something I've been meaning to do...

I've put this off mainly because there's been a lot to share but I can't put it off any longer! The majority of you all know that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saint! Many of you all share the same values and beliefs as I do.I have one very special friend who I love dearly who has known me for ever and visits my blog regularly that I have yet to share my feelings and my thoughts on being a member of this church I love!

Anie, I have felt the need to share my testimony, or my thoughts, with you lately for whatever reason, and it's just important to share with all of you as well because my religion and my beliefs are so important to me!! I hope you don't mind that I take this time to share my thought!

I strongly believe that we lived with a loving Heavenly Father before we came to this earth to live. I often refer to God as my Heavenly Father almost to reverence the name and draw attention to that fact that he is the Father. I believe that before I was born I knew all to well the challenges and trials I would be dealt but gladly signed up to take them on because of my faith in my Heavenly Fathers guidance and love to see me through the hardest of times!

I have been blessed to know that I am a daughter of God. I feel that he knows me personally and cares so strongly for me that he sent His son Jesus Christ to prepare a way for me to some day return to live with him again. Jesus Christ is my Savior! He bleed and died for me and lived a life that set the perfect example to follow. A charitable, loving and forgiving life.

I am never alone. I can always find guidance and strength from above as I pray and all to often I feel the loving arms of a Father in heaven as I pray for comfort or express my gratitude for all the many blessing I enjoy each day! I truly feel I have a relationship with God.

My membership in my church has given me so much. To often non members are only aware of the "limitations" of our church. One of the first and for most gospel principles taught to us is that WE have Free agency. We can chose rather to follow the teaching that have been given or not. I have only found that when I follow the teachings or guidelines I am blessed beyond measure! I do not see the "rules" of our church as limitations. I see them as growth promoting, healthy and a rewarding lifestyle to live by.

I believe that life here on earth is only a step in our progression. I know I will live in heaven with my Heavenly father again. I know that my earthly ties to family and loved ones will extend beyond the grave. We believe that we can be together for the eternities and the bonds of marriage don't last till death. To me that is the strongest comfort ... to know that my sweet family will me mine forever!

I feel unbelievably happy. I know that is largely to do with my relationship to my Heavenly father and Jesus Christ. I would never deny these feelings. I would gladly stand up for what I believe in only because I have prayerfully searched for this knowledge and felt the confirmation in my heart that I was looking for.

It's hard for me to separate myself and my beliefs. I never want anyone to question me and wonder.. "What does she stand for? Who is she?" I only hope That I live a life that draws questions like " Why does she do the things she does? Why is she happy?" Hopefully that is the life I am living.

I feel very vulnerable having shared this important part of me with you but I felt strongly that I needed to and even remind myself why I do what I do. It's not meant to convert anyone or to sound like I know everything. It was simply meant to explane a little bit more about who I am.

Anie, I have always felt like you have always loved your friends so unconditionally. You are the greatest example of love and dedication when it comes to friendships. You have shown me so much about yourself by keeping in touch and making the effort. I will forever be grateful for our friendship and I hope you don't me sharing my thoughts!