[bmy-]

Originally Posted by mlbrowninwa

Well as someone getting ready to join the church, this makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. "What they really thought?" However as someone who has been forced to change churches because of moving i don't think that its just this church that has this problem.

It's not just this church by any means. I can promise you that. Everyone gets a new toy and gives it all of their attention.. and after a while something new comes along and that toy is set aside. Do your best not to become used to all that attention -- it can take the place of a testimony.

Several of the churches I tried here in Vancouver, WA before deciding to join the LDS church were very open and friendly when you first showed up. They'll take you around introduce you to a couple people and then you're on your own. For the most part my experience so far at the LDS church has been much different(and maybe i'm lucky with the people I have in my ward). They have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. However if the new member is allowed to drop off the map so to speak after joining, this could be a problem. But this is partly up to the new member as well, to seek out activities in the church. They very well may be running around talking and asking each other where my wife and daughter are, why is he here alone. But i am a firm believer that there is no way you will ever make everybody happy. That goes at church too. As far as I'm concerned, let them talk and they are welcome to their own opinions.

That's excellent! You're absolutely right.. when two thinking people are together they'll never agree on everything. For myself.. it was more of a "I thought they were different" and a rude awakening that they really were no different than the rest of the world.

I'm being completely honest with you. The cliche saying of "The Church is perfect but the people aren't" doesn't cut it.. it's more like "The Church is perfect but the people are people". I'm not attempting to discourage you.. just realize that people are people.

But with all that said, i am looking forward to not being one of those people that fall from the church. It took Heavenly Father nearly 20 years of gently showing me the way. I'm staying now that I'm here. If you ask me, being a convert has alot of perks. We have been on the "outside" and now realize what we need to do. I think it gives you a very different perspective than someone who has been a lifelong member.

Don't let them quell your unique outlook on life or any rebellious streak you might have. Stay active in the Church.. think for yourself.. and most of all enjoy your mortal probation.

Most of all.. remember that you can see all sorts of things from the outside that you can't see at the center. Enjoy your baptism and I hope your water is cleaner than mine was (cockroaches). For a song to be sung.. I would suggest "The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning"