Earnest Seeking, Continual Learning, and Humble Trusting

My perception of faith (or a testimony) has evolved from knowing to trusting, and from trusting to believing.
I now confidently proclaim belief, in both God the Eternal Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost through a series of actions that required a quest for knowledge, a surrender to trust, and eventually ... a faith to believe.
I believe that God is knowledge, and to know God is to become enlightened with divine inspiration and eternal truth. I believe that God is peace, and to know God is to feel a deep serenity within the collateral, a stillness in the chaos. I believe that God is forever, and to know Him is to feel a constance, an anchor, a shore.
I have seen poverty in its finest hour, have heard the wail of funeral drums and the gasp of newborn life. I have witnessed the sunrise over Volcanos and swam alongside the finest creations of the Sea. I have laid coffins in the ground and picked flowers on a dance through the Alps. I have known both miserable pain and indescribable joy. My belief has never spared me the cost of reality - and all the pain attached - but it has never also never abandoned me. It has sailed through the thicket of the tempest and arrived at the harbours relief. It is the compass that travels with each adventure, always guiding me to an assurance regardless of the confusion. My belief has been the last string I dangle from as the walls of my comfort are torn down by the brutalities of life. It has also been the first responder as I attempt the reconstruction of my joy.

My belief, my knowledge, my trust and indeed my testimony of Divinity is so much apart of me that to live without would be as impossible as breathing without oxygen.

I believe that everything is a testimony of Christ. From the deep coral reefs to the soaring bald eagle. From the butterfly’s in true love down to the lavender springing from the earth. To know God is to see Him everywhere and in everyone. When I love others - even when my reflexes demand otherwise - I grow a love for God, and myself.

My curiosity about life, purpose, death and joy are always met with great learning opportunities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Having chosen contrary in earlier years, I have a distinct comparative of life with Jesus Christ and life without.
It is not even a question worth hesitating to consider whom I will follow for the remainder of my life. Because I have known the world and realized ... that even the best this world has to offer is worse than the least Christ can give. I feel alive in Christ. I feel potential and purpose being actualized and meaning being fulfilled. I value my life, my contribution, my character so much greater when I live to serve a cause - a God - higher than myself.

I too believe to choose.
I choose this testimony.
It is the direct result of earnest seeking, continual learning, and humble trusting. It is not forced. It is not automatic. It is, rather, the bi-product of loving God so much that serving Him isn’t a requirement, it is a desire.

Savannah

Vancouver, Canada

I Can Help Others Know the Same Truth

I know that God lives and Jesus Christ is our savior. When I was younger I struggled with my faith and even questioned the existence of God. After a lot of praying and studying the scriptures, I received my answer. God is real and he knows me and loves me. When I received my answer I felt such peace and love and I just knew. I hope that by sharing my testimony I can help others know the same truth and feel how much God loves them too.

Robyn

Knippa, Texas

It is a Gift

I know that repentance is real and available to everyone. This is something that I strive to do every day. It is something that we should all have appreciate every day because it is a gift. It’s not just for big mistakes it is for every “pain, affliction, and temptation” that we will encounter in this life.

