Last year, on April 22nd, I wrote this in my blog:
"As many of you know, I got baptized this weekend and am now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! This was an incredibly difficult, yet simple decision for me to make... I could feel the Spirit working in my life, putting all of the right pieces in place, and I felt his comfort in my life. Through my scripture study and my lessons, I knew that this was right. My prayers were being answered so much. Actually, I don't know if I've ever had my prayers answered at such a high amount as I have in the past few months. Its been an incredible journey, and I’m so happy that I've made it."
Now, exactly one year later, I can still say that I am so happy for my decision! I love this Church and all of the blessings that I’ve gotten from being a member of it. I have had so many testimony-building experiences and prayers answered that have assured my conversion into this church and that have given me strength to endure to the end.
This year, I consistently met with the Elders in our ward and continued to have lessons with them. These not only helped answer questions that I had, but helped me to feel the Spirit more frequently. I also wrote missionaries as they were serving the Lord and gained so much insight, comfort, and strength by learning from their experiences. I have also had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Institute Unison Choir. Through this, I have learned so much from my Heavenly Father and gained insight into what he wants for me. I have also met so many incredible friends and saints in this choir whom help to guide me and help me find peace in times of trouble. In this choir, we are required to read from the scriptures daily, and as much as it has been a challenge for me, it has honestly helped me to grow closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior and instilled in me a love for the scriptures.
However, a few months back, I found myself in a spiritual drought. I was confused about my decision to join the church, I was having a hard time accepting gospel doctrine, and I was having a lot of the same confusion that I had while I was investigating the Church. After council from some friends (whom are spiritual giants!) and the bishop, I found that I needed to go to the temple to do baptisms. I had never been and I had a fear and uneasiness about the temple. However, I needed direction and I needed something to fuel my then weak testimony. Going to the temple was the best thing that I could have done. I felt such peace. After that experience, my doubt and troubles disappeared.
I have such a strong testimony of this Church and of my Heavenly Father and of the restored gospel. While this year has been especially trying for me, I am so glad that it happened the way it did because it brought me closer to my Savior and my Father in heaven. Today, on my one-year anniversary of being baptized into this Church, I received my patriarchal blessing. I am ready to continue on my path in this life and I can't wait to see what God has in store for me. He is the best! Whatever struggles and difficulties come my way, I know that I can overcome them because of my faith in Christ and relationship with my God.
Until Next Time.
