Quora Q: "How (do) you feel when you see your mother getting older?"

I feel gratitude. Compassion. Pity. Respect. Desire to understand, to help.

Even though I have had to distance myself from her for most of my teenage and adult life… heck, for MOST OF MY LIFE…

My mother has allowed herself over these last few years to soften and become more gracious and gentle. As wine and cheese, she has mellowed with age. Some of her rough edges, her defensive self-protective shields, have been set aside. As she has done this, I have felt to allow for more interaction with her. As I have been freer to extend love to her… as an equal… she has softened further, opened up more, melted into a grace that is becoming.

At 78 years old, Mom is remarkable in so many ways! Determined, hard-working, still active and doing as much as she can for herself. Though so much smaller now than she appeared when I was her child, she stands as straight and tall as her dwindling stature allows. Her seeking and application of health principles throughout her life has paid off in many ways. She has a tenacity and a resolve and a stubbornness to figure things out for herself.

My mother has always loved to read and I have benefitted much from this quality of hers. I am profoundly grateful for the hours and hours, books and books she read to me in my tender years. This trait assisted me in my own hunger and thirst to learn. Because so much about her did not make sense, having her as a mother fostered my craving to understand human nature, the malleability of the mind, and life itself.

I have felt greater curiosity to understand her life, specifically. What were her early experiences, remembered or not, which contributed to the characteristics she exhibited, especially while I was young? I remember often, even beginning as a tiny child, watching her react to various situations and vowing to be completely different. And I was. Even then. She was, for me, a profound example of who I was Not. In many ways, she was a great teacher to me as I resolved (in contrast) to always be in complete control of my emotions. Did she, thus, unknowingly and on a deep level, perhaps, sacrifice her peace and her life so that I could so earnestly learn another way? What a gift. What a precious, precious gift.

Having, myself, birthed and loved ten biological children, I have far more perspective and respect for the women, including my own mother, who have gone before me. I see their struggles in their respective cultures and times. I hear their unheard cries into their pillows at night when nobody appears to be aware… or care. I see their resolve to get back up in the morning and struggle on… anyway. I see their sacrifices for their children, including the unseen and forgotten child hiding within them. As I see the generational links, I feel more respect than ever for the life My Mom lived, in spite of and because of her challenges. In spite of her own mother and the challenges that she inherited. I feel deep gratitude for the sacrifices and the life my mom gave to me. Pregnancy, labor, birth itself. Willing to go nigh unto death to bring forth a new life, my life, warrants profound respect regardless of any other factor. My mom fed me. Clothed me. She did the best that she could with the reserves she had available. She gave me the best she had to give. Now, I can give my life, my love, my gifts to the world. Perhaps I can even “mother” my own mother in her old age as I help the hurting lost child within her to feel safe, heard, and grow up.

How do I feel when I see my mother getting older? I love and respect her more today than ever.

Thank you, Mom!

Quora Q: "Is it normal to feel like murdering other females that I see because I am jealous they are better looking than me?"

Dear Anonymous Writer, My Sister…

You do NOT need “therapy.”

You just need to understand something about yourself. And all females.

In the Book of Ecclesiastes it gives a wonderful clue: “Vanity of Vanities. All is vanity.”

(So, Sorry to pull the rug out from under the other (well-meaning) answers… )

Jealousy IS normal in this mortal life….

You see… YOU, and each of us, were created to Be and to Know that we are… the center of our universe. The crème de la crème! Yes, Deep within YOU lies the inner knowing, the spark that says: “I am precious. I am special. I am unique. I have something to contribute that is ‘wonderful, marvelous!’ Truly, I am a God; a Divine Goddess. Powerful. Beautiful. In ways that NO ONE ELSE can match!”

Yet, knowing this about your self, you also must come to grips with what follows: that each and everyone is… are you ready for this?… EQUALLY “precious,” just as “special,” “unique,” “wonderful,” “marvelous,” “powerful,” beautiful.”

Yes, being uniquely special means that you are an essential piece of the puzzle of humanity. YOU ARE NEEDED in ways that ONLY YOU can fulfill to make our global *family* whole, complete. WE NEED YOU! But, we need you to be Whole, to grow up emotionally, to STOP trying to be or look or act as someone you are NOT, but to dis-cover who you are and to BE HER!

Though some of us start out as infants feeling nurtured, safe, cared for, we grow up and develop into threats to other females. This is part of the current “probationary” mortal experience. Yet, it is a passing transitory, intermediary phase while humanity is developing and spiritually maturing.

Because historically men have usurped the power on the planet, Wise Ones have often been men. When they have delivered their messages to humanity, these messages have been intended to drive the global development upward. From anarchy… to justice… to compassion… to empathy… to wisdom….

Until we each realize that, yes, “all IS vanity,” but that we must NO LONGER be “vain… and foolish” but that we must, instead, gain wisdom and understand our inherent natures, maintain a sense of “self love” as we learn to really know our self. This turns our foolishness into wisdom. With wisdom, we know how to correctly act for the good of all, honoring our self and the long-term benefit of each and everyone else. PURE “vanity of vanities.”

Indeed, clues are hidden all over. Like Snow White’s Step-Mother, and Cinderella’s, and Rapunzel’s, and Sleeping Beauty’s jealous Fairy Godmother; each of these myths have their hidden roots buried in Real Truth. Each properly raised female KNOWS that she must leave the “Mommy” that used to smile and cater to, and revolve around her. Indeed, this “Mommy” seems to have transformed into a threat, a villain-of-sorts. We must each eventually cut the apron strings (if “Mommy Dearest” doesn’t do it for us) and set off on our own heroine journey of personal discovery. Through the darkness of our wilderness trek, we go through the stages of seeing every other female as a potential threat to our universe. Gradually, we apply the “Golden Rule” and learn to love our self, deeply and completely. Finally, we arrive at the emotional maturity that we, again, know that we are the quintessential creation in the universe. But, now, we also realize that so is every other female. We learn to see everyone else in their uniqueness, not as threats to our existence and validity, not covetously, but as one of the one-of-a-kind “flowers” in our precious global garden.

We are at this time as a planetary whole, in a state of major upheaval, great unrest, with “wars and rumors of wars.” Yet… through it all, we will find our way through this transition stage and into the prophesied time of great peace and tranquility; a time when the earth, and each and everyone upon it… will be restored to its “paradisiacal glory.”

Because males have ruled the planet and testosterone has ruled the males, we as a species have fallen down into the quagmire of depravity, beneath the level of the animals. Why beneath them? Because animals OBEY their instincts and live not as individuals but for the good of the greater whole. Yet women, with their natural propensities for compassion and service, have acquiesced to the fallen males. Forgetting who they are as individuals, forgetting who we are as sisters, many have turned against the rest. Forgetting the radiant beings of light that we are, some have sought for validation by selling themselves as depraved “objects of seduction and lust” for the perverted fallen state of males.

Indeed, our culture, and most of the world currently, has played upon the natural beauty of the female form, which is the quintessential creation on any and all levels, and has perverted it… for money, for power, and for control. Ignorant women have played right into the hands of power-mongering and war-mongering depraved men. As such, instead of rallying together as precious sisters and friends, females have sold themselves, becoming objects of lust, further contributing to male degradation. … And down and down, round and round, into the bottomless pit of despair and depravity….

Today, it is nearly impossible to keep one’s mind centered upon that which is “virtuous, lovely, and of good report” when pictures and phrases meant to seduce the carnal mind are all over, not waiting for permission, but infringing upon one’s agency and just jumping right in to our visual field… even when we look for and seek with all our being otherwise. Playing into the fractious nature of humanity are the entertainment world’s portrayals of women as “objects” of lust. Women who have forgotten their divinity have thus sought for validation through these counterfeit channels instead of from the depths of their own Being.

