Friday, July 20, 2007

TAG...IM IT

My Junior and Senior year I started to rebel against my parents and my church. I was wild and participating in things that absolutely were against everything I had been taught. Looking back now I realize I wasn't only rebellious in my actions but also in my heart and without any particular cause. Towards the end of my senior year I really started to slip into a deep depression. I attribute this to the lack of the holly ghost and also immense guilt.
During this time In my life I really started to pray. I prayed for months and months for some relief from my depression and guilt. One day I had stayed home from school and I was home alone. I was in my bed and praying harder than I had ever prayed in my entire life. I felt hopeless and I was doubting that there was any value to my life. I can honestly say that this was one of the three darkest days of my life. Then an answer to my prayers came. There was a knock on my door. When I answered the door there stood my bishop (bishop Flaherty). He explained to me that he had passed by my house on the way to his own home and that something had told him to turn his car around and knock on our door. He said that he felt funny and didn't know why he was there, but there he was. Wow. I just stood there in tears and disbelief for a minute. I asked him to come in and I explained how I had been feeling for the last several months. I told him that when he knocked on my door I had been praying for any reason at all to keeping living.
I have always heard how people have there own personal confirmation of the scriptures or of their testimonies. I never believed I could be worthy of one of my own especially during that time in my life, nor was I looking for any confirmations. That day I gained an undeniable testimony of the power of prayer. I learned that Heavenly Father hears prayers, any ones and every ones and does answer them. I also gained a testimony of our church leaders. Had my bishop not been in tune with the spirit and inspired to knock on my door that day, I would have forever missed out on this vital testimony. Not only did I gain those two important confirmations, through my bishops help I was able to put my life back in the right direction.
In the last ten years prayer has seen me through some extremely tough trials in my life. Sometimes the answer to my prayers are not as obvious as my bishop knocking on my front door but my personal testimony of prayer always reminds me that my heavenly father is listening.
When Ashleigh tagged me I thought and thought about a cute or funny story and I just couldn't think of any that I hadn't already shared or that were worth sharing. I hesitated to share this story only because I wouldn't want to take away the reverence in it by posting it on my blog. However now that I am done writing about it I am glad. Ronnie and I are making some crucial decisions with his landscaping company right now and I really needed this reminder. Thank you for letting me share. I tag Bailey & Lydia. Check Ashleigh's blog for directions

12 comments:

Unknown said...

What an amazing thing to experience!! Thank you for sharing... it always strengthens my testimony when I get to hear experiences of people I know & care for.

Lydia said...

OK. I got teary eyes in your story. You are an amazing woman and I've watched you grow so much over the years. Prayer is a wonderful power even when we think the answers aren't coming. They do in Heavenly Father's time and way. I remember Ronnie and how much he always cared about you even when you weren't dating any more. He always loved you ever since he was a little Jr.High boy. We love you too!!!

Connie said...

Thank you for sharing your story. I am thankful for the power of prayer in my life. Sariah made me a framed sign that says "Prayer Changes Things" it certainly does. It lead me to my eternal companion when in 7th grade I prayed for the power to change my friends. I started hanging around a new friend Fonda. She is Homer's cousin and we met through her. Prayer changed my whole existance.

Pace & Gwen said...

That was an awesome story, I love your experience. How hard to go through, yet it becomes a treasure in the end. You're an awesome girl. Too bad I never got to talk much with you when we worked together! How glad I am now that 1.
We're not working and 2. We can really (kind of) chat... Thanks for sharing!

*Katie May* said...

That was a wonderful story thank you for sharing it with us

Heidi said...

It was probably hard to share something so personal but I'm so glad you did. It brought me to tears & it was a good reminder to me of the power of prayer & the changes that can come about. I have had a tough couple of years, some people close to me are struggling with their testimonies and at times I have questioned if Heavenly Father was aware of my struggles. I know He is, but sometimes I guess it is through those darkest moments that we realize where to find the light. Thanks for sharing!

Sariah,Chief Editor said...

Wow, that is an awesome story! What a testimony builder. I too have had many experiences with prayer and it is so wonderful to know Heavenly Father is aware of us and our needs.

Swirls of Happy said...

Aleia, That is such a sweet story about your testimony...I have goose bumps!!! It is true though, I rebelled when I was younger too, and it is amazing how when you realize what you're doing is dumb and get on the right path again how much happier and blessed you become. Thank you for sharing that story, I needed a pick-me-up :)

Brittney said...

Aleia, that was a great story.
I think that was brave of you to share, and great to see how much we change when we want to do whats right, and prayer definatley does change things, I pray everyday, its important to keep a strong faith and I love that you named Faith for a reason, I remember when you guys were going through that hard time and always thought what a great name for her since she is your little Faith baby. I think these changes you are going through with the landscaping company right now are a blessing for your family, and somehow mine too! I know you guys can't fail, Ronnie is a smart guy, and you are such a huge support for him, you guys can overcome any changes that are coming your way....I just know it:)

Brooklyn said...

Wow Aleia! Thankyou so much. I just read it aloud to Bo and we both agree what an amazing experience. It truley is amazing how simply talking to Heavenly father through the spirit of prayer can get us through what ever may come. Thankyou again, what a sweet testimony.

Heather said...

What an amazing story and it really shows how Heavenly Father is always aware what we are going through and hears and answers our prayers. Thanks for sharing that Aleia. It strengthened my testimony just hearing it.

Shannon said...

That was such a touching experience. Tears were in my eyes while reading it. Thank you for sharing that wonderful spiritual experience.