Progression

[M_T_E]

Over the past month, well.. Almost a full month now... I have taken a great deal of time to learn about the beliefs of the LDS.*

Coming from a heavily Baptist upbringing I have already been familiar with God, the Bible, his Commandments and a great deal more. What I started off as a simple desire to learn more about another religion has grown into a fondness so to speak of the LDS.*

Despite my Baptist history I still questioned many of the things they taught, even at a young age. A prime example was the trinitarian views of the church and the unwillingness to accept that science plays an important role as well. Often mention of science would cause you to be viewed as a crazy person in a way *

While I indeed did "invite" God into my heart to be saved, I never was baptized. The opportunity presented itself and I quickly declined, in my heart I just felt as though something was not right. The beliefs that were instilled upon me as a child just did not feel, complete? Hard to explain.*

Over this past month I have come to realize that I share the nearly all of the same views as the Latter-day Saints. I have had several sources, such as this forum which has been a wealth of information for my mind. Others include several online missionaries through the website, and also Facebook as well. One of my friends is a returned Missionary and another helps teach at BYU. Both are however hard to reach these days sadly.*

Several inquiries for Baptism or to be atleast handed off to local missionaries have been respectfully declined. I cannot quite say I went into this looking to convert, but i will admit that reading the Book of Mormon and being on Temple Grounds brings about a peaceful feeling, a wholeness as if I was spiritually complete and not lacking in any way.*

I find myself drawn back to Temple Grounds just to continue to experience this peace and serenity that I do not have elsewhere. And I will say that since receiving this book I have felt more compelled to do right rather than wrong, even simple little things. To provide more and do more for others, despite the sacrifices I already make.*

I guess you can say I have been spiritually enlightened by my journey so far. I have received quite a bit of urging from my online missionary to attend a local ward during Sunday service, to see where I stand. And the two Sisters that I met at the Portland Temple have encouraged such as well.*

I have decided to take this learning experience a step farther and attend, I usually work mornings on Sundays however the first two Sundays in February I have requested off from work to further my experience.*

Cannot quite say if I am ready to seek out local missionaries or not. I'd have to say that my current sources provide plenty of information for me.*

And surprisingly I was convinced to begin praying once again after nearly a decade of not. *

That is where I stand now. I have some time to myself tonight so I will have more time to read the BoM.

[Mamas_Girl]

I'd really recommend contacting the local missionaries and talking to them. Contrary to popular belief, they don't bite, or at least I've never known them to. But seriously, from what I've seen of your post you appear to be ready to have them come and tell you everything you need to know. They'll give you specific assignments to read, pray about and stuff like that. Then the next time they come you can ask them tons of questions.

Most people join the church (or at least meet the missionaries) by their knocking on the door. The most amazing them to them is to have you call and ask for them to come over! The advantage of having the missionaries come to your house before you come to church, is they'll help introduce you around to all the local members when you attend church in a few weeks. To me, that was really nice, and it helped me settle down and get comfortable among a group of people I'd never met before.

Obviously, you need to do what's right for you, and I'd just like to say thanks for checking us out! Welcome aboard! :)

[M_T_E]

My online missionary has highly encouraged that a view a baptism, I think she believes that it will ease my mind on the dunking in water.

I know that baptism is supposed to be a peaceful and positive event, but the idea of having someone else immerse you in water has never been very enticing to me though.

I ended up stopping by a local ward not in my area, was a random spur of the moment thing while I drove by. Spoke with an older man, he took down my information. I said that I would like to get in contact with a Bishop, however I have a feeling he will leave me to the missionaries anyways.

[LilyBelle00]

My husband is a convert and he has very fond memories of the missionaries who visited him. It was like a friendship and they helped him feel comfortable in the church and with other members. He went to the investigator's class with them for weeks and enjoyed it and learned a lot. His first experience really feeling the spirit was while he prayed with them. I would definitely recommend calling them up. :)

Good luck on your journey. I know that I love this church with all my heart. My husband and I were inactive for a long time and since we've been back, there has been a sort of peace in our house. I know what you mean about choosing to do the right more. That's how it's been with me lately. Just little things that I find myself doing or not doing, trying to be a better person. :)

[M_T_E]

My husband is a convert and he has very fond memories of the missionaries who visited him. It was like a friendship and they helped him feel comfortable in the church and with other members. He went to the investigator's class with them for weeks and enjoyed it and learned a lot. His first experience really feeling the spirit was while he prayed with them. I would definitely recommend calling them up. :)

Good luck on your journey. I know that I love this church with all my heart. My husband and I were inactive for a long time and since we've been back, there has been a sort of peace in our house. I know what you mean about choosing to do the right more. That's how it's been with me lately. Just little things that I find myself doing or not doing, trying to be a better person. :)

Indeed I have felt the spirit, while in prayer, reading scripture and on temple grounds as well. I noticed the feeling of peace from the moment I first set foot upon temple grounds, I really couldnt explain it until the online missionary brought it up. She has been eager to get me involved with local missionaries, I have gotten comments on how much she is surprised I have learned during our time talking and apparently I have taught her as well based off of the lessons I drew while reading from 1 Nephi.

