Arkwelder

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Posts posted by Arkwelder

  1. It usually comes down to self-image. If you value what you have to offer others, then chances are you will come out of your shell. You are not just trying to attract any guy, but the right guy. Seriously, what makes you cool? The right guy will think it's cool, too. If you don't think there is anything cool about you, then that may be your problem right there.

  2. I have been a member my entire life and I've never known Mormons to behave like that. I truly believe that the fact that you are a new convert is not an issue and that this is all in your head. Really, find out if the girl is single, then ask her on a date. If things don't go anywhere, it probably has more to do with incompatible personalities than you being a recent member.

  3. Ok, bare with me, I have social anxiety disorder and find it hard to share my opinion on anything for fear of getting it wrong.

    My answers to her questions were very basic, I came to find the church 18 months ago and before that I had no faith, so I am still in the early stages of my learning.

    I said that we can show our obedience by keeping the commandments, praying daily, both personal prayer and family prayer, we can read and study our scriptures, offer service and then I went on to add some of the things I do as a latter day saint like, following the prophet, keeping the word of wisdom, paying tithing, obeying the law of chastity, willingly accepting any calling I am given and doing temple work. I also said that obedience and faith go hand in hand because obedience is easier when we have faith enough to do what is required of us, with obedience our faith grows.

    I also didn't fully understand her second question so told her I would try and see what others thought.

    But how do you know those things actually please God? Suppose you had it wrong and you were just making God more and more angry. I'm not trying to play devil's advocate here. I really think those who have replied here are missing a step. First, you have to know that there is a God. Second, you have to know whether or not he is good (can he be trusted). Third, you have to know what, if anything, he wants from you. Then you're in a place where you can show you're obedience to him. Religion is serious business...there's no reason to walk into it blindly.

  4. I would make one addition: It all comes down to God, and whether or not He manifests the truth of Joseph Smith's prophetic calling and the reality of the Book of Mormon as an ancient religious document containing the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, in other words, it all comes down to revelation about these things...not the things themselves...as if we alone had the faculties to judge either way.

  5. When it really comes down to it, it's all about relationship...with Heavenly Father, The Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, etc. I prefer Mormonism over any other religion or philosophy because it teaches us that certain things can be known...that we don't have to rely on faith indefinitely. It doesn't necessarily come all at once, but Mormonism challenges you to think big like no other religion does, and the challenge pays off. I testify to you that the Plan of Salvation is real, and I invite you to find out for yourself. Many people here are telling you not to rely on your own logic, and they're right, but that doesn't mean the gospel is illogical; you must humble yourself and come to rely on God's logic. God will lay it all out for you in a way that makes sense; it's just that he does so incrementally (and really, is there any other way to teach?), and he only does it for people who are prepared to listen. For some more practical suggestions: Don't read about Joseph Smith, read his actual words. Same with the Book of Mormon. Don't reason it out alone, but with God. Treat it like a process. That's how I did it. I like to visit all sorts of pro and anti sites, almost as a hobby, but when it comes to my Testimony, it's between me and God...just how it should be.