emeliza

I would guess in this case it is Priesthood since the poster was just getting baptized that weekend. You have to be a member for a Patriarchal Blessing, but not a priesthood.

Nor are they suppose to be since you know....they are forbidden from dating while on their mission.

I took it she meant, can I really do all that is required of me. Doubting herself rather than doubting the gospel. That is what happened to me, why it took me so long. I was afraid of failing God and my children. Thankfully I realized what the Atonement was and what it meant for me and that I didn't have to be perfect and if I messed up....I had that to rely on. But...those books you recommended are awesome (the ones that I have read). And the scriptures are always important.

What an awesome story.

I started VT within 2 months of being baptized. Then called as SA Ward Rep within 4 months. Actually a bigger job than it sounds as we had an influex of singles in the year before and after me and there was no singles program....now we have activities and FHE ward level and coordinate to get to the Stake level activities as well. Then I got called to be RS teacher by 6 months. I am currently still in all three of these (though I never thought of VT as a calling really since you don't get set apart) and have been a member for a year and a half now. So I don't think your timeline will save you from a calling per say.

Got to say, I love wearing garments. I thought that would be one of the hardest parts of going to the Temple....and it was so not. In fact I would almost say it was the easiest part. Very comfy.

Wait until you read the Old Testament.....talk about scriptures you don't understand and find distrubing..... Um...sorry for the sidetrack. I would suggest continuing to go. Pray to God (and ask your gf to as well) about whether you should marry or not. That needs to be your first issue if you would ever decide to join the Church.

I remember thinking that myself. But my spiritual confirmation got me past it. A couple times after becoming a member I wonder it as well, but again, spiritual confirmation helps me not to worry. You don't really have to worry about this right away as you won't have to deal with it yourself until going to the Temple. I just went a few weeks ago....not a big deal. And as MS stated, they are just to remind people of covenants they make in the Temple. Sort of a protection against yourself. Stay away from drugs (illegal), alcohol, tobacco, tea (from the tea plant) and coffee. Everything else is sort of your disgression. If it is addictive, it is probably not a good idea either. Both my kids were born out of wedlock by different fathers. They are treated as equals with their peers. Never had a problem there at all. Um...you will get the Gift of the Holy Ghost typically the Sunday after your baptism for converts. At that point you are a full fledged member. Taking caffeine isn't a sin. I unfortunately drink it every day to avoid headaches and because I am pretty well addicted. However because it can be considered addictive, many members stay away from it when possible. It might seem overwhelming at times because it has a bit of a cultural side to it besides the religious side, just take it slowly. Remember to tell people you are just learning and they need to really explain things to you. When I joined I knew a lot of the doctrine, but not policy and policy has been a bit of a thorn to me. Funny enough it tends to be ward policy, not Church policy. Just little things that make life work smoother, but I wasn't use to. The whole idea of Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching was rather alien, but now I love it. Anyway...just remember we all learn line upon line and precept upon precept. You aren't expect to know it all and there isn't a test.

I am so not ready for primary yet. Wouldn't mind nursery, but rather like the callings I have so far. Also wouldn't want to be in the RS Presidency, but don't see that happening anytime soon.

Biggest problem....living in an area with not too many other LDS singles....in my age range. I am at the end of the YSA's so the younger SA's would be better.....but if there are any around, they aren't active or at least active in either YSA or SA stuff.

Do you have a reference that Rabbi at that time meant they were married? I don't doubt you, just want a reference. It doesn't mean that today to my knowledge. Just teacher within the Jewish faith, generally a leader in the religion.....

Yes, it would be very hard without your husband and children. Keep reading and studying. Oh...and I would guess a new set of missionaries will show up when these ones move. (I went thru four years of missionary discussions before I joined....I didn't want to leave my old church either.....but I am not married so my kids came with me.)

I am going to the Temple for my endowment tomorrow!

They are human. They are showing it. They have messed up if they aren't speaking with you or interacting with you the way they should. Something scared them. They see you as 'different' now because one of the main things you had in common was the belief system. They will come around as long as you remain the 'same' with your love towards them and your attitude. So long as you don't bash the Church or bring up religion. And when they do, just shy away from it. You said faith is individual, they don't quite believe this the same way I would guess. But since you do, just don't talk about religion or faith with them. Keep it personal and not public. Sadly enough, even though you haven't changed your personality or your morals, the change of your beliefs will be seen as a change in your personality and morals. It is up to you to take the high road and just show them this. Good luck

So how did it go anyway? BTW--Convert of a year and a half. Was active Presbyterian until joined. Missionaries tracted me out. It took me four years to figure out that is where I needed to be, but mostly because I was stubborn and wouldn't pray about it until I knew if I did join, I would actually stick with it.