Where to start?

[TurkeyRun]

Did I use any other funny words?

Haha - nope, thanks for the definition of "High Council" - I must not be to that part of Mormonism for Dummies yet

[TurkeyRun]

Originally Posted by tubaloth

[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]What is most?

Keep reading. Its like you have already started.

So whats your thoughts on the whole Joseph Smith first vision?

I made it up to the middle of Mosiah, then got impatient and dove into 3 Nephi as I knew that contained the Lord's ministry in North America. I have been stuck there, I've read it 5 times now.

As far as Joseph's story - I got that for the first time a year ago in SLC when I tool the tour and stuck around for the movie. I found it hard to leave the temple grounds and went back 2 more times that trip. To be honest, the whole visitation when he was young, and the Sacred Grove bit - almost had me in tears. It was beautiful.

[TurkeyRun]

Great story - thanks!

[Connie]

A Harley to church!! That is SO cool!! I would do it myself if i owned one, but i don't know how it would work with my skirt.

There's a guy in my ward with a beard and long, curly, shoulder-length hair, the same length as his wife's hair. I think they are long-time members, not really sure. I'm pretty new to the ward. But they have a calling in the primary (working with kids).

My husband has a beard too. Beards are SO sexy!!

[bert10]

Live what you know to be true. That is the best thing you can do. It is impossible for a person to learn about Christ without learning anything about "Unconditional Love" which is also called the "pure love of Christ". This love does not compel nor force others to believe as we do...It is patience, understanding others and their wants and needs. It is able to forgive all things,,,being merciful etc. Unconditional Love is given regardless of what our Spouse does or say.

In our core....everyone wants to be loved and accepted unconditionally for who we are. Once this happens the person who feels this from their spouse shall begin to lose all fears at least regarding their spouse.

When we give "Unconditional Love" first we are never without love for God returns it to us as fast as we can give it out.

Though you are responsible for the Spiritual welfare of your family..there is little you can do until you yourself find that testimony and begin to hear God in your heart.

Peace be unto you
bert10

Originally Posted by TurkeyRun

<point of reference – see my post in the Introduce Yourself section: New Guy>

So, after my wife and her daughter laughed themselves to tears at breakfast today about “the magic Mormon underwear”, I did get some decent conversation in with her (wife) this morning. We have agreed that she will not poke fun at my spiritual journey if I do the same to her. Fair enough – progress!

She has even been asking me about LDS beliefs, and seems to be in agreement with some of what I have learned regarding our existence before we got “here”, strong belief in family, education, and preparedness. I’m really not sure where she stands with Jesus Christ – she has some pretty whacked out ideas about something called The Course in Miracles if anyone is familiar with that. But, I digress.

Where do I start? I’ve read through most of the Book of Mormon, I already have a pretty strong background in the Holy Bible from my days as a Baptist. I’m about ½ way through Jesus the Christ. I picked up a copy of Mormonism for Dummies today (20% off at Borders). I don’t think the Mrs would be ready for the nice young men in ties with nametags to start coming by though, she’d probably flip again.

I have located the local meetinghouse – should I just show up one Sunday? I almost did today but between my cold feet, the little progress I made with my wife this morning, and my bike in pieces in the garage, I made enough excuses to blow it off.

I know y’all are pretty formal. I don’t have a suit except for the one I keep for funerals and court , I don’t think it fits anymore anyway. Would a shirt, tie, and sweater-vest be OK? What kind of reception will a guy in a beard and middle-of-the-back pony tail get? I have resigned myself to showing up in my pickup instead of the Harley One of my coworkers says I get away with some of the stuff I do, because “you’re the big scary guy”

Man, I’m nervous – should I just stay here in my den and keep reading and praying? Am I doing this all wrong? I don't know of any LDS folks nearby, I know one guy from college that I think I can track down.

What to do?

Thanks for letting me dump all my hang-ups on ya......

[RainofGold]

"magic mormon underwear"

My non-member husband used to teased me at first and called them granny underwear. I never told him that I didn't like him saying that, I just ignored him. I don't think he would've understood how sacred they are to me if I tried explaining.

Once he found out that "they" weren't going anywhere he got used to them

[HoosierGuy]

Originally Posted by TurkeyRun

<point of reference – see my post in the Introduce Yourself section: New Guy>




I have located the local meetinghouse – should I just show up one Sunday? I almost did today but between my cold feet, the little progress I made with my wife this morning, and my bike in pieces in the garage, I made enough excuses to blow it off.

No need to be nervous. Yeah, you can just show up but the missionaries are there exactly for people like you - to help you thru that first Sunday so you don't get lost and confused. Plus, you would make the missionaries week if you called them up. If you don’t want to me meet them at your home would you be willing to meet them at the Church during the week? I'm sure they would be willing to meet with you anywhere. But you can show up on Sunday.

As for dress - dress your best and you will be fine. If that's a suit, then wear a suit. If that's Dockers then Dockers. If that's a sports jacket then sports jacket. If sweater then sweater. Actually, I see a number of members (men) who do where sweaters.

But whatever you do - you need to get with those missionaries. They will answer all your questions and help you learn of the Church.

[TurkeyRun]

So after reading all your very helpful replies and praying about it, I've decided how to go about this.

I realized that my desire to dive in with both feet and just show up on a Sunday is probably OK, but perhaps not the ideal way to about this. I should go in via Missionaries and their guidance.

I think what I was doing was once again, trying to take charge and run things my way. Doing this has frequently landed me in some trouble, especially when there was a recommended way of doing things. I have a tendency to ignore or downplay sound advice. So, this time - I am going to do what is suggested.

I filled out the "have a missionary contact me" form on the LDS website. In the description section, I mentioned that we may or may not be able to meet in my home. We'll see what happens.

A sincere "thank you" to everyone who replied!

If this starts taking off, I'll perhaps start a blog here about my adventures

[applepansy]

I think you've made a great decision. I look forward to hearing how things turn out.

Good Luck to you,
applepansy

[ruthiechan]

Originally Posted by MarginOfError

So, in my opinion, you should definitely ride the Harley to church, and wear as much leather on your entrance as you can.

My first thought was "you'd better wear a bunch of leather or your an idiot, that's your armor!" LOL!

I don't ride a motorcycle, but they are cool vehicles.

Also, props to you. You're in my prayers Turkeyrun.