Choose Faith!

What is faith?

Why does it even matter? Why is it SO important that it is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

In the Book of Mormon, in Alma 32:21, it says,
"And now as I said concerning faith- faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

How can we have faith in things that we can't see, and yet know that they are true?

I don't know a lot of things, but I know the important things. For example, I can't see God, I never have, but I know He is there. I know He answers my prayers. I never met Joseph Smith, but I know he was a prophet. I didn't live during the time of Jesus Christ. I didn't get to touch the prints of the nails in His hands and in His feet. I didn't see Him suffer in the Garden of Gethsemene, but I KNOW that He died for me! I KNOW that He lives! I didn't hear Alma the Younger's conversion story or hear Samuel the Lamanite prophecy of Christ's coming, but I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that it is a book written by God's prophets, and not just a good story. It is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Is that faith? Absolutely!

Did I always know these things? No way!

The prophet Alma compared the word of God to a seed that must be nurtured by faith:

"27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith?" 

Faith is a choice. Faith is action. Just like Alma said, we need to awake, arouse, experiment, exercise, desire, work, and plant- all of which are action words!

"Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours. So I say, choose faith! Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and unseen, and choose faith over pessimism. (Faith-The Choice is Yours, Bishop Richard C. Edgely, November 2010)"

Please watch this video about Jesus Christ! 

Book of Mormon Testimonies.

If you haven't read the Book of Mormon, read it! I know that it is true with all of my heart. I love this book.

Jason's Testimony.

I wanted to keep my testimony honest, truthful and detailed. I was raised in the Church by my mom and grandmother. We were always off and on Mormons. We would go for stretches and then stop. My father didn't join til I was 14, so it made it harder for my mom. I wasn't raised with the overwhelming sense that I must and should serve a mission. I met a friend in high school .... OK a girl, and she really got me very active in the Church my junior year in High school. I decided on my own to serve a mission. It wasn't an easy decision but yet my heart was always at ease and comforted in what I decided. My mission defines who I am today in so many ways. I gained the first part of my testimony of the Church on my mission. Kneeling down in someones home the first time you meet them to pray and ask if Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is powerful. One time without my companion knowing I actually was doing the prayer for myself too, with the investigator. Wow!! The spirit was amazing, I knew then my answer.

The mission was great and I gained a foundation of a testimony through it. I came home and married a nonmember and shocked a lot of people. I made some choices after that led me to feel guilty and ashamed, so I allowed myself to fall away from the church. After my kids were born and at an age where they could pray with me, we started nightly prayers together. I was away from the Church for over 12 years.

The second part of my Testimony came after I went back to Church in Southern California. I made a lot of stupid choices in those 12 years. Its funny because the first 21 years of my life I was squeaky clean and innocent, then after the mission....even having a testimony like I did, I mess up. Anyways, I got really sick about 6 months after going back to Church. The kind of sick where you wonder if you will live another day.

One Sunday I was so ill I couldn't attend Church with the kids, so my wife decided to take them. I was blown away but couldn't comprehend the magnitude of her willingness to go. Amanda came home that day and told me the Bishop talked about the importance of reading The Book of Mormon. I was like wow, she went to Church without me and she paid attention...I better open my book of Mormon.

I started reading in the most dark hours of my life, where I was so sick with anxiety, and the medications I was on didn't help either. The Book of Mormon got me through some very tough nights. My testimony grew of the absolute power that resides in the Book of Mormon. I also gained a bigger testimony that I wasn't alone and I had a friend in Christ who was there with me the whole way. I wouldn't have made it out of those times without Him.

In this season when we celebrate His birth, my heart is filled with gratitude towards Him. I would feel like Mr. Kruger in his presence where I just continue to thank him over and over for what He has done for me and my family.

I know this Church is the only true church by which men can truly come to know their Savior and Redeemer. I am truly blessed with that great honor of knowing.

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet, and brought forth The Book of Mormon in our day to be a beacon in dark times.

I know the Atonement is real and have a strong testimony and understanding of it.

I share these things and my Testimony in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

 

Chase's Testimony.

This is the testimony of my best friend Chase and how he came to know the Book of Mormon was true.

"I was in my senior year in high school and I had never read the Book of Mormon. It never even occurred to me before that I didn't have my own personal testimony about the church and the scriptures. That year in seminary I had a great seminary teacher, Brother Montoya, in all honesty he is the only seminary teacher I truly connected with. One day he gave this lesson that hit me on such an emotional and spiritual level. It was one of those moments that you get chills because the spirit is so strong. In his lesson he talked about how President Hinckley was urging everyone to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and how you yourself could obtain your own personal testimony of its truths and teachings. During this lesson it came to me that I had passed up so many opportunities to read the Book of Mormon, and I made a promise to myself that I was going to read it.

