A Methodist Learning More About Lds

[tigerblue711]

Hi, I've been browsing the forums for awhile, and I figured I might as well introduce myself and my current predicament.

I am a 17 year old male who was born in raised in the Methodist church. Until about a year ago, I had almost zero knowledge about Mormons. I met a cute Mormon girl at school and we became great friends and decided to date. We dated and things started to become pretty serious. After about 10 months of dating, we knew that with our religious situation and plans for college next year it would be a mistake to keep on at the rate we were going. We still remain best friends, and I truly miss what we had. I sometimes believe that God put her in my life for more than just someone to date.

While we dated, I began to study and learn a lot about the church. A lot of the things I had heard turned out to be entirely false. I was even quite attracted to the lifestyle that her family and other LDS families lived by. I was kind of jealous that our family didn't have the strong relationship that her family had. I have attended a few sacrament meetings and seminary classes. The past month I have been really praying hard and reading the BoM trying to find out for myself if it is/isn't for me. I know Mormon guys my age are expected to go on missions in a few years, and to be honest that sounds kind of appealing to me (she plans to marry a return missionary).

My family would disagree but still support me with whichever route I choose for my life. They would just be disappointed if I did it for a girl and not for God (which is what I worry about so much). Anyhow, that is my situation and why I have been visiting the forums. It has sure been helpful to read some of the things posted.

[MorningStar]

Welcome, Tiger! There are many people in a situation like yours and I'll be praying for you.

[LatterDaySaint]

Hi tigerblue711,

My family would disagree but still support me with whichever route I choose for my life.

That speaks very well of your family.

Half my father's family are members of the church. My grandmother (member) died when he was 17. My grandpa (non-member) provided no financial support and only sent him 1 letter the whole time he was away on his mission.

They would just be disappointed if I did it for a girl and not for God (which is what I worry about so much). Anyhow, that is my situation and why I have been visiting the forums. It has sure been helpful to read some of the things posted.

Your family is right about this. Your decision to be baptized should be founded upon your belief. You must take the girlfriend out of the equation: i.e. Would you still believe if she wrote you a letter stating that she met someone else while you were away on your mission and that she was getting married? This has happened to many a missionary.... But, you needn't worry about the future. Having made the choice to follow Him, He will direct you on the path of life. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6)

Here are two great talks for further reading: Robert K. Dellenbach, “Hour of Conversion,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 23 and Richard G. Scott, “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” Liahona, Jul 2002, 26–28.

Kind Regards,

LatterDaySaint

[Guest AutumnBreez]

Welcome Tiger!

You are right to do it for the right reasons, for your salvation and God.

Also....one of the first things I thought was how wonderful it is that you are

being given opportunity to be an instrument for your own immediate family.

Look forward to see you on the boards during your jouney.

[avatar4321]

Definitely don't do it for a girl. But do it for the right reasons. Because its the truth. It's weird saying that to people who have not had the same experiences I've had, but I know beyond all doubt that it is indeed true.

You sound like you want to do good in this world. Talk with God. Tell Him what you want. I know when I was seeking to know whether it was all true or not, i told God that I wanted the truth, I wanted to live it and follow Him regardless where He took me. I exercised faith in Him and He revealed the truth to me as I was studying the scriptures one day. The Spirit was incredibly overwhelming. So much so that even now thinking back I can not deny that it was the power and love of God on me. I never understood what the Glory of God meant till that day.

I have no doubt your journey will lead you closer to God as well. Feel free to ask all the questions you want. we will answer.