The Fire of Faith

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Impressions of General Conference (Part II)

Although all the talks were great today, what stood out the most to me was Jeffry R. Holland's powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. Elder Holland said that perhaps no other book in religious history has been examined and attacked, denied and deconstructed, targeted and torn apart as has the Book of Mormon. Yet it still stands "because there is no other answer than the one Joseph gave as its young learned translator." If the Book of Mormon wasn't true, why would Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum devote their lives and DIE for it? They were willing to die rather than deny the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Elder Holland testified that one cannot "come to full faith in this latter-day work — and thereby find the fullest measure of peace and comfort in these our times — until he or she embraces the divinity of the Book of Mormon and the Lord Jesus Christ of whom it testifies."

I can't wait for the November Ensign to come out so that I can read and study this talk along with all the others of this Conference when they are published. Oh how I enjoy this spiritual uplifting through hearing the words of the living apostles and prophets!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Impressions of General Conference (Part I)

I'm loving Conference thus far although I wasn't able to hear all of the day's talks. Of what I did hear, this is what I felt stood out the most. I loved President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk about LOVE. After all, "Love is the first and greatest commandment. It should be at the center of all we do." I am so far from perfect and especially having a "perfect" love as is God's love for all human-kind. He knows everyone and (still) loves us more infinitely that we can fathom. He's there. He hears us and He will answer us. "Listen for his voice as you pray... Listen for His voice as you read scriptures... Listen for His voice in nature... in hymns... in the laugh of a child." It means so much to me to have a loving Heavenly Father who is ALWAYS there for me if I will just turn to Him.

When All Is Said And Done By Katherine Nelson

when all is said and done
as the season slips away
when i've taken steps beyond my sight
will i find my strength in greater light
will my courage grow with every passing day
and will my faith be constant as the setting sun
when all is said and done

when all is said and done
and the years have turned to gold
will my life become a legacy
of the things that matter most to me
will the fire of faith burn bright as i grow old
and will i want to be the person i've become
when all is said and done

when all is said and done
when my eyes can finally see
will i glory in the sweet release
and will mercy fill my soul with peace
will i kneel and wonder at the Savior's feet
will i hear Him say, "well done"
when he sees who i've become
will i live with him
when all is said and done

Thursday, October 1, 2009

My Testimony

I grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was baptized when I was 8 years old. However, it wasn't until I was a young pre-teen that I began to develop my own testimony which I have been building upon ever since.

I read the testimony of Joseph Smith (see: The Restoration of the Gospel) and the thought came to me that if a 14 year old boy could receive a clear, direct answer to his prayers then so could I. I didn't expect to have a vision but I knew that the Lord would answer me as I knelt down to pray about the truthfulness of this gospel.

It was a bitter-cold, windy day. Our home was miles away from any neighbors and near a small trickling river hidden by trees and brush. I rarely ever wore shoes as a child and, as normal, left them off as I took the walk to the river to pray. I knew it would be much quieter and peaceful there since my home was small and crowded. On the way there, the cold gravel-ground began piercing my feet. There, I knelt down in humble, yet simple, prayer. Immediately, I felt a warm blanket cover my body. I no longer recognized the cold pain in my feet. I walked home knowing, without a doubt that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true church on the face of the earth. There was not a voice or vision, only a strong feeling of sure confirmation.

I have had many experiences since then too precious and sacred to me to share openly. I don't claim to be a scriptorian- I'm not even a public speaker. My faith is based on my personal experiences which no one can dispute. I know that if you read the Book of Mormon, study the teachings of the gospel, and pray with faith about it that you will receive your personal and precious answer as well. Try it.