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.

Raising Resilient Children Quotes

1.) "Children are highly vulnerable. They have little or no power to protect or provide for themselves and little influence on so much that is vital to their well-being. Children need others to speak for them, and they need decision makers who put their well-being ahead of selfish adult interests."

(Dallin H. Oaks, Protect the Children, October 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

2.)"Many children would have had the blessing of being raised by both of their parents if only their parents had followed this inspired teaching in the family proclamation: “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. … Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another.”¹⁶ The most powerful teaching of children is by the example of their parents."

(Dallin H. Oaks, Protect the Children, October 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

3.) "How well children respond to setbacks depends largely on how well their parents helped them develop the attitudes and the skills of resilience."

(Lyle J. Burrup, Raising Resilient Children, March 2013, LDS Family Services, http://www.lds.org)

4.) "As children develop resilience, they believe they can influence and even control outcomes in their lives through effort, imagination, knowledge, and skill. With this attitude, they focus on what they can do rather than on what is outside their control.

Another mark of resilience is to see great purpose and meaning in life and people. A sense of purpose will help our children avoid giving up, in spite of setbacks and pressure to do so. If our children are becoming more resilient, they will develop deep values that guide them: charity, virtue, integrity, honesty, work ethic, and faith in God. They will involve themselves in what is happening around them and opt for commitment to values rather than feel alienated and avoid struggle."

(Lyle J. Burrup, Raising Resilient Children, March 2013, LDS Family Services, http://www.lds.org)

5.) "There are those who dismiss these responsibilities, feeling they can be deferred until the child grows up. Not so, the evidence reveals. Prime time for teaching is fleeting. Opportunities are perishable. The parent who procrastinates the pursuit of his responsibility as a teacher may, in years to come, gain bitter insight into Whittier’s expression: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, / The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’ ” ⁶

(Thomas S. Monson, Teach the Children, October 1997, http://www.lds.org)

6.) "Dr. Glenn Doman, a prominent author and renowned scientist, reported a lifetime of research in the statement: “The newborn child is almost an exact duplicate of an empty computer, although superior to such a computer in almost every way. … What is placed in the child’s brain during the first eight years of his life is probably there to stay. If you put misinformation into his brain during this period, it is extremely difficult to erase it.” ⁷

This evidence should provoke a renewal of commitment in every parent: “I must be about my Father’s business.” Children learn through gentle direction and persuasive teaching. They search for models to imitate, knowledge to acquire, things to do, and teachers to please."

(Thomas S. Monson, Teach the Children, October 1997, http://www.lds.org)

7.) "In this revelation the Lord points out that children in their infant state are innocent before God but that Satan takes away light and truth from them because of disobedience and the tradition of their fathers. To prevent this, he commands parents to bring up their children in light and truth." (See D&C 93:38–40.)

(H. Verlan Anderson, Bring up Your Children in Light and Truth, October 1991, http://wwwlds.org)

8.) "When our Heavenly Father sends one of his spirit children into a home, it is as if he says to the parents: “John, Mary, here is my most priceless possession—the soul of a little child. As you can see, he is helpless and completely dependent upon you even for life itself. You are now given the privilege of molding his life as you think best. Please teach him that I am his Father and that Jesus is his Savior and that we want him and you to return and live with us when mortality is over. Remember that I am always available to guide you in rearing this child of ours if you will but seek my help. I hope you will do so often. Your Heavenly Father.”

(H. Verlan Anderson, Bring up Your Children in Light and Truth, October 1991, http://www.lds.org)

9.) "The researchers found a strong relationship between children’s knowledge of family history and various measures of emotional well-being. Children who knew more of their family history had more functional family lives, more self-control, greater feelings of self-worth, and fewer signs of depression or anxiety."

(David Edwards, Want Emotionally Healthy Children? Tell Family Stories, May 30, 2013, http://www.lds.org)

10.) "Dr. Duke listed family travels and mealtimes as important story-sharing times but added, “Given the complexities of modern family life, families can also sit and talk over a snack after school or before everyone goes off to work, or at any other time that they can focus on each other. These gatherings—short or long—are at the heart of the process by which the intergenerational stories can be told and learned and through which children can grow stronger and healthier.”

