My Testimony

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true. I don’t remember when this because a knowledge for me – it just always has been. During times of my life I have been less than active in doing the things I should (scripture reading, daily prayers) and each time I have felt such a sense of loss and confusion that I know the doctrines are true. 

I know that the power of the atonement is real. I know it can erase our sins and help us be clean again. In the last few years, I have also realized it is not just for sins, but for hurts, disappointments, fears and challenges. It has the power to take away pain and heal our hearts. We have to take the steps and turn our burdens over to the Lord, but when we do, through his atonement, he will take care of them and of us. 

I know the power of prayer. It can bring peace into a dark room, soothe a child’s cries and unite a family. Because of this power, we can communicate with our Father anytime we want. We can tell him our hurts and fears and our successes and joys. He is always there and he will always listen and answer. 

I know that families can be eternal and that the temple is the only place we can start on this path. If we teach our children correct principles and do the things we have been commanded to do, we will live with them and with God again. It is vital that we do everything we can to unite families, through the temple and through genealogy, because each member of our families is needed. The temple holds more peace than anywhere I have ever been. I have walked into the temple angry and I have walked in sad, but I have never come out feeling anything less than peace and love. 

Lastly, I know that we are all children of God. He loves each one of us so much and wants all of us to return to him. We are his sons and daughters and the worth of each soul is so great. I have felt his love for me at times so strongly that I cannot comprehend it. My knowledge of his love for me has also been strengthened as I have had children – when I look at them sleeping in their beds or see them laughing or watch them marvel at the falling snow, I feel his love for them and for me. I know he loves me.