24 Reasons I’m Thankful I Joined The Mormon Church

I would love to share 24 reasons why I’m glad I joined the Mormon church. This post is a little personal. But today I’m celebrating when I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Today marks 24 years since I was baptized. When I was 11 the missionaries came to my home and changed my life.

I had attended Christian School since I was in preschool. I knew the Bible stories and believed in Jesus. But I loved when the missionaries would come over. I felt something. Now I realized I felt the spirit. But then I knew that I felt happy. My parents didn’t fight and my brother was kind to me. I never wanted them to leave. I’m so thankful for the sacrifices the missionaries made so I could be baptized. I was taught by the best missionaries ever! 

On my anniversary of my baptism I love to reflect on what a blessing it has been in my life to be baptized. Sometimes I imagine what my life would have been like if I didn’t hear the message of  the gospel. To celebrate 24 years of being Mormon I wanted to share 24 ways being baptized has blessed my life.

1. Knowledge That I’m a Child of God. I learned the beautiful truth that I’m a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I once had a friend ask me why I referred to God as Heavenly Father. I shared that I believed we are all His children. This simple, but important knowledge, was the basis of my self esteem when I was a teen. It’s so easy to not feel important or special. Knowledge that I was created by God and was one of His spirit children filled me with peace. I knew I couldn’t be a mistake. God doesn’t make mistakes.
2. I can be baptized like Jesus. I don’t remember if I learned about Christ being baptized in the River Jordan before meeting with the missionaries. But I knew I should pattern my life after my Savior Jesus Christ. I was able to be baptized my immersion by someone who held the priesthood, just like Jesus Christ. I’m so thankful I have followed the example of my Savior. As I have increased my study of the scriptures I have come to understand how important baptism is to his plan.
3. Probably the most important blessing is a better understand of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. The book of Mormon teaches so clearly about the atonement. Now I understand that the Atonement is very complex and I don’t claim, with my limited brain, to really comprehend every thing about the Atonement. As a child I had already known Jesus had died for me. But I’ve been able to learn that He has taken on every sickness, bad feeling, bad thought, and the godly sorrow that comes when we fall short. He understand everything. Labor pains. Heartache from losing a loved one. And guilt and sorrow from sin. And He was willing to feel these pains so he could better succor my broken heart. I can’t imagine feeling all the pain I’ve ever felt, let alone every person ever born on the earth. My love for Him has grown as I have felt His love during my hardest moments.
4. The Book of Mormon. I’m so thankful for the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is an ancient record of a group of people who lived in the Americas. This record was translated by Joseph Smith by the power of God. It speaks plainly of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is my most favorite book. Working with the Bible to testify of our Savior Jesus Christ, it clarifies doctrine. And it was written for our day. As I read and study this book I feel closer to my Savior. Reading it with my family is such a joy. So many blessings are promised as we study this book. I’m thankful for the blessings I’ve seen.
5. Knowledge on How to Receive Answers to Prayers. It is so clearly taught in modern scripture how to receive answers to prayers. I’ve probably taken it for granted. As I’ve talked to other religious friends I realized some of them aren’t quite sure HOW to receive revelation for themselves. We are taught that the Holy Ghost speaks to our heart and our minds. We should study it out and then ask if it is right. If we feel peace or a swelling or burning feeling (not painful but symbolically) than you know it is true or the right choice.  As I have done this, time and time again, I have been able to receive answers to questions big and small. Assurance of what The Lord wants me to do gives me courage to act and a knowledge I’m doing what is right.
6. Personal Revelation. In addition to receiving answers to prayers clearly I also know I can receive revelation. I can understand truth and my mind can be enlightened. I can come to know for myself that something is true. Sometimes this revelation comes while watching General Conference or while sitting in the temple. The Lord is willing and wanting to share His knowledge with us. We recently have a family night lesson on this. 
7. Prophets. I remember the missionaries teaching that The Lord again has called prophets again on this earth. It just made sense. Just like he called Abraham, Noah, and Daniel, He has called men today to lead and guide us. I’m so thankful for a prophet who can lead and guide me. For someone who can see problems in the future and give council on how we can stay safe. I have received my own personal witness that Russell M. Nelson is truly a prophet of The Lord.
8. The Priesthood. The priesthood is the power and authority of God. It’s the power The Lord used to great the world. It’s how He calmed the sea and raised the dead. He gave this power to His apostles when He organized His church on the earth. And that same power has been restored in these latter days. John the Baptist, Elijah, and others came and brought back this power through the laying on of hands. It is by this power I was baptized. It’s this power that my husband blesses our children with priesthood blessings. And by this power my oldest son passes the sacrament. It is real. And as I keep my covenants I act with power.
9. Temples. These beautiful buildings are so dear to my heart. I’m able to enter and feel the little bit of heaven. If you ever get a chance to enter when they have an open house do it! You’ll feel the power and peace this building brings. I love worshiping here and being filled with peace. My life can be crazy, heavy with struggles. But when I enter the temple I’m filled with peace as I receive a better understand and perspective.
10. Temple Covenants. Probably even better than receiving peace from a session in the temple is the promise and assurance that comes from temple covenants. In the House of God we make covenant or two way promises with our Father in Heaven. My favorite is the sealing ordinance where husband and wife are sealed together for time and all eternity. We believe in eternal marriage and eternal families. That when we are married in the temple, or sealed to each other, we believe that marriage can last forever. When my daughter was born and was having health issues I wasn’t sure if she was live for very long. Probably one of the hardest moments in my life was being along in my hospital room at 3:00 am while my husband was with my daughter in the NICU. While praying and pouring out my heart I knew it was possible for my sweet daughter to have to leave this earth. Hard as that would be I knew even more that our family was forever. And whatever happened I would have the opportunity to raise her, even if it was in the next life. The knowledge of temple covenants make all the difference in this life. I want nothing more in this life is to be with my Heavenly Father and my family forever. It’s the goal I’m working towards.
11. Knowledge Families are Forever. I guess I never thought about eternal families before I was baptized. But it makes sense to me. I was surprised to hear other faiths don’t all believe in eternal families. Some faiths believe we are just going to be hanging out together in the next life as individuals. I can’t imagine heaven without the structure of families.
12. The Companionship of the Holy Ghost. We believe after you are baptized you can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying of the hands. Of course you can feel the Holy Ghost before you receive this gift. This is how we can come to know for ourselves we should make this important step. And I know the Spirit can speak to everyone. I love having the Holy Ghost with me. I use it all the time. The Holy Ghost prompts me to help others or act in different ways. It reminds me things I forget. He warns, guides, testifies, and comforts me.
