My Testimony On My 28th Year Of Being A Member Of The Church Of Jesus Christ.

Today marks my 28th anniversary of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. “Love" and "following the Savior" are two of the things that I got out of when two lovely sister missionaries Stacie & Susanna talked to me about the gospel of Jesus Christ & Our Heavenly Fathers plan.

One great example of the church that I have always noticed is the service that we render to our fellowman, and we do it all in the name of love. I feel that at times when I am feeling at my lowest I want to serve others more. I have always loved doing things for other people, and I truly feel that I am pretty devoted in doing so. I do it out of my heart, and without any obligation. 

More Than A Tennis Post.

There's something about tennis that catches your eye, and movement between two, or four people (since she plays doubles) that gets you intrigued by who is going to miss the last shot, hit the net, or have an out ball. It's nerve-wracking especially when that person that's playing is your kid. Yesterday was Lexie's last tennis match of the season, and it was a totally bittersweet moment. She, and her amazing tennis partner won their last match, and I'm definitely going to miss seeing them play. 

Even though I'm going to miss her tennis matches, I'm sort of relieved that it's over. Sort of, like...in a minsiscule way. The fact that her life has been piled with endless hours of honors homework, and waking up for early morning seminary every day made me feel sorry for her, but she loves it! She loves the sport, and as much as she dislikes waking up at 5am every morning to attend early morning seminary, also known as bible study, she knows it's good for her. She knows that without it her days would end up chaotic. She knows that she wouldn't be able to tolerate the immaturity that kids bring to school, the strength she needed to practice, the stresses of life, and finding balance among the life of an honors student.  

When I was talking to my mother the other day about how the kids are doing in school, and when she asked what time they went to bed I told her that they didn't have a bedtime schedule. When she specifically asked what time Lexie went to bed I told her it varies. On the days she has tennis matches, and homework it could be ten, 11, or even midnight! When she emphasized how she really needs at least eight hours of sleep because of her schedule I said to her that we both would love her to have extra sleep, but somehow she manages to get it together during school with very little sleep. 

When she questioned why Lexie was the only one who got up so early I explained to her all about seminary. and that's when the topic of seminary came up. Like most people who have no clue what seminary is, my mother didn't know exactly what it was. I thought it came up in a conversation a while back when Sierra attended, but I don't think I ever explained to her what it was in its entirety. She thought it was odd having it early in the morning not to mention at 5:30am, but one thing I can testify to having bible study so early in the morning is the fact that it strengthens my child to endure her days with goodness especially in today's society. And that's exactly what I told my mother. 

My mom's reaction over the phone was, "what?? well, you chose that religion." I said, "yes i did, and know it's true. I love how well it has blessed me, and my family for the past 23 years." I mentioned to her how there's a reason why seminary can be a blessing to all those who attend. Even though some who attended it in the past may not have benefited from it, but if you look at it from my perspective those who choose to pay attention, and attend for the right reasons will benefit them in its fullest regard. They will be able to handle any trial, and hard task that they will be confronted with throughout their high school, and years to come. I then ended the conversation with my mom by saying, "you see how well the kids are doing, and how Sierra managed all her hardships, and now she's going on a mission." 

My mother respects my beliefs, and luckily for me she knows when to stop because we both do not like confrontation. We both know that contention comes from the devil, and that there's no need to bash anything about any religion. 

I will never stop defending my beliefs as to why I chose a religion that makes perfect sense to me. The Lord has truly blessed my family in profound ways through the good, bad, and extremely ugly. We have all in one way or another have been tested, and tried with what we believe in, and when I see the way my girls are today, and how they hold themselves especially my oldest daughter, I count my blessings for having Heavenly Father looking out for us even in our darkest moments. 

For 23 years I have hung on to my faith based on Jesus Christ because I know it's true. I know that all the programs in our church really help our youth become strengthened, but when you have free agency it can be hard, and i guarantee kids will rebel, and go wild. It's in every religious denomination. Without that free agency they would never grow, or understand their purpose in this life. Everyone's view on religion is different, but to me it's very simple. I don't like conflict, or contention when it comes to talking about God. When one talks about the Lord contention should never be an issue, and fortunately for me and my family we have come to an understanding that even though we all have different beliefs, and views on religion that love and respect come first. 

This post was supposed to be all about how well Lexie played tennis this season, but somehow ended up into an explanation of why early morning seminary is important, and in expressing my beliefs of the church i attend as well as my testimony of the Savior with conviction. 

I am proud of Lexie, and impressed at how much she's improved on her game. She's super amazing when she plays. You can see a glimpse of her playing here. She, and her doubles partner had an amazing season. I don't know how she does it so far with making all A's, and waking up at 5am with little sleep for seminary, having practice, and tennis matches after school since school started. I totally attest that her strength, and perseverance comes from God. Blessings definitely do come to those who try their best to serve Him with the right intentions and on their own motive, and that's Lexie. Don't get me wrong she's already had her own trials, and she most definitely has her imperfect moments as a teenager, but I know that if she applies what we teach her in the home, as well as at church when it comes to the gospel, great blessings will come her way. 

