My Past and Present

I am sitting here scrolling through mormon memes. Embarrassing! Haha but I love them. I love all things that are scriptures, or words from our church leaders that bring comfort and direction to our hearts. Each quote or thought, caused me to think about how I could apply each of those to different areas of my life. It made me remember where I have been and where I have gone. I was in a very different place 4 years ago.

I want to make it clear that I have never felt ashamed of my past since being baptized. On mormon.org it states, "Immersion is symbolic of the death of a person's sinful life and the rebirth into a spiritual life, dedicated to the service of God and His children."

Throughout my teenage years and early twenties, I was completely guilty of making bad decisions. Nothing too crazy, just pretty much everything any other person my age would do that lacked faith in Heavenly Father. I started to realize I was losing sight of who I was, what was important in my life, and my strength to pursue goals. I was becoming of the world, instead of just living in it.

There were times right before, during and after I made my decision to join the church that I had questioned if I would be treated differently. When I moved to Utah, it was such a unique and extreme change from where I had been in regards to the type of people I was surrounded by. It was good for me. However, there have been many times where I've felt different. I am grateful for that difference.

I know that I haven't been given anything that I can't handle. What I was given was a unique perspective on life with and without the gospel. Most of my best friends here in Utah have grown up with the gospel being a part of their life, their entire life. For a time I was envious of this. Why couldn't I have been raised learning the hymns, being a sunbeam at one point, whatever age that is. I still have so much to learn and I am excited to learn. I understand that most of those youthful experiences in the church will be learned when I have children of my own and that they will be that much more special to me. My friends that have grown up with the gospel are wonderful examples to me and I learn new things from them everyday.

To my knowledge, I have never met anyone who has looked down on me for past transgressions. Us mormons, have a common goal of striving to be more Christ like daily. Thats not to say, that we aren't human and still make mistakes. At times, I am guilty of picking and choosing who I feel would be most accepting of activities I have previously participated in. This comes in to play a lot when I am dating. I feel the need to keep in mind who might be mentally strong enough and understanding to deal with my past life. I realize choices that I have made pre-baptism can still affect my future.

I love this gospel with my whole heart. It has transformed me as a person. Just ask my parents who know me best haha They have been a first hand witness of the better person I have become. What a wonderful light the Saviors love can give us when we let Him. It is never too late to accept Him into our life. Every single one of us has talents, gifts and experiences unique to us. I've been blessed to feel such a strong need to share my experiences and testify of my knowledge of the gospel.