(David Edwards, Want Emotionally Healthy Children? Tell Family Stories, May 30, 2013, http://www.lds.org)

Raising Resilient Children

It is a wonderful blessing to have children. But then I have the concern as to whether or not I will be able to raise my child to be strong and follow the path of righteous living. With all of the influences from the world around us and temptations to place importance on material things, I find it a challenge.

Without the gospel teachings providing direction and the bigger picture for Eternity, I think life would be lacking in purpose and value. Helping children to understand and experience the joy of serving others; learning about their heritage and family from an eternal perspective, and that they are part of a plan.   Being taught that they have a Father in Heaven that knows them personally and loves them helps provide security and define a higher purpose for their life.

  Teaching them that their choices do matter and that there are consequences good and bad, so helping them to learn the joy of making good choices. Teaching your child that what they may think as an easy choice, may in the long run, make for a much more difficult and unfulfilled life. Also, that there are rules or guidelines in place for our protection, not intended to confine us or make us unhappy. Teaching our children that there is joy and safety in being obedient and following the gospel in this very turbulent world is the best gift we can give them.

Loving others through service Quotes

1.) "Joseph Smith taught principles that helped Relief Society sisters “relieve the poor” and “save souls”—foundational principles upon which the society was built.¹⁹ Established on this foundation, Relief Society has endured and increased in its influence. Since the early meetings of Relief Society, sisters have applied the Prophet’s teachings in their efforts to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need."

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 2, pg. 17,Joseph Smith’s Instructions, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

2.) "We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."

Thomas S. Monson

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 7, pg. 103, “Pure Religion”, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

 

3.) "Through our organization the gospel has been preached, the needy have been looked after, the sick have been comforted, the downhearted have been cheered, a message of love and of blessing has ever emanated from Relief Society workers. … The greatest thing in the world is love. And if we keep that always in our hearts, and give it as a message to those about us, we will be blessed and will be instruments in blessing those with whom we associate.”

Relief Society Magazine, June 1922, 312

Detail from Clarissa S. Williams, by Lee Greene Richards. © 1924 IRI. Courtesy Church History Museum.

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 74, Strengthening the Bonds of Charity, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

4.) “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.”

George Albert Smith

In Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 71

(Daughters in My Kingdom – The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 5, pg. 76, “The Pure Love of Christ”:  Charity in Action, 2011http://www.lds.org,  )

5.) "Brethren, we all have opportunities to render service to others. That is our calling and our privilege. In serving the needs of others, we are mindful of the words of the Savior: “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.)

(President Spencer W. Kimball, Rendering Service to Others, April 1981, http://www.lds.org)

6.) “Spiritual strength frequently comes through selfless service.”

—President Monson, April 2010

(President Monson, Have I Done Any Good?, April 2010, http://www.lds.org)

7.) "Observing and serving—“is evident when an elderly widow is remembered and taken to ward functions” and “when the sister sitting alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, ‘Come—sit by us.’”⁹ The golden rule is applicable here: “Whatsoever ye would that men [or women] should do to you, do ye even so to them.”¹⁰

(Linda K. Burton, First Observe, Then Serve, Oct. 2012, http://www.lds.org)

8.) "With practice, each of us can become more like the Savior as we serve God’s children."

(Linda K. Burton, First Observe, Then Serve, Oct. 2012, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "Our Savior teaches us to follow Him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others."

(Dallin H. Oaks, Unselfish Service, April 2009, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) “You can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.”⁴

(Dallin H. Oaks, Unselfish Service, April 2009, http://www.lds.org/)

Loving others through service

From a young age, I remember watching and helping my mother and grandmothers fix and deliver meals to neighbors when they were in need. There was no fanfare or expectation of notice, just the joy of being able to lighten someone’s burden and help.