13. The Spirit of Elijah. I’ve always loved old pictures and stories. I stared working on Family History when I just had two little kids. I would drag them down to the family history library and work as much as I could on finding records for my deceased family. Malachi talks about Elijah coming before the day of the Lord, with hearts turning to their fathers. We believe this is talking about family history. As we seek to learn about our ancestors our love for them grows and we are blessed. Family History has greatly blessed my life. I’ve learned so many beautiful stories of faith. I’ve felt sorrow as I’ve read about their struggles. I know I will see them again someday. And it’s humbling to be able to participate in this great work.
14. Becoming a Better Mother. I know so many amazing mothers, in and out of the church. But understanding His plan helps me as a mother. I love listening to General Conference and the promptings I received to help me with my children. The Holy Ghost helps me understand my children. And the role of prayer as a mother, seeking help from our Heavenly Father has been vital in helping me understand them. Also the wonderful examples of men and women in the scriptures help me to pattern my life after them. 
15. Joy in service. In the Book of Mormon we learn “when you are in the service of your fellow beings you are in the service of your God”. Maybe because my love language is acts of service but I LOVE serving. And the gospel gives me so many opportunities to serve and help others. As a youth I’ve learned to babysit for free when adults want to go the temple. I was able to help with temple work. As I got older I learned to take meals when someone had surgery or a new baby. I’ve learned the joy of visiting a widow who needs a friend. I’ve learned how to look for ways to serve and lift where I stand. I love having callings (church responsibilities) to help me grow and stretch. I love learning to fast and pray for others. And I’ve felt the power of others praying for me and my family. And our family has been blessed my the service of so many amazing people.
16. Closer Family Relationships. I love the Family Proclamation given in 1995. President Hinkley teaches about families and gives council. I love the encouragement and ways we can strengthen our family. President Smith back in 1915 shared the inspiration form the Lord on the importance of family nights. What a blessing! Who would have thought back then that we would need to support our family with such a practice. The church teaches the importance of family prayer, family scripture study, family nights and keeping the Sabbath Day holy. These small things help to build and strengthen our families.
17. Family Night. If you have been reading my blog for awhile you know how much I love family nights! I have a testimony of this important family tradition. It’s been such a blessing to my family was we can teach important principals to our children and use this time to grow closer.
18. The Plan of Happiness. I still remember learning about the Plan of Salvation, or Plan of happiness. Everything made sense to me. Of course we lived before we came to earth. Of course our spirits don’t die. And of course God will bless us by the choices we make. This plan teaches how we can be happy and answers questions like, where did I come from, why am I here, and where am I going? This family night teaches about the plan of happiness and has free printables. 
19. Christ’s Church Restored. The Church of Latter Day Saints believes the gospel and power of the priesthood was taken off the earth when Christ’s apostles died. The Apostasy  has been foretold in the scriptures. Lots of men tried to reform or change the teachings of the church when they didn’t match up with the scriptures. I’m thankful for these men. We believe the church was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. That the church we belong to is patterned after the church Christ organized while he was on the earth. We have baptism, the priesthood, prophets and apostles, and missionaries teaching repentance.
20. Joseph Smith. When Joseph Smith was 14 he wanted to know what church to join. He read in James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom let me ask of God,” He later prayed and The Father and the Son appeared unto them. This is refereed to as the First Vision. Christ told him not to join any of the churches but that he would be the one to restore his true church. Joseph was then prepared to receive the golden plates which he later translated into the Book of Mormon. He endured many hardships as he organized the Church of Christ. He eventually sealed his testimony with his blood when he ans his brother were killed by a mob. He never denied seeing God and our Savior, even though he was mocked and treated cruelly because of it. I’m thankful for his example of courage as he obeyed the Lord. I have received my own witness that He was truly a prophet of God. Every time I read these verses I feel the spirit bearing witness to my soul that they are true.
21. Seminary. When in high school I was able to participate in seminary. We would meet early in the morning and study the Scriptures for about 40 minutes before going to school. Those classes are so precious to me. I’m so thankful for being taught in the scriptures while in my youth. I loved pondering the words of the Bible and Book of Mormon before heading off to high school. I learned the stories, how God keeps his promises, and the blessing of the gospel. This knowledge helps me so much as a mother and a Sunday teacher.
22. Relief Society. I’m part of an amazing women’s organization. Probably the largest women’s religious organization in the world. Because the sisters of this group are all over the world. You can read the mission statement of this great group here. I’ve learned so much as I have applies the teaching of my savior to helping others. I love rubbing shoulders with amazing women of faith. I’m thankful for the messages I receive from Women’s Conference. Women simply need each other and I;m thankful for the variety of women I can meet with each week.
23. More Joy in Womanhood. I love this church. And I love the power and recognition the church gives to women. The Savior himself loved women. We spoke opening about his identity with the women at the well. We hear of when he wept, as he hear the sorrow Mary and Martha felt when Lazarus died. Women were close to Him. The church organization wasn’t complete until the Relief Society was organized. Women have been speaking and teaching from the beginning of this restoration. My role and gender are essential to God’s plan. I work in partnership with Him. Some people think women should hold the priesthood or that women aren’t equal to men in the church. I don’t feel that way at all. And of course my heart goes out to women who struggle with this. We all have things that are hard for us. But honestly I feel supported as a women. There are so many amazing example of strong women in the church. I know the work I do as a women is important to the Lord’s plan. I know that as I keep covenants and follow my Savior I have the power of the Priesthood. I have much cause to rejoice to be a woman in these latter days as I can have an influence and help others come unto Christ.
24. Stronger Testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. This blessing has been the dearest to my heart. I will admit, faith comes easy to me. It’s probably my spiritual gift. The more time I spend in the scriptures, the more time I spend in the temple and in prayer the more my testimony of Jesus Christ is strengthened. I know he is our Creator. I know he came to earth and was born in a stable. I know that He lived a perfect life and overcame all temptation. I know He felt the sorrow for my sins, and my heartache, and every feeling for me so that I could be made clean. So I could live again. I was listening to the song, “ I know that My Redeemer lives.” And I heard the line, “He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.” And the spirit lifted my heart to the truth. Because sometimes I do complain. Sometimes life is hard And I am thankful I have someone willing and wanting to hear from me. Willing to feel all my sorrow so He could succor me. I know the Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and the King of Kings. And it means everything to me. I have a Savior, who knows and loves me. And not just me but everyone. He has overcome the world so we can live with our Father again. This is the good news. Christ has overcome death and repentance is possible. This is the message I would want to share with the world! Christ is there for us. We just need to turn to him. And if we try to live our lives like him we can live with Him forever.

I appreciate you reading the tender feelings of my heart. I’m so thankful for the two most amazing missionaries Elder Spencer Regidel and Elder Aaron McLendon who gave up two years of their lives to help me come unto Christ. Their sacrifice means the world to me, and my family. I can’t imagine living my life without the blessings I’ve shared today. And I’m trying to do my part to raise my sons to be amazing missionaries like the ones who taught me when I was just 11. Those missionaries will always be dear to my heart! Don’t you love the picture from my baptism day? 

If you would like to learn more about the church or if you would like to receive your own copy of the Book of Mormon you can click here. I always planned on serving a mission. How could I not pay forward this great blessing that came into my life? But as I followed promptings from the Holy Ghost I ended up getting married early. And at the age I would have left on my mission I was giving birth to my first born. I know that there are people who are being prepared NOW so they can hear the message he sill share someday.

I was taking pictures for this post when we spotted some missionaries and called them over. They were more than happy to snap a picture with me. I told them about this post and they were happy to share their willingness to talk with others. If you ever wanted to talk with missionaries, or chat online or if you wanted a free copy of the Book of Mormon you can click here.  The missionaries are here to help. If you need service they would love to help you. I’ve have had missionaries help friends move. They love serving. Or if you want to find a local meeting place and join us in worshiping The Lord. YOU are always welcomed! 

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is The Lord’s church. I know our Savior has called Russell M. Nelson as a prophet to lead and guide us in these latter days. I know the Book of Mormon is true. And that you can find out for yourself that it is the word of God. I’m so thankful for Joseph Smith and all he has done to restore the church. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. He is at the center of it all. Because of Him I can repent and live again. I know He will come to the earth again. And how I look forward to that day. He is my strength, my Lord, my all. 

I would love to hear how the gospel has blessed your life. OR you favorite blessing. Or if you are another faith (thanks for reading this far) tell me something you love about YOUR faith. I always love finding common ground or learning about other faiths.