Testimony Tuesday

Sometimes I don't get it.  I look around at everything.  Every.  Single.  Thing.  And I don't understand how a person can take in the beauty of life around them without believing there is something else there and something greater than us.  Like holding a sleeping baby that nuzzles into the warm skin of your arms, or soaking in the sound of the wind slipping through the trees, or becoming lost in the glorious stars that umbrella the night sky.

My spirit gets frustrated.  And it wishes it had a giant spiritual frying pan it could whack other spirits on the head with.  Not literal here, people.  Spiritual.  I hope I don't sound like a violent person that wants to cause anyone physical pain.  I just want them to experience some major spiritual awareness.  Like, BAM!  Did you feel that one?!?  And then get a big, purple spiritual "goose egg" bulging out of their testimonies.

On Sunday we talked about dressing yourself in the spiritual armor of God: Having your loins girt about with truth, having the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, taking the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, and the helmet of salvation.  Notice how this is all armor of protection to defend your spirit?  Then it mentions one more thing... The sword of the Lord's spirit which will pour out upon you and His word.  This is our only weapon of offense.  It is what we are given to strike with.  It's more than just keeping yourself safe, it's about affecting those around you.  I feel like when we bear our testimonies and share with others the truth, it is our way of wearing the whole armor of God.  If there was anything I could say to help pierce the testimonies of those who dwindle in unbelief, I hope I am able to share something that could help them in even the tiniest way to consider believing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So here it is, my sword (or frying pan):

I know God lives.  I can feel the presence of the Holy Ghost in everything sacred that surrounds me.  And I can feel Heavenly Father's love for me when I glance at my mirror's reflection and see a child of God.  I know Jesus Christ once walked this earth, that he suffered for my sins and died for me that I might live again.  He made the most selfless sacrifice so each one of us can return to our Heavenly Father.  I know this!  All of it!  Its truth soaks into my heart like syrup into a hot waffle.

No article on the internet or disproving science theory can shake this testimony cemented inside of my soul.  I have witnessed TOO MANY miracles and acts of God's love in my life to ever deny this.

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and through the power of God he was able to restore the gospel and organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  When I read the Book of Mormon I can feel its truth testifying to me the words of Christ and that He lives.  I know we have a real, living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson.  I love him so much!  I can't wait for general conference next month when I can listen to him speak to his saints as a mouthpiece of the Lord.

I am so terribly flawed and constantly falling, but I feel so blessed knowing we have a Father in Heaven who loves us enough to clear a pathway where we can return to His presence.  I am so excited for the day when I can see Him again and fall into his loving arms.  I just want to be with Him!  I know He and my Heavenly Mother are watching over me here on earth.  When I think of the love I feel towards my family I catch a glimpse of what it must be like to feel their heavenly love for each one of us.

Please know that I know.  I wanted to be bold and straight with my testimony this week and slice through like the blade of a sword.  

The gospel is so real and so beautiful and has changed my life.  Anyone interested in learning more or exploring the gospel can search here at mormon.org.