Taking the Plunge...

Well today I did it, I got baptized. Tomorrow, during Sacrament meeting, I will be confirmed as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and will be given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I want to thank first off my parents and all my friends who came and all those who have given me support through my investigating; even if you were not able to come you I truly felt you there in spirit.

I haven't wanted to talk too much about getting baptized on the blog here because well, pardon the idiom but I didn't want to count my chickens before they hatched. Things had not been the most solid these past weeks, and I did not want to get my hopes up, until I was actually sure it was going to happen. I have to say it took me until my head was completely underwater to finally realize it was.

As you may or may not know I have been exploring the Church for a time and have been wanting to get baptized for quite awhile. I have to say it's everything I could, and did, hope for. I was not exactly sure what to expect, and in the days coming up to the baptism I was pretty nervous; I did not really know if I would feel different, or I even worried what if it doesn't take? I was (and still am a bit) worried what if I mess up? What if I don't utilize this gift from God and from Jesus to its fullest? And a big factor contributing to my nervousness: What about my parents?

To answer these questions: I do indeed feel different. I cannot describe the feeling any better than feeling 'reborn'. I feel the Spirit so strongly right now. I still feel as if the water is on my skin, acting as a shield protecting my body from the sins of the world. I know some of this may sound cheesy but I do feel different. I feel cleansed, I feel clean, I feel protected, I feel forgiven... It's hard to describe it to other people. So many people have been congratulating me and asking me, "how do you feel?". I feel dumb because all I kept saying was "Thanks, I feel... great". But my lack of skilled oration and flashy diction to describe the new feelings I was experiencing was not due to any lack of emotions; it was because there are no words to describe it (I think I will try to talk a little more about this topic in a later post). Words are physical, they are of this world, but baptism affects our Spirit; it is larger, stronger, more real, and more intense than anything of this world. Fortunately I think the people who asked me knew this already, as they smiled watching my face as I tried to find the words to describe such a feeling, such an experience.

I'm not positive I won't make mistakes. Well to be honest I know I will, it is inevitable. But I will try to limit my mistakes, and I promise I will not and do not take this lightly. This is a second chance for me, and I am not going to let that go to waste. I will utilize this gift to the fullest.

My Parents. I've had some issues with my parents. They have not been the most supportive in my exploration of the Church. But they did something that took so much strength, more than I feel I could muster. They allowed me to get baptized and they came to the ceremony. They didn't 'give up' or anything like that. They simply explained to me how much they loved me and how they will (and do, I might add) support me in the things I do. They may not always like the things, or think they are right, but they will support me. I know my parents love me, I cannot describe how much I owe my parents, and I cannot begin to describe how thankful I am to my parents, and I can never describe just how much I love my parents and my family. I realize we butt heads at times (especially over this matter), but I know it will get better, and I know this is the first step in that lengthy process.

I realize now the nervousness that I felt up to my baptism was the works of Satan. Many warned me of this happening, Satan trying to tighten his grip, grabbing at loose straws while he still had a chance to catch someone before they came unto the Church, unto the Gospel. I just want to warn any investigators of the Church that as you get more and more into the Church, learn of its truth, and learn to love it Satan will try, frantically, to stop you from learning the truth. The closer you come, the more he will try to stop you. So don't give up or give in; pray to Heavenly Father ask what is true and wait for an answer provided by the Holy Spirit. I testify unto you that if you do hold strong and resist Satan the rewards... are too vast and too amazing to describe.

Thank you to all for your love and support.

Power of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful thing (probably one of the most general statements ever). But in all seriousness prayer is immensely powerful. It is our means of conveyance to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. How lucky are we to be able to directly talk to God? I can bear my testimony of how well prayer works. Many times in my life have I prayed and asked for help. This may not sound like a big deal but my father and brother were about to drive our two 'jet-skis' (really a Seadoo Bombardier and Yamaha Waverunner) back to the marina which was a little ways away. The problem was a big storm was moving in, it was pouring like crazy and I could see many lightning strikes out at sea. I was slightly worried... so I prayed, I prayed for the safety of my father and brother. And not three seconds after I said "Amen" the clouds opened and the sun seemed to pierce the storm, for it immediately stopped, rain and all. Now some would call that coincidence perhaps; but I knew, I felt the Holy Spirit as I prayed and I knew my message got through.

Now the aforementioned anecdote is just an example of prayer that was answered somewhat immediately. Prayer, from my experience many times takes a bit longer to receive an answer. Have faith and be patient, 'good things come to those who wait'.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is heavily driven by prayer. The restored Church of Christ was founded on prayer. A young boy named Joseph Smith Jun. read a verse in the General Epistle of James, "if you lack any wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally... But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering" (James 1:5-6). Because of a boy's simple prayer the world changed forever. The Book of Mormon also shows how important prayer is,

"For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint;... ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul" (2 Nephi 32:8-9).

Lastly one of the most important prayers I've ever made was posed in the Book of Mormon, by Moroni, "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things... and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:3-5)

One cannot just pray... "Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward" (D&C 31:12). One needs to keep commandments, have faith, do good that allows them to have the Holy Spirit really bless them with its presence.

