No Coincidences

Tag: First Presidency

  • Doctrine vs. Practice

    Doctrine vs. Practice

    I want to go over something I’ve always had a hard time understanding. 

    What is a doctrine? What are the core doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What is the difference between a doctrine and a practice?

    Doctrines and practices are much different, though they often get confused.

    The simplest way I learned to differentiate a doctrine from a practice is this simple rule: A doctrine is eternal, it never changes. Practices can be changed.

    According to the First Presidency, there are three guidelines to follow when determining if something is a doctrine or just a practice:

    1. Doctrine is eternal, never changing.
    2. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve is unified on a doctrinal subject.
    3. Doctrines are salvific, it is pertinent to our salvation.

    It’s important to remember that these criteria don’t necessarily confirm something is doctrine. Just because the 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are unified on the subject DOES NOT necessarily make it a doctrine.

    Let’s look at a couple examples.

    The sacrament that we take each week is a practice. It has changed in multiple ways over time, throughout history. For example, it used to be the practice of the church to use wine for the sacrament. We now use water. This is just one example of how the sacrament has changed over time.

    The doctrine associated with the sacrament would be the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is eternal and never changing. It is a doctrine. 

    Priesthood is a doctrine but who holds it is a practice. The priesthood itself is eternal. It is God’s power on the earth. In 2018 we saw a change in who can hold the priesthood when the required age changed from 12 years to 11 years. Another example is when the sons of Aaron were the only holders of the priesthood before it was opened up to the Gentiles in this dispensation. This makes who holds the priesthood a principle.

    I know what you’re thinking. Does that mean women can/should/will one day hold the priesthood independent of any man? I don’t know. I won’t delve into that anymore at this time. I will just say, it will take a revelation from God for that to happen.

    In conclusion, I would like to share the 9 basic doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ. These doctrines are:

    9 core doctrines:

    1. Godhead
    2. Plan of Salvation
    3. Atonement of Jesus Christ
    4. Dispensation, Apostasy, and Restoration
    5. Prophets and Revelation
    6. Priesthood and Priesthood Keys
    7. Ordinances and Covenants
    8. Marriage and Family
    9. Commandments
  • Books in 2020

    Books in 2020

    This is a list of every book I read in 2020 and the order I ranked them in from favorite to least favorite.  I get something out of every book I read.  I learned long ago that if I allow myself to not finish one book, I won’t finish any.  For those reasons, when I start a book, I’m committed to finishing it.  I don’t care how dry or boring it may be.

    It was extremely difficult to rank these books.  For one, how do you rank nonfiction verse fiction?  Take a fictional John Grisham crime novel like The Last Juror and compare it to a nonfiction biography of the Prophet Joseph Smith for example.  How do you compare the two?  To avoid overthinking it I simply went through my list of books read and from what I remembered, put each on the list.  Every book’s placement on the list is from my initial remembering of how much I *enjoyed reading it.

                    *enjoyed for me is going to be vastly different from most people.  Precious Truths Restored, which was a top five favorite book of the year for me, is there because I learned so much from it and have referred to it constantly throughout the year since I finished it.  I doubt the average person would even get through it.  I loved it.

    I included a one sentence thought about each book.  This proved difficult because I could say so much about every book.  To get around the one sentence rule, I used many commas and run-on sentences. My list, my rules.

    I enjoyed all these books because they each taught me something. That’s the great thing about books.  Here’s my list:

