Brothers and Sisters I recently visited a member’s home and was given a tour of the house. I was very disappointed by the pictures on the walls, particularly in the bedrooms of the teenagers.
I restrained myself but wanted to ask if the things they have hanging on their walls will help them live the kind of life they should. I wanted to ask if what they have on their walls will help their children set goals to go to the temple or serve missions.
You see by being repeatedly exposed to posters that depict worldly or irreverent things, one becomes less sensitive to spiritual things.
Feeling the love and guidance of the Holy Spirit in his life is one of the greatest experiences a person can have. Why would members do anything to get in the way of or stop those feelings?
The truth is that we are all affected by the things we see. If we are exposed to pictures that are shocking or titillating, we can become desensitized. In other words, they no longer shock us, and they start to seem normal and acceptable to us. We need to surround ourselves with good and noble things that will uplift us.
The kinds of pictures you have hanging on your walls reflect the type of person you want to become. If you want to become more like your leaders, then have a picture of them on your wall. Please do not hang up pictures that might chase the Spirit out of your homes.
Every day we are faced with the evils of the world. We need a place to escape to, a haven, to bring our minds and hearts back to the right perspective and spirit.
In our chapels, bishops offices and homes we have pictures of our leaders to remind us of them and their words and counsel to us. I would like to suggest that we can equally have pictures of local leaders such as our stake presidents on our walls. If you do not have a current picture of your stake president feel free to ask for one. Alternatively (and at no cost to you) I am also making available my own pictures below which you are welcome to print out, frame and place in a prominent place within your home. It is important that your children grow up with real life models that they can both emulate and honor. I know that as we follow this counsel our children will grow up to be exemplary citizens of our nation and will bring much honor to the Church.
Lovingly,
President Paternoster
I am going to print this off and laminate it and hang it up today. I'm going to put it next to my picture of Joseph Smith sitting at a table and translating the golden plates using a pencil and paper.
ReplyDeleteBest. Post. Ever. If this post doesn't single-handedly get you elevated to the Quorum of the Twelve, I don't know what will.
ReplyDeleteWe'll miss you in our stake.
i have some posters i made from the old book of mormon illustrations by Arnold Freiberg. they are so masculine and exciting. my mom doesnt like them and says i should date girls instead of staying in my room all the time. not going to happen, LOL. i want to keep my self pure so the first kiss i ever have will be over the altar at the temple.
ReplyDeleteWhat if I become sexually aroused by your picture, President? Should I still have it up in my home?
ReplyDeleteBecause, you know. I've no problem with that.
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ReplyDeletePresident, I have to confess that I am having the same issue within my own home as Lisa. My wife frequently compares me and my very difficult decision to work on Sunday with your incredible, faithful service. I understand how serious it is to keep the sabbath day holy but under my circumstances I can't see me or my wife keeping our home if I don't work at least a few hours after church each week.
ReplyDeleteMy wife says she understands this, but I still catch her glancing from your photo to me and then letting out a long sigh from time to time.
Any advice?
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ReplyDeletePresident, this is a great post. Currently we have a pictures of President Monson and the Salt Lake Temple on the walls in most rooms of the house. My wife suggested that we should have a picture of Jesus too, but I felt inspired as the priesthood holder and head of our home to reject her suggestion. In our home we Follow The Prophet and so photos of Pres. Monson are the most important. I assume you agree.
ReplyDeleteBut I was thinking about put up one of your photos too (even though I'm not in your stake) but after reading the comments above I don't think its a good idea. You really are a good looking man and my wife could be distracted from her chores.
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ReplyDeleteLook Paternostril, I won't have tolerate the shock of discovering your overlarge beak pointing off over my shoulder as I try to make it to the bathroom in the morning, any more than I'll tolerate a picture of my ugly husband.
ReplyDeleteMy walls are sufficiently adorned with the stuffed heads of game animals, and the occasional "We don't call 911" poster. Nothing worldly or ireverent about any of that.
Everytime the issue of my husband's facial hair comes up he just points to Jesus and says he's following his example. I still like the idea of having a picture of Jesus but maybe I should make our local church leaders (all clean shaven men) be the focal point on my picture shelf instead. Do you think that will help my husband follow their examples more?
