As a teenager, I was a girl that I can't imagine myself being. I partied. I didn't dress modestly at all. I decided it was important to have two tattoos. I never went to church. I never read my scriptures. I never prayed. I was as far away from God as a person could be. I was going nowhere pretty fast!! I didn't think of God as having much of an affect in my life. I never cared for what people said was good for me.
At the age of 18, I met a person that FOREVER changed my life. I was completely head over heels for this guy. That is until he asked me to go to church with him. (It's ok now, he is my hubby!!!) I was introduced to something that I pushed away for SOOOO long.
I went to church. Not just any church, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was thinking, "What is this place?" Truth be told, I never heard of it before. I was thinking of how scared I would be walking into such a place. Of course we were late!! So as we walked in, everyone turned to see who this person was. I sat through sacrament petrified of what people would say and what they would think of "the new girl".
After sacrament, i wanted to leave! But I'm glad I didn't. The people were incredibly kind. They treated me like they have known me for years!! I was feeling better!!
As we left and went back home, I was asked to meet with the missionaries. And to my suprise, I said sure! I was intrigued. I wanted to know more.
I met with the missionaries and they asked me to read the Book of Mormon. I said, "The book of what??" I was in awe that there was something out there besides the Bible that was considered scripture. So I accepted. I took that book. I tried reading it. I felt the Spirit. That was it for me!! I was baptized after two months of discussions with the missionaries. I remember thinking, "I found it!!" It was what I needed in my life. I felt complete!! August 12, 2000 was the day that changed my life forever. And my hubby Adam was the man that had the courage to share it with me.
I've learned through reading my scriptures that ALL of the things I did as a teenager could be wiped away if, and only if, I repented and asked for forgiveness. I have done that. I feel better than I ever did.
"Behold, He sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you." - Alma 5:33
Thanks for reading my story. I know it's personal but I remember thinking when I joined the church that I shouldn't be there because I wasn't perfect. I'm sure there are others who feel that way too. Don't be discouraged. We all have made mistakes. It's how we handle what we do after that makes the biggest difference!!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful day!!