DeAnna

Arizona

They Want Us to Live a Happy Life Here on Earth

I've always had the faith that the Church is true. I would go and pray about it because I wanted a cool experience that converts had or other members had, but I never received such answers in miraculous ways. I remember praying to know the truth about the church, and as I was saying amen there was a voice in my head that said, "You already know." I was amazed by receiving an answer so quickly and also by the answer I received. I was 13 when this happened. This was my foundation of faith. It wasn't until my mission that I learned more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the real help and guidance it provides. I loved my mission, but I also really struggled. I came to a point in my mission where I did not want to be there anymore. I was discouraged in every way possible, but I knew I couldn't go home. I was more worried about what people would say if I returned home early. I also believe I would have been disappointed in myself for returning home early as well and not helping those who did not know about the Gospel. I told my companion how I felt about everything and she didn't know what to say. She was there to help me, but she couldn't help solve what I was feeling. It was at this point that I realized that my faith in Jesus Christ and the Church wasn't enough. I actually had to call upon Christ and my Heavenly Father for help and strength. I did all I could to study about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and I prayed. It was a very difficult time, but through the Savior's help I was able to come up from a pit of despair. I could start to feel my Savior actually walking by my side each and every day. I learned of His love that He had for me and for everyone here on Earth. I guess what I am trying to share is that when all feels lost and there doesn't seem to be any color left in the world. Call upon the Savior and Heavenly Father. They want to help us and they know how to help us because they know us perfectly! They don't want to see us feeling lonely or in despair. They want us to live a happy life here on Earth and to see us overcome our trials by becoming even stronger through their help. They love us unconditionally! I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Sarah

Oro Valley, Arizona

God is SO Good!

I love that the Gospel is about love and change. We came to earth to change and become more like God so that we can partake of all of His love and glory one day. Christ’s atoning sacrifice allows me to repent, which I think is one of the greatest demonstrations of love of God and self. The Book of Mormon proves that God STILL speaks to us and wants us to grow closer to Him. I try to be motivated by His perfect love each day. I’m grateful for the light that God and Jesus bring to my life. God is SO good! He loves you! :)

Claire

California

Since Then My Life Has Been Completely Different

I’m a convert to the church I got baptized when I was 14 years old since then my life has been completely different I’m grateful for my family that’s supposed me to it all I couldn’t have done it without them and I’m grateful For my Heavenly Father for always being there for me. I have been through some difficult time in life without the gospel I don’t know if I could go on. I’m really happy that I have the gospel in my life and also my family are not a member I have shared the gospel with them and I can see it make a difference in there lives.

Landy

Massachusetts

Never Forgotten or Forsaken

I believe God is consistently active in our lives and has been from the beginning. He has never forgotten or forsaken us for we are His children. He loves us beyond what we can even comprehend. He loves us so much He provided a way for us to become clean and stay clean, which is through Jesus Christ’s atonement. Christ’s atonement is so powerful that with it we can completely change our past, present, and future in the sight of God. There is always hope for each of us because of this. In Jesus’s name, I testify. Amen.

Madi

Battle Ground, Washington

I Know I am at the Place I am Supposed to Be

I’ve always had a hard time sharing my testimony because it’s something very closely personal to me, but I know that Heavenly Father’s plan is real for all of us. I see His hand in everything I do and I am guided in my life by Him.


I know I am at the place I am supposed to be and on the path I am supposed to be on because He has helped me with obstacles in my way. A year ago I had just started graduate school and had a huge back injury that got to the point I couldn’t walk without pain. I had the option to go home or try and get better whole going to school, so I called to receive a blessing to help guide my decision in what to do. After that blessing, I knew that this was an obstacle but that Heavenly Father would help me get through it, so I tried my hardest to heal my back while going to school. Sometimes you get obstacles, but Heavenly Father will help you with them.


I know His hands are in my life guiding me to where I’m meant to be and the people I’m supposed to further help along the way
I know the Plan of Salvation is true
I know this Gospel is restored and true
I know if you seek help or seek guidance it will be given to you


Right now may be the loneliest you have ever felt, but know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are there for you to help whenever called upon.

Kylie

Montana

"Without the Godhead, We Cannot Have a Testimony That Endures"

For a large portion of my life, I unknowingly wanted to remove the three most essential people from it.  I wanted to remove God by taking credit for all that was good in my life, I wanted to remove Jesus Christ by punishing myself for my sins, and I wanted to remove the Holy Ghost by keeping the “control” over my life to live it as I wanted to.  Without the Godhead, we cannot have a testimony that endures.  We will get entrapped and ensnared by the devil in some way or another.  We will focus on the peripheral aspects of the gospel, the practices of the church as an institution, and all the questions that cannot be answered.  We will be unable to turn our hearts to God because there will be no room left.  When I think about testimony now, it is built upon and only sustained when the Godhead is at the center of my life.  I must seek to know God, to live his ways, and to see and give thanks for his hand in my life.  I must “[rely] wholly upon the merits of Him who is mighty to save (2 Nephi 31:19).”  His Atonement and his love for me and others must be what I turn to in every moment.  And I must desire the Spirit to guide my heart, mind, and hands.  I must desire to live with them and for them.  This is the testimony I want to live.  This is the testimony I am striving to have.  And this is the testimony I hope to share.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Laura

