Member Testimony

This week's testimony comes from Sister Meagan Vaughn.

I LOVE this time of year. The holiday season puts me in the greatest of moods. There is joy and hazelnut steamer running through my veins! Although I am a person who likes to milk each holiday and I am one of “those” people who puts their Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving just because it makes me happy, I realize this time of year can be difficult and sad for some people for one reason or another. For some, the holidays bring back painful memories of childhood or the loss of a loved one. For others, the burden of finances and stress can be overwhelming and make it hard to be thankful. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a gift that will bless our own lives and those around us continually and especially during this time of year.

          

Elder Bednar recently taught us that gratitude is a spiritual gift. He says, “a subtle but significant blessing we can receive is the spiritual gift of gratitude that enables our appreciation for what we have to constrain our desires for what we want. A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment.” I believe that some people are given this gift while others have the opportunity to develop it. If we have the desire we can learn to change the way the natural man in us sees the world. The beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ is that through it and through our Savior, we can change the very nature of who we are. We can learn to see our glass as half full even when there are storms of trial upon us. Gratitude to me is much like the principle of tithing. Giving away ten percent of what we have can be very difficult, especially if what we have is not much to begin with, but once our eyes and heart are opened  to the fact that EVERYTHING we have is literally a blessing and gift from Heavenly Father then, suddenly, returning a small portion of what he has blessed us with doesn’t seem so hard after all. I think showing gratitude is much the same way; being thankful (even in times of hardship) is very difficult but when we understand that all the good things in our life come from Heavenly Father, it makes weathering the storms a bit easier. I love the scripture in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

We know our struggles and trials in this life are but a small moment in the expanse of eternity. We also know the only source that we can turn to in times of darkness to soften and heal our hearts and to help us be thankful for our blessings.

There are two specific things that help me in the process of trying to have a thankful heart.

1. I remember, as a youth, hearing someone suggest that when we recognize the Holy Ghost working in our lives and guiding us, we pause to thank him. I remember the first time I actually stopped and said out loud, “Thank you!” to the Holy Ghost. It made me laugh and feel bizarre but as I have made that a habit, the blessing that has come from it is that I see far more often how many times the Holy Ghost has helped me and directed me with the promptings that I needed.

2. I also remember, as a primary aged child, learning that we could make decisions about things our life BEFORE they happened. For example, I knew that if/when I was ever offered drugs/alcohol/or immoral temptations that my answer would be no. I decided ahead of time that those choices were not for me.  As I got older, sure enough those situations became available to me. It was much easier than I had ever anticipated to refuse the things that I knew were bad for me because I had already decided to do so. We can do the same thing with gratitude. We can decide AHEAD of time to be thankful, to search for the silver lining, and to give thanks to Heavenly Father ALWAYS (even in the most difficult times).

I know people who have lived through some of the darkest most unspeakable things that this earthly life has to offer. I have seen those experiences destroy people/families and I have watched others choose gratitude. They choose to practice their faith…to forgive, to be thankful, and to endure. I have decided that when the greatest trials of my life come, I will not push out my faith…I will choose to be thankful even in the face of adversity. I sincerely hope that I can do that when those times come.

One of my favorite hymns inspires gratitude.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. …

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; God is over all.

Count your many blessings; angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Although the Lord blesses us many times when we don’t deserve it, I imagine how much he must enjoy blessing us when we are thankful to Him. I know when my children show gratitude, I am more apt to repeat the thing that made them so happy. I try to remember that Heavenly Father probably feels the same way. We teach the primary children to begin their prayers by saying “Dear Heavenly Father, then thank Him for blessings he sends.” Showing thanks should be the first and most important part of our prayers.

Having an attitude of gratitude make us better disciples of Christ. When we realize how abundant our own blessings are, and are grateful for them, it gives us a sense of empathy for those around us. Hopefully that inspires us into action. The culmination of our gratitude is when we pass those blessings forward by serving others. This is my favorite thing about this time of year. It seems as though we all come together in the spirit of thankfulness and service. I hope that we can all follow the example of Savior, Jesus Christ and help the needy, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and impart of our substance to those who need it. May we be ever thankful to our Father in Heaven… “We truly need him every hour, whether they be hours of sunshine or of rain." (President Monson)

