Who Is In Your Path and Who's Path Are You In?

I have come to know through personal experience that the detailing hand of God is many times not noticed, seen, nor appreciated by us, His children. I know that there is nothing that God does except that it be for our benefit. Though we may not see what the Lord is doing with us in our lives, we will one day be able to appreciate the genius of His perfect plan that has no errors, flaws, or loopholes. 

He has curated, in a sense, the details of our lives. I know He places people in our paths and places us in the paths of others as well. I am grateful for the perfect Atonement that Christ performed for us that allows us to become one with Him one day. This is one of the greatest parts of God's plan: to allow us rescue from sin and access to divine progression.

Paul

Dallas, Texas

How Can I Know These Things Without Seeing Them?

I’ve never met Jesus Christ nor my Heavenly Father. I haven’t seen any angels or what heaven is like. I wasn’t there when Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. There are a lot of things I don’t know and haven’t seen! What I do know is that everyone on Earth has a Heavenly Father that loves them more than they can imagine. He lives with His angels in a type of heaven, a place without pain and sorrow, a place where we so desperately should want to be. I know Jesus Christ made it possible for imperfect human beings like me and you, who probably don’t deserve something so great, to make it to that perfect place. As I show my love and appreciation for His sacrifice and grace by keeping His commandments, I am blessed with even more. I am so happy! I know that God has once again reached out in love to His children by revealing His commandments through modern-day prophets. He began with the prophet, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon and continues to lead His church through prophets and apostles today.

Some might ask how I can know these things without seeing them, without being there. I believe in the Spirit of God, a guide who helps God’s children feel and know what is right and true. The Spirit of God is available to all those who come with honest and humble hearts to know God’s will and be like Him. I hope and pray that everyone can know what I know and feel what I feel. For me, there really is no other way to truly live. I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Collin

Gilbert, Arizona

Simple and Strong

My testimony of this gospel is simple. I have a testimony and knowledge that God is there and has his hand in our lives. Jesus Christ is my older brother and suffered the Atonement for me personally as well as everyone else individually. I know that this gospel was restored by Joseph Smith, Jr. and we have been continually led by prophets and apostles since that time. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it can bless our daily lives and that prayer is a big tool for us to be able to use for direction, guidance and peace. I have a love for this gospel and all that I have been able to understand and gain from it and all that I have yet to gain from it.

Deanna

Provo, Utah

How Do You Feel When You Draw Closer to God?

There's this kind of hard-to-describe power that I feel from time to time when I do anything that draws me closer to God. 

When I study the gospel or visit the temple or pray really hard or serve someone who needs it I can feel the love of God. It's a really REAL power, and you can actually FEEL it, like, physically feel it. And when I feel it, it makes me kinda quiet, and reflective, and grateful, and hopeful, and happy, and peaceful. And when I feel it I can see clearer; suddenly all the problems I'm facing are put into perspective. I can see what really matters, and I can see how insignificant a lot of the things I focus on actually are. All I want to do is help people and say nice things to people and be more like Jesus Christ. I feel more confident, less worried, less troubled, like I've found "inner peace" or something. 

I guess that's the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, that's what I'm describing. It's real-- God is real, and he's watching over all of us, and you can connect with him. And Jesus Christ showed us the way to live to find this peace and happiness. And it is SO amazing.

Dylan

Dallas, Texas

What Are The Best Parts of The Gospel?

I believe that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The reason being is because in the gospel of Christ we can find everything that the world is missing and can't offer. I know that as we read the scriptures in particular the Book of Mormon we can come to find great joy and happiness. We learn more of our savior and our faith in him increases as we read from its inspired pages. I am so thankful for the revelation that our heavenly father so freely gives to us his children. Because of his divine intervention we are capable of being like him one day which is the greatest gift he can bestow upon us. I know that as we strive to do whats right and REALLY try we can be assured that we are following Gods plan for us. I know that all that Jesus Christ did for us was out of pure love. I know God gave him to us because he loved us enough to give us a chance to return to him through his only begotten son. 

I think that it is alright to have difficult times (difficult in the moment) because as we age, grow and learn more, we understand that ALL things are for our benefit so really everything should be a blessing in our life. I know its hard sometimes when we feel we are losing the faith and falling off or can't overcome certain sins or habits in our life, but we need to stick it out and know that that's what God expects and wants us to do. I know his plan is perfect and that we just need to strive to follow it and do many good things of our own free will, such as sharing the gospel and giving service to a stranger, as some examples. I know that through Jesus Christ is the only way to find lasting happiness. 

Ryan

Orem, Utah

How Do You View God?