Yet, we CAN unite! We can and we must begin to love and respect ourselves; to dress with dignity and with feminine virtue. We can and we must speak, move, act as the Divine Goddesses we are and cause a global Female Revival. In this, we remind men of Their inherent goodness. We assist them to become *GENTLE* Men and help them learn how to treat us as the pure and virtuous, noble and divine Beings that we are.

We Can do this!

We can give ourselves, first of all, and each other likewise, the empowered reminders.

Gratefully, there are currently, MANY precious *Gentle* Men who are, likewise, catching the vision, listening deeply within themselves and realizing that they must and they will honor the females, treating us with the fullest respect that we deserve, and in this way help us to remember and act as the Divine Goddesses we are.

Dear Sister, anger and “feeling like murdering others”… is far from “normal.” You know this or you would not have even asked the question. It is not conducive to the Beauty and Purity of Who You Really Are. Yet, your honesty is to be applauded. Many women today deny their jealous feelings and turn instead to “Prozac” or some other diversion. But you do not need to.

Please see my post entitled: Kimberly Davis Wallis's answer to I've always thought of myself as a nuisance and expect that people hate me from the get go. I don't have a single friend. What should I do? - Quora

If you apply this, you will learn to accept, respect, and even love yourself, truly. As you do that, you will then be able to learn to accept, respect, and even love each of your global “sisters.” You will learn to feel the camaraderie that is inherent in our natures. Someday, there will be no lasciviousness or jealousy anywhere on the planet. We will each feel, speak, act, dress, and live as the divine and precious Beings that we are and honor each of our sisters in all ways. This is the image I hold in my mind. This is the world as I am creating it. I look forward to interacting with the precious and divine YOU that You dis-cover yourself to be.

I am holding you with my thoughts, wishing you the very tenderest best.

I hope this helps

Quora Q: "I want to read the Book of Mormon. Is there a plan that gives an overview of its plot and teachings?"

The Book of Mormon has been one of my all-time favorite and dearly loved books.  I am not now a “Mormon.”  Yet, I would highly endorse your desire to read that book.  It has the power to change one’s life!

Here are my suggestions:

*Determine WHY you “want” to read the B of M.  (To feel like a “good,” “responsible,” Mormon?  Out of obligation?  Were you given the challenge and you wish to complete it?  OR, do you deeply, truly, desire to find the jewels hidden within it, to change your mind, your heart, your actions, your life, to become more in compliance with Who YOU were intended to be?  Do you desire to KNOW TRUTH and have that truth “set you free”?  Do you want to Really Know God and Christ and have the power of the Holy Ghost with you at all times… and know what all of those truly signify?  You CAN!  :-)  It is not only possible, but intended for that purpose.  So, of great importance:  Determine first of all, your purpose in reading.  Your purpose will determine the depth with which you read and the tools you use.  Like all digging, there are striations of insight and wisdom that lie under the cursory level.  Contained within those levels are “jewels” of great insight that will change you deeply.  Those jewels are on reserve for those who “read with real intent” and a “sincere heart.”)

*Do you know the Real Purpose for that book?  (There are many who feel so “special” because they own it.  There are those who spurn it or abhor it, having done much research to discover the “errors” and “fraud” and expose those.  Do you really know who “authored” it and why?  Every book has its intended audience and purpose.  WHY was the time and effort and money invested to finally get a copy into Your hands?  Within the storyline, individuals such as Nephi, Mormon, Moroni risked their lives, gave all their worldly treasures, sequestered themselves in a cave for years and wrote, not via a keyboard or ballpoint pen, but with crude, laborious implements on metal plates and tablets which they had to first make themselves.  There are those who gave years of their lives, their worldly possessions, tremendous sacrifice of all kinds… and it is now available for You to read.  It was obviously (at least as far as the story goes) of tremendous value to many to make it available for you.  WHY???  Although there are numerous ideas thrown around, the clearest and most accurate answer I have ever found for the Real Purpose and intent for The Book of Mormon can be discovered within the book:  Without Disclosing My True Identity—The Authorized and Official Biography of the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr.  It can be found and read freely at:  Without Disclosing My True Identity--The Authorized and Official Biography of Joseph Smith Jr.  )