ReplyDeletePresident: It’s been about a day now and like Lisa, I too seem to have become... shall we say... ‘distracted’ with your picture hanging on my wall. The problem is I’m a guy... and well... your photo just does something to me. I have been affected by these ‘feelings’ that I have never experienced before. Is this the spirit I am feeling? It feels like a flaming sword is burning... well... ‘somewhere’. Anyway, the next time when a member of the stake high council comes to speak at our sacrament meeting and says, “I bring you the LOVE of our stake president who LOVES and KNOWS each one of you,” it will have a whole new meaning for me! Too bad, though, my stake president is a scrawny runt and looks nothing like the LION of man and leader that you are. I just LOVE powerful men who take charge. You can ’interview’ me anytime, anywhere, President!
ReplyDeletePres,
ReplyDeleteIf I hang your pater-poster picture upside down what will it mean? I think it's suggestive of everything opposite!
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ReplyDeleteI've been investigating the church as a potential new member but I'm honestly shocked by some of the articles and responses I've seen from members of the church.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have your picture professionally printed and framed, one copy for each room in my house.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not in your stake, I find your humble smile and straightforward attitude inspiring -- and I'm sure the rest of my family will feel the same.
Thanks for graciously making your handsome image available without charge to all of us faith-seeking members! I'll pay a little extra tithing as my thanks!
--RB
President Paternoster,
ReplyDeleteWhat stake are you a stake president in? I have done some research on you, and have found nothing that indicates that you are actually a stake president. I think people will take you more seriously if you give more clarification on who you are.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI couldn't take President Paternoster anymore serious even if I saw his original birth certificate. I know in my heart that he is true.
The President cannot disclose his stake without violating the confidentiality of the flock that he so faithfully serves.
ReplyDeleteAnd remember the words of our Savior: "A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas."
President,
ReplyDeleteI was consider printing this to poster size, but unfortunately at this larger size the picture becomes quite fuzzy.
I considered doing it anyway, but decided that it might send the message that our church leaders are out of focus, and we certainly wouldn't want that.
President,
ReplyDeleteI am thoroughly enjoying the wise and doctrinally sound advice you are making available and the way you are magnifying your calling.
I have a question that has been troubling me recently. My son just turned 8 and was baptised into the restored gospel. But I have always had mixed emotions as each of my children have reached the age of accountability. As you are no doubt well aware, all children who die before the age of 8 go directly to the Celestial Kingdom (D&C 137:10). By surviving to the age of 8 it is now quite possible that one or more of my 12 children will one day turn their back on the restored gospel and be lost to our family for all eternity! If that were to happen I would be utterly inconsolable! I couldn’t help but feel that it may have been better if they had died as an innocent child. In moments when I ponder this sort of tragic eternal loss I have even considered taking their lives just before they reach the age of 8 to guarantee their eternal happiness. I know this is a terrible thought but losing my children for eternity seems to me to be infinitely worse.
Is it wrong for me to think these thoughts? I would be very grateful for your wise and comforting counsel.
Diogenes,
ReplyDeleteI second what you said (with an under the breath chuckle too!). Well spoken!
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President,
Keep up the good work!! I second that too!! (On a personal note, I share you with my friends 'cause you are such a perfect inspiration for the truly ridged true blue way all lds saints should walk!!) [Hugs!]
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Simon,
I don't blame you for thinking such noble thoughts. I think blood atonement would serve best as its function is stictly to save souls into our father's kingdom. But maybe that's a little pre-emptive. President...?
Wow, I too have had the same thoughs about killing my children before they were 8 to save them as Simon but never thought that anyone else had pondered those thoughs and feelings. I thought I may sound a bit crazy! I too could never imagine losing a child in the eternities, and worry so much after my children are baptized that they will mess up my whole plan to have my eternal famiy that I have been promised!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I am so impressed by you president! You have enlightend me on so many levels.
