Wants2know Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 Hey there - I'm curious about others memories and experiences their first few weeks as a member. I kind of feel like, "ok... what next?" I'm not sure what is expected of me, or what I should expect of myself. I'm concentrating on reading and studying the scriptures, and getting to church. Any thoughts or advice? 3
Kenngo1969 Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 (edited) Hey there - I'm curious about others memories and experiences their first few weeks as a member. I kind of feel like, "ok... what next?" I'm not sure what is expected of me, or what I should expect of myself. I'm concentrating on reading and studying the scriptures, and getting to church. Any thoughts or advice?I'm not a convert ... at least, I grew up in the Church ... so I'm afraid I can't identify or relate. If mastering "Mormonspeak" is one of your concerns, perhaps this can help. Do you feel at home in your Gospel Essentials class? Edited July 4, 2011 by Kenngo1969
Doctor Ninja Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 Hey there - I'm curious about others memories and experiences their first few weeks as a member. I kind of feel like, "ok... what next?" I'm not sure what is expected of me, or what I should expect of myself. I'm concentrating on reading and studying the scriptures, and getting to church. Any thoughts or advice?First of all, congratulations! My wife is a recent convert.The biggest advice is not to have any expectations. Immerse yourself in the scriptures, attend church, pray faithfully and have the goal for the Temple. Make sure to meet with the Bishop so he can help you along with that goal. The Bishop, missionaries and home-teachers (hope you have them?) can be your best friends so I hope you can establish those relationships and have them help you in this journey.And it not might not be relevant to you ever, but I guaranteed to my wife that she would be offended one day from a member. Sure enough, has already happened, but she was prepared for it.Also, as your brothers and sisters, know we love you and want to be there for you. We will make mistakes, but never hesitate to ask for anything - you would be surprised what a ward family can do!
Garden Girl Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 Hello W2K...I agree with Doc Ninja... just continue to read and study, keep a prayer in your heart as you go through your day that the Spirit will walk with you and guide you. Above all, don't let yourself get offended if someone does say something odd to you... nothing is as important as you keeping your hand on the iron rod and your feet on the path. My experience of returning to Church after so many years of inactivity was different than a new person... it was the music that would get to me... I couldn't stop crying at some of the hymns that seemed written just for me. The one that really would get to me was "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd." When we'd sing the chorus: "Out in the desert they wander, hungry and helpless and cold. Off to the rescue He hastens, bringing them back to the fold." I could never make it through without just weeping, because for so many years I did wander and when I returned "to the fold" I really felt sooo thankful that I had had the good sense to do so.You've been attending... just keep going, taking the sacrament, and reach out to others as they reach out to you...from the beach on the most fantastic weekend we've had in months. Today at Church our small ward was bursting at the seams with our visitors... folding chairs set up clear to the back of the cultural hall...all filled with families from all over. We love our visitors...GG
Jeff K. Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 I just sat back, read the scriptures, prayed, fasted, ask for continued light and knowledge, volunteered to help other people and let the gospel occur naturally.
Messenger Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 I've thought a lot about how I would post. Here goes ..1. Lots of youth social actifity (Joined when I was 15). EFY, Mutual Nights, and more.2. Eye Opening in a good way - the concept of continuing revelation was a shift from where I was as a non-member.3. Never boring. New things to learn all the time; bearing testimonty, giving talks, praying in public and going to seminary.4. I had lots of questions about gospel doctrine and I found a few people (the moms of other friends my age in the ward) who I could ask them to.5. I also remember getting a lot of guidance from men in the ward, one who inspired me to consider going on a mission.6. One of the biggest new things, was the concept of an eternal family. Those are the basic changes - Im sure there was more, but thats the short list.