New Members

Saturday, November 23rd, we gained two more new member in our ward family. Ray and Crystal Steward were baptized! The event started with a talk on baptism by Crystal's mother, Sister Linda Sanders. Sister Sanders was baptized in 2009 in McMinville and expressed a beautiful testimony to Crystal and Ray of the power that her baptism had in her life. She warned them that they would still face uncertainty and trials in life but that those trials would be easier to wade through with the Lord on their side. After Sister Sanders' remarks, Ray, and then Crystal were baptized by Elder Higgins. Their son, Tyler, was there to support them along with many members of the ward. Next, a handful of missionaries - Sister DeMeyola, Sister Carpenter, Hermana Schmit, Hermana Ayre, Elders Callahan, Elder Openshaw, Hermana Garlitz and her companion, and the district leader along with his companion - beautifully sang "I Believe in Christ" after which Sister Yockey gave an inspiriting talk on the Holy Ghost. Her words were inspiring and uplifting. She is truly, as she stated, a teacher of the Gospel. Crystal was welcomed into Relief Society by Sister Anderson. Brother Fricke welcomed Ray into Elder's Quorum, and then welcomed them both into the Ward.

  
The next morning, Sunday, November 24th, Ray and Crystal were confirmed members of the Church, given the gift of the Holy Ghost, and received beautiful blessings from Brother Jim Long.

We are so excited to have this strong couple join our ward family! Welcome Ray and Crystal!

Sacrament Attendance Chart - November 17, 2013

Sunday, November 17th, we were pleased to hear from Brother Jim Long during Sacrament meeting. To begin his talk, Brother Long asked all the veterans in the congregation to stand and be recognized. He went on to speak of the sacrifice that these men have given in defense of freedom and how service in the gospel can mean sacrifice as well.

Brother Long referenced the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:27-35 which reads:

"...Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

...A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on  him, and passed by on the other side.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and give them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee."

Perhaps the good Samaritan considered the sacrifices he was making in order to help the wounded man. But even still, he gave his effort, his time, and his money to help this downtrodden stranger.

Perhaps the Samaritan knew that what may seem like sacrifice in a moment is never such in the eternal scheme of things as we are told in Luke 10  "Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself....this do, and thou shalt live." Eternal life is our reward for such selflessness, which reward transforms sacrifice from merely loss into the currency required for something greater.

Brother Long went onto to relate other stories of men who sacrificed for their friends and for the Church. But, of course, the greatest sacrifice that Brother Long spoke of was that of the Savior. Hymn 191 "Behold the Great Redeemer Die" captures the sentiment of His great and loving sacrifice for us.

"Behold the great Redeemer die,
A broken law to satisfy.
He dies a sacrifice for sin,
That man may live and glory win.

While guilty men his pains deride,
They pierce his hands and feet and side:
And with insulting scoffs and scorns,
The crown his head with plaited thorns.

Although in agony he hung,
No murm'ring word escaped his tongue.
His high commission to fulfill,
He magnified his Father's will.

'Father, from me remove this cup.
Yet, if thou wilt, I'll drink it up.
I've done the work thou gavest me,
Receive my spirit unto thee.'

He died, and at the awful sight
The sun in shame withdrew its light!
Earth trembled, and all nature sighed
In dread response, 'A God has died!'

He lives -- he lives. We humbly now
Around these sacred symbols bow
And seek, as Saints of latter days,
To do his will and live his praise."

May we ever strive to show our gratitude to all those who give up so much on our behalf, especially those in the military and most especially our Savior. He died that we might live again. That is the greatest sacrifice of all. Let it not be in vain.

New Member

Saturday, November 16th, we gained a new member in our ward family. Teddy Scott made the important decision to be baptized! At the opening of this exciting event, Brother Ben Friend gave a talk on the importance of the decision of baptism, along with the covenants that are made, and the blessings that are received after which Teddy was baptized by Elder Callahan. Teddy's family was there supporting him and tearing up from the front row. Then, Brother Dallas Holmes gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, specifically what a gift and privilege that companionship is. He also welcomed Teddy into the Young Men organization. Brother John Fricke was there representing the Bishopric and welcomed Teddy into the ward. Elder Carter and Elder Sannar, who were the first missionaries to speak with Teddy at the beginning of the summer, were able to make it down for the baptism.

The next morning, Sunday, November 17th, during Sacrament meeting, Brother Teddy Scott was confirmed a member of the Church and given the Holy Ghost along with a special blessing by Elder Openshaw.

