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About

Your ability to effectively dialogue with God, walk and talk with Him and eventually have a personal audience with Him in mortality is one of the primary common denominators of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Adam and Eve knew about this "common denominator" as they knelt and pleaded with God over unhewn stones. So did Abraham, Moses, Nephi, Enos and Joseph Smith.  Today, we see it manifest as one of the main purposes of the restoration, the central theme of the Book of Mormon and the narrative in the temple.

Yet some -- even those who are extremely well-versed in the scriptures and have served diligently in the Kingdom for many decades -- believe that the privilege of regularly communing with and even seeing the Savior is reserved for only for top church leaders...or that it's "no biggie."

This opinion is commonplace...the rule, rather than the exception.

Aren't we supposed to liken the books of 1 Nephi, Enos and Joseph Smith-History (to name a few) unto ourselves?

Since when were D&C 88:68, D&C 93:1 and D&C 97:15-16 written solely for prophets and apostles?

Is the story of the Brother of Jared only intended for worldwide church leaders?

I'll be crystal clear:
  • First, you may feel like a spiritual or even ecclesiastical "nobody."  Good, because God always has and always will work His finest miracles through the weak and unnoticed.
  • Second, church office never has, and never will be, a prerequisite to having profound, personal interactions with the Savior.  God is no respecter of persons; to believe otherwise is to perpetuate a lie authored by the father of all lies.
  • Third, you may feel that the pursuit of such blessings is unnecessary.  If so, your opinion stands in stark contrast to the statements of several latter-day prophets and apostles and even the Lord, all of whom made impassioned pleas that you should seek after these blessings.
Check out these quotes.  They pertain to you:
"Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge, respecting his character and glory, will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face." (Lecture 2:55) 
"Seeing the Lord is not a matter of lineage or rank or position or place of precedence." (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "The Promised Messiah," p. 569). 
“blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (3 Nephi 12:8). 
"After the true saints receive and enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost; after they know how to attune themselves to the voice of the Spirit; after they mature spiritually so that they see visions, work miracles, and entertain angels; after they make their calling and election sure and prove themselves worthy of every trust—after all this and more—it becomes their right and privilege to see the Lord and commune with him face to face. Revelations, visions, angelic visitations, the rending of the heavens, and appearances among men of the Lord himself—all these things are for all of the faithful. They are not reserved for apostles and prophets only. God is no respecter of persons. They are not reserved for one age only, or for a select lineage or people. We are all our Father's children. All men are welcome. "And he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile." (2 Ne. 26:33.) (Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah, p.575) 
There is nothing an apostle can receive that is not available to every elder in the kingdom. As we have heretofore quoted, from the Prophet's sermon on the Second Comforter: ‘God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them.’ (Teachings, p. 149.) It follows that everything stated by Elder Oliver Cowdery in his charge to the apostles could also be given as a charge to all elders. Every elder is entitled and expected to seek and obtain all the spiritual blessings of the gospel, including the crowning blessing of seeing the Lord face to face.” (Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ, p.595; emphasis mine). 
"[Quoting the Prophet Joseph Smith:] 'Females, if they are pure and innocent can come into the presence of God.’ In most Salvationist churches, those words would have meant a return to heaven after death. For Mormons, the words referred to Joseph’s long quest to bring his people into the presence of God while still on earth. The revelations associated the vision of God with the temple and the endowment of power. Until then, then endowment had been given solely to men, the only ones to receive washings and anointings in Kirtland. By including women among those who were to see God, Joseph brought them into the circle of the endowed who would be cleansed and purified in the temple." (Richard Lyman Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling; p. 447; emphasis mine. See also 2 Nephi 26:33). 
"each individual member of the Church can come to know of the divinity of the work, can have the whisperings of the Spirit in his heart and soul, and in addition, can see visions, entertain angels, behold the face of the Lord, and receive all the knowledge and wisdom that has been poured out upon faithful people in any age." (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "How to Get Personal Revelation," New Era, June 1980, pp. 46-50; emphasis mine).
“But what I desire to point attention to is the fact that revelation is not restricted to the prophet of God on earth. The visions of eternity are not reserved for Apostles—they are not reserved for the General Authorities. Revelation is something that should be received by every individual. God is no respecter of persons, and every soul, in the ultimate sense, is just as precious in his sight as the souls of those who are called to positions of leadership. Because he operates on principles of eternal, universal, and never-deviating law, any individual who abides the law that entitles him to get revelation can know exactly and precisely what President Kimball knows, can entertain angels just as well as Joseph Smith entertained them, and can be in tune in full measure with all of the things of the Spirit." (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "How to Get Personal Revelation," New Era, June 1980, pp. 46-50; emphasis mine).
"Now I say that we are entitled to revelation. I say that every member of the Church, independent and irrespective of any position that he may hold, is entitled to get revelation from the Holy Ghost; he is entitled to entertain angels; he is entitled to view the visions of eternity; and if we would like to go the full measure, he is entitled to see God the same way that any prophet in literal and actual reality has seen the face of Deity."  (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "How to Get Personal Revelation," New Era, June 1980, pp. 46-50; emphasis mine).
“From these revelations we learn that there are no limitations placed upon any of us. Revelations are not reserved for a limited few or for those called to positions of importance in the Church. It is not position in the Church that confers spiritual gifts. It is not being a bishop, a stake president, or an apostle that makes revelation and salvation available. These are high and holy callings which open the door to the privilege of great service among men. But it is not a call to a special office that opens the windows of revelation to a truth seeker. Rather it is personal righteousness; it is keeping the commandments; it is seeking the Lord while he may be found.
God is no respecter of persons. He will give revelation to me and to you on the same terms and conditions. I can see what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw in the vision of the degrees of glory—and so can you. I can entertain angels and see God, I can receive an outpouring of the gifts of the Spirit—and so can you.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, October 1969 General Conference; emphasis mine)

