LDSVALLEY

Welcome. Our family will be watching conference at the chapel next weekend as normal

I used to feel like an outsider in our New Ward (7yrs ago now). After a conversation with a Bishop he got me to look at the situation differently and I realized it was only me who created that image. A few months after that realization several of us newer members in the Ward, around 10 or so were talking one day and we got on this topic and 8 of the 10 felt that way also. Then a few longer term members came over and most of them felt the same way! We were a Ward where a majority of the group felt everyone else fit in but they did not! I am a shy person when I am not in a situation I am comfortable with. IE meeting new people, small talk etc. When I became a Mission Leader I struggle for example I can conduct a baptism but then need to be alone for a few minutes to regroup. I was supposed to greet people and get to know investigators. To go with Missionaries to meetings when needed etc. I thought about what the Lord does to change people's hearts who then can change their environment. I thought of my limitations and how I would like the Ward to appear to others when they arrive. Since I suck at small talk, unless you want to discuss military history, what could I do to make others feel welcome and important? Starting 18 months ago I challenged myself to a 60 day experiment to look after Investigators, New Memebers and Less Actives. Each Sunday 20 minutes before service starts you will find me standing at the main door opening it for people. Since it is not a place for small talk I can greet each person warmly, smile, shake hands, occasionally help with them getting in, and stay in my comfort zone. Most of our few Ward Missionaries have caught on and either join me or go out of their way to greet new people, introduce them to leadership etc. With their example more members are taking a few moments to do so as well. We appear to be a much more friendly ward to new comers then previous. We are having more investigators come back and members who had stopped coming are more interested in attending church again. Instead of removing yourself to a new environment might I suggest first trying an eight week experiment like I did. Think about what your comfort zone will allow your family to do and then how your family can improve the atmosphere of the Ward. Then for eight weeks do it each week and every week. Don't go for big plans go for simple. If it works for you greet people at the door of the building ( I find the door into sacrament too congested and requires small talk so you can't greet everyone.) Or greet people going into a class after service etc. You might be surprised at the difference it can make for your family and the Ward. If after 60 days you don't find a change then you should feel better about switching to another Ward. PS I don't want you to think all the change was a result of what I did in our Ward. It was two things. The first by greeting and opening doors for people I became more aware of connections that were already there. And noticed more the efforts of members that they had already been making. The second was most people act within the situation they feel they are in. When they feel alone they act it which makes others feel unwanted. When they feel noticed they interact more with others and open themselves up more. Most of it is subconscious which is why we don't realize we reflect it. When someone changes the expected we become more aware of our surroundings and alter our response to the new situation. Give it a try you have nothing to lose and much to gain from the attempt.

Yes I believe that is the correct spelling.

In last 3 years we have had 4 British, 1 Austrailian, 5 Canadian, 1 Somohan(spelling oops) the rest were USA.

I know when we have British Missionaries the number of complaints about them increase. Every one I investigated so far as a Mission Leader was misunderstanding of British Wit. Which actually does surprise me since the majority of Saints in our Ward would be of British Descent and East Coast humor (other then Newfie.) tends to be dryer then the rest of Canada as a generalization.

It depends on how you define appropriate sunday activities. For our family going trick or treating on the Sabbeth is not okay. I know others who feel it is. Just as I know high priests who shop on Sunday, mow lawns etc. When halloween last fell on the Sabbeth the Ward held a halloween Saturday instead. It was actually one of the best years our children had I stayed home ( i hope that wasn't why it was one of the best for them!) My wife drove them to various members homes and other members children came to ours. I think they actaully did better then going around the nieborhood. They had a great time because they visited people they knew not strangers. They ended wishing Halloween was always on a Sunday! And no our children did not go out the next day as well. But what you choose to do with your children is what you feel is best for you and them. While some members take a hard stance either way someone elses choice has nothing to do with my salvation only theirs so pray ask God and do what you feel is right.

I'm Canadian, we are caught in the middle between the two with our sense of humor. Add a dash of French Canadian and a pinch of Newfie and we end up laughing at our own jokes that are making fun of our sense of humor because our sense of humor is everything else from everyone else and yet none of the above. So we are either hysterically funny or have no sense of humor. Good Day A...... This hoser is off to the sleep slate for a head down so he can get cracked at hill and vale druggery later. and remember I AM CANADIAN........

