THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MIKE STROUD AND DENVER SNUFFER

There is some scuttlebutt out there where Mike Stroud is getting the same attention as Spencer and others have as being an apostate because he has stepped out and is giving life examples that do not fit neatly in the box, so to speak.

Here is the article that was brought up on the FB take-down of Mike Stroud:

https://wheatandtares.org/2017/09/16/what-do-you-get-when-you-combine-denver-snuffer-and-robert-norman-mike-stroud/

I do not like how Visions of Glory was thrown in with DS.....  Sorry - but you have the author who is currently a Bishop in SLC who is tied in with the 12, and who would NEVER be a Bishop, had they perceived him as a "whacka-doodle" or off in the doctrinal left field.  Short of scripture, I have never had a book hit home like VoG did (other than one small detail I am still coming to grips with - or not).  And yes, the 144K are being prepped right now - for their mission; just as John the Baptist had to be prepped for quite some time prior to Christ's three year ministry which began with John baptizing Him.  The 144K work on the preparatory stuff required to gather and build Zion - just prior to Christ coming to receive "the Bride".

I also happen to disagree with the above article - in that there is an element of demonic influence on some forms of mental illness, in that the demonic influences are more prevalent and work on anyone in ANY kind of a weakened condition, whether it be sin which wears the spirit of the individual down, whether it be alcohol or drug use which does the same, or whether it is a weakened ability to logically reason when the brain function is compromised, which leads to false or skewed conclusions.  I also state that there is a definite biological component to mental illness - which is why it often runs in families, as the genetic disposition is passed from one generation to the next.  I have seen all of the above first hand - and I have used the experience as a learning tool as to where the boundaries of the various issues lie.  I have personally cast evil spirits out of persons weakened by alcohol and drugs (when I was in Brazil), and I know what that experience is like.  I have tried to contrast and compare the two states, with their differences.

I happen to be able to relate quite well to Mike Stroud's life experiences and do not find the Spirit grieved, as some have complained.  Why is it, that those who seem to call out good people always wear copious amounts of make-up?  I have observed those who seem to be struggling with good and right, always seem to cake it on......  This has hit home, as of late......  Too many "cakers" calling out good people as evil.  As if to cover up the person they see in the mirror - one that they do not like......  No, seriously.  A little, to cover some blemishes - no worries.  But thick enough that you need a jack hammer to take it off every night is what I am talking about.....

Here is a comment I had about Mike Stroud (my defense on him) on FB:

I read the first chapter of Second Comforter by DS and put it down and never picked it up again. I followed DS on his blog for some time - and liked much of what he had to say - but sensed apostasy in him from almost the start. I could have put a 70% chance of failure on him. It turned out to be a 100% chance. With Mike Stroud (who loved DS's book), I put less than a 10% chance of failure (falling into a trap as DS did), due to his working knowledge of the Gospel. Even if one strays from the path, a working knowledge always brings them back to center. DS did not experience miracles in his life due to a working knowledge. His knowledge was book, or intellectual-based knowledge. There is a massive difference. 2 Nephi talks of this difference.

As far as make-up and anything else that covers up our natural beauty goes, why must we indulge in it.  I remember in seminary, as a kid, hearing the words of Isaiah talking of the "painted ladies" and those who wore excessive jewelry.  I am just not into the "accessorizing" thing.  I have always been attracted to modest and simple.  Not the "Vegas ladies" that are largely fake from head to toe, including fake eye-lashes.  I don't mind a little make-up - but extremes is kind of ridiculous.  Maybe I am just a little too granola and Birkenstock.  Maybe I like to keep it real - except in the case of bad acne, birth marks, etc.