Dear Bro Jo . . . : The Courage to Go See the Bishop

Things to know

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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

The Courage to Go See the Bishop - Part 2

Dear Bro Jo,

I'm 18, yep that's right!

It is the same guy but it happened after we were together that's what the bad part is!!

I totally see where you're coming from and that's what I've been thinking!

Making me question things that I've always been so sure of!!

I just can't seem to find the faith to pay tithing I know it's all part of being obedient so I really need to work at it!!

I keep trying to convince myself that I don't need to go to the Bishop but I know I do!

I have a calling as well so I guess I am a little scared about that!!

I wish I could meet up with my old Bishop but I know I can't which makes me feel worse about it!!!

- NW

Dear NW,

With Tithing, NW, don't gain a testimony and then pay; pay your tithing so you can gain a testimony of it.

A lot of Gospel Principles (most, actually) work that way.

We have to live them to know them.

Stop working against yourself!

Instead of trying to convince yourself NOT to see the Bishop, convince yourself TO see the Bishop.

Instead of making excuses, make plans.

(Oooo . . . I like that one! I'll go quote me on the Facebook page!)

Go call and make the appointment to see your Bishop right now.

Go on!

You can do it.

You need the Spiritual help that he can provide because he holds Priesthood Keys (which neither your former Bishop or I hold for you).

Call.

And then let me know you've made the call. I promise you'll feel better!

- Bro Jo

Dear Bro Jo,

I do totally understand everything you're saying!!

I'm so grateful for it!!

I'm so scared I have butterflies even thinking about it!!

I really don't want to do it!!

I'll go and see him tomorrow about it, I can't call him because I don't have his number but I will go and see him!!

I'm going to start paying tithing next time I get paid and I'll let you know it goes!!

I don't have to speak to all the Bishopric do I?!

It can be just the the Bishop right?

- NW!

Dear NW,

NW . . . you're making excuses.

You can get the Bishop's number if you want to, and you know it.

Yes, you can just speak to him.

This is like jumping in the swimming pool.

We know we should, but we convince ourselves that the water will be cold, then we wait . . . then we find ourselves not jumping.

You can do it!

I have faith in you!

- Bro Jo

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Bro Jo's "Dating Rules for Teens"

General
- Date in groups of 2 or more couples minimum, 3 or more couples is recommended
- Pick Up boys first, then girls; drop off girls first, then boys
- Be clean - literally and spiritually
- Plan must be pre-approved by the Parental Committee
- Borrow a Cell Phone from Parental Committee - for emergency use only
- Only date people your Parents have met (a pre-date meeting may be needed - a movie party at your house is a great way to have Mom and Dad meet all of this year's potential dates!)
- Don't flirt with another person's date - you can go out with them next time - focus on the person you're with
- Remember why you're dating: to get to know someone better, to discover what type of person you like to spend time with, and to practice this important social skill
- First Date is with Opposite Sex parent - prove that you're ready
- Keep the conversation going - spend more time asking questions than talking about yourself
- Focus on your companion - DO NOT TEXT YOUR FRIENDS WHILE OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE - it's rude and, well . . . lame
- No dating the same person twice in a row

Boys
- Home by 11:30pm
- Plan / Pick up / Pay
- Plan communicated to date - no surprises!
- Sisters deserve to go out with decent guys regularly, be one of those guys
- Chivalry isn't dead - show respect by opening doors
- It's scary to call, get over it (practice), it's your job to phone
- Be prepared Boy Scout: make sure the car is clean and has gas, be familiar with where you're going, have enough dough
- Keep dates simple and not too long
- No gifts (keep it casual)
- Meet the parents
- Minimum of one date per month

Girls
- Home by 11pm
- Know what's planned - and pre-communicate that plan to your parents
- Dress Modestly
- Teach your date that you deserve to be respected (make him open doors and insist that he use proper language)
- Don't call boys - make them call you (this is a respect tool)

Exceptions
- Formal Dates (like Prom or a Wedding) can extend the curfew 30 minutes
- Flowers may be an appropriate "gift" for formal occassions

Rules for Parents
- Set the Example (married parents should be dating weekly - if you can, occassionally make that a "Date to the Temple" - if you want your kids to go, they need to see you going - great for married-people dates - Bad Idea for first dates)
- Know your kids' friends, their dates and potential dates
- Communicate Expectations
- Help to Plan Ahead - especially in the beginning
- Discuss the Plan - offer council when asked, but don't take control
- Review the Rules
- Pray
- Don't Spy (if it's your date night too, go somewhere else - and get home before your teen)
- Wait Up - near the door, not in your bedroom
- Debrief - Discuss the date with your teen when they come home, before everyone goes to bed
- Be positive and encouraging
- Don't "arrange" dates for your kids with other parents - if the kids find out it'll be bad

REMEMBER PARENTS - You Water What You Want to Grow! (But too much water and the plant will drown.)

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Disclaimer

*This website is not affiliated with the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints, nor does it's author claim to write on behalf of the LDS Church.

for more information on The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints go to: http://www.mormon.org/

"Dear Bro Jo" is an entertainment column, and should not been used as a substitute for Professional Counseling, nor is it intended to replace conversations with one's Bishop or other Priesthood Authority.

All posts and content are the property of Dave Johnston (c) 2009-2013.

Dear Bro Jo . . .

Things to know

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

The Courage to Go See the Bishop - Part 2

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