So my journey began, and I started reading the Book of Mormon. I kept thinking to myself that I just didn't feel that I was getting the full meaning and power behind what I was reading. But then I knew what I was missing- prayer!  I prayed asking to feel that what I was reading was true and that the spirit would help me understand everything. When I did that a whole new view and understanding was opened to me, and it was amazing. Up to that point in my life, I had never felt the spirit hit me that strongly. As I read I learned so much and I knew, thanks to my Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, that what I was reading was true.

Chase and I!

It took my about a year to finish it my first time because I really wanted to take my time, and make sure I wasn't missing anything. But still to this day, and for the rest of my life, I know that I can turn to the scriptures for answers to any questions I may have. It never ceases to amaze me that I could have a question or be struggling with something, and that day I could open my scriptures and find the answer I was looking for. The Book of Mormon is a true testament of Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful that I have this book of answers and knowledge and teachings in my life. The Book of Mormon has helped my testimony grow so much and I know this book is true. I don't know what I would do without it in my life, but I never have to. The Book of Mormon will always have such a strong presence in my life. I love this book. I suggest to anyone who hasn't read it- Do! You do not know what you're missing. The Book of Mormon is here for us- for our benefit and it will and can help you the way it has helped me."

If you would like to request of free copy of the Book of Mormon to read it for yourself, click here! http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

Al Fox.

I just wanted to share with you all an awesome blog I found. http://www.alfoxshead.blogspot.com/  Al Fox is AWESOME! Her testimony shines!! THIS is the reason I am doing what I am doing, because I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives! It changed hers.  It changed mine. Watch her videos, share them with your friends! Check out her most recent video that she made about her conversion story.

2 Things I know!

Wow, its been a while since I have blogged. Sorry! I've been thinking a ton about what I could post next, and as I thought about the things I experience everyday, the people I meet everyday and their personal challenges and struggles, and things going on back at home- 2 reoccurring thoughts kept coming back to my head. One was that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us. Second, the gospel of Jesus Christ can help us in any situation we may find ourselves in.


1. We have a Father in Heaven who loves us.

Have you ever really thought about that? Do you realize that YOU are one of His children? Do you realize that YOU matter SO much to Him? I do. If there is anything I have learned in life it is that I am a daughter of God and He loves me. You can know that too. All you have to do is ask your Heavenly Father in prayer.

President Uchtdorf is an expert on this subject. He said,

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount-that is the measure of God's love for you.

God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.

He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our resume but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked (The Love of God, October 2009)."

President Uchtdorf says in another talk,

"No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.

Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name. (Forget Me Not, November 2011)."

Remember "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God (D&C 18:10)."

2. The gospel of Jesus Christ can help us in any situation we may find ourselves in.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a strength and support for me in my life-through the good and the bad. It is the reason I am who I am today and why I am where I am today. It makes me happy!

Here are some more wise words from our modern-day prophets and apostles.

President Uchtdorf said, "The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel- a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."

He also said, "Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life's situations may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges."

President Packer said it very simply, "The gospel of Jesus Christ is the formula for success."

President Uchtdorf closes his talk by saying, "The restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord (The Way of the Disciple, May 2009)."

I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know it has the power to help us overcome any trial or challenge if we apply the principles of the gospel in our lives and in our hearts. If you have strayed from the gospel, there is a way back. Jesus Christ himself said,

"Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?"

Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me (3 Nephi 9:13-14)."

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the invitation is still the same- come unto Him and let Him heal you, embrace His gospel, and come to know and feel for yourself the divine love that Heavenly Father has for you.

Until We Meet Again...Part 2.

All of us experience the death of a loved one at one point or another in our lives, but the miracle of the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is that we know that death is not the end! There is more after this life! That is the great news of the Gospel! Families can be together forever!! I have asked 2 of my very best friends to share their testimonies and experiences of how the gospel of Jesus Christ helped them through losing a loved one.

Christa said,

"My brother, Blake, passed away when I was 15 years old. He was 2 years older than me, and we were very close. Not only was it hard for him to be gone, it was especially difficult because he chose to leave me. Blake took his own life due to depression and addictions. It was all too much to bare. I thought I had a strong testimony before he died, but I did not rely on it when I needed it the most. I struggled for about a year with his sudden death-- I stopped going to church, and my choices were not up to my standards as a member of the church. I was suffering from situational depression, and life seemed hopeless. I had found myself with tunnel vision- and the end was not very bright. After finding myself as lost as I could possibly be, I got down on my knees and poured out my whole soul. I finally knew what the scriptures meant to give the Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Never before have I felt so broken. The Holy Ghost truly did his role as a comforter that night. I never felt more peace in my life. After that, it wasn't automatically a happy, and perfect situation. I still had a lot of sincere praying to do, and repenting for going astray. It also takes a lot of time to heal. But through it all, from that time forth, I completely let the Savior carry me through. It isn't until we fully give ourselves to the Lord, that he can heal us. It is a difficult thing admitting that you cannot do it alone- that you don't have the strength to do it alone. But it is once you humble yourself, that the Savior can lift you up. It's a long process, but it is a beautiful gift of the atonement. Jesus Christ suffered not just for our sins, but for any pains, afflictions, and sicknesses. I am so grateful for our Savior. He has done more for me than I could ever repay Him for. I still miss my brother, but the pain, sadness, and heartache have completely left, and I have found true happiness again through our Savior's help and love. And I know that my brother can finally receive the help that he needs as well. I am so grateful for the gospel, and the blessings we receive from following the commandments and keeping our covenants. I am so grateful that my parents were sealed in the temple so that we can all be together again if we do our part. I'm just overly grateful for the perfection of the gospel, and that there is always hope. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Blake (Christa's brother)

