I had plans for a really fantastic post for this Sunday, one that I’ve been wanting to do for several weeks now. Unfortunately, I’m emotionally drained. I think I can only expose myself and pour out my soul to you in terms of my belief system once a week. I appreciate your comments, the fact that you always tell me the truth, and the forum that is created when each and every one of you participate. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t take a toll on me emotionally each time someone comments in opposition to the views I have just put forth. I’m not complaining, because I know I created this situation, just being honest. I really appreciate all of your honest and sincere responses, no matter how much they differ from my own.
I don’t say it enough. I appreciate your comments. I read them all. Your backgrounds, viewpoints, and the experience that you share add a greater dimension to my life. It seems silly to say it, but I am a better person because of so many of you. Thank you for reading, thank you for contributing, and most of all, thank you for caring.
You may have noticed that my rate of response to Sunday post comments has been declining. This is in part because I sometimes just don’t have the energy, and also because there are some other wonderful LDS readers who are doing such a great job of helping me sort through your questions. There are also some topics that I don’t have easy answers to. I wish I could pull a Freaky Friday and just give you a peek inside of my soul for a few minutes. So you could feel what I feel, and how it helps me to know what I know. The Gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t about logic or practicality. It’s about the burning of the bosom and faith that can move mountains.
I dont’ believe it because it all makes perfect sense, I believe it because I feel it.
I need something peaceful. Something full of love. Something no one can argue with for this weeks Sunday post. President Hinckley’s words in this video remind me to be just a little bit more kind. I hope you will watch (and don’t be surprised if you shed a little tear like I did).
March 15th, 2009 on 12:31 am
Hi…i’m a new reader and found you via Weddingbee…and i appreciate all of your posts about being LDS. very informative and non-judgmental of other religions. so thanks! i don’t know if you’ll get around to my question or if it’s something you can answer…but i figured i’d just put it out there and see what you had to say about it…
i just wanted to get your thoughts on the fundamentalist stuff going on…all of the things that have been in the news since last year with the kids and women pretty much being held hostage. as a christian myself, i find it hard to understand their logic behind their actions. from my readings, i don’t think you’re a fundamentalist– but maybe you can shed a little more light on the situation for me.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 12:52 am
I hear you and you totally deserve a peaceful break from these Sunday posts when you need it!
(after doing my food storage post and now I’m starting a few posts about Down syndrome I realize it’s tiring b/c of all the thinking and writing! And mine don’t even instigate any deep discussions either!)
Happy Sunday!
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 6:36 am
I have been reading most of your post. And I love your passion about your views and your belief system. I know very little about LDS but I have always been very open to learning about other belief systems. I just want you to know, that there is people like me that is learning so much and enjoy reading your insight on what you see/believe. That is what makes us, well us. Enjoy your day!
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 7:38 am
I cried
Thanks for the post Jenna. I always liked the way Hinckley spoke- he had such a sweet voice. Have a good Sunday 
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 7:56 am
I like stories like that. It does not matter what your belives are to be touched by such stories. And Mr Hinckley has a very sweet and soothing voice.
Thank you for sharing.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 8:36 am
Girl, YOU help so many of your readers. Seriously! I feel like I know so much more not just about the LDS faith, but the fervor/passion you feel for it. I have my own faith and don’t agree with all things LDS but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect you or your fellow members of the church. Opening yourself up to us is brave and I appreciate it.
Now, so you don’t have to respond to the first commenter, I will say that Jenna is NOT fundamentalist. The FLDS church is not accepted/recognized by the regular LDS church. To learn more about fundamentalists and how UN-mainstream they are, you can read _Under the Banner of Heaven_ by Jon Krakauer, the same guy who wrote _Into the Wild_.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 9:35 am
Jenna- small world, I found your blog through Kimmy’s (your freshman year roommate) blog. I am her best friend that came to visit a few times, I don’t know if you remember me. Anyway, I read through your Sunday posts and want to say thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU for being willing to take time an energy to first write out your feelings about the LDS faith, and then to take time to answer questions about it within the comments. It is emotionally draining, but you are making a difference for people, and that is worth it all. Have a good week, and you’ll probably hear from me again in the comments box
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 10:18 am
Something peaceful and filled with kindness is always that one dose that does the trick!
I want to share my Saturday story if you don’t mind!
Yesterday I had a final at my professors house. In order to do my final I needed a young child to take with me, so I borrowed my friends 6 year old. My friend showed up to my home and said- I have to run I forgot I have an appointment! So then my friend dropped off her daughter, the car booster chair and some extra clothes and left.
So here I was sitting here with a six year old, and I was to drive her by myself to my professors house.
The thing that was so amazing was how wonderful my friends daughter was. She sat in the back seat of her booster chair, sucking on her two fingers, a little nervous- and she says ‘when I am done helping you with your school project can we get ice cream?’ and I said of course!