One of my favorite Christmas activities was to help in planning and preparing gifts and notes to provide surprises as a secret Santa for a Twelve Days of Christmas activity. I found it exciting and fulfilling to deliver the gifts in secrecy and know that we would never tell the recipients who was providing the gifts but feel the joy in sharing the Christmas spirit. 

Christ taught by example to love one another and serve each other. The world would be a much kinder and nicer place if there were more serving and caring for others, and less concern for just ones self and individual wants and desires. I find great joy and satisfaction when I am able to serve others.

Motherhood Quotes

1.) "If not my arms, then her arms—for a mother’s arms encircle a child with tender restraint, security, love. They protect against fear, harm, and evil."

(Mary F. Foulger, Motherhood and the Family, Oct. 1980, http://www.lds.org/)

2.) "God has called Latter-day Saint women to prepare his children for the challenges of the last days. In order to fulfill this calling, we must be both learners and teachers of eternal truths. We must study the scriptures that we might arm our children with knowledge of Jesus Christ and his gospel. We must guard our homes against any intrusion of evil. We must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must make our homes holy places in which to stand. Sisters, we must faithfully fulfill here the sacred trust we willingly accepted there."

(Mary F. Foulger, Motherhood and the Family, Oct. 1980, http://www.lds.org/)

3.) "By developing a mother heart, each girl and woman prepares for her divine, eternal mission of motherhood."

(Julie B. Beck, A “Mother Heart”, April 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

4.) "Covenant-keeping women with mother hearts know that whether motherhood comes early or late; whether they are blessed with a “quiver full” of children here in mortality or not; whether they are single, married, or left to carry the responsibility of parenthood alone—in holy temples they are “endowed with power from on high” (D&C 38:32)."

(Julie B. Beck, A “Mother Heart”, April 2004, http://www.lds.org/)

5.) "Motherhood is more than bearing children. … It is the essence of who we are as women."

(Sheri L. Dew, Are We Not All Mothers?, Oct. 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

6.) "Motherhood is not what was left over after our Father blessed His sons with priesthood ordination. It was the most ennobling endowment He could give His daughters, a sacred trust that gave women an unparalleled role in helping His children keep their second estate."

(Sheri L. Dew, Are We Not All Mothers?, Oct. 2001, http://www.lds.org/)

7.) "I believe it is by divine design that the role of motherhood emphasizes the nurturing and teaching of the next generation."

(L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)

8.) "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world."

(L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, April 2010, http://www.lds.org/)

9.) "There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."

(M. Russell Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2008, http://www.lds.org/)

10.) "There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

(M. Russell Ballard, Daughters of God, April 2008, http://www.lds.org/)

11.) “This divine service of motherhood can be rendered only by mothers. It may not be passed to others."

(Boyd K. Packer, For Time and All Eternity, Oct. 1993, http://www.lds.org/)

12.) “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”³⁷

(Boyd K. Packer, For Time and All Eternity, Oct. 1993, http://www.lds.org/)

Motherhood

From my days as a young girl, some of my fondest memories are those of playing house and being a mother. I loved being able to pretend I had children to love and guide and nurture. I couldn't wait until I would be able to have a family of my own. I don't believe that prior to actually having a child that I truly understood the feeling of unconditional love. The deep desire to protect and guide my young innocent child and provide every worthwhile opportunity.

 

I remember looking into the face of my newborn child and thinking of where he had just come from. Wishing that he could tell me of the estate he had just left and what his dreams and desires were for this life. Looking into my child's face, I could see the combining of his fathers family and my mine, our shared love now a physical being and such a sweet soul. I find it difficult to watch my child work through things that he finds challenging, but knowing that if I step in to make it easy for him, he would then lose the lesson and opportunity to grow.  

 

I want to provide the guidance and help him to love the gospel and his Father in Heaven and the Saviors atoning sacrifice. There are the times that these responsibilities seem overwhelming but then I understand more fully that I am not alone in this role and that my Father in Heaven will help me and guide me. I know that the Lord wants all of us to be able to return and dwell with him.