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For context; my unwavering faith

Like all stories in movies and books, characters always have a 'normal life' before their call to adventure, or some event takes place before they upheave their lives in new, exciting, and often terrifying ways. I thought it might be beneficial to provide some context and history before my faith transition occurred.

I was born and raised in the church, like Nephi "of goodly parents." My mother went to church when she was younger, and my father converted while courting my mother. I attended the sealing of my parents while in the womb and was born and blessed like most LDS babies raised in the church. I attended my meetings faithfully, participated anxiously in all activities, and completed my religious studies during Sunday school, priesthood classes, and early morning seminary. I made efforts to pass, prepare and bless the sacrament when I could. I collected fast-offering donations in blue envelopes once a month and paid my tithing on any money I got (including birthday money). I served in leadership callings during my youth in priesthood capacities. I played the piano for the local ward. Basically, I was your average faithful young man doing all that was required of him.

I prepared to serve a full-time mission and was called to Perth, Australia. I had a fantastic experience and to this day cannot consider it ill that I went. I grew in many ways as a young man. I'll talk more about this experience in a later post, but I thought it well that I went.

I attended young single adult (YSA) activities and participated as much as I could in the religious institute classes. I served in various leadership capacities including youth presidents, quorum leadership, and a stake calling. I got married to a beautiful woman, whom I helped convert to the church, and with whom have had two amazing children.

My purpose in sharing this is to show that I had a fairly normal life. Amazing in many ways, but also regular.





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