It has taken a few days to write this testimony, not because of my lack of one, but because I was asked to keep it small and I don't know if I am capable of that. I am a Latter-day Saint and proud of it, this Church is more then a church it is my culture and my life. I came into the church in later years, spending most my life doubting in God and religion. When I read the Book of Mormon my whole life changed, this book allowed the spirit of God to guide me back to our Heavenly Father, I say Heavenly Father because that is how I truly view God. He is a Godly, angelic father who loves all of his kids and watches over us. I know without a doubt in my mind that he loves us all and watches over all of us. I know God is real, that his son Jesus Christ lived and died so we can make it back home.

   I feel their love everyday and I rely on their forgiveness daily as well. I am not a well educated man or a man with incredible talents, I lack quality that most might find unique or special, but one thing I do have is the knowledge that this Church is the true church and that we have the correct teachings, scriptures and even a living prophet that guides us today and that is more then I could ever ask for. reflecting back to when I finished the Book of Mormon for the first time ever, I get reminded that, that was a day that I also found true peace and pure happiness. 

Corbin

Salt Lake City, Utah

What Do You Want The World To Know?

If I could convince the world of one thing, it would be that they have a loving Heavenly Father, who thinks about them, and helps them every day. From a young age, I was taught of God’s love and kindness. Scriptures were read to me and the stories shared about the infinite love God has for each of his children.

One of the first times I felt and recognized his love was in grade school. It was the beginning of the school year, and I was expecting a new baby brother soon. One Thursday afternoon, I got home from school early to find my mom with red, puffy eyes and a sad countenance. Earlier that morning, she had had a doctor’s appointment. Although I asked how it went, my gut feeling told something was wrong even before she answered. Still to this day, I have never seen my mother as sad as she was that Thursday. She told me the baby did not have a heartbeat—he wasn’t alive. I ran downstairs to my bedroom and prayed for a miracle. I had been taught God helped Moses part the red sea, that the Savior walked on water, and that if we asked we would receive. I prayed will all my might that my brother would come alive again. During my attempt, I felt no comfort, no peace, and I felt like my efforts were failing. Soon anger started to arise. And then I had the impression, ‘I need him here with me Kate. Trust in the plan’. Soon after that, all sorrow and anger left me, and I felt an overwhelming feeling that I was a child of God, and that indeed, He had a perfect plan for each of His children.

Since then I have seen God’s hand every day of my life. I feel His love constantly, although I am not always deserving of it. At the end of this life, when we look back, no matter how often we were told, we will be surprised at how close our Heavenly Father was throughout our life. He loves us, and we can learn of Him in scripture and from words of prophets and apostles, and, we can talk to him though sincere prayer.

Kate

Provo, Utah

Who Loves Us?

I have a great testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the principles that are taught in it, but my greatest testimony is that of the Savior. I know that He is there. Life isn’t easy, but the Savior is there and allows us to walk with Him throughout the journey of life. He comforts us in times of need and if we take a moment to listen and feel during those times of need, we will hear the voice of the Spirit and feel the Saviors arms wrap around us. I know that’s true. We are all His brothers and sisters and His love wraps around us. Jesus Christ lives and loves. He is real. I love my Savior and I know that He loves me. I say this in His name, Jesus Christ, amen.

Mitchell

Flowery Branch, Georgia

Which Life Is Better?

As a young boy I was raised in a single parent household. My mother worked hard to provide for my family. With three kids she ran us around to different practices and games, choir and band concerts, or just to go to friend’s houses. Most days never felt as if they were chaos free. The one day that was able to become chaos free was on Sundays when we all got ready for church to go and worship. My mother did an amazing job instilling in our family a foundation of church on Sunday. As I grew older I moved away from home and my foundation of church crumbled for days of sleeping in, shopping, or just being with friends. I had completely abandoned my mother’s testimony that I relied on as a youth. Life wasn’t bad but I wouldn’t say I felt on top of the world.  As I tried to figure out what spiritual path to take I went to the temple and sat outside and prayed and asked should I live the gospel or was this not for me?

The answer to my prayer was to honestly look in the mirror. Was I happy living the life I was? I wasn’t able to look in the mirror and feel proud of who I was. I wasn’t truthfully happy in living a non-spiritual life. As I found my way back into a church weekly and to the temple regularly I found my stresses and my worries melt away. I felt as if burdens were literally lifted off of my shoulders. 

I know that Christ atoned for my sins. I know that through his atonement and through his gospel is a path to true and lasting happiness. I testify that it isn’t always easy to live a gospel centered life, but I know that it is worth it. I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today and that if we listen and heed his council we will know what The Lord expects of us. Amen.

Derek

Dallas, Texas

What Is Our Part In Heavenly Father's Plan?

I know that my Redeemer lives. I feel great joy at the thought. I know that Christ suffered and died for us, then conquered the grave. Because of His selfless act, all will live again after this mortal journey is complete. His work to fulfill the great plan of happiness allows us to be with those we love and cherish. I know that His life had a purpose and mission; it gave meaning to all of our lives. His great sacrifice allows for our greatest joy. 