Afterwards, Teddy addressed the congregation and gave his beautiful testimony. He spoke of trials as a test of faith and of the power of prayer. He told a story about a time when he offered up a desperate plea to Heavenly Father and his prayer was promptly answered in a very generous way.

We are so excited to welcome this thoughtful, strong, and fun young man into our ward family. Welcome Teddy!

An Attitude of Gratitude

In an address given in June of 2013, Elder David L. Beck, the Young Men General President related the following:

In the summer of 2011, I had the privilege of meeting Josh Larson at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. A few months later, Josh was helping his father clean out a warehouse. Without warnings, a chain transporting a 1,480 pound beam suddenly snapped, dropping the beam onto Josh, crushing him from his neck to his legs. Miraculously, Josh’s father was able to move the beam off his son’s body. He performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived to transport Josh, who was still not breathing, to the hospital.

Josh spent days in critical condition. Doctors worked fervently to repair his cracked skull, shattered sinuses, and other severe injuries. After numerous operations, Josh was eventually stabilized. He then began the long, slow road to recovery.

Today Josh still experiences many of the effects of his accident. He has a damaged eye, is partially deaf in one ear, and has a metal plate in his head. Yet he chooses to look at his ordeal as a blessing. He knows that he owes his life and his recovery to Heavenly Father and the support of those around him. Gratitude fills his heart.

Josh’s recovery has been long and slow. He still experiences many of the effects of his accident but considers the accident to be more of a blessing than a trial.

At a recent conference for youth, Josh talked about the prayers and fasting offered by family, friends, neighbors, and ward and stake leaders: “I am counting my blessings. Prayers have been answered. I think this has been more of a blessing than a trial. I love all you guys.” Josh is an example of the teaching in For Strength of Youth: “Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction….Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for.”

Gratitude can turn trials, even as serious as the one Josh faced, into blessings. It takes effort to exercise gratitude and have an optimistic approach to life. Yet the Lord truly blesses us, and His tender mercies should not go unnoticed or unappreciated. The Book of Mormon prophet Moroni reminds us of the importance of gratitude and encourages us to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts” Moroni 10:3

In our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook and forget Heavenly Father’s guidance in our daily activities. The Holy Ghost helps us to remember that we have much to be grateful for. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught, “It is the Holy Ghost who helps us see what God has done for us,” He urged us “to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness.”

As well allow the Holy Ghost to remind us of God’s kindness and love for us, we will be filled with feelings of gratitude. These feelings will move us to thank our Father in Heaven. True to the Faith teaches: “Thank your Heavenly Father for His goodness to you. You can express your gratitude to God by acknowledging His hand in all things, thanking Him for all that He gives you, keeping His commandments, and serving others….Work at being grateful. You will find that it yields wonderful results.”

As we recognize our blessings, our testimonies increase. The more we are able to see the Lord’s hand in our lives, the closer we come to Him. One of the best ways we can show our gratitude to our Father in Heaven is by expressing thanks to Him and to others for the ways they touch our lives. These feelings of gratitude will inspire us to follow the Lord and live a life of service – a life that inspires those around us and promotes positive change.

May we all strive to be more like Josh and cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Sacrament Attendance Chart - November 10, 2013

Last Sunday, in sacrament meeting, with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, Elder Callahan delivered a well timed message on the importance of having an attitude of gratitude.

One question posed by Elder Callahan was "how can show our Heavenly Father our gratitude?" He spoke of the story of the ten lepers found in Luke 17. Verses 15-19 read, "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down and his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

In this story, Elder Callahan related, only one of the ten lepers went back the Savior. Let us be the one.

One way that we can show our Heavenly Father that we are thankful is by paying forward what He has blessed us with. When you have an attitude of gratitude you can share that with those around you by doing kind deeds for them. People will wonder why you are different, why you are always happy. That is how you share the gospel with your friends.

Sacrament Attendance Chart - November 3, 2013

 In President Thomas S. Monson’s address, Be Thou an  Example, he shared the following:

“You know the truth; live it.

After Joseph Smith’s vision in the Sacred Grove, he received no additional communication for three years. Can you imagine how you would feel if you had seen God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, if Christ had spoken to you, and then you had no additional word or communication for three years? Would you begin to doubt? Would you wonder or question why? The Prophet Joseph Smith did not wonder; he did not question; he did not doubt the Lord. He had received the truth, and he lived it.

