The Truth About Anti-Mormons

**Please continue reading this with an open mind and with the understanding that I mean no offense.**

The Relief Society lesson from last week visiting Salt Lake City was on truth. What is truth? The definition was given in Christian terms- truth is in the Bible and Book of Mormon, truth is told by the prophet and other leaders of the church. This didn't quite settle with me because what we are told and what we learn from the church becomes what we believe, not what we know to be true. The dictionary defines truth as "a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like: ie mathematical truths". We have no way of proving that anything we believe is true.

In Alma 32:21 we read, "And now as I said concerning faith — faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." Maybe I am just getting hung up on the wording but I would prefer that it read "which may be true" instead. As an example, I like to believe that there is a Heaven and that it looks like Carealot with rainbow beams, care bears, sleeping on clouds, and looking down on Earth to make sure people still care. I hope for this, I could begin to have faith that Heaven will be like I've described, I have not seen Heaven, so can my version of Heaven be true? Does believing in Heaven make Heaven real and true?

Back to the lesson discussion, one word which was uttered a couple of times in class really surprised me and that word was Anti-Mormon. I thought that term wasn't being used anymore. The only person I know who really believes in Anti-Mormons is my mom. She really believes that there is a group of people out there who's sole purpose in life is to bring about the destruction of the LDS church.

Has anyone done a Google search on Anti-Mormonism? Well I have. According to Wikapedia the term was first used in the 1830s after the publication of Eber D. Howe's 1834 book Mormonism Unvailed. The publication was first labeled Anti-Christian and then changed to Anti-Mormon. Anti-Mormonism is defined as discrimination, persecution, hostility or prejudice directed at members of the Latter Day Saint movement, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Today, the term is primarily used as a descriptor for persons and publications that oppose the LDS Church, although its precise scope has been the subject of some debate. It is used by some to describe anything perceived as critical of the LDS Church

Stephen Cannon shared, "It is also helpful to know that Mormons are a group of people united around a belief system. Therefore, to be "anti-Mormon" is to be against people. Christians who desire to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Mormons are never to come against people of any stripe. Yes, evangelical Christians do have strong disagreements with Mormonism, but the argument is with a belief system and not a people. The LDS people are no better or no worse than any other group of people. Any dispute is to be a disagreement with the "ism", not the "Mormon".

Continuing on the web search results, there are a couple "Facts About Mormons" sites followed by exmormon sites, including, "Why I Left The LDS Church". Exmormons are obviously former members of the church. I've been on their site and they share their stories of why they left and offer support to one another. Yes, sometimes it is bitter but this site gives them a place to share their feelings with others who can relate and sympathize.

I came across an article on this same web search. I want to share some of what was written with you.

"I think it's time for the church and its members to abandon use of the term "anti-Mormon" for a few reasons.  First of all, it is disingenuous and manipulative of the church leaders to encourage members to discover truth for themselves while also teaching that members should only trust "approved" resources.  The truth should be evident, regardless of what sources are used.  It is also misleading to categorize things as anti-Mormon when so much of what is discussed is verifiable in church resources.

Another reason the term "anti-Mormon" is harmful is because it is associated with a feeling of persecution among the members.  They often feel like they are being attacked when someone presents information to them that is contrary to what they've been taught.  An awful lot of feelings get hurt needlessly simply because of a misconception.  If you can discuss differing views about politics without taking it personally when someone disagrees with you, then the same should be true of discussing religious beliefs.  Disagreeing with an idea or a belief is not the same as hating the person who espouses those beliefs."
http://www.thefledglingstale.com/2013/07/dispelling-anti-mormon-myth.html#.U6ezSvldVQE

I used to be LDS. My friends are LDS. I have gotten to the point where I can be comfortable going to church again but I cannot abandon what I have learned on the outside. I do not consider myself to be an Anti-Mormon because it is an ugly and outdated word. I have my opinions but I also have love and understanding and compassion for others. I don't seek to destroy anyone's beliefs. If anything, I sometimes wish that I didn't believe what I believe now. Ignorance may be one of the top killers in this world, but it can also be bliss.

My Weekend In Salt Lake City

I expected it to feel different being back in Salt Lake City after my seven month absence. It didn't, though. I felt right at home like I belonged there.

My friend, Alison picked me up from the airport and then off we went to have fun. We went out to lunch at T.G.I.Fridays. Yummy. Then we went to the arcade where we enjoyed playing games like Skee-Ball and Wheel of Fortune and shooting hoops. We also played a video game where we got to shoot evil clowns (wait, aren't they all evil?) and save innocent lives. Well, most lives we saved but I did take out a few. Hey, the world is overpopulated! We each bought a candy treat with our tickets and headed off to Karaoke Cafe.

Karaoke Cafe has become one of my favorite places to let loose and have fun. I love that it's open as early as 3pm when I can pretty much have the microphone to myself. I learned that the DJ I was used to had moved away but there was still a couple of familiar faces there. Alison and I sang lots of duets including "Hard Knock Life", "It's Gonna Be Me" and "You Rock My World". It was so fun being with Alison again!