*Set up a time and place to read The Book of Mormon when you will not be distracted, when you can apply your full and focused attention.  With pen (pencils, crayons, you choose) in hand and a notebook for that purpose, open your mind and thought-fully ask yourself what questions you have that very moment that you desire help with.  What is happening in your life, in your personal relationships?  What questions do you have?  Date and record those questions within your notebook.  Then, again with an open mind, either randomly open up the book and allow your eye to fall upon a verse, or read sequentially.  If your intent is earnest and pure… you WILL receive an answer meant for YOU in your life and present situation.  Record your answer in your notebook.  As you later go about your day, pay attention to how that answer is affecting your life and relationships.  Later record those insights in your notebook as well.  Allow your record-keeping to be your own personal journal, bridging your world and current experiences with Moroni’s knowledge of you.  (Moroni 8:  34 “Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.  35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.”)  If you can open your heart to try to conceive that yes, indeed, Moroni DID see YOU and give his life and effort to write what he knew YOU would benefit the most from, you will read… and find… the gifts he buried for you to find and apply in your present situation.

*Use “R.S.V.P.”:  1)  READ.  Not just the words.  Without glossing over the contents to fulfill a certain number of verses or time, but read slowly, savoring the words, the messages.  2)  STUDY.  Use the online 1828 dictionary to research words that stand out to you.  What was the actual meaning intended by each word?  As Lehi states in the second chapter, one of the two reasons for “the brass plates” was to preserve the language of his people.  Definitions have deteriorated and changed greatly in the 190 years since the Book of Mormon was published; even many of the words and phrases that could easily be glossed over.  Don’t take anything for granted.  Why were the words/ phrases/ stories/ principles sequenced like they were?  What did each word or phrase mean originally?  Use a concordance.  Draw maps.  (Don’t rely on maps or charts generated by a church.  Make your own in your notebook. ) If there seems to be a list of qualities or principles, write that list in your notebook.  Connect the dots of the hints written within the text.  THINK… CRITICALLY.  Open your mind.  FOCUS.  Do NOT use “church authorized” study materials.  FIND that which has been left undiscovered by most everyone else.  Make it Your book, written for You.  3)  VISUALIZE.  Create the movie in your mind.  See the color, the textures.  Use each of your senses.  What did the individuals depicted smell, hear, feel, see, taste?  Allow your internal camera to span onto each of the characters.  What are they wearing?  What is their body language?  What are they thinking or feeling?  Get into their minds, and not just “the good guys.”  Try to understand the antagonists as well.  What might make him feel justified in thinking and doing what he does?  Have you ever felt or acted similarly?  See from each and all perspectives.  4)  PONDER.  Perhaps you only read a small section within your allotted time.  Maybe only one verse or even one phrase.  Ponder upon it.  Allow your mind to explore and open and make connections.

*Record the book in your own voice or utilize the recordings made by others.  Play it and listen as you drive in your car, walk, relax, meditate, eat meals….  Purposely listen to the same section repeatedly.  Upon that second—or fifth—or 17th time, something of great significance might just “pop out” at you with great meaning.  Don’t rush your experience.

*Choose each day to bring your behavior into conformance with your changing insight.  Allow yourself to be changed by your reading.

*Ask… if these things are NOT True….  Read and Believe and Act as if what is contained within this book IS TRUE.  Like a pure, little child… have a believing heart.  ACCEPT what you read as if it IS True.  Your question must be:  “I assume that what I read is true and right and correct and meant for me and for my life.  I will live and experiment on these insights and principles.  Reveal to me if it is contrary, if it is NOT true.  Otherwise, like a pure and trusting child, I will receive this gift with gratitude and joy.  (This method of believing/ receiving is totally opposite of most who read with cynicism and Unbelief and, therefore, cut themselves off from the ability to find the great Jewels possible.  Of course, this attitude and its unprofitability then proves to them its non-validity.  Their very unbelief and intentions becomes self-fulfilling.  However, it need not be IF “Moroni’s Promise” is applied correctly and sincerely.)

