Wednesday, January 13, 2010

An exciting development

... well at least for me.


Do you remember me talking about meeting the missionaries and how I was struggling with faith in God and Jesus Christ? Reading it over I see that I was confused and just feeling very pressured and eager to make them happy, and basically just wanting myself to be happy by getting baptized even if I wasn't sure about it.  I was wanting to get baptized because of the missionaries wanted me to, but I knew that I needed to want to get baptized for myself.

I actually stopped meeting with them a few weeks after that post. We were running out of lessons, and frankly I wasn't so sure I wanted to keep learning about the Church anymore. But Heavenly Father was certainly looking out for me (gosh, I am totally tearing up right now) and gave me the opportunity to have a wonderful conversation with my Aunt about everything. So I ended up going to Church with her and her family for a month or two after that instead of attending the singles ward. (I felt like it was too much pressure in the social aspect, and I wanted to make sure that I was there for the religion and faith.)

Now I have switched back to the singles ward for a month or so and I couldn't be happier! I had many many times of doubt, where I was positive that I didn't want this faith in my life anymore.... I am just so grateful that I was continually pulled back to the Church and was able to overcome my doubts.

My date for Baptism is January 30, 2010*.

PS. Today I went to a Church bookstore with a friend and picked up a few things. One thing that I got was a picture of a meadow with the mountains behind it and a quote beneath saying:

 "The situations and experiences we face in life reflect what Heavenly Father really knows about us and what we need to make our weaknesses become Strengths"


I truly believe this statement with my whole heart and am totally excited that I am finally in the place to become baptized. I have been waiting for this moment for months.


.... and just so all of you know, I couldn't have made it without all of your inspiring words and encouragement. I really don't think you know how much you have influenced my life!

*Tentatively set like an hour ago, but I am pretty positive it won't change! I'll definitely let you all know if it does change!

11 comments:

  1. It sounds like you really wanted to make sure you were making this choice for the right reasons and I very much respect that.

    Congratulations on this new part of your life!

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  2. congrats! oh my i am soooo happy for you! wow, seriously how amazing. i would love to chat with you more and tell you my parents conversion story. it was similar. they wanted to know the truth for themselves. the church is so true. and Heavenly Father really does look out for each of us indivually. i am so happy for you. satan will try in every single way to get you down now that you have set a date. make a promise to yourself, and to me if you want:) that you wont back out. since you know it is the right thing and have felt that already. email me if you want
    barney.britt@gmail.com
    or blogging is fabulous as well! i love your blog and you are darling. thanks for leaving me those kind words! made my night. well, that and hearing your wonderful news.
    loves!
    britt

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  3. Oh my goodness I got goosebumps reading this. Oh Michelle, I'm so excited for you!!! I would love to hear more about everything and just like someone mentioned above, if you'd ever want to talk (seriously!) you can email me at kelsiec123@gmail.com.

    The quote you mentioned above reminded me of something Elder Eyring once said, "There are some in this room who need to know how perfectly known you are. Your needs, your desires, your sorrows, your pain...it is real to you, and it is oh so real to your Heavenly Father."

    I know Heavenly Father lives and loves us and I am so happy for you, and for the testimony you've gained! It truly is the one thing in this world that can bring so much happiness to all of Gods children.

    Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you! Have a wonderful day!

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  4. Michelle! I am so, so happy for you. This is a huge decision and I'm sure it was so difficult for you, but I know it will make you incredibly happy. The Gospel really means so very much to me. It's my core and I love the meaning, truth, and joy I receive as a member of the Church. My testimony of my loving Heavenly Father and a redeeming Christ is so special to me.

    Like everyone else, I'd love to chat or hear more. My email is brittanyaustin17@gmail.com

    What an exciting time in your life!
    Congrats!

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  5. Congrats on making this important decision. I admire your faith. The church is TRUE.

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  6. Michelle, it looks like everyone else is saying exactly what I want to tell you. I guess I was born into the church so I wasn't converted in the same way you were, but I did have a personal conversion. I didn't always know that I knew, if that makes sense. It is something I had to question, and spend many hours in prayer and meditation before I came to the realization that it is all true. Exactly like Joseph Smith said it was. Studying at BYU my testimony has also been strengthened. You should really consider coming here, I will help you in any way I can! Love you girl.

    Email me - call me, whatev. I am so excited for you!

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  7. My favorite part is that you are doing it for you!

    Life is so much sweeter when you know where you want to be. I am really happy to see you make such a great stride in your life in a positive direction. I am always here if you need an ear :)

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  8. michelle,
    thank you for being so cute and sweet on my blog! my parents met in denmark on a study abroad program and got married there, then moved to philly where the sister missionaries knocked on their door. the story from there is amazing...but quite long. you sure you wanna hear it??
    loves!
    britt

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  9. wow that is really awesome i know how hard it is to choose a religion and believe everything. Its so easy to lose faith sometimes!

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  10. Michelle, that is SOOOO exciting!!!!! I wish I could be there for your baptism!! Make sure to take pictures so we can all see you in white :)! Thanks so much for sharing that. I know it must have been hard for you and I'm glad things were able to work out for you!

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  11. I am SO excited for you! I think that this is a wonderful decision, and I think you will find yourself so happy. Congratulations!

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