RooTheMormon

She also speaks of loving them, honoring them, and respecting their decisions, even as as they are.  

Baptizing just only child in a family is something that is undertaken carefully.  We want the young person to have a good understanding of things, good exposure, solid support system in the church, and fairly supportive system at home.  A least we require parent's give permission for baptism, going to church, and this to not be causing direct major conflict.   Preferably there's more support and even direct participation, but everyone has their own choice.  
Kids of gay parents is a different ball game.  There is automatically a direct conflict: we believe that the child's parents are in an unrepairable sinful relationship- that the best thing they could do would be to split up and repent.  Major direct conflict with God's commandment.  On the other hand, cases like Roo's where disagreements are over tank tops are minor issues. 

It is truly wonderful that this is not your decision, and in fact has nothing whatsoever to do with you. Thus, you are free to let it go, seeing as how it's none of your business anyway, and go on merrily with your life, worrying about things that actually pertain to you.

Yikes. This would be workplace harassment. The sexual orientation of a coworker is none of her business.

By saying why people 'hate' mormons I was just overstating to imply my point. All of my family is non-lds and I am constantly hearing their coversations about despising mormons for certain things. Especially the LGBT thing. I am not with this post trying to imply that people hate mormons for this reason, rather that people judge us because they dont understand why we do these things. Thanks for your imput @Carborendum

@RooTheMormon. Good for you!

Thank you @my two cents

For the longest time I have struggled with testimonies. Never in my life have I gone up on a fast Sunday and shared my thoughts on faith with the church.
Im that person who so badly wants to go up, but I dont know what to say, and I was always scared that someone would think that my feelings were wrong.
At testimony meeting someone would go up and bear their testimony and then go sit back down. I would start to stand up, and then sit. I would tell myself, Okay, ill go after this person. But I never did.
Then came Girls Camp. Testimony campfire. I think all female mormons know what that means. I heard so many beautiful testimonies, and one by one a girl would stand up and share her feelings toward the church. By the 2nd girl to share her testimony, everyone was either balling or had tears running down her cheeks.
I remember that year I felt so badly that I needed to stand up and bear my testimony. The bishop asked if there was anybody left that wanted to share. I felt the urge to stand up. Stand up! But I didnt, and that concluded the testimony meeting.
The next year for Girls Camp came around again, and I knew I needed to share my testimony. I felt even stronger this year that that was what I needed to do, it was what Heavenly Father wanted me to do.
Once again the Bishop stood up and asked for any last testimonies. I didnt stand up. One of our leaders stood up and bore her testimony.
Then again: Anyone else before we close?
But this time I stood up.
And for the first time in my life, I bore my testimony.
After the campfire was over, I pondered on how I got that strenght, that courage. I felt so strongly that there was a reason that that time, out of all the testimony meetings and talks in church and campfires at camp, that was the time I got the strenght to bear my testimony.
I looked through my camp manual and found the mission statement for beehives on page 3:
"A Beehive becomes a Young Woman of Truth as she follows the promptings of the Holy Ghost, seeks truth, and strives to live and share it."
I knew then and there that this is why I felt the need to share my testimony. The Holy Ghost was promting me most definitely. But the part that I thought most of was strives to live and share it. As a beehive I had not been striving to share it, though I had been living it.
As I said my prayers that night, I realized that sharing the truth is not just about helping others to find it for themselves, it also helps you. Sharing my testimony shined a whole new light for me, and never had I felt the spirit so strongly than at that very moment. I knew that the spirit was with me, and that Heavenly Father was proud of me for listening to that still small voice.
My Heavenly Father wanted me to fulfill my duty as a beehive to share the truth with others. That was my last year as a beehive, so I am so grateful I was given the strength to do what I needed to do.
As I prepare to become a Mia Maid, I will share my testimony and feelings with others as much as possible, because I know I can feel that spirit again.

Thank you @my two cents

<3
Thank you for letting your light shine, Roo!  You have wisdom beyond your years. So impressed!

For the longest time I have struggled with testimonies. Never in my life have I gone up on a fast Sunday and shared my thoughts on faith with the church.
Im that person who so badly wants to go up, but I dont know what to say, and I was always scared that someone would think that my feelings were wrong.
At testimony meeting someone would go up and bear their testimony and then go sit back down. I would start to stand up, and then sit. I would tell myself, Okay, ill go after this person. But I never did.
Then came Girls Camp. Testimony campfire. I think all female mormons know what that means. I heard so many beautiful testimonies, and one by one a girl would stand up and share her feelings toward the church. By the 2nd girl to share her testimony, everyone was either balling or had tears running down her cheeks.
I remember that year I felt so badly that I needed to stand up and bear my testimony. The bishop asked if there was anybody left that wanted to share. I felt the urge to stand up. Stand up! But I didnt, and that concluded the testimony meeting.
The next year for Girls Camp came around again, and I knew I needed to share my testimony. I felt even stronger this year that that was what I needed to do, it was what Heavenly Father wanted me to do.
Once again the Bishop stood up and asked for any last testimonies. I didnt stand up. One of our leaders stood up and bore her testimony.
Then again: Anyone else before we close?
But this time I stood up.
And for the first time in my life, I bore my testimony.
After the campfire was over, I pondered on how I got that strenght, that courage. I felt so strongly that there was a reason that that time, out of all the testimony meetings and talks in church and campfires at camp, that was the time I got the strenght to bear my testimony.
I looked through my camp manual and found the mission statement for beehives on page 3:
"A Beehive becomes a Young Woman of Truth as she follows the promptings of the Holy Ghost, seeks truth, and strives to live and share it."
I knew then and there that this is why I felt the need to share my testimony. The Holy Ghost was promting me most definitely. But the part that I thought most of was strives to live and share it. As a beehive I had not been striving to share it, though I had been living it.
As I said my prayers that night, I realized that sharing the truth is not just about helping others to find it for themselves, it also helps you. Sharing my testimony shined a whole new light for me, and never had I felt the spirit so strongly than at that very moment. I knew that the spirit was with me, and that Heavenly Father was proud of me for listening to that still small voice.
My Heavenly Father wanted me to fulfill my duty as a beehive to share the truth with others. That was my last year as a beehive, so I am so grateful I was given the strength to do what I needed to do.
As I prepare to become a Mia Maid, I will share my testimony and feelings with others as much as possible, because I know I can feel that spirit again.

For the longest time I have struggled with testimonies. Never in my life have I gone up on a fast Sunday and shared my thoughts on faith with the church.
Im that person who so badly wants to go up, but I dont know what to say, and I was always scared that someone would think that my feelings were wrong.
At testimony meeting someone would go up and bear their testimony and then go sit back down. I would start to stand up, and then sit. I would tell myself, Okay, ill go after this person. But I never did.
Then came Girls Camp. Testimony campfire. I think all female mormons know what that means. I heard so many beautiful testimonies, and one by one a girl would stand up and share her feelings toward the church. By the 2nd girl to share her testimony, everyone was either balling or had tears running down her cheeks.
I remember that year I felt so badly that I needed to stand up and bear my testimony. The bishop asked if there was anybody left that wanted to share. I felt the urge to stand up. Stand up! But I didnt, and that concluded the testimony meeting.
The next year for Girls Camp came around again, and I knew I needed to share my testimony. I felt even stronger this year that that was what I needed to do, it was what Heavenly Father wanted me to do.
Once again the Bishop stood up and asked for any last testimonies. I didnt stand up. One of our leaders stood up and bore her testimony.
Then again: Anyone else before we close?
But this time I stood up.
And for the first time in my life, I bore my testimony.
After the campfire was over, I pondered on how I got that strenght, that courage. I felt so strongly that there was a reason that that time, out of all the testimony meetings and talks in church and campfires at camp, that was the time I got the strenght to bear my testimony.
I looked through my camp manual and found the mission statement for beehives on page 3:
"A Beehive becomes a Young Woman of Truth as she follows the promptings of the Holy Ghost, seeks truth, and strives to live and share it."
I knew then and there that this is why I felt the need to share my testimony. The Holy Ghost was promting me most definitely. But the part that I thought most of was strives to live and share it. As a beehive I had not been striving to share it, though I had been living it.
As I said my prayers that night, I realized that sharing the truth is not just about helping others to find it for themselves, it also helps you. Sharing my testimony shined a whole new light for me, and never had I felt the spirit so strongly than at that very moment. I knew that the spirit was with me, and that Heavenly Father was proud of me for listening to that still small voice.
My Heavenly Father wanted me to fulfill my duty as a beehive to share the truth with others. That was my last year as a beehive, so I am so grateful I was given the strength to do what I needed to do.
As I prepare to become a Mia Maid, I will share my testimony and feelings with others as much as possible, because I know I can feel that spirit again.

For the longest time I have struggled with testimonies. Never in my life have I gone up on a fast Sunday and shared my thoughts on faith with the church.
Im that person who so badly wants to go up, but I dont know what to say, and I was always scared that someone would think that my feelings were wrong.
At testimony meeting someone would go up and bear their testimony and then go sit back down. I would start to stand up, and then sit. I would tell myself, Okay, ill go after this person. But I never did.
Then came Girls Camp. Testimony campfire. I think all female mormons know what that means. I heard so many beautiful testimonies, and one by one a girl would stand up and share her feelings toward the church. By the 2nd girl to share her testimony, everyone was either balling or had tears running down her cheeks.
I remember that year I felt so badly that I needed to stand up and bear my testimony. The bishop asked if there was anybody left that wanted to share. I felt the urge to stand up. Stand up! But I didnt, and that concluded the testimony meeting.
The next year for Girls Camp came around again, and I knew I needed to share my testimony. I felt even stronger this year that that was what I needed to do, it was what Heavenly Father wanted me to do.
Once again the Bishop stood up and asked for any last testimonies. I didnt stand up. One of our leaders stood up and bore her testimony.
Then again: Anyone else before we close?
But this time I stood up.
And for the first time in my life, I bore my testimony.
After the campfire was over, I pondered on how I got that strenght, that courage. I felt so strongly that there was a reason that that time, out of all the testimony meetings and talks in church and campfires at camp, that was the time I got the strenght to bear my testimony.
I looked through my camp manual and found the mission statement for beehives on page 3:
"A Beehive becomes a Young Woman of Truth as she follows the promptings of the Holy Ghost, seeks truth, and strives to live and share it."
I knew then and there that this is why I felt the need to share my testimony. The Holy Ghost was promting me most definitely. But the part that I thought most of was strives to live and share it. As a beehive I had not been striving to share it, though I had been living it.
As I said my prayers that night, I realized that sharing the truth is not just about helping others to find it for themselves, it also helps you. Sharing my testimony shined a whole new light for me, and never had I felt the spirit so strongly than at that very moment. I knew that the spirit was with me, and that Heavenly Father was proud of me for listening to that still small voice.
My Heavenly Father wanted me to fulfill my duty as a beehive to share the truth with others. That was my last year as a beehive, so I am so grateful I was given the strength to do what I needed to do.
As I prepare to become a Mia Maid, I will share my testimony and feelings with others as much as possible, because I know I can feel that spirit again.

Good story: In my wife's ward a long time ago, a new member moved in.  People got to know him quickly, because the week he moved in, he was involved in an auto accident with a ward member, and immediately filed a lawsuit.  He apparently had a certain personality - I forget how they characterized it, but they didn't have much positive to say. 
Anyway, in a short amount of time, he was called to be bishop over this ward.  Now there's a group of people who can answer TFP's question.  The whole ward, including the new bishop, struggled very hard with this new state of affairs.  I wasn't there to see any of this happen, but folks tell me that looking back, he was one of the best bishops they ever had, and many members grew immensely in the gospel as they wrestled with what it meant to sustain someone with so many obvious flaws.  

No one ever points out this passage from that same talk by Pres. Uchtdorf:
As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and as one who has seen firsthand the councils and workings of this Church, I bear solemn witness that no decision of significance affecting this Church or its members is ever made without earnestly seeking the inspiration, guidance, and approbation of our Eternal Father. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. God will not allow His Church to drift from its appointed course or fail to fulfill its divine destiny.

I'll resurrect my old signature but with the wording slightly altered:
If prophets and apostles can make mistakes, then maybe the prophets and apostles who say prophets and apostles made mistakes are mistaken.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/dieter-uchtdorf-mormon-leader-church-mistakes_n_4059683.html
Thank you so much for saying this. The church is true but the mission is carried out by people. Sometimes people make mistakes. There is a need for us to pray and discuss with God, the advice we receive from leaders. 

We Have No Respect for the LGBT community: We believe that God loves ALL his children no matter what. We only dont agree with LGBTs because God created a man and a women for a reason: to create life! Without this, He could not grow His kingdom. Gays are to be respected, but Heavenly Father wants union between a man and a women, because family is one of the most important things to mormons. We dont drink alcohol: Ive seen a lot of people look at LDS members odd when they turn down a beer. But why dont we drink? Alcohol is not good for our bodies. It can be addictive and harmful. Our body is a temple, and our Heavenly Father wants us to take care of our bodies, and provide them with nurishing foods. Alcohol can damage our bodies and do bad things to our minds. So if you ever have a mormon turn down a drink, maybe you should consider doing the same. We are not trying to be rude, we just want whats best for our minds and bodies. We are too restricted: There are a lot of topics, conversations, and words you wouldnt want to use or bring up around a mormon. Some people find us as very restricted people, because we have so many rules. But if you really think about it, we dont have these rules to make life boring or to make us feel like we have no freedom, it is to protect us. Each and everyday as we try to be like Jesus, we must try to have a clean mind and body like Jesus. As we choose not to watch bad movies or listen to bad movies or to swear or to be dirty or vulgar, we are protecting ourselves and others. Think of it this way: we are all on a path leading back to our Heavenly Father. The Holy Ghost is our flashlight to help us see in the dark. The scriptures are the map. And so on. When we have a clean mind, the path is clearer and easier to follow. When we have dirty minds, the path is hard to see, and often rocky and challenging to walk. Whether you are LDS or not, it is always better to have a clean mind! Everyday I see stereotypes that people set for mormons. I think that in order to judge a mormon by their actions, you should better know why we do what we are doing. If you know why, things generally make a bit more sense. These are only a few of the typical LDS labels. Can you name a few?
I am not saying everyone does this or anything. Just putting my thoughts out there.
Heavenly Father loves everyone no matter what, and dont you ever forget that!

Way to go @RooTheMormon!!!

You have such a strong testimony of the gospel, and of Heavenly Father's love for you. You are exactly right. He understands your circumstances. He knows you, and your heart, and what you desire. Keep that fire in your heart and that testimony of what you know to be true. I remember being that age (it wasn't all that long ago) and it is a very trying time. I can guarantee and promise you that as you progress through the next years of your life, and as you go through high school, that the testimony you have of God and this gospel will be the strongest foundation you could ever build. It will help you determine right from wrong in every scenario. It will lead you to where you are meant to be. 

If you have read any of my other posts, you know I am the the only mormon in my intermediate family. All of my LDS friends were raised LDS. LDS parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. They were born in the church, raised in the church, and will one day (most of them) will start a family in the church. Their parents are always helping them to complete personal progress and going to church with them. They get to do family home evening, and they say prayers together before dinner. But not me. I was and am raised in a non-LDS home. A great one, but a home of heathens. I love my family to death, and I would never change anything about them ever. But my family arent just heathens, they also disagree with mormon values.
I was baptized in July of 2013 at 9 years old. My parents told me that even if they disagreed, they would always support me. I would wake up at 6 AM on Sunday to get ready for church. I would go to church with one of my neighbors (they would take turns of who would take me, God bless them all.) At church I was the only girl in my class with 5 boys, and our teachers would always bring treats and I wuld be the only one to earn one.
For a while I left church. I became something I wished I wasnt. Then I moved to a new city, and I was invited to Girls Camp. Since I had just turned 12, I would get to do my first year at the right age. I was so nervous, but so excited. Camp that year, now looking at it, was definitely a blessing Heavenly Father made for me. Never had I ever felt the spirit so strong. All these girls, in everything we did, I could feel their testimonies. At the testimony campfire I balled my eyes out. I wanted to feel that feeling again. I felt so warm and happy and thankful. I knew it was the spirit that I was feeling.
After camp I started going to church again. I went to YW and campfires. I knew with all my heart I was doing the right thing. At home I felt so confused. I didnt know whether I could choose between the church, and following what my parents set as standards for me. My family would buy me immodest clothing, and I felt pressured to wear it, becayse I feel bad when people spend their hard earned money on things I dont even use. I tomorrow tried as much as my parents would allow me to be modest, and I tried to ignore their rude comments about the church. 
After about a year, my parents work schedules changed, and Sunday was the inly day they both had off. Thats when my mom decided I wasnt allowed to go to church anymore. She said that I was no longer putting family first, and that always comes first.
So now I am not allowed to go to church. She occasionally lets me go to YWs, but I always feel guilty about it. I still read tge scriptures, say my prayers, read LDS articles, and do other things to help my faith.
I know that my Heavenly Father knows that I am not going to church because I cant, not because I dont want to. I also know that he loves me and will help me feel the spirit even though I cannot attend church.
Being the only mormon in my family has strenghtened my faith in ways that are so hard to explain. Im not saying that those raised LDS arent as faithful, but they have never had to experience the trials of parents who disagree with them, and not having anyone right their to talk about relgion with. Being the only mormon has strengthened me, because I have to try not to give up on my religion, because there is no one there pushing me through it. No one telling me to read my scriptures and say my prayers. 
I am always told that I am being a good influence to my family. I know that my family will not be influenced by me, because I know who they are, but I can show them and teach them and help them find their way if they are willing.
People always tell me I am so tough. I know I have been through many trials in faith, but I wouldnt say I am tough. Sure religion is hard, but I find it is always easiest to choose the right, because choosing a choice that will make you ahppy is an obvious decision.
 Some people tell me I am lucky because I could wear tank tops if I wanted to and wear a bikini if I wanted to and wear exposing shirts if I wanted to because my parents dont care about that stuff like LDS parents do. And I think I am lucky, because its a test of faith. Will I choose to make the right choice that Heavenly Father wants for me? People with LDS parents dont get that, because their parents wont give them that option.
Anyways, Id like to share with you all, that no matter what trials you face and what influences you have, if you are able to push through, you will come out stronger than you ever thought you could be. Pray, and Heaveny Father will help you.
**Please dont leave negative comments. I am just expressing my feelings, and I dont care to know if you disagree with them.

