Personal Joy

Okay, so here are my amazing parents! Now the reason for this post is mainly about my Mom, but before we get to this point I need to do a little background work. And I also need to add a disclaimer. I usually do not discuss my religious views in public domains like this, unless asked first. But most of you know me, and my beliefs. But at this moment my heart and soul are full, and so I need to share with all those I love and care about.

As many of you know I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when I was ten years old. To make a long story short, I was an overly curious little girl, who wanted to know the answers to everything; this includes religion. So when I was 9 I started wondering about those soul searching questions.... why are we here?... where do we come from?... what is the purpose of life?... and where do we go when we die? Now my parents are absolutely amazing, and they told me they didn't know the answer to those questions, but when I found out I should tell them. I then told them I was going to go to church. And I proceeded to do that... with any of my neighbors or friends who would let me tag along. Well after awhile I was burned out on that idea, and I didn't find what I was looking for. At that time a Mormon family moved in next door to me, and next thing I know I became best friends with them, and went to church with them. And three months later I was baptised; a month before my 10th birthday. And 15 years later here I am.

Now back to my parents. They have always been so opened minded; I mean they let both of their children follow their hearts and join a church, and a faith that they didn't know much about. Well I mean they have participated in a bunch of activities, and are up to date on all the Mormon lingo, however, they themselves have never felt the pull to join, or to question more.

That was until recently. When my parents came to Scotland to pick me up from my mission they were truly touched by the Spirit. They loved the latter-day saints there, and felt at home in the church there. And upon coming home my mum in particular has started asking questions. Has started having the missionaries over, and has come to church. Now I was doing all I could to not get my hopes up, or push to hard, or make this about me. I mean this is her decision, and her choice. Well over the last two months she has been telling me all about what she is learning as she is studying the gospel principles book, and the scriptures, and telling me how at home she feels in the ward, and how much she loves going to church and feeding the missionaries, and all that Mormon-y stuff. Then I get a call on Saturday right after General Conference, and she tells me that she has been so touched by the Spirit, that she knows she needs to get baptised!!!!!!!!!!

Now I was in shock... I had been wishing for this for 15 years, and now to hear those words come out of my mothers mouth..... I couldn't believe it. So she stopped smoking and has been going strong for 4 days. She relapsed for a second, and lit up one cigarette, but is now back on board. Her baptismal date is set for April 18th.

Now the reason I am sharing this other than just spreading the joy, is to ask for all of your prayers on her behalf. Her name is Cheryl Jagger. And to show my support in her quitting smoking I have given up all desserts and sweets until the day of her baptism. (I think that will be good for me because I am quite addicted to chocolate!) I can't even imagine the struggle she is going through trying to kick that habit. I just know that she is strong, and in the strength of the Lord she can make it through this hard time. To think of her dressed in white, and being cleansed of all her burdens and sins and hardships, it brings tears of joy to my eyes. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is real, and working in my life, and in the lives of all those I love. I know that it is through the atonement of Jesus Christ that we can be cleansed and healed. And it is through trying to become more like Him, and bringing out will in line with His that we find pure and everlasting joy. I am so grateful for the gospel being restored on the earth today. I know Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God, who was the instrument in the hands of the Lord in bringing the priesthood power back on the earth; that gives us the opportunity to be together as a family for eternity. I am eternally grateful for that knowledge and the peace it brings in my life. I will continue to work my hardest to be worthy to be with my family for eternity.