My Faith

As I changed the look of my blog today, and posted about my pregnancy, I came to the realization that today is September 2nd.  I have been out of town with family and hadn't realized the exact date until I saw it in print.  Each year as this day comes and goes, I am reminded of a beautiful day in 1995, when I chose to be baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  I realized that I never really post my testimony on here, but as I look back at this picture, I can say with 100% surety that it has grown so much from the little seed that was planted so long ago.

Me and my papa, 18 years ago today... That makes me feel kinda old, haha.

I know that Christ lives.  I know that he loves me, he died for me, and that he wants nothing more than for me to return to live with him and my Heavenly Father again.  I know that families can be together forever, and I am so grateful for that knowledge.  I know that we are given trials to strengthen our faith.  In my life, there have been many ups and downs; many mistakes made, many regrets, but that in the end are all things that have helped me learn and grow into the person that I am today.  Through these trials I have come to have a strong testimony of the Atonement.  I know that it is real, and that is here for each one of us.  I am grateful for the hope that this gospel brings.  There is a quote by Elder Holland that I absolutely love.  It has seen me through many days, both good and bad.  It brings such joy to my heart each time I read it.  It says... 

“To any who may be struggling to find that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on.  Keep trying.  God loves you... Cling to your faith.  Hold on to your hope... Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek.  He does love you, and He knows your fears.  He hears your prayers.  He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed.” 

I believe this to be true with all of my heart.  

As I look at this picture, I am so very grateful for the chance that I have to take the sacrament each week to renew the covenants that I made on that day.  I know that the Plan of Salvation is sound;  That it was created for us to be able to experience so many wonderful things.  I am so thankful for the chance that I have to be a part of it, both in coming into this world, and in bringing this sweet baby that I have been given to this world also.  I don't know of a more beautiful blessing than that.  I know that as we keep God's commandments, that we draw closer to him.  I know that he will never leave us, and that I can always have His spirit with me to guide and protect.  I am so grateful to know these things.  While this testimony may not seem very profound, I am so grateful for it, and for the way I have seen it grow throughout my life.  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  And while I can't say that this has always been the case, with all my heart I say now:  I know it.  I live it.  I love it.