My Testimony - 5/31/2012

"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me..... Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!"
"How great thou art, how great thou art!"

In His strength I can do all things. I am so grateful that prayers are answered and that we have a merciful and loving Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the strength, peace, joy, comfort, and healing that comes through the gospel. Why would you want to deny Him?

My Testimony - 5/14/2012

I believe in Christ. I believe that He lived on Earth, He died for us, and He was resurrected. 

Why?

I think there are many reasons why I have developed this testimony.

As a child, my parents and church leaders taught me this.

That won't give you a testimony, though.

So I took their challenge to pray, to have faith, to seek for my own answer.

It's difficult to just believe what someone says without your own experience or witness.

I don't know quite when that testimony started blooming, but I know that I have received numerous experiences that point to the fact that Jesus Christ is my Savior.

There may be time when I question or wonder - what if I didn't believe?

And I don't want to deny what I've experienced.

I am grateful that even if I do deny my testimony or question so much, I can always ask.

And I will always receive my answer as long as I'm truly looking for it... and not hoping walk away from it all because I'm too tired, or it's too inconvenient, or life is too confusing, or I don't agree with how other people express their faith, etc. 

It is okay that others might do this, though. 

My father and a General Conference talk reminded me that we're all on our own path of learning.

We are each different.

We can't all live up to the same ideals, for we are meant to be unique.

The Church is not the end goal, it is the means to an end.

There are still requirements for us all, but it's not up to us to judge another's worth or progress.

God is merciful. Oh, He is an amazing Father with unconditional love and mercy.

I feel that my relationship with my Heavenly Father is a close one.

I love Him and seek His love.

The testimony that I have of His existence is probably the foundation to the testimony I have of Christ.

I know that Christ lives because our Father loves us.

I know that Christ performed the Atonement because He and our Father loves us.

I know that I am here to learn because my Father and Elder Brother love me.

I think this post feels somewhat scattered and maybe it's incoherent, but this is what I wanted to share.

I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost to be my companion and to testify of truth to me through a confusing and difficult and wonderful life.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My Favorite Scripture

Since I was 4, I instantly fell in love with this verse:

(made by me)

For awhile at that age it had stuck in my mind.

I was anxious to serve knowing that I would be helping my Heavenly Father. 

To me, I wanted to serve Him more than the actual person I was helping, 

which was most likely my mother.

It is still my favorite, though, I think I've been slacking on being eager to serve. 

I hope to do better, 

and I hope this inspires you, too.

My Testimony - 5/3/2012

I know it's been awhile since I recently posted - I've been trying to stay focused on studying for a test and other things. I want to share these quotes as a brief part of my testimony of their topics.I am extremely grateful for the ability to receive revelation and inspiration, especially because there are times when I feel far from that privilege and ache for it - thankfully I know what must be done to turn back, refocus, and be closer to our Heavenly Father. I am also very grateful for the priesthood. It is not a title bestowed upon men through schooling or election, but given and strengthened by God's direction to humble, faithful servants who respect the power and authority to act in His name and according to His will. I'm grateful for the privilege it is to have my husband hold that authority and help bless me and our home.



How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life

Posted: 28 Apr 2012 08:00 AM PDT

"Communication with our Father in Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a sacred privilege. It is based upon eternal, unchanging principles. We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency."

—Elder Richard G. Scott, "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life", General Conference, Apr. 2012
Topics: Prayer, Revelation


The Powers of Heaven

Posted: 03 May 2012 08:00 AM PDT

"The priesthood is the authority of God delegated to men on the earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind. Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls. One of the defining features of the Church of Jesus Christ, both anciently and today, is His authority. There can be no true Church without divine authority."

—Elder David A. Bednar, "The Powers of Heaven", General Conference, Apr. 2012
Topics: Priesthood


I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My Testimony - 4/22/2012

It's been ten days too long since I have recorded my testimony. This week has been a busier, productive week than most. My husband and I have set goals to wake up earlier, so he could study more and so I could exercise more; overall to just be healthier, more motivated, and productive. I am very grateful that our prayers each night have been answered with strength and determination each following morning.

I believe that we can accomplish all things that are required of us through the help of our Heavenly Father. I have been promised this before in blessings, and I often try to remember Alma 26:12

12 Yea, I know that I am ^anothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will ^bnot boast of myself, but I will ^cboast of my God, for in his ^dstrength I can do all ^ethings; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. 

