Testimony

We were challenged today in church to bear our testimonies every day till the end of the year. We are taught that we gain or strengthen our testimony by bearing it...so our assignment is to bear it to ourselves daily...out loud...in front of a mirror.

While we were being taught about Testimonies today what came to my mind was when I was in the MTC (Missionary Training Center), every night after the last class all the missionaries would gather outside and bear testimony to each other until it was time to return to our dorms. I will never forget the feeling in that circle of missionaries...hearing everyone sharing what they believe and why they believe it brought the spirit so strong. As a missionary you get the opportunity to bear your testimony all day, everyday...that is your calling really...to bear witness to what you know.

I know that for me it is hard for me to get up and share my testimony on Fast Sunday because of fear...I try to let the spirit lead me to say what I know...but I get so nervous and afraid and by the time I make it back to my seat after sharing my testimony... I think of all the things I left out. 

I think this challenge is great...it is important to remind ourselves often of what we know and believe. It also makes me think of when I was asked to write a letter to Joseph Smith expressing to him my gratitude for restoring the gospel and organizing Christ's church back on earth....that letter I wrote to him is a part of my testimony...and its still in my scriptures where I can review it from time to time.

Also, standing up for what we believe in is also bearing testimony of what we know. I know that I have not been the greatest example to those around me....I do not always stick to what I know and believe. But, tomorrow is a new day and I can start fresh and I will be who I know I am. My past is in the past...I am in the present, and I am challenging myself to stand up for me and what I believe, no matter what. 

I want to share my testimony....

I know that I have a Heavenly Father...who loves me and knows me by name. I know that my Brother, Jesus Christ suffered and died for me and you so that we may one day return to Him and our God, clean from all our sins. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored here upon the earth... fully restored. I know that through the restoration of the gospel I have a Prophet leading me, along with his 12 apostles. I know the Priesthood was also restored, and I know that the Priesthood being here upon the earth today is such a blessing...I know the Power of the Priesthood can heal us and lift us. I know that their is someone listening when I pray...and I know that He cares so much about me, even when I have turned my back on Him, He was patiently waiting for me to ask for Him back. I know the scriptures are true, because I have read them and I have knelt in prayer asking for my witness to their truth, and I received that witness.

Love to you all!!!