Today I wanted to bare testimony of some things that have been on my mind lately. October was an eventful with all the anniversaries and my birthday. This year marked my 30th birthday my 15th year as a member of the church and my 10th year as an endowed member of the gospel. Each of these events has been instrumental in shaping into the person I am today. I lived 15 years as a non-member. In those 15 years I believe that the Lord was teaching me some vital and important things that would help for the rest of my life. While serving I was able to bare testimony of having attended many different churches and feeling empty, but after my time investigating the church I grew and that emptiness was filled with knowing that I was finally home. As I prepared for baptism I made commitments and covenants with Heavenly father that I would try my best to do what he asked. It was very difficult to do this with a parent that did not find the truth in the church and seemed to make it very difficult at that time. I grew to feel that I was letting Heavenly Father down. As I look back now I feel that I was probably closer to Him although I was not able to attend I still did my best to abide by my covenant.
I then started to prepare for my missionary service. I received my mission call and went to The House of the Lord to receive an endowment from my Father in Heaven. This gift allowed me to grow and understand how to become the best person I can be. I went to the Denver Temple and did as many ordinances so that I would become familiar with the covenants that Heavenly Father and I agreed upon. I learned about how the adversary works on me and how I can decline his enticing’s and to put them behind me. I learned that I was indeed His child and that he loves me. I learned that by following his commandments and staying on the strait and narrow path outlined by the Plan of Salvation I can find true happiness.
These events have been a stronghold for me. They have been anchors in the whirlwinds of temptations and distractions. I am reminded from these experiences that I am truly on the path that leads to the tree of life. We as the members of the church are being mocked and scoffed at by those in the great and spacious buildings along our walk. I know that as we continue to hold fast to the Iron rod we will eventually have the opportunity to taste of the Tree of Life and want to share with our families and friends. I testify that there will be times that dark and dreary waste will come and try to deceive us of the path. To lead us away for what we know to be true. Remember that many are on this same path and that we are pressing forward with the hopes that we can all make it their together to once again enjoy the true happiness that our Father in Heaven has in store for his faithful children.
