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!

Also, with your concern about the Book of Mormon. I have been where you are at. I am a convert to the church. I loved everything about the church except for this little thing (well big thing) called the Restoration. This whole Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, First Vision thing wasn't clickin'. First and foremost, the greatest sense of veracity you can find on the Book of Mormon is in your own heart through diligent study and prayer. That's how it worked for me. When I sincerely read the Book of Mormon, I truly feel the Spirit. As I questioned the Book of Mormon, one of the things I had to do was put it in perspective. Before I was LDS, I was a firm believer in the Bible. I believed in the miracles and direct dealings with God to man. However, I believe (though I am not an expert in any way) that the Exodus doesn't have much going for it archaeologically. Yet, that doesn't affect my belief in it, or any other scripture account to a degree, so in my mind why would it matter for the Book of Mormon? As far as I know, there is truly no one clearly evident account that disproves the Book of Mormon. All we have are few historical accounts that give no definitive answer. But as I said, it really does come from that personal revelation, and nothing else. So there, now we have six cents.

As for the temple and Masonry, I think that many of those who are critical of the church tend to leave out the fact that there is a not only similarities between the LDS endowment and Masonry, but also many other rituals found in temples of other faiths throughout the world, and most importantly, the Judeo-Christian Bible. They are certainly not the same, however, I think you will find common elements if you compare any of them. Hugh Nibley, a renowned Ancient Scripture scholar, does a remarkable job on explaining these relationships. Does that mean the LDS Endowment was copied? Not at all. I think it is the full version of apostate and lost rituals that stemmed from true rites during the dispensations when the Priesthood was on the earth. There are common elements among the Endowment and Masonry. However, I wouldn't go to say that one was copied from the other. There are still vast differences. The LDS temple rites were being developed and revealed long before Joseph Smith became a freemason. Nor was it complete until after his death. The were not endowments for the dead until the St. George Temple was dedicated long after Joseph Smith was martyred. That's my two cents. I guess with your two cents we now have four cents. I don't know where that gets us, but best of luck to you.

I have actually talked about going straight to the temple and bypassing the class, however, my Bishop said that I would not be allowed to do that. I must first take the class before I can go. Thanks for the suggestions!

I am a pre-missionary awaiting to go to the temple. My bishop told me in my initial interview that I would be endowed by November. However, I am not. Upon setting up an interview with him to obtain a recommend he told me "no temple preparation class, no recommend". I was told that this class would begin in September. Then it didn't start. Upon asking, I was told by the Bishop that it would start in October and it did not. I asked again the answer was next week. It didn't start that following week. When late October hit, I asked the bishop, and he gave me the same answer, it will start next week. The following week, I asked the temple prep teacher and he told me that he has not received the authorization from the Bishop to teach me. I asked the bishop again, he said it would start "next week". It didn't, so I asked the teacher again and I got the same answer. This cycle has repeated now three more times with the exact explanations (I ask every week). So, my question is, what should I do about this? I feel like there is something that I did wrong or something. I would think there is a reason that these "next weeks" have turned into 2.5 months. I have thought about giving the white flag and just not asking again, but factoring in the 6 week long course, the holidays, and the 3 week period my temple requires to schedule a live ordinance in advance, I have one month right now if the class started next week before I enter the temple and leave on a mission. So, if the class doesn't start next week, as I have been told (and the teacher already has said hasn't got the okay from bishop) then I will go to the temple only a couple weeks before I leave. I would like to have the opportunity to go often before I leave on my mission and don't go for two years. I am very excited to enter the temple. I've read the Holy Temple by Packer, a bunch of Hugh Nibley, and studied extensively the ancient temples. As a convert to the church, I studied aspects of the temple which has given me more of an idea of what happens than most people know when going the first time. I feel very ready to go. Thank you for your insight. -Bradley

I am deeply sorry with the internal conflict you are facing. I can speak from experience as a convert and a formal Catholic. There was a time where I face nearly exactly what you are facing. After four years of membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my testimony wasn't as strong as it initially was. In fact, I felt a huge pull to return to my Catholic roots. What our church (the Mormons) believe can truly be mind boggling at times. However, there is no doubt a Spirit that speaks to me, which saved me, that gave me my strongest testimony right now after such strong doubt. Through much fasting and prayer and pondering and searching the scriptures, I knew that (1) God and Jesus Christ live (2) The Priesthood was Restored by Joseph Smith (3) The Book of Mormon is inspired, true, and living scripture. With this knowledge, how could I doubt anything else? We have heard it 1000 times, these fundamentals are 100% true or 100% false. My suggestion is to read through the entire Book of Mormon. Study it out. No, it doesn't mention all this deep doctrine stuff, no it doesn't answer questions about Church History. However, that book itself testifies fully of the reality of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and, for me, leaves little doubt. The Spirit of God will truly testify. Read it or read it again. Give it a chance with your full attention. Record your thoughts on the words of the Prophets, their actions, their examples. Put yourself in the scripture. That's what saved me. I wish to say this very meekly and respectfully too, but if there are issues that you have with the Church History of the LDS Church, I think you are going to find that every church has a questionable past, its just a matter of how much it has been dusted by the sands of time. I originally left the Catholic Church because of historical issues I had with it and joined the LDS Church. Then, I found out that our church, too, had some questionable history. I couldn't rely on what these church leaders in both faiths - men who are honest, yet make mistakes in every and all churches, did wrong. I simply couldn't "trust in the flesh". I had to simply do as I have already stated above. Lastly, there is a chance that you might, in time, find something about the Catholic Church you simply can't accept, just like in our church. The new appeal and lure might guise some of these doctrinal issues that may later arise. However, you maybe it will fit you 100% too, you know yourself best. I hope that my thoughts have not hurt or offended you in anyway. I just hope that I have meekly shared my experiences and feelings. I hope the best for you and wish you peace as you search for your faith.

I am kinda a back seat member of this site and just like to look and listen, but I am just so happy and just want to share with the world my mission call!!! Lima Perú East!!!!! If anyone has been to Peru or served there, I would love to hear about it!!!

I am absolutely thrilled to have been called as a primary teacher for the CTR 7 class! I am 18 years old and a convert to the church. I have no idea how primary works. Does anyone have any advice? Especially with interacting with the younger members I'll be teaching? What works and what doesn't? I know that's pretty open-ended, but if anyone has anything to say by way of advice, I would certainly appreciate it! Thank you!

Hey, I am very interested in BYU-I. I aspire to be an engineer. If not that, something in math and science. Could anyone provide me some info on the math/science/engineering programs Idaho has to offer? Are they sound, quality programs that you or someone you know have been happy with? Does supplemental education exist be it research or some other hands on, practical application? Professors? Any additional info? Thanks for your input!

Same-Gender Attraction - LDS Newsroom to answer your first question as to how it fits in the church

Hello Rio! Congrats on your mission! That is awesome! Brazil is a great place to serve for sure! I can relate to you in a way. I had a friend who is a member of the church who chose to be gay. It was strange for me because we would always talk about where we wanted to serve our missions, how awesome it was going to be to one day to go to the temple and marry there, and a bunch more super spiritual discussions. We even talked about what girls we liked or wanted to date! I don't know what happened... After graduating from high school, I suspect he had made friends with the wrong people and before I knew it he was gay and moved to California (I live in the midwest) and inactive. That really made me scratch my head. He is back in Ohio now but I rarely see him. He has changed so much. I would agree with the previous two posts that he really is the one who has to what to change. For me, for any nonmember or inactive that I have encountered, I just strive to be the best example I can be and never to let my guard down. I wish the best for you.