Testimony

I wanted to share my testimony at church today but didn't.  As the meeting closed a member of the bishopbric said that if we didn't get the chance to speak that we should still bare our testimony to a friend.  I know I've got at least a few friends who read this so I'll say that writing it out here counts as sharing.

I've had so many opportunities to talk about the church with friends who aren't members but are interested or curious in my beliefs.  Sharing my testimony with friends helps me realize what I really do know and believe.

I have a testimony of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This is His only true church here on Earth today.   I can confidently say this because when I am living in accordance with what His prophets teach only within His church I am truly happy.  I see the members of His church following His commandments and they have a light about them and are happy.  Some other churches have true doctrine as well, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the complete fullness and truth.  One of the differences between this church and other branches of Christianity is the Book of Mormon.  I have read this book multiple times and know it to be true.  The teachings are the same as those of the Bible but were taking place in the Americas during the same time.  Another thing that sets The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apart from others is the temple.   I try to go to the temple as often as I can so that I can feel loved, at peace and with a clear conscious.  When I go to the temple I know that I am doing what Heavenly Father wants me to be doing.  He helps me realize which aspects of my life I need to sharpen.  I know the power of prayer is great.  I feel support and love from those around me when I know that I am in their prayers.  I have studied the Ensign Magazine and General Conference talks a lot lately with articles given by the leaders of the church.  The topic most on my mind right now is trials.  Everyone has trials.  With my own trials I usually do not know where they are coming from or why I have to endure them.

"Our Heavenly Father, who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike. . . . As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love." (Elder James B. Martino)

Christ's life wasn't always easy or according to plan and mine won't be either.  Because of the Atonement He understands everything that I feel though.  He knows pain, sadness, excitement and worry.  When I experience trials I am growing to be more like Christ.  Trials should teach me patience, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, love and any other attribute of Christ so that I can be like Him.  Trials are for our experience, and our experience on Earth is meant for us to become Christlike.  He is our example.