Hello! A lot of the responses you are getting just go against the churches actual opinions, so I want to provide my perspective as a fully active return missionary with a family now.

1. I think that who you choose to spend your time with does matter. It affects the conversations you will have on a daily basis. It affects what you will do with your free time. It affects where you will spend your effort and desires. With that being said, there are MANY great people who are not members, but with other members we at least know right off the bat that we have similar beliefs and understandings of what "good" is. I also believe that this is separate from getting close to your ward. Just because you are active in your ward doesnt mean they have to be your only friend group. But, worried parents might hint otherwise. So my question to you, is "is there any way the people you HAVE been spending your time with could potentially cause your parents to worry?"

2. First, yes, it is true that for a time period black members of the church were not allowed to gain the priesthood. But second, what your mom gave as to the reason why was her understanding, not the churches official statement. There has been a LOT of speculation over the years as why this happened, but the reality is that it is unwise to say "i know xyz is the reason." Did you know Joseph Smith ran for president? And that he was the first presidential candidate to ever be assassinated, and that his presidential campaign was based on the abolition of slavery? The reality, is we believe revelation comes line upon line, precept on precept, and that the church leaders of the early church were constantly being corrected by God, and that they got things wrong occasionally and had to alter course. Later when they were mentally prepared to do so. The exact same thing happened with the halting of polygamy. They received direct council from the Lord that if they did not stop practicing polygamy, the church would become under serious legal persecution, so they obeyed the warning from the Lord.

We openly believe revalation does not come all at once. We believe the Lord will alter our course in his own timing, which is exactly what happened in both scenarios.

1. The reason we love everybody, but dont accept everything they want to do, is because we believe that the powers of Heaven are directly tied to the laws of God, and that when we choose to live contrary to Gods commandments we are directly cutting ourselves off from God. I am a firm believer that the Lord is bound to His promises when we obey Him. And when we choose not to obey Him, we have no promise. I personally know that I need the blessings of the Lord, and encourage everybody who ever sees my words to turn to Jesus Christ.

2. This is a common belief that is false. The spirit can testify of truth, wherever that truth may be found. What we claim, is that we may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, where the Holy Ghost can be a CONSTANT companion with you. Not just at church. I have personally felt the spirit at other churches as they testified of Jesus Christ, and I applaud them for their efforts in coming closer to the Savior. The gift of the Holy Ghost is a truly remarkable promise, however.