Along with this busy, productive week, filled with so much help, I went with the missionaries again to visit a teenager who is interested in the church. The missionaries asked me to share some of my feelings about the gospel and how I have seen God's blessings in my life. My main answer was that having the knowledge of His plan gives me comfort and strength to enjoy and endure this life through trying to learn what I can. The Plan of Salvation (or Happiness) gives me peace and hope. Life becomes so much less stressful and much more successful for me when I keep an eternal perspective - when I remember what the purpose of this life is. I really want people to know that they can experience this, too, and that if they already have that, it can be magnified. I want people to know they are worth more than the world might say they are worth. I want them to know that there is reason for everything. While we have our struggles in various forms, we do not to need to be further depleted of hope and strength because of ignorance of God's plan and His assistance. While we have those emotions and trials, we can know that our perspective can be reformed to improve our reactions if not our situations.

There are times when I think, "Why do I even care about other people and what they choose to do with their lives? Am I just wanting them to be like me? Do I have pride and think I'm the perfect one and I have everything right? Do I truly have the desire to improve other people's lives?" I'm sure I'm imperfect and think that I'm not at times. I'm sure there are times when I want people to fit my ideal. However, I am absolutely sure that I care about other people, though I might not being perfectly caring. I do want people to know they can be healed and find joy in this life just through knowing the purpose of it all. I don't want my loved ones to commit suicide just for not knowing that there is more to life than their immediate struggling.

I have a testimony that we have a loving Heavenly Father. He answers our prayers. He allows us to have opportunities to learn and grow. He comforts us through our obstacles and our mistakes. He forgives us for our sins. He is the perfect father.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I love families

"Societies at large are strengthened as families grow stronger. Commitments to families and values are the basic cause. Nearly everything else is effect. When couples marry and make commitments to each other, they greatly increase their chances of economic well-being. When children are born in wedlock and have both a mom and a dad, their opportunities and their likelihood of occupational success skyrocket. And when families work and play together, neighborhoods and communities flourish, economies improve, and less government and fewer costly 'safety nets' are required."

—Elder M. Russell Ballard, "That the Lost May Be Found", General Conference, Apr. 2012

My Testimony - 4/12/2012

I believe that sharing testimonies is important.

Today the husband and I went with the missionaries to visit people. While we were talking with them, I thought about how much I don't know the deep thoughts of many people. How often do we share those thoughts that are so important to us? I think we can easily forget them if we don't reflect on them periodically. I wonder if those people who question the existence of God and the gospel have thoughts but forget them and never act on them or find the answers. I think we open ourselves up for more learning and growing when we share our more intimate beliefs... even though it brings some sense of vulnerability.

Like most everything - if we don't practice or work on certain skills, they can fade away. I don't know if they always disappear, but I think they definitely fade. I remembered this today when we approached a Mexican woman who spoke little English. I used to be better with Spanish, but it has been a couple years since I used it. This opportunity was a window to try and reach out with what little I had to offer to help the missionaries and this woman communicate. My grammar was poor and my vocabulary was limited, but there was a moment while I was speaking that I knew I was getting help to remember the right words and to have confidence to keep speaking despite my weaknesses. I study about the brain and I know that it can hold a lot of memory. I believe it's a tool that is essential for helping us never completely forget things. I think it's a blessing and an instrument that God uses to help us remember what we need to at the right times and places.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My Testimony - 4/11/2012

I have a testimony that my Heavenly Father is just and merciful. I believe that He is a perfect Father who loves each one of us. While consequences precede every action (laws must be obeyed), He has provided a way for mercy to save us. He wants us to progress, to learn, to enjoy life, to gain experience and knowledge, and He wants us to return to Him. He has also not left us entirely alone, thanks to the atonement.

I do believe this life is a time of learning. Every time I face a challenge, I try to remind myself that all things have a purpose. I may not ever know what the purpose is exactly, especially since things can impact us in many ways, but I do know that I must try to learn and know that I am given everything for my benefit. I try to remember that this life is not the goal. There is more.

I am grateful for all that I have gone through in life - sorrow and joy. Yes, I would love to see how things could be different, but I know I would still need to experience similar challenges either way so that I can learn what I need to.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My Testimony - 4/10/2012

This Easter weekend was wonderful fun spent with relatives and traveling. I'm grateful we're home safe and well.

Thinking of Easter and the movie I just finished watching with the husband ("What Dreams May Come") I am so grateful for my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel. With the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, I know where I came from, that I have purpose on Earth, and I know where I will go. Ultimately, I know that whatever may specifically happen, I will have joy. I know this because I have a loving Heavenly Father who reassures this to me. And one way that He expressed His love was by sending Christ to provide the way for the Plan of Salvation to work. "He loved us, so He sent His Son."

I believe Christ atoned for each person so that he could understand us more fully, show his love, and conquer death. I believe he was resurrected and lives today and for eternity. He provides the way for that peace and joy I feel knowing that all will be well.

He lives! He lives!

I am grateful for his sacrifice and love, so that I can have a happier life and someday become like him and my Heavenly Father.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration

My Testimony - 4/7/12

Last night, I babysat some friend's kids with my husband. As we were going through the bedtime routine, one child begins to worry about where his nickel was. He or she had been playing with it earlier and we were concerned it might take longer than a quick scan to find this nickel within a room full of toys. I reassured this child that he or she would be able to look for it more in the morning, but I mentioned that we could pray to Heavenly Father to help us find it. 

This is something I feel like we always tell kids, and I always remember hearing it as a kid whenever I lost things. Even as a teenager, I would still mention it to my mom when she was looking for keys or something else. For some reason, despite all the immediate success I have had with praying and finding objects, I still worried that it might not work for this child and that I could be wrong. I'm ashamed of what little faith I had, and here's why... 

Well, after reading the scriptures, we knelt down to say an evening prayer. This sweet child offered to give the prayer and remembered (for some reason I thought he or she would've forgotten my suggestion) to ask Heavenly Father to help us find the nickel. My thoughts were more focused on getting him to bed so I ushered him over to the stairs as soon as the prayer was finished. Then my husband quickly interrupted and said, "I found the nickel!" This was literally seconds after the prayer was finished. Seriously, I was amazed - nothing is too small for God to help with. And He is aware of what is important to each of us individually.... especially if we're children learning that He will answer our prayers. I am also grateful that it works every time!!!

I share this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

He Is Risen

My Testimony - 4/5/2012

So I missed writing on here yesterday thanks to a pretty busy, long day and late night.

I want to share that I know God is aware of our needs and our desires. I know He answers our prayers in the way that we need and when we need. He is also loving to take into consideration our desires and provide ways for those prayers to also be answered. I know that nothing is too great or too small to be of no importance to Him. He loves us each individually and knows what is best for our growth and learning while on Earth.

I am grateful for all the many tender mercies he has bestowed to bring some relief and joy to life, especially when times are rough.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My Testimony - 4/3/2012

I have been editing lots of wedding photos today from a friend's wedding at the Salt Lake City Temple. 

My ancestors gave their lives (and a leg) to build that house of the Lord. I have a testimony that it a piece of heaven on Earth and that the covenants we make in the temple with God are real. I believe strongly that we are blessed for our obedience to those covenants and commandments, as well.

I am grateful for the temple, for the Spirit that is there, and for all the peace and strength I receive from going to the temple. When I was a youth, I loved going there to get answers to my prayers and to serve others. As a single adult, I was so blessed to be able to go every week, and I know I received so much strength to tackle each hectic week of school by sacrificing my time to go to the temple. I tried to go so often because I knew someday I would not live so close, and I knew that there were people in the world who sacrificed their homes to go to the temple and receive the blessings there. Now, I am married and live a little further. I visit the temple once a month with my husband and I know that our commitment to the temple and the Lord strengthens our commitment to each other. In the temple, we are able to cast aside stresses of the world and possibly insignificant stressors to our marriage and be reminded of how much we love each other and the gospel. 

I am grateful for the further growth and understanding about the gospel that I can receive in the temple.

"Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord."

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Hold onto the Sacred

My Testimony - 4/2/2012

It's late and time for bed, but it's about time today I record my testimony.

I believe in the Holy Ghost's presence on this Earth. He is a constant companion to me through my days, especially when I'm more tuned and sensitive to his promptings. I know that his companionship is a blessing and a gift worth striving to be worthy of. The Holy Ghost is an enormous help in finding truth and direction through each day. It is a comfort to know that he is in my life to remind me of what it right and that my Father loves me.

I am grateful that the priesthood was restored to the Earth so that I could be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost through the correct authority. I cannot imagine what frustration or confusion I might experience (especially since I'm already an impatient person) if I did not have the gospel to help clarify things for me.

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.



What do you think or how do you feel about the Holy Ghost?

My Testimony - 4/1/2012

General Conference has concluded now and I am grateful for the privilege I had to listen to inspired elders, apostles, and our prophet. I have a testimony that they are men called of God, given His authority to preach truth and guide the church which Christ organized when He was on Earth. As a young girl and a teenager I received special witnesses of the Holy Ghost testify to me that President Hinckley was a prophet and that President Monson is one today. 

