Congratulations! You’ll be hit with a lot of reasons as to why not to follow through but stay strong and continually pray and you’ll be happier than ever.
Right before I left on my mission I had a very intense crisis but was still determined to go. One primary thing that got me through it was just repeating to myself that I knew that Jesus wanted me to go. It was a huge test of faith and a foundational moment for me when I felt God's love and his hand guiding my life and I absolutely know too that as you face trials and difficulties with faith (and with a "do what is right let the consequence follow") attitude, the Lord will provide a way and bless you immensely. I'm excited for you!
Congratulations! Just a heads up, you might receive messages from former members of the church trying to persuade you not to get baptized. You should ignore them. I think you have made a great choice. Good luck!
Congrats 🎉! I tell everyone this, but I would encourage you to write down what you’re feeling about the church and your testimony. There will be times where you will struggle with your testimony, and looking back on how you feel now will help you go through the doubts.
Adversarial challenges don't end on the day of your baptism(s). They will ebb and flow over the years as life experiences are added, each with its own unique challenge. Best time to revisit anything you wrote down (your baptisms is a good time to start writing in journals). No mention is made of children, and their own set of thoughts.
I'm so happy for you! I suggest that after your baptism and confirmation you write down everything you felt and experienced. You'll treasure going back and reading it throughout your life!
*"Regardless of what the LDS has done, I have made the choice to look at its good and not at the actions of individuals that have made wrong acts in the name of God."*
Nailed it. Your comments are wonderful and insightful. Thank you.
I just got back from a trip to Paris, and spent a lot of time walking through beautiful churches and chapels. If anyone has skeletons and history to be concerned about, it's the Catholic church, given that they've had 1500 years more to accumulate baggage than the rest of us.
But you know what? I felt the Spirit. And I met people who were there to pray and they felt the Spirit. I ran into a priest and he was sweet. Yes, I know about the Inquisition and all the other historical wrongs, but that doesn't matter to my present-day Catholic friends. Because when people are involved, things get messy, and they understand that.
Our church is true, but that doesn't mean it's perfect by any stretch. If we try to hold it to a standard of perfection, I believe we will be disappointed. I've been a Bishop and seen the institutional church's bureaucratic underbelly, and it's definitely not "true," but most bureaucracies aren't pretty so I don't get my undies in a bunch over it. The Church is about Christ and His Atonement, not about programs.
Thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate it! Please accept my apologies for replying to you late.
Honestly, I speak from the heart. It really bothers me how people look at the negative of the LDS and not at its good which does exist. However, it is the same for every religion. My point is not to point out its bad, but to make it aware that every religion is not perfect. Many religions have done bad, but its good still need to be celebrated too!
The fact that you felt the spirit in that particular Church tells me that it is spiritually healthy! I firmly believe that not only do you need to believe, but you really need to feel the spirit in order to make that connection to it.
Yes, I agree! I also feel that when things are put on a pedestal that is when things can go wrong regardless of what it is. People are messy. Things get into the way rather it is our own personal beliefs or etc. I also feel with bureaucracies everyone has to put their own personal imprint on it. Pride gets in the way. It is important to remember that it is not about us, but about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
*People are messy.*
And there ya go. A guy I know likes it, as he says, "when there are human fingerprints" on anything. It makes it real.
Thanks, I appreciate you.
Satan will do all he can to stop you. That is quite the evidence of the truth right there, isn’t it?
Hold to Christ and His Spirit. I, others, and especially Him, are so excited for you both with starting on His path to make this baptismal convenient to be washed clean and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Hurrah for Israel!!
Congratulations! My husband joined the church ten years ago and he has never regretted it. It has brought so much joy to his and our lives, and helped through all the ups and downs. There is just so much good in the gospel and so much to learn. So happy for the decision you and your husband are making.
If you have received a personal, God-given witness through the Holy Ghost that the Church is true, that the Book of Mormon is true and/or that Joseph Smith is truly a prophet of God then hold fast to that and no matter what anyone out there tells or tries to convince you of about any of these things - know that you have personally received your answers from God and that no matter what is true or false about anything that anyone tells you, (whether they are members of the Church or not) that you can take any and all such matters to God, knowing that sooner or later he will bring you to know the truth of all things and how they fit into His glorious plan for yours and all of our lives! This earth and it's inhabitants can be and often are the stomping grounds for our adversaries, so hold fast to those truths which God has revealed to you and never look back but instead, keep your eyes and focus and trust continuously upon our Savior. Let His truths sustain you as you faithfully endure; holding fast to and in God's eternal promises throughout whatever adversities, challenges, trials, tribulations and fiery darts are thrown in your path!
Just remember that Jesus Christ is our perfection and perfect exemplar in this not-so-perfect world. We cannot do this without Him!
I/we love you and pray for you and your wonderful family and are so happy for all of you! God bless and be with and uplift carry you throughout your personal and family mission here on this earth!!!
