Douglas

THIRD MEETING WITH MISSIONARIES Yesterday, Friday, was a summer like day here in NY. I made my way over to the church right after work and met with the elders. We were joined this time by an elder who is attending the SUNY Maritime College here in the Bronx. We shared some small talk about work, had a laugh or two, and set out to begin my next "lesson". The topic was "The Plan of Salvation". And, as you all know, what a wonderful plan it is! To think that we have been with Heavenly Father and were able to choose the side of righteousness! And then at at particular point in time were sent here to to begin our probationary period to learn the ways of right and wrong so that we would be able to return to Heavenly Father! There were other points we covered over the course of an hour and a half. I discussed that as former roman catholic the "conversion" needed to accept the Gospel involves a very real mental and spiritual paradigm shift. And while some would see this shift as totally impossible or even ridiculous the journey of learninng and sincere prayer to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ makes it crystal clear, beyond all doubt, that this Gospel is TRUE. The Elders then suggested we continue to meet twice a week. Then the bombshell: they asked me to consider being baptised on Saturday October 27th and confirmed on the 28th. I was somewhat surprised. I consider membership in the Church of Jesus Christ a great gift. I do not take this committment likely. I know it will be life changing and I want to be ready....can one ever be fully ready? And so a date is set. I will contine to read and more importantly pray. If this is my time, I will ask God to give me as much strength and confidence to know it. Until next time.... God Bless You All, Douglas

Behind the scenes: The wife is tolerant about my journey. She has been use to my spiritual meanderings over the years, only this time she actually sees some change in me....a little more patient, a little more calm, a bit more attentive....so she figures that this might actually be a good thing. She is a non-practicing cultural catholic...she was born in Italy. Surprisingly she hasn't made any negative comments and I take that as a very good sign. The children are aware of what's going on. Even though they go to catholic school my wife said she has no problem with them coming to church with me if they want. My college age daughter seems th most wary...like her mom the most aware of my wandering spiritual life.....but she has been listening and I write her often of this particular road I am on. Hopefully my experiences and my example...being a better husband and father.... will be a positive force in our home. Warm regards, Doug

...the sopa opera continues.....(that cracked me up!) REPORT ON 2ND MEETING Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! Am I just lucky or is it possible to be this blest? For this meeting I went over to my local ward (Olmstead - Bronx, NY). A very nice two story buiding exactly 1.5 miles from my house. I was met by Elders McGill and Bedwell and they asked if it was ok if we were joined by an older married couple. I am not exactly sure what their role in the ward was but they were very nice and welcoming. They asked me a few questions about myself and shared some of their testimony. They remained while the elders gave me a lesson on the "Message of the Restoration." I have read and reflected on so much that it was more of a sharing than an actual "teaching" The teachings we discussed felt so right that at times I felt my heart would burst with joy. To be with faithful people, christians with true solid, and honest belief confirmed that I was in the right place at the right time. Before I knew it an hour and a half had passed! I was then given a tour of the church (is it ok to call it a church, or is meetinghouse more appropriate?). Well, I can't wait for our next meeting so we scheduled one for this Friday at 3:30. Thank you for your continued interest...it is appreciated.... Until next time.... Douglas

Thank you for all your advice. My next teaching is scheduled for this afternoon at 4pm. They also mentioned something about a "family night" tonight at 7:30. If I can I'll try to make that too. Yes, it seems that as I become more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit I am more aware of little things that the evil one can throw in your way. I continually pray to Heavenly Father that I keep my mind open to His teachings and His way and that I keep my own selfish ego on guard. Your loving concern is deeply appreciated! -Douglas

Dear Friends, Well, I finally did it! All praise to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! Today was a beautiful late summer day here in New York. The air was warm and dry, a slight breeze blew. I waited in front of my house as I saw the Elders walk confidently down my street. We greeted with joy and then walked to a nice spot in the park across the street from my house and we just talked and talked...about our histories, about Joseph Smith and living prophets, about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, our brother. I spoke about my years of emptiness and missing pieces about spiritual opportunities lost. I spoke about graces received, the gift my wife and children are to me and how fortunate I am to have them. I spoke of hopes and aspirations to be a better person, a better Christian. Elders McGill and Bedwell shared scripture, their own experiences and testimony, and quite a bit of encouragement. The Lord blest me today with flesh and blood brothers in the faith. My path is becoming more clear. We have planned on formal instruction and teachings to begin within a week. I want to thank you dear friends for your continued advice, encouragement and prayers. You played a larger part in this process than you could ever know. With great affection, Doug

THE ELDER CALLED! I will be meeting with two missionaries for the first time on Monday afternoon at 3:45! I'm happy! Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers.

