How I learned God is real & cares, and I find that extremely helpful in life: many long-considered reasons for peace and motivation even when things are hard

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• The very most essential things: how to find truth, peace in this life, and Eternal life in the world to come: what makes everything else work and have purpose
• * How I know *
• I have learned for myself that God is certainly real, that He hears sincere prayers and answers in His time, and...
• More reasons for my belief, gratitude, and enthusiasm
• If we want to make the world better, maybe we can all practice at honesty, and the Golden Rule, and encourage others to do the same.
• Everyone needs a direction in life. Centering on pleasure, possessions, power, or attention, harms us, others & the earth, & cannot bring lasting happiness.
• I can see why some would be skeptical, after observing some things in history. But we don't judge God based on what humans do, but...
• A summary w/ minor edits, from my posting to news.ycombinator.com (or Ctrl+F to search for "lcall" on the page -- I liked some of others' comments also):
  

  "The short version is: I have read and tested the Book of Mormon (a companion to 
  the Bible) in the way it says to test it (http://www.mormon.org), and a 
  lifetime of experiences when I followed what I felt inside that I knew was 
  right ("knew" as in, I know I love my wife, or what salt tastes like, but 
  can't necessarily prove or explain it to a debater), vs. when I did not do 
  what I knew I should, and the results I found from those choices. Those things 
  together have solidly convinced me by now (with some time lost & hard 
  consequences from learning the hard way at times, and real benefits when I 
  learned the easy way). Life is still challenging, but that is part of the 
  educational program I believe we signed up for, which is worthwhile, and the 
  tools are there for dealing with the hard things.
  
  About the Book of Mormon (and Bible): I have given them a lifetime of almost 
  daily reading and contemplation (sometimes intelligently for me, sometimes 
  not), plus have read some books and articles where people have commented in 
  really fascinating ways about it (Daniel Peterson, Hugh Nibley, fairmormon.org 
  which tries to answer critics, & others), as well as some anti-... material, 
  and have thought about things from various angles ("what if it really...?"), 
  and am satisfied that the debate is more for those who really like debate, 
  while asking hard honest questions is a good thing because that is how we 
  learn, and good things are there for those who seek, and I truly wish the best 
  to all concerned, but ultimately, "proof" to satify everyone is always not 
  going to happen in the way that they want it, and we have to seek according to 
  our personal desires. The invitation from God to know for oneself, is there (as 
  demonstrated by the Book of Mormon, its test, and many associated things).  [If 
  we want to know His truth, we have to be willing to ask and learn in His way 
  -- back to the test mentioned above.]
  
  There is much more detail; I'm happy to share more or try to answer specific 
  questions [see web site's page footer for an email address].
  "

• Remember: One can learn God's will, do it, trust Him, and have forgiveness, peace and guidance as gifts given to one by Him: I know it is real, as can you.
• God is real. We will be rewarded or punished for our thoughts, words, & acts. Forgiveness, peace, and Eternal life can come, if we choose (it is not too late).
• Growth/MM: spiritual growth ("...and in favor with God...")
• (Suggestions/questions welcome! More information is planned or available on request. Page footer has contact info.)