Around 7pm we went to Shara's house where I would be staying for the remainder of my trip. Shara and Carlos were there and we all talked and just enjoyed each other's company.

On Saturday morning my wonderful hostess, Shara made me breakfast. Pears, buttered toast, and cottage cheese. Yum! Later we met with some of her friends in the church parking lot to carpool to a Thai food restaurant in Sugarhouse. I had never had Thai food before but I was open to the experience. We all ordered different versions of Pho. Pho is a soup like dish with while noodles, broth, and whatever meat you choose and sides of herbs and vegetable garnishes. I ordered Pho with steak and shrimp.

To be honest, I didn't care for the flavor of the broth but I got used to it as I ate. I had trouble wrapping the noodles around my spoon. I began to eat them like a child, spooning what I could into my mouth, then biting away the excess back into the bowl. The shrimp was good but the steak was largely sliced and I had no way to cut them smaller. Instead, I folded each piece twice over, dunked it into my soy sauce, then ate it. For being in a broth, the steak was a bit dry. I quickly followed each bite of steak with a spoonful of broth. 

I'm glad that I at least tried something new and got to meet some of Shara's friends. I was so tired afterwards so as soon as we got back to her place I took a nap. We all meet up at the movie theater just before 5pm as planned to see Maleficent. I had purchased a large butter popcorn to share with Nancy and her girls who hadn't arrived yet but after I returned from the bathroom I saw Nancy had bought a large popcorn for her and her girls already. So, I had a lot of popcorn and no one to share it!

Debbie, Shara, Carlos, Nancy, Evelyn, Eliza and I sat down in a center row for the movie. Then I realized that Alison would have no place to sit with us once she arrived. Shara and Carlos offered to move a row back which was very nice. Alison arrived and found us. Other than Eliza asking her mom questions during the movie I had a really nice time! The movie was charming and Angelina Jolie was interesting to watch in such an unusual character for her. I really liked the twist on the old tale, especially how feministic it was.

After the movie Shara and Carlos left to prepare for the bonfire and smores night at her house and Debbie had to go home. I rode with Alison with Nancy and her girls driving close behind to Little Caesars to get dinner and then on to a nearby park. It was fun playing with the girls and trying to chase Nancy (she is so fast!). I went down the slide a few times. 

Daniel joined us for smores night at Shara's house. When we got there, Shara had the fire going and the chairs and fixings all laid out. Evelyn really went to town making herself the perfect smore! She enjoyed burnt marshmallows on her smores. She also made a bratwurst to go. Eliza was more patient with her marshmallow, getting it to burn and puff up just right. One of her neighbors was having a party that night too and they decided to share their music with us. That night I realized that the song by The Police, "Every Breath You Take" is a song about a stalker. Maybe one day I will sing this at Karaoke Cafe and dedicate it to the boy I'm stalking, if every there is one!

Sunday I went to church with Shara and her friends. We carpooled there. Her ward is by the U. On the bulletin and other signs in the building I noticed it was called the Union Fort ward instead of the Fort Union ward. When I asked why, a girl told me it's so no one shortens it to F.U.! Clever.

They had their service set up for Relief Society first and Sacrament last. I prefer it the other way around because Sacrament Meeting is the longest so I like to tackle the longest hurdle first. The people there were very nice and friendly. I had no trouble asking for directions and a woman in Relief Society gave me a pice of gum after I asked Shara if she had a breath mint. So nice!

I was uncomfortable in my dress. Being a bigger girl, I had to keep my legs squeezed together so I could sit like a lady. I could feel my legs getting irritated from the constant rubbing. Standing up and walking about was a great relief!

In between Relief Society and Sunday School, Shara introduced me to a nice and good looking guy new to her ward. I was surprised by how friendly he was. We all went to the same Sunday School class and he sat next to me. He showed me how to upload LDS materials to my phone. I took turns looking at his scriptures and Shara's as we learned about the story of Ruth in class. 

For Sacrament Meeting we sat near the back in hard folding chairs. I at least had the relief of no one sitting in front of me so I was naughty and put my feet up on the chair. After service I got my bag and rushed to the bathroom to change. It was slightly embarrassing to walk around the church in jeans, a top, and a jacket but at least I was modest. 

Shara and her carpool friends took me to the airport. We hugged and I waved goodbye. It was a short trip but I sure packed a lot of fun into it and I'm so glad I have such wonderful friends! Until next time!

Annoyances In Phoenix

1.  Helicopters. They used to be a random sight in the sky for me but since moving to Phoenix, they have become the daily norm. They like to hover over your neighborhood, sometimes in pairs. And they occur at night too! When I hear them, Angie checks in on me to make sure my door is locked because it is most likely the police helicopters looking for a suspect!

As if Geico wasn't getting enough advertising in...

2. Bees. I know bees are everywhere but there are flower bushes right outside of my casita and bees frequent them daily. I risk getting stung every time I step in and out. For a while the bushes appeared to be dying and a moss was growing over it. Then suddenly the moss was gone, the flowers were back in bloom, and the bees reappeared!

