What Of My Testimony?

While studying the scriptures the other morning and Elder Bohnet and I began a discussion on the topic of  faith and our testimonies.  We read the account of Joseph Smith after he had seen a vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  He was persecuted for what he saw, and many people attempted to make him deny this heavenly witness.  But, Joseph Smith recorded, "I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true...I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, (Joseph Smith - History 1:25). "

I quote an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "That was Joseph Smith’s testimony. What about ours? How can we come to know and testify that what he said was true? How does one gain what we call a testimony?"  I promise as you read this talk "Testimony" and ponder its meaning, you can come to know that what was spoken is true, and come to know, as I do, that Joseph Smith did see what he said he saw.  I promise if you do this, our Father in Heaven will answer you.

"Come What May and Love It"

This month has been a month of trial, for me, for friends, and for those that are close to me.  I have found the words of an Apostle of the Lord, Joseph B. Wirthlin, bringing my soul comfort and peace. "Come What May, and Love It", was a beautiful talk given just a few years ago, and it brought my family through a difficult time.  I often return to this talk as a reminder that even though we may go through trials and struggles, we have a choice of how we react. 

Life will be what it is regardless of what we know or what we believe.  But I have found that the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me hope and helped me persevere through these hard times.  The gospel is here to help us have that vision, not to take away our struggles.  I am so grateful for the hope and peace that the Savior's sacrifice and the gospel's perspective has given my life.  May we all remember that in times of struggle that we have a responsibility to act, and not to merely be acted upon (2 Nephi 2:14).
Watch his video at: Mormon Message: Come What May, and Love It