If you have read any of my other posts, you know I am the the only mormon in my intermediate family. All of my LDS friends were raised LDS. LDS parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. They were born in the church, raised in the church, and will one day (most of them) will start a family in the church. Their parents are always helping them to complete personal progress and going to church with them. They get to do family home evening, and they say prayers together before dinner. But not me. I was and am raised in a non-LDS home. A great one, but a home of heathens. I love my family to death, and I would never change anything about them ever. But my family arent just heathens, they also disagree with mormon values.
I was baptized in July of 2013 at 9 years old. My parents told me that even if they disagreed, they would always support me. I would wake up at 6 AM on Sunday to get ready for church. I would go to church with one of my neighbors (they would take turns of who would take me, God bless them all.) At church I was the only girl in my class with 5 boys, and our teachers would always bring treats and I wuld be the only one to earn one.
For a while I left church. I became something I wished I wasnt. Then I moved to a new city, and I was invited to Girls Camp. Since I had just turned 12, I would get to do my first year at the right age. I was so nervous, but so excited. Camp that year, now looking at it, was definitely a blessing Heavenly Father made for me. Never had I ever felt the spirit so strong. All these girls, in everything we did, I could feel their testimonies. At the testimony campfire I balled my eyes out. I wanted to feel that feeling again. I felt so warm and happy and thankful. I knew it was the spirit that I was feeling.
After camp I started going to church again. I went to YW and campfires. I knew with all my heart I was doing the right thing. At home I felt so confused. I didnt know whether I could choose between the church, and following what my parents set as standards for me. My family would buy me immodest clothing, and I felt pressured to wear it, becayse I feel bad when people spend their hard earned money on things I dont even use. I tomorrow tried as much as my parents would allow me to be modest, and I tried to ignore their rude comments about the church. 
After about a year, my parents work schedules changed, and Sunday was the inly day they both had off. Thats when my mom decided I wasnt allowed to go to church anymore. She said that I was no longer putting family first, and that always comes first.
So now I am not allowed to go to church. She occasionally lets me go to YWs, but I always feel guilty about it. I still read tge scriptures, say my prayers, read LDS articles, and do other things to help my faith.
I know that my Heavenly Father knows that I am not going to church because I cant, not because I dont want to. I also know that he loves me and will help me feel the spirit even though I cannot attend church.
Being the only mormon in my family has strenghtened my faith in ways that are so hard to explain. Im not saying that those raised LDS arent as faithful, but they have never had to experience the trials of parents who disagree with them, and not having anyone right their to talk about relgion with. Being the only mormon has strengthened me, because I have to try not to give up on my religion, because there is no one there pushing me through it. No one telling me to read my scriptures and say my prayers. 
I am always told that I am being a good influence to my family. I know that my family will not be influenced by me, because I know who they are, but I can show them and teach them and help them find their way if they are willing.
People always tell me I am so tough. I know I have been through many trials in faith, but I wouldnt say I am tough. Sure religion is hard, but I find it is always easiest to choose the right, because choosing a choice that will make you ahppy is an obvious decision.
 Some people tell me I am lucky because I could wear tank tops if I wanted to and wear a bikini if I wanted to and wear exposing shirts if I wanted to because my parents dont care about that stuff like LDS parents do. And I think I am lucky, because its a test of faith. Will I choose to make the right choice that Heavenly Father wants for me? People with LDS parents dont get that, because their parents wont give them that option.
Anyways, Id like to share with you all, that no matter what trials you face and what influences you have, if you are able to push through, you will come out stronger than you ever thought you could be. Pray, and Heaveny Father will help you.
**Please dont leave negative comments. I am just expressing my feelings, and I dont care to know if you disagree with them.

If you have read any of my other posts, you know I am the the only mormon in my intermediate family. All of my LDS friends were raised LDS. LDS parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. They were born in the church, raised in the church, and will one day (most of them) will start a family in the church. Their parents are always helping them to complete personal progress and going to church with them. They get to do family home evening, and they say prayers together before dinner. But not me. I was and am raised in a non-LDS home. A great one, but a home of heathens. I love my family to death, and I would never change anything about them ever. But my family arent just heathens, they also disagree with mormon values.
I was baptized in July of 2013 at 9 years old. My parents told me that even if they disagreed, they would always support me. I would wake up at 6 AM on Sunday to get ready for church. I would go to church with one of my neighbors (they would take turns of who would take me, God bless them all.) At church I was the only girl in my class with 5 boys, and our teachers would always bring treats and I wuld be the only one to earn one.
For a while I left church. I became something I wished I wasnt. Then I moved to a new city, and I was invited to Girls Camp. Since I had just turned 12, I would get to do my first year at the right age. I was so nervous, but so excited. Camp that year, now looking at it, was definitely a blessing Heavenly Father made for me. Never had I ever felt the spirit so strong. All these girls, in everything we did, I could feel their testimonies. At the testimony campfire I balled my eyes out. I wanted to feel that feeling again. I felt so warm and happy and thankful. I knew it was the spirit that I was feeling.
After camp I started going to church again. I went to YW and campfires. I knew with all my heart I was doing the right thing. At home I felt so confused. I didnt know whether I could choose between the church, and following what my parents set as standards for me. My family would buy me immodest clothing, and I felt pressured to wear it, becayse I feel bad when people spend their hard earned money on things I dont even use. I tomorrow tried as much as my parents would allow me to be modest, and I tried to ignore their rude comments about the church. 
After about a year, my parents work schedules changed, and Sunday was the inly day they both had off. Thats when my mom decided I wasnt allowed to go to church anymore. She said that I was no longer putting family first, and that always comes first.
So now I am not allowed to go to church. She occasionally lets me go to YWs, but I always feel guilty about it. I still read tge scriptures, say my prayers, read LDS articles, and do other things to help my faith.
I know that my Heavenly Father knows that I am not going to church because I cant, not because I dont want to. I also know that he loves me and will help me feel the spirit even though I cannot attend church.
Being the only mormon in my family has strenghtened my faith in ways that are so hard to explain. Im not saying that those raised LDS arent as faithful, but they have never had to experience the trials of parents who disagree with them, and not having anyone right their to talk about relgion with. Being the only mormon has strengthened me, because I have to try not to give up on my religion, because there is no one there pushing me through it. No one telling me to read my scriptures and say my prayers. 
I am always told that I am being a good influence to my family. I know that my family will not be influenced by me, because I know who they are, but I can show them and teach them and help them find their way if they are willing.
People always tell me I am so tough. I know I have been through many trials in faith, but I wouldnt say I am tough. Sure religion is hard, but I find it is always easiest to choose the right, because choosing a choice that will make you ahppy is an obvious decision.
 Some people tell me I am lucky because I could wear tank tops if I wanted to and wear a bikini if I wanted to and wear exposing shirts if I wanted to because my parents dont care about that stuff like LDS parents do. And I think I am lucky, because its a test of faith. Will I choose to make the right choice that Heavenly Father wants for me? People with LDS parents dont get that, because their parents wont give them that option.
Anyways, Id like to share with you all, that no matter what trials you face and what influences you have, if you are able to push through, you will come out stronger than you ever thought you could be. Pray, and Heaveny Father will help you.
**Please dont leave negative comments. I am just expressing my feelings, and I dont care to know if you disagree with them.