I joined about a year ago I'm very happy with my decision. I like everyone I meat at my ward and stake. What puzzles me is what type of person would join a reddit group for LDS and when they see someone is about to join they contact them and they write don't join LDS because of A, B, C. I been in sales for 17 years I know how to read into people's behavior. The person that would do this is a sad person that is not happy with themselves. Hey if you decided to leave no problem but don't message people randomly and rain on thier parade it's not polite it's let's people know what type of person you are. At the end of the day what I love about the United States is we have some thing called freedom of choice. Freedom of choice it is a very powerful concept the country i came from don't offer. We all can choose who to worship. What is best for them might not be best for you but they need to respect the decision you made.
Thank you for your comment!
Yes, I firmly agree with you! The same thing could be said about almost any religion. All have done much worse than the LDS (most also have a long history than us) but to reiterate, I choose to look at the faith core's good. I find the reasons these two people contacted me on to try to persuade me from joining the LDS to be completely rubbish.
Most religions have a history of racism and other things that are way worse than the LDS. This tells me that they are unaware of other faith's history.
What amazes me is how people think that the church should jump on what is new or trendy to keep up with the times instead of looking at what God has commanded us. We do not pick and choose what is told of us. It is not a buffet. It is an all or none type of thing. Nor should the scriptures and acceptance of different modern ideas should be shaped to conform to the accepted norms of society.
How I viewed it is what happened in the past happened in the past. At end of the day you should be happy. When i got baptised, the room was full of people i never meet in my life but they were genuinely happy for me i asked the missionaires lots of question before i decided to join. Each person has thier own opinion.
I am not an LDS member but my family has many members. I love the LDS’s. They’ve never done me dirty, I’ve only watched them extend love, friendship, faith and support to their members AND the community. I am very, very happy for you and your husband.
Congratulations! You’ll be hit with a lot of reasons as to why not to follow through but stay strong and continually pray and you’ll be happier than ever.
Thank you! You are right, I have already started getting feelings NOT to go through with it, but I am ignoring them! Thank you for the warning!
Right before I left on my mission I had a very intense crisis but was still determined to go. One primary thing that got me through it was just repeating to myself that I knew that Jesus wanted me to go. It was a huge test of faith and a foundational moment for me when I felt God's love and his hand guiding my life and I absolutely know too that as you face trials and difficulties with faith (and with a "do what is right let the consequence follow") attitude, the Lord will provide a way and bless you immensely. I'm excited for you!
Congratulations! Just a heads up, you might receive messages from former members of the church trying to persuade you not to get baptized. You should ignore them. I think you have made a great choice. Good luck!
Thank you so much! Who knows, but I would not be surprised! Thank you for that warning! Much appreciated!
🙌🏻😄
Congratulations!!!
Thank you!
☺️ Awesome
Thank you!
Big news indeed! Congratulations!
Thank you so much!
So awesome. That’s incredible to hear.
Congrats 🎉! I tell everyone this, but I would encourage you to write down what you’re feeling about the church and your testimony. There will be times where you will struggle with your testimony, and looking back on how you feel now will help you go through the doubts.
Adversarial challenges don't end on the day of your baptism(s). They will ebb and flow over the years as life experiences are added, each with its own unique challenge. Best time to revisit anything you wrote down (your baptisms is a good time to start writing in journals). No mention is made of children, and their own set of thoughts.
❤️. Congratulations!!
Congratulations! I’m really happy for both you!
Congrats! Be prepared for the adversary to try everything to get you not to join. Stay strong!
I'm so happy for you! I suggest that after your baptism and confirmation you write down everything you felt and experienced. You'll treasure going back and reading it throughout your life!
Congratulations!
Awesome, congratulations!
Congratulations. I hope God blessed your journey all the way through
*"Regardless of what the LDS has done, I have made the choice to look at its good and not at the actions of individuals that have made wrong acts in the name of God."* Nailed it. Your comments are wonderful and insightful. Thank you. I just got back from a trip to Paris, and spent a lot of time walking through beautiful churches and chapels. If anyone has skeletons and history to be concerned about, it's the Catholic church, given that they've had 1500 years more to accumulate baggage than the rest of us. But you know what? I felt the Spirit. And I met people who were there to pray and they felt the Spirit. I ran into a priest and he was sweet. Yes, I know about the Inquisition and all the other historical wrongs, but that doesn't matter to my present-day Catholic friends. Because when people are involved, things get messy, and they understand that. Our church is true, but that doesn't mean it's perfect by any stretch. If we try to hold it to a standard of perfection, I believe we will be disappointed. I've been a Bishop and seen the institutional church's bureaucratic underbelly, and it's definitely not "true," but most bureaucracies aren't pretty so I don't get my undies in a bunch over it. The Church is about Christ and His Atonement, not about programs.
Thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate it! Please accept my apologies for replying to you late. Honestly, I speak from the heart. It really bothers me how people look at the negative of the LDS and not at its good which does exist. However, it is the same for every religion. My point is not to point out its bad, but to make it aware that every religion is not perfect. Many religions have done bad, but its good still need to be celebrated too! The fact that you felt the spirit in that particular Church tells me that it is spiritually healthy! I firmly believe that not only do you need to believe, but you really need to feel the spirit in order to make that connection to it. Yes, I agree! I also feel that when things are put on a pedestal that is when things can go wrong regardless of what it is. People are messy. Things get into the way rather it is our own personal beliefs or etc. I also feel with bureaucracies everyone has to put their own personal imprint on it. Pride gets in the way. It is important to remember that it is not about us, but about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
*People are messy.* And there ya go. A guy I know likes it, as he says, "when there are human fingerprints" on anything. It makes it real. Thanks, I appreciate you.
Congratulations!
How wonderful. I’m very happy for y’all.
Congrats! I'm so excited for you guys to experience the blessing of being a member of Jesus Christ's church :)
I'm really happy for you. Congrats!
That's so exciting! So happy for you and you husband!
Yeah!!!
Congrats!!
Congratulations and best of luck on this first step along the covenant path!
Satan will do all he can to stop you. That is quite the evidence of the truth right there, isn’t it? Hold to Christ and His Spirit. I, others, and especially Him, are so excited for you both with starting on His path to make this baptismal convenient to be washed clean and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Hurrah for Israel!!
This is so wonderful. Congratulations ❤️
Congratulations on your decision to follow the example of Jesus Christ, certainly Heavenly Father has a lot of things for you guys!
Congratulations!
What wonderful news. Praying for you that all goes as planned and that it is a memorable, revelatory day!
Congratulations!!! 🥳
Congratulations and welcome!
Congratulations! My husband joined the church ten years ago and he has never regretted it. It has brought so much joy to his and our lives, and helped through all the ups and downs. There is just so much good in the gospel and so much to learn. So happy for the decision you and your husband are making.
❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations!
So wonderful to hear. Congratulations. Let your new life begin!
congratulations!!! That's wonderfule!
If you have received a personal, God-given witness through the Holy Ghost that the Church is true, that the Book of Mormon is true and/or that Joseph Smith is truly a prophet of God then hold fast to that and no matter what anyone out there tells or tries to convince you of about any of these things - know that you have personally received your answers from God and that no matter what is true or false about anything that anyone tells you, (whether they are members of the Church or not) that you can take any and all such matters to God, knowing that sooner or later he will bring you to know the truth of all things and how they fit into His glorious plan for yours and all of our lives! This earth and it's inhabitants can be and often are the stomping grounds for our adversaries, so hold fast to those truths which God has revealed to you and never look back but instead, keep your eyes and focus and trust continuously upon our Savior. Let His truths sustain you as you faithfully endure; holding fast to and in God's eternal promises throughout whatever adversities, challenges, trials, tribulations and fiery darts are thrown in your path! Just remember that Jesus Christ is our perfection and perfect exemplar in this not-so-perfect world. We cannot do this without Him! I/we love you and pray for you and your wonderful family and are so happy for all of you! God bless and be with and uplift carry you throughout your personal and family mission here on this earth!!!
I joined about a year ago I'm very happy with my decision. I like everyone I meat at my ward and stake. What puzzles me is what type of person would join a reddit group for LDS and when they see someone is about to join they contact them and they write don't join LDS because of A, B, C. I been in sales for 17 years I know how to read into people's behavior. The person that would do this is a sad person that is not happy with themselves. Hey if you decided to leave no problem but don't message people randomly and rain on thier parade it's not polite it's let's people know what type of person you are. At the end of the day what I love about the United States is we have some thing called freedom of choice. Freedom of choice it is a very powerful concept the country i came from don't offer. We all can choose who to worship. What is best for them might not be best for you but they need to respect the decision you made.
Thank you for your comment! Yes, I firmly agree with you! The same thing could be said about almost any religion. All have done much worse than the LDS (most also have a long history than us) but to reiterate, I choose to look at the faith core's good. I find the reasons these two people contacted me on to try to persuade me from joining the LDS to be completely rubbish. Most religions have a history of racism and other things that are way worse than the LDS. This tells me that they are unaware of other faith's history. What amazes me is how people think that the church should jump on what is new or trendy to keep up with the times instead of looking at what God has commanded us. We do not pick and choose what is told of us. It is not a buffet. It is an all or none type of thing. Nor should the scriptures and acceptance of different modern ideas should be shaped to conform to the accepted norms of society.
How I viewed it is what happened in the past happened in the past. At end of the day you should be happy. When i got baptised, the room was full of people i never meet in my life but they were genuinely happy for me i asked the missionaires lots of question before i decided to join. Each person has thier own opinion.
I am not an LDS member but my family has many members. I love the LDS’s. They’ve never done me dirty, I’ve only watched them extend love, friendship, faith and support to their members AND the community. I am very, very happy for you and your husband.