My Simple Testimony

I realized I hadn't done this yet and thought I should. I'm going to be brief and simple, as a testimony should be. I just want to tell you what I know to be true from the bottom of my heart and with everything I am. Webster defines testimony as "proof or evidence that something exists or is true." Here is my evidence. My testimony.

I testify that God lives and Jesus is the Christ, our loving messiah. He was born of a humble birth in Bethlehem and lead the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father. I know the atonement is real. I've felt it's power and strength in my life and shall continue for the rest of my existence, both in this life and the next. I know, with a calming and beautiful peacefulness in my heart, that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ that lovely morning in the Sacred Grove. I've been there, and the spirit is so strong and beautiful. But it doesn't take being there to know that, as I realized throughout my life. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord. I know it. And he translated the sacred record that would become the Book of Mormon, the keystone of our religions, and of my life. It would be impossible for me to deny that I have felt the promise made in the Book of Mormon in Moroni 10:4. I know this book is true. The gospel of Jesus Christ is real and true. I know Heavenly Father loves us and guides us because He wants us to come back to Him. And yes, I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. The leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are inspired men who strive to serve the Lord and lead us back to Him. And I know, with all my heart, that I will see them again. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior so much, and I want to live every day of my life worthy of their love as well.

This is my testimony. It's not going to make me a million dollars. It's not going to protect me from criticism and trials, but it will be my rock and my foundation for the rest of my life. I know these things are true. I bare witness of them in the name of Jesus Christ, our beloved Savior. Amen.

The Spirit of Gratitude

 D&C 78: 19 And he who receiveth all things with ^athankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an ^bhundred fold, yea, more.

I have a confession to make.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

No really, it's my hands down favorite time of year. Is it the turkey? Tasty but no. The football? Nope. Pumpkin pie? I do love my pumpkin pie, but no. So what is it then? Why is Thanksgiving, a rather mediocre holiday, my favorite?

Every year on Thanksgiving I sit down in my room and pull out my journal. There I write my testimony of gratitude and share what I'm thankful for. And FYI, I've never finished writing all I'm thankful for. But that's it. It's that spirit of gratitude.

Now yes, we should have that every day of our lives, and I try to do that, but I like taking a day and not asking for a single thing. I don't like to pray and ask for anything on Thanksgiving. Nope. I just say thank you. That's it. And I love every minute of it. That tender feeling of the spirit is one I wish I could have every day. And I try to, but it's nothing compared to taking a whole day to have gratitude.

So I suppose it's not a surprise I'm very against anything Christmas related before Thanksgiving. I hate Christmas music before Black Friday (also I hate Black Friday. It's my least favorite day of the year.). We always pass by this holiday and treat it like a day to eat a ton of food and watch football, but it always meant so much more to me. It was always a holiday I held close to my heart.

I know it's easy to forget Thanksgiving because of the excitement of Christmas, and that's a wonderful holiday too. Remembering the humble birth of our Savior is not mediocre (though it's turned into a holiday about presents more than Christ), but neither is giving a sincere prayer of thanks to our Heavenly Father. I'd challenge everyone to try to write down your testimonies of gratitude and to really take the day to share with your Heavenly Father how much you appreciate everything He does for you.

I'll probably write mine and post it on here, but you don't have to share what you write. There's great power in keeping a personal journal to yourself. Just remember what this holiday is about. It's not about the turkey or the stuffing (though they are delicious so by all means enjoy them). It's about being thankful for all the blessings in your life. And my aren't we blessed.

I know the promise made in the scripture above and the words of the prophets and apostles on gratitude are all true. Gratitude is a powerful tool against Satan. And it leads us on the path to joy. Take the time to immerse yourself in the spirit of gratitude. It's a beautiful and wonderful day to celebrate. Remember to be thankful.