The Gospel Principle book simply says 10% of your increase. I knew a member who's family paid it on everything. Estimated value of gifts received, gross on income, rebates, stuff they were given, food they grew in a garden etc. Bishops have different view as well, the one who got me paying tithing ( I joined refusing to pay it, don't ask how I was able, the missionaries told me they told someone who prayed and said I didn't have enough faith yet but would so I could be baptized. Might have been a Mission President or Bishop or Zone Leader it was the old system.) His view was to pay on money you received from work you did. He did not include money from the government for basic living such as unemployment income or welfare. I've had other Bishops who followed different advice. Since I teach GP class I tell converts to understand that paying tithing is giving some of what the Lord has given you back to him to help further is work and provide for his children in need. I give them examples of options people follow then tell them to think about what they feel they should pay to consider it a full tithe then pray to the Lord. When he is happy with it he will let you know by the spirit. I also point out the Bishop asks if you are a full tithe payer but does not break down your income and a list of rules etc. If the Lord and you are happy with what you are paying and your paid in full by your formula then you answer yes. Personally I pay on Net Income, I exclude GST rebate cheques and Child Tax Credit as they are money coming back from taxes I've paid on my net income. I also don't calculate to the penny but pay a set amount per pay as there is minimal change in mine. My wife as she is self employed we calculate hers based on her Gross income as we only figure out her net at the end of the year. And her extra covers any oversights I've missed as well as most of the income tax return I receive. Our children pay on their allowance which really I have already paid on as well but it teaches them to pay tithing as well. We prayed about it the Lord is happy with that, it works for us, all is good.

Proclamation of the family, pictures of christ and the temple. Actually a piece of the temple stonework that was removed due to an imperfection also. Tennis shoes among the Nephities, Mormon bathroom reader, 600 copies of Ensign, Friend, New Era, 8 Books of Mormon, 50+ manuals, 30 or so other lds books, 15 church video, 8 movies like Single Ward, RM, Best 2 years etc. 1 or 2 per week 4 Missionaries in our yard. Someone leaving or returning from a church program, meeting, class, home or visit teaching, service project almost daily.

Too bad you were not sent further North and East. You could have served in the Halifax Canada Mission, served in Newfoundland and had it very cold and learned a unique language called Newfie! Just remember to be kind to your Ward Mission Leaders, we try hard to help:)

While never on a Bishopric I was Ward Clerk for a time and watched the Bishopric get on their knees to pray about each calling. Only if all three got an affirmative was the call extended. I do not question that most leaders go by inspiration. My point was that things depend on exactly what we pray for in some cases. The example I used with my wife was very true we both felt it was wrong and things ended up very wrong. It was the same Bishop I watched pray about callings so I know he had gotten a response. However I firmly believe he was praying for someone who might fix a situation with the least disturbance to the Ward. Being asked to fix something that was the president's role to fix while being called only as a councilor was a bad journey for my wife and ultimately for me. Was the calling inspired yes. God told them my wife was the one to fix the problem. But the manner the Bishopric tried to use that inspiration was against normal church guidelines and in the end did more harm then good. I firmly believe that if the Lord has called me to a position then he will let me know as well as the Bishop. Most often I have known before an interview, the few times I have not I was able to ask and receive an answer from God before giving my answer. It has been the same for my wife except for that one calling. I have to believe my inspiration is as valid for me as the Bishop's is for the Ward.

I believe most if not all callings come from inspiration, however during a meeting it was shown clearly how the inspiration can be altered. The Relief Society President had a clear reply from the Lord about having a particular sister assigned to visit teach another. The Bishop had a clear reply from the Lord that it was not a good idea. The president was frustrated and asked why they would both receive different answers and no it was not because the Bishop knew things the RS President did not because that can make a difference. I pondered this for a few days and prayed as well because once my wife was called to a calling that both her and I felt was wrong. Here is why they were both right. The Relief Society was praying about what would be best for the person going out visit teaching and the sister to be visited would be good for her. The Bishop prayed about what would be good for the person receiving the visiting teaching it would not be helpful for her. My wife was called to fix a problem short of releasing a presidency but there was real problems and she was asked to act as a president while only being a councilor. It was a very bad situation for her and caused much issue at church and at home as well. So yes, I believe callings are inspired even those out of desperation. But why they are inspried is important as well. Every calling my wife or I have had we have been able to have it confirmed either before it was offered or during the interview that it was correct except for that one of my wife. So I have no problem with asking time to confirm it is what the Lord feels I should do. If I don't get a yes I will either ask probing questions as to why I have been asked or reply that I have not gotten direction adn therefore can not accept it. And I don't feel it goes against the inspiration of the Lord.

