CoolClarinetist1392

It can be hard to those who are not a part of it, but I think for the most part it is easy for members because we are used to it. The hard part is withstanding temptations from the world. If we are following his commandments and continually repenting of our wrongdoings, we should have the comfort of knowing that we will live in the Celestial Kingdom with our Father in Heaven and our families. I don't think any of the commandments are unrealistic, some are hard though. For instance, I was raised in the Southern US where sweet tea is a huge commodity, and it was tough for me to give up when I was baptized, along with coffee, but it was worth it! I do not like the heartache of repentance, but I love the opportunity to be clean again. That's what I love about it. I love keeping the commandments because I love the feeling I have when I do. When I'm not as strict with myself, it's harder for me to feel the Spirit.

Sir, thank you for this discussion! It is SO refreshing to have someone simply state our beliefs and embrace the differences and ultimately know that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. The world needs more people like you.

Isn't it interesting how the Spirit works? I love the gospel :) Even things you'd never expect to build your testimony do, and I'm glad I could be a part of that for someone else. Clicky-Clack, I was also baptized when I was 17! Thanks for sharing, it helped me out and gave me some confidence about it! I really appreciate it! I have actually already taken the temple prep class, and I'm excited about going through! I've heard it's a bit different, but I'm excited anyway. I have had too many good experiences in the temple thus far to think that the endowment won't provide the same, even more exalted experiences. CarstenNoorgard, thank you for the reply! I have never thought about it as a giant volunteer experience, that will be a fantastic way to explain it! As for the garments, that helps a lot, the nearest distribution center is three hours away, so I will probably make that trip so that I can decide what I want and not have to worry about being stuck with a material I don't like until a new one comes from the online store. Thankfully, I have been exposed to unfaithful members and bad missionaries, but you're right-- the atonement applies to everyone!

Hello everyone! I'm a convert to the church of roughly 2 1/2 years, and I am the only member in my family. The gospel has been a huge blessing in my life, and have no idea where I would be without it. I will be leaving on a mission this fall, and I have not told my family yet. I really don't know the best way to approach it, but I know I need to soon. Any thoughts? I have a general idea of concerns that will be brought up, and I have had many answered prayers thus far, but I just feel a bit confused on this one. Any converts out there have a similar experience in telling their families? Second, when you go through the temple, I understand we make a commitment to wear the temple garment all the time. I can do that, and I'm even excited about it. However, I'm a bit nervous about the protocol of it. Do they explain what is/isn't okay regarding the garment? I understand don't seek opportunities to remove it, etc. I am currently living with my aunt roughly an hour from home because I am working in the town she lives. She is okay with the church, but has heard a few things that are rather speculatory (thanks to Ancient Aliens and shows like that), so should I wash my garments there and risk forgetting them in the dryer and she coming across them or should I go wash them elsewhere? Finally, what is the most comfortable fabric for your garments? At the distribution centers, do they have samples for you try on? Thanks for the help!

If I could remember the scripture, it'd be more helpful to you, but the gist is: those with ears to listen, listen. Those with eyes to see, see. Abraham may have penned the text in such a way that it would be similar to a parable. The message to those who were/are prepared is understood just fine, yet to others it is something obscure and mundane. Jesus Christ taught in parables through a lot of his ministry. To those who would persecute Christ, he was just talking about birds and rocks, yet to the believer he was talking about faith and caring for our fellow man and loving them. Ultimately, you can come across as much information proving it allegedly wrong as you want, however, none of it matters. The logic of man is far from identical to the logic of God. Just because man says something is wrong, it does not mean that God agrees. If you want to know the veracity of the Book of Abraham, pray about it and ask God if it is true. When I was an investigator, I spent a good deal of my time in the Pearl of Great Price because I felt the Spirit strongly on the concepts of man's relationship to God that were in it. I wish and pray the best for you.

Does anyone else have a very close friend who you became friends with from the second you took the chance to get to know each other? Do you ever wonder if maybe the two of you were close in the Pre-mortal existence? My best friend Allyson and I have that very connection. I joined the church in January of this year (I am 18 and the only member in my whole family) and Allyson attended my baptism. At the end of February she made the decision to be baptized, and she asked me to perform her baptism. Since then we have been to the temple together (I mean for baptisms/confirmations for the dead, not to be sealed, haha), we have gotten our patriarchal blessings together, and we have grown in the church together in many other ways. I feel as if the Gospel answered our questions and opened our eyes to what kind of spiritual beings we are and allowed to us grow closer together. She is off at college now, and I'm a senior in high school. However, every time we see each other again (visits are few and far between), our testimony of the Gospel, and our friendship grows just a bit more. I feel as if I knew her before this life, and that Heavenly Father placed us side by side to help His church. Any personal opinions?

Dahlia, I would suggest going to mormon.org and doing the online chat, ask to be referred to Elder Sabin. He is the missionary that helped me learn about the church (tell him Michael referred you). He is a very nice man who is more than willing to answer questions. I am 17, I joined the church in January. I received a limited-use recommend which is a temple recommend for youth and unendowed adults to perform baptisms and confirmations on behalf of the dead. All the work was done for my father. I was baptized and confirmed for him and a local Mormon family I know finished his initiatory and endowment, well at least the father of the family did. When you join the church, it becomes an everyday thing, not just another Sunday church service. Your mind becomes centered on Christ and what he did for us, and trying to aspire to be like him, thus making it easier to obtain a temple recommend. I hold a limited-use recommend and 4 other youth at my ward do as well and we go to our temple the first Saturday of every month to perform baptisms and confirmations for the dead. In fact, we went today :)