Author Archives: Candace Salima

The Mentally Ill and Their Responsibilities to the Lord

Yet another difficult subject. Fortunately, one which has been amply covered by the brethren. There are so many mental deficiencies that I cannot begin to address them one by one. There are many people who suffer at one point or another in their lives of mental deficiency. Merely consider the excruciating stresses which accompany life, at times soaring to perceived unmanageable highs. We wonder what actions of the mentally ill are dismissed without further glance by the Lord and which they are to be held accountable? The Prophet Joseph Smith said that “all the minds and spirits that God ever … Continue reading →

Suicide and the Gospel

This is a very touchy and serious subject. I was researching something for another blog and came across an article by Elder M. Russell Ballard which clarified some things I thought were worth sharing. Suicide is a horrifying thing. Not only has the victim ended his or her life so abruptly, the enormous amount of pain felt by family and friends scars them for a lifetime. For those outside of the church it is frightening, confusing and excruciatingly sorrowful. For those inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comes the added burden of knowing the outcome of a … Continue reading →

Coasting or Growing?

This is something that has been greatly on my mind as of late. I know this of a surety, Heavenly Father did not put us on this earth to coast. What do I mean by coast? Well, let’s talk about that for a minute. Many Latter-day Saints study their scriptures, go to church, have Family Home Evening, attend to their church callings and stop there. They are content in the knowledge that they are doing the things they must without ever realizing there is so much more our Father in Heaven has for each of us. Let me quote President … Continue reading →

LDS Because of Belief or LDS for Social Reasons

I sent out an email asking what issues LDS people are currently facing and received a plethora back, this being one of them. Initially I looked at it, pondered it and put it aside so that it could percolate a little more. I’m ready to address it now. You get out of life what you put into it. The same goes with becoming a “Mormon” or Latter-day Saint, as we prefer to be called. You get out of it what you put into it. Becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints involves making covenants with … Continue reading →

Unrighteous Dominion: Spouse to Spouse, Parent to Child, Child to Parent

This is, sadly, an all too common problem in the LDS community. But let me make this clear right up front: There are millions of good people belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unfortunately, there are also far too many who have succumbed to weaker passions and abuse their spouses and children, continuing to do so until the day they pass from this mortal life. This problem is not unique to the LDS Church, or even Christianity. Unrighteous dominion is found in every society, culture and religion. In reading several talks the brethren have given on … Continue reading →

No Success can Compensate for Failure in the Home

This very famous statement by David O. McKay has kicked up quite a conversation in my circles lately. According to this prophet of God: “Parenthood … should be held as a sacred obligation. There is something in the depths of the human soul which revolts against neglectful parenthood. God has implanted deep in the souls of parents the truth that they cannot with impunity shirk the responsibility to protect childhood and youth. There seems to be a growing tendency to shift this responsibility from the home to outside influences, such as the school and the church. Important as these outward … Continue reading →

LDS Fiction vs. National Fiction vs. Classics

Okay, I have to admit, I’m a little hot under the collar regarding this topic. I’ve just been privy to my work being called, as a LDS writer, “. . . most LDS fiction is a tribute to mediocrity. Plus I pretty much hate sequels, they reflect an amazing hubris on the part of authors that people will remember everything in the other books. Also, they are lazy because they only have to write half a book because the other half is just what was in the last book.” Okay, I’m trying to remember the “Christ-like” thing. I’m also trying … Continue reading →

Enduring to the End . . . Just how far away is that?

Many times, as people get on in years, they begin to wonder and worry a little more about that “enduring to the end” thing. Why? Because the body and mind can start to slow down and it’s not as easy to be as active as you’d like. So what all is involved in enduring to the end? Well, breathing is always a good place start. Okay, sorry, my last blog has apparently affected my brain. Who knew it was contagious? Okay, seriously – enduring to the end is not as complicated as one might think. There are different responsibilities for … Continue reading →

Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest! Help!

Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest – Help! You know, I gotta wonder about the state of today’s society. I mean, what self-respecting society produces such dim-witted individuals such as the ones I read about today. I was cruising around the internet looking for a little lighter topic and ran across this on DumbThings.com: “Iraqi terrorist, Khay Rahnajet, didn’t pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with “return to sender” stamped on it. Forgetting it was the bomb, he opened it and was blown to bits.” I didn’t know whether to laugh, slap my hand on my forehead or … Continue reading →

Standing for What We Believe

With the advent of HBO’s latest effort, “Big Love” many conversations are taking place around the water cooler, gardens, living rooms and parks of Latter-day saint society. With the topic came conversation revolving around standing for what we believe in and how to do it. It was not long ago that our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, addressed this very thing. I quote, “Let our voices be heard. I hope they will not be shrill voices, but I hope we shall speak with such conviction that those to whom we speak shall know of the strength of our feeling and … Continue reading →