The Church and It's Effect On My Life

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been a part of my life forever. I have grown up strong in the church, with parents, uncles, grandparents, and church leaders to help me on my way through the difficult challenges of life. My parents also have grown up strong in the church and have been members all their life. Also, they have had great leaders and influences in their life that have created a strong foundation in them that they have shared with me, as well as my other siblings. These many influences have given me a basis on my testimony, for which it can grow. Through many studies of the scriptures, sincere prayers, and faith building experiences (EFY, Youth Conference, Firesides, etc.), I have built upon this basis and now have a testimony of the Book of Mormon, the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, of the prophet Joseph Smith (as well as other prophets in the past and present), and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His life on earth. Many other people, experiences, etc. have built my testimony, of which I would like to share with you.

As you may or may not know, the church holds a semi-annual General Conference in April and October, which is broadcasted throughout the world in over a hundred languages. With this magnificent event, the members of the church can come to the Conference Center, watch at their home TV or on the radio, or watch it at the nearest Stake Center to listen to the words of the prophets and apostles, who have received revelation from God on the things the members of the church, need to know. This experience is one that builds testimonies and strengthens families. This broadcast takes place on both Saturday and Sunday, with five sessions. There are two sessions on Saturday, as well as a General Priesthood Session for all priesthood holders. This last General Conference was one special to me, especially the talks in the General Priesthood Meeting. Specific talks by several different people have strengthened my testimony. The talk by our Prophet Thomas S. Monson on Anger was one of my favorites. I would like to share a quote from this talk. President Monson said, “We’ve all felt anger. It can come when things don’t turn out the way we want. It might be a reaction to something which is said of us or to us. We may experience it when people don’t behave the way we want them to behave. Perhaps it comes when we have to wait for something longer than we expected. We might feel angry when others can’t see things from our perspective. There seem to be countless possible reasons for anger (Thomas S. Monson, “School Thy Feelings, O My Brother”, Ensign November 2009, 62, 67-69).” Lately I have found myself trying to “School My Feelings” and by kinder and more understanding toward my fellow beings, as well as my family members.

To be continued...