Yes it was humor. I have not yet refused a calling but when extended one I have no issue with saying no if the lord does not confirm it to me when I pray about it. I was never aspiring to any calling especially this one.

Our first child was born before we were members and did not need it. Our second when it got near time for baptism at 8 I inquired and was told that she HAD to be blessed before she could be baptized because she was born into the church. He wanted to do it in Sacrament but I pushed and got a private one as she was shy and would be intimidated as usually only little children are done. When it came time for our third and last child I again went to the new bishop and brought it up and was told it was not necessary to have done as he would soon be baptized. Unless we really wanted it done, then he was willing. Different Bishops can read different things into the same rules. And being human we can misremember what we think policy is. If a leader gives you advice or direction with policy of the church and you feel you have issue with it there is nothing wrong with asking that they show you the instruction so you can understand it. This gives them a chance to review what is actually written. I just was asked to produce evidence of my stance with emergency call out procedures and that our Ward was not following the directives of the church and stake. The Bishop had already agreed with me on it but wanted evidence to help others understand. Five minutes of effort I had it and everyone got on board the next meeting. Don't fear to ask, as we were taught last night in a teachers seminar at the chapel. A former Bishop of our instructor would tell members when they "quoted" doctrine or leaders in talks but did not have the source they had 5 days to produce it or a retraction would be announced. I imagine that cut down on gospel according to ..........

I give up I replied 3 times already and they all disappeared before I hit post. I guess I am not supposed to answer this one.

Since I'm a guy I don't know if it is appropriate to stick my two cents in but.... I think it is wrong for them to come over unannounced. And it should fit your schedule as well as theirs. But..... I work night shift and sleep during the day for the last 8 years. I don't see the problem with having them over when he is sleeping. Us men are not supposed to be listening in anyway. My wife has had hers over when I'm asleep. Does this mean you never have friends or family or kids around when he is asleep? If so what's the difference? In the end however, it is not for me to say, if you are not happy then talk to the RS President.

I joined the church as a married adult and never went on a mission and kids are not old enough yet. But Mission calls come from prayer and the spirit. While the Lord might take into account any natural abilities you have speaking French to a French language country for example it is not universal. Know of a fluent French speaking Missionary went to a Spainish language based country while an English one from the same Stake went to France at the same time. While I have seen a few local leadership pick people for callings not based on prayer that is the exception. The vast majority of calling including Mission calls are based on the direction of the Lord.

