oisis

I have enjoyed reading this post. Everyone said good things. I don't live in any large LDS hub, and as such have talked with many people over the years as to why they do not believe in organized religion, even some who fell away from the LDS church. One common theme I keep seeing (and I don't pretend to see everything) is.... I was blessed with a spiritual experience in my conversion. They have not felt or recognized the spirit. I think most people who feel the spirit would love it. I was actually trying to study the BoM during my teenage years in order to prove it wrong, but when I felt the spirit I turned 180 degrees and began to love it. Joseph Smith once said something like, "If I had not experienced what I had, I would not believe it myself." Alma 32: When I plant the seed I feel the spirit and I eventually reap more spirit, along with every other good thing. I have had times (like others... I can only guess) where I felt offended at church:(). I have come to a determination that I am going for my own worship and I hope and pray to be able to feel the spirit for it heals me of every hard and lonely feeling! Of course I have old and new friends at church too :)