ldsz

There is a chapter of Isaiah (chapter 49) quoted in 1 Nephi 21. Verse 25 has a Joseph Smith translation. Why does the Book of Mormon have a Joseph Smith translation? My testimony is in no way hanging on a thread over this question, but just a matter of curiosity. Shouldn't the Book of Mormon have the correct translation since it was put there by the hands of a prophet and left unadulterated unlike the Bible? Thanks! Hope my question makes sense.

Two things I think about when in comes to "loving one's self" which is another way, I suppose, of assessing self worth. 1. Don't judge your worth by comparing your faults with other's successes. Comparing ourselves with others can bring us down as we lower our feelings of self worth when we see we don't have what the others have, we aren't as good, etc. 2. Don't judge your self worth by your past mistakes. Strive to live each day a little better. As for the past mistakes: name it, claim it, dump it. Once you have repented why do you even need to bring up the past mistakes again. They have been erased from the heavens through the atonement, it is no longer a concern for Heavenly Father, than why should it be for us? Know that no matter what you do, what you say, how life treats you, that always, no matter what, your Heavenly Father loves you and sees a huge value and a lot of worth in you. Always understand that he sees worth and potential in you. When it comes to trials, it's just a part of the program of this earth life as Heavenly Father polishes you up a little bit in molding you to become yet a better and stronger, and HAPPIER person step by step, line upon line. Just be happy! Life is not suppose to be sad! We are to fulfill the measure of our creation, that we might have joy! I hope things go better for you in the temple! And as you confront the day to day events that life so often brings.

By the way, my parents did not have to sign anything for me to go on a mission. It was all me. This is as off October of last year.

I am also a convert in the church and I am going on a mission next month to la misión Perú Lima Este. I am 19 and I joined the church 5 years ago. I used to be a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. Last year, it was ranked among the top ten colleges in the United States. I bring this up to address some of your points. Keep in mind too that at the academy, your freshman year has no gimme classes, but 18 credit hours of hard stuff. Mormons are authorized to separate from the Air Force after their first or second year to serve a two year mission and then return to the academy to resume their studies where they left off. They knew that I would go when I applied, they were okay with that. They would let me return, as they do with every missionary. Most of the LDS students are ranked among the top of the class, showing that they certainly most not have forgot all they were taught. The languages learned enhanced the air force career. I could go on, but you probably aren't thinking of going to the Air Force! But my point is, you can prove that those concerns are all false with your own example. Of course the BYU's will let you serve a mission, but also many schools in the West (like Utah State where I may go) let you apply and then defer, or defer after your freshman year. Many people have done that, and they still graduate and get a job. One man from my ward once told me "I'm 50 years old, two years ahead in work really wouldn't get me anywhere at this point, the mission didn't have any affect on my career whatsoever" Now, my parents were shocked when I wanted to serve a mission as well. They are not paying a cent, granted they are okay with it now and excited for me. I have been blessed with some donors from my ward who are going to make it possible for me to go. So, you have that route, as you discuss it with your bishop and as he directs. But you can definitely save the money up too! I know many men who took just one year off college to gather money to pay for a mission. That's what I am doing to pay my share. Although, trust me, the more you can pay, the more meaningful it will be to you. Now, it's tough when you hear things like you won't be accepted in the family as you practice your faith and serve a mission. I went through some very stressful times. My parents hearts were hard against the church and it took them a good year to get comfortable with the idea and 5 to begin to embrace it. They are not members still and looks like they won't be, at least for a while. Time will work in their favor as you are an example of righteous and pure living. I mean, would they rather have a son who is morally clean and serve a mission, or a drinking partying son who could have served two years in jail? My parents had both, and they like my route much better! Satan wants less missionaries. But I know that as you serve a mission, they will see blessings in their lives like never before. They may not make the connection, they may not embrace the church, but they will notice a difference and hopefully recognize why. Let's see, I am having just diarrhea of the mind right now... Just trying to sort through it all figuring out what else I want to tell you, because I know how it is, I have been there. Sorry for the jumbled thoughts. Hopefully I was coherent. Well, send me a message and we can chat! Best of luck man! Hope to see you out in the mission field!

Which ever Bishop is assigned to you in the ward that encompasses your geographical area is the one that would be best to report to as he as the direct authority/stewardship over you - meaning he receives total inspiration over what will be best for you. Not saying that meeting any other bishop is bad, but it is far better to meet with the one who has stewardship over the ward you belong to. I remember I always wanted to talk about some of the problems I had being in a part-member family to an older man in my ward that I trusted, yet, he would always say the same thing, "Go talk to the Bishop, he is the one who receives that inspiration for you and has stewardship over you, he can help you more than I can". So that's my two cents! Best of luck to you!

The handbook rule is that a convert may receive his/her endowment one year after they are baptized and confirmed members of the church. However, some bishops and stake presidents feel that if you are young (earlier twenties or younger) you may have wait longer unless you are going on a mission or about to get married. The First Presidency has counseled that young, single members in their early twenties who are not about to serve a mission or be married should not go to the temple until they are older. This has been the subject of other threads on this forum. It usually depends, however, on what your bishop thinks and how he goes about the process.

Also, there is Donkey Kong Country which is just like Super Mario too, also very fun!

Definitely Legend of Zelda (Twilight Princess or Skyward Sword). My 50 year old mom even likes to play those.

Well, guys, I'm getting endowed the first week of next month. I am so excited. Thanks again for your help!

I just put papers in last month (and got a call this month!). I would go to say they are the same even in the medical portion. It just indicates where females should fill out and males shouldn't and vice versa. Everything is to be completed online, even your medical stuff which you print off and have the doctor sign which you then turn into the bishop and then the Stake Secretary puts them back on line... The papers are pretty simple. It's like filling out a college application minus the transcript (except for foreign languages, where they ask you what grade you received in those courses!). It reminded me of the CES application.

We are now starting the Temple Prep classes. Thank you all for your help.

And here's something on the Holy of Holies: The Trumpet Stone: Holy of Holies in Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Here's what the Washington D.C. Temple is like: The Trumpet Stone: The Washington D.C. LDS Temple

Hello! You are just like me! I was a convert in Junior High (5 years ago)! I sought out the church for the same reasons you did! I have to say, I, like you, thought so much stuff just made so much more sense from an LDS perspective. However, in the beginning, there were always some things that troubled me. But, as I continued my studies of my new faith all the wrinkles began to flatten out. Things began to make a lot more sense and I really don't have trouble with any aspect of our doctrine. I have a feeling maybe you too will find this. I feel as though you have received some terrific advice so far, so I really have no more to say! You have some very reliable people answer your questions!

I should be getting endowed here soon and I have a long list of family names prepared to do after, including my grandfather! I am so very excited!