First I confess that I don't have time to read the replies to your post today so I may be simply repeating what others have offered. My current calling in the church is a Ward Mission Leader, the biggest part of that role for me is to help new members become solid members. The Mission Leaders are responsible to watch over new converts for 2 years after baptism which should show you it is a long process of adjustment and understanding for most new members to go through. Satan works hardest on people before baptism, after baptism and before attending the temple for the first time. What you are going through in my experience is very normal. When I joined 13 years ago I felt after baptism that I was left to sink or swim on my own or had to earn my membership in the church. I felt lost and wondered if I was worthy to receive all the inspirations etc that those around me kept talking about. I measured myself to them and fell very short of their apparent spirituality. I at least had the advantage that my wife and I joined together so you have things harder then I. We all get the feel for how the Holy Ghost communicates with us in a different manner and time. It took me almost 3 years before I found it and have never lost it sense. God measures us by our progression and not how we rank compared to others. Those that I felt were "super" Mormons were not they had strong and weak points just as I. Often leaders in the Ward are so busy with squeaky wheel issues that they overlook the quite ones that go unnoticed. I constantly receive proof that the church is true, if you seek that out you will find it so. Two days ago an investigator who is 13 asked me for a blessing before going to school. While she is friends with my daughter I don't know her really well. Her Mom came over and since she was nervous and was not sure what one was I gave my two oldest children a school blessing first. I then gave this girl hers, when done I wiped a tear from my eye and she wiped more from hers. She asked her Mom after they left "How could he know some of those things about me?" Her Mom who is also not a member replied There was no way he could, it must have come from God. You will be attacked by Satan through others on every side. It can be hard until you have the chance to build the testimony of things like blessings etc to armour yourself against these attacks. I found logic was a huge help to me. When the Missionaries first visited I told them they could teach but had not a prayer of converting me to their brainwashing cult. SIGH. Alas I rely on Logic and logic kept telling me the things they taught made sense. Simply the fact that there are so many active against the church tell me its real. I was posting with one how called themselves trappedinmormonhell even though they had not been a member for 15 years. I asked him if he was no longer a member and didn't believe in the teachings then why wasn't his handle freedfrommormomhell? Last time I heard from him. Logic tells me if the church was not true why would so many spend huge amounts of time actively trying to pull it down? When we look at as you put it logical concerns especially when dealing with historical event we must remember to put ourselves into the proper historical context of the events first. Example could I write a book claiming it was from God? Sure give me a few weeks and the internet and I can create one that ties in well with biblical and historical information. But could the son of a dirt farmer in the early to mid 1800's who would have little chance for basic education. There are things in the Book of Mormon which simply would not have been known to someone in his situation. If the family owned a dozen books other then the bible they would have been blessed, Man's understanding from the highest levels of education at that time would have made it difficult. And what end result would he have expected from creating such a book? People were not wealthy so the cost of creating and reproducing the Book of Mormon not to mention the huge investment of time would have bee prohibitive to say the least. Hope this helped some, sorry if it sound a bit distorted I was typing as fast as I could as I have to go. Last thing you said you would rather suffer in silence. That is not required. At church you have the Gospel Principle class for new members that is there to answer your questions and provide a basic gospel foundation. You have the Full Time Missionaries to go to as well. Hopefully you also have Home Teachers and an active Ward Mission Leader you can turn to. You are part of the Elder Quorum and the Presidency can also help you. I have a sign I made for my Gospel Principle class The only dumb question is the one you don't ask. We all know something about some things but no one on Earth knows everything about every thing. I wanted nothing to do ever with Missionary work and ended up called to oversee it in our Ward. It is the best calling I never wanted and would love to do it for a lifetime. Because the more I help new members the more I learn and grow. Please do not suffer in silence, if you have questions ask. Feel free to Private Message me any questions you have if you wish. I never take offense from questions, I can't promise to have all the answers but will help where I can. Know that each and every member goes through times of turmoil with the gospel which is why we talk about endure to the end. You are not alone in your quest you are simply now one of us. The second you were confirmed a member you became equal in the eyes of the Lord as a 90 year old life long member. And the Lord needs you and your talents to further his work to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of Man. Which is why Satan redoubles his efforts after baptism to tear you away from the path. Again please don't suffer in silence that is Satan's path not Heavenly Fathers when you deny others the opportunity to help with your concerns you deny them the blessings the Lord gives them for helping you.

Greetings to you from East coast Canada! This is a great site to find\give advise\answers\questions.

I can see that would be hard transition. I rely often on the logic of things. Knowing the Vatican has said they had scripture they decided not to put in the bible for varoius reasons Logic tells me there must be other works. I always thought it didn't make sense that God would give scripture to the people of the middle east region but not to anyone else on Earth. And since each of us remembers things slightly different the only way God's word could remain true was if someone was able to clarify his word for us to stay on course. Here is the biggest thing that converted me. The Missionaries told me they would not convince me, God would. I never came across a religion that told me to not believe what they taught but to ask of God and he would let me know. While this sometimes takes time to realize how he is communicating with us, I had gotten an answer. If I can then it makes sense Prophets can get far more. But simply knowing to ask of God instead of trusting their word told me it must be true. Since you have a religious background you don't need to learn just modify some of it. The gospel is the same it is just man's interpretation of parts of it that causes change. Don't try to know all things, don't fall into the i'll never be as good as the others (cause we all have to grow into the gospel), don't go faster then you are ready for, and never be afraid to ask questions especially in Gospel Principle class which is for new members or people looking into the gospel. We all know something about something but not everything about everything so it is okay to ask about what might be obvious to another. And members don't always know what you might not understand yet. Last enjoy the journey, it can be confusing but I am so greatful my family is so blessed from us joining. While I don't like everyone in our Ward we are a Ward family just like my real family I have members I don't care for, but we love and help each other where we can.

Depends on the situation. In person I tend to politily correct if appropriate or laugh it off. Via internet I often engage them in discussion. I am always careful to let them know I am not expecting to change their opinion. Nor will they change mine. It makes me sad when I see LDS argue with anti posts and get angry or upset because they can't change the persons opinion. I have read many where the LDS ends up being harsher then the anti ever was. I always remain polite and also let them know they can say what they want to me and it will not bother me. If they get personal I can always stop responding. I've had some of the best discussions about religion from anti's speaking up and gotten a fair amount of Gospel knowledge out to others from it. Most people simply spread stuff without any personal axes against the church to grind. They are the easy ones to talk to.

