My Testimony

This is my testimony of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that He had a hand in the Book of Mormon. He directed the people in it, and even appeared to them after His glorious resurrection. He preserved these records so that we could have proof that we are not alone, we are not forgotten, and we are not abandoned. This record proves that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that neither of them are respecters of person. No one is is less precious or unique to them. 

I know that Jesus Christ is my perfect, older brother who volunteered in that great council in heaven to sacrifice His life so that we could return to live with our Father. Jesus suffered and died so that we could live in the presence of our Almighty, Eternal Father, if we but do our part. He was alone so that we will never be. He was mocked and scorned by His own people so that we would always have someone on ours side. He suffered pains so unfathomable so that living with God and being pure and forgiven was something that we could have. He made the impossible possible for us undeserving, imperfect humans.

 His love for us is pure and never ending, just as He is. He is never changing and will never forsake us. The path to a happy life is following His footsteps. We may stumble, we may fall, but He is always there to pick us up and put us back on the path when we get lost. All we have to do is reach out our hand. His arms are waiting and never failing arms of mercy are waiting to embrace us and lift us to higher, safer ground. It is all up to us. 

Jesus Christ suffered and died so that we wouldn't have to wait for help. it would always be immediate. But he can't dwell with us when we are wicked, Jesus Christ is a perfect being, and won't go where we go unless we are where we are supposed to be, doing what we are meant to do. He will guide us. He will direct us. He won't leave us alone. He will lead us as He has led the people in the past. 

The Book of Mormon proves the unwavering love that Jesus Christ has for his brothers and sisters. It has countless stories of His everlasting kindness and mercy. It is a true witness of the heartache, misery and suffering that is brought about by disobedience and pride. It is a witness of the mercy and prosperity that waits for the humble, penitent heart that comes to Christ willingly and honestly. It shows the justice and the mercy of our Heavenly Father and His son. It shows justice for the sinner and mercy for the sinner with a desire to change. The difference is made by us. We determine if we will be subject to strict justice or loving mercy. 

The Book of Mormon is a witness that Jesus Christ is, in fact, the Son of God. His divinity is blatantly marked on every page. It is not hidden to them that seek. No other book asks you, at the end, to ask God if it isn't true. No book would, unless it is inspired. Unless God made this Book through the hands of His prophet. I know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith. He was chosen to be the prophet in these latter days and to bring for this witness, so that all who read can come closer to Christ and know that they are loved and not forgotten. 

This book proves that Jesus Christ is not a changeable being. He led the people of the Old Testament, New Testament, so why not another testament? Has God suddenly changed? No. He has not. He is the same from everlasting to everlasting. He hasn't suddenly changed. Humans have. He hasn't closed the windows of Heaven. Humans have. Has God stopped talking to us? No. Humans have stopped listening. It is not good that man should be alone, so He hasn't left us alone. We have forgotten to keep looking. 

The Book of Mormon reminds us on every single page that we don't have to be alone if we don't want to be. Jesus Christ is there, waiting for us, with those open arms of never ending mercy. He is the perfect example for us. When we heed His offer to "come follow me" we are promised joy, protection, and blessings. He didn't promise that the tough times would go away, but He did promise to ease our burdens. The perfect example of Jesus Christ leads us to eternal life, eternal families, and eternal happiness. All He asks for is some action on our part.

 I love Jesus Christ. He is my brother. He is my Savior, and He is my friend. He is the light in the dark and the path to happiness. He is constant and unchangeable. 

He waits for me to make up my mind so that He can put His arm around my shoulder and walk with me back home to our Father for a joyous celebration.

He is hope and He is an anchor. He is a sure foundation and He is a great liberator. He is Holy and a True King. He is the fountain of all righteousness. He is the ultimate and true Redeemer. He is the Son of our great God and He is the creator of all things. He is Alpha and Omega, He is the truth and light in this world! He is your God and our God. He is MY God. 

I am so thankful for Jesus Christ. I love Him and I will praise Him forever.

Amen.

Good Works

Jesus Christ is the ultimate doer of good works. He raised people from the dead, healed people, washed the Apostles' feet, and ultimately sacrificed Himself so that we could return to live with our Heavenly Father. Through His good words we have grace, which is the only way that we can return to live with God.

Doing good is more than helping someone, it is being merciful and forgiving. It's doing the right thing even when it's difficult.
Good works doesn't just have to be weeding someone's garden, or carrying in some groceries. Good works can be smiling, reading your scriptures, saying your prayers, or even giving someone a compliment.

In James 1:22 it says,

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

We need to hear, feel, and do the word! The word is love, and love is good works. 

