Image: barbarah.wordpress.com
Skye, 4, happy to have his own scriptures.
January 17th is an anniversary of sorts. Eleven years ago my husband and I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. {That's a mouthful. We say "LDS for short". We also say "Mormons," but there are a few different branches of Mormons. I converted to the LDS branch}.
I used to be an atheist. If I had to choose a higher power then, it would have been nature. I despised organized religion, Mormons being on top of that list. My idea of what Mormonism was about was very mistaken. If you would have told me 11 years ago I would be a Mormon living in Utah, I would have wondered what you were drinking. And then I'd ask you to pass it on over.
I enjoy being a member, although it hasn't always been easy (it's a culture...a good culture...but busy). I began having children soon after we joined (they were in the works whether we joined or not). I was so overwhelmed with motherhood and several moves that I never applied the wise spiritual habits being taught like scripture study and prayer. To this day I still feel like a greenie.
If I had made scripture study and prayer a habit and relied on Heavenly Father's grace and love and spirit during the rough times, I wonder ...I dunno ...I just wonder if I'd be more grown up by now. I also wonder if I'd be thinner. Not sure because sugar is the last Mormon vice. I'll save that for another entry.
I may write more about my LDS experiences and relate it also to my physical fitness journey. When I speak of it, please know I respect others' beliefs. Whatever brings you closer to your higher power and gives you strength is what is best for you now. My belief in Jesus Christ is what is right for me. What scripture reading and prayer is for me may be what meditation, etc., is to another.
Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
I think this is wonderful I am glad to hear you have found a connection to God in a way that works for you. I am still working to find my way with that.
ReplyDeleteI just found this and I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I'm glad that you found what works for you. Isn't it amazing how by becoming more spirtualy open you can really change your life? You can do anything you put your mind too and He is always on your side.
ReplyDeleteTo each their own as we say. I think that is what it is all about & we should all respect one another's beliefs without trying to change them.
ReplyDeleteI am Jewish but I have kind of made my own belief system for me... nothing too organized & that works for me.
My Dad used to say when he was alive: " I talk to HER every Wednesday". I loved that. We can all find what is right for us.
Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDelete(it's a culture...a good culture...but busy)
LOL, I hear ya.
Thank you for sharing about your faith Gina. Faith is so important in our lives, I know mine is for me.
ReplyDelete11 years! Wow, has it been that long. This was around the same time we first met. We still have The Book of Mormon in Swedish that you gave us sitting in our bookshelf. Our LDS friends have always been very impressed to find that we own one and actually know a little about their/your faith.
ReplyDelete