My Testimony

Since my new calling as a ward missionary I have been asked to practice sharing my testimony with others. I usually don't share things like that with just anyone but I better get used to it and give it a try!
I do have a testimony of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I without a doubt know this is the one and only true church. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet that gave his life to serve. I know President Monson councils with the Lord daily to help guide the members of the church. If we heed to the words of the prophets it is like heeding to word of God. I have a strong testimony that paying a full tithe will yield blessing after blessing in ways we think impossible. I know that attending church meetings regularly refines our spirits. I know following all the commandments can seem difficult but if we do follow them faithfully it is for our benefit, and we will become closer as families and ward families.
A couple years ago I had a really hard time paying a full tithe. I realized at that time that I needed to prepare myself for the temple and make that change to pay tithing. As I began to pay a full tithe it was so difficult and I always seemed to be pressed for money. As time went on and I continued to pay my tithing my life changed. At that time I was having a very difficult time at my previous job with Coldwell Banker. I was hoping and praying to find somewhere else where I could work with people that were LDS or work with someone that respected my religion and me. I also was hoping to find a good enough job so Matt and I could afford to purchase a townhome together. I wanted a job close to where I was going to be living. Circumstances came about by the will of God that I would find a WONDERFUL new job, find a GREAT home in a good neighborhood in an awesome ward all within a few miles of each other. As I look back and just feel amazingly blessed for that entire situation thoughts come to mind: If I truly follow the commandments I will be blessed and I will have the opportunity to be happy during this lifetime in this world.
Just the other day our home teacher came to visit me and Matt. He said that about a year ago they started a ward fast that lasted several months. They prayed and fasted that new families would move into the ward. In the past 6 – 8 months MANY families have moved into that ward. The ward members fasted us there. Isn’t the church cool? AMAZING! Had I not been praying and striving to live the commandments to the best of my ability I don’t know if Matt and I would have found that home and I don’t know that I would have been able to leave CB and find a better job. I continually recognize the hand of the Lord in my life. He is with me and watches over Matt and I constantly. When times get rough and testimonies dwindle put your faith in our Heavenly Father. If we do that and give of our time, talents and abilities, HE will not leave us alone and we WILL be blessed more than we can imagine. During this time in our lives we hear such grim news every day. Either it's about the housing market, bad loans, bank problems, stocks tumbling, layoffs, etc. What I know is that if we put our trust in the Lord and do all that is asked of us we will be blessed and protected from what is ahead. What a comfort it is to be a member of the church especially today and in the future for we don’t know what it holds.
When you see a person that seems heart broken or worn from the perilous times don't you wish you could share the gospel with them, to lead them to true happiness and blessings? I hope that the people I go to visit and teach will fill the spirit and let it testify and soften their hearts to know what is being taught is true. There are so many people that wonder in the world and I so much feel sadness for them but then I remember that it is my (and your) duty to share the gospel with them and guide them to the church. The church is true!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOdatUaGen8