tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post1807931972875423999..comments2024-01-17T03:54:39.225-05:00Comments on Hieing to Kolob: Campaigning for a CallingBored in Vernalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14016611721544251941noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-29408660171519672122007-12-17T15:40:00.000-05:002007-12-17T15:40:00.000-05:00Biv, I decided to look through your blog. Very int...Biv, I decided to look through your blog. Very interesting!<br><br>I think it's wrong to covet or "campaign for" any calling. Howver, I think it's perfectly right -- in fact, I think it's good -- to let your bishop know of your strengths and your desires. Nothing wrong with telling him how much you enjoy teaching Gospel Doctrine. You aren't forcing his hand or trying to manipulate him behind the scenes, after all.<br><br>As for the Abraham quote, there is a vast difference between aspiring to a calling and desiring the blessings of the Priesthood. Abraham did the latter, which is righteous. Any man can and ought to desire to hold the Priesthood of God so he can bless his loved ones. Not the same at all as aspiring to a Church calling. Like desiring to be a spouse or parent, to desire the Priesthood is to desire an eternal station of service. No Church calling, be it SS President or Church President, is eternal in nature. Aspiring for such things is simply an exercise in vanity, which is shameful indeed.Stephennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-49651312608314493172007-12-02T21:32:00.000-05:002007-12-02T21:32:00.000-05:00I finally finished writing up my recent experience...I finally finished writing up my recent experiences with this topic--Coveting Calling Parts <a href="" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow">I</a> and <a href="" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow">II</a> .<br><br>I've never felt so whiny...Téahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06885267254682952325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-21669224610360262132007-11-16T23:26:00.000-05:002007-11-16T23:26:00.000-05:00Tanya Sue, 20+ years in the church and I have neve...Tanya Sue, 20+ years in the church and I have never had a bum bishop. Maybe that's the norm; maybe I'm lucky. I like to think the control freaks are anomalies.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07636304888031546405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-85883505499401107352007-11-16T17:40:00.000-05:002007-11-16T17:40:00.000-05:00I'm struggling with this subject in my life ri...I'm struggling with this subject in my life right now. If I'm not supposed to seek/campaign for one, what do I do with the heartache from not having a calling? What's the take-away from being worthy to serve but not called to do so?<br><br>(I started a long response detailing my situation and grief but thought I'd better use my own space for all that emotional vomit)Téahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06885267254682952325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-74042985995425317712007-11-16T10:52:00.000-05:002007-11-16T10:52:00.000-05:00Interesting topic. I have recently had feelings t...Interesting topic. I have recently had feelings that a new calling is on the way for me. If it's the one that keeps coming to mind (a teaching position), I'm worried. It'll help me grow, but somehow I'd rather stay in my current leadership calling... it almost seems easier (which is probably why I'll get a new calling).Eddiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14766291943671129969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-41920947888059366432007-11-16T06:23:00.000-05:002007-11-16T06:23:00.000-05:00Ann "My experience has been that bishops are ...Ann "My experience has been that bishops are thrilled when you tell them what you want to do"<br><br>Ahh, that only works until you have a bishop who is controlling, then he won't give it to you because you have expressed interest in doing anything but being a greeter after 3 years of handing out programs....then you get called to turn on the VCR in the nursery in Enrichment every week...so not kidding.<br><br>I really think it depends on the bishop. Some welcome knowing that you are interested or your talens, etc. Some take even that expression as aspiring to a calling.Tanya Suenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-7959284803411840152007-11-15T21:43:00.000-05:002007-11-15T21:43:00.000-05:00BiV, I don't feel that way, although my subcon...BiV, I don't feel that way, although my subconscience disagrees with me and causes me to be uncomfortable about the situation of being asked what callings I want. If I think about how revelation works, it's normally that we study something out in our mind and then ask for confirmation. Assuming the process of callings works the same way, then it makes sense that Bishop should consider factors such as employment and family demands, and also what kind of callings the person wants before making a decision and seeking confirmation.Horebitehttp://thehorebite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-8981417307988957282007-11-15T18:52:00.000-05:002007-11-15T18:52:00.000-05:00BiV - yes. I think there is no harm in righteously...BiV - yes. I think there is no harm in righteously desiring a particular calling. <br><br>I was thinking about this more deeply, and realized that one big difference between <i>aspire</i> and <i>desire</i> is that if you aspire, you are looking at the object of your aspiration as something above or better. If you desire something, you are longing, hoping or wishing. It is a more lateral emotion. Since all callings are equal in the Lord's eyes, looking at any one calling as something better than or higher than another calling is intrinsically prideful, either from the bottom up or the top down. Pride is, beyond doubt, an evil characteristic. Therefore, whether you get the calling or not, whether you "campaign" for it or not, you are sinning when you view any calling as above or as of more worth than another.SilverRainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580230961425635077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-86145603423002400832007-11-15T14:23:00.000-05:002007-11-15T14:23:00.000-05:00I've contemplated Mormon ward structure at len...I've contemplated Mormon ward structure at length, and this post kind of makes it clear how a Mormon ward can be officially authoritarian yet somewhat democratic in practice, and stronger for it.