Reflection

This morning was our weekly Presidency Meeting for our ward's Relief Society. Before we start discussing ward business we open with a prayer, a spiritual thought, and a handbook selection from the Relief Society manual. Today was my turn to give the spiritual though, so I thought it would be a perfect time to reflect on my favorite part of the Ensign this month - TESTIMONIES in all different forms.

On page 40 of the 2009 September Ensign, under Tangible Testimonies it says: "Consider the many gifts and blessings our Heavenly Father and jesus Christ have given us. By recognizing our gifts and the blessing in our lives, we show reverence for God and strengthen our individual testimonies. Sharing our testimonies, however, isn't limited to words. Our faith can be expressed in the notes of a hymn, the shaping of clay, or the strokes of a paintbrush.

Many of you know that Roger is an athiest, although he wouldn't call himself that; but rather, he doesn't believe in a God, a supreme being, forces of nature, etc. After church on Sunday I asked Roger "WHAT IF!" What if there was such thing as an Armegedon, a Second Coming, a Living Christ... He quickly shot back, "What if?" But my thoughts reflected much deeper than his. My mind became boggled to know that a person can live life in a certain state of happiness, as he does, not knowing the purpose of life, but to live an die.

Frequently, as we have these discussions my testimony is tried and tested... As for now, I'm still holding strong because I know the spirit works in miraculous ways. I've seen things come together in my life, that I don't believe would have without faith. Faith in our Heavenly Father that he may carry us; faith in our brother, Jesus Christ that he may fulfill us with hope, to return to our father; and faith in the Holy spirit to guide us.

The Ensign displays many breathtaking photographs, pottery, wood work, etc. that relfects individuals testimony of the church. One of my favorite forms of art is writing, so I wanted to share with our Presidency and the WORLD my personal testimony that I wrote when I was 16 years old.

"So many times I have wondered if the church is true. Always I seem to recieve these awesome personal revelations and confirmation that hold me over for a few weeks then the desire leaves. I don't feel that peace or happiness inside any more. And that's when I turn to the worldly things. I don't endure to the end. And it says in 1 Nephi 13:37 "Endure to the end and we shall be lifted up."

I have a strong testimony of the scriptures. When I am really struggling, I need to stop trying to deny Christ and i need to pick up the scriptures and look for guidance. When I'm not reading the scriptures, I'm denying the word of Christ. And I fear I have come to realize, that I can't do this alone.

Sure I may have gotten myself into this mess with Satans help, but now I can't do it alone. I need to walk in his light and ask for guidance, seek help and then desire results. In Alma 32:37 it says, "If ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you."

Have the desire to let him help you. have the desire to choose good over evil. YOU KNOW YOU CAN'T DO IT ALONE! SO QUIT TRYING to do it ALONE!

These trails I have gone through and are going through, will only make me stronger. If I endure to the end. He would never give me the burden of anything he knows I couldn't handle."

I am soo very thankful, that at the age of 16, the light shined so brightly through me that I was able to record these wonderful words and thoughts. I encourage EVERYONE to gain a testimony of what they believe to be true. DO IT NOW! Testimonies of the TRUTH only grow stronger as they are built upon each day. If you record your testimonies, whether in the form of a painting, pottery, woodworking, or writing, you'll be able to reflect back to those thoughts and feelings at that very moment. And TRUST ME.. they will strengthen YOU and bring to light everything you do. ;)