If you have read any of my other posts, you know I am the the only mormon in my intermediate family. All of my LDS friends were raised LDS. LDS parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. They were born in the church, raised in the church, and will one day (most of them) will start a family in the church. Their parents are always helping them to complete personal progress and going to church with them. They get to do family home evening, and they say prayers together before dinner. But not me. I was and am raised in a non-LDS home. A great one, but a home of heathens. I love my family to death, and I would never change anything about them ever. But my family arent just heathens, they also disagree with mormon values.
I was baptized in July of 2013 at 9 years old. My parents told me that even if they disagreed, they would always support me. I would wake up at 6 AM on Sunday to get ready for church. I would go to church with one of my neighbors (they would take turns of who would take me, God bless them all.) At church I was the only girl in my class with 5 boys, and our teachers would always bring treats and I wuld be the only one to earn one.
For a while I left church. I became something I wished I wasnt. Then I moved to a new city, and I was invited to Girls Camp. Since I had just turned 12, I would get to do my first year at the right age. I was so nervous, but so excited. Camp that year, now looking at it, was definitely a blessing Heavenly Father made for me. Never had I ever felt the spirit so strong. All these girls, in everything we did, I could feel their testimonies. At the testimony campfire I balled my eyes out. I wanted to feel that feeling again. I felt so warm and happy and thankful. I knew it was the spirit that I was feeling.
After camp I started going to church again. I went to YW and campfires. I knew with all my heart I was doing the right thing. At home I felt so confused. I didnt know whether I could choose between the church, and following what my parents set as standards for me. My family would buy me immodest clothing, and I felt pressured to wear it, becayse I feel bad when people spend their hard earned money on things I dont even use. I tomorrow tried as much as my parents would allow me to be modest, and I tried to ignore their rude comments about the church. 
After about a year, my parents work schedules changed, and Sunday was the inly day they both had off. Thats when my mom decided I wasnt allowed to go to church anymore. She said that I was no longer putting family first, and that always comes first.
So now I am not allowed to go to church. She occasionally lets me go to YWs, but I always feel guilty about it. I still read tge scriptures, say my prayers, read LDS articles, and do other things to help my faith.
I know that my Heavenly Father knows that I am not going to church because I cant, not because I dont want to. I also know that he loves me and will help me feel the spirit even though I cannot attend church.
Being the only mormon in my family has strenghtened my faith in ways that are so hard to explain. Im not saying that those raised LDS arent as faithful, but they have never had to experience the trials of parents who disagree with them, and not having anyone right their to talk about relgion with. Being the only mormon has strengthened me, because I have to try not to give up on my religion, because there is no one there pushing me through it. No one telling me to read my scriptures and say my prayers. 
I am always told that I am being a good influence to my family. I know that my family will not be influenced by me, because I know who they are, but I can show them and teach them and help them find their way if they are willing.
People always tell me I am so tough. I know I have been through many trials in faith, but I wouldnt say I am tough. Sure religion is hard, but I find it is always easiest to choose the right, because choosing a choice that will make you ahppy is an obvious decision.
 Some people tell me I am lucky because I could wear tank tops if I wanted to and wear a bikini if I wanted to and wear exposing shirts if I wanted to because my parents dont care about that stuff like LDS parents do. And I think I am lucky, because its a test of faith. Will I choose to make the right choice that Heavenly Father wants for me? People with LDS parents dont get that, because their parents wont give them that option.
Anyways, Id like to share with you all, that no matter what trials you face and what influences you have, if you are able to push through, you will come out stronger than you ever thought you could be. Pray, and Heaveny Father will help you.
**Please dont leave negative comments. I am just expressing my feelings, and I dont care to know if you disagree with them.

Thank you, I know that too  @Sunday21