Corvus

Nikki, I know I haven't posted here for quite some time, but I wanted to tell you how much of a difference the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has made in my life. I'm not a member of the Church, but just trying to live the things I've read has made such a difference. I've read the Quran and it is a beautiful, inspired work. If you add the Book of Mormon on top of that, I think that you will have a truly inspired life ahead of you. Best of luck in your journey. :)

Update: I've learned about the word of wisdom. So far, I'm not doing so good vs. it. In fact, I'm very much drunk typing this out. I told the missionary sisters that I wouldn't drink this way, but I did anyways. I feel really bad. Plus, I told them that I would be attending sunday service. I didn't do either. I know I'm being bad, but I can't just help myself. I know my wife completely disapproves of all of it as well. I want to move into the the true community of Christ, but it seems like everything is against me. I could use your prayers to strengthen me.

Finrock, It's the little things that have started to turn around for me that are leading me down this path. Ever since I got up the courage to contact the missionaries, I've been happier. They told me that it's one of the side effects of getting closer to the Holy Ghost. I just wish I didn't have to take a two week break. Gone on a business trip, but I've got my Book of Mormon to keep me company.

Hi Lisa! I'm in the same boat you are in right now. I've just started taking lessons from the missionaries myself. Tuesday was the first time I ever set foot in an LDS chapel. I can't explain it, but I'm feeling something good about all of this. I hope you find what you're looking for, here and with the church.

Update: I had my first meeting with the missionaries yesterday. Sister MacKenzie and Sister Carter were very nice. It was strange (to me) to pray so much. I'm not really in the habit of doing it. They asked me to try and pray at least once a day until the next meeting, so I'm doing that. I also got a copy of the Book of Mormon, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I'm hoping I can read the passages they recommended by our next meeting, which is tomorrow. They asked me if I was ready to commit to baptism, which I said no to, but I also told them I was more than willing to keep learning to make sure it was right for me, which made them very happy. I got to go inside an LDS building for the first time ever. I had a good feeling for the rest of the day and I'm feeling good today. :)

The forty days of Lent is supposed to represent Jesus' fasting in the desert. The ash part is just a marking for Catholics as a sign of penance and remembrance of His suffering there. They take the palm fronds from last year's Palm Sunday celebration and burn them to make the ashes they use in the Ash Wednesday mass. Since Jesus fasted for forty days, Catholics are supposed to give up something they like for forty days as well.

Well, when you look at it, not many people define themselves as evil. Even people like Stalin and Hitler thought they were doing the best things for themselves and their people. Now, objectively, yes, that was evil. I personally feel that a lot of people are just trying to make the best of their lives. Now whether they trying from a self-centered point of view, or the view of someone who takes the long view....that's up for debate. I think that very few people are evil and see themselves as such though.

I understand what you've said here completely. I've studied history, and I know that the Catholic Church co-opted a lot of pagan rituals and symbols in the process of converting the pagans. I can understand how that would lead to an apostasy. But, on the other hand, I do think that the Catholic faith has much more right than the protestant (and evangelical) offshoots took from it. In fact, I think that the fact that I grew up in the Catholic faith has prepared me for this adventure I seem to be taking soon. A few weeks ago, I ordered "Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest" by Eric Shuster from Amazon. Written from the perspective as a devout Catholic who converted to the LDS faith, it has helped me to understand how the Catholic faith can be...well....95% right, but how that extra 5% can make all the difference. I love my Catholic upbringing, I really do. It has made me the person I am today, even though I fell away a long time ago. I just feel, that maybe, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can take me closer to the Divine. Looking forward to telling you all how the meeting goes, James

Update: I talked to the missionaries! Well, online at mormon.org, anyways. They took my phone number and will be calling me on Tuesday to get the ball started. I'm excited! Wish me luck.

Thanks for sharing that with me, anatess. What would you say was the most difficult part about stopping being a Catholic and starting being a Saint?

How do members of the Church keep holy the Sabbath? I remember, as a Catholic, that keeping Sunday holy just meant going to mass. At least, as a little kid, it seemed that way anyways. Just curious, as I'm working so much between my actual job and school, I think I could usea a mandatory "down" day.

Just wanted to pop in and thank everyone for their support. After spending so long away from any sort of community, I'd almost forgotten there are nice people out there. Juggling a lot of things in life (somewhat unexpectedly) at the moment: school, business, family. I've been reading some books written from the perspective of a Catholic that converted, and that's helping out a bit. I think I might get a little more proactive with the missionaries once everything settles down.

Some friends and I drove from Colorado Springs, CO to South Jordan, UT just to go to In and Out. I'd never been and I have to say, it was well worth it. I got to see Temple Square too. Then we went back and ate at In and Out again. Then we drove down 15 to 70 and back home through three different blizzards. Fun times. I think the next time we try something like that, we'll do it in the summer.

Honestly, I don't ever remember taking a psych evaluation my entire time in the service. Maybe I didn't exhibit any of the signs that might have indicated I needed one. Guess I'm good at hiding it.

Depending on what MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) he gets, he may need a security clearance. At that point, the government WILL be talking to you. The investigator will ask you a lot of questions. You'll have the opportunity to voice your concerns if that happens. Just be honest (and try not to sound vindictive). You'd be amazed at what going through boot camp can do to someone though. Before I joined, I was a 21 year old alcoholic, shiftless, college drop-out. Now I'm a 30-something, slightly less alcoholic, gainfully employed husband and college student.