Getting a Little Personal

This past weekend we had a wonderful opportunity to listen to our annual General Conference, a time when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints listen to the living prophet and the other leaders of the church, including the 12 apostles. I have loved conference weekend (which is actually held both in April and October) as long as I can remember. I remember living in Minnesota (some time between 6 & 8) and driving to the church to watch sessions of conference, eating picnics out on the lawn between sessions and trying to be big and take notes...

This weekend one of the things that was asked of us was to use the tools that we have to share our knowledge of the gospel to those who would like to hear more. The gospel is such an integral part of my life, and yet I often keep this part of my life very private. When I was flying as a flight attendant I was always impressed by the passengers who would board my flights and pull out their bibles, or ensigns, or Book of Mormons. This happened a lot when I was flying in the bible belt area, no one seemed ashamed of their beliefs and talked about Jesus as they would a friend. I also admire the Jews who would come on wearing their head coverings, you knew who they were even if you didn't talk to them.

I am not honestly sure who is reading this blog, and I know that I am not very consistent these days, but I am going to take up the challenge and share my testimony and the gospel and not be afraid, not be ashamed (for lack of a better word) and if there are those of you who may look at this and don't know about The Church or would like to know more I have added a few links, and I would be more than happy to talk/ answer questions or what have you.

So on those notes, warning you that these "blogs" may occasionally get personal, I want you all to know what I know.

I know that I belong to the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints, I know that it is the true church on this earth today and that it is the same church that Jesus Christ established while he was on the earth 2 millennia ago. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today, his name is Thomas S. Monson, and he guides this church as he is directed from the Lord. I know that I am a child of God and he LOVES me, that he knows who I am, he knows my needs and wants, he knows my struggles and He gives me trials so that I can become stronger and more like him. I have read the Book of Mormon, I read it everyday, and I know that it is the word of God and that it is true. I know that in this crazy world I have peace and happiness because I have an eternal perspective and the knowledge and power to return to live with my Heavenly Father. I know that the covenants that I have made in the Temple with my family will allow me to be with them for eternity. I know that Joseph Smith, a 14 year old boy, saw and spoke with God, the Father and Jesus Christ, his son. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God and enabled this church to return to the earth. I am so grateful for this knowledge and the complete joy it brings into my life.