What do I believe?

I had breakfast that blended into the afternoon with a dear friend. Today she was asking lots of questions about my beliefs. It has been rolling around in my head and I think I just need to put it all down and out there. I am not outing my friend because I think she should be allowed to ask away with out anyone worrying about why are you asking. We are of different faiths and I love that we talk so much about so many different things.

So grab a cup of something cause this one is going to be long, although I do not think it is all going to fit in one post and it is going to take me several days to get all my thoughts out there...

Today the questions was asked (bear with me cause I am trying to remember the exact question) Do you believe that Jesus dying on the cross was enough? Do you need additional acts in order to go to Heaven. I don't think I gave a complete answer to her and couple that with kids running around and trying to have a conversation in the mall, it get a little crazy.

So after much thought, here is my answer.

I start with the 3rd Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Oh then that leads to, well what does that mean?

4th Articles of Faith

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are; first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the redemption of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

So there are the first principles. Ok, so what does that mean to me? Well, I was 8 years old when I was baptized, my parents were converts to the church. So I only had about a year before it was time for me to be baptized. I can not really remember their baptisms hum, I wonder why? But I remember mine. I do really believe in being old enough to know what you are choosing, being 8 works for me. I remember that I was not feeling well. I was sick and had a cold. The day arrived and I was excited and worried about throwing up in the water. Ok 8 year olds think about those things. I also remember that my hair was so long that I was worried I was going to be wet and cold forever. Do I remember who spoke and what they said, no. But I remember the FEELING without a doubt that what I was doing was the right thing. Coming out of that water, I was sure, I was never more sure about anything more in my life. Since that time there have only been a handful of times that I have been that sure. I knew marrying DH was the right thing. Giving birth to both my girls was another time I felt right. Going to the temple to take out my endowment and then being sealed as a family, to my DH and girls was another time. They never felt so right, so I am doing the right thing, RIGHT NOW.

I believe in Jesus Christ with all my might, mind and strength. HE is the reason I make many of the choices that I do. Sometimes I make better choices then other times. But I have FELT Him. I have no shadow of a doubt. It was HIM.

I believe in Repentance. I would be up a creek without it. I am human, I make mistakes. We all make mistakes. I can repent and be made whole again and go on from there. I am so grateful for this.

I believe in Baptism by immersion for the remission of OUR sins. Those are my sins. Once I was baptized, I felt so clean. I knew in my 8 year old heart that I was pure.

I believe in the Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I would be lost without the Holy Ghost. The important thing is that I need to be able to listen, listen to that still small voice. Because I am not going to be hit over the head with it. (I know I do like my 2x4's) But the whispering, you need to be willing to listen and then act upon it.

That is what I believe, that is my Faith. There is a lot more, but that is what is rolling around in my head right now. I say these thing in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.