candyprpl

I will try and find the quote. I'm pretty sure it was in one of the two books I'm reading right now -- one about JS and the other about Emma. I can't believe I didn't mark it -- I usually mark quotes that are important to me. It is important to remember that saying.:)

I thought that's what you were talking about, but I didn't want to make any assumptions. I guess I'm dealing with that myself. I also know that God would not continue to use Joseph as a servant if he didn't maintain his worthiness. I guess that's why I'm reading some of the books suggested to me. I wish I could find the quote that I just read the other day -- it quoted Emma saying (this was from the RLDS sources) she never doubted Joseph's calling and this was said in her elder years. And a quote by Joseph about his hurting Emma, "no one knows my heart." So far, everything I've come across implies that this was not easy for Joseph. He didn't like it hurting Emma. Thanks for sharing.

Well, it's kind of a long story -- if you go to my profile, I have it posted as my conversion story. I got my confirmation about the Church before I actually prayed about it -- it's explained in my story. Everything came together for me -- a peace that I've never felt before. A comfort that I've never experienced before. I told my sisters (who have been members many years) that I feel like I've always known these things. They just smiled because they knew what I meant by that.:)

I'm not sure I understand what you're saying -- could you explain?

One to add to my endless reading list,LOL! I'm reading Rough Stone Rolling and Mormon Enigma Emma Smith -- next is The Peacemaker, along with daily scripture study, preparing lessons and studying for Institute. Phew!!!! Tired just thinking about it. Thanks Hemidakota -- I love reading!

hmmmm -- that's very interesting. That's why I'm always wondering if God's word as found in the Bible have been translated correctly. You know Vanhin, When I prayed to know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the restored Church of Christ, I did get that comfirmation in a miraculous way. Since joining this forum I have had a lot of questions. I've taken all of this to the Lord in prayer. I'm not sure about this, but I don't think I'm getting any definite answers. I'm not bold enough to say what I'm really thinking. But, I do know they are my thoughts right now and not answers to my prayers. Sorry, just rambling. Sometimes it helps me sort out my thoughts.:)

Hi CatchTheRedeye, Glad to see you're still around. I was wondering if you ever looked into the book I suggested -- Mormon Scientist? I think it's really interesting to see how a man of science can have such a strong faith in God. I feel the same way about Joseph Smith. That's why when anyone questions him being a prophet all I have to remember is how could he have possibly come up with the Book of Mormon on his own, and in such a short time. We've talked in PM about my belief that God is a living God. I'm glad to see you are still searching for the truth.:) Stick around -- ask more questions -- there are great people on this forum. You are very respectful of my beliefs and I know that you will find the people here to be respectful of your beliefs.:)

evening

Well, I'm one of those ones who wonders about hidden agendas -- do you have an agenda for being here. Oh moderators don't get upset with me and think I'm being contentious. I just hate beating around the bush about things. I'm like, 'say it now, and get it over with.' If you have no agenda and just want to mess around -- that's cool -- I can deal with that. And of course, it does sadden me that you are ex-Mormon.

A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, post! Thank-you so much:D I believe God wants all his children to be united. I'm finding out more and more everyday, how little we know and how much more there is to learn. And I agree, we won't get all the answers in this life. Thanks again and welcome, Candace:) P.S. I said welcome because I have not run across any of your posts since I joined.

contentment

Hi ceeboo/Carl, I would really like to know how you interpret these scriptures. What does the Catholic church teach about these times? I'm not as learned as you and it's a little embarrassing asking you to explain. I know a little world history and it seems that the 'Dark Ages' explain a lot, and for me, give proof that something horrible happened after the death of the original apostles. What happened to the church after Peter? I guess you can see that these are the questions I had in the thread I started, but more learned LDS have more experience with this kind of conversation, so I've popped in here. Hope that's okay:p

laughter

ooooooo!