We can't be saved by our good works alone. There is no possible way that we could ever merit enough goodness to get back to Heavenly Father. Thankfully someone else could, and someone else did. His name is Jesus Christ and He is the Son of God. Through Jesus Christ's merits and grace we are saved.
Our good works show our love, faith, and dedication to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. We show that we truly love Him and that we are thankful for Him when we try our very best to become like Him.
Doing good works shows our faith and helps us before more like Christ. It helps us appreciate Him and become humble and full of gratitude. These good works help increase our faith. I know that I have felt the love of God most when I am doing good things for His children. There is no sweeter joy than the joy that comes from serving my fellow children of God.


How do you do good works? 

See how other people do good works every day by visiting Mormon.org

The Seeds That We Plant

Agency is the greatest gift we have ever been given. Not a day goes by that we don't use it. It will never go out of style. It is beyond price and no one can rightfully take it away from us completely.
We were given this gift to truly test us. Our agency, when used properly, can bring us unlimited joy! But when we misuse it, our agency can bring us into the depths of sorrow that only a perfect Savior (who had agency, too) can bring us out of.

Every time we make a decision we plant a little seed. Eventually that seed is going to grow into a tree and produce some fruit, which is the consequence of our action.

2 Nephi 13:10-11 says, "

 10 Say unto the righteous that it is well with them; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

 11 Wo unto the wicked, for they shall perish; for the reward of their hands shall be upon them!"

And thus we see that we reap what we plant. Every action has a consequence, BUT we can't pick that consequence. When we choose something we accept the consequence that comes with it, both good and bad.

If you plant a good seed you will get good fruit.
If you plant a bad seed you will get bad fruit.

Sometimes the fruit that comes forth from a bad seed doesn't seem like bad fruit at all! Sometimes the fruit looks really pretty on the outside, but when you taste it the fruit is nasty and sour. It could even be rotten on the inside, but look just fine on the outside! But no matter what the outside may pretend to be, that fruit is going to taste disgusting.

Sometimes we make mistakes and we plant bad seeds. If we plant a bad seed that isn't the end! We can't just give up! Through the glorious process of repentance we can mend our ways that led to our rotten fruit. There is always hope and always a way back.
I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement that makes it possible for me to replant and make sure that I plant good seeds.

check out how people work towards using their agency to plant good seeds every day at mormon.org

Knowledge is Key

Knowledge in life is key.
Knowledge in life can unlock doors and expand opportunities.
The more we learn the more we grow.

We are encouraged throughout our whole life, no matter where we are, to learn. But why is it so important for us to learn? Well there are plenty of reasons that we need to gain earthly and spiritual knowledge!

First of all we can't be saved in ignorance. We can't know something we don't know. We have been commanded to know. The more we learn, the more we can come closer to our Heavenly Father. The more knowledge we have, both spiritual and worldly, the closer we will come to our Heavenly Father.

Second, knowledge is one of the few things that we take with us into the next life.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:19 says,

"And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

We won't take our cars or any of our fancy clothes. All we will have is our knowledge. Will we be happy with what we have? Will we wish we had more? Will we wish we had read different books?

Third, we can't teach what we don't know. How can we teach our friends, our family, or our children if we don't know it ourselves? How can we help them come closer to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father if we ourselves don't know them? We just can't. 

We can increase our knowledge through diligent study of the scriptures, modern prophets, and through experience. Knowledge is a capacity and like any other capacity God will expand it, but we have to give it to Him and be willing to accept His divine help.

When Jesus Christ came to the Nephites in the Americas He gave a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount. He counseled them as to the gaining of knowledge. This is what he said, 

 "19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;

 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

(3 Nephi 13:19-21)

Where is YOUR treasure?  

Worth Worlds

Each person, no matter who it is, is of infinite worth. An infinite and individual worth.
No matter what we have done, or who we thing we are, Heavenly Father knows us. He knows our hearts. He sees them as we can't. He sees them as clean, pure, ready, and willing. He knows our hearts and what we can become. WE just have to trust in Him. We must trust Him as He leads us on our path to become the person He knows we can be. He knows how we can get there too! All we have to do is follow.
Each person has a different path, which shows how precious and important we are to God as individuals. Often all we want in life is to fit in, but we have to remember who matters the most and where we can find the most happiness.

Think of snowflakes!

 

 Each snowflake is an individual. Not even ONE of them is the same as another. Each snowflake is small, but it is important. It was specially designed and created beautifully.  Just. Like. Us. A snowflake falls where it needs to be. It's decent isn't always straight down! Sometimes it meanders. Sometimes it is pushed by strong winds. Sometimes it bumps into other snowflakes. But in the end the snowflake always ends up where it needs to be. Just. Like. Us.
We are each so precious in the sight of God and we are His children. He loves us more than we can imagine and to Him we are priceless.

"Even the least soul on earth right now is worth worlds."-Bonnie L. Oscarson

Each soul is a sacred soul.  
Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 says, "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."

I'm grateful for my individuality and the knowledge that God has created me to be unique. I am grateful for His everlasting love and kindness. 

To see how people recognize their individual worth each day visit mormon.org