My dear young friends, you have been reserved to come forth at this particular time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. Speaking of the gospel and of testimony, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: ‘[The] thing which we call testimony… is as real and powerful as any force on the earth….It is found in young and old….It brings with it the assurance that life is purposeful, that some things are of far greater importance than others, that we are on an eternal journey, that we are answerable unto God.’

You have been taught the truths of the gospel by your parents and by your teachers in the Church. You will continue to find truth in the scriptures, in the teachings of the prophets, and through the inspiration which comes to you as you bend your knees and seek the help of God.

Remember, faith and doubt cannot exist in the mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith. Strive always to retain that childlike faith which can move mountains and bring heaven closer to heart and home.

You possess a testimony; share it. Never underestimate the far-reaching influence of your testimony. You can strengthen one another; you have the capacity to notice the unnoticed. When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach out and rescue others of your age.

You can share your testimony in many ways – by the word s you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life.

May each of us emulate the Prophet Joseph’s great example. He taught the truth; he lived the truth; he shared the truth. You possess a testimony; share it.”

What a full and powerful testimony meeting we experienced on Sunday. Thank you to all who shared their testimonies in words during that meeting and thank you to all who share their testimonies in the way that they live their lives every day. We see the depth of your faith and so do those around you. As President Hinckley said, your testimonies are “as real and powerful as any force on earth.” Think of all the good that is accomplished by your spirit filled words and examples.

Member Testimony

This week our member testimony comes from Brother Dusty Vaughn.

Hello, my name is Dusty Vaughn. I would like to share my testimony with you and a little background on how I got there.

I was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, “kind of.”

My grandparents converted to the Church in 1960. The story my grandpa told is that one day he returned home from work and my grandma told him two missionaries from the Church had knocked on the door and she invited them back later for dinner when he would be home. He told me that he was very upset she had invited them back. He said he concluded that having grown up in the Church of Christ and being knowledgeable of the Bible, he could correct any of their teachings. He told me he couldn’t deny any of their teachings; he knew them to be true.  My grandparents, my dad, his siblings, and later their spouses all converted to the Church.  I’m thankful for this conversion because it led to me being “kind of” born into the Church.

I was born the oldest of 8 grandchildren and, as such, my family was only active in the Church long enough for me, the oldest, to receive a priesthood baby blessing. I often reflect back on what that blessing has meant to my life and the divine influence it has had. Growing up I can only remember attending Church a handful of times, if that many. As a result, it wasn’t until I was 15 that I decided I wanted to be baptized. After my baptism I still struggled with activity until midway through college. My inactivity was also mirrored by my family and, to date, I am the only active member of the Church; others are inactive or no longer members and, like me, did not study enough during this time to gain a testimony.

At college, or midway through, I was able to develop my own personal testimony of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was able to start participating in young single adult activities and Church socials. I even went to Institute, a meeting on campus during dead hour, were we studied scripture. We rotated through the Bible (both old and new testaments), the Book of Mormon, etc.

It was in college that I read the Book of Mormon for the first time. I also read the Bible for the first time. The thing about being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the search for truth. And as such when missionaries teach investigators or members they encourage them to ask Heavenly Father if it is true. After all, it says in James 1:5–6 :

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

And also in the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 15:11

“Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you”

After reading the Book of Mormon, I turned to Heavenly Father in prayer and asked to know if it was true. I received a very distinct response that I will never forget and knew that it was true. However, Satan wasn’t through trying to convince me otherwise.

I graduated from college, bought my own home, and entered the “real world.” I was feeling the need to find a companion and start a family. The problem was that I kept dating young ladies of other denominations. I would have good dates with these young ladies and they would often comment to me the relief it was to find a “good” guy, sharing stories of ex’s who had alcohol or drug problems, etc. Then…came the religious discussion and once that took place things came to a screaming halt.

