Future Choices

[Uncle_Sam]

I'm 19, about to turn 20 in a couple months, and I still have not received my patriarchal blessing. I was born and raised in the LDS church but I guess I wasn't as "into" it as I should have been until now. I've been thinking a lot lately and I want my patriarchal blessing now, but is there anything that I have to do before getting it? Like do I have to get a bishop's interview or something like that?

Also, it's not just about the patriarchal blessing. I'm almost 20 and I feel like I've been pushing everything church-related away. I guess it was never too important to me until now. Now I want to go on a mission, but I'm not sure if I'm ready or worthy to do that right now. I've done some things that I'm not too proud of, but I want to put all that behind me now. I've recently had what you might call a "spiritual awakening" and I now feel the importance of the choices we make. I guess my testimony just began to grow for the 1st time that I can remember. I've decided to live my life as best as I can from now on, no matter what the temptation might be.

Is there anyone else here that can relate to what I'm talking about? When was the first time you gained you're true testimony? Did anything change after you got it?

[Uncle_Sam]

Oh and sorry if I put this in the wrong section......

[john doe]

Yes, you need to get a recommend for a patriarchal blessing from your bishop. Consult with him and he will give you guidance on anything you need to do to prepare yourself for it.

[Dravin]

Is there anyone else here that can relate to what I'm talking about? When was the first time you gained you're true testimony? Did anything change after you got it?

I was 19, then went inactive for another yearish and then reactivated again (I had issues I wasn't willing to resolve the first time around). I gained it when I was reading Saints at War a collection of LDS servicemen's stories and started wondering if it could all be true. So I did what I was taught all my life to do to find out, I threw out my old habits and lived the commandments the best I knew how and poured over and prayed about the book of Mormon until I got an answer.

When I reactivated (both times actually) I started waking up to the importance of our choices. One thing though, is when you initially reactivate and/or gain that testimony you kinda ride a spiritual high, kinda like a recent convert, and coming down off that high can be hard to handle, you may slip into old bad habits or wonder if it's really something you want to keep doing or even start doubting if it was true (I did this but it was self-serving, not true equaled licence to just go back to the way I was) but get on your knees, keep reading the scriptures, talk to your Bishop, and counsel with trusted friends and family (who support your decision to reactivate, talking to Anti Uncle Joe wouldn't be a good idea).

As far as your mission goes, I didn't go on mine until I was 22. So even if you aren't ready now or worthy don't completely write it off thinking you can only go at 19 or ASAP. Not that you want to dawdle, but needing time to get your ducks in a row does not (though the nature of the ducks could) remove a mission from the table.

[Uncle_Sam]

One thing though, is when you initially reactivate and/or gain that testimony you kinda ride a spiritual high, kinda like a recent convert, and coming down off that high can be hard to handle, you may slip into old bad habits or wonder if it's really something you want to keep doing or even start doubting if it was true

I know exactly what you mean. I have had another experience a while ago which also got me thinking about life and the importance of choices, but not too long after I just slipped back into my old habits and it got even worse. But this time is really different. It wasn't like a slap in the face like the last time, it was far greater than that. Let's just say that I've had a realization of Heaven and Hell. I've come to know how real both of them are and how serious it is. After coming to grips with this reality I don't care how hard my life is or how tough the temptations may be to resist because none of it's worth being separated from God for eternity. I've learned that if you're not actively working for God, then you're automatically against him. There is no neutral line or gray area when it comes to that, and I will make sure to be on His side from now on, no matter what.

[pam]

Sometimes you have to have something really knock you on the side of the head to come to realizations. Good luck on your journey and with your decisions.

[Uncle_Sam]

Isn't that the truth lol. Thanks^_^

[Wingnut]

You need to meet with your bishop about both the blessing and the mission. He can also help you figure out what steps you need to take to make a full entry back into the Church.

Regarding testimony, I was born and raised in the Church. I had a brief period my freshman in college (at BYU, no less) of inactivity, but mainly in attendance. I was lazy, and NOT a morning person in the least, but my ward met at 8:20am. I rarely went because I didn't want to get up. I still went to activities. At one point I questioned my testimony, but I was in a period of deep depression, and I mistakenly thought that my lack of church attendance meant (automatically) that I didn't believe anymore. Other than those few months, I've been active in attendance and testimony my entire life. However, my testimony came in pieces, as it often does. Since I was three years old, I grew up singing the song "I am a child of God." I was 21 years old before I gained a testimony of that doctrine. I was in high school when I gained my testimony of Joseph Smith, and almost halfway through my mission before I received a testimony of the Book of Mormon.

[Hemidakota]

I'm 19, about to turn 20 in a couple months, and I still have not received my patriarchal blessing. I was born and raised in the LDS church but I guess I wasn't as "into" it as I should have been until now. I've been thinking a lot lately and I want my patriarchal blessing now, but is there anything that I have to do before getting it? Like do I have to get a bishop's interview or something like that?

Also, it's not just about the patriarchal blessing. I'm almost 20 and I feel like I've been pushing everything church-related away. I guess it was never too important to me until now. Now I want to go on a mission, but I'm not sure if I'm ready or worthy to do that right now. I've done some things that I'm not too proud of, but I want to put all that behind me now. I've recently had what you might call a "spiritual awakening" and I now feel the importance of the choices we make. I guess my testimony just began to grow for the 1st time that I can remember. I've decided to live my life as best as I can from now on, no matter what the temptation might be.

Is there anyone else here that can relate to what I'm talking about? When was the first time you gained you're true testimony? Did anything change after you got it?

Already you received the most appropriate answers. Never be proud enough to say, I AM CORRECTED. It is always a sign before the Lord of humility and submission to strive to correct and move forward in your life. As it never too late to repent and received an answer directly from the Lord or the Holy Ghost. I believe, we all have a road to travel, but it is when we enter the crossroads life, which direction you take is a significant important moment of ones life to make. Do I take the right or do I take the left. Yet, I cannot fathom the Lord would ever leave us without aid or support.

In answering the testimony question, I received my testimony long before I was baptized. Even teaching the principles I have already learned to other Christians prior to my dunking in the cold frigid waters three times. I guess the Lord saw it fit, that I needed the extra cleansing. I could only imagine, the humor or smiles on His face after the third time.

After we receive our personal testimony, it doesn't end there. It is a continues growth over the years to the point, we will truly know GOD.

Just keep moving forward...

Edited July 5, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Uncle_Sam]

Thanks all for your responses. I'll be sure to keep all that in mind.

[Hemidakota]

You are a wonderful brother...