Testimony Tuesday

I love my alliterations... can't you tell? :)
Anyways, I don't plan on doing this every Tuesday, but I felt like I wanted to share some spiritual things.

Gilbert, AZ Temple (Taken by Jennie Byers)

First of all, in case whoever is reading this doesn't know, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Please feel free to go to mormon.org for more details.), and I love it! I have had (and still sometimes have) my fair share of trials, and I don't know where I'd be without this gospel. The doctrines that are taught regarding the Savior's Atonement, and of God's love, have saved me so many times.

So the question one might ask from this would be, "Can't you learn that from anywhere? What's so great about this church?" My response: I don't know! I mean, I do, but I don't. I know that this is the Lord's true church. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet called of God, and that he restored this church with guidance from the Lord. How do I know? I just do! Through personal interactions and experiences with no one but myself and Heavenly Father, I have built a testimony of these things being true. I also know that He loves me, and that He does answer my prayers, which means that He's there! He exists! He lives! And while I am grateful for the blessing of knowing these things, I also have a testimony that anyone and everyone can be blessed with this knowledge.

No, I'm not trying to convince you to join the church (although it'd be pretty cool if you do), I am just expressing my feelings. I want all to know that they can pray. It doesn't really matter how you pray, as long as you "come unto [Him] with a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Nephi 12:19 in the Book of Mormon). I've prayed the "Mormon-traditional" way of kneeling, folding my arms, and bowing my head, but I've also prayed in my car (parked), looking up, with my hands in my lap... He answers, is present in both ways, and all ways. I have felt His presence as I prayed. "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart" (Doctrine and Covenants 8:2).

If you are confused or feel like you don't understand what I'm saying, or if you are a member and just feel like you haven't been feeling His presence lately, I highly encourage praying out loud. In my personal experience, that is when I have felt His spirit the most. It may feel stupid and awkward. You may feel like you're crazy. But after you're done praying out loud, just wait. Wait for Him to fill you with peace and comfort, before you go off saying, "I don't feel like anything's changed. Now I feel dumb. I'm never doing this again. etc." I promise, that He is with you; and He is waiting for you to come unto Him. I don't know if this is appropriate, but I leave these things on the internet for the world to see, in the name of my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen. :)


*NOTE: I do not speak for the whole church. These things are not endorsed by the church or by the general authority, but is definitely written through the Spirit. These are my own individual thoughts and feelings that may or may not apply to other people. etc. Also, this was not meant to offend anyone. Please excuse me if it does. If you have contradicting feelings either against the church, or against the things I have said, I ask that you share them with me in private, or elsewhere. I would rather not have contention caused by my post. Thanks!