Funny that was the part that made the most sense to me. Explain it this way to him: does it make sense that a loving Heavenly Father would provide prophets on the Earth for centuries before the coming of Christ and not afterward when there are more of his children on Earth facing problems unknown in Christ time? During Christ's ministry on Earth he called apostles to help him, when he returned to Heavenly Father new Apostles continued to be called to replace ones who were killed. Until it became impossible for them to continue. Growing up I had no religion in my life. Around 13 I started contemplating the existence of God and religion. Logic told me God exists, but the fact we had no revelation on Earth today when we had it hundreds of years ago was not logical therefore I decided organized religion was not correct. If there is a God who loves us and we believe that. Then God must love us equally. If we believe that then we have to believe he would provide Prophets to help guide us as they did in ancient times. And if God did not intend for us to have Prophets after Christ returned to heaven why were new ones called. I told the Missionaries they had no chance of me joining the church 12 years ago, but the Logic told me otherwise, I'm glad it did. Missionaries try and take a member with them, it can be hard to find ones who are willing and usually Bishops are very busy dealing with members needs. It is a blessing to have him come.

The missionaries teach out of a book called Preach my Gospel you might want to check it out of the local church library for reference. As to what to expect it varies with the teaching habits of individual missionaries. Some are all business some are laid back, some are full of the spirit, some are a little too excited and appear pushy etc. Sometimes they show video's, sometimes they use a lot of scripture sometimes just a little. Remember a few things ( I oversee the progress of people looking into joining the church and newly joined members in our ward so I find these things are common.) Missionaries are there not to convince you to join the church but to teach you basic church doctrine to allow you to go to Heavenly Father and pray to him about what direction you should take. Don't think you need to know everything first. Please ask them questions. You can not ask a dumb question because not one of us knows everything about everything. They honestly want you to ask them questions, bring up concerns etc. They tend to ask for a baptism commitment early on to provide motivation. Remember you can refuse and they won't be upset if you are not ready. What I suggest to people is go ahead and select one but make sure it is a time line that gives you time to be comfortable with it. I usually suggest a month or 6 weeks but I know people who felt the spirit and were baptized in a week. Be willing to tell them about yourself, the more information they have on your family the more they can teach things that are relevant for your needs. And if the Ward has a good Ward Mission Leader ( my calling in my ward) then he can use that information to help your progress by finding appropriate Home or Visit teachers etc. (the missionaries can teach you what those are.) Becoming LDS is a life long journey, you are starting at the beginning, there is a steep learning curve, it seems like a completly different lifestyle and language. Things that become second nature to members are completly confusing to new people. Most members are willing to help you, some don't remember what it's like, but most will help. An important point is especially in Sacrament and 3rd hour classes lessons and talks are given with the understanding that a foundation of LDS gospel exists. Until you have that sometimes things are said that are make perfect sense in the gospel understanding but not the worldly understanding. If you find something said causes offense or hurt then talk to someone. Having been on the other side it has always been a misunderstanding through lack of foundation and nothing more. It should be that you are welcomed with open arms and leaders take your family aside as individuals to get to know about you and help your progression. Often leaders are so busy fighting fires or dealing with squeaky wheels that the quite ones get over looked. Understand people in the LDS church with callings are just like you. They have no special training and squeeze what time they can for callings out of family, employment, sleep and relaxation time. If you feel they are ignoring you then talk to them, they will listen I promise. One warning as soon as you begin telling people you are looking into the church you will have negative comments coming out of the woodwork. Most is so dumb it's a laugh. My wife and I are the only LDS in our families and we heard every story imaginable. I use humor to deal with it and usually make jokes about it. It does stop after the ones who love you see the changes for the good it makes in your family. Mine went from not ever mention it around me to lets take the Missionaries some food when there was extra! If you have questions that the Missionaries haven't answered feel free to message me. Our Ward also has created a Mormon-English Dictionary that I uploaded to the net. I don't have the link at the moment but if you would like it let me know and I'll post it again. The Missionaries are a great group of dedicated youth. enjoy them.

