I realized the other night that I've never shared my testimony with my blogging buddies and it's such a huge part of who I am that I thought I would take a moment to do so.
These are the the things I believe...
I believe that every person that has ever existed or will ever exist is a precious creation of God. Our Heavenly Father deeply loves His children. I know that this love is greater by far than any of our imperfections. When I personally feel or see evidence of inhumanity, injustice, and cruelty to any degree I can't help but feel utterly disturbed by it. But then I have to think that not only is His love greater than the faults of His people but it's GREATER BY FAR. The complete sum of human imperfections is a mere thing in comparison to His love. His love squashes out the totality of evil and wickedness in all of us. He loves the vilest of sinners and weakest of saints with a perfect, Fatherly love. Each soul is truly of great worth to Him who created them.
For this reason I'm filled with hope. Hope for my weak, tired and wondering, simple spirit. Hope for humanity despite the tears that I shed when reading or watching the news. I know that because of His love for his Children, He made the ultimate sacrifice, in allowing His Only Begotten son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins.
I love Jesus Christ. I know that He is the one who understands me completely. I know that He is familiar with my pain and my joy. He knows the darkest and lightest parts of me and loves me unconditionally. I know that if I have faith in Him, and then demonstrate this faith through my actions, then, no matter how many failed attempts I make, no matter how many negative feelings I have, I know I can return to be with my Heavenly Father and Mother in my Heavenly home, where I really belong.
I know in this Heavenly home I have a Heavenly Mother. And especially since becoming a mother I've thought of her often. I've pictured her a hundred different ways, but regardless of her outward appearance, I know that my divine mother is my ideal. She is full of love. She is a steady, powerful companion to my Father in Heaven. I really can't wait to be in her presence again and to feel her smiling eyes on me. Thinking of her inspires me to rid myself of all the petty, selfish, negative feelings I have. I feel blessed when I feel I can feel a closeness to her through the Holy Ghost.
I'm so grateful to have the Holy Ghost in my life. I know that through the blessing of his companionship and through faithful living I can know of my Heavenly Father's will for me. I can be warned of danger for me or my family, I can be taught the things of the spirit. It is because of the Holy Ghost that I've come to have a testimony. What a blessing personal revelation has been in my life!
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored to the earth. It was restored through His beloved servant, Joseph Smith, who had the courage to do as the Lord commanded despite any persecution or hardship he may have endured. I'm grateful that Joseph so readily admitted to his own weaknesses. He was an ordinary man who was a devout and dependable servant for the Lord.
I'm grateful for what the gospel has brought to my life. The gospel is such an integral part of my existence that I don't really feel a distinction between it and the person I am. The gospel has taught me to focus on the spiritual things of life. To serve my God with all of my ability. I'm especially thankful that the gospel focuses so much on the home and family. I love being a mommy and my sons are the sunshine of my life! For me, nothing in this world could ever compare to the opportunity of raising them.
I feel so blessed to have the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price and the Bible along with the Joseph Smith Translations. I feel so blessed to have living prophets acting as the mouthpiece of the Lord. These words truly are His, and bring me a lot of peace in a turbulent world and from an unsettled mind. I know the Prophet, Thomas Monson speaks the truth and is leading so many to the Savior.
I believe we are commanded to 'lift up our hearts and rejoice'. We have the agency to choose happiness. At any point in our circumstances we are able to act for ourselves and choose to take steps that we know will lead us to happiness. Because of all the blessings the Lord has freely given me.. I truly should be full of happiness and gratitude. I believe the measure of our gratitude often is the measure of our happiness.
I'm thankful that in the enormity of the universe, God, the Creator of all things within that universe and beyond is aware of me. In God's omnipotent love, small, insignificant me in comparison to the whole of creation is simultaneously the most treasured, beloved creature within it. That is the greatness of my Father in Heaven. I know these things are true. If any haven't come to personal understanding of these things, I know that truth will cut it's own way, and if you seek to have a testimony, you will find it. I say these things in the Holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
