brycematheson

I've never read it before, but I've heard that "The Infinite Atonement" by Tad R. Callister is a good read. Not sure if it's true or not, but I've heard that more and more bishops are beginning to have people read this book instead of "The Miracle of Forgiveness." Maybe it's less harsh or something. Either way, I've heard it's good. Might be worth a read: DeseretBook.com - The Infinite Atonement Hardcover by Tad R. Callister Also, this is one of my favorite talks in the entire world: Speeches Jesus the Christ is also an incredible book. It's one of the best resources I've ever read about Jesus Christ and his earthly ministry. The wording can be a little bit difficult to get into at first, as well as the first five chapters or so, but once you get through the introduction and understand the wording, it's incredible. DeseretBook.com - Jesus the Christ (Paperback) Paperback by James E. Talmage

I've completely given up on regular TV. Well, just about everything. Sports are still hard for me to avoid, but pretty much everything other than that. One thing you might think about doing is getting a Netflix account? You can restrict it to "PG-13" or "PG" or whatever you like. And then you can just browse the movies that you like by Category. You'll save some money, too. Rather than $50-60 for TV, it's what...$8.99/month? Just an idea.

While serving a Mission, my girlfriend waited for me...for about seven months. I told her before I left to date other people, but if she was still single once I got home, that we would go ahead and give it a try. We broke it off seven months into the Mission, and she was married about seven months before I got home. For the first part of my Mission, I tried so hard to retain the same relationship that we had had before the Mission, but it just wasn't possible. I wasted so much energy in letters, and then it was all for nothing in the end, and I had wished that I hadn't tried so hard to hold onto her. Another problem with girls waiting, is just that. They wait. And some of them try so hard not to change or do anything. While the Missionary is out there for two years doing a great deal of change, the girl isn't doing very much. She may go on a few days, finish up school, whatever it might be. But if the girl really does wait, I've often seen that the Missionary wants nothing to do with her anymore, because he has changed so much, and she wasn't able to keep up with that. I know that's probably not the answer that you want to hear. You want to hear the success stories of people waiting and how great it was for them. My Sister waited for her husband, and they're happily married. But speaking from personal experience, I would say to break up, and to leave it that way. Let the Elder focus on his Mission. Two years from now, you can pick it up and see how it goes, if you're still available.

I was recently watching the video series, "Patterns of Light", which is a 3-part series given by Elder Bednar which talks about recieving revelation. You may want to watch them, listed here: - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3Besides all of that, here's my advice: You're never right by doing wrong, and you're never wrong by doing right. Serving a Mission is never going to be a bad choice. You just have to decide if it's the choice for you. We, on this forum, can give you all the advice in the world, but ultimately, it comes down to you and your Father in Heaven. Continue praying, and continue seeking the revelation that you need. Personally, I would say go for it. Serving a Mission changed by life. Like the above poster said, you have to make your own decision. Whether you're going to go or not. And then, take that decision to the Lord and ask him if that's what you should do. He's not going to tell you "You should go" or "You shouldn't go" out of the blue. At least, very rarely. But if you make a decision and ask him, "Should I go?" He'll tell you, "Yes" or "no."

I just can't accept that we're here by chance. It's not possible to me. What's the point? We're born, get married, have kids, work until we're 70, and then die? What's the purpose? There's more to it than that. "But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and call things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44). I love the story of Korihor, the Anti-Christ. It's just such a testimony to me that there REALLY is a God. There's no specific hardcore evidence that I can give you. But it's just a feeling that I have. And why doesn't God give us these huge overwhelming experiences to make known that he's real? He does. You just have to look for them. That's where the Faith part comes into things. Elder Maxwell once said something along the lines of, "Why would God use a spotlight when a Flashlight will suffice?" I wish you and your husband the best!

Nobody is perfect, and we each have different things that we have to struggle with. Some people deal with smoking or pornography addictions. Others struggle with anxiety issues. There are medications that you can take to help you relax, and I would recommend it. As someone else mentioned above, this is no way to live.

Absolutely! The Missionaries would LOVE to talk to you. As long as you have your parent's consent, you won't have any problems. The Church has a great youth program. Start now by studying the Book of Mormon, as well as being praying fervently.

While serving on my Mission, teaching converts and inviting them to pray was very difficult for them at first. They had never prayed before in public, and it made them very nervous. They would always forget to say "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen" at the end, and they were worried that you couldn't ask for help during a prayer. But after three or four times, they could pray fine. It's all about practice. Being away from the Church for so long, it's obvious that you're going to feel nervous to return and that you might lack the knowledge that you wish you had. But there's never a better time to start than now. The Church isn't just for people who are well-versed in the scriptures. It's for everyone. And the Church is a great environment where you're not going to be judged. You're going to to feel welcome there. As far as giving talks and lessons and having to speak, that's part of it. But that, too, will subside with practice. The reason they ask us to give lessons and to speak, is not necessarily just for the congregation, but more for yourself as well. I know for me, whenever I plan a talk or a lesson, I learn more than I bet the majority of the people in the congregation do. To learn how to swim, you can't just dip your toes in and say you've done your best. You have to jump in with both feet. Give it a shot! You've got nothing to lose.

This, I'm sure, has already been mentioned in previous pages, but I see nothing wrong at all with having a cross. Although we don't display crosses on our Church buildings or in the temple, it's not like we're afraid of it or against it. It's a symbol worldwide for what Jesus Christ did for us. And personally, I don't know if it was intentional to place it on the door of the temple like that, but even if it was, I don't see a problem with it.

Ive thought about leaving the Church before, but not because of anything that has happened or by offense or anything. It was only through my teenage years, and I was struggling with other things. It was mostly due to my own laziness. I could never leave the Church now, though. Ive seen too many witnesses of its truthfulness. And the most important is that of how it blesses families. The Gospel of Jesus Christ really does bless families. If for some reason I were ever to leave the Church, I would forever cling onto the principles that are taught. There is a very obvious difference that the Gospel makes in people's lives, if only they're willing to accept it.

I'm interested in hearing about your conversion story. How did you come into the Church?

All I can recommend is prayer. Serving as a Missionary and helping others overcome their addiction, the singleost important thing that helped people was to get down on their knees whenever they were tempted. Through this method, I've seen miracles. People who had been smokers of 60+ years stopped in two weeks. You can do it!

There's a lot of things that have already been mentioned here, but ultimately it comes down to your personal testimony. The beginning stages of the Church was a time that none of us can truly comprehend. I believe that the Prophets of the Church are inspired men if God. But they're also human and they can make mistakes. But that doesn't mean that the Church in its fullness or the restoration thereof didn't happen. Like I said, you'll have to read the Book of Mormon, and sincerely pray to find the truthfulness of it.

That is great insight, and very helpful guys. Thank you. :)

I'm currently preparing to serve a mission (I get my mission call in a week!!) and the closer the date comes for me to leave, the more I realize how unprepared I am. This question is addressed more to RMs and/or Investigators/Previous Investigators. I was wondering what your most commonly asked questions were by people on your mission as well as your response. I just want to be prepared to answer anything that might be thrown my way. I know as I'm out in the field, I'll get more comfortable and what not, but I'd just like to learn all that I can while I'm still home. Anything would be great! Thanks in advance!