    1. The First 2000 Years by Cleon Skousen
      • When I told a church-going friend I finished this book he looked at me incredulously, I guess my taste in books is unique.
    2. *A Case for the Book of Mormon by Tad R. Callister
      • This book will forever be my reference for a scholarly defense of the Book of Mormon.
    3. *The Mourning Dove by Larry Barkdull
      • I made Beth read this, super short, super memorable, loved this book.
    4. Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
      • I gained so much from this book, almost every one of the nearly 800 pages was marked, made me a Tim Ferriss fan for life. 
    5. The Joseph Smith Translation Precious Truths Restored by W. Jeffrey Marsh
      • Helped me tremendously in understanding the dangers of the different translations of the Bible, appreciating the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, and understanding how we have the various Bibles we have today.
    6. Bridging the Divide: The Continuing Conversation Between a Mormon and an Evangelical by Gregory C. V. Johnson and Robert L. Millet
      • Inspirational book of two people from different faiths finding joy in a discussion spanning many years that brings them both closer to God, reminded me of a relationship I have with a friend I enjoy discussing scripture with.
    7. *Best Loved Stories of the LDS People Vol 3 compiled by Jay A. Parry, Linda Ririe Gundry, Jack M. Lyon
      • The reason this ranked so high among so many other church history-esc books is I felt like I enjoyed a majority of the short stories, I gave it to my sister to read and she also enjoyed it.
    8. The Third Thousand Years by W. Cleon Skousen
      • This was the sequel to my favorite book of the year, it’s lower on the list because I feel like we generally know more about the third thousand years, so I felt like I got less out of it personally, still great though.
    9. *Among the Shoshones by Elijah Nicholas Wilson
      • Given to my sister-in-law to read, amazingly simple read that repeatedly had me saying out loud, “What the heck?”
    10. The Forerunners by Mark E. Petersen
      • This did a great job of explaining Joseph Smith’s role in the restoration and went into some detail about the pattern of forerunners being sent by God to start a great work on earth, John the Baptist and Joseph Smith being the most famous examples. 
    11. Return from Tomorrow by George G. Ritchie with Elizabeth Sherrill
      • One of the first ever Near-Death Experience books written, NDE books have a special place in my heart as it was an NDE book that helped me come back to church.
    12. The Red Record by David McCutchen
      • This was fascinating, it took legends of an ancient civilization you’ve never heard of, used oral records to go back thousands of years depicting their first legends of crossing an icy bridge to come to what would be the northern part of North America.
    13. And the Moon Shall Turn to Blood by Anthony E. Larson
      • This series of books blew my mind and led me to discussing it with people that didn’t have any interest discussing the topic, this fact instantly gets it higher on the list.
    14. And the Earth Shall Reel to and Fro by Anthony E. Larson
      • Part two to the above book, grouped the trilogy together on my list, these books use catastrophism as a basis of belief about what happened in the history of the world and what will happen in the future.
    15. And There Shall be a New Heaven and a New Earth by Anthony E. Larson
      • Part three of the trilogy, I enjoyed the first one the most and was slightly less interested as I got to the third book, but they were kind of like one book in three parts.
    16. All I need to Know I learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum
      • A collection of short stories that were all extremely entertaining, quick and easy read.
    17. The Glory of the Sun by Sterling W. Sill
      • I love short anecdotes or stories which is why this is just below All I need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten because that’s one of the best books I’ve read that does that, this one did a good job as well on more spiritual and deep topics. 
    18. At Peace in the Light by Dannion Brinkley with Paul Perry
      • Another near-death experience book, I really want to read Dannion Brinkley’s first book Saved by the Light now.
    19. 2012 The War for Souls by Whitley Strieber
      • Awesomely creative book, so good I read it twice, no really, it wasn’t until the end that I realized I’d read 90% of the book years ago and never finished.
    20. How Money Works by Steve Siebold and Tom Mathews
      • A gift to me, I think this book advanced my knowledge of how money works ten fold, this should be required reading in high school.
    21. The Last Juror by John Grisham
      • Some authors have mastered how to get their readers to keep flipping pages no matter what, John Grisham is one of those writers.
    22. The Life Beyond by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet
      • This book uses modern revelation to answer questions about what happens when we die, I’m amazed the world doesn’t flock to a book that answers the most important question in this life.
    23. Behold the Fig Tree by Roger K. Young
      • Any book that prepares me for what to expect leading up to the Millennium jumps up the list, see #13-15 for other examples.
    24. The Shack by William P. Young
      • Book turned popular motion picture, I may have liked the movie even more.
    25. Mama’s Boarding House by John D. Fitzgerald
      • A fictional account of an early settled western town, gun slinging stories have always fascinated me.
    26. Silent Courage by George P. Lee
      • A really good book was tainted when I learned what became of George P. Lee, was interesting reading about the life in a culture completely unique from my own.
