A Growing Testimony

I was one that was raised in the church, but wasn't. What this means is I was born into a family that once was very active in the church, but unfortunately most of them fell away while I was still at a young age. I do remember going to primary and I remember getting baptized, but at the age of 12 I was done. I no longer went to church. To be honest, I really didn't know much about the gospel. However, in my heart I knew that this is the true church. There was no doubt in my mind. It really upset me when people would attack the church and say horrible things when they didn't even know what they were talking about. I always stood up for the church even though I really didn't know what exactly it was that I was standing up for. To be honest, I never expected myself to get involved with the Mormon church again. Even though it was burned my heart and soul that it IS the one true church on this earth, I didn't see myself on that path. Things changed. They changed very drastically. All it took was one time of me going back and now I cannot imagine my life without it. Starting this journey in my life I prayed and I asked if this really is the true church and am I making the right decision, and I promise that I could feel it. I knew that the decision I made was the best decision I've ever made in my life. What I really love is seeing how the Lord will open up one's heart to the truth if they're truly searching for it. I've watched the most amazing transformation of my husband right before my eyes. A guy who knew nothing about this wonderful religion now can't wait to go to church. We haven't gone in 2 weeks, because I've had a horrible cold and he made a comment along the lines of, "I hope we're going to church this weekend... we've already missed 2 weeks." He doesn't attend the classes yet, but I can tell that he knows that this is the true church. It's amazing. And I know that our Heavenly Father opened Gino's heart, because there are so many people out there praying for him to feel it. And these prayers are working. I thank each and every single person out there who has prayed for us. The missionaries are coming over on Friday and I'm excited for Gino to finally sit down with them and have many of his questions answered and for his faith to grow even stronger.

We have a new President. President Thomas. S. Monson and I'm excited to learn of the new teachings that he has to offer. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father blesses us with a living Prophet. I am so thankful that I am able to give my children an opportunity to learn and live by the gospel. I hope that my husband and I can be a good example to them.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Not moving on w/my chapters, but rambling

I'm really hoping that I can make it to church on Sunday. I've been so sick with a horrible cold and a sore throat, which kept me from church last Sunday. I'm actually quite happy we didn't go last Sunday, because this was Sunday. If I had to drive home in that weather from Ashland I wouldn't have just been crying I would've pulled over and started praying really hard and hope that we miraculously made it home. I hear that the weather is supposed to be crappy again this Sunday and I hope it's not. I love Fast Sunday. I love to hear everyone's testimonies and in a way it always strengthens mine. I know that this Sunday because of the passing of President Gordon B. Hinkley there will amazing testimonies because of this great man and I definitely do not want to miss those. I don't like it when I miss church and I really can't believe that I missed out on so many years. There's no point in looking back and now all I can do is move forward, and be thankful that I was given the inspiration to allow my children the opportunity to learn the gospel and to be raised in such a wonderful church. My husband has been so positive lately regarding church and if we skip too many weeks I'm scared that his positive will dwindle down to negative... we all know that it is so easy to happen. We are having the missionaries over for dinner next Friday and I'm excited for Gino to sit down and talk with them. The first time that missionaries came over (along w/Gino's boss & wife) Gino left. I think he was a bit overwhelmed, but baby steps. We just have to take baby steps.