Joseph taught and preached while he was alive. His teachings can be found in the Doctrine & Covenants, another book of canonized scriptures in the LDS Church. I will be writing more about Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism in the future.

So you see, Sally... the LDS do not place their trust in the Bible, God's word. They do read it, but do not regard it in the same stature as you and I do.

I hope this helps you understand a little.

Check back again as I hope to share more about "why" the LDS have such high regard for Joseph Smith & the Book of Mormon.

God bless you my friend as you prayerfully reach out to your LDS neighbors,

gloria