    27. Millionaire Mind by Thomas J. Stanley
      • My only complaint about this book was the repetitiveness of points, though I still got a lot from it.
    28. They Knew the Prophet compiled by Hyrum L Andrus and Helen Mae Andrus
      • First-hand accounts about the prophet Joseph Smith from those who knew him.
    29. From Every Nation by Derin Head Rodriguez
      • Awesome book about the first foreign general authorities, amazing to see the distinct similarities a bunch of men from all over the world had that led to their growth in faith and devotion to Jesus Christ.
    30. How to Read the Constitution and Why by Kim Wehle
      • Should be required reading in any school, important for American students to understand the constitution better, especially now.
    31. Unlimited Access by Gary Aldrich
      • This book was interesting, an honest look from an FBI agent on the security of the white house while he was in charge of security at the white house.
    32. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
      • A really neat look at life from someone who was experiencing his own mortality.
    33. Paul’s Life and Letters by Sidney B. Sperry
      • Made me understand the sacrifice of the Apostle Paul in a deeper way.
    34. The Boy who Became a Prophet by Mabel Harmer
      • Ranked on the lower end because I don’t remember a ton from it, though any book on Joseph Smith has proved rewarding.
    35. In the Company of Prophets by D. Arthur Haycock
      • An interesting view on modern-day prophets from the perspective of someone who knew them as well as anyone.
    36. Making Sense of Suffering by Peter Kreeft
      • Like #47 The Problem of Pain, except more at my reading level.
    37. It was on Fire when I sat on it by Robert Fulghum
      • Didn’t like nearly as much as #16, but still enjoyed a lot.
    38. *Translating the Anthon Transcript by Stan and Polly Johnson
      • Lowered due to the chance the information in the book wasn’t fully accurate/true, I very much enjoyed learning about this though, and gave to a friend to read.
    39. Zion Seeking the City of Enoch by Larry Barkdull
      • Larry Barkdull also wrote one of my favorite books of the year (#3), this was an awesome, fictional account of someone trying to join Enoch in the beginning stages of starting his perfected society. 
    40. Frontiers of Being by Duncan B. Blewett
      • Extremely deep and dense, some parts difficult to get through, used some of what I read in this book when officiating my sister’s wedding, fun fact, looked it up online and there’s a “new” copy for sale for $1,008.00.
    41. Valley of Sorrow by Alexander B. Morrison
      • Great book, taught me a lot, not a topic I know much about or am passionate about but definitely learned a lot and opened my mind to some different views on mental health.
    42. Glimpses Beyond Death’s Door by Brent Top
      • I think I struggled with feeling like I was reading an analysis of a bunch of other books that I actually wanted to read, this was surprising given my love for the topic, see #7 and #18.
    43. A witness and a Warning: Modern Day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon by Ezra Taft Benson.
      • Since I already know the Book of Mormon is true this found me nodding my head in agreement throughout.
    44. *LeGrand Richards: Beloved Apostle by Lucile Christenson Tate
      • Gave to my brother to read, it’s inspiring to read about the life of someone with such spectacular faith. 
    45. The Temple: Where Heaven Meets Earth by Truman G. Madsen
      • Classic book teaching the importance of the temple.
    46. Standing for Something by Gordon B. Hinckley
      • Classic GBH.
    47. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
      • Was really excited for this book, quickly realized I wasn’t intellectually ready to read a philosophical book by C.S. Lewis.
    48. Driven from Within by Michael Jordan
      • Interesting look at Michael Jordan looking simultaneously at his basketball career and how it fueled his creative side which created a billion dollar shoe industry.
    49. Does the Bible Contradict Itself? by W. Arndt
      • A defense of the Bible, didn’t love reading cover to cover which the author kind of said not to do, but will possibly be a book I refer back to often in my life.
    50. Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States by David O. McKay
      • Don’t remember a ton about this, I know it was short, I mostly remember thinking, “they used to be extremely afraid of communism.”
    51. Hidden Treasures from the Scriptures: The Battle is not yours it is the Lord’ by Alisha Geary
      • Had an interesting theme about how to get through adversity, short book.
    52. Are Your Standards Fences or Guardrails? By John Bytheway
      • While it’s sort of silly I even read this as I was approaching 30, and I ranked it low, I actually got a lot out of it, especially useful as I was becoming a parent and thinking about the standards I’d like Ivy to have.
    53. Messages of the First Presidency Vol. 6 compiled by James R. Clark
      • I enjoyed it but it was dry, and the average person is not going to get through this book.
    54. Emma’s Glory and Sacrifice by Gracia N. Jones
      • Great book but kind of felt like the attempt to tie it to Emma was a stretch throughout simply due to how few records we have left behind in her own words.
    55. Islam by John A. Williams
      • Just really difficult to read without more of a foundation in the faith, felt like I constantly didn’t know enough to keep up with what was being discussed.
    56. So Much of Life Ahead by Dean Hughes
      • This was an OK book, but it was part 6 in a series and I just decided to read it.
    57. The Plain Truth about Christmas by Herbert W. Armstrong
      • Can’t believe I read this, best thing about it was how short it was, entertaining though I guess.