". . . God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 149; Elder Bruce R. McConkie, October 1969 General Conference; emphasis mine).
"Here then we perceive that one blessing of this high Priesthood is to behold the face of God the Father and live.  And this blessing is not merely for the persons holding the Priesthood, not merely for those who have been ordained, after the order of the Son of God; but every one that keeps 'my commandments and obeys my voice,' etc.  This is the privilege of the whole Church; it is the privilege of all the people of God, to sanctify themselves, to be obedient to his laws, and to behold his face, not only the face of Jesus, but of God the Father, and still live." (Orson Pratt, JD 19:17; emphasis mine).
Is such an event a common occurrence?  Sadly, no.  No wonder both Brigham Young (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 75) and Elder Neal A. Maxwell (The Promise of Discipleship, pp. 92-93) lamented the fact that many of us live far below, or are unaware of, our privileges.

Is such an event of the highest sacredness?  Sure, and it should be maintained as such.  However, its sacred nature doesn't mean we should not pursue it. To the contrary, we should be eagerly pursuing it.

"And seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." (D&C 101:38)


So, What's It Like to Meet the Savior?


Elder Melvin J. Ballard relates the following dream/vision he had of the Savior: "
"I had sought the Lord . . . and that night I received a wonderful manifestation and impression which has never left me. I was carried to this place—into this room. I saw myself here with you. I was told there was another privilege that was to be mine; and I was led into a room where I was informed I was to meet someone. As I entered the room I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being I have ever conceived of, and was taken forward to be introduced to Him. As I approached He smiled, called my name, and stretched out His hands towards me. If I live to be a million years old I shall never forget that smile. He put His arms around me and kissed me, as He took me into His bosom, and He blessed me until my whole being was thrilled. As He finished I fell at His feet, and there saw the marks of the nails; and as I kissed them, with deep joy swelling through my whole being, I felt that I was in heaven indeed. The feeling that came to my heart then was: Oh! If I could live worthy, though it would require four-score years, so that in the end when I have finished I could go into His presence and receive the feeling that I then had in His presence, I would give everything that I am or ever hope to be!” (Melvin J. Ballard, "Crusader for Righteousness", Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, p. 65-66.)

So, Where Do You Start?


Brother Joseph said that
"It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the character of God and to know that we may converse with him as one man converses with another" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 345; see also Ether 12:39; emphasis mine).
So, how does this happen?  Here's D&C 50:24:
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
It's clear that
"...as our souls become filled with light, we begin to understand clearly things that once were dark” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Improving Our Prayers,” Ensign, March 2004, pgs. 24–31).
LDS Perfect Day focuses on the doctrines of Jesus Christ which will fill you with light.  Go check out the "Posts by Topic", or use the search box to the right, to research a particular word or phrase that comes to mind.

I invite you to catch the drift of what the Lord and others over the millennia beckon you to do:

Aim higher!

Reach further!

Attain greater!

You aren't alone in your journey (just read various post comments for further proof).

And know I'm thrilled to do whatever I can to point you to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who stands beside you, anxious to help you on your journey as well (you can contact me by clicking here).

