Pure Testimony

In church today, my Bishop gave a challenge to spend time pondering what my testimony is, and how I am developing and growing that testimony.  I read Elder Ballard's talk "Pure Testimony" from October 2004 General Conference.  I have chosen to share my simple testimony of what I know about a few basic doctrines of the gospel.

Elder Ballard said, "Simply stated, testimony--real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost - changes lives.  It changes how you think and what you do.  It changes what you say.  It affects every priority you set and every choice you make."

My Testimony -

I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who has a marvelous plan for me.  I know that he hears and answers my prayers.  I know that He loved me enough to send His Only Begotten Son to atone for my sins, so I can someday return to His presence.  I know I am a Daughter of God, and He loves me unconditionally.

I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ is real.  I know that He lives.  I know that He atoned for my sins.  He is my Redeemer, Advocate, Brother, and Friend.  I have felt Him near to me, and I know He has felt everything I have felt.  He lived a perfect life.  The atonement is real. Because of the atonement, I can repent and be made clean.  I know that as I partake of the sacrament each week, I am made clean as I renew sacred covenants.

I know that Joseph Smith restored the gospel to this earth in these latter days.  I know that he translated the Book of Mormon and restored the priesthood.  I know that he was visited by Heavenly messengers, and that he is a prophet of God.

The Book of Mormon is true.  It testifies of Christ.  It teaches basic doctrines of the gospel.  I know that as I read and ponder on the words found therein, I can receive personal revelation and inspiration for my own life.  I know that as I have developed habits to study the Book of Mormon, I have been blessed.


"Doubt and fear are tools of Satan.  The time has come for all of us to overcome any fear and boldly take every opportunity to share our testimonies of the gospel." (Elder Ballard)

Examples

I have been pondering the last few days about the wonderful examples who have been placed in my life.  I often catch myself watching others and how they act and react - I feel like the many people who have been placed in my life at this time have so much to teach me through their examples.  I have learned by watching, listening, and receiving many of these gracious acts of kindness.

Examples at Home
I have been blessed with one amazing family!  I feel like I can look to any of my siblings or parents and learn from their examples.  I have watched them give selfless service when there was not much time.  I have watched them spend hours working on a project that would make someone else feel joy and happiness.  I have watched them play and laugh.  I have watched them sit and give advice and show forth an outpouring of love.  I have watched them make sacrifices to be with family and enjoy precious time together.  I learn every, single day from my family how to be a better person.

Examples at Work
I am blessed with wonderful coworkers.  There are several teachers who I work with who I will be forever grateful for.  I have watched them give of their time to help others.  I have watched them stop what they were doing to visit and help a friend.  I have watched them listen to promptings and give advice.  I have watched them love unconditionally.

Examples through Friends
I have been blessed to make and keep many great friends over the years.  They are examples to me in many different ways.  I have watched them drop what they were doing to visit or chat with a friend.  I have watched them take time off work to help a friend or family member.  I have watched them put the gospel first in their decisions.  I have watched them love and serve when it seemed most inconvenient.  I have watched them lift and encourage those in need.

Miss Chelsea

These last few weeks have been filled with fun activities, family "chats", and lots of laughter. It has been such a joy to watch as Chelsea prepared to serve the Lord.  We had lots of family here and enjoyed spending time together.  She is one amazing girl!  I have been amazed by her ability to step forward with courage and do what she felt so prompted to do.  As I listened to her share her testimony, fears, and excitement in the weeks and days before she left, I felt like the younger sister being taught and uplifted in the gospel.  She is going to be an amazing missionary!

Bringing in 2014

The future is great!  It is fun to start a new year - to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.  As I look back on 2013, I am grateful for all that I was blessed to experience.  I am grateful to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who know who I am and have a great plan for me.  I am grateful for many experiences that stretched me to my limit - they allowed me to grow and develop in a way that I never expected. I am so grateful for wonderful experiences with my family.  They are truly amazing!

I look forward to a future filled with much more happiness!  I look forward to making memories with those who I love and hold dear.  I look forward to learning and developing in all areas of my life.  I look forward to building a deeper testimony of this wonderful gospel.  I know the future is bright, and I look forward with great anticipation!

December 2013

December is always a wonderful month in our family filled with birthdays and holidays.  We started out with birthdays - which are always fun and exciting!  My students realized it was my birthday about 20 minutes before the end of the school day, but they were sweet in wishing me a fun and happy weekend.

We spent Chelsea's birthday celebrating Cody's decision to be baptized.  We all traveled to Star Valley for Cody's special day.  Every one of Cody's family was there - all aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents were there to support him. He is an amazing little example of courageously sharing the gospel. I am so impressed by his ability as an 8 year old to share the gospel with his little friends at school.

For Grandma Kunz's birthday, we had a fun family breakfast at our house.  I am so blessed to have the family I do. I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities to develop relationships with my siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that I feel are unique and very special.  I feel like I have my own little force of love and support that will be ready and available wherever I turn!  For Grandpa Dexter's birthday, Dad and I went to the Homestead to visit.  Aunt Kathy was there when we got there, so we enjoyed a nice visit.  I am very grateful for the wonderful example's of my grandparents.  I think of them daily, and I am truly grateful for them.

Christmas was a great time to be together with family and enjoy each other's company.  We had Christmas at our house with Jake, Chelsea, and I.  A little later Kyle and Deidre and their family came and shared the day with us.  We went to the movie Frozen on Christmas afternoon, and just enjoyed being together.  On Friday, we all headed to the Nelson's cabin in Island Park.  We spent Friday and Saturday playing in the snow, eating, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company.