A reverse introduction

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I’ve decided to call time on the bloggernacle. Yesterday evening I was sat in a panic. A client deadline for a report was looming, and passing and all I could think of was getting online to see if there was a new thread, a new comment, a new blog or podcast on various mormon websites. I’ve come to a realisation of the seriousness of the many, many hours a week that I spend online.

I’ve discussed in a previous thread about feeling as if I’ve sometimes had an unhealthy obsession with Mormon forums etc. When the desire to read another thread, challenge another point or look for a new nugget of information becomes of a higher priority than spending time with family or staying on top of workload then it suggests to me that my life is not balanced. As extreme as it may sound, I’ve decided to just stop all of it, this forum included. This will be my last thread for the foreseeable future.

I’ll keep posting my Gospel Principles lesson plans to my blog.

I have a genuine love for the purpose, atmosphere and mission of this forum. I consider many of you to be genuine friends. I’ll miss spending time with you. If ever you’re in the UK, contact me as I’d love to meet in real life. You can either PM me (as messages are forwarded to my email address) or email me directly. My email is mackayeleven (written out, not an 11) and the domain is that big famous gmail one.

I sign off with a sense of peace. Peace that I have been diligent in giving Mormonism a good chance. It was 2 years ago this month that, while sitting in a chapel in Philippines, something broke inside and started the process of exploring Mormon origins, doctrines and history. I made myself give it a year. I’ve given it two. The experience has dramatically changed my view of life, God and, perhaps more than anything else, Mormonism.

Today I feel at peace with my perspectives. I consider myself a Universalist who attends Mormon services.

Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me find this peace.

[Anonymous]

Final request…

Look after the quotes thread for me

You’ll all need to post your own quotes on there now (you were always welcome to anyway ). To the mods, I used to try to post a comment/week to keep it on the first page for any new members. Ray suggested pinning a few months ago. If you want to keep it in plain site it might need it.

I’ll pop back at intervals to copy new quotes over to the blog where they’re all collated:

http://ldsthoughtfulquotes.blogspot.co.uk/” class=”bbcode_url”>http://ldsthoughtfulquotes.blogspot.co.uk/

[Anonymous]

Absolutely, balance is more important than online time – and I am SO happy that you are at a place in your life currently that you can recognize such an imbalance and have the reservoir to address it the right way. You will be missed tremendously, but your contributions will continue to be appreciated.

God be with you on this part of your journey, friend. Observing your growth and self-discovery has been one of my greatest pleasures, and you have been an invaluable part of this site.

[Anonymous]

I understand, but I am also really sad – yet happy for you at the same time. I’ll miss you, please don’t be a total stranger. Peace.

[Anonymous]

I have always read your comments with great interest. You’ve made some great contributions to this site. Thanks, and do good out there.

[Anonymous]

Wow. I’m sad for us, and truly happy for you. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Mac, and may God bless you and your family. I can truly say that reading your comments has been a BIG help to me at a crucial time in my life. You will be missed, but I believe I speak for the group when saying that we hope the best for you.

[Anonymous]

You probably won’t see this post, but I can totally relate, Mackay11. I had one entire day that I spent just on this site. I love to come here because it is one of the very few places where I can relax, be myself and know I’m among friends who understand completely. I also know that I can’t live “virtually” either. I have obligations and responsibilities, some of which I actually enjoy, others which I can hardly stand. Balance truly is vital.

I’ve learned to treat the “bloggernacle” as my “dessert” after I’ve completed other non-discretionary tasks. We have 1:00 church and DH sleeps in on Sundays, so it’s my favorite time to get on here and enjoy. Of course, my kids are all grown, so I have the freedom to do that.

I am happy to know that you’ve found peace and direction in life. I look forward to getting to where you are. Your contributions here have been thought provoking and often amusing. My best to you.

[Anonymous]

mac, I understand completely. I too joined this site, spent a lot of time here, left for a while & came back (on a selective basis). This site has given me a lot of options. I will always be grateful.

Comeback from time to time. We would like to hear how you’re doing. Thank you for your contributions here. I wish for you God’s richest blessings.

[Anonymous]

mackay11, Thanks for the contribution you have made to both the content and the tone of this site. Take care.

[Anonymous]

Thank you Mackay! Your contributions here will always be recognized as an important service to your fellow stayLDS man/woman. Speaking selfishly, It was never waisted time for us. We lived many of your ups and downs with you in that small UK branch, and I am always touched how honest the description of your process has been, particularly for those of us that have a spouse that is unbelieving. -Go with God, my friend

[Anonymous]

Mackay11, it was wonderful having you on this forum. I’ve grateful you’ve found peace in your life and I hope for the best for you. I will pray that you will be lead by Spirit to whatever paths God wants you on.

[Anonymous]

I left this forum for similar reasons a year or two ago. I was suffering from a lack of productivity with all the posting I was doing here.

After about 8 months I got back online here and have been posting more reasonably since. Also, I think I hit a significant problem to be solved (my family no longer wanted to attend our home ward),and I needed support and opinions from people here.

Never say never, so I expect you may ask to have your account reactivated at some point. But I understand your reasons for wanting to let go of the “addiction”…

[Anonymous]

There is little I can say which has not been said already.

I appreciate your reasons, but thank you for your positive contributions and service to us.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone. I wanted to pop back to say that I really appreciate the kind and generous words.

Just to be absolutely clear… time spent on stayLDS was never wasted. You are my friends and I appreciate the time spent with you all. I have been uplifted and inspired by your words on many, many an occasion. This is simply part of a broader process of deciding that it’s time to stop talking about my life and to just get on with living it.

And you’re right SD… never say never…

Peace

[Author]

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