Provo, Utah

I'll Always Cherish

I believe that God is my loving Heavenly Father. I have felt his love and have felt reminders of the relationship we had before this life. I believe that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I love learning more about Him and His life. I’ll always cherish my experiences of living in Jerusalem and studying his life and the scriptures while walking where He walked. I recently read the three books of “The Kingdom and the Crown” by Gerald Lund and watched “The Chosen” on VidAngel. Both of these fantastic creations brought me closer to the Savior as I imagined what life would have been like for those fortunate enough to rub shoulders with him on this earth. I look forward to the day when I too get to rub shoulders with him as we build the Kingdom of God here on the earth.

I believe that the prophet Joseph Smith was called of God and he was foreordained to begin the restoration of the Gospel in this final seal of the Plan of Happiness. I know that Joseph was an imperfect man--just as was Adam, Abraham, Moses, and other prophets before him--and that is wonderful news for me. If God can use imperfect men to lead his children as prophets, I have hope that he can also mold me for his work and kingdom. President Nelson is now carrying the mantle of prophet and he is hastening the Lord’s work to prepare us for additional light and knowledge while we wait for the Savior’s Second Coming.

I believe the Book of Mormon and the Bible to be testaments of Jesus Christ. Together, they give us so many key pieces of knowledge to help us become like Christ and Heavenly Father and to find joy in our mortal journeys. As I read these books, I am filled with light and a conviction that I want to be a part of this gospel throughout my life. I want to be fully in.

I know that after this life I’ll live with my family again. If I live up to my side of my covenants, God will live up to His. I’ll be able to enjoy eternity with my wife, Valerie Kay; my son, Danny D; and my daughter, Aria Kay. I’m so grateful that God sent me to my family, and I can’t imagine having a better life than the one He has blessed me with. I love Him and will follow Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Ryan

Rexburg, Idaho

I Know

I know that Heavenly Father is a loving Father and that He lives. His concern, His work, He watchful care, is for each of His individual children. He knows each one and their personal needs.
I know the infinite Atonement of His Son Jesus Christ touches every aspect of my life and I am so very grateful.
The gift of prayer is powerful. I know He hears me and each one who prays.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Alaura

 Eagle, Idaho

"When I do what is right, I am filled with joy"

I know that God loves us so much that He earnestly wants to help us through each and every day. Everyone on Earth faces challenges and trials, and sometimes those trials grow so heavy that it seems difficult to keep going. Nobody is exempt from facing difficulty. Yet there are people around us who somehow stay happy and keep going. How do they do this?

I have learned from the example of others and through personal experience that I am happiest when I am striving to keep all of God's commandments. When I do what is right, I am filled with joy and a sense of peace in my life, even if some of my personal challenges are particularly daunting. If we are obedient, our Heavenly Father will send us the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, which is a gift worth much more than any wealth or power we can obtain here.

It saddens me to see some struggling through their lives, assuming that there is no God or that nobody cares about them. In reality, our God really does want to help us every single day, and if we obey His commandments, we will receive spiritual strength from on high. All they have to do is keep the commandments, starting with three simple ones: reading the scriptures, praying, and going to church. 

Obeying the commandments has changed my life from one of confusion to one of joy and hope. I know that Christ lives and that He made it possible for us to return to live with Heavenly Father one day, and that as we follow His council and commandments, He will be with us every step of the way.

