The First Day of the Rest of My Life :)

9 months ago, I took my first missionary discussion. Long story short...I quickly fell in love with this religion, my parents weren't okay with it at all, so fast forward to now! I've had to wait to turn 18 to get baptized...and last Sunday was the day!! 

It was truly the best day of my life. It was the first time I had seen my man in 5 months, and he was able to baptize me! I could honestly go on for days about how amazing everything was, but the best part was the first time I saw him, it will be a memory that I will hold on to for the rest of my life. But to be honest, it was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. I was surrounded by a ton of people that I love and care for so very much, and all of the people who have helped me get to the point that I am today.

It wasn't until today that I truly realized how much being a part of this church means to me. I drove from California to Idaho over night last night. I spent 15 hours in a car with 3 other people. We drove from 10:30pm CA time to 2:30pm ID time. I usually have a easy time with traveling and with road trips, but I was upset about missing church...it sounds pathetic but I was looking forward to being able to enjoy church as a member for the first time. But it was out of my control, so I just decided to make the best of it. I wanted to do all I could to be a good person, I listened to my church music and read my scriptures. And then I slept most of the way. But for some reason when I got back to Boise, I was in such a terrible mood. I wanted to turn around and drive back to California, I didn't want to eat at the stupid school cafeteria. I could go on and on about all the things I was mad about. But at dinner my friend told me that there was ward prayer tonight, and it was the best opportunity for me to be happy! So I got myself all ready and went to ward prayer, and was automatically in such an amazing mood. I was able to feel what I felt a week ago, absolute bliss. 

At that very moment I knew I had made the best decision, a decision that will eternally make me happy. And I was able to feel the comfort that I did this for myself, and no one else. It was a decision I made on my own that is benefitting me immensely. I feel so blessed to be able to be sharing this with whoever is reading this. My life has changed so much, I have never been so happy. Life is Beautiful!! :)

Finding My Own Spirituality

So for those of you that don't know, next week I will enter the waters of baptism. I will be joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And I am SO EXCITED!! I was raised Lutheran, I was baptized Lutheran, and I lived a normal Lutheran life (which really isn't too different from any other christian's life). But the thing was...I was always raised to have my own beliefs and to stand up for what I believed in. My parents are amazing people, they have taught me so much and so many great values. But if there is one thing that you don't mess with...it's religion. Which is why I am in the worst possible situation now. My parents are against the LDS church. They think its a hoax and a lie. I could go on for days about every single thing they do not like. And you know what...thats completely fine with me! I am such an advocate for being your own person and having your own beliefs. I have grasped the fact that not everyone is going to believe in the same exact thing in this life. But when someone degrades my beliefs it really upsets me. So I wrote my parents a letter explaining to them what was happening. I honestly could not bring myself to tell them those words that they absolutely dread. I hate disappointing my parents or making them sad. But when I received the phone call after they read my letter, it was a lot worse than I had anticipated. My parents are livid about this, they are so disappointed in me, they think this church is the worst thing ever. They can't believe that i went against everything they had ever raised me to be....whatever that means. But the thing is...I don't know if they ever took me into consideration. Did they ever think about how what they say will effect me? Did they think to be respectful to my beliefs? I know I shouldn't be feeling sorry for myself, but I too am hurt. I'm really in such an awkward situation. But you know what, at the end of the day I must be able to reflect on my decisions and think...If I were standing before the Lord, would I be happy with my decisions? THAT is the single most important thing in this life. And I know that in order for me to be content with my decisions I must stand up for what I believe in.