35 comments:

  1. I would like to know who writes this blog? It is a very good site and I thank you
    Ramona

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  2. Hi, Mona! Thanks for the question.

    Although a few close friends know what I'm up to, I'd rather stay publicly anonymous. I don't react well to spotlights, and prefer instead to redirect them to others who would testify of the things I post, and of course, to the Savior.

    I will say that I'm a temple recommend-holding member of the church who believes we need all the help and suggestions we can get to make it back to Father.

    Thanks again for your compliment. If you have any suggestions for future posts, just email me using the "E-mail The Perfect Day!" link to the right...

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  3. Thank you for the question, Mona--and for the answer given. I think I know who writes it, but am not going to say why...Keep going please with the blog, it is very good.

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  4. I have just discovered this blog and it was no accident. I believe the Lord led me here. I am one of those people that this blog is helping. As I have read this blog, my heart is full of gratitude. Maybe there is hope for me after all. Thank you, thank you, thank you for following the Lord's inspiration to write it.

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  5. Dear Anonymous,

    Thanks so much for your comments. I'll be honest -- there are days when I wonder if this blog is helping anybody. I figured at the minimum, it's helping me. Glad to see there's more than one in this boat. If I can research or post on a topic you feel is important, feel free to send me a comment with "DO NOT POST" at the top, and I'll take care of it without posting your comment.

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    1. It's definitely helping somebody. :) I enjoy reading. There are many sites out there that help doctrinally, and I love having this one as a source to help personally. Thank you for keeping on.

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    2. Thank you so much for compiling all this wonderful priceless information in one spot. Your blog has been answer to my prayers as I seek higher learning & desire a closer relationship with Father. I know I have been led here by the spirit. I'm forever grateful to brothers like you who care enough to help the rest of us on our own journey to come to Christ & have our own face to face encounter. This again is such a blessing. Can't thank you enough!!

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  6. I've just discovered this blog, as well, and I'm so excited to read through it and learn learn learn. :) Christ is SO good to me, to all of us, and I love to see Him working in His children everywhere.

    It would be nice to have an actual name to call you by, LDSPerfectDay. Pick one, any one . . . Alma, Abinadi, Nephi (those are the three biggies that, to me, teach us to come unto Christ in the Book of Mormon). Or Paul, who is one of my heroes. ;) Or whatever. It would make referring to your writing easier, I think. Thoughts?

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  7. PD - we must keep getting this word out, and you do it so nicely. I wonder if perhaps we are on the brink of the 5th phase of Mormonism - the establishment of Zion.

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    1. Thank you for the compliment.

      Yes, I believe the accretion for the eventual establishment of Zion is underway.

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  8. Through the power of the Atonement we need to awaken to who we are and awaken to our duty. And this blog is assisting me it doing so. Thank you so much for your time and efforts to post. Although I do not reply much here on the blog I do read, reread and study every post since I've found this heaven sent blog and I take the challenges and I can feel the changes within my soul as I grow in my understanding. I am not a patient person so I'm prone to run to try to pierce the veil but I know it will come in the Lord time and in the Lords way. Until then, I read and pray, ponder and OBEY the promptings and direction of the Spirit and I wait patiently on the Lord. Again, thank you, it's all very much appreciated!! :)

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    1. Wow, you sound like my kind of person! Thanks so much.

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  9. I'm wondering if this post was inspired by this recent post from the Upward Thought blog? See the final paragraph:

    http://upwardthought.blogspot.com/2013/10/gross-darkness.html

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    1. Yes and No -- No, in that I'd already penciled down most of this page and was prepared to post it. Yes, in that when I read Rob's post, I tweaked my 2nd paragraph just a smidge. A few more tweaks here and there, and I felt good hitting the publish button.

      But make no mistake: Rob's experience isn't isolated. *Many* have had similar experiences. My heart aches for them when they're (mistakenly) told that they aren't entitled to such a blessed event. Now, people can turn to this webpage, where they can read a different perspective backed by authoritative quotes.

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  10. Thank you so much for continuous insight. It is truly inspired and it has helped me on my journey. I recently have been pondering, "What does the fullness of the gospel really mean?" As LDS we all say that our church has been given the fullness of the gospel, that we have the fullness of the gospel, but what does that really mean? Well, here is my perception.
    The fullness of the gospel is something The Savior wants for all of us and wants to share with all of us, but he can't throw it at us or force us to want it, it's up to us to go and get it. What makes the church true is that we have been given ALL of the tools for our search to gain the fullness. The scriptures are an entire tool box to help us gain the fullness. The fullness of the gospel to me, is ME having the chance to have a personal audience with The Savior. That is how I obtain the fullness, that is how we obtain the FULLNESS of the gospel. Your blog is one of those amazing tools to help getting us there. Thank you, thank you!!