The past almost month has been a crash course on the church. I never thought I would find one religion I honestly agreed with.

Are you and your husband sealed?

[LilyBelle00]

Are you and your husband sealed?

Not yet. We got married in a civil ceremony and shortly afterwards became inactive. We had a couple of kids and now we are finally back in church and really enjoying it. I'm so happy that our kids are young enough to still be raised in the church (they are 4 and 2).

The plan right now is for us to go as a family and be sealed on our 10th anniversary this year in June. :)

[M_T_E]

Not yet. We got married in a civil ceremony and shortly afterwards became inactive. We had a couple of kids and now we are finally back in church and really enjoying it. I'm so happy that our kids are young enough to still be raised in the church (they are 4 and 2).

The plan right now is for us to go as a family and be sealed on our 10th anniversary this year in June. :)

Ten years is a long time! But then again I am almost 24 so my concept is different.

When it comes to Temple access, I had a friend that I know was married and sealed but she didn't obey the law of chastity. Are there special exceptions granted?

[Magen_Avot]

As I prepared for a talk once I read in a couple of places that membership in the Ward/Branch/Group prepare us to enter the temple and that the temple prepares us for Eternal Life in Gods presence.

This seems to reflect that our lives are a progression, hopefully toward the Savior and as so many scriptures tell us: line upon line, precept upon precept. It's an individual journey made easier when surrounded by others seeking to become like the Savior also.

May the Lord bless you on your journey, I would certainly be blessed by your company.

[LilyBelle00]

Ten years is a long time! But then again I am almost 24 so my concept is different.

When it comes to Temple access, I had a friend that I know was married and sealed but she didn't obey the law of chastity. Are there special exceptions granted?

I think 10 years is a long time too! We married young so most people can't believe it's been that long. I'm 29 and he's 30. :) I think this will be a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary!

About your friend... As long as she's repented and is living righteously now, then she's fine. It's really between her, her bishop, and The Lord. If she hasn't repented...well, that's still between her and The Lord.

No one is perfect. My husband and I have not always lived how we should but now we are striving to be worthy to go to the temple. :)

[Anddenex]

When it comes to Temple access, I had a friend that I know was married and sealed but she didn't obey the law of chastity. Are there special exceptions granted?

There are no special exceptions in relation tot he temple and who receives a temple recommend.

The temple recommend is an honesty based admittance. There are specific questions a bishopric and stake presidency ask in accordance to be determined worthy to receive a temple recommend and to enter into the temple.

These questions are typically based upon honesty, unless the bishopric, or stake presidency receive a strong witness that the person is unworthy to enter the temple.

If a person, like your friend, is disingenuous regarding her acceptance of the law-of-chastity, then she enters the temple unworthily, and the Lord is not pleased.

If she was married and sealed, unworthily, then the chances are at this moment -- if unrepentant -- that the Holy Spirit of promise did not seal the wedding. Until, she fully repents, and once fully repented, then the Holy Spirit of promise will bind and seal the marriage.

I once read this regarding temple sealings from a sealer, "It is one of the most unfortunate experiences as a sealer when performing a sealing and you know the couple is unworthy to be in the temple. How, because I know that the Holy Spirit of promise did not confirm the sealing." (paraphrased - been a long time since I read these words)

[Traveler]

Some thoughts - See if a ward in you local stake meets at a time more convenient to you work schedule.

Also you are young (24) and just coming to your own. This a good time to begin or continue a quest for truth and understanding truth. But in all honesty - a quest for truth is an eternal quest and in such a quest one should not ever back away from steeps they understand to be good and true. For myself (a scientist and engineer) I have found the LDS as a doctrine and people not only good but best in my personal quest - therefore I am happy to fully associate myself and contribute all I can to further the greatest cause I have found. But should I ever find something better I would embrace such truth and the joy of finding it - in a heart beat.

The Traveler

[pam]

I have found the LDS as a doctrine and people not only good but best in my personal quest - therefore I am happy to fully associate myself and contribute all I can to further the greatest cause I have found. But should I ever find something better I would embrace such truth and the joy of finding it - in a heart beat.

The Traveler

Traveler if you could please clarify this? In reading it, I get the perception that right now you are settling for the LDS religion because it's the best you have found. You mention should you find something better you would embrace it. So are you saying that there could be the possibility that there is something better?

[M_T_E]

From what I have learned and read my personal conclusion in mind and heart is that nothing is indeed better than the LDS faith.

But yes, I am young learning. And there is much more to learn.