Today was my first missionary discussion :D
I'm 18 now, I've finished my senior year of high school (no more homework!!!) and I'm super excited to be taking steps towards finally getting baptized!!!
The discussion was amazing. The Elders told me a little about themselves, and I shared my conversion story (well, the events thus far, anyway, as I obviously haven't been baptized so it isn't quite official). We talked about my parents' thoughts on me joining the church (more on that later). One of them said he felt impressed that we would receive revelation as to how to help my parents feel more comfortable with my conversion. They asked me how I think of God; I said as a loving, Fatherly figure who cares about us. We read some scriptures and talked about the Restoration. My goodness, the Spirit was strong. And also, I learned that I need to have patience.
So maybe I can't get baptized June 14 because my dad needs time to ask questions and come to terms with what this all means. A couple of my friends might miss my baptism, but it's more important that my dad is happy and comfortable with my choice. I really don't want to wait, but I've known for two years that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me patience. Maybe I haven't quite learned enough yet :)
Know this: right now, I am just as serious about getting baptized as I was June 12, 2012, when I was prompted to make my choice. I know that this is the right path for me to follow. I'm not doing this because my friends are members. I'm not getting baptized to make people happy.
I want to get baptized because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's true Church. I want to get baptized because we are to follow Christ's example. I want to get baptized because I know with all my heart that Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost prompted me to choose this path. Baptism symbolizes beginning a new life, but that doesn't change my personality. It barely changes my standards, because I've been trying to live LDS standards for two years now, maybe even a little more. It might change how I spend my Sundays, but that's certainly a good change. "By their fruits ye shall know them," and attending church will certainly bring forth good fruit in my life.
LDS readers, I want you to think back to your baptism. Why did you want to get baptized then? If you were a convert preparing for baptism right now, what reason would you give for wanting to get baptized? How has your testimony grown by attending church since you were baptized? Please share in the comments, I would love to hear your experiences :)
<3 Marie-Rose
Yay!!! Marie-Rose I'm so excited for you!that is amazing.
ReplyDeleteOoh you gotta keep us all up to date on how the discussions go. I want to know every detail :)
To be honest, I kind of wish I was a convert because I don't even remember my baptism very well. Or why I got baptized :( it's kind of sad. But I am constantly growing my testimony, so I am glad that I did do it when I was eight.
But I am super excited for you!!! This is so great! And good luck with that patience--that stuff is tough. ;)
As soon as I have the second discussion, you guys will be the third ones to know! (Right after my two best friends :) )
DeleteHeavenly Father gets to everyone in different ways. If I had been raised in the Church, I probably wouldn't take it as seriously as I do now. Now, having had to do so much heavy thinking, and really work to be able to participate in churchy stuff, I find more meaning in things that others have been able to do their whole lives.
For you, there's a specific reason that you were born in the church. I don't know you well enough to know that reason, but I'm wondering if it might be related to missionary work. There's so much that I don't know, so I can't explain it to people, but you grew up being taught these things. Like I said, I don't know you well enough to know for sure, but I can make guesses :)
<3 Marie-Rose
PS sorry I haven't been responding to comments! I usually try to respond right away, but I've been really bad at that lately :(