The most fearful bee for me is Arizona's carpenter bee. It's huge like a honey bee but all black. It swarmed right in front of me one day as if warning me off and I jumped back in fright and Angie saw and thought I was doing a dance move or something. 

Now this is a picture of one from online. I wouldn't dare hold one!

Here is some info on the carpenter bee. "The carpenter bee ranks as an important pollinator of the flowering plants, particularly those with large open fragrant blooms.  Diligently, if unwittingly, it gathers pollen grains from the male parts of blossoms and delivers them to the female parts of other blossoms (of the same species), triggering the process of fertilization and seed formation.  As a reward, it wittingly takes pollen, nectars and oils that it uses to set a banquet table for its larvae.  The carpenter bee contributes substantially to the annual showcase of wildflowers in our desert basins and mountain flanks."

I have also read that the male carpenter bee has no stinger but the female has. Based on the description I know my bee is female. I read that she won't sting unless she is defending herself from being hurt. I am not taking my chances!

3. 7th Avenue No Left Turns

There is a median lane which is usually used only for cars to get in and out of traffic. However, I have observed that between 6-9pm as stated on the sign, the median lane becomes another traveling lane for cars. To make matters more complicated, during that time, no cars may turn left at intersections off of this street! I was going to the mall and I had to make three rights in order to get to my destination. Ridiculous! 

4. Playgrounds. You would think that being in Phoenix where triple degree weather occurs every year that they would create fully shaded covers for their outdoor playgrounds. Not so! I tried taking Hana to a nearby park (about a twenty minute walk each way) on a day that was under triple digits and when I saw the deserted park and felt the slide, I knew we couldn't stay. Way too hot! The next day Angie had me take Hana to another park in Encanto but there the swings were completely uncovered and the main playground only slightly shaded in the middle! I didn't like disappointing Hana or having her out in that hot sun.

Indoor Slide

Because of the heat, I need to keep Hana entertained indoors as much as possible. I wiped off the outside playslide and brought it into her playroom. I set it down between two mats. Hana woke from her nap and lit up when she saw it! She played on it for a good hour. Now it's daily fun for her. She races her cars on the slide ad brings her dolls up there. I like to tickle her and play peek-a-boo.

Outdoor Activity In The Heat

Triple degree weather is here with only a random cloud or two to be seen. So how does one entertain a 20 month old who loves to go outside? I have two options. The first is the baby pool. She got new bathing suits and I get in the pool with her and we splash and play with toys. I also take her in the large pool where she is allowed to stand on the first step as I hold her. Despite the freedom of the baby pool, she prefers the larger one.

The other option is the front porch. Angie had shades installed to help block the sun and keep the A/C cost down. It's great because we can see out but people walking by can't see in. Hana has a large toy water boat on the front porch where she can play with water. She enjoys dumping the water on herself and the ground. She also has chalk and bubbles. She likes to put the chalk in the water and then color on the ground. We have messy fun out here!

Imagination

When is a box not a box? When you use your imagination!

Jeff bought a fish tank and loads of supplies. There was a large empty box and I looked at it and decided to turn it into an art project for Hana. I cut off one of the sides so she could crawl into it. I added a window for looking out. I took construction paper and packaging tape and covered each side with a different color.

Once it was done I put it in her toy room. She colored on it with her crayons, added Hello Kitty stickers and foam Easter stickers, and it became a masterpiece!

Kid Friendly Mall

There is a mall in Paradise Valley that caters to kids. There's an indoor play area with slides and tunnels but also several quarter carousel rides and a train which takes you from one end of the mall to the other and back with a man dressed as a conductor. The ride costs $3 for adults and is well worth it! Hana loves to ride the train.

On our last trip there, we discovered a large carousel in the food court. It was different because it had a seat belt on the horses so I felt more secure holding Hana onto it as she enjoyed the ride.

However, there was one children's ride which I would never endorse. Hana and I stared at this ride in horror as the child bounced up to the ceiling and back down over and over. Look how close she was to hitting her head on the ceiling!

To make matters worse, I recorded this video and sent it to Angie, not realizing at the time that the child in this video resembled Hana. Angie was so upset! Luckily I convinced her that she wasn't Hana and apologized for the misunderstanding. I would never allow Hana to do something so dangerous!

Overall this mall is a great place to entertain kids while escaping the heat.

Grandma with Magical Powers

Hana's grandma was in town last week while I was visiting Omaha and home getting over my cold. I didn't see much of them as I was sleeping a lot. When I returned to work on Monday, I began to notice changes in Hana.

Prior to Grandma's visit, Hana would count 2,3 and 6 but would never say one. She also says 2 and 3 in Spanish but not Uno. Now she says 1 through 10! Not always in order and sometimes numbers are missing but she knows them all! She also is more talkative, using words like fan, friends, wait, and phrases like "I see you" and "Erie come play?".

Hana doesn't eat meat for us but apparently for Grandma she ate chicken and ham. She learned to flip over on the bed! She can play quiet and loud on the drums.

What is her secret???