Testimony

I have to admit that lately I feel like I'm in a spiritual rut.  Let's just say that I could go a little further in my efforts even when it comes to prayer, scriptures and having a desire to even go to church.  I have been reading scriptures in the mornings, but not really studying.  Today as I sent Kevin out the door to his early morning PEC meeting I said come back and get us or we might just not go to church.  I was only half teasing.  So, church today was just what I needed.

We have been trying to teach the kids about fasting.  In the early Spring when Austin was ordained a deacon we told him he was old enough now that he should fast.  Kevin taught him all about starting and ending with a prayer and how to pray for something.  He prayed for rain and that very day when we got out of church it was raining.  Perfect teaching moments that day.

The last few months since Stetson got baptized he kind of took hold on the fasting thing himself.  We have a cute family in our ward who I admire a lot.  They are our friends and their kids have always bore testimonies.  You can tell they were taught at home and prepared.  They have been examples to my kids.  Austin did bear his testimony this summer which really surprised me.  He is so shy (that is the one trait he got from me).  Anyway, last month Stetson leaned over in fast and testimony meeting and said he wanted to go up.  I was very hesitant and said we need to talk about it at home again but told him a few things he could possibly say.  Then he started talking to Kevin.  Next thing I knew he was headed up to bear his testimony.  He was very sincere when he said "I want to bear my testimony.  I know President Monson is a good guy.  I know he is a good guy.  I love my family."  and he ended it.  Obviously he felt the spirit some.  This morning he didn't even talk to us.  I could tell he was getting antsy though.  He stood up and sat down a few times watching people.  Then he went for it.  Again, I was nervous (not the reaction I should have).  He again said he knew President Monson was a good guy but also said, "I know what Troy said is true, we shouldn't fight with Satan."  Troy had mentioned how Bishop had told his family that you shouldn't get in a boxing match with Satan because if you get in the ring he will beat you down until he wins.  So Stetson was reiterating what Troy had said.  I was glad to know that at some point he was paying attention.  I guess these are one of the "paybacks" that Bishop Bennett had talked about.

In Relief Society Stephanie Roper gave an awesome lesson about testimony.  She talked about a girl, Laney, she taught in 6th grade who later moved away.  Two years ago this girl died at the age of 20 while hiking with her boyfriend.  A short time before her death she had written her testimony in her journal and it was shared with the hundreds that came to her viewing and also the 1100 who came to her funeral.  What a way to share a testimony.  I try to live how I believe, but when it comes to Facebook or sharing with inactive or nonmembers...not my strong point.  I shouldn't care if I'm not the most articulate person or if I cry my eyes out in Sacrament meeting sharing it.  What is important is that I follow the promptings of the spirit and share it.

Here is what her testimony said.

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true.  That's all there is to it.  It is true.  No doubt about it.  Pray.  Read your scriptures.  GO TO CHURCH.  It may seem like the Primary thing to say, but aren't we supposed to be like unto a child?  For real!  If it is right, do it.  If it isn't right, don't.  It's as simple as that.  Take advantage of the fact that your Heavenly Father is ETERNALLY there for you.  Pray to him in all times.  GO TO THE TEMPLE!!!  Always, always, strive to be worthy to enter the temple!  Keep that your goal!!  SHARE THE GOSPEL!  Share it with everyone you know!  Don't go to heaven and have your friend, neighbor, co-worker or anyone say 'You knew the truth all along, why didn't you tell me about it?'  SHARE THE GOSPEL.  Go on a mission.  They are for EVERYONE!!!  Go.  I promise you wont' regret it.  Taking the gospel to people around the world is no sacrifice!  It is a privilege.  Treat it as such.  Read the Book of Mormon, over and over and over again.  Never stop reading it.  Gain a testimony and share it often!  You never know who you could help.  DO NOT SETTLE!!  You are a son or daughter of God.  Not of just anyone, of GOD!!  Humbly and without pride, act that way.  You deserve more than the beset and don't let anyone tell you differently.  LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES!  Don't ever make the same ones I did.  CTR, always.  Love EVERYONE!  Even that 'weird' kid next door.  Because everyone is weird.  We all are!  High school only matters in one respect, class.  Go.  Don't skip.  Work, hard and be a valedictorian.  I wish I would've!  High school is nowhere near the best time of your life.  Not even close.  It's definitely necessary.  But life after is so much better.  Forgive others.  Forgive yourself.  And treat everyone with respect; NO MATTER WHAT!

CTR
Signing off,
Laney Lynn Peacock
2011
20 years old
Happy as can be :)"

Amazing.  I can just say Amen.  I'm going to try harder.  The part I liked best was about sharing the gospel, not letting your neighbor or friend get to Heaven and wonder why you didn't share the truth if you had it all along.

Lots to think about and put into action.