*CONTINUE.  Realize that The Book of Mormon is just THE FIRST THIRD of “the golden plates” and that “GREATER THINGS” are held on reserve for YOU… after the “trial of (your) faith.”  TRULY, if read with sincere heart and real intent, the mysteries of Godliness will be unfolded to YOU until you know them IN FULL! (Moroni 8: 12 “And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you.”)  Search “The Sealed Portion” of the Book of Mormon.  Read what was held on reserve for all those who willingly went through “the trial of their faith.”  REJOICE and read that which was NOT included within the original (1/3) Book of Mormon.

*Realize that you DON’T KNOW, yet that you CAN KNOW.  This is having a “broken heart and a contrite spirit.”  This is being “teachable.”  And, unless you are truly teachable, you cannot, will not be capable of Really learning.  But, if you can and DO… THEN… “Ye shall KNOW the Truth and the Truth shall SET YOU FREE!”  You will be let out of your mortal prison, your “probationary state.”  You will “wake up” and truly become “alive in Christ,” having “a new name,” and a Real Purpose for living.  You will then KNOW Christ, Joseph, Nephi, Moroni, and all those who have gone before you with full purpose of heart.  You will then be a recipient of the JOY that was the very reason for your creation.  May you seek… ask… knock… and FIND.  And be set free.

*Let Your LIGHT Shine… so that others might catch the vision and want what You have found.  Spread the JOY!

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Quora Q: "How do you handle familial rejection?:

The greatest liberator is LOVING YOURSELF!  Truly, living the first and Great Commandment:  “Love the Lord thy God (in other words, “YOU”!) with all of your heart, might, mind and strength” will se...

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The greatest liberator is LOVING YOURSELF!  Truly, living the first and Great Commandment:  “Love the Lord thy God (in other words, “YOU”!) with all of your heart, might, mind and strength” will set you free.  Release any and everyone else, even and especially those who share your story and/or your DNA.  Let Them be free to live Their lives as they choose and with those whom They feel comfortable.  Love Them!  And you can only love them properly as you first love yourself properly and completely.  Discover who you truly are, not who they wanted and “raised” you to be, but who you truly are.  Love yourself.  Then, you will attract to yourself a “family” of kindred spirits.  The only way to stop your pain is to change your eyes, or rather, the lens with which you view these others who “cause” you pain.  Quit judging them with expectations of “they SHOULD love me and accept me.”  Let them go… emotionally and physically.  Move on.  There’s an entire world of people who are precious.  Some, like yourself, also feel alone and estranged from their biological family.  Let peace and kindness and mutual respect be your guide as you maneuver through and “find” yourself by “losing” yourself amongst an entire globe of individuals.  Each one precious deep within.  Find your “spirit” brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, children, friends.  Go forth and LOVE!

Quora Q: "If I help others for the peace of my soul, am I considered a selfish person because till the end, my helping others gives benefits for myself?"

Yes. You are very “selfish” for putting yourself before others. But… in actuality, everything you do, everything done by any other… is selfishness.

However…

There IS a way to contribute, selfishly, to the good of others as well as the good of one’s self.

In fact, as one truly tunes in to the deepest parts of one’s self, she would realize that she finds no pleasure or joy in doing that which does not benefit another, truly and for the long term. Indeed, she would see that her selfishness is fulfilled in the joy that she receives from giving joy to others. And when she gives this joy to others, her heart then feels to rejoice for that which she has done. In this way, she receives this joy twofold, having administered her deed in joy and then sharing in the joy that she has administered.

Truly, one can realize for herself that the sacrifice of her own selfishness brings more happiness to her, than the fulfillment of her own selfish desires.