I was wondering if I could ask a few questions that I have been pondering and praying about. I was hoping you could address them for me. I know this might sound foolish of me to ask but I was wondering if a child is saved if they die before age 8 Why then at age 8 do they need to be baptized and washed clean of their sins if they are not accountable for them??? Also If you do have members of your family who leave the fold and do not make it to the Celistial Kingdom how then do you get your eternal family and what if I am the only one who makes it??? I know my kids dont read their scriptures and pray twice a day as I have taught them! I am so scared for them!I dont want them to be damned! I know that I can go down and visit them but I always really hoped that they could all be worthy to be with me. Does any of this make any sense??? I would love to know your thoughts as I know that you are a true priesthood leader and will guide me by the still small voice of the spirit. Thanks for sharing your amazing spirit and wisdom with us! I will pray for your continued efforts! Heck I may even fast for you! I could even lose a pound of two! Thanks so much for all your hard work and service to the only true and living church on the face of the earth! What a blessing!
Simon and Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteReading your comments has literally made me feel sick to my stomach. That a parent (I am hoping you aren’t, even though you claim to be) could make such comments about their child.
My parents joined the church when I was 7 years old. Shortly before turning 8 I became very sick. No one could determine what was wrong with me, and they thought I might die. My father told me a couple of months back, that the bishop told him that if I were to die this would be the easiest way for me to get the celestial kingdom, I am summarizing this second part, but if I were to live it would be in doubt.
I imagine that parental instinct overcame dogma in this case. As far as LDS doctrine, my death certainly would have been better for me and my eternal family, because it is pretty unlikely I will make it there now.
As a seven year old who was exposed to these kind of ideas I remember contemplating purposefully being hit by a car, or something to that effect to ensure my eternal salvation. I don’t know whether it was cowardice, or the idea that if I did it on purpose it wouldn’t apply, that stopped me.
It scares me for your children and yourselves that would bring such a thing up, even in jest. I think both of you are sick in a way that you are not aware of. That you would talk about killing children just to make point.
At least that is what I hope you are doing, it is certainly better than the alternative of you being serious.
Either way, you should seek professional help and alert proper authorities (and I don’t mean Church one) that you feel you may be a danger to your child.
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ReplyDelete@ Clint, yes these types of thoughts are disturbing but you must understand the difference between people who just simply have these thoughts and those who carry them out. Thoughts of death being a solution to a problem are more common than you may think.
ReplyDeleteThe problem here is the fear that your child will not make it to the Celestial kingdom. How ever morbid and twisted it may sound these thoughts originate from the very real fear for the eternal welfare of these children. Fear is a powerful thing and can lead to tragic consequences if not controlled.
I truly am sorry Clint I really did not mean to offend you or anyone. Please forgive me! I will repent and pray that the lord can forgive me for offending you or anyone for that was not my intention!
ReplyDeleteThank you president for answering my question and taking your time between meetings to do so. I have another question. Is getting on the internet on Sunday breaking the sabath? And what about if you are on LDS.org or Church related website? would that be different? Just wondering as I have felt very guilty when I am on the internet on Sunday! But I figure your blog is of spiritual nature and would not be considered breaking the sabath?
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ReplyDeleteAnon, I probably over-reacted. It is a weird topic, so are many LDS teaching when you get to the core of them and their potential applications or implications.
ReplyDeletePlease don't just limit your placement to just the walls of your home. No reason these can't be on your ceilings too. Just be sure to select the appropriate method to fasten them. Sweet dreams!
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ReplyDeleteYou are a fraud, whatever your name is. You do not appear in the General Church Directory. I also know this comment is going to last a nano second.
ReplyDeleteGive it up and stop deceiving people. You are a disgrace!
George, George, George, what am I going to do with you? All points of view are welcome on this blog and your comments will not be deleted. Please continue to read the posts and feel free to ask as many questions or comment as much as your heart desires.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what George and Anonymous (April 9, 2011) are up to? They actually did some research in order to find out about President Paternoster. This is NOT the Lord's way of finding the truth. Correct me if I'm wrong President, but don't we need to simply follow Moroni's promise? For me, I read the sweet Stake President's article and knew for a surety that it was true -- as surely as the boy Joseph saw Moroni, or was it Nephi?
ReplyDeleteRest assured President, I have place your picture on the mantel. I just pray that your glorious image doesn't become like unto an idol, as the golden calf was for the ancient Israelites.
This is really a great read for me. Thank you for publishing articles having a great insight stimulates me to check more often for new write ups. Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteClover
www.n8fan.net
This is really a great read for me. Thank you for publishing articles having a great insight stimulates me to check more often for new write ups. Keep posting!
ReplyDeleteClover
www.n8fan.net