How Do You Know?

Lately I've been experiencing things that could have brought into question my testimony, faith, beliefs. The same things that have brought some of my friends to question the same things, but have been lead astray.

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that one friend has blocked me because of this.

Last night I cried myself to sleep because of this. Why? Because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true! I know that the Book of Mormon is true. And I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know that we are lead today by God's chosen prophet, Thomas S. Monson. And because I know these things, all the things the world is telling me is wrong, I know that they are wrong. There is no wavering. I know!

It breaks my heart that so many of my friends have let the devils icy fingers in and around their heart. That they have let down their guard and have forgotten the things that they know. I keep hearing "the philosophies of men mingled with scripture" running through my head when I see them walking away. I don't just want my family to endure to the end and make it to the very top of heaven. I want all my friends to be there with me. I really do. What kind of heaven will it be if only family is there? Ok, my family rocks, and it will be a blast, but I still want to party with my friends up there too!

There was a time in my youth that I didn't feel this way. I wasn't active in the church. I wasn't doing the things I should have been doing. I let a bishop drive me away. I let myself be offended and could care less what others thought of me. Then, as if over night, I ran smacked dab into the wall. I hated myself. I hated the guy I was dating (sorry). I hated where I was going.

Now, I could have dwelt in the self-hatred and turned to men for "help", or drugs or drink. I could have left the church for good.

But I didn't. All that would have lead to darkness. And I was already in a dark place. Instead, I turned to the light. At first, I read my patriarchal blessing. It helped me to see how God saw me and what I could become.

After reading it, I got down on my knees and prayed. I prayed harder then I ever had in my life, at that point. I wanted to know that He loved me. That I wasn't too far gone. That He would take me back despite all the bad choices I was making. I prayed to know what to do. I then was greeted with the most powerful spiritual hug I have ever gotten. I was enveloped in warmth burning fire. I could feel Christ's and Heavenly Father's arms around me. Whispering, through the Holy Ghost, that I wasn't lost. I that I was loved. Loved more than I could ever really comprehend. I was then told the things I needed to do.

I read the Book of Mormon, for the first time, cover to cover. I started going back to church. I apologized to the girls that made life hard for me. And I for them. I went to institute and learned as much as I could from Brother and Sister Weaver.

I then got down on my knees, after having read the Book of Mormon, and asked if it were true. I asked if Joseph Smith really saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I asked if this church was true. And if Gordon B Hinkley (he was the prophet then) if he was indeed a prophet as well. Again, I felt the burning and knew that it all was true.

I went to college and started the repentance process. And well, the rest is history.

I have not blindly followed the teachings of this church. I have not just taken the word of everything that has been taught. I have gotten on my knees and worked it out with the Lord, until I could understand it for myself.

What I wish I had done, was find these truths before I messed things up. I wish I would have listened to my leaders and teachers and read the Book of Mormon when I was just baptized. I wish I would have gained this testimony then, instead of doing things the hard way.

Just because things turned out well now, there is a small part of me that wonders, what if? Now, I do know that where I am today, and who I am with was truly meant to be. God knew I would mess up and lead me to the prefect person for me to marry and have His children with. It's amazing how things all work out.

So, I'm writing this in hopes that maybe the youth will be inspired to not do as I did, but do as I say. :) Gain an unshakable testimony NOW! If you don't understand something, ask your leaders, your Sunday School teacher, your parents or your bishop. Most importantly, take it to the Lord in prayer. He will answer your questions. Be unmovable NOW! Know what you are standing up for NOW! Don't wait, or say hey, Sister Richins turned out ok, so things will work out for me. I am the exception to the rule. Most don't come back. Most leave for good. And now I'm seeing my friends leave over things that I have taken to the Lord in prayer and learned of His truth. Know these things NOW! So maybe, just maybe, you won't be shaken when you are an adult.

This video talks about the very thing I'm saying. Gain your testimony now. Pray about it. Sincerely pray about seeking out the answers. If you knock, He will answer.