Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Feb 4, 2012, 11:43 am
Over the course of the last few years, I’ve heard conservatives within the LDS and without the LDS church openly denouce homosexual relationships.  As most of us also know, the LDS or Mormon church has taken a political stance to openly support groups in favor of not legalizing gay marriage along...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 27, 2012, 7:27 pm
I couldn’t believe what I read in a recent article, coming from a pastor who claims to be Christian and supporting Rick Santorum.  Here’s the quote: In obedience to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, most South Carolinans and I have a sane and healthy homophobia, while Mitt Romney has a very bad ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 20, 2012, 8:22 pm
We had a pretty interesting discussion to close out our last Elders meeting in 2011.  It was a lesson on judgment and the second coming.  As you can imagine, many interesting things were said.  Some off the wall about what would happen leading up to the Second Coming, and others that were scriptu...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 20, 2012, 8:22 pm
We had a pretty interesting discussion to close out our last Elders meeting in 2011.  It was a lesson on judgment and the second coming.  As you can imagine, many interesting things were said.  Some off the wall about what would happen leading up to the Second Coming, and others that were scriptu...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 13, 2012, 6:02 pm
The LDS, or Mormon church functions under a lay ministery.  This means that no one is paid for church service including the pastors and other leadership positions within the church. One of the key leadership positions is the Elders Quorum President.  According to the LDS Auxillary Guidebook, the ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 13, 2012, 6:02 pm
The LDS, or Mormon church functions under a lay ministery.  This means that no one is paid for church service including the pastors and other leadership positions within the church. One of the key leadership positions is the Elders Quorum President.  According to the LDS Auxillary Guidebook, the ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 1, 2012, 5:43 pm
At an early age, I had my life changed as millions of other people have had through reading the Book of Mormon and feeling the power of Jesus Christ enter into my life. I was in a dark place at a very young age following my parents’ divorce and was heading down a very wrong path.  When I was aro...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jan 1, 2012, 5:43 pm
At an early age, I had my life changed as millions of other people have had through reading the Book of Mormon and feeling the power of Jesus Christ enter into my life. I was in a dark place at a very young age following my parents’ divorce and was heading down a very wrong path.  When I was aro...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Dec 16, 2011, 1:43 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) publishes a monthly magazine called the Ensign.  This month’s issue includes a great article by President Henry Eyring of the First Presidency on the importance of gratitude.  At the end of the article there was a little activity ca...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Dec 16, 2011, 1:43 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) publishes a monthly magazine called the Ensign.  This month’s issue includes a great article by President Henry Eyring of the First Presidency on the importance of gratitude.  At the end of the article there was a little activity ca...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Dec 9, 2011, 12:09 am
In the New Testament, James defines pure religion as visiting people in their afflictions, and also keeping oneself unspotted from the world. With that thought in mind, I contacted one of my aging grandparents, whose health is steadily declining.  I received a phone call from my grandparent a few ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Dec 9, 2011, 12:09 am
In the New Testament, James defines pure religion as visiting people in their afflictions, and also keeping oneself unspotted from the world. With that thought in mind, I contacted one of my aging grandparents, whose health is steadily declining.  I received a phone call from my grandparent a few ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Dec 1, 2011, 7:51 pm
Growing up in a Mormon society and household, modesty was something that was spoken of frequently.  Since the majority of the population and culture I was in was predominately LDS, or Mormon, it was against the social norm to wear tight, or revealing clothing and when going out in the sun, bikinis ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Dec 1, 2011, 7:51 pm
Growing up in a Mormon society and household, modesty was something that was spoken of frequently.  Since the majority of the population and culture I was in was predominately LDS, or Mormon, it was against the social norm to wear tight, or revealing clothing and when going out in the sun, bikinis ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Nov 19, 2011, 12:57 am
If you’re an NFL fan, like I am, you’ve probably been amazed by the turnaround of the Denver Broncos season since their evangelical Quarterback, Tim Tebow began starting for them.  Watching him for most of a football game is painful.  He misses passes constantly, hardly converts on 3rd downs, ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Nov 19, 2011, 12:57 am
If you’re an NFL fan, like I am, you’ve probably been amazed by the turnaround of the Denver Broncos season since their evangelical Quarterback, Tim Tebow began starting for them.  Watching him for most of a football game is painful.  He misses passes constantly, hardly converts on 3rd downs, ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Nov 18, 2011, 12:54 am
