Nov. 21, 2011

I have an abiding love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know the gospel changes lives.  I have seen its miraculous effect on so many.  I love the scriptures and I know that we can truly find the answers to life’s questions as well as guidance for trials we may be facing as we faithfully study them.  As a seminary teacher I have been amazed how little I understand about the gospel, but as I diligently study each day for my lessons I have found a powerful testimony behind each and every story from the scriptures, that Jesus Christ does live, He loves us and He has done everything possible to prepare and provide a way for our safe return to that home we all came from.  Just as God has provided a prophet throughout all dispensations of time, He has provided a living prophet for our time.  I testify that as we follow closely the direction we receive from our living prophet our lives will be blessed beyond measure. “…eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corin.2:9).  The Book of Mormon has been a constant guiding light for me throughout my life and I testify of its truthfulness.  I know that no man could have written this book of his own accord. The Book of Mormon was brought forth by the hand of God through the prophet Joseph Smith.  The truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth through Joseph Smith.  He was, and still is a true prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Christ.  I know that someday we will all stand before our Savior to account of our own lives.  It is my fervent prayer that there will be NO empty chairs in our family circle.  May we all live worthy of that great gift we were all given at baptism, the Holy Ghost, to guide and direct us throughout our lives. I testify that Christ lives.  He loves each of us and awaits our return.  I pray I may someday be worth of his loving words “well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matt. 25:23) God be with you till we meet again!