Although I was reared as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), I wasn't really converted to the Church until in my late 30s. I endured many hardships and trials due to my ignorance and my thinking that the Church was just wishful thinking or something "old people talked about" like visits to the hospital and aches and pains.

I have struggled with depression all my life and it wasn't until I read a book about the atonement (Conquering Your Goliaths) that I finally understood and was able to grasp how the atonement could help me overcome my depression, guilt, anger, and resentment. The door was beginning to be open for me to walk through so that I, too, could take hold of the iron rod or the Word of God.

I had been attempting to get my life in order before that by attending church and not shopping on Sundays, stop swearing, and so forth but I hadn't started to read the scriptures. I always thought they were boring having tried to read the Bible many times and never making it past Genesis 1:1. The Bishop of our Ward gave the whole Ward a challenge that year; read the Book of Mormon all the way through before the end of the year. I took the challenge seriously and read the book in six months for the very first time in my life. It started to change my outlook on things and my challenges began to be easier to bear. It was interesting for me but my testimony was still shaky.

The next year President Hinkley challenged all members to read the Book of Mormon, so I read it again. Only that time I read it twice in that year and the Pearl of Great Price. Then I read the D&C and I haven't quit reading the scriptures since then.

The changes that have entered my life have been very strong, personal changes. Not that I don't have challenges anymore because I definitely have challenges, but I no longer feel so alone when I'm challenged. I know that I can face any trials that come my way. I won't like it and I'll struggle, but I will come out on top and be better for it.

Through all of this I have come to learn that my Heavenly Father does exist. He did send His son, Jesus Christ, here to atone for our sins and Jesus did that willingly for us. I understand more what the atonement means and how it can be of benefit to me personally. I know that I can be saved, loved, and live with my family in the celestial kingdom for eternity. I know all these things because I have studied the scriptures and prayed about what I have read. I have received my assurance and knowledge through the Holy Ghost which I received at my confirmation as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS).

I am excited to be a member of the Church and love to help others understand what it means to me. Although, I will not try to convince others that they need to join if they don't want to. I believe we all have a choice in what we want to do.

This is my testimony to you. Tamra