In sales a bait and switch is when the salesman promises a potential customer one thing and then after the sale is made the customer finds out it is different than the expectations and promises given by the salesman.  This is something Mormons have also been accused of. The “basic” doctrines o...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Nov 18, 2011, 12:54 am
In sales a bait and switch is when the salesman promises a potential customer one thing and then after the sale is made the customer finds out it is different than the expectations and promises given by the salesman.  This is something Mormons have also been accused of. The “basic” doctrines o...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 27, 2011, 11:24 pm
Years after I returned from my mission in Frankfurt, Germany, I found myself sitting across from the Director of Sales over a company in Seattle.  I was fresh out of college and probably was on the lowest rung of the pool of candidates applying for the position with my Bachelors degree in German v...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 27, 2011, 11:24 pm
Years after I returned from my mission in Frankfurt, Germany, I found myself sitting across from the Director of Sales over a company in Seattle.  I was fresh out of college and probably was on the lowest rung of the pool of candidates applying for the position with my Bachelors degree in German v...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 20, 2011, 10:49 pm
In Sunday School the other week we had a great lesson on the new “I’m a Mormon” campaign coming to the Seattle area, where we live.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is showing commercials and using other media opportunities to show videos of Mormon members.  Part of...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 20, 2011, 10:49 pm
In Sunday School the other week we had a great lesson on the new “I’m a Mormon” campaign coming to the Seattle area, where we live.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is showing commercials and using other media opportunities to show videos of Mormon members.  Part of...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 13, 2011, 9:58 am
An article entitled “Almost Everyone’s Doing It” in Relevant magazine includes a poll that shows 80% of Evangelical singles admit to having pre-marital sex.  What was even more surprising was another poll in the article showed that 65% of women who have abortions in the US identify themselves...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 13, 2011, 9:58 am
An article entitled “Almost Everyone’s Doing It” in Relevant magazine includes a poll that shows 80% of Evangelical singles admit to having pre-marital sex.  What was even more surprising was another poll in the article showed that 65% of women who have abortions in the US identify themselves...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 6, 2011, 11:16 am
While preparing to teach this week’s Sunday School lesson in 2 Corinthians, I came across a talk given by Paul Johnson, one of the Mormon Seventy, entitled “More Than Conquerors Through Him that Loved Us“.  There were a few lines in the talk that stood out to me, which I will quote: At times...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Oct 6, 2011, 11:16 am
While preparing to teach this week’s Sunday School lesson in 2 Corinthians, I came across a talk given by Paul Johnson, one of the Mormon Seventy, entitled “More Than Conquerors Through Him that Loved Us“.  There were a few lines in the talk that stood out to me, which I will quote: At times...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 29, 2011, 1:52 pm
We’ve been having a very good discussion in a recent post with members of various Christian faiths surrounding the concept of revelation and what is considered scripture for both LDS and other Christian faiths.  Part of the discussion surrounded revelation given to both individuals and Church le...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 29, 2011, 1:52 pm
We’ve been having a very good discussion in a recent post with members of various Christian faiths surrounding the concept of revelation and what is considered scripture for both LDS and other Christian faiths.  Part of the discussion surrounded revelation given to both individuals and Church le...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 23, 2011, 1:15 am
Recently in Elder’s Quorom (Men’s Group) we had a very good discussion based on the current LDS prophet, Thomas Monson’s, recent talks he had given.  The quote that stood out to our instructor today, as well as myself, was Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 15, 2011, 10:02 am
Recently I was preparing for a lesson with my Sunday School class of 16-18 year olds.  We’re studying the New Testament this year.  I found it interesting that in the early Christian church, there was continuous revelation.  The example in this lesson is found in the book of Acts chapter 15. I...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 11, 2011, 10:43 am
Today I became somewhat reminiscant of my thoughts and feelings 10 years ago during the tragic events of 9/11.  At the time, I worked for the grounds crew at BYU and rather than taking the lawn mowers out that morning, we huddled around the radio and heard the tragic news of the airplanes crashing ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 9, 2011, 12:22 am
In Gene R. Cook’s book entitled “Raising a Family to the Lord“, he states the following: You amy have a child with whom you are struggling.  When appropriate, kneeling in prayer with the child could have a much greater impact than anything you might say in resoning with him or her.  Childr...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Sep 1, 2011, 3:14 pm
A recent article entitled ”GOP Rivals have Different take on Mormonism“  highlights Romney and Huntsman as being polar opposites in how they practice their Mormon faith.  They share how Romney was a local LDS leader and all his sons served missions while Huntsman has shown support of other r...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 25, 2011, 2:25 pm