cuddling

Misshalfway -- I've started reading 'Rough Stone Rolling.' I like what the author says in the Preface. ...it is unlikely there will ever be consensus on Joseph Smith's character or his achievements. The multiplication of scholarly studies and the discovery of new sources have only heightened the controversies surrounding his life. The central difficulty is that Joseph Smith lives on in that faith of the Mormons, like Abraham in Judaism or Muhammad in Islam. Everything about Smith matters to people who have built their lives on his teachings. To protect their own deepest commitments, believers want to shield thier prophet's reputation. On the other hand, people who have broken away from Mormonism -- and they produce a large amount of the scholarship -- have to justify thier decision to leave. They cannot countenance evidence of divine inspiration in his teachings without catching themselves in disastrous error. Added to these combatants are those suspicious of all religious authority who find in Joseph Smith a perfect target for their fears. Given the emotional crosscurrents, agreement will never be reached about his character, his inspiration, or his accomplishments.(emphasis added) I think we see all these attitudes on this forum. Many have talked about this book and said that I should read it. I've been told that it's not a faith promoting biography. That makes me wonder enough to read it. I don't think Joseph needed to be perfect to ba a prophet and if that's what they're talking about then I understand that comment. I'm only on page 23 (a lot of words, LOL) and I think the book has been well researched. As much as I can know, I do want to know who he was. Justice -- what kind words!! I do feel that it is 'godly sorrow' that sometimes racks me. Many years ago I attended a seminar series (when I was on my journey) which taught me the importance of seeing the world as a community. I've added upon that as seeing everyone as my brother and sister, as the Lord has intended us all to do. So, yes, it does disturb me when family members don't get along. Oh, it's so much more than that!!! My thoughts since first posting as evolved a little with the help of all you. Our first Institute class was yesterday. Studying the NT. My feelings about our differences has settled, a little,LOL. I still wonder why the differences in the interpretations.(sigh):)

I've read all the posts - phew! When I read this post of yours, I had been thinking all along that the main source of your upset was that your husband was hearing this talk. I think the way the talk was presented (given your statements about it) would also make me a little uncomfortable. There have been times when I've been in Sacrament and had a talk concern me -- I know that I can pray and receive answers about the talk, but I will be concerned with the investigators hearing such talks. I'm a fairly new convert too and what seams to settle my heart and mind most is to always go back to why I joined the Church, my testimony. I know that I am learning 'line upon line.' It's good to hear your husband can focus on the good things about the Church. That alone will take him a long way.:)

Oh Ram, you always ask for the impossible!LOL!

Don't worry about having questions -- I didn't. I thought that if I had the missionaries come I needed to have a bunch of questions for them to answer. They always asked after the end of a lesson if I had any questions. I would tell them, not now but maybe after thinking about what you've said, I will. They told me to write down the questions and we would go over them when they came back. Now this is the strange part of my experience -- after they would leave and I would ponder what they said, I would come up with many questions. After reading the scriptures that they assigned and prayed, I would go to bed. The next morning I would get up and the questions seemed answered. I can't really explain how. When the missionaries would come back the next time, they asked, did I have any questions. I told them I did, but I got my answers. They asked how I knew that my questions were answered -- because I no longer have questions. It was a strange experience, but very spiritual. Meet with the missionaries -- whether you decide to be baptized now or not it will be a wonderful experience. God Bless!

sorrowful

Thanks Changed for that scripture. I do sometimes forget that opposition is part of 'the plan.':) Hey Ceeboo, I don't know how long this thread will last, how long people will participate -- I hope others of different faiths will join at some point. I'm still optimistic that we can participate in an adult conversation, without childish name-calling, LOL! I'm interested in what other's believe (as I've already stated) and being able to do this in forum form makes it easy for practically home-bound (like myself) to discuss such matters. I greatly appreciate your consideration for my beliefs and I (like misshalfway) are glad you are here -- for whatever reason. I was wondering if you (Ceeboo) were familiar with a book, "Pageant of the Popes" by John Farrow (1942). While searching Ancient Scripture sites this book was mentioned, it caught my attention because it starts with Peter. I do want to know more about the history of the Catholic church. And many (here in this forum) have told me to read Rough Stone Rolling about Joseph Smith and Mormon Enigma - Emma Hale Smith. I also just got them -- so I have lots of reading to do. Probably will have lots of questions for all of you:lol:

This is great! I'm glad we're all friends again,LOL! I agree, we can build on the common beliefs that we share.:)

The only problems I have encountered here are when posters will misinterpret what another poster is saying. Like your problem with reading one of the posts. No one knew you had a problem as you explained, but you were jumped on right away. We all need to remember that what we are trying to say in written words does not always come across the way it was intended. I welcome your input here. If we choose to be offended, we will be. Our problem, not your's.

Me too!!!!

Just want to make a point on what you said --potential to be like Him one day. Not be Him. He is and always will be God our Father and creator but just like a child growing up to be somewhat like their father or mother, we can maybe be gods (little g) and goddesses.