A Simple Testimony: Truth and Light
I know that God lives. He is our loving Heavenly Father who knows each of us by name.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, in his great love for us, provided a way for each of us to burst the bands of death, sin, and despair. In doing so, he provided a way for each of us to live eternally, in a state of peace, happiness, truth, and light, with those we love.
As my son prepares to turn eight and be baptized, I’ve been thinking a lot about faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, and the atonement. Unfortunately, in the midst of my reflection came an unpleasant memory.
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Regular Routine
Some time ago, my father-in-law came for a visit. At the end of his visit he made the comment that his visits to our home seem to disrupt our regular routine. He added that the next time he visits he would love to see what our regular routine looks like. Prior to his next visit I spent weeks planning every detail, ensuring that we would stick to our regular routine of chores, learning, etc. while he was here. He came, and I was pleased with the way we were able to keep our routine in check for his entire visit.
Several days after he returned home, I received a phone call from him. He again mentioned that his visit seemed to disrupt our regular routine. I was puzzled. What exactly did he mean? He went on,
“Maybe you had family prayer in the other room after I went to bed, but I was disappointed that I didn’t get to participate in family prayer with you while I was in your home.”
I caught my breath. Family prayer? In my eagerness to stick with our “regular routine” of chores and learning, I had completely neglected to include family prayer. In all honesty, forgetting family prayer had become “regular routine” in our home over the past few months.
Consequently, I mumbled some response to my father-in-law and assured him that we would include him in our family prayers during his next visit. He seemed happy with response, but I still felt like a failure.
How could I have forgotten something as important as family prayer. How had our family gotten out the habit of praying together?
Grace For All
Over the next weeks and months, we’ve made a greater effort as a family to include family prayer in our “daily routine” and we’ve experienced the blessings that have come from doing that.
Last week, I read an experience that was shared by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. He said that in his rush to get out the door in the morning he sometimes forgets to say family prayer. Fortunately, his wife hurries after him to remind him that they need to pray before he leaves. An Apostle of God sometimes forgets to say family prayer? I can’t tell you how much better that made me feel.
None of us is perfect. Thankfully, each one of us have the opportunity to benefit from the Atonement each week as we renew our baptismal covenants by partaking of the sacrament during Sacrament Meeting. How grateful I am for a loving, kind, and patient Heavenly Father, and a Savior, who allow me try, fail, and try again. And how grateful I am for living Apostles and Prophets who lead, guide, counsel, and comfort us as we do our best to stay on the strait and narrow path.
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Restoration of Truth and Light
The Prophet Joseph Smith restored the truth and light of the Gospel in our dispensation. I’m so grateful to him for that. I am grateful for his efforts in translating the Book of Mormon; I love that book! I’m grateful for all prophets in every dispensation, for their stories that are shared in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and for the influence for good they have been in my life.
I’m grateful for the covenants that are made and the saving ordinances that take place in holy temples⎯the House of the Lord. I’ve learned from experience that Heavenly Father always keeps His promises. I will do all I can to keep the promises I have made to Him.
The truthfulness of the Gospel is evident in the light that it produces. How grateful I am to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
Truth eternal, truth divine,
In thine ancient fulness shine!
From the millions of mankind!
Truth again restored to earth,
Opened with a prophet’s birth.
Priests of heaven’s royal line
Bear the keys of truth divine!
Truth shall triumph as the light
Chases far the misty night.
Endless ages own its sway,
Clad in everlasting day.
Conclusion
My testimony is simple, but it brings me great joy.
Where do you turn for truth and light, peace and joy?
“Nothing will bring us more comfort and joy in this life than having a strong testimony. We should make building and bearing our testimony a priority in our lives. ”
Russell M. Nelson
Testimony-Building Resources
Discipleship Class
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have the responsibility to keep our bodies and minds as healthy as possible. Why? So that we can have the strength and endurance needed to build the kingdom of God. This three-week course combines Bible verses and basic nutritional information to form a foundation of personal responsibility on which your learner can build for a lifetime.
Each week of this three-week course, we will create a mind map using words and/or pictures as we discuss the following topics:
✨WEEK ONE: The body is a temple; Fruits of the Spirit; fruits and vegetables; water; plate balance and portion size; goals
✨WEEK TWO: Physical and mental strength; grains and proteins; cooking methods; goals
✨WEEK THREE: Physical and emotional healing; sugar, salt, and oils; reading labels; goals; discipleship
Skills needed for this class include the willingness to make mind maps using words or pictures and a desire to participate in the weekly discussions.
✔︎ This is an action-oriented class in which learners will set goals to accomplish each week and then report back on the results.
One’s personal health begins with personal responsibility. This class can help your learner create healthy patterns of eating as they progress down the path of discipleship.
Classes available for ages 7-10 and 11-15.
