That Man Was a Fossil. He Was Born Ten Years After Moses!

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." 

Romans 15:4

I just want everyone to know that the title of this post is a quote from my Bishop. I love that he has so much responsibility but can still have a little fun. It was another beautiful day at church. I guess before I was too caught up thinking about unimportant things, watching people, and thinking of how long I had to sit in the same room. I am so thankful I have changed my way of thinking. Sacrament is so much more meaningful, and I get so much more out of the lessons. 

Today was no exception. Our opening hymn was The Lord is My Light. Each verse was so beautiful. It was actually hard to sing because it was really taking my breath away. I would just tell you my favorite lyrics, but because all of the verses were so perfect, I have to put them all on here. 

"The Lord is my light; then why should I fear? By day and by night his presence is near. He is my salvation from sorrow and sin; This blesses assurance the Spirit doth bring. The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise, Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies where Jesus forever in glory doth reign. Then how can I ever in darkness remain? The Lord is my light; the Lord is my strength. I know in his might I'll conquer at length. My weakness in mercy he covers with pow'r, and, walking by faith, I am blest ev'ry hour. The Lord is my light, my all and in all. There is in his sight no darkness at all. He is my Redeemer, my Savior, and King. With Saints and with angels his praises I'll sing."

The choir also did an outstanding job with the ten people there. I was beyond impressed by the talent in our ward, and I am so thankful to those for sharing their talents with us. Three amazing talks on testimony really got me thinking about mine. I thought about how I just finished the Book of Mormon, how much I learned, and all that I felt in the time it took me to read it. At the end of the book, Moroni gives the reader a challenge. 

He says, "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things (Moroni 10: 3-5)."

Moroni has the faith in all of us to believe in the words written in the Book of Mormon. He said to ask if these things are not true. He knows that if we read them with sincere hearts, we will know of the truthfulness before we even get to this point in the book. I have always read that scripture but not with a sincere heart. Reading through the Book of Mormon this time, I caught on to so much more. That not still sticks in my head. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have a testimony of the importance of reading it and learning from its words. I know of the power of prayer, and I know my Heavenly Father hears all of my prayers whether uttered or unexpressed. I have a know that my family can truly be together forever, and I wait for the day in which I will have a husband and children that I can be sealed to for time and all eternity. I know the leaders of this church are called of God, and I am so thankful for their service. I know Christ suffered in the garden and died on the cross for my sins and the sins of all others. I know that my Heavenly Father and my Savior are always there to comfort me when I need it most. I know that my Redeemer lives! 

President Monson once said:

"Now, I did not sail with the brother of Jared in crossing an ocean, settling in a new world. I did not hear King Benjamin speak his angelically delivered sermon. I did not proselyte with Alma and Amulek nor witness the fiery death of innocent believers. I was not among the Nephite crowd who touched the wounds of the resurrected Lord, nor did I weep with Mormon and Moroni over the destruction of an entire civilization. But my testimony of this record and the peace it brings to the human heart is as binding and unequivocal as was theirs. Like them, I give my name unto the world, to witness unto the world that which I have seen. And like them, I lie not, God bearing witness of it."

My testimony is not that of President Monson's, but it gives me strength and the will and determination to endure well to the end. If I have nothing else, I hope to always keep my testimony. I am so thankful to have this strong foundation in my life. I am given hope through patience and comfort of the scriptures.