Ryan

Montana

Just What I Need to Continue On

God is good! Like many I was faced with a family trial in my youth that nearly broke my testimony. The only thing that kept me near my Heavenly Father was my girlfriend who is now my best friend and wife. It wasn't until my mission that I found my testimony again. I know my Savior lives because I see his continual blessings in my life. They have never been extraordinary blessings that are easily noticeable but they are just what I need to continue on my earthly journey and prepare myself for eternity.

Rhett

Mount Pleasant, Utah

"Calm my aches and empower me through my struggles"

 I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves me, He is a loving father who is constantly aware and He actively blesses me. He sent my brother Jesus Christ to show me how to be happy. Jesus has become my best friend because of His understanding and love. His comfort and strength calm my aches and empower me through my struggles. Not only is Jesus the way to happiness in daily life, but He is truly the only one who can help us have real joy in the life to come. Through His power I know I can be with my family forever. I know this by the peace, hope, and love I feel from the Holy Spirit of God. I am forever indebted and grateful to my God. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Dallin,

Provo, Utah

Is There Life Without God?

I'm a very logical person, so when I think about the universe, I can imagine the possibilities of life with and without a god. But while some see the creation of the universe and the evolution of life as events which happened by chance and for no real purpose, I see them as works performed by the hand of God. Whenever I remember the fact that I have a soul with the ability to create and do good, I can't deny that I, and everything around me came from God. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored back to the Earth, and the Christ is the son of God.

Drew

Orem, Utah

If We Will Let Him

I know that God has a plan for us. Jesus Christ is the central piece in that plan. He has done everything for us and if we just follow him, we can get closer to God. I know this because I have seen the change that has come from following Christ, in my life and in many other people's lives. I served in Spain for two years on a mission and I have seen all the wonderful blessings that have come to my family and others that I met in the mission. I know that my Savior lives and guides us today. And He blesses us if we will let Him.

Chas,

Battle Ground, Washington

What Book Has Changed Your Life?

I am a child of God. We all are. We are all part of God's family. God lives, I know this to be true because I have read the Book of Mormon. This book is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ when he came to the Americas. I have studied this book and it has changed my life. This book is powerful. I have read it and have pondered it and know it to be true because the Spirt has confirmed it to me. I know that this book is the word of God. Because this book is true it means that Jesus Christ lives today, and his Gospel has been restored to the earth. All can come to know this truth. By reading and praying about the Book of Mormon, which is it's invitation to all, you can ask your Heavenly Father if it is true. If you do so with faith and with real intent he will manifest the truth of it to you by the power of the Holy Ghost. I have come to learn so many truths about God. I have learned that he has a son Jesus Christ, and there is the Holy Ghost. All three of them make up the Godhead. I cannot put into words how much I know this Book to be true. But I know with everything I have that it is true. That Jesus lives today. If you read this book sincerely it will change your life. Because it is living proof that God lives today. That he still speaks with us. And he has restored his Gospel through a young boy named Joseph Smith. You can come to know these truths as well. As you learn about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon the spirit will touch your heart. I invite you to do so. You can go to lds.org and there you can find more. If you talk with Mormon Missionaries they can teach you more about this wonderful message. I exhort you to do so. I have found happiness through this message, and I know that you can too. I say that in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Richard

Orem, Utah

How Has Your Life Changed as a Result of the Gospel?

I joined the church 4 years ago, I didn’t realize that the decision I made that very moment would change my life forever. 


Over the last 4 years my love, trust and relationship with Jesus Christ has become something that I didn’t know was possible. 


I’ve learned that His love for me is unchangeable, He is always willing to carry me through my trials and He’s already walked the path. I am never alone. I just came home from 18 months of serving the Lord and after those 18 months, I can tell you that my full purpose in life is to make sure that I am truly representing Him where I am and letting others feel the love that He has for them. I am so grateful for the gospel and for a loving Savior, Redeemer and older Brother.

Nohely

Mesa, Arizona

While the Spirit still strives with man, man must Strive to Share