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VIEW PERSONAL BELIEFS
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POSTED BY:
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Janet4Orem
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DATE:
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28.11.2008 |
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SUBJECT:
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Be Happy Be LDS |
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LOCATION:
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Orem, United States
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I want to share with anyone who choses to read this the great joy that belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has brought into my live, and into the lives of my family.
I am 65 years old, and have been a member of the Church since I was baptized at the age of 8.
I have always had a desire to understand truth, and so even though I have always been a believing active member of the Church, I have studied a lot about the beliefs of others. This persuit led me to get a BA in Religious studies at CSULB and a Masters Degree in Religion at Vanguard University. Through all of my studies I found that while there is much truth in other belief systems, the LDS church has the complete understanding of God's great plan of happiness, and the authority from the Lord to perform saving ordinences. These truths have been confirmed to me many times not just from studying, but most importantly through the witness of the Holy Ghost. I know that the Church has the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and this brings great peace to my soul.
We live in troubled times. There are wars, and natural disasters, and human misery caused by evil people. Belonging to the Church, and feeling my Savior's love has strengthened me and helped me through whatever life has brought my way.
I have been happily married for Time and Eternity for 45 years. My husband Jim and I have been blessed with 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters. We also have 8 wonderful grandchildren.
All of them have testimonies that the teachings of the Church are true, and each have been blessed with happiness. I have seen many miracles, tender mercies from the Lord, and answered prayers through the years. I testify that the power of the Priesthood is real! God lives and loves us, and Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, and the only way back to God is through him. I have read the Book of Mormon many many times, and I know it to be true. It contains so much pure truth, and wise guidance. I have prayed about it's truthfulness and have felt the witness of the Spirit that it is the word of God, as is the Bible. They both testify of Christ.
Every aspect of my life has been helped and made joyful through the teachings and programs, and ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
I have so many things I which I had the space to share in this testimony. I will just give a few of the things that I feel the Church has to offer to those who honestly search the truthfulness of the gospel and let the spirit touch their hearts and who exercise the faith to become a baptized member.
1. A knowledge of the true nature of God the Eternal Father, his Beloved Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
2. An understanding of who we really are as literal Children of God. Where we came from, why we are here, what comes after death, and what is the purpose of our life here on earth.
3. The importance of Family and how we can be together as families forever.
4. A church restored in its fulness by the Savior, with all the organization and teachings of Christ's original church. A church with a Living Prophet, 12 apostles, and other offices as found in the New Testament.
5. A Church that believes in all the gifts of the Spirit, such as healing, and continuing revelation.
6. A lifestyle that is based on moral standards that are sure and unchanging. These moral standards are a great help in raising children in these troubled times.
7. A feeling of belonging wherever you go in the world. The church and its teachings are the same, and the feeling of being loved and needed.
8. A Church that is led by people called of God, who serve without pay. For example, my husband was a Bishop in our congregation. He had many of the same responsibilites as a minister or Pastor in another church. He did the calling out of love for the Lord, and supported his family by working full time . this is true throughout the Church. Each member of the church is called by the Lord through inspiration to serve in different callings, which are changed from time to time under inspiration from God. These callings help members serve others, and to grow and learn and develop talents. They also bring a lot of joy.
9. A welfare program that meets the temporal needs of those who are less fortunate, and a humanitarian program that sends relief aid and other help whenever and wherever there is a need, without regard for the religious beliefs of those being helped. Jesus said "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Our Church does not seek recognition for the millions of dollars of aid we use to help others, we just have been taught to reach out to help others. There are so many opportunities to serve others, and I tesitfy that that service brings great joy.
10. Since we believe that God still speaks today through a living Prophet, we have additional scriptures, such as The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as guidance give in our General Conferences and in our Church Magazines, such as the Ensign. None of these writings and teachings contradict the Bible. In fact, they are additional witnesses that Jesus is the Savior of the world, and that God loves us today as he did those of old, and continues to help and teach and guide us
I could add many many things, but I will just close with my testimony and witness that the things I have written are true, and that you can also know for yourself that these things are true, by studying, pondering,praying about and living the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As Moroni promises in Moroni 10;4 in the Book of Mormon, if you ask God with a pure heart, with real intent, if these things are true, He will manifest the truth of it unt you by the power of the Holy Ghost.
I invite you to seek out and find the truth and the joy that is to be found as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Thank you for letting me share my feelings with you, and may God bless you always,
Janet Wright
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