My Personal Testimony:
I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints all my life as well as served a full time mission of 18 months in Pocatello Idaho, but it wasn't til 4 1/2 years ago where I gained such an incredible testimony of the love that the LORD has for me individually.
From an early age, I knew that the gospel of Jesus Christ was true. I remember praying to God to help me make wise choices and to have him take away my pain. What I didn't realize was how much he cared about the little things. I struggled most of my life with incredibly low self esteem. I kept many of my deep fears of rejection to myself. I knew at some level that I was important but didn't feel like I mattered. I remember thinking, 'if only I would die, everyone's problems would go away.' Sadly, I never realized just how important and valuable I was to God til these recent years. Looking back though, I can see his MASTER PLAN and how he gently guided people in and out of my life to help keep me from danger. It's amazing how much love and forgiveness He has. This is one reason I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this picture of Christ with his hands WIDE OPEN to me, calling me by name and welcoming me into his arms unconditionally. It's not that I thought He would ever reject me but that somehow I wasn't worthy enough for his unconditional love. Not only was He waiting for me patiently, I know He provided a way through the atonement of Jesus Christ, for me to R E C E I V E forgiveness for my personal weekness. What a beautiful gift. One of my very favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon is Ether 12:27 which reads, 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. This scripture teaches me that having weekness is PART of the plan. It was by design that I have struggles so that I could learn to rely on the Lord and to become strong. I KNOW the atonement is real. I have experienced, first hand time and time again the blessings of the mighty change of heart. I have come out of the darkness of loneliness and despair to partake of the sweet taste of the LIGHT OF CHRIST. I KNOW He knows me.. so intimately to know and love and accept ALL OF ME. Never has He ever made me feel like the garbage I had convinced myself I was for years. God sent His ONLY BEGOTTEN Son to die on the cross so that I may live with God and be made clean. I am grateful to have the knowledge of where I came from before this earthly life, why I am here and where I am going after I die. That knowledge in which I have, has helped me keep the eternal perspective and understanding that "all these things shall give thee experience." Looking back on every challenge, every negative thought, every time I wanted to give up on life and felt like I didn't matter, it all served a purpose. Every single experience has brought me to where I am today where I live my life in gratitude and love and in serving others. I often feel and tell people that I work for God and it's true. I wake up in the morning asking God "who do I need to meet today, who can I serve and where do you need to be?' I believe we are all instruments in God's hands if we CHOOSE TO BE CHOSEN! Meaning, by our own personal obedience, we show God our willingness to follow Him and His son and to allow our lives to be an example for others to follow. My Story nor my life is really mine. It doesn't make me any less or more important than you. I am soo grateful for my testimony. So grateful for my love of this gospel. The peace it brings me as I study the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. I have received more answers to my prayers, direction in my life and peace in times of troubles by reading the Book of Mormon. In fact, I actually was reading at a 2nd grade level when I graduated from high school and literally learned to read while studying the Book of Mormon which is another testament of Jesus Christ. That book testifies of Christ and helps me understand on a deeper level God's plan for me. I am grateful to KNOW that we have a prophet here on earth, Thomas S. Monson. He leads and guides this church. Modern revelation is real. I know that even as imperfect as we are, God still loves us enough to lead us in this church, to allow me away back to Him through true principles and ordinances. Lastly, I want to testify about the holy temple of God which I spend quite a bit of time in. There are temples built throughout the world as there were in ancient times. The time I spend there, is so special to me. It is a place of worship, of reflection, of learning and growing. it's where I learn of the great plan of salvation. I know that this gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. It is the true gospel lead by a modern day prophet who is inspired by God. I bare you my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen! |
MORMON MESSAGES VideosLifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus ChristForgiveness: My Burden Was Made LightCreateNone Were with Him: An Apostle's ThoughtsMormon Temples: The Blessings of the Temple |