I testify that, like the Savior, we each have the opportunity to fulfill a part of our Heavenly Father’s plan. We come to earth to learn and grow, so that we can return to our Father’s presence. I know when we seek to guide our lives by the spirit, we will be blessed to discover the great work that Heavenly Father has prepared for each of us. We can know His mind and will for us specifically as we go about doing good and seeking to follow the example of the Savior. I know that they are in the detail of our lives and that as we continually strive to do their will, we cannot fail.

Alyssa

Woodbridge, Virginia

Why is Christ Important?

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.  He suffered and died for both your sins and mine.  Although the thought of someone else suffering for us tends to bring feelings of guilt and remorse, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can bring peace and happiness.

Nobody expected you or I to be perfect.  We came here to learn.  We came here to fall and, more importantly, to get back up.  The power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the power by which we can get up, and stay up.

I am grateful for my Savior.  He has helped me change my life.  The peace and happiness that I feel today comes from Him.

Matt

Hastings, Michigan

What Are the Benefits of Learning About the Gospel?

I love the Gospel, and I love helping other people come to understand the Gospel. I feel like I often throw around the word 'the gospel' with out any thought about what the gospel actually is. The Gospel, as I see it, is a plan created by a loving father in heaven in which we can trust that if we strive to follow Jesus Christ, repenting along our journey, and making and keeping sacred promises, the grace of Christ will allow us to live with our family forever and enjoy complete happiness. The gospel on the surface is so simple that anyone can apply the teachings and enjoy the blessings that come from it, but it's also deep enough that everyone can continue to learn more no matter how much they already know. 

The more I learn the more I realize I do not know much, but there are a few things I do know. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of all mankind. Because of this, my nature can be changed to become more Godlike. Because of Christ I can consistently feel happy even when everything seems to be going against me. I also know that we can access the full blessings of Jesus Christ by making covenants through ordinances, such as baptism. These blessings include being empowered to progress until we become like our Father in Heaven. I also know that the authority to perform necessary ordinances is available on the earth in Christ's church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am so happy I can know these things. God has answered my prayers, and blessed me beyond what I will ever be worthy of. He has told me time and again in my mind and heart that these things are true, and every time I think about Jesus Christ and his Gospel, I am filled with joy and peace. I hope that everyone can feel the same way I do.

Bruce

La Barge, Wyoming

I Love Him

I don’t remember ever not believing in Christ. I was raised in a strongly religious home and the gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a part of my life. And maybe because I was always accustomed to that, it never felt like anything out of the ordinary. During my teenage years I didn’t waiver in my faith, but I wondered why I didn’t have a large scale spiritual experience like so many of those around me spoke of having. Then as a 17 year old kid at church conference for youth, something changed. The conference director spoke on the last night that week of Christ and his great sacrifice for us, specifically on his crucifixion. While listening to this detailed account of Jesus’s suffering, I felt something I never had before. I understood and felt on a newfound level the sacrifice that Christ had done for me. I knew that He had given everything for me, and I felt an immense gratitude for His love.

My love and gratitude for Jesus Christ has continued to grow over time with that experience as a foundation for all I am. Not only did Christ give His life for me and you on the cross, but He went through unimaginable suffering for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. There he felt every pain and every heartache of mankind. I don’t know how exactly that occurred. I don’t understand how that perfect man could feel the weight of my grief and shortcomings in order to make me free. But even so, I know that it’s real. I have felt the power of His love and sacrifice in my life. I have felt His influence in my lowest of times as if He were sitting beside me saying, “it’s okay, I know exactly what you’re going through, and we’ll get through it together.” He is the Son of God, my Savior and Redeemer, and my friend. I love Him, and I wait anxiously for the day I may fall at his feet and give my total yet inadequate thanks.

Carsen

Salinas, California

God's Hand in Our Lives

Each person's life comes with its own twists and turns. Everything from death and divorce to promotion and parenthood. Doors are opened to each of us and it is the journey between different doors and down varied paths that have filled hundreds of thousands of biographies and family histories and provide inspiration to the masses. It is however, most enjoyable to see where God has stepped in to help each of us, in our lives. As we look back on decisions that we made and situations that we lived through, we can see how God has been shaping and guiding us. A popular Christian singer shared this truth, "No matter what I face, you're by my side".

I know God cares about each and every one of his children. I know that Christ suffered all the pains, sicknesses and sorrows that each of us have been through or will go through so that he knows perfectly how to comfort us. I know that Jesus Christ wants us to be happy. As we turn to him, we can have joy even in our toughest battles. As we plead for God to extend his hand in our lives, we will see opportunities arise that, if taken, will be our source of relief and strength in our time of need. God sends feelings, ideas, even other people to show us his love and the way to return to him. A living prophet in our day helps us see God's hand. The scriptures testify of his interest in our lives and as we pray to him, he will answer our prayers and show his hand in our lives. May we feel Jesus Christ's love. Amen.

Joseph

Provo, Utah