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