Having had a couple of friends into porn and talking with another who is a councilor for addictions realize this is a real issue. Most people think you simply stop watching and that is it. As one told me it is like being an alcoholic. The more he trys to abstain the more images and thoughts appear in his brain. It took him along time to realize he had a problem and it was very hard for him to quit (not a member btw) Our brains are stimulated by chemical reactions. The images and sounds and writings stimulate the brain and cause temporary highs just like booze and drugs. But when you immerse yourself in it day after day your brain process comes to crave the stimulus. And of course the more you engage in it the more normal it becomes. Then to get the high again you need to either increase the amount or the intensity of the experience by seeking out the next level. Previous to the internet it was not as common for people to become addicts as movies, books, magazines were pretty tame pre 1990's. With the internet it has become a huge business and to keep the money coming in the pornography industry has gone to extreme ends to "entertain" its clients. The process is the same for most addictions. They need to admit they have a problem. Depending on the depth of the control they may need professional help to beat this. One friend admits he is addicted but doesn't want to stop, his wife does it as well go figure, he once told me he has over 1500 gigabytes of the stuff. The other managed without professional help but it took him months to get the images and desire out of his mind. As far as I know he never told his wife about it because he did not want to lose his marriage and felt he would. But it also provided him the motivation to stop. He made sure he was never alone in the house around the computer, he moved the computer to a high traffic area (for the prevention of his kids getting into stuff on the net was his excuse). He said he fought it for months, going with little sleep, having erotic dreams for weeks, images would appear whenever he was not careful to guard his thoughts, he was focused so much on this private battle his relationship became strained with his spouse. Had massive headaches etc. I don't get the chance to talk to him much these last few years due to a move but last time we touched on this subject he said he had been clean for a long time. His relationship with his family was much better. He no longer was working through a veil of guilt and fear but one of love and commitment. During times of passion it was now about the passion of the moment, the loving bond then the action or attempting to recreate what he had seen. The church has many programs that can help member or not but many members try and avoid it because seeing the Bishop on this one can lead to loss of membership which can tear families apart. Members should seek help from the church leadership but if they choose not to then make sure they have someone to turn to. Having been on the friend side at least I know how much they need someone to turn to, who will not condone or condemn them but will support them. This can mean dropping what you plan to do to visit so they are not alone and tempted etc. If you want to help them and they want help then take time to look for information on it. The worst failing is people do not realize how addicting it is and how it changes the brains thought processes. If you don't get that then you can't help nor can they beat it. If they are willing turn to God often. Have them carry hymns or uplifting music, watch uplifting movies etc, read scripture or other good books. Do hobbies or find a project. They will feel powerless or down on themselves find small victories for them. Finishing needed work, taking up a new hobby, or a class etc. One thing a past Stake President said was very sound advise. Each of us is an actor on the stage of life. We can only be one character at a time. Is the character on your stage one you'd like to see? If not fire him, in your mind create a job application, become that requirement and put him on the stage. I did this for better communicating with my family especially when stressed and it worked wonders. When I find I am a character who is getting frustrated I fire him and hire a kind person who deals with others first. While not perfect I am better. I also found the 7 habits of highly effective families series of books by Steven Covey to be very inspiring and helpful with many trials in life. Main point is we plot a course just as an airplane. The plane will be off course slightly most of the trip but because the pilots focus on the final destination the plane will arrive, it will make many many small course corrections but it will get there. If your friend sets a course he will be all over the place but if he keeps moving forward using the tools and knowledge available to him he can make it to what destination he wants.

Short answer to your questions is YES. It is a place to go to feel God's presence stronger then in the chapels. It is a time for spiritual refilling, a place to seek answers and talk to God. When you are done with the rituals and enter what is called the celestial room ( you can find pictures of it in church publications about temples) I like to look into the chandelier let my mind drift and eyes loss focus I find the avenue between this world and the next becomes clearer for me and I get direction or simply refilled. And also yes there are active LDS who don't go at all or often. The often is several things, one being there is only 130 or so temples worldwide and not every LDS lives close to one. Ours is only 90minutes away but with three young children it is hard for both my wife and I to attend so we only get too it a few times per year. The at all is also true, everyone can attend our chapel services but you must be a member in good standing for a year before you can attend the temple. Not everyone is able to maintain the level needed even if they have been to the temple. I was a member for 3 years before I even had a interest in the temple and got to the level needed to attend. Again distance might also prevent many from ever attending as not every country has a temple. Prior to the Halifax temple being built 10 years ago members had a 20 hour drive to Toronto or Washington. The standards are not difficult but the desire needs to be there and until you realize the blessings of going to the temple motivation can be low.