Sharing Testimony Strengthens Faith

Testimony is important beyond comprehension; even my own!

It has been a little over a month since last, and I have witnessed many wonders of the Lord as well as seeing His loving hand in my life--day to day!

I have felt His guiding arm through seemingly difficult circumstances.

I have seen how He has strengthened me in order to be humble and endure experiences well.

I have a firm assurance that He blesses His children (us) and does indeed listen to us.

I have also felt the influence of His spirit, and the closeness of the veil.

Along with that, I know that ministering angels are never far away, and testify of light and truth!

In this past month I have contemplated my own testimony as well as studying and pondering upon the scriptures. My husband pointed out to me that scriptures are basically testimonies upon testimony. I got to thinking this through and realized that apostles and prophets of old, all the way to now have instructed to study and ponder the word of God. By studying the scriptures, thus being one of the forms of His word we attain greater spiritual knowledge, light, faith, and happiness.

Testimony is one way of building faith!!!

This to me was AMAZING!!!

A simple principle finally just made sense and clicked.

I started thinking about why as Children of God and as Followers of Jesus Christ we need to consistently and constantly bear our own special testimonies.

Not only does testifying of truth strengthen others faith in spiritual trials, but it also builds and strengthens our own faith in difficult circumstances which lie ahead.

Diligently growing our faith is so important, for if we are not anxiously engaged in a good cause, or going forward we are not at a stand-still, but we are actively going backwards. 

Hold tight to the truths that you DO know.

Satan would have us second guessing ourselves upon truths that we know to be true; he would have us forsake our precious testimonies and little by little follow him through spiritual mists and darkness.

Hold fast to the ground that you have already won from Satan.

 The Bible, both old and new testament - along with the Book of Mormon bear witness that God lives, He blesses the lives of His children, and He loves each and every one individually. Jesus the Christ is the son of God, the Holy Messiah; He atoned for each of us personally. He knows our struggles, pains, and difficulties throughout this life. He also knows our strengths, joys, and because He knows us in this way He knows how to perfectly succor His people. He runs to the aid of us, he is always knocking at the door, and God does personally speak to us in this latter day. We have the opportunity to CHOOSE to follow the Good Shepherd, we DECIDE to open the door and let Him in, and we have to ACTIVELY open our ears to HEAR HIM; and our eyes to SEE His mighty hand in our life!

This is a painting that I am almost finished with called "With an eye of Faith" It captures a simple child's prayer, as well as encompasses the hope that a little child has while practicing to SEE with the eyes of faith.

    And... some simple, yet beautiful little moments of light and love in the busy days of being a mother to Lillie and Glenn, being a wife to my magnificent husband, and simply trying to be a follower of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Lord Leads Us

 

There is a certain hope and beauty that comes through studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a peace that comes through the power of the priesthood, and truths taught by the mouths of the Lord's prophets and apostles here on the earth today. One truth that has had my attention of late is that the Lord, Savior of the world, and Creator knows ALL things, past, present, and future. That is such a deep concept, and I can not ever fully wrap my head around it. The second truth that REALLY allows me to understand a bit better is that even though Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world knows all things He teaches us STEP BY STEP and GUIDES us, NEVER forcing!!!

I love this!!!!!

Visualizing this principle is always very helpful. The pictures of the flowers were something Lillie and I found on our morning walk. In the photo there is one main flower that is COMPLETELY in focus; clear to see ALL the details. The rest of the photo is still visible, and gradually fades in  complete clarity and detail. However, you can still make out the complete picture and feeling of the scene. This photo is much like life, and knowing that God goes before us.

 God blesses us, his children, with the ability to have clarity in vision as we follow Him, step by step, line upon line. I get impatient, and as impatience sets in my faith and trust in God slowly decrease. But knowing that God is ever loving in allowing me to be taught and guided by His never forcing arm is so comforting. 

This past General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring, "He Goes Before Us" is inspiring, calming, and brings peace; even hope to my soul! Here is a bit of the talk that stood out to me:  

"...whenever we proceed to resolve one inspired problem, we open the door for further revelation for advancements at least equally important but not yet seen." ... The Lord sees it all coming. He planned for it, step by step, as He has always done. He has always been lovingly patient in helping us learn "line upon line, precept upon precept. here a little and there a little." He is firm in the timing and the sequence of His intentions, yet He ensures that sacrifice brings continuing blessings that we did not foresee. Every prayer during preparation, and faith brings a blessing. The Lord goes before us. He knows the future perfectly. He has prepared the way for you. He has in place a plan for your service.

This truly brought such peace to my heart and very soul especially as we are getting ready for our little baby boy, Glenn to be born. Less than 2 weeks away... Giving birth is an impatient process. 

As I learn how to let the Lord lead and guide in His own way and timing the anxiety is replaced with peace, the need to know when Glenn will come is replaced with the specific details that God wants ME to learn and focus on. 

Following the Savior of the world is NOT easy. 

It takes work and effort, but the Lord loves effort and He truly does bless us. 

He also consecrates our every effort to Come Unto Him and to Hear Him!

...Lillie gets more excited for Glenn every passing day...