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  11. Thank you so much for your blog and the valuable insights that you relate so eloquently. I found your site from unblogmysoul and followed it over. Though I miss brother John's daily messages, I find your thoughts and content to be as spiritually rich.

    Thank you for all your efforts and please know it is so appreciated.

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  12. Thank You for the perfect day especially for sharing the beautiful things of the lord which give me so much hope , I pray that I will always find love and comfort here

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  13. Thank you for compiling so many plain and precious references here. It is amazing how many people preach that this is false doctrine, but there it is in plain language that can't be mistaken. Wonderful blog. Thank you.

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  14. I love this blog. I was able to access it trough unblog my soul which always was and still is a favorite blog of mine. Here is an statement that it might help us to liken unto ourselves all the listed promises and internalize them in our souls, that we may obtain the victory at the end:

    There are hundreds of promises from the Lord that are so casually stated that unless one is alerted to them, they almost go unnoticed. It is in these quiet promises that we can substitute our name for those given in the revelation. Put your name in front of it and the promise is yours. (Church News, September 2, 1989, p.5)

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  15. Another great blog. Another testimony that we are experiencing interesting days. I can see some awakening among LDS on the internet. So there is still hope for the future. I came across following a link on Pure Mormonism by Rock Waterman. Very good. Enough to read: still 130 posts to go. But it's a nice hobby.

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  16. Thank you for your blog and the things you write. I discovered this blog several months ago, and what a balm it has been to my troubled soul. I am in the midst of serious questioning of traditions and things I've been taught all my life. I'm just waking up and this blog helps me know what is possible and to keep striving and reaching for my Savior and His love and to share it with others. I've pointed many of my friends and family to this blog and pray it is helping them like it is me. Thank you so much. I know I have been led here by the Holy Spirit.

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  17. PD.. I am so amazed at the way Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers. I have been researching, pondering and praying about this very subject for years, and ever more so lately, and then I stumble on this blog. I am so grateful for this. Why, why are we not being taught about these things in our lessons and conferences, since it is so very incumbent upon us to seek this blessing? What about the younger generation and newer members who have never even heard such things? Is it a big secret? I've wanted to talk on it more than once, but get the feeling I'd be chastised or veiwed
    askance if I did. I don't get it. Please keep up the outpouring of spiritual food!

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    1. Dear Anonymous,

      Thanks for your kind words.

      I wish I had answers for you, but I don't. Perhaps Isaiah might.

      Thanks,

      LDS Perfect Day

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    2. I'm not sure who wrote the following, but this explained it for me:

      Accompanying the knowledge there MUST BE A WITNESS OF THE HOLY GHOST that it is true. For this reason individuals must take great care when sharing knowledge to be sure that they are being prompted to do so by the Holy Ghost rather than merely a desire to share their joy (or for praise of man) for:

      “That which comes from above is sacred and must be spoken with care, by constraint of the spirit and as received by prayer.” (D&C 63:64.)

      If knowledge is shared prematurely it would serve no useful purpose and could be treated lightly by the recipients or even trampled under foot as 
the pearls cast before swine. Knowing the lack of spiritual preparedness among men generally, and sadly even among those who profess membership in His Church, the Lord has wisely counseled his servants to refrain from speaking of sacred matters to those who would not understand. Why? The Lord explains:

      “For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive; wherefore, they must not know these things, lest they perish.” (D&C 19:22.)

      In an attempt to further clarify his point the Lord stated during His mortal ministry:

      “And the mysteries of the Kingdom ye shall keep within yourselves; for it is not meet to give that which is holy unto the dogs; neither cast ye your pearls unto swine, lest they trample them under their feet. For the world cannot receive that which ye, yourselves, are not able to bear; wherefore ye shall not give your pearls unto them, lest they turn again and rend you.” (JST Matt. 7:10-11.)

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  18. Thank you so much for this blog. I have read and reread Unblog My Soul many times (and John Pontius') other books. Why I didn't click on the recommended link before last month, I really don't know but I started at the beginning and just finished the most current post. It has been amazing! So many scripture verses that have been replaying over and over in my mind and heart are here, explained in great detail. Principles the Lord has been trying to teach me are clearer than ever before.

