I am a relatively newcomer to the blogging scene. I was drawn to the scene due to hearing information about the Church that just didn’t sit with me. Having been a relatively orthodox member (Mission, wife, family etc. etc.) I had not previously been exposed to, what I would have called the fringe doctrine or fringe intellectual positions. But upon hearing about many of the things contained in the CES Letter and other historical aspects of the church, I had questions – and no one had answers. And so I did what any self-respecting inquisitorial person would do and see what Google had to say on the subject.
I became aware of a mountain of LDS blogs, Times and Seasons, FMH, BCC. They were all talking about the issues I wanted answers to. A world of information was opened to me.
Everyone has a niche – or a place where they feel comfortable. I gravitated to Wheat and Tares as the place where I felt most comfortable. I found the topics to be broad based and not overly intellectual – I was home. This was a community I felt at ease with.
And so I contacted one of the administrators and offered to do a guest post. I was understandably rather nervous and apprehensive about what sort of reaction there would be to my thoughts. I was surprised to see a lot of comments and a lot of discussion on the issue of modesty and false standards. My thoughts on the subject deepened and I developed a new and broader understanding of the topic.
I have come to feel that blogging is like being an artist. You have something inside you and you put it out on canvas, or in another media. The work of art is then out there for all to see. It is rather revealing – sort of like those dreams when you’re naked walking down the main street (everyone has had those, right…!!!).
Blogging is not altogether different to that. As bloggers we put ourselves out there (anyone who comments do as well). You know a lot about us as we put our thoughts, feelings and beliefs out there. I have felt this level of vulnerability as I have pushed the publish button sending a post off into the world…
And so what have I learned? I think the most important thing I have learned is that I am not alone. There are people out there who hold the same or similar positions than me. This is comforting, and is why I feel a sense of home, within the blogging environment.
Another thing I have learnt is that there are others that have very different views to me. This is just as important. To be challenged in my opinions, to be offered another view point or to be presented with entirely new information helps me to better understand the world and my place within it.
I have learnt to challenge my knowledge. I have been exposed to aspects of the Gospel that I would never have thought about. Aspects of our history, links between gospel principles and commentary on current church events have all helped to renew and reinvigorate my sense of searching.
And so at this time of anniversary, thank you. Thank you to my fellow bloggers who so kindly accepted me into the blog. I am constantly in awe of the more experienced bloggers here – of their knowledge and intelligent perspectives. I take great strength from you. Thank you to the Wheat and Tares community who respond so eagerly and keenly to the topics presented. You are the fuel that keeps the fire of this community burning.
We probably won’t change the world, but you have changed me.
Thank you
Wheat & Tares 
And here I was assuming you were one of the long-term wonderful bloggers here on W&T and I guess I started a month or so after you posted!
I enjoy your perspective from down under. Please – keep on blogging!
Perhaps the best thing about the LDS bloggosphere for me has been the ability to count myself in, and not throw the baby out with the bathwater. We are not alone. Thanks to all of you who blog and respond. It seems I am not ‘the only gay in the village’.
LDS Aussie, I view you as a wonderful addition to our group! It’s been fun to hear your perspective on things.
LDS-Aussie
I agree with others, I also enjoy your perspective.
In addition, I have always been interested in Oz. I had my trip for R&R in Oz all arranged but changed my mind at the last minute because I didn’t want to deal with the temptations I would encounter as a soldier. I was just getting active in the church. So I purchased a tape recorder instead and had it shipped home. I still have it.
It’s been really great to read your perspectives LDS_Aussie.
One other thought, I hope that you won’t let the brick and mortar or former church members dissuade you from the Spiritual bounties that are available to those who are willing pay the price.
I understand their perspective. I understand the immense determination it takes to throw off those things that have so many in the bloggernacle fettered with the shackles of disappointment, disillusionment, and even anger because of those things that have been revealed about church history and doctrine in the internet age.
If the brick and mortar members would put half the effort in coming unto Christ as they do in devouring the faith eroding aspects of church history, doctrine, and policy they would be inoculated and stand fast in the faith and have the greater manifestation of the Spirit to comfort and guide them while in mortality.
For those who would follow Christ, mortality in a fallen world is filled with paradoxes, difficulties, and challenges that can only be overcome by exercising faith. Sometimes there just isn’t an adequate answer to a big question. When at the crossroads of such a dilemma the anemic faith of the brick and mortar church members fails and they let go of the iron rod.
On the other hand, those who are firmly grounded and rooted by exercising greater faith are delivered or supported in their trials, troubles, and afflictions.
By the way, brick and mortar church members refers to those wonderful members who live worthy lives but so far haven’t received the Spirit to the extent that they can stand faithful when the mighty storms of mortality beat on them.
Thank you all for your support and words of encouragement.
Thanks Jared for your perspective. For all our faults, for all our weakness and for all the inability of words to fully express our position and feeling, the very existence of the Bloggernacle is testament to the fact that we want to expand our knowledge. That we want to feel more of the spirit. That we want to contribute to greater understanding.
Most care a great deal about the church and their beliefs and I have found that there is space available for everyone – wherever they fall on the spectrum of belief.
Happy bloggiversary, LDS Aussie. My participation in the last four years of the bloggernacle is off and on in various ways….but I echo your thoughts of gratitude for the community that is here.
Here’s to another year!
Where has the time gone? Fortunately, the honeymoon isn’t over yet. You’ve been a great addition to the team! Here’s to many more years.
I’ve thought about the canvas analogy myself a lot over the years (since I love to paint). I always envisioned myself putting the canvas up and letting the bloggernacle provide the content or the painting in the discussion (rather than simply writing an essay – teeing up a discussion). Not sure we always achieve that, but it’s what my vision often has been. Unfortunately, the paintings have been a little predictable. Some people only seem to bring one or two paint colors to each discussion, so to speak.