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

Things to know

Regularly read by 50,000+ readers in over 140 countries around the world, "Dear Bro Jo" is published several times a month.

This is column is just one guy's opinion, and while he does his best to keep what he thinks, says and writes in-line with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, "Dear Bro Jo" is not an LDS Church website. (And Sister Jo thinks you should know that he's sometimes wrong, and often way too opinionated for his own good.)

Nothing here is meant to take the place of talking with parents, leaders, or Church authorities. Please, if you need serious help, talk to a trusted adult, leader, and / or professional counselor.

Please like our Facebook page, and check it often for Discussions, Notes, Events and just General Good Stuff!

Everything here is copyrighted. If you're going to quote any part of anything here, please get Bro Jo's written permission. You can reach him at dearbrojo@gmail.com.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Courage to Go See the Bishop - Part 3

Dear Bro Jo,

Thank you!

I'm so glad you have faith in me because I don't!

I'm going to go and see tomorrow I really am!!

I think I am making too many excuses, I'm just so scared I feel like I'm about to get a roller-coaster :(!!!! Thank you so much!!

- NW

Dear NW,

Nervousness and hesitation come from Satan.

Seriously, do you want me to find his number for you?

'Cause I can, you know. ;)

- Bro Jo

Dear Bro Jo,

It's so scary!

I'm not going to find it!

I'd hate to call him!

But I keep thinking he's still a person he will think bad of me!!

I'll definitely go and see him!!

I like your status haha :)!

- NW

Dear NW,

As scary as it may be, going through life without the Spirit . . . or wondering whether or not you've made things right with Heavenly Father is MUCH scarier.

I've worked with many Bishops and Stake Presidents . . . none of them ever think less of a person who's trying to make things right with God.

In fact, they think of those that are trying to make things right with love and respect. They may not love the sin that was committed, but they love the person, and they admire the courage it takes to do the right thing.

Are you in the (First Location Withheld) Ward?

The (Second Location Withheld) Ward?

The (Third Location Withheld) Ward?

The (Fourth Location Withheld) Ward? ;)

Like I said . . . I'll help you get the number if you want! I know you can do it! And I know you'll feel better once you do.

- Bro Jo

1 comment:

Mel said...: When my Dad was released as Bishop of our ward one thing he said he would miss was helping people who genuinely are trying to change. And I think that goes for all bishops.; February 26, 2014 at 7:38 PM

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.)

(Check out the "Dear Bro Jo" Fan Page on Facebook for more Great Notes!)

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

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The Courage to Go See the Bishop - Part 3

1 comment:

LDS Rankings

Join us on Facebook!

Become a "Dear Bro Jo" Fan!

Cast Yout Vote!

More Bro Jo Stuff

___

Discovering Greatness

The Discovering Greatness Playbook