Day 3: I am Thankful for My Testimony

I am a Latter Saint or as most of the world know us, a Mormon. I was raised in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints although my true testimony came when I was an early teen. It was the summer between 7th and 8th grade. I was 12 going on 13. I had had the same group of friends since first grade. I guess you could say we were the "popular" kids. Well in 7th grade a lot of my friends began partying and fooling around with boys. I had always been taught not to do those things and really struggled with what to do. I knew that I felt happy when I kept the commandments and was really uneasy at the parties. I believed the church to be true but I did not know for sure. I wanted to be popular and knew I eventually would have to partake in their activities if I wanted to be part of the group. It was a really hard summer. I knew that if I found out the church was true I'd have to find some new friends and if I didn't get an answer my problem was solved. I had been reading the Book of Mormon that year and was about to finish it and everyone told me that if I prayed to know if it was true I would get the answer I desired so I began to pray to know if the church and Book of Mormon were true and nothing happened. I think I was expecting a grand vision like Joseph Smith and would even go into the woods near my house to pray totally setting the scene but nothing happened. Weeks went by and still no answer. We lived on 5 acres of grass and we each took turns mowing it. It happened to be my turn. I wasn't looking forward to it. Six hours in the hot August Georgia heat and mind you this was back before ipods so I sat on the lawn mower with nothing but my thoughts. While mowing the lawn I often day dreamed about my future family and husband. This particular day I just spoke with the Lord like he was right their beside me about my delima with my friends and my desire to know if the church was true. After much pleading I got the warmest feeling in my heart and I heard a very audible voice. Even over the loud roaring of the lawn mower I heard it so clear and it told me that I knew that the church was true and that I always had. I always had? It made me think back to the preexistence and the life I must have lived there to be on the earth at this time and it all made sense. That's it and I knew I knew and I could not deny it. I knew what I needed to do. I wanted to keep the commandments as I had in the past so in 8th grade, with the Lord's help, I made some new friends. I made friends with people in the band. Amanda Newbern, Jennifer Lambert, Penny Dent, April Rhodes, Treva Gear, and Phil Wilson to name a few. We were your typical band geeks but we had a lot of fun together and had simialr values. I was never pressured to do anything against my beliefs because everyone knew where I stood. I was still friends with my old group at school but didn't do things with them on the weekends. I didn't do much with anybody on the weekends. I was such a home body but I was friends with everyone and my senior year I was nominated and voted both Homecoming and Prom queen by my peers. To me that was such an honor and a blessing and not one I share with people because it's somewhat embarrasing to me but it did show me that I didn't have to jeopardize my standards to receive the praise and respect of the world. What was more important is the praise and confidence I received from my Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ by standing strong when times were hard and lonely. My testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ has helped me make it through even more difficult times since then and I am so grateful for His love and patience. I know that the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith who translated the Book of Mormon from ancient plates. I know President Monson is a living prophet and speaks the mind and will of the Lord today. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God written for our day and that we can get closer to God by following its teachings. I know that my prayers are heard and answered by my Heavenly Father. I know I am His daughter and that he loves me and that He sent his beloved son Jesus Christ to atone for my sins so that I can live with him again. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer whom I love and strive to be like. I leave this testimony in his name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.