My Testimony.

Today was fast and testimony meeting at church. 

In every single BYU ward I've ever been in, there's always been a rush of students on fast sundays that run up to bear their testimony. This makes testimony meetings a great spiritual feast, but it also makes it hard for everyone who wants to to bear their testimony. Today, my ward's meeting ran over with testimonies, and I didn't get a chance to get up like I would have liked. So, I promised myself that I would write down my testimony today for myself, my Heavenly Father, and maybe for a few others who might come across this blog.

I believe in God. My entire life is based upon my belief in a God who knows, loves, cares for, and calls me his daughter. As I look back on my life, and I see his hand in every answered prayer, inspired decision, precious friendship, and opportunity I've ever had. Because of this, I have no doubt in my mind that he will guide my future as he has my past. I know that just twenty short years ago, I was with him waiting to come to this earthly experience, and I look forward to seeing him again someday.

I believe in a restored gospel. Logically speaking, it seems ridiculous that a 14-year-old farm boy is responsible for restoring the Lord's gospel again upon the earth. But it did happen. And it is true. I believe in Joseph Smith and in the gospel he restored with all of my heart. I am thankful to be born into a family that believed in and taught me principles of the gospel, such as faith, repentance, baptism, and other eternal truths that have created a framework for my life.

I believe in family. I am a lucky girl to have such an amazing family. I love both of my parents, my four siblings, their spouses, and each of my 10 nieces and nephews with all my heart. I am so glad that I came at the tail end of our family so that I could watch to each of my sibling's amazing examples and that I could grow close with their children. They make me excited and eager to one day have a family of my own.

I believe in tithing. This semester, I've been working two jobs, I've applied for every scholarship possible, and I've done my best to pay my own way through school and for my study abroad. I'm constantly stressed about money, but I know that as I pay an honest tithing and fast offering, the Lord with recognize my efforts and bless me with success and financial stability. I haven't received much yet, but I know that the Lord is aware of my sacrifices and he will make things work for my future.

I believe in the future. I don't know what my future holds. I don't know what job I'll have, who I'm going to marry, or what things will be like 10 years from now. I do know that as I keep my feet planted in the gospel, that things will always come together and will work out. I trust my Heavenly Father with all my heart, and I know that he knows what's ahead.

There's so many more things I could write about, but I'll save them for another Sunday. For now, just know this girl is overflowing with happiness, gratitude, faith, and excitement for the future.