Doubting Thomas (Follow-up with a Flustered Friend)

Your allusion yesterday to being a "Doubting Thomas" has lingered in my thoughts and in my heart.
Thomas was an Apostle, one who actually walked and talked with Christ, and yet he also struggled.
So it is with all of us.
Earlier this morning, while reading Scriptures (Alma, Chapter 32 in the Book of Mormon), it caused me to pause and again reflect upon your comments yesterday, especially verses 21-22 and 26-28, but also the words of Amulek in Alma, Chapter 34, verses 33-34.
I am not the best example of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not much like other, more faithful Latter-day Saints, who are so much more outgoing, humble and diligent in living their faith.
Even so, the best decision I ever made in my life was to recognize and accept the truth of the restored Gospel when it was given to me as the most precious of all gifts.
To be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly is to possess a "Pearl of Great Price", one that will guide and bless you, not only now, but throughout Eternity.
Often, it isn't easy, but it's always worth it.

Gee - How about an easy question?

Shared with a coworker friend, in response to his sincere inquiry about how to know if the LDS Church is true, and what it requires to be a member:
You must believe that the LDS Church truly is led by Jesus Christ through His living Prophet and our 12 modern day Apostles, as well as be able to make a baptismal covenant that you will live by the standards of the Church before you can be baptized.
There is an interview process for all of that, and, of course, any prospective member may lie, but that's an issue between you and God, which takes care of itself.
Probably, for you, I would guess that using tobacco would be one of your greatest practical stumbling blocks.
For me, it was alcohol. (I was an alcoholic when I joined, and probably still am, even though I haven't had a drink since 1969)
Do members sometimes or even often struggle with issues of doctrine, practice, and especially our own personal behavior?
Of course we do, and we also are taught to pray earnestly and to search out all truth for ourselves, so that we know for ourselves and just are not merely led.
For me, my first step was to find out whether or not I believed Joseph Smith was a Prophet, and that the Church still is led by a living Prophet.
Reading and praying about the Book of Mormon (and also the Holy Bible, which is part of LDS Scripture) was a big step in convincing me of that, and led me to finally ask God if this all was true and if I should and could make changes in my life and be baptized.
The answer was not what I wanted to hear, but I never once doubted that the best decision I ever made in my life was to be baptized and join the Church.
It was hard.
It still is.
With that assurance, I was able to commit myself to baptism, and all my other questions and concerns became much easier when applied against those already answered questions and standards of eternal truth.
That doesn't mean Church leaders don't make mistakes, because they also are mortal, just like us, but God truly is at the helm of the LDS Church.
I that, I am absolutely convinced.
There is no doubt in my mind at all about that.
Repentance is a lifetime process for all of us, but the Grace of Jesus Christ is real.
All we have to do is make an honest effort, and He'll take care of all the rest.
Personally, I'm a recluse, and really don't much like going to Church or attending meetings, but I go because I know that God wants me there, because it's good for me and strengthens me.
I always feel the difference afterwards, too.
What helps me most is constant questioning conversation (prayer) with God and daily study of the Scriptures, even if only for 15 minutes each day.
We can talk some more, but you're the only one who can get an answer for yourself.
Don't give up, just keep praying and searching.
God knows your heart, and he will lead you to the truth you seek and need.

Roy "Goober" Gilleo: My Wal*Mart Hero!

Mrs. Gilleo insists that Mr. Gilleo go with her to Wal*Mart, but he gets easily bored.
He prefers to get in and get out, but she loves to browse.
Here's a letter sent to Mrs. Gilleo from the store manager:

Dear Mrs. Gilleo,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store.
We cannot tolerate this behavior, and may be forced to ban both of you from our stores.
We have documented all of these incidents on our video surveillance.
All of the complaints against Mr. Gilleo are documented as follows:

1. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at five minute intervals.
2. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the
restrooms.
3. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, "Code 3 in Housewares!".
4. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
5. September 14: Moved a "CAUTION - WET FLOOR" sign to a carpeted area.
6. September 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in, but only if they'll bring pillows from the bedding department.
7. September 23: When clerks ask if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks, "Why can't you people just leave me alone?".
8. October 4: Looked right up at the security camera, used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.
9. November 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, asked the clerk if he knows where he could find the antidepressants.
10. December 3: Darted around the store loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.
11. December 6: In the auto department, practiced his "Madonna look" using different size funnels.
12. December 18: Hid in a clothing rack and, when people browsed through, yelled "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!".
13. December 19: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed "NO! NO! It's those voices again!!!!".

And the last straw ...

14. December 20: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited a few minutes, then yelled very loudly, "There is no toilet paper in here!".

Sincerely,
Mr. Joe Bagadonuts
Wal*Mart Store Manager

Axiomatic Aphrorisms

Having just finished again watching the documentary, "Joseph Smith, An American Prophet", I am even more grateful that God saw fit to lead me to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It especially boggles my mind that such a opinionated, rebellious, selfish and stubborn spirit such as mine ever could have been led to such glorious and eternal truths and principles.

It was fortunate indeed for me that I was led and blessed to make this best decision of my life when I was much younger, and much more open to new ideas.

Although I consider myself to be a poor example of a good Latter-day Saint, I nevertheless remain so grateful that "...if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong..." (Book of Mormon: Ether, Chapter 12, Verse 27).

And so it has been for me.

I don't know much, but I do know that "...it is by grace (of Christ) that we are saved, after all we can do." (Book of Mormon: 2 Nephi, Chapter 25, Verse 23).

Further, I have an unwavering testimony that Jesus Christ literally leads and directs The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Of that, I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever.