What I Know

I don't talk about the Gospel too much.

Maybe because sometimes I forget what it means to me.

And all the blessings that come from it.

But today I remembered a lot of reasons why it is important to me.

As significant events happen in my life, I am reminded that the Lord is in the little moments that have led up to and prepared me for all those big moments.

1. I am grateful for the organization of the Church. 

Last week, my roommate bore her testimony about how we need organized religion.

A company wouldn't run without organization.

In the same way, the Gospel can't go forward without being organized.

I am grateful for what that gives to me.

2. I am grateful for the Priesthood.

For the sacred ordinances that it allows us to perform.

For Priesthood blessings.

For leadership and inspiration when I can't hear it on my own.

3. I am grateful for the Atonement.

For my Savior who forgives me and makes me clean again.

For a Redeemer who loves me in spite of my failings and is able to lift me up and help me be better.

4. I am grateful for a Bishop.

A Bishop Benson in particular.

Today, as he was released and another man took his place, I was able to look back across the past 3 years and see just how much he has affected me. 

I have grown in ways I never thought possible as he has taught me and guided me back to my Heavenly Father when I was lost. 

I have come to understand even better the love that my Heavenly Father has for me through this good man's love and humility and patience and guidance.

I don't know what I would have done without him these past few years.

The Lord puts certain people into our lives at certain times for a reason.

And I don't have enough fingers to count all the reasons why I know Bishop has been in my life. 

More than just a bishop, that man has been a father to me when mine was so far away. 

I can honestly say that the moments sitting and talking in his office are more valuable to me than anything else that has happened in the past 3 years. 

5. I am grateful for a living Prophet who leads and guides this Church.

What a blessings his words are to me.

They bring safety and peace in times of confusion and turmoil.

And they bring understanding and clarity to principles of righteousness.

6. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves me.

I am His child. 

And He loves me enough to give me opportunities to learn everyday.

Sometimes those opportunities hurt.

But as I pray, I can see more and more how they are helping me grow.

7. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon.

I learn something new from it every day that brings me closer to my Savior.

Those are my thoughts. 

They make me strive to be a better person each day.

Because I believe.

Go here to learn more.