Winning her last tennis match was a great end to the season! 

22 years a latter-day saint.

So...this past Saturday (same day as Mormon prom) marked 22 years of becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. So if you thought I was turning 22 because of the sign I'm holding bless your heart...I'm actually 42!

Every spring I look forward to many milestones. This being one of them. I can't believe a whopping 22 years have gone by since joining this wonderful church that teaches me about God & gives me hope in times of despair, strength when I am weak, and love when I hurt. 

As I stood up to bear my testimony in front of our congregation this past Sunday with eyes glaring at me whilst bearing my soul I couldn't help but to feel so much love from my Heavenly Father. It amazes me sometimes the feeling that comes over me after sharing my testimony. I feel at peace, and couldn't thank my Heavenly Father enough for giving me the chance to have started my life over again in hopes to become a better human being.

My testimony is always different each time I bear it. I let the spirit guide in the things I want to share. As I recall in my testimony I mentioned how life without the gospel is hard, and it was extremely hard throughout my youth without it. I know this because I didn't have it for the first 20 years of my life. It has helped me in times of challenges and stress, family, people, and overall "life". It strengthens me in ways that are profound, and I am so grateful to always find the courage to share it with others when the time is right. It's so important to focus on the things that bring us positive moments, and to strive to be a better person no matter how rough this thing called life gets.

There is so much I want to say in a testimony, and so little time. There are even moments where I gather all these thoughts in my head as to what I'm going to say and then when I get up there I end up saying something completely different. It's so nonchalant when you let the spirit guide and I end up enjoying the testimony I just shared more than the thoughts that were in my head. I don't like taking up too much time at the pulpit because I want others to have the opportunity to share their testimony as well.

It's always a great feeling to know that I stood up after sitting down. I remember the first time I stood up to bear it 22 years ago in my small ward in Texas I was nervous as heck, but I did it. I've  come to realize that the more I share it whether it's at church, or in a public setting that it becomes easier. I don't do well with silence, or gaps in between testimonies, and there is no way I can just sit there in silence and miss an opportunity to open my mouth. I love it, and without being an overzealous member that goes up every fast sunday I don't always want to stand up, but sometimes that spirit nudges me. That's when I know I need to get up & bear a simple testimony of how much I appreciate the Lord, and for a prophet in restoring His gospel. 

I know this church is true, and that the Book of Mormon is true.  If these two things weren't true to my heart, and didn't believe so strongly in them I would have given up a long time ago on life, and wouldn't continue to stick to it for this long. No matter how hard the trial, no matter how rough the drama with people, and family in general...my belief in those books are firm, and I pray that it always will be. 

He is the way...thoughts on a testimony

Every first Sunday of each month at our church, for the first hour, we as a congregation have the chance to get up from our pews and step up to the pulpit to share with everyone our thoughts, feelings, and any experiences we have endured as to how the restored gospel of Jesus Christ has helped us in our life. It's called a testimony meeting.

Everyone's testimony is expressed differently, and each individual comes up to share something that some of us may need to hear. I know that I have benefited a lot from attending a testimony meeting as well as bearing my own testimony in hopes that others will heed my words...without being 'preachy'.

I love testimony meeting, and I think that my two oldest daughters have begun to understand and appreciate what a testimony is all about.

My eldest daughter Sierra will be 17 in a couple of months, and has been bearing her testimony every month since the new year began. I noticed that some kids begin to bear it at the tender age of three with the help of their parents, but I have made it a rule that if any of my kids want to go up to share their testimony that they must do it on their own motive without any help. So far all of them have done that (except Noah of course...he's barely two.) I know that Sierra's testimony is her own, and that none of it comes from me or her father. I'm sure that our example has encouraged them to stand up and bear it, but I also want them to learn on their own in knowing if what they are saying is true, and from their heart. I am happy to say that my two oldest daughters truly know what a testimony is. They continue to build their testimony by attending their meetings, reading scriptures on their own, participating in church activities, and attending the temple often.

Sierra's testimony every month is so unique.

This past Sunday was really touching because she talked about friendship. She expressed her love for all the youth in our ward, and is so grateful to know them. She mentioned that some of them have helped her in many ways throughout her 'years of high school' in New Jersey. I have to say that she is such a wonderful person, and has a good heart. She finds the good in everyone no matter their flaws. She is an example to me when it comes to finding the good in everyone. The way she expresses her love to Heavenly Father really makes me feel that she knows He is always there for her in times of hardships, and that He will never abandon her.

Alexandra just turned 12, and is getting the courage to stand and bear her testimony to others. It's always short and sweet, but oh... so meaningful. I can tell that she is growing spiritually through all that she learns both at home, church, and school. Both of our older daughters show me the example of unconditional love, and acceptance for everyone. Their example has really taught me to love, forgive, and accept everyone even more...no matter their flaws. I love them so much more for that.