    I have so appreciated that you are not trying to bring attention to yourself, but to the Savior and to the scriptures. The timing has also been remarkable.

    We moved to what the Lord has called a "nethermost part of the (His) vineyard, even a poor spot of ground" where the church was being run like the military and they seem to be living a Mosaic Law. It has been challenging to say the least (we have lived in a lot of places and I have never seen or experienced anything like it!) And we know the Spirit specifically and clearly brought us here, and every single person in our family knows it. The Lord has told me "Counsel me not... I knew it was a poor spot of ground" and yet He knows how to nourish (and even dung and dig about) us. And bring forth good fruit. There have been so many posts that helped provided insight and clarity that have put things in perspective and remember in whom we have trusted. Thank you for helping us through a very challenging, soul wrenching time (it would be a tome if I went into detail). You are definitely making a difference. So many times I wanted to comment but didn't. My husband has been hearing for weeks "Listen to this!" as I then proceed to read a post to him. What a blessing! And just what we have needed!

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    1. Dear Anonymous,

      Thanks for your kudos! I attribute all the good things of this blog to the Lord. All typos and grammatical errors are mine.

      I'd love it if you would contact me directly. Please drop me a line at ldsperfectday@gmail.com.

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  19. Dear Perfect Day - Thank you for your consecrated efforts. I eagerly look forward to new insights as I, and my friend, are seeking this path and privilege.

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  20. It was really nice reading through comments today and hearing you say you wonder if your blog is helping many people because this spurs me to let you know that yes, there is one more out here (Hello!! :')) whose heart is full and so very grateful to you for sharing with us. I've read your blog-book and was so very excited when you began doing podcasts. Thank you!!

    In my searching many years ago, I read that Joseph Smith told the Saints that they should be praying every day to have their Calling and Election Made Sure. I had no idea what that meant, had never heard of it in all my years of activity within the Church, but I began praying for it anyway. And since that day, the Lord has been leaving bread crumbs for me to follow back home to Him. Your blog is one of those places He led me to and I am so very grateful to you for your worthiness and your willingness to share your journey and insights with us--for paving the way for those of us hungry for this experience and others we seek. I know it is possible, I see it in my mind's eye and feel it approaching--the Lord is slowly changing me--and how my heart leaps at the joy it will be when I can at last let the Savior know personally just how much He means to me.

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    1. Unknown,

      Thanks so much for your kind words. I take absolutely zero credit for my blog; that's an honor bestowed on my best friend. I'm grateful for His closeness to me, His eagerness to forgive me of my mistake-ridden life and anxiousness for me to spend eternity with Him.

      Please stay in touch. If I can be of any assistance to you, please don't hesitate to ask.

      LDSPD

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  21. I am also new to your podcast, and I really appreciate you for your efforts. I have made plenty of mistakes in my life, but I am truly on a quest to have my calling and election made sure. I just hope I don't falter. That wasn't very faith inspiring. I am on a quest, and with the Lord's help, I will make it. Thank you for helping us along the path. Von.

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  22. I can’t believe I havent found this sooner. I can’t wven express how joyful my heart is that I found this blog and the Facebook page. Oh there’s so much to say! My soul is elated.

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  23. Dear LDSPD, I am grateful beyond expression for your work and words. I have been totally active in the Church all my life and never expected to have a personal crisis of faith, but here I am, feeling like I'm in a spiritual twilight zone. I've come across wonderful people who have had their baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost and some who have had their Second Comforter and more. They are inspiring me to earnestly seek the face of the Lord. However, they have some disturbing things to say about the Church and church leaders. I have made it a point to put all of that on a back-burner and just keep focused on the coming to know the Lord, I mean really know Him. Your ministry has been a great blessing to me as I struggle and bumble along, trying to keep my balance in the sometimes conflicting worlds of mainstream Mormonism and the "Path of Ascension" crowd. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

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  24. Anonymous....how I wish that was my name and calling. There is no greater joy than seeing the joy others experience through service rendered anonymously. I thank you for your efforts and work on this.

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  25. Thanks for all the posts.. Plus this site...I believe with all my heart the Spirit lead me to this site... Thanks..

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  26. I too believe I was guided to this site. I started with the Podomatic podcasts. It was some time before I ventured to the blog page. It was then I learned that not only are there 79 podcasts but 249 total blog posts (as of today). I am in the process of downloading the many wonderful blogs that I believe are inspired and will help me along the way to my own “Perfect Day”.
    Thank-You for sharing.

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