The greatest reward in life is communion. Sexual intimacy is just a tiny sliver of a taste of the JOY possible when one learns and fulfills her life in communion with the true and lasting good of all. This brings one into harmony with all that exists. And all that exists, my friend, is far more extensive than one’s own individual self. Therefore, the reflected JOY that is possible through living each moment in balance, harmony, and communion with all creation has been symbolically called “the pearl of great price.”

I have found my pearl. And, oh, dear friend… may you find yours. Be Selfish. For the good of all.

I hope this helps.

Quora Q: "Why do you believe that Joseph Smith was God's prophet?"

First, I will freely acknowledge that I am not a member nor affiliated with any religious group.  Yet, I DID spend the first forty years of my life as a deeply committed member of a religion that Joseph Smith was involved in founding.  In fact, I gave my heart, mind, time, money, deep devotion to it.  However, in April of 2001, I chose to step outside of that faith. If interested, one may read my exit story at:  Kimberly Davis Wallis' answer to If you left the Mormon church, why did you leave?

It is said that “though you may leave the LDS Church, it can not leave you.”  I did not throw away any of the precious experiences I had had during those former four decades.  Yet, SINCE my leaving “The Church,” I have experienced much, much more that is even more precious to me and has expanded my understanding beyond what a LDS could ever anticipate…. about some of the principle members and tenants.  Some of these experiences were regarding The LDS Temple Endowment, its symbolism, significance, and profound opportunities that were intended to be kept “sacred” but were NEVER intended to be kept “secret.”  I have also come to know Joseph’s intentions, methods, actions far greater than any “skeptic” OR devout member ever could.  Some of the books that assisted me greatly in my journey of the last thirteen years can be found at: The OFFICIAL and AUTHORIZED website of the Marvelous Work and a Wonder®

In 2001, when my biological father was somehow told that I had left the LDS Church, he called me on the phone and in great anger and derision interrogated me as to why.  I would not enter his debate, quoting his own “Article of Faith  #11:  We claim the privilege of worshipping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”  He snarled with derision.  (After all, the Church and his “eternal family unit” means EVERYTHING to him and by leaving “The Church,” I was threatening his eternal relationship to his God).  I understood his perspective, yet saw things so differently.  I had no intention, never did, of “offending” him or anyone.  However, I had matured enough to be True to Myself by that time.  When he retorted:  “Have you started your own religion?  Are you now a prophet?”  I gently yet firmly denied both.  I then ended the call by requesting that, should he desire a relationship with me, he would have to come to peace with me and my life choices and treat me with respect.

That was not to be, however.  I, in fact, have had numerous experiences where others have curiously asked for my input in various (bizarre) gossip that my dad and others were perpetrating against me.  Depending on the intention of the conveyor, I either attempted to clarify the story or just brushed it off.  One of the many opportunities that my biological “family” offered me was how to not judge another’s judgment of me.  (Thank you!  :-)  )

Two years after leaving the LDS Church, I divorced my husband of twenty years.  He immediately sought out the emotional, financial, familial assistance of my “powerful” LDS family.  It was then that the rumors about me REALLY became vile!  Even my precious eight living children were sucked into some of them… as they returned with their dad to the LDS Church.

Surprising me, my dad and step-mom called me up one day and invited me out to eat.  It was there, at a restaurant, that they attempted to rationally explain to me how they had introduced my ex to his current wife (and provided their Alaskan Cruise honeymoon, etc. etc. etc.).  They also divulged:  since I was a hardened “apostate” and my former husband was living the “righteous” life as they sanctioned he should and had taken our children back into the LDS faith, they were disowning me and “adopting” him instead as their oldest child.  I responded that I respected their right to create whatever “family” they wanted, live whatever life they chose, but that there was much, much, much that they did not understand, including me and my life, my former marriage, the LDS Church, etc.  I wished them well and again reminded them that the “family” I chose to be a part of was a global family of peace and mutual respect.