"I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive" (Alma 7:23).

One also needs to 'do'; one cannot simply sit and wait for things to happen, God helps those who help themselves right?

I am writing about prayer tonight because my family has been having some trouble. My mother just told me, "we just need to pray; just say a prayer." My parents instilled in my brothers and I, at a young age, a great priority when it came to prayer. They taught me its power, and the Church only furthered that lesson.

My First 'Real' Fast Sunday

Today, much of America sits down together around the television to watch the Super Bowl with their assorted foodstuffs: potato chips, tortilla chips, buffalo wings, jalapeno pretzels, cheese, meat, crackers, assorted sodas, etc (can't tell I'm getting a bit hungry can you?). I too am one of those Americans enjoying the Super Bowl, but I won't be one of the ones enjoying stuffing my face during it, no, not this year. Today is my first 'Fast Sunday' where I am fasting for something. Back when I was allowed to go to Church, I had been to previous Fast Sundays, watching everyone bear their Testimonies, building my own Testimony, and strongly feeling the Spirit.

A week or two ago a great friend of mine out at BYU, talked to me about the upcoming first Sunday of the month. She knows all about my love of the Church and desire to be baptized, and she is just as well acquainted with the problems that lay before me and my baptism. She told me that she had told a lot of her friends and family about me and the issues that I am facing, and they were planning on fasting and praying for me this Fast Sunday. When I heard this I was taken aback. I couldn't believe that people that had never even met me would be so concerned about me and help me without even thinking twice. I can't express how grateful I am to those who are helping so very much with their prayers and their sacrifices. All of these people are so full of charity, doing this out of the goodness of their hearts. Seeing this type of charity is a little surprising to me, I've never had so many do so much for me. Thank you all.

In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 26:30, there is a definition of charity. "Charity is love" (2 Nephi 26:30). When I first read this I was a little confused, but after interacting a great deal with many different members of the Church I feel as if I understand it now. All the members I have met have always welcomed me in with open arms, trying to help me as much as possible. They don't do this for personal gain, or as 'repayment' for something I have done for them. They do it fully out of charity; they do it out of love. They love the Church and they truly want to share that feeling the Church gives them with others.

This is a thing I've noticed about the Church, how members just give unconditionally. Now I'm not saying one doesn't find this in other churches and groups, but I have experienced so many different examples of charity, with the Church. One example is when I first (also the only time...) went to Church here at college. I walked to the Stake Center and immediately when I got to the parking lot a very nice woman approached me. She knew that I wasn't a member of the Stake, and she asked about me. I told her I was a "very, very serious investigator", but not yet a member because my parents did not want me to join, just yet. She asked how I got to Church and I told her I walked from campus. When she heard this she was very surprised, she called her husband and her son over. She said, "Look at this boy here he walked two miles from campus and he's not even a member." I was pretty embarrassed, it really was not a big deal. And then she immediately said, "We would just be more than happy to drive you if you need a ride or anything." She was just the first of many to unselfishly offer me a ride or any type of help I needed. I appreciate so much all the kindness and unselfish acts I have experienced from these members of the Church.

The Beginning of the Blog

Well I won't try to fool anyone, this is my first blog, so please bear with me. One big influence I have for starting a blog is to shed some light on an ever growing, controversial subject of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I say controversial because it seems more and more (especially on this great 'internet highway' we travel on) misinformation, false information, and simply ignorant and bigoted information are being spread around by "anti-Mormons" (for lack of a better term).

I myself am no stranger to the--at times hostile--attacks on the Church. I was introduced to the Gospel in my senior year of high school, by long time friends who were LDS (life-long members). One of them gave me the Book of Mormon, upon my request. I was curious to see just what the deal was with this church. What I had learned of the church was mostly hearsay and from such great outlets like South Park (which does not exactly accurately represent the faith...). Once I picked up the Book of Mormon I immediately felt the Spirit. I learned so much from my reading. I took the challenge posed by Moroni, and was answered back a resounding "Yes", the Book of Mormon is in fact true and was divinely translated by Joseph Smith Jun. I was ready to join the Church, be baptized, but apparently my parents were not (and still are not) ready for me to do so. They became worried about my interest in the Church and started looking at the all too readily available anti-Mormon rhetoric out there. So now I am somewhat "forbidden" from going to Church; I have thus far respected my parents wishes and plan on continuing to do so.

Enough background history on myself. Another driving force I have for starting a blog is from a speech by Elder Russel M. Ballard. In which he stated, "The Lord over the centuries has had a hand in inspiring people to invent tools that facilitate the spreading of the gospel. The Church has adopted and embraced those tools, including print, broadcast media, and now the Internet... Now, to you... and all other faithful members of the Church, as you graduate from this wonderful university, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet...".

Well that's about it for my 'introduction'. Hopefully I'll be able to clear up some misconceptions of the Church, as well as talk a bit about myself.

Lastly I just wanted to make it clear that I am NOT affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the views I share are my own.