Stephanie said,

"Losing my mom is by far the hardest, most trying experience I have had in my life. She passed away 3 1/2 years ago from melanoma skin cancer. At the time, I felt like my world was ending and I would never be happy again. My mom was truly a best friend to me and someone who I relied on and looked up to very much. To lose her when I was only 17 seemed incredibly unfair and I couldn't imagine how I would live the many years of life I had ahead of me without her. I have been raised in the Gospel all my life and had excellent examples and teachings from my parents. About 2 years prior to this trial in my life is when I really gained my own testimony. Through lots of scripture study and personal prayer I came to know undoubtedly that I had a Father in Heaven and I was His daughter. I knew with a surety that the Gospel was true and was filled to capacity with the Spirit and joy of my testimony. I was incredibly happy and optimistic about life and wanted to share the wonderful knowledge I had gained with the whole world! I strongly believe that if I had not had this experience and gained my own testimony at this point in my life, I would have given up hope and ended up in a much different place than I am now upon losing my mom. Her battle with cancer was very brief - less than 6 months from her diagnosis to her death. However, those 6 months were the beginning of this long, enduring trial for me and I was truly tested during that time. Knowing my mom had terminal cancer with a poor prognosis filled my thoughts with fear, pain, and doubt. When faced with the serious possibility of losing a loved one, you suddenly look at life quite differently and the questions of "Who are we? Why are we here? And especially, Where are we going?" become more real than ever before. I had been taught the Plan of Salvation and answers to these questions since I was in Primary, but I was now contemplating it all much more and differently than ever before. And I found myself filled with doubt. Suddenly that strong, burning testimony I had gained 2 years before was not so strong and sure. It seemed that Satan was well aware this was a moment of weakness and vulnerability for me, and jumped at the opportunity. I was bombarded with fear and questioning everything I had ever been taught. There was one night in particular that I was struggling with this as I was laying in bed. I felt completely hopeless and grieved with the thought of never seeing my sweet mom again. I was wondering how I used to be so sure and know without a doubt the truth of the Gospel, and I longed to have that faith again. I decided to pray. I prayed to my Heavenly Father and simply told Him, "I know I have a testimony. Please help me remember it." And immediately my prayer was answered! I was filled with the Spirit of my testimony and felt more hope and peace than I had in a long time. That was such a blessing for me then and I am very grateful for the power of prayer. The months following her death I was overcome with grief and pain, and frankly hurt too much to care about anything. I was still struggling with my faith and testimony and felt I was getting nothing from the Gospel. I didn't believe like I used to. But I knew I couldn't give up and even if I didn't feel any immediate benefits, I needed to keep "going through the motions" until I did. With time, things got better. It was a long, hard process but eventually I realized I needed to take action and actively build up my testimony again. I knew that turning to the Lord was the only way I could deal with my loss and handle all of my grief. I knew that feeling the joy and surety of the Gospel again would help me heal. I am grateful I was able to continue going to church, reading the scriptures, and praying even when I didn't know if I still believed, because eventually it paid off and I did reap the benefits of the Gospel. The Spirit came back into my life and on countless occasions I had little promptings and confirmations that what I was hearing was true. More than anything else, the Holy Ghost testified to me the reality of the Atonement. I prayed to know that it was real and received answers many times in many ways. I developed such a deep gratitude for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that makes it possible for me to see my mom again and have the chance to live with her forever. It brought more peace and hope into my life than I could have imagined. The grief has still not gone away, and I miss her all the time, but I have faith and know without a doubt that she lives on. I have felt her spirit and know that she is watching over me. I am so grateful I was able to strengthen my testimony again and receive a witness that the Plan of Salvation is real. The Gospel of Jesus Christ healed my hurting heart and brought happiness into my life again. Losing a loved one can be an extremely difficult thing, but the power of the Gospel does have the power to heal you. I testify of that. No matter how lost or hopeless you may feel, do not give up. Heavenly Father loves you and will answer your prayers."

Vickie (Stephanie's Mom)

Vickie (top), Stephanie (middle), Melanie (bottom)