Priesthood Light

I am So thankful for the Priesthood in my life. We had a lesson in YW yesterday about the Priesthood, and it's influences in our lives. My teacher told us a story from a woman she knew who married outside of the church.She told her about how different it was, living in a home without the Priesthood power. She said it was empty. Her marriage and her husband just felt empty. Empty of power, empty of strength, empty of light.
My Sunday school teacher from when I was in primary feels like that. I used to love learning in his class. He was so passionate about what he taught. He loved the Lord, and he loved the gospel and you could Feel it. He used to bare his testimony periodically. You Knew the he knew.
Now he's inactive. He seems extinguished. He doesn't shine anymore. It's really sad.
I'm going to try to get him to come to church again. I called him Sunday morning to see if he would come. I think I'm going to keep that up. Eventually he'll get sick of me and either start coming, or yell at me to stop. I really hope he starts coming.

Stand A Little Taller Feb 18th

Stregthen Faith and Testimony
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? -James 2:20
Faith and testimony are like the muscles of my arm. If I use those muscles and nourish them, they grow stronger. If I put my arm in a sling, and leave it there, it becomes weak and ineffective, and so it is with testimony.

So my dad hasn't been going to church until sacrament meeting lately. I thought it was just cause of how tired he is all the time. He works an odd schedule. However, he doesn't work Friday or saturday, so that Should give him enough time before church on Sunday, right? Yea! It turns out, he's uncomfortable going to elder's quorom meetings because everyone else is younger than him. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little disappointed. My mom when we were walking to church yesterday. She pointed out that he Does believe, and have a strong testimony. I snapped back, "Faith without works is dead, Mom." I felt bad about it, but I'm not sure I shouldn't have my dad read today's thought. If I go to my dad, and tell him he needs to go to All of church, it will just make him feel incompetent, or inadequate. What do I do to Motivate him to do better? When I try to Help him, it ends up being counter-productive. I have a really good father. I walked in on him and Mom praying this morning. That's not something every kid can claim.
I just wish he'd go to church.

My Testimony

On Friday, I challenged my seminary class to share their testimonies with someone, so I guess I'd better take my own challenge.

I really struggled when I was younger with knowing whether or not I had a testimony. I couldn't conciously accept what I already knew in my heart. I think I struggled because I didn't have any sense of self worth. I didn't see how there could be a God of Everything who could still love Me.
For Myself.
It took alot of time and a few Very patient friends, but now I can say I Know my Father in Heaven loves me. I know that he exists. I know that Joseph Smith was called by him to restore His true church upon the earth.
I know that Christ is His son. He is my older brother, my supreme example, my role model, my Savior and King. He made it possible for me to attain celestial glory. He loves me So much that he was willing to bear my pains. I'm so Grateful to Him. I love my Savior with all my heart.
I have a testimony of Gratitude. I didn't fully realize how thankful I am for some things and some people until Brother Read challenged us to say thank you to some specific people in our lives. I love writing thank you notes to people! Showing gratitude invites the spirit to be in your life. It opens you up to more blessings.
I also know that the Lord hears and answers prayers. He has helped me through So much in my life. I'm grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I'm so haapy to be a member of God's true church. It has blessed my life in countless ways. And I'm thankful for my seminary teacher and class.