Pouting: Getting Rid of the Laman and Lemuel in Me
Readers resonated with our article called “Pouting before the Lord.”
Wow
Thank you for the article on "Pouting before the Lord." *wow* If you could only see into my heart, you would see how perfect that article was for me at this time. I just wanted to say thank you for being straightforward and blunt. I will never see Laman and Lemuel the same. As I realized I am too much like them... something I never thought possible.
Dawn Barroso
Dublin, CA
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New Perspective
Absolutely AMAZING article! I've taught in Seminary and Institute for years and not thought of this perspective! I've copied the article and will use it from now on in my teaching of teens and young single adults, who frankly, are full of pouting! Superb article. Have you considered writing a book about this - I see a best-seller! Thank you!!
Suzanne Ballard
Pleasant Grove, UT
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Missing Elder Maxwell
Elder Maxwell and I were pen pal's of sorts over many years.....I have all of his books and several folders full of wonderful notes he would write to me in response to my notes to him, usually comments about his writings or talks ...... one of the greatest joys of my life was the opportunity to meet with him for nearly 30 minutes when in Salt Lake on business... just before 9-11.
I cannot tell you how I miss his talks at conference....or new books coming out...or articles in the Ensign... he was able to enlighten me in ways that I cannot find words to explain............ and this article is the first time that I had that same sort of reaction that I had when reading or listening to him. It is not the same style but the words were wonderful, the thoughts profound, and I so appreciated them.....
Marilyn Barnes
Springfield, MO
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Pouted Once or Twice
I just loved your article and yes, I've pouted once or twice in my life and I learned quickly that throwing tantrums was not very respectful. I call it that, throwing a tantrum before the Lord and if I am correct, the scriptures call it “vain imaginings” where one vainly imagines that God is whatever they desire Him to be. It is a powerful tool of the adversary and can destroy fledgling faith and sometimes seemingly mature people fall hard when things don't go their way.
I've been through a few dramatic adventures in my life, and people wonder how I get through things. I never know how to respond because I just keep going, but I think it's because I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and so long as I keep my hand in His I will be safe but not sheltered from the storms of this mortality.
People forget that this is just a part of our existence, it is not our entire existence, and so they panic and forget that this too will pass. I think that is what is meant by “getting caught up in the moment”.
I loved your article so much I copied and pasted it into an email and sent it to everyone on my email list. As a firm believer in seeing the REAL God and not an IMAGINED one I often use the example in my teaching that we can't have one foot on the up escalator in life (Zion) and one on the down escalator (the world) because gravity will work every time.
Love your Meridian – it keeps me inspired as I live in a small (troubled) branch in a semi remote rural area in Australia .
Fran Cashman
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Thanks for the Ride
This was a fantastic article. I am one of the six married kids and two parents. We all call and email ideas and life experiences to help, encourage and laugh when the going gets rough. Your article all gave us the giggles/ dying groans. :-)
Some of your ideas/phrases were good reminders of where not to tread when times get difficult. Like President Hinckley said, " The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride."
With sincere thanks for sharing your talents!
Deborah James
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Misplaced Address Book
Thank you for a thought provoking article on handling life's disappointments and trials. As the challenges of life hit us more personally, it's tempting to erroneously compare ourselves to others who seem spared from the wilderness. It's easy to suppose they have a hot line to the Lord while we look for our misplaced address book. Your insights remind all of us to set aside those comparisons and look directly to the Lord in faith, trusting his benevolence and love, and knowing he will gather his sheep.
Thank you for your insights.
Liz Dayton,
Santa Clara, UT
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Blind to our Childishness
Very thoughtful article. We observe our own children attempting to manipulate us, but cannot see our own behavior in our “childish” efforts to do the same with our Father. Nicely insightful. Well done.
Herm Olsen
Logan, Utah
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Protected by His Mighty Arm
About 'Pouting Before the Lord'. It was magnificent. I have noticed lately (over the last couple of years) more and more articles in the Ensign, in your online magazine, in Conference talks, etc., the need to weather the storms of life and become spiritually mature, and that we need to understand that trials are part of life.
I myself have had some very bad employment things happen over the last couple of years, so perhaps it is simply my awareness has been heightened in this area, but in talking to others, I feel that the Lord is starting to 'cleanse the inner vessel' by giving his children the opportunities to humble themselves and learn to trust in Him, in advance of the calamities ahead. And I appreciated your thoughts, for although I have not ever renounced or thought to blame God, I have wondered aloud why he isn't listening, why, when I've done most (not all, admittedly) of what he has required of me, I had to have this. "Why didn't you protect me!?" was more my line of questioning (I loved the 'cosmic bellboy' thing. How true!). But a recent blessing let me know that someday I would look back on these trials and realize they have refined me and that I would be grateful for them, and that even when things are dark, the Lord is in control and that his mighty arm would protect me.
Trusting in God is what it is all about here. The longer I live the more I come to realize that. And who better to trust??
Bryan Stinocher