<br><br>Whether it's inspiration, observation, or campaigning, an effective bishop can find the right person for a job. Why not demonstrate you're capable of doing a given job? It's a strategy I learned by observation as a Mormon and have used elsewhere...C. L. Hansonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12698855413639518095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-39115178735730381442007-11-14T23:01:00.000-05:002007-11-14T23:01:00.000-05:00DH, loved your post.SilverRain, I think you're...DH, loved your post.<br><br>SilverRain, I think you're right. Do you think if the feeling is "desire" to serve well, rather than "acquire," it is OK to let your desires be known?<br><br>Ann, Many bishops say it aids in inspiration when they have information such as what callings their ward members have previously served in, what they would like to do, what they have time for, etc. <br><br>Janell, Volunteering doesn't always work, sad to say. And volunteering to speak in Church works much, much better in small struggling wards and branches out in the "mission field." Aren't you in Utah County? lol.<br><br>Laurie's DH,<br>Interesting, in writing this post I didn't consider the feelings of the person who was already in the calling and would be displaced. In my own experience the calling was usually open or the person doing it had been in a long time and was tired. I wonder if I would be more cautious if I knew the person already in the calling loved it and wanted to stay there?<br><br>Horebite,<br>Do you think if you have let your desires be known regarding a calling, that the call is then somehow less inspired or less valid?Bored in Vernalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14016611721544251941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-61716150607909714042007-11-14T22:13:00.000-05:002007-11-14T22:13:00.000-05:00About a year ago a member of the bishopric took my...About a year ago a member of the bishopric took my wife and I aside and asked us what kind of callings we would like. I find it hard to answer this question, mainly because I'm afraid if I say I want a particular calling and then end up getting it then I can't really say I was "called". It's also hard because I'm indecisive and don't really know if I want something hard but rewarding or something less demanding.<br><br>We did mention that my wife had never been in the primary. She was baptized as a teenager.<br><br>We were called as primary teachers.Horebitehttp://thehorebite.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-2410007124713442232007-11-14T21:56:00.000-05:002007-11-14T21:56:00.000-05:00I was YM Pres and someone "campaigned" t...I was YM Pres and someone "campaigned" to become the new YM Pres. He got it. The interesting thing is when I fist met this man (remember I was YM Pres) I knew that he was going to be in the YM program soon (I needed a new couns). A few weeks later I was released and he was in. I found out that he had "campaigned" to get the calling. He seemed happy at first and then not so happy.<br>I'm 42 and an Elder. I've been Ex Sec x 2, CTR x 3, YM Pres x 2, WML x 2 and EQ Pres. I've never "campaigned" for a calling. However, a few months ago I noticed that all the other men seemed to be getting callings and I was left alone in Primary (which I love!). I fasted and prayed and then had an interview with the Bishop. He assured me that I was not being passed over and the next week I was interviewed to be his Sec.<br>I think there is a subtle difference--like silverrain said--between aspire and desire. I do desire certain callings but would never campaign for them. I would fast and pray and then remember that the Lord loves me and that whatever calling I have I should be serve with zeal.<br>(I'm using my wife's account right now).LaurieSuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14194145153030429261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-52651788595592940792007-11-14T20:01:00.000-05:002007-11-14T20:01:00.000-05:00After three years of having a different calling ev...After three years of having a different calling every three months - and all of them in the Relief Society - I, perhaps not thinking, said in a prayer, "After all this experience, you'd better make me the secretary." My next calling? RS secretary. Lol =)<br><br>Really? I'd much rather be a teacher (of just about anything) or a Sunday speaker. Despite telling various bishops, "I love to teach. I'd love to speak on Sunday," I have yet to ever actually teach or speak. =CJanellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11092893864737058248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-13599578828798112007-11-14T19:21:00.000-05:002007-11-14T19:21:00.000-05:00I tried to do this earlier and it was broken.When ...I tried to do this earlier and it was broken.<br><br>When I was easing my way back in to engagement, I went to my bishop and asked him for something to do. I told him my constraints and why, and he asked what I'd like to do. "Do you need anybody on the activities committee?" Boom. I was the new activities committee chair. The kinds of callings I have volunteered for (activities committee, helping with cub scouts) are not things that could be considered "aspiring" to. My experience has been that bishops are thrilled when you tell them what you want to do.Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07636304888031546405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-4370598681501522752007-11-14T18:54:00.000-05:002007-11-14T18:54:00.000-05:00I think there is a difference - subtle, but distin...I think there is a difference - subtle, but distinctive - between <i>aspiring</i> and <i>desiring</i>. One seems to have a more acquisitional feel to it. The other seems to be accompanied by a desire to serve well.SilverRainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00580230961425635077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2035557836022548249.post-80309853099472335792007-11-14T13:34:00.000-05:002007-11-14T13:34:00.000-05:00I responded to this post on my blog....Every leade...I responded to this post on my blog.<br><br>...Every leadership meeting Russell Ballard would tell us "if you keep your noses clean" you will all be bishops, stake presidents, mission presidents, and a few of you even general authorities...<br><br>Read more <a href="http://mormonmission.blogspot.com/2007/11/aspiring-to-missionary-callings.html" rel="nofollow" rel="nofollow">here</a>.Dr. Bnoreply@blogger.com