I've grown up in the LDS church my whole life and I've always loved being part of it and loved the happiness it brought into my life, but never really felt like I knew for myself that it was all true and right. The past year or two I have struggled to continue to stay strong and at times felt ashamed or almost embarrassed to say that I am a member of the church and even questioned if it was for me.
Two months ago my best friend, Spencer, left on his mission and I can honestly say that he changed my life. He made me realize all that this gospel has to offer. He helped me know how to find out for myself and helped me realize the importance of prayer and scripture study. He makes me want to be better and want to be involved in the gospel. He is the greatest example and motivates me to do better and grow stronger in the church every day. Since I met him, and even more so after he left, I've been trying harder and harder to be better, more Christ like, and to be more obedient to God's commandments.
Although I still make mistakes, I love this gospel. I love everything it has to offer. Through this gospel I know that I can be with my family and my future husband for eternity! And how great it is to know that there's more to come after this life! It's good to know that I'm not the only one who makes mistakes. I'm no longer ashamed. And I'm proud to be part of this miraculous gospel. I am blessed every day because of it. I can't even comprehend or understand why I was ever ashamed or embarrassed by it. I'm so grateful to be part of this gospel and to have in in my life. I know Heavenly Father has a plan for me and I can't wait to see what's in store!
I'm so excited for what's to come in the future. I'm excited to go to BYU and see what life brings!! I'm glad to be progressing and I'm grateful for prayer and the power of repentance. I'm so thankful for my parents and their loving and righteous examples. I'm incredibly thankful for my best friend Spencer and all that he has done for me and the example his is to me. I'm so proud of him for choosing to serve a mission. I feel so happy and so blessed to have all these wonderful examples in my life. I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be without them!
"BE NOT ASHAMED NEITHER BE THOU DISMAYED FOR I THE LORD AM WITH THEE WITHERSOVER THOU GOEST."
