Testify

   I would like to apologize to any of you that were following this blog solely because it breached happy topics without directly bringing up religion. Today I am going to break that trend. Please don't hate me.

   Over the past while a lot has happened. I have grown closer to the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, gained a greater love for the scriptures, extra specially the Book of Mormon, and become much closer to my friend, brother, savior, and guardian Jesus Christ. I have come to realize that my religion is very important to me. This reflects in the fact that I did finally turn in my papers to serve and LDS (Latter-Day Saint (short name for the church)) mission.
   For a very long time I have not been ready. I did not love the doctrine and I had little to no desire to go share it with others. But now I have found my desire. It has come through my growing testimony that this church is true, and through my love for Christ. I know that I need to go do his work. Besides a more specific promise he has made me. :)

   I would just like to say that I am a firm believer in 'why'. I don't just want you to know that I'm going to serve a mission, I want you to know why. I don't just want to ask someone how they are, I want details. I want to know why they feel the way they do. I am planning to become a psychotherapist (a shrink). I want to learn about people. Learn about the why. And help them with the now. I mostly wanted to explain this concept because it explains why the preceding section on my religious growth was so lengthy and in depth. :)

   Now! I would like to actually address the main topic of this particular post.
   My stake president said something to me that stuck out quite a bit. Forgive me if I am misquoting something, but here is the gist: every time we testify of Christ, a multitude of our sins is forgiven. He told me this after asking me to bear my testimony to him. As I testified, the spirit had filled me to the point that I became choked up. I realized that I hadn't given a real straightforward testimony in a long time. It felt wonderful.
   I would challenge you all to testify of what you feel. What you believe. Stand up for what you truly feel is right. Bear testimony of Christ and His doctrine with real honesty and a full heart, and you will open the door for countless blessings, and you will be filled to the brim with the spirit. Bring your testimony with you in your heart, write it down or recite it to yourself. Stating it in a straightforward manner, even if it is just to yourself, will strengthen that which you already know and give you the light and power to move forward in life.

   Heavenly Father is -always- watching out for you, and Christ attends you always. My favorite scripture: "1 Nephi 21:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. Thy walls are continually before me." I love that. Think about that last part. Thy walls are continually before me. What does that mean to you? To me it means that He is always with us. Wherever we are. He is as close to us as we let Him be.
   Let Him in. Let him give you a huge hug and let his love for you bolster you up no matter where you are in life.
   I bear testimony that Christ lives. I know of a surety that He loves us unconditionally. He empathizes and loves us so much because through the atonement, He knows our lives better than we know them ourselves. He's been there. He's there with you. Let Him in.
   And I say these things in the name of our brother Jesus Christ amen.

   Make today wonderful. Set your life going in a good direction. Let yourself be happy. Smile. :) You'll like it. I promise. Peace be with you till we meet again my friend. :)