What is lds?

LDS is the abbreviation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Hence LDS...L atter D ay S aints....... A lot of people refer to members as "Mormons" along with other misconceptions....LOL Feel free to ask more! Anybody really......

Well, said. Aspenhall hit it right on the nose!:) LBL:)

check out [url]http://www.lds.org[/url] for more details (the official church site.) -Carrucha adoption.com team

or you can check out [url]www.mormon.org[/url] which is also an official site....but it is more geared toward those who may not be members.

This seemed the most appropriate place to post. Please feel free to skip to the last line to see my question. I have been struggling with lds beliefs vs. adoption. My story (it's as brief as I could make it): I've always felt drawn to adoption from childhood I was starting to consider adoptiion in earnest. I was raised in a split presby/catholic (hmm that doesn't seem spelled right) home. I attended Presby services with my mother. For the past 12 years I have not attended church services of any kind and told anyone who asked that I was an atheist. However I realized I never lost my belief in God (I had a problem accepting Christ); I considered converting to the Jewish religion many times but was unmotivated and found many excuses not to do so (including that it did not feel quite right). Anyway, I realized when considering adoption that religion was import to me in rearing my child; I felt I had to resolve my religious issues prior to adoption. So I spent agonizing weeks trying to determine if I was athiest or Jewish or was I completely off track (i.e. was the Christian faith correct and I rejecting it in error). So finally I had one of those all night struggles where you feel you must make a decision; just pick something and do it!!! Should I convert to Judiasm or return to Christianity? I felt christianity was the way so I accepted this. but what church? From seemingly out of nowhere "mormon" occurred to me and it felt right. I didn't know anything about "mormons" (the next day I called my sister up to ask her about her ex-boyfriend who was a Jehoviah's Witness and stated "the JW's are mormon's right?"). My sister set me straight on what LDS was; apparently we had been visited as children by missionaries. So I hit the web, ordered the Book of Mormon, & read a bunch of books by LDS and non-LDS authors. My LDS faith remained strong. This all seems like an easy choice: I would contact local LDS. But I am single. I have not scheduled a visit with a LDS member because I feel like it would be frowned upon for a single female to want to adopt a child and I would be pressured to give up the idea. Until I found this site I was just avoiding the whole issue. To be honest I was hoping to stave off my desire to join LDS until after I adopt. But as everyone knows it could be atleast another year until adoption occurs and it is unlikely I can avoid the issue. I guess my question is: is it considered wrong for a single LDS member to adopt?

I have known people that have chosen to be single and a parent ( either through artificial insemenation or adoption) although the church discourages it, that should not change your faith choice. My mother was a single parent for many years( my parent divorced when I was 1 ) and she did feel out of place in the church, but if you feel strongly abour your choice and you feel that you can be a good parent( follow your heart and learn more about the church) then choose for yourself.

Jhenry, I think your best option would be to pray to Heavenly Father and ask Him what is right for you to do. It sounds like you've been guided by Him thus far, there is no reason He would quit answering your prayers now on these life changing questions. I believe He is very aware of your hearts desires, as well as your concerns. Pour out your heart to Him and ask for continued guidance. Adoption definitely takes awhile and in the meantime there isn't any harm in researching your options right now. When you come across the right thing for you, you will know. Try not to take so much worry and stock in what others will "frown" upon. Whats important is pleasing God. Your relationship with Heavenly Father is the one that truly matters and He does NOT look down on you, and he knows your desires, and he knows which way and at which time is best for you to build your family. I believe being a parent is a honorable desire, and He will lead you if you continue to be open to His plan for you. -Hope21 PS- Just realized how preachy this sounds. Sorry!! :) GL Please PM me if you need anything further.

Hi JHenry, What the above 2 said is right! Follow your heart and listen for Heavenly Father's guidance. I find great joy in being LDS and the friends and support I have at church only add to that joy. I believe that every child should have a loving place to call home, and if you are willing to provide that, then good for you. The church is an advocate of families and children having a father and mother, however they are also aware that in this day and age, it just doesn't always happen that way. In fact, I read an article the other day about an LDS husband and wife who got married, who between them had 23 children (husband was a widower and wife was divorced)! Now that is certainly not the average family! I believe that you should follow your beleifs because that is something that you find truth in and something that will be an anchor and benefit to you and your children. It seems like to me that it could only help your situation. This adoption road can be stormy and emotional, and your beleifs and friends and family will be the anchors to you in this time! Good luck and happy thoughts! LBL

I think that the opinions that you may run into with LDS members is more of idealism based opinions..rather than judgement...ie it is ideal to have both a loving father and mother....so naturally the advice/opinions would sway in that direction....rather than advising an avenue that could be harder....single parenthood isn't a sin. it's just harder....don't wait to contact members in your area....also keep in mind that you may adopt.....but not necessarily right away. Good Luck and keep us posted!!! PS my best friend is a single parent of 2 adorable kids (divorce) and she has never felt out of place.....lonely maybe and definately overwhelmed but never out of place. Society as a whole today is more accepting of this situation, but my mom is from a generation that based self worth on marital status....how DUMB! Luckily times are changing!

Thank you all for the advice. I was expecting a confirmation of my fears but you have given me hope and peace of mind.

jhenry, I am LDS, was raised LDS in a predominantly LDS area. I am a single woman, age 29. And, I just started my adoption paperwork.... :) I agree with what others have posted. Ideally, a child needs to be in a 2-parent home. However, life is not always the way we dreamed it would be. I am prepared to offer a child a loving home where I hope to give them the many advantages a good life can bring them. Basically, I have followed my heart. That is what is most important. I (and the LDS church) believe very strongly that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. Most often those answers come in the form of peaceful and comforting feelings, a warmth in the heart. (warm fuzzies) If you feel that Heavenly Father has directed you to join the LDS church, you should act upon those feelings now. Don't wait as Satan will take hold and try to draw you away. Also, if you feel that Heavenly Father has directed you to pursue adoption, you should pursue. He obviously has confidence in you and your abilities. I know as a single parent I will face many challenges and the road will be difficult. However, I have a strong support group and a very loving and supportive family. Be sure to surround yourself with the same and no matter what, it will all work for the best. Good luck to you in all your endeavors!!!