I was baptized on January 8th 2011, I was 18 years old. This was the one most important decision of my life that I will never take back.
When I turned 12 the young women invited me to the activities and I started going regularly. They then started picking me up on Sundays. I had known about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all my life. My mom took me to primary when I was little and I went to activity days every now and then. My mother's side were all members of the church. My grandparents and uncle talked highly of the church and I looked up to them and took in each advice they gave to me. I could see the power of the church inside their heart and soul and how much love it brought to them. This made my interest grow. When I was old enough to drive I drove by myself to each and every Sunday services. I earned my young women award before I was even a member.
Each time I went to church, young women's, devotionals, young women's camp, classes, fire sides my testimony grew!
My fellow young women and church leaders became family to me. They didn't care if I was baptized and my family didn't come to church with me. We became brothers and sisters and the love between us shown through. When I was in my sophomore year of high school I went to an open house of a new temple with the young women and young men. The spirit I felt I will never forget. I knew the church was true and I loved it with all my heart. That day I heard a Hymn and asked what it was called. The name of the Hymn was "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" This is forever my favorite Hymn that day I really felt what I had gained knowledge of the church and knew that My Redeemer Lives.
The summer before I went into my Junior year I went to girls camp with the young women. The whole time I felt the spirit upon me. I had always loved girls camp and this year it rained the whole time but, that didn't stop us from having fun. I remember I walked across the field there with my umbrella and hoodie. As I was walking back to camp I was so overwhelmed with joy from the spirit I just started crying. I knew then I wanted to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was greeted by the young women president and bishopric who asked what was wrong and I proceeded to tell them that I just wanted to be baptized.
I asked my parents if I could, and my dad who hasn't ever been a member of church told me no; that I could not make that decision until I was 18. This devastated me but, it didn't stop me from doing what I had always done and believed in. I lived like I believed even if I wasn't a member yet.
I prayed daily to my Father in Heaven to help me on my path become a member of his church. I fasted and my ward family helped me in my prayers and fasting.
The summer before my senior year I went on trek and my senior year in high school I took seminary. Both of these confirmed very greatly of the testimony I had gained of the gospel. As my birthday approached I started preparing and taking the missionary lessons and felt I already knew what they taught me because of activity in the church. I just needed to be member.
That year when I turned 18 on December 8th my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I had the courage to tell her to be baptized. She gave me the okay I just needed to talk to my dad.
I approached him letting him know I still wanted to be baptized and now that I was 18 I wanted to make the decision to do it. With or with out their permission I was going to become a member of what I knew was the true church. I wanted their blessing however. I finally got the ok!
On January 8th, just one month latter from my 18th birthday, became the best day of my life. As I changed into white and met my grandpa, some one who had really influnced me in the church, in the water I was so happy and filled with the spirit. I knew I was making the right choice. I felt so pure as I came out of the water. I was able to spend that day with all the people I loved. Even my Father was there for me.
I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the restored true church upon the Earth. I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love me. I know they are their for me always. I know that I will be with my family for eternity and that He has a plan for me. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know the book of Mormon are the true words of God.
and this I know because I have prayed and fasted and lived the gospel to which in my heart has become full of joy and the spirit of the holy ghost. <3
I am back home now. Missing camp life and my friends more then ever! I am attending Weber State University again this fall however, camp made me realize what degree I wanted. A Parks and Rec. degree and Weber doesn't offer that there. So that means I need to transfer. I am back on the job search again and trying to figure out what my next steps are while taking 15 credit hours at school. Wishing I had never come home from camp some days.