I am a convert to the church and sharing my testimony is a crucial part of my life. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to bear our testimony once a month at church. I pray that those who never get the chance to stand up to bear their testimony to please find the courage to do so. I find that when I do so it makes me a much stronger and more confident person. I feel that I can share the gospel with anyone and my feelings for Christ whether it's in person or on the internet. I encourage all the youth as well as the adults to find it in your heart to pray for confidence in bearing your testimony often. It will give you such a boost, and a strong sense of self both spiritually, and emotionally. It'll also give you more faith in knowing that the spirit will always be there to guide you in knowing what to say.

I share my testimony every chance I get. Especially in a public setting. If an opportunity comes up...I am fearless. I will voice the love I have for the Lord, and share this wonderful book that has truly changed my life. My days feel fulfilled when I wake up and start with scripture study. Even if it's just a couple of verses...I try to find the time to read it.

I also love bearing my testimony at church. I find that the more I bear it...the easier it becomes for me to share it. I personally cannot stand silence, and when there is a huge gap of it after one has gone up to bear their testimony that is God's way of telling me to get up and share! Oh...and then I feel that burning inside my chest feeling like my heart is going to explode! I know that's the spirit kicking me out of my seat telling me to get up. I see that as an opportunity to share my love, thoughts, and feelings for our Savior, his atonement, his sacrifice, the gospel, service, friendship, scriptures, trials, testimony, temple, humility, and yes...even my love for you in our ward.

There are so many things we can say in a testimony to express our love to the Savior. Heavenly Father is always listening to us, and I know that He will be pleased when we do so. Oh...and did I mention the blessings? Oh yes! I see the blessings that come from it when I bear testimony to others, and I never want those taken away.

Then again...
that's not why I bear my testimony.
I bear it because I know it's the truth,
and because I know...

He is the way back to eternal salvation...He is the way.

Amen.

Testimony

Moroni 10:4~ One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon
It is  a statue in Palmyra, NY near the visitors center.

When I first became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the first Sunday of the month came along, I didn't exactly know what to expect. In our church, we have what you call a fast and testimony meeting. This is the time when any member of our congregation stands up to bear their testimony of deity. It occurs on the very first Sunday of each month except in April and October when we have the semi annual General conference.

When I realized what a testimony entailed I knew that eventually I would want to get up, and share it. I was very impressed with some of the members as they walked up to the pulpit to bear their testimony. Every time someone would walk to bear witness of the Savior, the Book of Mormon, the temples, service, or anything spiritually uplifting, my heart would begin beating a million miles a minute!! I knew that as a new member I had to get up and share my feelings and thoughts of the gospel, and how converting a life of Christ truly saved my life.

I knew that when I first read the Book of Mormon in its entirety before becoming LDS, that it made sense and that it was true. Along with the Holy Bible, it is another testament of Jesus Christ that was restored through a prophet named Joseph Smith. I literally knelt down in prayer, something that I hardly ever did growing up, and prayed about this book asking Heavenly Father if it indeed was another testament of Christ. Tears streamed down my face as I immediately received an answer testifying to me that it was.

Throughout praying I was remembering all the sins I committed and pleading to God to forgive me, and to help me do my very best from here on. I knew that making this decision was a huge step in giving my life fully to the Lord, and giving up all the things of the world that were not leading me to a life of happiness. I wanted to know more of the plan of salvation, and wanted to be fully committed. I wanted to be perfect before joining the church, but I realized that was never going to happen. I know now that I'm not, and never will be perfect. What I do know is that I can turn to the scriptures for strength and guidance in helping me with the daily stresses, and trials in my life. I've had trials throughout my whole life, and still have them even after converting a life to Christ. I've also seen many blessings come from those trials, and in striving hard to live a righteous life as a christian.

Some may say that one doesn't need to attend church or any building to be saved or to feel spiritually uplifted, and I suppose that's okay. Well...I need it. The minute I walk into the foyer of our church, I immediately am filled with the spirit of the Lord. I have made the choice as well as my children (no I don't have to force them) to wake up every Sunday, rain, shine, snow, or sleet (unless church is cancelled due to heavy snow) to make it to sacrament service. I love attending all the Sunday school classes, and to learn on how to better our life, and seriously live the gospel! Partaking of the sacrament is something that I need to help me make it through each week. It is also a reminder to me of the atonement, and how Jesus Christ suffered for all of our sins.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that it was restored through a prophet, and that we have a prophet today that leads and guides us in helping us to make the right choices in this life. I know that through constant prayer and reading the Book of Mormon that I can get through all the mundane and stresses of life. I'm so thankful to have it in my life, and to be raising my family in it. I pray that everyone will have the opportunity in this lifetime to read it, and hopefully accept it.

 A statue of the angel Moroni on the top of the Hill Cumorah in Palmyra, NY

*If you'd like a copy, please email me or leave a comment. I'd be jumping for joy to give you one...for FREE! It'll be my holiday gift to you, and another way of expressing my gratitude to our Savior Jesus Christ.