Layne's Lunch

Last Sunday a teacher pointed out a very interesting word in D&C 11:21 that I had glossed over up to this point.  Re-read this scripture and think about the word “obtain”  "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. (D&C 11:21) What does it mean to “obtain my word”?  In the past I have thought that it simply meant to study your lesson so you are prepared.   As I thought about that scripture, D&C 84:84 came to mind.  Does this scripture support or contrast with the one in section 11?  "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man”  (D&C 84:85) The two key words from this scripture are “treasure” and “continually”.  The

What do you do when you feel like it is time for you to be released from your church calling?  What do you do?  Can you ask the bishop of your ward for a release? Referencing Handbook 2 - Chapter 19 under “Releasing Members from Church Callings" "Releases from Church callings should come by inspiration, except when a person’s change of residence necessitates a release or when a calling is for a specific time period, such as full-time missionary service. Releases from Church callings are made by the same level of authority that extended the callings." I can not find anywhere in the handbook where it gives instructions to the members on asking for releases.  So, what are you to do?  If feelings of frustration, bitterness, or even anger are coming because of you church calling then this is not in harmony with the purpose of the calling.  This can lead to dissension and disputations.  None of this is helpful in building God’s kingdom. As I pondered this my mind f

I realized today that it has been nearly 20 years since I have eaten anything produced by a McDonalds.  I still recall staring at menu at a Mc’D’s in Illinois and realizing that there was nothing on the list of items offered that I wanted to eat.  There was nothing that would make me more healthy, live longer, improve my quality of life, make me feel better, or be a reasonable exchange between what I paid and the product I received.  So, I determined on that day to never go back, and I haven’t.  My only regret is that I didn’t highlight this day  so I could celebrate it as an anniversary each year. The other day I was talking to someone about a whole food plant based lifestyle and they asked the question, "Aren't we supposed to have moderation in all things?" to defend their attraction to bacon.  The simple answer is "No".  I have found that this statement is commonly used by someone who is attempting to defend a behavior that they know is not healthful.

“For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” [D&C 137:9] As I thought about this scripture I pondered about the apparent dichotomy between purism and pragmatism.  For reference, here are the definitions:       purist - a person who insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or structures, especially in language or style.       pragmatist - a person who is guided more by practical considerations than by ideals. Some of the questions that came to mind are: Is there room in the Church for a a bit of pragmatism?   Are we more focused on the results, or the process?   Do the ends sometimes justify the means?   It it better to obey the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law? While I won’t answer all of these questions here, here are a few thoughts on the subject.   The prophets and apostles have a responsibility to maintain the purity of the gospel.  Elder Packer said:        "T