There are quite a few Republicans running in the 2012 race now, and I’ve heard rumors of Sarah Palin throwing her hat in as well.  However, as of this week (8-25) I think the major three candidates are: Romney, Perry, and Bachman.  Therefore, I’ll include the charitable donations of each of th...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 21, 2011, 12:38 pm
Thank you so much everyone for your prayers for my wife and baby!  I received plenty of emails and a few comments on the blog from those of you who were praying over the past few days. August 18th at 10:10 p.m. baby Barett was born at 8 lbs. 3 oz. 21 inches.  The delivery went very well and both ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 18, 2011, 5:58 pm
In a recent article about the current political race with 2 Mormon business leaders (Romney and Huntsman), a Harvard Business School professor, Clayton Christenson stated “I don’t think there’s any more demanding profession than being a Mormon missionary…”  The article goes on to state th...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 15, 2011, 12:54 am
While I was talking with one of my business contacts the other day at the YMCA, I told her we were due to have a baby this week.  She told me she would put my wife on the prayer chain in her local congregation and I was very grateful for the offer. My wife is scheduled to be induced this Wednesday...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 11, 2011, 3:56 pm
In a recent article in The National Catholic Weekly magazine, a writer brought up the great marketing the LDS church is doing in New York City.  His article highlights the Mormon.org billboards that are all over as well as on the taxis, etc.  and how great of a missionary tool it is.  Something h...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 11, 2011, 3:56 pm
In a recent article in The National Catholic Weekly magazine, a writer brought up the great marketing the LDS church is doing in New York City.  His article highlights the Mormon.org billboards that are all over as well as on the taxis, etc.  and how great of a missionary tool it is.  Something h...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 9, 2011, 1:17 pm
Jason Workman, an LDS man from southern Utah, was one of the Navy SEALS downed in Afghanistan. The full report is found at this website. God bless his family as well as everyone else who has lost their life in this war.
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Aug 5, 2011, 11:14 pm
A recent article titled “Pawlenty video aimed at Mormon faith of Romney and Huntsman” caught my eye a couple weeks ago.  The article made it sound like Pawlenty is slamming Romney and Huntsman because of their Mormon beliefs.  When I watched the video, it didn’t seem like Pawlenty was doing ...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jul 27, 2011, 12:44 pm
Recently our Bishop (Pastor) got up in church and said there were many in the congregation who were suffering financially due to a loss of a job or other circumstances.  He asked us to pray for them and also to give extra money in our fast offerings that upcoming Sunday to help some of them pay for...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jul 20, 2011, 11:18 pm
 Recently I had a close family member get married in the temple to an awesome guy.  This young man was the only member of the LDS church in his family and it was an uncomfortable situation (to say the least) for the bride, groom, and family members involved.  Although there was a ring ceremony fo...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jul 13, 2011, 11:20 pm
Over the years I’ve heard rumors that the Star Wars character, Yoda, was patterned after the LDS prophet, Spencer W Kimball.  For those of you who are not familiar with Spencer Kimball, here is a picture of him: Compare that picture with Yoda and you can see a slight resemblance (minus the green...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jul 6, 2011, 11:01 pm
Mormons are known for the revelation given to Joseph Smith commonly called the “Word of Wisdom”, which is the law of health.  Part of the Word of Wisdom includes things that individuals should not consume such as alcohol, and “hot drinks”, which the LDS prophets have interpretted to mean ca...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jun 27, 2011, 2:45 pm
Recently I had a close member of my family give me a movie called “Joseph Smith vs. the Bible” (actually, they left it in my car).  Since I’ve rarely had a Christian give me something about Mormons that wasn’t propaganda to try and convince Mormons they’re wrong, I really had no desire to...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jun 21, 2011, 12:00 am
Excommunication is defined by the LDS church as “A disciplinary process used only in extreme situations. This includes removal of an individual’s name from the records of the Church“.  From my experience (which isn’t that extensive) with excommunication, one is removed for serious, repeate...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jun 13, 2011, 2:23 pm
Recently, I read an article that discussed a survey of American people and their finances they set aside for emergencies.  In the survey, 1/2 of Americans would not be able to come up with $2,000 in case of an emergency.  This puts the United States amoung the most fragile financial countries in t...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jun 13, 2011, 2:23 pm
Recently, I read an article that discussed a survey of American people and their finances they set aside for emergencies.  In the survey, 1/2 of Americans would not be able to come up with $2,000 in case of an emergency.  This puts the United States amoung the most fragile financial countries in t...
Comment - Like

Aaron A. posted an article on Grace for Grace - Jun 7, 2011, 11:45 pm
With Fathers Day right around the corner, I thought I’d share this.  A few months ago in Elders Quorum (Mens Group), we had an excellent lesson on the roles of fathers to their children.  Part of the lesson included a list of ways fathers should give spiritual guidance to their children.  This...
Comment - Like