I have been impressed recently that I should post a blog entry solely based from my heart. Something to share to the world that means more to me than anything else that you could imagine. Tonight, I would like to share a portion of my testimony. It is my prayer and hope, that someone, sometime, somewhere will be benefited from the words and feelings that I share.
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
I have been born of goodly parents who have raised me in this church. Although I have been brought up in this faith, I still did not take it seriously until my teenage years. More of a social outing than anything, I went to church with my family because my friends all went with theirs. Eventually there came a time in my life when it was time to decide what I really did believe. I started to take prayers more seriously, I listened intently to speakers when they talked, and I read the scriptures diligently as I sought out my own feelings. Gradually I came to a point that LOGICALLY the LDS church seemed to make sense. History is not my major for a reason, but there just seemed to be no conflict in any of the church's chronological history. At this stage of my life, I found myself going to church because of that reason. Everything seemed to make sense, and it was a sufficient enough of an excuse to keep me going each week.
Towards the end of high school was when things really got kicked into gear. This is when not only logical reasoning was my motive, but inside me I could feel my soul being shifted and molded. Not only was I learning, but I was becoming! I was eager to go to seminary each day and I found myself almost on the edge of my seat in sunday school each week. I was praying harder, and studying harder. I was finding and feeling the truth in my life. This gradual process continued on and on until finally soon after graduation I found myself in a grove we call sacred. It was here that I felt the spirit stronger than I could have ever remembered. I knew then, in my mind AND in my heart, that this was the truth.
Soon after that I was on a mission, declaring the gospel to anyone and everyone in Melbourne and Tasmania, Australia. The best part, was that it was MY testimony that was shared to them. It wasn't anyone else's! I wasn't borrowing light from anyone else. I declared the things that I knew to be true from study and prayer. My testimony has continued to grow each and everyday since. As strong as it is now, it is amazing how simple it really is, but world, this is for you:
I know with all my heart, that we have a Father in heaven. He is our Creator, our God, and He knows all things. I know that He has a body of flesh and bones just like we have, and that someday we can all be glorified and perfect beings, just as He is. I know that He lives and I know that He has a plan for us to be able to return to live with Him again after this test on earth is complete.
I also know that He has a Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Great Mediator of us all. Christ is the reason we are able to come back to our Heavenly Father again! I know that He atoned for all of my shortcomings and mistakes, all of my pain and grief, and that He can relieve me of my sorrows. He did die, but He did also arise from the grave! He lives! He is our Savior and Redeemer, and He really truly honestly does LIVE!
I know that we can commune with our Father in heaven through prayer. This means that we are never too far away from his divine help. With that help, we can overcome anything that lies in our path. I know that God loves us all individually. He rejoices when we rejoice, and He is sad when we make mistakes. Everything we endure in this life is for a reason. We are His Children, and we can make it back to Him as we remain close to him throughout our lives.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that Joseph Smith was called of God. He was a prophet! He did in reality see our Father and Jesus Christ after he sought answers through prayer. The Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God. The Book is true and it really does testify of our Lord Jesus Christ. Reading this book and sincerely praying about its content will bring one closer to God than ever before. It has changed the lives of countless souls, including mine.
Not only was Joseph Smith instrumental in translating the Book of Mormon, but God also chose to bring His royal priesthood again on the earth. Joseph Smith was given that priesthood, and it has been passed down from generation to generation since then. Today the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. Built on the foundation of priesthood and revelation, with Christ himself the cornerstone holding it all together.
As great as Joseph Smith and the ways his contributions in the gospel have benefited the world, we do not follow him directly. It is not his church. Nor is it the church of the living prophet today, namely Thomas S. Monson. This is the Church of Christ. It is His gospel and example we follow today. He is our Lord and Savior. He is Alpha and Omega. He is the Only Begotten of the Father, the Way, the Truth, and the Light. He is our Redeemer, and the Rock of our salvation. He is my very best friend.
In His name I testify, even Jesus Christ,
Amen.
