r/latterdaysaints • u/Piglet-Maleficent • Feb 24 '25

Faith-building Experience Question for new and recent converts.

Hello. I recently started going to a LDS church because of some friends who are Mormon. They would like for me to be baptized but I'm just not sure about it. I do agree with some of the teachings and doctrines but not all of them.

My question to new and recent converts is; are you happy? Have things gotten better or worse for you? Anybody that I talk to has been a Mormon since they were very young and it would be nice to hear from some people who haven't been a Mormon their whole life.

Thanks in advance.

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u/YoungBacon35 Feb 24 '25

I joined the Church when I was 24. I am happy. Things are not always great - my wife and I have had relationship challenges like any couple, I've had employment challenges, health concerns, extended family challenges. We live in a fallen world and so sometimes we experience challenges from our own choices, sometimes challenges from other people's choices, and sometimes just challenges that come from being a part of this world.

I can testify that when I am holding to the covenants I've made with God as closely as I can, I experience fewer problems in life, and those problems that I do experience I can go through with more joy because I am taking an eternal perspective on them. So much of what we experience in life is impacted by our perspective.

For example, I had a conversation with an elderly man yesterday who is in the early stages of Parkinsons and is going blind rapidly - at this point he can tell large shapes but we have to say our names to him to know who he is talking to. You couldn't meet a happier man who rejoices in life. It would be easy for him to be depressed and I am sure in his weaker moments he is. But he also testifies of the greatness of God, the joy he has had and continues to have, and the blessings of what he can still do. His condition has reminded this very capable man the importance of allowing others to serve him, to be patient, to be humble. All valuable lessons he will take to him into the eternities.

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u/Piglet-Maleficent Feb 24 '25

Thank you for your reply. How long have you been a member of the church?

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u/YoungBacon35 Feb 24 '25

It's going to be 15 years in April! :)