Proud of it, baby!

If you haven't read on my Facebook yet, four years ago today I was baptized. It seems like I have been a member for more than four years.

A lot has happened in four years being a member. It has been the hardest, yet best time of my life. I feel like Satan is nagging at me more and I have to work harder to get him to leave. Through those trials and nagging moments, I have built a bond with our Heavenly Father of trust and love. Kneeling to pray is the time I can feel His love the most. I often take it for granted. I try and take a few minutes in my prayers expressing gratitude towards the blessings I have received and for all my knowledge I have learned.

I was talking to a friend today. I was telling him how I used to do anything to get away from the missionaries. I am so humiliated to say admit that. I used to have the hardest time accepting the Temple. Through the last four years I have had many questions asked to me about the Church. Some I can't answer but some I can. The ones I can't though get my frustrated-- people criticize me for not knowing. Well guess what? I'm still learning and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I have faith that everything is the way it's supposed to be. No matter what. The Church is my foundation and is what keeps me who I am today. The missionaries are the best people out there-- literally. Oh and I love the Temple. It's the most perfect place to be.

I have met the most incredible people by joining the Church. Some who will be in my life forever. I couldn't have asked for better missionaries. They were always straight forward, knew how to explain in a way I could understand, and were like brothers I never had. I still talk to them on a regular basis and hope that never changes.

I remember my baptism like it was yesterday. Actually, right around this time (4:30), I was getting ready for it. I was freaking out; I was going to be "re-dunked" over and over, I was going to fall backwards. Well Ron made my worries go away. We practiced for a good twenty minutes on what to do. It was great.

After I was baptized and confirmed, I had people leave my life for the choice I made. Do I miss them? Oh yes. It happens though. People come and go. I wouldn't change it for anything. If I had to, I would go through every single thing a million times fold.

Four years ago, I would have never thought I would be here. I never thought I would be serving a mission. I am and I couldn't be more excited. I can't wait to show those people who are ready the happiness and joy they are in store for.

 

Elder Carver, Me, Elder Trubey, and Elder Newsom

I look a lot different. Good thing; that's a horrid picture of me! Again, Elder Carver and Elder Trubey (Elder Newsom was only there for a few weeks but I still enjoyed him being there) are the best! Whoever had the chance to meet them are lucky!

The Book is blue.
The Church is true.
And God is Mormon.
                     - Elder [Josh] Trubey (told me that in his testimony-- I'm sure a lot of people say it?)

Happy Baptism Anniversary to me!

P.S. When I will have been baptized for 23 years, I'll still be celebrating. Just saying.