an unexpected transition...

an unexpected transition into the truth. . . learning more, striving even more. going from a baptist to a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. not everyone approves, and to that, i would like to say, not everyone has had the chance to learn about the gospel in its fullness. it wasn't easy. i didn't wake up and say "i'm gonna be a Mormon!" although i wish it was that simple, the complexity of my transition makes me love it that much more! i composed a list prior to my baptism and confirmation, of all the things i needed to stop doing, and all the things i need to start doing. stop: cursing, drinking tea and coffee, no more sleeveless shirts, no gossiping, the list goes on. and i needed to start: reading the Book of Mormon, praying for the truth, practice what i preach, attend an LDS church, the sincere act of repentance, this list goes on as well. i was told by a friend "ya know, its not easy being a member of the church" WELL SIR, nothing is easy unless you try!! and i tried, and am still trying. it isn't easy, but once you create a habit of saying "fiddlestyx" instead of another (4 letter) word, reading before bed, praying before bed and in the morning, you learn the importance of your actions. you learn that while you're creating those healthy habits, you're also deepening your relationship with your Heavenly Father. the first time i met with the Elders, i was overly ecstatic. every time they said something new, i replied " Well duh that makes sense..." and it did... the plan of salvation, which is one of my favorite things, was the first thing i learned about. i knew it even before they told me, because, for me, they were answering the questions i always had. my family doesn't approve of this, i haven't told them yet, but they've made a reasonable assumption that i am in fact, a member of a new church, the true church. if my family doesn't want to learn about it now, i know that because of the ordinances that take place in the temples, they too will have a chance to accept the gospel in its fullness. this provides me with a great sense of relief, knowing that they can be saved!! The gift of the Holy Ghost, another favorite of mine! I felt it before, when i was attending a baptist church, and it was an amazing feeling. However, when i sit in at sacrament and think to myself, or sift through the scriptures, i am reassured that this is the true church. the spirit is there, and i know that to all of those who honestly seek the truth, they too will feel the spirit. once you feel it, you can't deny it. its the best feeling in the world. the day of my baptism was so amazing. i get chills just thinking about how at peace and happy i felt. and the best part is, this feeling hasn't left my body since. joining another church wasn't easy, no one said it would be, but for me, the gift of eternal life with my Heavenly Father totally exceeds all that i put into it.

i leave you with this:

* "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." - Moroni 10:4
* the first thing i ever read in the B o M

engage your faith and commit your energy to draw closer to Jesus Christ.