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Still not sure
Posted On 03/18/2009 15:05:11 by ashleybstarr
Last time I blogged, a month or two ago I think, I thought that attending an LDS church would confirm or deny the truth of it for me. I was so disapointed when I left that I could not even write. It was not the churches fault at all. Everyone there was very warm and welcoming. I just didn't feel anything, or get anything out of the service or ( for me) womens relief. I was expecting more of a message during the actual ( Im not sure what you call it) service. A nice old man talked about his missionary work but didnt really have a message in what he said, like we are used to hearing every Sunday at the Pentacoastal Church.
Not that there couldnt be messages in a Mormon service, I mean we have only gone the one time and there was a guest speaker so who knows.
I am so conflicted. I honestly dont know if I am being called by God or dazzled by the gorgeous temples I see. If the allure of family togetherness that is so demonstrated, if the idea of a living prophet  ( which I admit makes sense, why would God leave us alone to interpret his word?) has me considering?
On the one hand, it all makes sense.
LDS addresses things the Protostant church doesnt touch.
On the other hand...Im just not feelin it?!
What if I just want more stability for my family, for a way for the children to really know Jesus?
And of course there is the fear instilled in all protastants of LDS. They even go as far to to believe JWs are closer to Christianity. My JW friends have explained to me that they do not celebrate many of the holidays we do because they are founded in Pagan worship ie Christmas tree and something about Ester having to do with a Pagan celebration...? I dunno.
I am mostly conflicted because I dont know if the reasons I want to believe have anything to do with faith. It paints a pretty picture and makes a good arguement but is it real?
I know you all believe, please tell me why?
I am open to hearing anything.



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Viewing 1 - 5 out of 5 Comments

From: WilliamArenas
03/19/2009 15:26:03

First of all, it's a pleasure to get in contact with you... and don't feel bad about this, just be patience.

 


Ashley, the answers to our questions not always will come in the way we want or in the way we would like to receive it.

 



 


You have made the first step which is "try to find the real truth", that truth that will enlight your life...

 


now, you need to make the second step which is "Ask to God..." how?... kneeling down with an open heart and willing to received an answer.

 


Express to him your doubts and sorrows. Talk to him in the same as you would talk with your own father.

 


If you have a honest desire to know the truth, I promise you, that he will answer you in the way he consider better for your understanding.

 


Even though you have asked to God, Our Eternal Father, you still need to make the effort finding the truth. If the question is "how"?,

 


I would recommend to keep assiting to the church every time you can, talk to the Missionaries, talk to the Bishop or President, and of course, Keep asking in faith (take your own Bible and read James 1:5-6).

 



 


This is my testimony:

 


I know that God lives, I know that Jesus is the Christ, that the Holly Ghost testifies about the Father and the Son.

 


I know that the Book of Mormon also is true, that is another testament of Jesus the Christ and testifies about Him.

 


I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and through him the Gospel was restored again in these times.

 


Also I know that if you ask to God, he will answer you. He has answered my prayers and I know that He will do the same to you.

 


Be patience, ask in faith, and you will have your answer.

 


That God bless your life is my sincere desire... In the name of Jesus Christ.. Amen.


 


PD: Sorry if you see any mistake in my writting, Even though I was born in the United States, I grow up in Mendoza, Argentina.


I'sm still getting acostume to the English language.


 

From: Hemidakota
03/19/2009 08:53:04
I simply don't believe but know with surety that this is the only true church that is a standard for our GOD and HIS beloved SON - Jesus the Christ. It not only comes by first desire and hope, but through faith that our works is added to find that true witnesses as Joseph Smith had achieved. It is our destiny, according to Heavenly Father in seeking the same as Joseph did, those answers when he encountered the Godhead first hand.

May the Savior bless you and your family in finding that answer soon.



From: douglaslaporte
03/18/2009 23:30:48

What you are experiencing is normal and yet a very interesting period. As someone said before, it is rather rare to have a strong confirmation by the Spirit at the beginning; however, the feelings that you have about some points of the doctrine taught by the LDS Church are good points to start with.  There are some wonderful verses in the Book of Alma (in the Book of Mormon) chapter 32. From verse 27 until the end it discusses how one can acquire a testimony and gain faith, which is what you’re looking for.  If you could read that and then think and pray about it that would probably help. Nonetheless, there is one point that is very interesting in what you said. In Matthew 7:18 we read “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit”, there are some similar verses in the Book of Mormon, but it makes more sense for you to refer to the Bible still. Now from what you say, you feel that temples have something right about them, along with the promoting of strong eternal families and a living prophet; this is how you can judge whether it is true or not, does it bring forth good fruit? Now, this will only be a start of an answer, the rest will come with time and through pondering and personal experience.


Concerning the Sunday meetings at Church, the things said are not perfect for sure, since it is done by humans; however, the words pronounced did certainly touch someone’s heart, because it was what this person needed to hear. Although, I think that if you go there ready to learn and the desire to feel something, you will somehow have some kind of answer sooner or later. I know that the LDS Church is the true church of Christ, it blessed my life in incredible proportions, and it did bring good fruits in my life and the people around me also. I hope I was helpful, good luck with your quest for truth.

From: Yellowhill
03/18/2009 21:56:08
When I received the the Holy Spirit it was with a hammer and sledge, the sister missionary talk about the first Vision and how God and his Son Jesus spoke to Joseph Smith the the forest. I could not disallowed what I felt. What I felt was a constant shimmering going through my body, If you read Joseph Smith History 1:17 this is the verse where God and Jesus talk to young Joseph Smith.  I have been a member for just over two years. That evening after the sister's missionaries left my home I went upstairs and kneel down by my bedside and ask God if this was the right place for me to be going, I the answer was yes! You are a daughter of God, this is a given, Go to James chapter 1 verse 5 and ponder and pray. In time Ashley you will have the promptings to move ahead. Study and pray, seek our Heavenly Father in those quite moments that come in the day. I know that this is the true church, the church that Christ had when he walk this earth. The temples are grand, but nothing compared to work the Saints do for the Lord inside of them. ( See my Statement on Faith on my page ) Dearest Yellowhill

From: Madriglace
03/18/2009 15:31:27
Actually I think you are getting your answer but you are missing it becasue it is coming as a still small voice. You have stated so many things that you like about the church and the doctrine ... temples, families, prophets. Very few people get the BIG epiphany ... mostly it is just a soft whisper. You are on the right track ... don't give up. Your Father in Heaven is so pleased with your search and on the other side the adversary is having a raging fit. Alot of your conflict is him trying to keep you from the kingdom. Don't let him keep you from the best thing in your life. For me the peace that having the gospel in my life and trying very hard to follow it is the biggest blessing. I have had  to work to learn to listen and then to act on the promptings. One thing I told my kids (14-16 yrs) in my Sunday School class last week ... you are never alone all you  have to do is reach out and the Savior will lead you if you will let Him. Good luck sweet sister ... my prayers are with you.


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