Step four: Receiving the Holy Ghost

After my baptism I came home to a get together in honor of my baptism. The Elders were there, people from the ward, family (Christina and Shannon), and friends.

As I was getting food, I walked by a chair that had a blanket and a picture frame of Jesus Christ. My blanket had my name and baptism date embroidered on it; it would symbolize the Comforter. My picture said the famous quote, "The way may be hard at times, but I will always be there." I let that sink in and said a quick prayer of gratitude towards the love of the Lord.

I had to wait till Sunday to get confirmed in Sacrament. Saturday was a good day but I was so anxious to just be confirmed. It was my mothers birthday that (that's why I got baptized on Friday-- didn't think she would be too happy if I got baptized on her birthday) day so I went over to my Grandparents house and had a birthday dinner with her and the family. My mom and I were talking more and more. She still wasn't happy with me not going home that one night but she was starting to looked passed it.

That night I couldn't sleep. It was like a little kid on Christmas Eve. Even worse. I kept Alyssa up most the night so I wouldn't have to go through it alone. However, I think she was probably just as excited.

After getting the few hours of sleep that I got, I woke up and got ready. I, again, was so anxious. One more step and I'm an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I wanted to just get confirmed.

Sitting in the congregation, I was so excited. This is the beginning of a new life. The Bishop got up and said there was ward business that needed to take care of. People were released and thanked for their service, some were called and sustained to serve in their calling, then they called me up to get confirmed along with Ron, Elder Trubey, Elder Carver, Rob (a good friend from work), and whoever else was involved. I sat on that chair. This is it. They all got in a circle and laid their hands on my head. I closed my eyes.

After my amazing confirmation, I got up and hugged Ron and so badly wanted to hug the Elders. Afterwards, I went to sit back down in my seat. I was beaming with happiness. I'm now on the path of the Lord. I will return to Him one day. 


Throughout sacrament, every talk that was given that day was speaking directly to me. He is so aware of me.

After a few weeks, I felt Satan so strong in my life. Why did I get baptized? Being a non-member is so much easier. I couldn't find respect for myself. My family still wasn't talking to me and I was going through rough patches with friends and school. This too shall pass. 

The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the Gospel.

Step Three: Baptism

They want me to get baptized? Are they crazy? It's only been four months since I have been taking the lessons. "Just pray about it Mary. God will say yes." Very funny Elder Carver.

It's a big commitment. I always thought I was going to get baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church. I knew it was the right thing though.

What did I do? I prayed. What did God say? Yes.

How was I going to tell my family? At this time, my sisters weren't really talking to me (except Jennifer). It was the worst thing ever. Not having your sisters that literally raised you in every aspect just cut all ties and not talk to me.

The missionaries came over with eager attitudes waiting for my yes or no answer. "So...?" My response, "Well my parents know I've been going to Church and I'm sure my sisters do... but yes. I'll get baptized (again, not direct quote)." They told me that since I was seventeen I would have to get parents permission. Well, looks like I wont be getting baptized soon. They gave me the papers.

I went over to my mom's house and asked her if she could sign my papers. She wasn't really happy with the decision at the time because I acted so suddenly about it; I didn't think it through. I just left the paper with her and told her to bring it to Top Spot (where I was working at the time) when she decided to sign them. That night, she came and not so nicely gave them to me. Well at least she signed them, right?

A few days later the missionaries came over and I gave them the papers. Next question: when do you want to get baptized? Hmm. I have not one clue. I decided on my Birthday. What better gift to get than to get baptized. Needless to say, it didn't work out. There were things that needed figuring out. I ended up choosing November 9, 2007.

The days went by so fast. I started inviting my teachers. Without fail, every single teacher I invited (minus Annie) asked, "Aren't you already LDS?" Nope. As the days got closer, I started double thinking everything. Should I really be doing this? WHY am I doing this? I can still back out. I told Elder Carver and Elder Trubey that I was feeling this way. They kept telling me it was Satan. Back of homeboy.

November 9, 2007 was here. Most nerve raking day of my life believe it or not. I was so scared towards the littlest things. What if I let go when I go back in the water? Ron (Alyssa's dad-- the amazing man who baptized me) made me practice in the living room before we left to the Church.

Got dressed, braided my hair, wore little to no make up (for crying reasons), then left to the Church.

I had the best people involved in my program. I couldn't have been happier. Once I got there, I heard the baptismal font filling up. This is real. This time... no turning back. Elder Carver and Elder Trubey found me and were so excited. "You showed up (p.s. two funniest Elders anyone could ever ask for)!"

People kept piling in. We had to get more seats. Finally, an older lady came out and asked if I would go with her so I could get my baptism suit.

After I changed, I went out and sat by Ron and listened to the talk on Baptism. Afterwards, I made my way into the water (funny side note: there was a shortage in the pipes or something so the water level was very low-- and I'm tall) and got baptized.

The feeling after coming out of that water. It was that feeling I've been feeling for so long. The last puzzle piece was found and placed perfectly. I was truly happy. I was clean.

After I got changed and sitting back down I listened to the talk about the Holy Ghost. I couldn't stop smiling. I have made the right choice.

I was clean. I was one step away from fully following God's path.