In the ensuing years, my former husband has received the notoriety, been invited and included in “family” photos, parties, reunions, vacations, gifts that my biological siblings enjoy.  I have not.  Bizarre, I know, but nevertheless, understandable IF one knows the “hooks” of the current LDS Church.  I, on the other hand, have been (as warned), the “black sheep,” their embarrassment.  With the deep love that I have for each of my biological “relatives” as well as all those on the planet, I sincerely wish that each of their journeys had been sweeter, yet I realize that each are free to choose their path in life.  They have their rights to explore whatever paths seem right and proper to them.

Yet, a truism is:  “By their fruits ye shall know them.”

IF the peoples’ hearts (which is represented by their actions and words) represent the “fruit” of an ideology, then there are both sweet and delicious, AND bitter and poisonous fruit on the LDS branch of the “Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.”

In a very thought-filled video, the concept of “following the spirit” is critically examined, showing how, depending upon the spiritual maturity and individual inclination, various individuals can each receive differing answers to their sincere questions of “which church is true.”  Perhaps this video will be helpful to you.

Now, leading back to the question and my answer.  Yes!  I truly, deeply believe that Joseph Smith Jr. WAS God’s prophet.  I KNOW HIM.  I know his heart.  I know his tears and attempts.  I was there then.  I am here now.

How could I truly believe this about Joseph and yet want NOTHING to do with the current LDS church?

If one truly wants to understand Joseph’s intentions and actions, the most correct and amazing book on this subject is also found at the above mentioned site:  The OFFICIAL and AUTHORIZED website of the Marvelous Work and a Wonder® (“Without Disclosing My True Identity:  The Authorized and Official Biography of the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.”)

Blasphemous, perhaps, but I have come to realize that my dad WAS correct in one particular regarding me.  I have joined the ranks of Joseph Smith, Jr. and other “True Messengers.”  I have even come to understand how EVERYONE of us as “children of God” are intended, indeed, Must, likewise learn how to convey correct and timely messages for our mutual “Father.”  In this way, and in answer to Moses’s desires, we EACH become clear receptacles and mouthpieces for Divinity.  (Numbers 11:29  But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!")

So, yes.  Because I understand Joseph’s heart and intents, his life, I DO “believe that (he) was God’s prophet.”  Likewise, I have discovered the way that I and all sincere others can become messengers of Truth likewise.  Blasphemous, perhaps.  Empowering, definitely!

May we each find the LIGHT (pure and clear) within ourselves.  May we each learn to lean on No Man but “the Kingdom of Heaven” within ourselves.  This was the message that Moses wished to have his people receive.  This was the message that Jesus wished to have his people receive.  This was the message that Joseph wished to have his people receive.  This is the message that I and all “True Messengers” (a.k.a. “prophets”) wish to have our people receive.

May we bring forth a cleansed, redeemed, paradisiacal earth wherein dwell holy and beautiful people of ONE GLOBAL FAMILY with “no poor among them,” as was accomplished by Enoch and others.  This is my hope.  This is my vision.  This is my purpose for living.  Namaste’.

"How can you be a TBM member of the LDS church when so much history has been removed or turned into fiction?"

Being integrous in all areas of one’s life is, I believe, the central issue to this question. Most TBM’s (“True Blue Mormons”) rely on the accuracy of reports handed to them by others… “on faith.” I know. I lived and breathed the deepest level of “Mormonism” from birth (1962) until spring of 2001. (If one cares to read about my “exit story,” that can be found at: Kimberly Davis Wallis' answer to If you left the Mormon church, why did you leave? )

Today’s Mormon Church, on top of today’s culture, has most members running so ragged they barely have time to breathe. The stress ensures that many of them do not have the time nor desires to really dig down deep and discover what really, actually, IS the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth regarding the history of their (eternal) “life-line”: The LDS Church. Although this question addressed Mormons specifically, this can also apply to most any area that a child has been brought up to believe and accept as “truth,” right, good, acceptable.

