igotskooled

I too have had problems with addiction. I have been up front and honest with my bishop so he knows. He doesn't look down on me at all and appreciates my honesty. Alot of people struggle with different things, and it doesn't mean you are any less of a person. In fact, when you are able to overcome these problems, your testimony will be stronger. Hang in there, keep going to church, keep trying to stop. You can do it, I know you can.

[FONT="Comic Sans MS]i can't tell you guys how much this has all helped me. It is so good to have people out there that I can talk to and have some understanding and insights. I have taken each and every post to heart, and I feel so much better. I know now that it is all about prayer, scripture study and pondering. I believe I can overcome this and become a stronger person with a testimony. I quit reading the book and am now just focusing on reading D&C. I also have "Rough stone rolling" on hold from the library. Thanks to each and every one of you. You have really helped. Have a great day. :)

I have been reading "Mormon Enigma:Emma Smith". I was raised LDS, but have not been active for a long time. I started going back about six months ago. My testimony was growing until reading this book. It touches on some aspects of Joseph Smith's behavior that I was not aware of. His digging for gold, his many wives, etc. I guess I have just put him on a pedestal and this book has deflated my opinion of him. Now I find myself struggling with the whole Joseph Smith story. How can I build a strong testimony if I doubt the whole cornerstone of the religion? I love most of the teachings, and believe it is good. However, I am not one for blind faith. I think and analyze too much. I am really struggling. Can someone help ease my troubled mind? I want to believe, I just don't know how to quiet my cynical side. Thanks for listening, I really needed to vent.

It's places like this that encourages family togetherness. This looks awesome. Great family night out.

I also understand. And, like you, I quit going. I felt the same way. I couldn't get anything out of the lesson. I stopped going for a while, then I just decided I was not going to go back, because I had been gone too long. Looking back, I realize this was just another way for the devil to temp me. Justifying to myself and everyone else that my children was the reason for not going made it easy to get out of it. Slowly, I began to fall away completely and loose the spirit and my testimony. It was horrible. Please don't stop going. If you do, you may stop going altogether and loose all of the wonderful blessings you receive from going. Hang in there, I know how you feel, you are not alone.

rabbit book's name:guess how much i love you

Maira, welcome. I am new as well. I think this is a great place to be for looking for answers in faith. Welcome!

Hey everyone. I have just joined this site. I am trying to strenghten my faith and come back to the church. I found this site and have been checking it out for a while, I think it will help me become a better person, which is what I am trying to do. I appreciate how everyone is mature and helpful, and quick to share personal experiences and feelings. I look forward to meeting all of you, and thanks for taking the time to share all you do. It really makes a difference.