Monday, May 23, 2011

The peace that God can give us!

I just wanted to share my testimony about my experiences this week.  On May 14 and 15 there was an incredible stake conference where our local leaders truly shared inspirational messages. The first meeting was with leadership that I was fortunate to attend and we discussed President Dieter Uchtdorf's talk from the last General Conference.  It was about living below your privileges as priesthood holders.  It was an amazing talk but we had even more amazing instruction.  During that session I felt inspired to call two members in our ward (congregation) both of which were in need of contact, and I know that God truly works miracles through us.

Then that evening was the adult session of the conference where, even though I learned very little from the actual talks, the spirit was so strong and both Mari and I felt a great peace after the session.  Then Sunday morning was the general session of the conference where we heard from church leaders, and especially Elder Eyring spoke on being wisely optimistic.

Now a little background:  I have been looking for a new job since mid January.  My job at FranklinCovey was not working out and not paying nearly enough to support our family. So we had been praying and fasting about a new job.

Now back to our story: That Sunday evening we were both talking about the incredible peace we felt that things would work out soon.  I would find a new job and God was in control and not to worry.  This feeling of peace was incredible for both of us.  We also decided to have family scripture reading and prayer in the morning with Isabelle every day rather than at night with just the two of us, and we have given up a couple media choices that distracted from the spirit in our home.

Monday morning we had family scripture study and it was a really great morning.  Then as I walked into work my boss was there with a security guard and she asked for my key and told me that it was no longer working for me to be working there because I caused contention on the team, which anyone who knows me and even the other employees would agree I am one of the least contentious people they know.  It really came down to the fact that it was time for me to move on from that position.

As I walked out of the mall to my car and called Mari I felt that same peace we had felt the entire weekend and we both knew this was right.  This week has been incredible. We have spent time as family, we have been consistent with our scripture study; we have just felt wonderful all week.

I want to testify that God truly does love His children and when we put Him first and turn over our problems to him He will carry us through these times of trouble.      

Sunday, May 1, 2011

My Savior and Redeemer

I know that my Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ lived on the earth and the atonement was the pinnacle of his life and human history.  Through his atonement I can be cleansed because Christ suffered all the demands of justice, for my sins which bring me further from God my Father. I know Jesus Christ truly lived and is the only begotten of the Father.  As his atonement was the pinnacle the resurrection was its apex.  Christ came forth to do the will of the Father.  He would come down in the humblest of circumstances.  He would be raised in a loving home learning as all children but as he learned he never disobeyed the laws of God. He then stepped forward at the age of 30 to teach and lead his people.  In 3 years he established his church, showed mercy and compassion as well as incredible power.  He taught his higher law and did this by word and action.  This is why he is known as the Prince of Peace, The Light of the World, The Word, The Lamb.  He is the great I AM, Jehovah.  He was perfect in his obedience and example.  All of this culminated in the 3 most important days in history where he took on our sins was crucified and than raised himself from the dead brining the gifts of overcoming physical and spiritual death to all people.

I love my Lord and have shared a couple of other testimonies on this page for your enjoyment.