Dodie

Yes! I could have written your post! I was drawn to the church as a young child. As I became older that feeling never went away. Circumstances got in the way, and I was baptized into another church when I was 20. I was glad I did it, but I never felt completed. It was due to peer pressure as you mentioned. Every time I drove past a meeting house, I would pause and think. I actually would go out of my way just to drive past. I so wanted to join but it was a challenge due to the people in my life. When I was in my mid 20s I read the Book of Mormon. My current church began having classes that focused on witnessing to Mormon missionaries who come to your door. I would question their reasoning as to why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was wrong. They never gave complete answers. The lessons and materials (including radio programs) were full of misconceptions and falsehoods. The more I tried to prove or be proven that the Church was wrong, the more I found it to be true. So many things bad happened at the churches that I, too, stopped attending. Time passed, and I moved to the Midwest (I really felt Heavenly Father's hand in that move). To make a very long story short, I did everything to prepare to join - having read and study for 30 years. I gave up coffee and contacted the missionaries to tell them that I was ready. In June I was baptized. I'm 50. It isn't too late. I cannot tell you how much of a blessing it is. I feel as if I am truly home. I know now why the other churches never felt right. After my baptism I know why the first one felt incomplete. It has been an amazing experience. Each day I see the Lord working. Just this week there has been so much that takes my breath away. You won't be the only one not surrounded by family. Many attend without spouses or children. Some are single. There is a wide variety. Certainly there are a lot of families; however, they are all so welcoming that you will make many great friends and feel a part of the family. Personally, my husband does not attend. Only myself and two of my children are members. A couple of my children are investigators. One has not attended other than baptisms and picnics. Before at my other churches, I felt awkward and almost ashamed to go to church alone. I have not felt that way at all. I do hope that you consider. I feel as if our circumstances leading up to this point are so similar. Remember that repenting isn't a punishment, it is a precious gift. All you have to do is ask. The Lord will forgive. Work on growing and moving away from the areas in which you sin. We all have to repent, and we all work on it daily to grow and become stronger in those areas. You can do it. I believe that Heavenly Father loves you so much that He has been with you all this time guiding you toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know this is true because He had been guiding me. It feels so wonderful to finally reach the destination that He intended for me to go. It is such a blessing. I'm really excited for you. Wow. I'm so happy that you posted. To add to the similarities, prior to moving I retired as a principal and director of a private school.

I was taught in the 70s (up to 1981) to do two spaces after a period. Lately I've seen a lot of people state that it really bothers them and is out-dated. Because of that I am trying to remember to do only one space. As you can see, it isn't easy. However, I'm trying.

No matter what evidence could be produced to "prove" anything, there will still be people who refuse to believe. Jesus performed many miracles - healing, resurrecting the dead, feeding the multitude, etc. - and yet there were people, who saw it with their own eyes, that refused to believe.

There are many Christian denominations, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that do have missionaries. Typically, their missionaries focus their work in countries outside the United States. Entire families will move to various countries to serve as missionaries for an undetermined amount of time. It isn't quite in the numbers that the Church does, but there are many. The Church definitely has the most within the United States, which is what you are seeing on a regular basis. Missionaries, from all Christian denominations, want to share the Gospel with others who may not have had an opportunity to truly hear it. Plus, the Church and other denominations do service work to help those around them as there is a need. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is unique in that it doesn't overlook the United States. It would be easy for one to assume that the US doesn't need missionaries. After all, isn't the US primarily a Christian country? However, even though someone may know the name of Jesus they may not have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel or to feel comfortable enough to ask questions or learn more. I'm thankful that the Church not only shares and assists those in countries throughout the world but that we spend just as much time and focus within the US. It is a real blessing. Thank you for asking your question. It is certainly a good one.

When I think of doubt, I imagine that a decision has been made in the mind of the person but perhaps not completely. However, their mind is closing. It's possible for them to find the truth, reverse the doubt, and open their mind, but it isn't easy. Questioning, to me, is seeking answers with an open mind. It hasn't reached the doubt stage. Truth can be found and accepted more easily.