VERY enjoyable and inspiring article, Paul. Exactly what people need to read about conversion. I find the words, intellectually converted, to be oxymoronic. And the whole idea you had of being open to the Spirit exactly the opposite and real, true path to conversion. We shall have to discuss this more in the Galapagos!!
Rochelle HaleOctober 9, 2025
Conversion, as with our testimonies, is not a once and done deal. It happens over and over, step by step. My family attended various churches growing up. My step aunt and uncle had joined the church, as had a cousin my age on my mom's side. We had missionaries in our home several times, but maybe I never really paid attention. I think my conversion began when I desired what my cousin and some school friends (also members) had. Keeping the Word of Wisdom was not an issue. I firmly believed in paying tithing, but many I.O.U. notes were dropped into my piggy bank until I became fully converted to this principle and realized the blessings of paying tithing. My conversion was influenced by great seminary and youth leaders, friends, and mission companions. I think it was strengthened through my desire to learn and grow in the gospel, and allow myself to be guided by the Holy Ghost. To quote a popular podcast, decades later I am "all in." In a CFM lesson a few weeks ago, counsel was given to the early Saints about how to draw near to the Lord. Among these were to be prayerful, study the scriptures, be temple worthy, etc. Sometimes those who are struggling with their testimonies want some kind of quick fix or miracle answer, but the answers were given almost two hundred years ago. As we practice these things, the Lord will bless our hearts and strengthen our faith and belief in Him and his plan for us.
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Mark StoddardOctober 10, 2025
VERY enjoyable and inspiring article, Paul. Exactly what people need to read about conversion. I find the words, intellectually converted, to be oxymoronic. And the whole idea you had of being open to the Spirit exactly the opposite and real, true path to conversion. We shall have to discuss this more in the Galapagos!!
Rochelle HaleOctober 9, 2025
Conversion, as with our testimonies, is not a once and done deal. It happens over and over, step by step. My family attended various churches growing up. My step aunt and uncle had joined the church, as had a cousin my age on my mom's side. We had missionaries in our home several times, but maybe I never really paid attention. I think my conversion began when I desired what my cousin and some school friends (also members) had. Keeping the Word of Wisdom was not an issue. I firmly believed in paying tithing, but many I.O.U. notes were dropped into my piggy bank until I became fully converted to this principle and realized the blessings of paying tithing. My conversion was influenced by great seminary and youth leaders, friends, and mission companions. I think it was strengthened through my desire to learn and grow in the gospel, and allow myself to be guided by the Holy Ghost. To quote a popular podcast, decades later I am "all in." In a CFM lesson a few weeks ago, counsel was given to the early Saints about how to draw near to the Lord. Among these were to be prayerful, study the scriptures, be temple worthy, etc. Sometimes those who are struggling with their testimonies want some kind of quick fix or miracle answer, but the answers were given almost two hundred years ago. As we practice these things, the Lord will bless our hearts and strengthen our faith and belief in Him and his plan for us.
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