YAHOO!!!!!!! THE ELDER CALLED! I will be meeting with two missionaries for the first time on Monday afternoon at 3:45! I'm happy! Thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers.

Prayers are always appreciated! My wife is a non-practicing (but very cultural) Catholic. She is somewhat supportive of me, being aware of my long spiritual journey. Our two youngest daughters attend Catholic school but she would have no problem with them attending Sunday services with me. I am praying for true conversion and that Heavenly Father leads us all gently toward the same goal. Warm regards, Douglas

I never got the call back to set up our appointment. I re-registered on the official church site for a missionary to contact me and hopefully we will touch base very soon.

At what point does one become an Elder? Just curious. -Doug

I never had it before, but oddly enough I have had it abundance lately. Even my wife and children have noticed. May I persevere! God Bless.

I have decided to fast and pray. I will give the missionary who originally called me until Monday. That would be one week from the time we scheduled the follow-up call. If I don't hear anything....I storm heaven myself. Warm regards, Doug

That's how I got them to call in the first place. They are just not that good at calling back.

Should I just drive over to any meeting house (or the one that serves my area) and introduce myself? It's now Tuesday and still no call. I wanted to meet with them tomorrow. I'm not upset though. Perhaps Heavenly Father is teaching me patience (I can be a very impatient person). On the bright side I received the books I ordered from Deseret Press today :) so I have plenty to read and study. With affection, Douglas

UPDATE MIssionary was supposed to call me yesterday at 4 to set appointment. Call never came and I didn't get his name or number when he he caught me off guard last Friday (I was on my way to see daughter at college). I'll pray he calls today. --Douglas

I asked a simple question at LDSTalk and received a very rude response from an ex-Mormon now Catholic. I reported it and the Mod told me to get over it. That was my last post over there.

Does this mean if I convert and my spouse does not we cannot be together for eternity?

Dear Friends, Please know how deeply appreciative I am for your words of support and advice. I will keep you up to date on my progress. Warm Regards, Douglas

If I convert am I entitled to a pair or will they just start growing? JUst saw post above. Now I understand!

Friends, Next week I meet with missionaries for the first time. What can I expect? Some Background: I have been in the "searching" stage for many years. Over the years and more so recently I've read the Book of Mormon, many of the Doctrines and Covenants, other works on Doctrine, and listened to some very inspirational podcasts. So somehow I decided to finally meet with the missioanries in my area. I am going in with an open mind and open heart and ready to listen. Years ago I was a Roman Catholic Seminarian, studied scripture, learned the theolgy, did what I thought was prayer, but God the Father and his Son never felt real to me. In all honesty my religious practices were just outer form with no inner reality. I want to know Jesus, I want to know and feel in my heart that I am a real child of God. Does that makes sense to you? I come to the Church of Latter-Day Saints because in reading the Book of Mormon, and the inspirational words of President Hinckley I am having a first glimpse of what it really means to be a child fo God. I haven't prayed on my knees in years, but I've started to and even ask my children to join me. When I prayed, using the words "Heavenly Father" I felt for the first time in my life that I was talking to someone who was actually listening. I pray for continued openness of mind and heart. Thanks for listening. God Bless You, Douglas

Hello all, I am an LDS inquirer, a husband and father of three daughters. I was born, raised and educated in the Roman Catholic Church. That being said..... I have great respect the Church of Latter-Day-Saints and the good work it does, I have worked with and respect Church members, I am coming to believe that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and that The Book of Mormon is true, I respect President Hinckley as a seer and prophet, I agree with the basic theological principles of the Mormon Church Conversion can be a winding and sometimes lengthy process so please keep me in your prayers as I meet with missionaries for the first time next week. And do know that I am very appreciative of your online friendship here.

AMEN!

Interesting that one of the internet's largest (so-called) "Christian" forums bars LDS participation exactly because you do not subscribe to the Nicene Creed and in their eyes are therefore NOT Christian.

Hi everyone! I'm just a working guy with a wife and three kids. Can't seem to settle in one church. At the same time I hate the wandering. I read the Book of Mormon and find the LDS very interesting. My wife is a permanent non-practicing Catholic. Hope to learn a thing of two from your collective wisdom. Warm regards, Douglas