Friday, March 31, 2006
Dear Mom,
I just read again your written testimony I received last week. Thank-you so much! I love having it. In my youth I used to hear you occasionally bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. It has been many years since I had that privilege. I love being able to read and re-read it. It is scripture to me.
The past year has been exceedingly difficult for me health wise, but I wouldn't change a thing to make it easier! Let me explain. I have always wanted to attend my church meetings, be obedient and try to be good and nice, go to the temple, support my leaders, do my VTing and other callings. Some days I have been more successful than others. But at times I have not understood how I could have the Gospel in my life, and all the blessings I have, but not feel the joy described in the scriptures. During the past year some things have occurred.
1) My health has gotten worse
2) We were called to be missionaries with the Addiction Recovery Program in our stake
3) I have learned and tried to applied those principles
4) I spent two weeks in the hospital
5) I was asked to give a presentation on trials in our stake RS Enrichment Meeting
Mixing all these things together has greatly strengthened my testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. While in the hospital, I had lots of time to read the Book of Mormon. President Hinckley challenged us to read it by the end of the year. What a blessing I found this to be! Also in our ARP Meetings I have come to understand that I am a Child of God. While in Primary I sang that song for years, but didn’t internalize it for myself until recently.
There are two reasons we are on Earth. One is to get a body. Done, thanks to you. The second is to be tried and tested. The test is whether we will turn to the source of healing and comfort, the Savior. I have learned that in the Plan of Happiness the purpose of trials is to cause us to need to turn to the Savior.
There is an article by President Faust in the February Ensign on trials. In it he writes:
“It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd”.
I have come to better understand what he is saying. I have been able to feel much closer to the Spirit while dealing with these problems.
In September, while I was in the hospital, I remember one particular night when I was lying awake and feeling miserably sick. Nothing was working and I felt crummy. But even in the midst of it all I remember feeling happy, pure joy because I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew the Savior was with me. I was amazed to be so miserable on the outside, but so happy inside. I learned for myself that the Gospel is true. It helps me so much to be able to recall that feeling.
As I made my presentation at the Stake Enrichment Meeting earlier this month, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony of the Atonement. I don’t know if it helped anyone else at all, but it sure did me. I hope to be able to always remember and remain strong in my faith of the Savior.
I too am so grateful for my heritage. There couldn’t have been any more faithful Grandparents than mine. I am so thankful for my heritage. I want to live up to being part of their family!
Guess I wanted to let you know that all the care and example you have given to me over the many years has been so very important to me. You are the dearest Mother in the world. Your testimony of the importance of prayer, and the example of years of our family prayer have helped me though many hard times. Your testimony and rock solid trust in the Lord have taught me where to go for help when I need guidance. You are so important to me. I love you dearly. I hope to never be a disappointment to you. I am so proud of you and the way you live and who you are.
Life is good. Hard yes, but very, very good. Like you I have been given a wonderful companion and sweetheart. He is so dear to me. No one could be more perfect for me. Bruce, Rachel and PJ are gifts from Heavenly Father. Pure and simple as that.
Well, I wanted to share my feelings with you. The problem is the English language lacks the words I need...but I’ve forgotten that Adamic language that would explain it more fully. Until I can remember, this will have to do.
Love you so much. Karen
Dear Mom,
I just read again your written testimony I received last week. Thank-you so much! I love having it. In my youth I used to hear you occasionally bear testimony in fast and testimony meeting. It has been many years since I had that privilege. I love being able to read and re-read it. It is scripture to me.
The past year has been exceedingly difficult for me health wise, but I wouldn't change a thing to make it easier! Let me explain. I have always wanted to attend my church meetings, be obedient and try to be good and nice, go to the temple, support my leaders, do my VTing and other callings. Some days I have been more successful than others. But at times I have not understood how I could have the Gospel in my life, and all the blessings I have, but not feel the joy described in the scriptures. During the past year some things have occurred.
1) My health has gotten worse
2) We were called to be missionaries with the Addiction Recovery Program in our stake
3) I have learned and tried to applied those principles
4) I spent two weeks in the hospital
5) I was asked to give a presentation on trials in our stake RS Enrichment Meeting
Mixing all these things together has greatly strengthened my testimony of the Savior and the Atonement. While in the hospital, I had lots of time to read the Book of Mormon. President Hinckley challenged us to read it by the end of the year. What a blessing I found this to be! Also in our ARP Meetings I have come to understand that I am a Child of God. While in Primary I sang that song for years, but didn’t internalize it for myself until recently.
There are two reasons we are on Earth. One is to get a body. Done, thanks to you. The second is to be tried and tested. The test is whether we will turn to the source of healing and comfort, the Savior. I have learned that in the Plan of Happiness the purpose of trials is to cause us to need to turn to the Savior.
There is an article by President Faust in the February Ensign on trials. In it he writes:
“It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd”.
I have come to better understand what he is saying. I have been able to feel much closer to the Spirit while dealing with these problems.
In September, while I was in the hospital, I remember one particular night when I was lying awake and feeling miserably sick. Nothing was working and I felt crummy. But even in the midst of it all I remember feeling happy, pure joy because I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew the Savior was with me. I was amazed to be so miserable on the outside, but so happy inside. I learned for myself that the Gospel is true. It helps me so much to be able to recall that feeling.
As I made my presentation at the Stake Enrichment Meeting earlier this month, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony of the Atonement. I don’t know if it helped anyone else at all, but it sure did me. I hope to be able to always remember and remain strong in my faith of the Savior.
I too am so grateful for my heritage. There couldn’t have been any more faithful Grandparents than mine. I am so thankful for my heritage. I want to live up to being part of their family!
Guess I wanted to let you know that all the care and example you have given to me over the many years has been so very important to me. You are the dearest Mother in the world. Your testimony of the importance of prayer, and the example of years of our family prayer have helped me though many hard times. Your testimony and rock solid trust in the Lord have taught me where to go for help when I need guidance. You are so important to me. I love you dearly. I hope to never be a disappointment to you. I am so proud of you and the way you live and who you are.
Life is good. Hard yes, but very, very good. Like you I have been given a wonderful companion and sweetheart. He is so dear to me. No one could be more perfect for me. Bruce, Rachel and PJ are gifts from Heavenly Father. Pure and simple as that.
Well, I wanted to share my feelings with you. The problem is the English language lacks the words I need...but I’ve forgotten that Adamic language that would explain it more fully. Until I can remember, this will have to do.
Love you so much. Karen
It says it is Bob Google but it is Laura.
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