    *Recommended or gave this book to someone to read.

    Additional reading:

    1. Plan of Salvation pamphlet (should be read by everyone once a year to be reminded of why we’re here).
    2. Book of Mormon
    3. Doctrine & Covenants (Through Section 99)
    4. Old Testament (Finished Ezekiel)
    5. Come Follow Me lesson each week
  • Love is Powerful

    Love is Powerful

    I was once asked a question I surprisingly had never truly dived into.  What was different about the first time I met with the bishop when coming back to church?   Why did I come back?

    I’ve written about some of the coincidences leading to me getting to the Bishop’s office and ultimately coming back to church.  But how did I stay?  Coming back once, for a fleeting moment of revival, that’s easy.  What really brought me back?

    I wrote in The Inspiration about cancelling that first appointment with the bishop.  That appointment eventually got rescheduled. 

    I remember walking into Bishop Thurston’s office.  It was a small room, like most bishop’s offices.  I believe there was a picture of the First Presidency, and Christ.  At other points in my life both pictures might have made me feel uncomfortable, unworthy, judged.  Maybe not the picture of Christ.  His image has always brought me warmth, if not alongside guilt.

    First Presidency February 2008 – January  2018

    I remember being so nervous.  What were we going to talk about?  It had been almost 10 years since I sat in a bishop’s office.  Was he going to grill me?  Was I going to have to confess all my sins?  Was this going to be a moment I looked back on in disgust?  Was he going to judge me?  Was he going to wonder what brought this messed up individual into his office?

    And then he smiled.  He shook my hand.

    If you’ve seen the smile of Kody Thurston, you know it.  If you’ve seen the smile of a loving bishop anywhere in this world, you know this smile.  They’re the same anywhere.

    He asked me to sit and I believe he offered the prayer.  Then we started to talk.  I remember not knowing what to do with my hands, I was fiddling with them in my lap.  I remember looking down a lot.  Every time I looked up he would be looking right at me.

    We talked about where I’d been, where I was going, my family.  We got to know each other.  I don’t remember much about the exact conversation.  I do remember what I didn’t feel, judged.

    Then he asked the question, I think it was, “Do you have anything you need to talk about?”  It was a loaded question, but it didn’t feel like it.  I knew if I said no he would move on.

    I had come into that room with zero intention of confessing my sins and opening my heart to a stranger.  Then this strange thing happens in a room with a person who has been sent and commissioned by Jesus Christ for this very purpose.  There’s a feeling in a room when the spirit is there.  It’s overwhelming.  I didn’t say much.  I implied some things; I got some things off my chest.  He didn’t ask much.  He moved forward.  That’s what I remember.  Moving forward.

    I talk about no coincidences.  I know it wasn’t a coincidence that I came back at that time.  Maybe it’s an excuse for me taking so long, but I know that God knew who and what I needed when I came back.  I firmly believe that God waited until I was ready and put Bishop Thurston in a position to be there when I was ready.  I don’t think I would have made it without him.

    When I was getting ready to leave, he said he wanted to see me again soon, within the week.  He told me to reach out to his assistant and schedule it soon.  He told me to tell his assistant to make it happen in the next week no matter what, even if I had to come to his house.  That’s another thing I’ll never forget.  Come to his house?  Why did this stranger want to see me again so soon?

    I was once asked what made me come back?  Love.  Love made me come back.  I knew when I left that office, without a shadow of a doubt, that the stranger I just met cared about me so deeply.  Is that something I could know?  I guess not, I couldn’t know it.  He could have been faking it.  The reason it has stuck with me, and the reason I came back, is because it wasn’t something I knew, it was something I felt. Like testimony or faith, it was something I couldn’t deny and something I’ll never forget.  At the end of that meeting I felt like I’d just met somebody who would do anything in his power, anything he possibly could, to help me.  I felt the love of Jesus Christ for me, displayed through this stranger so potently, with such power. 

    I left that office feeling good.  I’ll admit something.  I tried to keep it together.  I really tried.  I drove away from the building.  I pulled over within a minute.  I cried and I cried.  It was like the love I wouldn’t allow myself to feel Christ giving me for so long poured over me with such intensity.  I cry today thinking about it.

    Those first few weeks coming back were really hard.  Really, really hard.  When it got to feel like too much to continue on that path, like I couldn’t do it, I thought about the love I felt that day. I thought about that little bishop’s office where I felt something, and my heart changed.  I thought about the moment in my car after.  I realized I never wanted to be without that love, ever again.  That’s what brought me back and kept me coming back.

    Love is powerful.