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I really like your idea of marking by subjects. . . I just got a set of scriptures for Christmas, and until now I've had a very difficult time deciding what method to annotate them. What I have previously been doing is only using two different colors - one to highlight important details & summarize message/ storyline, and the other to make note of passages I found particularly enlightening or special. And of course, a different colored ballpoint pen to make random notes to myself in the margins. Personally, I don't think doing it by speaker (Holy Ghost, Savior, etc.) would be helpful to me. I'd become too preoccupied with the nitty-gritty details instead of the intended message. But that's just my opinion.

I'm thankful for my boyfriend and his wonderful family. Their patience and love has made up for what I lack at home! :)

Just wanted to post a quick update - he talked to his bishop this past Sunday, and everything went fine. He was actually told, "You have every reason in the world to date this girl." :) His parents were very understanding as well. He even gets to leave on his mission on time! Isn't that AWESOME? Thanks again to all of you who replied. It helped more than you know.

A sincere thanks to all of you and your insight. It means much more than I can express. Morningstar, I have to admit - I have not always been so supportive of him leaving for two years. I never, ever tried to convince him not to go but I would cry if it was ever brought up. I later realized, however, that he is serving for something much bigger than him or I or us. And once I saw that, I could no longer be selfish enough to plead for him to stay. RodAZ, I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. They reached me to my very core. Honestly, after all the stress between my parents and this dilemma with him, you never would have guessed that someone I've never met telling me that I am an incredible person would mean this much. It's what I needed, and I thank you for that. I completely agree with you about being part of the solution - that's what I hope for more than anything else, even if our relationship has to be put on hold. I know his teaching me has helped him become much firmer in his faith, and I believe with my whole heart that by helping him down this path of forgiveness that I might be able to find "truth" myself. Also, in reference to your suggestion, I am actually alreading signed up for a D&C class at the Institute next semester. I am so excited. Sarah, thank you as well. I am sorry about your situation. His parents have been nothing but welcoming and loving to me, despite my parents refusing to even let him on the property. Though, I am scared that when he confesses to them that they will not be able to see me in the same light anymore, as if I had corrupted their son and led him astray (even though what he did was entirely out of my control or suggestion). I've told him that I do not want to become a distraction for him while he is away, but rather provide loving support when I know he will long for home - so it's quite ironic that you said that! I never considered meeting with the bishop myself. I didn't know that would be allowed. But I think I should either way it goes, to show the bishop that I am willing to do whatever it takes to help him through this.

Hi, everyone! Just thought I'd introduce myself. I come from a family with very anti-religious/agnostic-borderline-atheist views, ones that I could never identify with. I've gone to church meetings of many faiths over the years but have yet to find something I can deem as "true". I've been attending LDS church meetings with my boyfriend for the past few months, and this doctrine is the first thing that makes sense! The ideas of eternal families, baptism for the dead, church programs that promote a strong sense of community, Relief Society!, the definition of the Godhead, a living prophet. . . makes me wonder why I never looked into it before. Honestly, I haven't talked to the sister missionaries at my college yet out of some odd, unidentified fear. Instead, my boyfriend and his amazing family have been "my missionaries". They have never once made me feel pressured to join but rather have shown support and love during this difficult personal decision. I love it. Anyway, I am hoping by joining this forum to gain some insight on the doctrines and have some nagging questions answered. And of course, get some support! Thanks.

I want to start this post by saying that I have no intentions of discrediting the beliefs of this Church, nor do I wish to offend anyone who is kind enough to read this. I think the "non-member" in the heading may throw a few people off. My sole purpose is to ask for the help of others in this truly difficult situation. I have been dating a member of the LDS church for the past 8 months. I doubt I have to tell anyone here this, but his morals and respect for me as a person has been postively uplifting. His quality of character leaves me speechless at times, and it inspires me to become a better person. I come from a family that has very anti-religious views, but I have always felt out-of-place. I have always believed in a Heavenly Father but I had never been able to identify myself with a particular religion. My parents have practically disowned me for dating him - I can't even speak his name in their house. It's been extremely difficult, but between what I have learned through attending church with him, what I have read (he even bought me my own set of scriptures for Christmas because I was using his so often, haha), and prayer, I truly feel that the Church is something I want to be a part of, no matter the costs. His influence in this decision has been nothing but support and never in attempts to "try to convert", which is something I am quite grateful for. Now, to the real problem: a number of months ago, he committed a serious sin. In respect to him and others, I won't post the details here, but in so many words, he treated me wrongly without my concious knowledge. He confessed to me, and although I was hurt by his actions, I forgave him in attempt to be more Christ-like. A month or so after, he did it again in similar circumstances. And yet again, after much prayer and tears, I forgave him because I know he would never let it happen again. I cannot express how sorry I know he is for what he did. He told me a few days ago that he was going to confess to his bishop. To be honest, I was ELATED. I was so incredibly happy that he was doing this on his own iniative. I know that by repenting and receiving forgiveness he will finally get the relief he desperately needs. But I asked him what the chances would be of his bishop suggesting that we break things off. After all, I am a non-member and he is hoping to leave on a mission in the summer which I entirely support. He said he didn't know, but he would do whatever he asked in order to be forgiven. Now, even though I am not (yet) a member of the Church, I completely understand the important influence of the bishop. But to suggest breaking up with me without even having met me, without knowing my strong personal values even as an outsider? I am willing to help him in any way I can, bettering each other in aspects of spirituality and morality. I just want that chance. Does anyone know the likelihood of this happening?