Testimony

This is one of my favorites pictures of Christ. Maybe it's because Christ is with a little girl, and we have three. Many of you know our family belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (To learn more see http://www.lds.org/.) Well, on most Sunday's members of our church take turns giving talks that teach gospel principles. It seems a tradition when you move to a new ward (a congregation in a geographical area) you are asked to speak. My (Mona) turn came yesterday. The topic I was asked to speak about was "How Sharing the Gospel Strengthens My Testimony." In preparing for this talk I realized I was not very good about sharing what I believe with those around me. I thought I'd take this chance to share what I believe in a brief testimony to all of you.

I know that I have a Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Heaven that love me and care about me. They want what's best for me and and want for me to return and live with them someday. I know that Jesus Christ came to earth to suffer and die for my sins and was resurrected so that I too could be resurrected and live with Him someday. He is my greatest and truest friend. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God to restore his church on the earth. He translated the Book of Mormon which is another testament, along with the Bible, of Christ and his teachings to his people on this continent. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon and it's teachings that help us come to know Christ even better. Joseph Smith records these words following his vision of seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees. ". . . for I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it. . ." I feel the way Joseph Smith did in that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's church restored on the earth again. I could not deny it! I love my Savior and strive to live my life to emmulate his example. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us so that we can be sealed together forever as families after this life.

If any of you have questions regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you can go to http://www.mormon.org/ to see a summary of our beliefs or visit the church web-site. at http://www.lds.org/.