Thursday, April 14, 2011

My Story, My Testimony of Christ, My Life

I'm not sure why I feel the need to post this, but this is the conversion story of how I became a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter- Day Saints. First of all I have always been interested in church, while the rest of my family had/ has little interest in religion. I would often attend a youth group activity at a local church on my own. You might remember Kaitlin O' Connor from cheer, she has been my best friend since the first day of kindergarten and when my parents went out of town I often stayed at her house. While I stayed for a week a particular time, I really liked the way that her family behaved, prayer was an often activity and the kindness and love shown through each family member and to me was incredible. Then I went with Kaitlin to Mutual, the activity for the kids during the week, and everyone there shared that same loving relationship towards me. On Sunday we went to church and I thought that was really cool. I had never really been to a church on Sunday but I really liked the way the church was set up. The fact that people from the ward would get to give talks instead of the same person each week really stood out in my mind. During church I remember feeling a warmth that at the time I couldn't understand, but it just felt right to me. After I had a million questions about the church and I asked Kaitlin's Mom how I could become Mormon and she kinda freaked out, thinking that my parents would be mad. I told my parents at dinner the next night that I was going to be Mormon, and being the greatest parents in the world, they said okay, if that's what you want and from then on I took the discussions for 3 months. No one thought that I was ready but I knew the church was true. Through learning about the Holy Ghost I realized that the warmth I felt at church was the spirit testifying of the truthfulness of what i was hearing. While learning about Joseph Smith, honestly I felt a bond with him and knew he was a prophet of God. Because I was the same age, 14, as he was when he asked God which church to join. The missionaries asked me to pray to Heavenly Father and ask if the church was true and so I did, I cant tell you that an angel appeared to me and told me to get baptized or anything, but it just felt right. When my baptism date arrived I was very happy and my family was happy that I was happy. Although some of my family members don't understand, and still 6 years later don't understand, my parents have little or no problem with my membership in the church, my parents are very supportive. They do not plan on ever coming into the church, but are respectful of my lifestyle. Some aspects of being the only member can be difficult I will admit, but I know and have faith that Heavenly Father has a plan for me and my family too. Looking back on my conversion process I can honestly say that becoming a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter- Day Saints was merely part of the plan for my life. Even though my family isn't at church with me on Sunday, my ward family has always been such a huge support to me. I have never felt alone in the church and I know that my Heavenly Father is pleased with my choice to be baptized and live a clean life. I know that the Church is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and it goes hand and hand with the Bible. I am thankful for the Spirit that I can feel when I read those books. I know that we have a living Prophet on earth today that speaks to us, just the same as if Christ himself were speaking. I know that my Savior died for my sins on the cross and that I can repent and be forgiven. All I can really say is that being baptized has been the best decision of my life, I have been happier in the last 6 years than others can say for a lifetime. I am so blessed and I can honestly say that is because of my membership in the church. If you would like to learn more about the LDS Church click here.
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