I was born into an active Latter-day Saint family who taught me the principles of the gospel when I was young. But when I moved out on my own at the age of 17, I left the teachings of my parents and followed my own path.

I was summoned home after 38 years, when my mother became ill with terminal cancer. During that time, I attended church with my father and we had family prayer and held family home evening. Going to church touched me with the Spirit and I knew that I needed to change. The scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 really touched me: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”

Moving home to be near my parents was a blessing in disguise. I came home not knowing what to expect, but blessing after blessing has come to me. The Lord knew where I needed to be to make the necessary changes in my life.

One huge blessing was when I received a referral from my bishop to work at Deseret Industries. The feeling of acceptance and the recognition I receive from my fellow associates and job coaches has been awesome. I love my job! It has helped me achieve a very personal success story—one which includes knowing that I am a child of God. My fellow associates, my family, and my ward members have contributed to this success. I feel God’s arms around me.

I am grateful for a loving, forgiving Heavenly Father. I feel His presence as He leads me back to my eternal home.