            

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt. 7:20

I struggled with that. At one point I even took a minister/preacher from another denomination out to lunch to explore if I was on the right track. During this lunch this clergyman told me he had a video about Mormons he wanted me to watch. He told me Mormons didn’t believe in the Holy Ghost. I clarified with him that we do believe in the Holy Ghost and he responded that I didn’t even know what my own Church believed. I was in disbelief. I knew that I was an idiot. How could I do this after having prayed and received an answer? I knew we believed in the Holy Ghost. After all, it’s the first of thirteen Articles of Faith:

    1.  We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

I also hear the Holy Ghost referenced numerous times every Sunday. I realized that I needed a little more faith. I knew that if Satan was working this hard to pull me away that it was true beyond any doubt. I knew that Satan was spreading so much false ideas about the Church that it had to be true; otherwise he wouldn’t work so hard to keep people from converting.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matt. 5:11

Luckily for me, I endured the struggle of dating, or not much dating at all, and found someone to be married to for time and all eternity. In 2006 I married the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met/known and, luckily, she knew to be true what I knew to be true. Her beauty is complete inside and out. She constantly amazes me and she is special to me beyond measure. She has a knack for making people feel welcomed and, most of all, making me and our kids feel loved. I cherish her testimony of the Gospel and the way in which she partners with me in our parenting. She is also very determined to constantly improve our relationship and we know that by growing closer to God we will grow closer together. We’ve got two beautiful kids and hope for more. We’ve been blessed in so many ways and hope to continue to be blessed as we hold to the iron rod!

It is these experiences, along with personal study and prayer, that has given me my testimony. I know that anyone can receive their own personal testimony if they follow the outline laid out for us.

I know Jesus Christ, the literal son of God, to be our savior and redeemer.   I know that through him, and no other, we can all be forgiven of our sins. I know that he came to earth and taught his gospel, established his Church, called Apostles, taught the principles of salvation, and atoned for our sins. I know that he conquered death and was resurrected. 

I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that it is a record of prophets in the Americas that provides another witness of Jesus Christ as the redeemer of the world. I know that the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible, leaves no doubt that Jesus is the Christ; an indispensable witness of the doctrines of Christ and His divinity. The Apostle Paul taught "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2 Corinthians 13:1  

I know that through study of these Holy Scriptures we can come closer to God. These following scriptures testify of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer and leave no doubt to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon:

Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things that you should do.” 2 Nephi 32:3

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.” Helaman5:12


“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).

  I know that because the Book of Mormon is the word of God and, as such, the First Vision is true; that Jesus Christ restored his Church through the prophet Joseph Smith. I believe that Joseph Smith went to Heavenly Father in sincere prayer and asked him which Church to join, as the Bible tells us to.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:5–6)

I feel the spirit testify to me the truthfulness of this, when I study this recorded event.

I know that the Priesthood, the authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ, has been restored to the earth. I believe that Heavenly Father loves all of his children and as such there had to be a way for his church and authority to return to earth. I’ve been blessed by the priesthood in my life; by the baby blessing that I received, my baptism, my marriage, and the blessings I have given in the name of Jesus Christ and his authority.

      “The authority and power that God gives to man to act in all things for the salvation of man” 
      (D&C  50:26–27).

      “And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the
      priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.” 
      (Ex. 40:15)

       “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God,
       they sent unto them Peter and John: Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might
       receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the
       name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” 
       (Acts 8:14–17)

I know that there are Principles and Ordinances essential to Salvation and Exaltation; that the Scriptures provide instruction for these ordinances like the ones shown below for Baptism:

       “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5).

       “And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in

       the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.” (2 Nephi 9:23).

       I know that the family is ordained of God. I know that marriage is to be between a man and a woman

       and we are to yield children in righteousness. I know that we will be held accountable for how we

       conduct our family relationships.

In the last year I’ve felt great spiritual growth. I’ve started studying to understand principles better. I’ll read scripture, not front to back, but by searching a topic and praying to know true interpretations of the things I have read. Most of all, I’ve felt the love that our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, have for ALL OF HIS CHILDREN. This year I’ve sat in people’s homes and shared what I know to be true and listened as they’ve shared what they know, or are learning, to be true. I’ve felt the spirit testify so strongly that the things we’ve discussed were true that I often was holding back tears. I’ve left these discussions by hugging strangers and telling them that I LOVE THEM. And I meant it! When sitting there feeling the Holy Spirit testify of Jesus Christ you can’t help but feel the love that he has for them and feel the same love for them. I personally have a testimony of repentance and know that through grace we are forgiven of our sins. I know that every Saint has a past and every sinner has a future. I know that we are all sinners and that we need to feast on the word of God to remain on the straight and narrow path to eternal life. It is my desire that everyone can know that God loves them, that he is there for them, and that he has provided a way for them to progress and return to be with him. I know that the only way to know and find truth is to study the scriptures and go to Heavenly Father in sincere prayer and ask in faith. I know that if this is done everyone can receive their own personal witness of Jesus Christ and his Gospel. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.