Garden Girl Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 W2K... on a July 4th morning... Bless our nation...Messenger talks about the concept of the eternal family... That's what happened to me also when I started to reactivate whereby I studied the gospel principles and doctrines again... and I again found the concepts so beautiful...the concept of the pre-existence where we shouted for joy as we learned that we were to come to this earth that was being prepared... the concept that our Heavenly Father knew us as his children and that we would face many difficult trials in our sojourn here, and make some serious mistakes and choices... and because of his love for us he proposed a savior as part of His plan to help us overcome those difficulties and provide the way back to our celestial home... the concept that the earthly family that I would love and be a part of could continue throughout eternity... the concept that my relationship with the dear man that I would choose and love as my life's companion would be able to continue and that he waits for me now, eager to continue our eternal journey together... the concept that all will be fairly judged according to our light and knowledge and the intent of our hearts, when the "books are opened" and we will be judged according to our works (Rev. 20:12), and eventually receive a "glory" that will bring us happiness and peace.All these concepts calm my spirit as I enter the waning years of my life here on earth... I love my Heavenly Father and his divine Son, Jesus Christ, and the Plan of Happiness that has been provided for us... I felt this as I reactivated, and I feel it today...GG
Messenger Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 W2K... on a July 4th morning... Bless our nation...Messenger talks about the concept of the eternal family... That's what happened to me also when I started to reactivate whereby I studied the gospel principles and doctrines again... and I again found the concepts so beautiful...the concept of the pre-existence where we shouted for joy as we learned that we were to come to this earth that was being prepared... the concept that our Heavenly Father knew us as his children and that we would face many difficult trials in our sojourn here, and make some serious mistakes and choices... and because of his love for us he proposed a savior as part of His plan to help us overcome those difficulties and provide the way back to our celestial home... the concept that the earthly family that I would love and be a part of could continue throughout eternity... the concept that my relationship with the dear man that I would choose and love as my life's companion would be able to continue and that he waits for me now, eager to continue our eternal journey together... the concept that all will be fairly judged according to our light and knowledge and the intent of our hearts, when the "books are opened" and we will be judged according to our works (Rev. 20:12), and eventually receive a "glory" that will bring us happiness and peace.All these concepts calm my spirit as I enter the waning years of my life here on earth... I love my Heavenly Father and his divine Son, Jesus Christ, and the Plan of Happiness that has been provided for us... I felt this as I reactivated, and I feel it today...GGGG,True that! I should have mentioned how important Heavenly Father apparently thought that I should have a firm testimony of pre-earth life, after death spirit world, and beyond. Even today, the testimony of the plan of salvation continues to expand to include not only our own family here on earth, but for me (since my family are not members - and doubtful that I will marry again someday on earth) just how important the other levels of family are - those connections with the ward, our close friends, and our Heavenly Father. For some of us, the sense of family is expanded to include not only our earthly family, but perhaps those that are in heaven and those that have passed. Not always necessarily married or blood relatives. When I was baptized, one of the people that spoke afterwards said these words. "Welcome to the family". At first, because I was friends with his family, I assumed that's what he meant. But over the years I have learned that it meant much more.I've posted this scripture before, but I guess I need to post it again here.... Apparently someone needs to see it...Ephesians chapter 217. And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Hey there - I'm curious about others memories and experiences their first few weeks as a member. I kind of feel like, "ok... what next?" I'm not sure what is expected of me, or what I should expect of myself. I'm concentrating on reading and studying the scriptures, and getting to church. Any thoughts or advice?Enjoy learning and not having a calling.
TAO Posted July 5, 2011 Posted July 5, 2011 Hey there - I'm curious about others memories and experiences their first few weeks as a member. I kind of feel like, "ok... what next?" I'm not sure what is expected of me, or what I should expect of myself. I'm concentrating on reading and studying the scriptures, and getting to church. Any thoughts or advice?Continue readings and studying the scriptures and getting to church... it helps, trust me =).And like PaPa says... keep learning... keep learning... and things will become clear. There is always something to talk to God about... to ask him to help with, or to ask him about.If you can, work on goals outlined by the FP... temple work for your parents and such... and posterity. Are your spouse/children members of the church... perhaps... maybe... if it's right... work on that. But talk to God about waht you do first =).I don't know if I can offer good advice... just ask God to find out what to do... it will be worth whatever he tells you =).
cinepro Posted July 12, 2011 Posted July 12, 2011 Hey there - I'm curious about others memories and experiences their first few weeks as a member. I kind of feel like, "ok... what next?" I'm not sure what is expected of me, or what I should expect of myself. I'm concentrating on reading and studying the scriptures, and getting to church. Any thoughts or advice?This book has been very well received by some recent converts that I've known:A Convert's Guide to Mormon Life: A Guidebook for New Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
rpn Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 New book that might be on point? http://deseretbook.com/Im-Mormon-Now-What-Carmen-Davis/i/5057926Though if you haven't read "What do Mormons Believe" by Rex E Lee, that might help you learn basics (and the missionary approved library, and the Encyclopedia of Mormonism that you can now find online).
ERayR Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 Accept any calling that comes your way and do your best. They are growing experiences.
emeliza Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 Just learn as much as you can about the faith, culture and scriptures. You will be approached before too long about becoming a visiting teacher and most likely you will get a calling on top of that...or two. I joined in May (2006), in July I became a visiting teacher. In September I was given my first calling as single adult rep and asked to start a singles group in our ward. In October I was also called to be a Relief Society Teacher, but had already been filling in since August. I think the only reason I wasn't given callings even sooner is that it was summer so not a good time to start much as everyone goes on vacation. I think it took me over a year before I wasn't confused by the culture within the LDS faith. I knew the gospel, but since I knew that, it was expected that I understood the lingo and such as well...and I didn't. But eventually you get it and no one minds my asking...which 5 years later I still do quite frequently.
thesometimesaint Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 wants2know:Keep studying, pondering, praying, attending to all your Church duties(They will help you strengthen your testimony). Accept that even the best of Saints are human. We will make mistakes OFTEN. Best of all the Church IS TRUE.
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 wants2know:Keep studying, pondering, praying, attending to all your Church duties(They will help you strengthen your testimony). Accept that even the best of Saints are human. We will make mistakes OFTEN. Best of all the Church IS TRUE. Real human...
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted July 13, 2011 Posted July 13, 2011 This book has been very well received by some recent converts that I've known:A Convert's Guide to Mormon Life: A Guidebook for New Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsI enjoyed the exploration of it all, it still goes on.
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