When my testimony was still growing, I remember having this circle of thought that if one part of the church or the gospel was true the others had to also be true. I first gained a testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet. If he was a true prophet, then the Book of Mormon must also be true. I prayed to know and gained my testimony that the Book of Mormon and the Bible are true. I then prayed to know if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a true church - I received an answer that it was. And by the same process I came to know that the leaders of this church are truly guided and inspired by God. They are still men with imperfections, but I know that when they speak by the power of the Holy Spirit, they teach and warn in truth. 

It is up to me to be sensitive to that Spirit to know what is true. I know that anyone who wants to know truth must sincerely ask God with hope that he or she will be answered and have an intent to act upon that answer. There are many times when I think it'd be easier to have some formula to prove truth of everything to everyone, but even while there is evidence, it is not the right way to truly learn the gospel. It requires faith and hope, which will inspire us to act in accordance to those truths. 

I know God listens to our prayers and will answer them according to His will. 

I love the gospel. 

I write these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Continually Nurturing

My Testimony - 3/31/2012

Here's a start to my goal of recording my testimony each week (if not every day) for a year... hopefully I can do this!

As I begin, I want to apologize for any grammatical or doctrinal mistakes I make (basically, if I'm a weak human that cannot express my feelings perfectly). I hope as you read my testimony you will remember this, but pay attention to the Spirit with which I bear my testimony.

It's Saturday and my husband is at the Priesthood Session of General Conference. I am home alone contemplating what I've heard from the previous two sessions today while listening to very calming covers of hymns. I think more than anything I want this testimony to reach my family. If I can reach out to more than them, that would be wonderful, but my family is my priority. I love my family.

I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation. This plan of happiness is the very reason the gospel exists and that an atonement would be necessary. The core unit of this grand design is the family. I believe very confidently that I lived with my Heavenly Father before coming to Earth. In the pre-Earth life, there was a family - we are all sons and daughters of heavenly parents. God set a pattern, then, by providing a way for us and commanding us to have families on earth, and we will have these families for eternity. I believe this makes the design and responsibilities of families very important. I believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized to help strengthen families and to seal families in the temple to one another so the members can be together forever. I want to be with my family more than just on this Earth, so I try to be obedient to my covenants each day so that I can be worthy of those blessings.

I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation's emphasis on families. I do love my family very much and I think of my relatives very often. I want them to have joy and peace. I want them to be strong through challenges. I want them to also have a knowledge and testimony of the gospel because I believe no other source can provide this reassurance and pure joy. I do believe this. I believe that someday they will also learn or remember these truths that I know and be able to share delight in these things.

I am grateful for my life here and for my loving Heavenly Father. I know that Christ lives. I believe we have a living prophet today to guide us to Him.

I hope this experience of sharing my testimony will help me to improve and to be more Christlike as I remember my beliefs and try to better live them.

I write these words in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Nearer, My God, To Thee by Kyle Henderson

My mission

[If you've read any earlier posts, some of them have been removed for privacy purposes but just to fill in the gaps of entries - I married "guy W" and the whole experience of finding each other, dating, and marrying was very special and definitely guided by Heavenly Father.... so many things that summer lined up for us for the purpose of us getting married. We're very happy, too.]

I've been thinking lately about missions... probably because several of my girlfriends are leaving/have left on missions and because I just fed the elders dinner tonight. Well, I've thought about it more than just recently. I have been referring to my marriage as my eternal mission. I married on my 21st birthday, too (the minimum age for women to serve missions)!

Because I believe I need to be a missionary every day, I thought I might start working on this blog again. When I was in high school and in my earlier years of college, I learned from the MTC and spending time with missionaries that member missionaries are very important. I tried to learn what I could to be better everyday of my life because I didn't like the idea of serving a mission and then stopping my efforts to be a missionary - it's our baptismal covenant to stand as witnesses of Christ always! My hope is, also, that I can be an effective teacher to my children on being member missionaries.

Another reason I thought about returning to this blog was because I think it will be a useful tool for me to share my testimony. Someday, for a year, I would like to challenge myself to record my testimony in my journal each day. I'll hopefully post those journal entries here, too. There are many people I know who are confused, lost, feeling down, etc. and I just hope that my testimony can be a light to guide them to Christ someday.

So here's to a new beginning for this lost blog. Luckily, I can change the blog site name from my maiden name to my married name!