She dazzled my professor, I got an A on my final and finally we head off to get lunch followed by ice cream. At the ice cream shop a cute lil green bug that matched perfectly her green jacket landed on her shoulder and she exclaimed ‘the bug thinks I am a bigger bug that looks like it!’
And then we headed home and she hung out with my dog while I made us this special tea her mother had given me (it is a south african tea- that has no caffeine, her kids love it with goats milk, sugar & honey). While I was making the tea, she was sitting next to my choc lab (my dog loves this little girl dearly you can tell) and the little girl sat there, speaking in a very gentle little girl voice ‘i luv you so much!’ and she hugged my dog and repeatedly said ‘I luv you so much!!! you are wonderful! and so soft!’.
It’s days like those that you see God in all the wonderful simple joys that feed your heart and fill you with warmth.
I know this was a silly little story. But I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a day through the eyes of my little friend.
I. Love. God. He is great. And I am so thankful for the part He plays in my life.
Reply
Sophia Reply:
March 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Oh, is it rooibos tea? The red kind? Starbucks has a new vanilla rooibos latte that is so. good.
Reply
Katherine (a.k.a. Sparkles) Reply:
March 15th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Yes! It is! I think it is also nicknamed ‘roots’ because it isn’t made from tea leaves but roots. I have to tell you- I am a huge tea drinker. This tea tastes wonderful. It is mild and I did a little (geeky) research, and apparently it matches and it’s debated to exceed green/ or oolong tea anti-oxidant properties!
I didn’t know starbucks was offering it as a drink now! I will have to check it out- although spending 6 bucks isn’t as appealing as just brewing it myself… ;o)
Reply
Cristin Reply:
March 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Rooibos is really good for you – filled with antioxidents. Have you tried these cookies? http://www.khayacookies.com/
They are Rooibos (afrikaans for red bush) and are “cookies with a conscience”.
Reply
Katherine (a.k.a. Sparkles) Reply:
March 15th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
No I haven’t heard of the cookies. I will have to ask my friend if she has. Either way- I think I will order some to give it a try. Thanks for letting me know! (See how Sunday posts just bring people together?) =o)
Reply
Sophia Reply:
March 18th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Yay Sunday posts!
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 10:31 am
I think you made the right choice for today. I usually read the comments on your Sunday posts, and I understand what you mean about it being emotionally draining.
Thanks for sharing this video. I’d never seen it before. It reminded me of how much I love and miss President Hinckley, and also, of course, to try to help others along my way. I hope that this post and others that you write in the future will help others to see that the focus of our religion is the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks for all of the work that goes into your posts, Jenna.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 10:45 am
Jenna–I’m Catholic and I often feel like my protestant friends are extremely judgmental and almost make fun of my religion. Often when talking to them about their issues with my faith I find that they are uninformed, which I am sure you experience. I know that I didn’t know much about the LDS faith before reading your blog.
While I don’t put up Sunday posts, I think that on some level I know how you feel. But here is what I tell myself: I think that those obstacles are opportunities God is giving me to strengthen my faith. It is also an opportunity to inform others about why my church operates in a certain way. While we may not be the same religion, I really appreciate your posts about your faith. Keep up the good work!
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 11:33 am
i think it’s probably a good idea to take a break once in a while from these types of topics, and then refresh yourself before “going back out there.”
it’s good to advocate on your blog, where you have willing readers who (most likely) care about & like reading about your life – that way, you really are educating people and learning from each other, instead of trying to influence people who… refuse to hear your viewpoint at all. after all, if people were refusing to hear it, they’d stop coming to your blog. at least they are listening, even if they strongly disagree.
have a wonderful sunday & i’ll be praying for you & everyone that will be hurt by big love’s show. <3
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 1:28 pm
i love this. so much. and you are wonderful
much love.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 3:25 pm
I loved this story, thank you for sharing it. I think we all could use a break this week.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 3:29 pm
Jenna, thank you for always putting yourself out there. I totally understand your need for a break. Take some time to breath!
Loved the video.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 4:20 pm
Thanks for writing each day, even when your readers have exhausted you. Hope that today was rejuvenating and wonderful with your husband and your church.
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 9:24 pm
Enjoy your break. Good call for preventing burn-out.
While I obviously disagree about feelings being enough and don’t think that just getting inside your head would convince me (how can feelings be enough when so many people feel so strongly and disagree?) part of what you said reminded me of one of the
readings in the Catholic Church for today. “We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”.
Best wishes!
Reply
March 15th, 2009 on 9:25 pm
Oh, just noticed that you don’t have it set for links to show up in an alternate color. “Readings” in the above post is a link.
Reply
March 16th, 2009 on 4:47 am
Good for you taking a break. And the video warmed my little heart
Reply
March 16th, 2009 on 11:17 am
Beautiful video Jenna. I admire you so much for being an open book. You put your heart on your sleeve and say it like it is and I love that about you. Your Sunday posts are wonderful. I completely understand your need for a break. And this was a fantastic way to do it. You are wonderful. Love, Em
Reply