Like everything else, trace the money trail. Trace the (“Priesthood”) “power” trail. Go UP-Stream for your answers. Some of us decide we want no “middle man” (or men) between our self and “God.” We want Truth (with a capital “T”) at all costs. For some of us, that “pearl of great price” DID exact a great price. Yet, the resulting wealth of Knowledge (“Intelligence”) awaiting is way beyond worth the redemption voucher.

This question makes an assumption that “history has been removed or turned into fiction.” BUT… has it? If so, how would one ever know that (OR what the True Story IS) if that one hasn’t first and foremost done as ALL religions plead: “Become as a little child” and mentally be willing to throw out everything that one has been taught, endorsed, believed, lived. Seek/ knock/ ask “with a sincere heart” and “with real intent.” The key is to do this seeking, knocking, asking NOT through “church authorized” sources only, nor to one who benefits from your receiving a certain answer (and churches certainly benefit through “power,” notoriety, tithing money, etc.) but as fully and conclusively as one’s childlike curiosity leads. The way to prove is included in their own Book of Mormon. Moroni

10: 4 “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

IF one’s path is ready for “more,” then their personal, private “Holy Ghost” WILL bring them that “more.” “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” By applying that new “truth” and “tasting” the relative sweetness of it in comparison to one’s former “truth,” the individual may indeed “know the truth of all things.”

Several years after my own child-like mind and heart assisted my exit from the LDS Church (2001),  a book that COULD assist a “childlike” yet critical thinking Mormon became available: Without Disclosing My True Identity--The Authorized and Official Biography of Joseph Smith Jr. This book has great power to help those so prepared know just WHAT IS THE TRUTH—the REAL Truth—about the early origins and history of the LDS Church? and WHY did Joseph say that: “No man knows my history. If I told you everything I know, you would surely rise up and kill me.”

Many members of the LDS church today have been led to believe that “ignorance is bliss” on some issues. “We are not supposed to know certain things at this time.” “Don’t question the leaders or church-sanctioned doctrine.” “Once in ‘heaven’ you will have your questions answered for you.” Etc. Etc.

The Imporovement Era, June 1945, contains the following quote as part of a Ward Teachers’ message:

“When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.”

Another (of many) source(s) for the same message of “Follow the Prophet,” let HIM think for you is:

“The Debate Is Over” - Ensign Aug. 1979

“Recently, at the Churchwide fireside meeting held for the women of the Church, Young Women President Elaine Cannon made the following statement:

“When the Prophet speaks, … the debate is over” (Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 108).

“I was impressed by that simple statement, which carries such deep spiritual meaning for all of us. Wherever I go, my message to the people is: Follow the prophet. Why else has the Lord placed prophets on the earth throughout the dispensations of time?…”

(This was written by… of course… a “prophet, seer, and revelator”: N. Eldon Tanner.)

YET, in many places WITHIN their “church-sanctioned doctrine” it states otherwise. For instance, again in their Book of Mormon: Alma 12:

9 “And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.

12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works.

13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.

14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.”

Regardless of where one finds one’s self on the stairway to lasting peace and True Success, one can be a “True Blue” ANYTHING as long as they are truly doing THEIR best, seeking and searching with an OPEN, childlike mind and heart and… drumroll, please… “treating all others as they want to be treated”… to the ultimate degree one understands at the time. This injunction is not only contained in the Mormon church, but within EVERY religion and culture throughout time. The premise to “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is buried within every heart. As one clings to THIS, one will be led to understand all things, even the history of one’s “beloved church.”

Thus, IF a person Truly, deeply resonates with the Mormon church and it serves their needs, no questions, no doubts, just total and lasting peace… then the history does not even matter. However, if there is the slightest cognitive dissonance when one allows one’s self to privately ponder, then one just might be ready for “the ride of a lifetime” to find the ultimate, precious “Truth” (with a capital “T”).

All the best to each of you in your individual pursuits.

I hope this has been helpful.