My Testimony

It has taken me most of my life to build a strong testimony of the church. I definitely didn't take the easy route in gaining my testimony, but through all the challenges I have faced in my life it has helped bring me to where I am now.

I was raised in the gospel and always had good people and influences around me. But like everyone, I wasn't born with a testimony, the full understanding of the gospel, and the beliefs of the LDS church. I learned and developed my testimony like all people do. Growing up my mother taught me to love and the blessings of the gospel. From the time I was a little girl I had an understanding of what the LDS church was and felt so warm inside. As I grew older I began to wonder and truly think about the things that I had been taught since I was little.

I had been such an on and off member for a few years that I was beginning to wonder if I would ever make it back to the folds of the church. I remember the night that I was sitting alone in my apartment in the dark and feeling lonelier then I had ever been before, when the still small voice whispered to me that I needed to go back to church. As soon as I heard that I felt such a warm, peaceful feeling come over me and I knew that I would find the answers I need at church. When I walked back into the Chapel I was scared and comforted all at the same time. That first Sunday back was so wonderful and moving, I was deeply touched and knew that I had made the right choice and was in the right place.

My faith did waver from time to time and I can remember two very significant moments in my life that brought me to my knees and had me questioning everything. As I knelt in prayer during both of those trying times the spirit comforted me and quietly whispered that everything would be alright in the end and that I just had to trust in him. Those experiences prepared me for future trials that I would encounter and taught me to trust in the Lord even when it is hard to understand why things are happening the way they are.

I know that this is the true and only church on this earth. I know that The Book of Mormon is the best way to know that the church and the blessings of the gospel are true. I know that every time I read The Book of Mormon all of my doubts fade away as long as I am sincerely asking if those things are true. I know without a doubt that they are and they are a strong confirmation of my beliefs and as we study the scriptures blessings and answers will come into our lives.

I know that through the blessings of the temple my family will be together forever. This is one of the greatest blessings of my life to know that when my loved ones pass in this life that I will not loose them.

I know our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. He has an eternal plan for each and every one of us. He knows our desires and thoughts and always seeks to help us find happiness through the trials and tests that we face in our lives. He loves us very dearly and wants us to return to live with him. I love this gospel and know that these things are true with all my heart. This is the true and only church on this earth.

I leave my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.