So I Started A Blog...

I created this blog a couple of months ago, and haven't been able to think of what to share until now. To be quite honest, I have mixed feelings about blogging. I don't intend this to turn into an online personal diary, but rather a place where people can check out what I have been up to, and what's new in my life. I've always thought it was cool being able to read about my friends and family that I don't get to see very often, so I hope you feel the same way!

Back to what finally inspired to actually post on my oh-so-empty blog. The Ensign for July has an article in it that I hope you all will take a look at. It is by Elder Ballard about sharing your testimony and proclaiming the gospel using modern technology. In it, Elder Ballard specifically suggests starting a blog to share your testimony. I thought to myself, "I already have a blog - and an empty one! I should do it!" So, I would love to share my testimony with all of you!

Firstly, I want to bear my testimony about the Restoration of the Gospel. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ did appear to the boy Joseph Smith, who then restored the true gospel to the earth. I know that Joseph Smith was inspired of God to recover and translate the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith was a true prophet who communicated with God in order to establish Jesus Christ's church on the earth today.
I also want to share my testimony about the Plan of Salvation. God has prepared a way for us to return to live with him again. Before we came to this earth, I know that we lived as spirit children in the presence of our God, who is the literal Father of our spirits. We have the opportunity to come to earth and live as mortals in order to be tested. In order to pass this eternally important test, we must follow God's commandments and strive to improve ourselves and others around us. A very important element in the Plan of Salvation is the basic unit - the family. We are not put together in families by chance, but to be sealed together and live together for eternity. We are to help and love and cherish one another in the gospel. Once we leave this life, if we are worthy, we can return to live with God again, along with our families forever!
I know that the Book of Mormon, alongside the Bible, are the word of God. Both witness of our Savior Jesus Christ and contain his words and teachings. I know that even though the Book of Mormon was originally written thousands of years ago, I know that through the inspiration of God's prophets, it was written for our day. It contains the guidance we need to be able to stay strong and true to our beliefs in our world today.
I know that we have a prophet living on the earth today, President Thomas S. Monson. He receives continual revelation from God concerning us and our lives in the world today. I know that he is inspired of God. By listening to his voice, we can receive a heightened awareness of what is occurring the world, and receive guidance to help us make wise choices.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior, who atoned for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane. He died and on the third day was resurrected, overcoming death and allowing us the opportunity to do the same. I know that by living by his teachings and by utilizing his atonement through repentance and obedience, we can one day be resurrected and perfected, just like He is.
I know these things are true! In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen

This is part of a talk given by Elder Ballard concerning 'Joining the Internet Conversation'


This is a GREAT clip of a talk given by Elder F. Enzio Busche of the Quorum of the Seventy at a BYU devotional in 1996: