Sunday, August 21, 2011

Sunday thoughts

Today was another great Sunday!

Again I cried several times, but at least it didn't get out of control this week. Normally, I do not cry easily. At all. So I don't know what to make of my quickness to cry lately. Is it an indication that my anti-depressants aren't working properly? Or could it be a sign that my heart is more open now? I hope it's the latter.

Some highlights:

A young Deacon spoke about testimony. He and his mom and little brother moved out of our ward yesterday. He thanked all the people in the ward who have taught him and helped him to develop his own testimony. He singled out one of his home teachers who taught him about the law of the harvest: "for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." No good thing comes without work and sacrifice.

The home teacher planted potatoes with him, and together they tended them until the (bountiful) harvest. I love that home teacher, so much.


A woman read from her father's conversion story. When he was a teenager, one of his neighbors (one he had not been entirely kind to) invited him to walk to school with him each day. Later, he invited him to play church basketball. As attending 6 church meetings a month was a requirement for being on the church team, he started going to mutual and an occasional Sacrament meeting. He liked the people, especially the cute girls. But gradually, he started to feel the Spirit confirm to him that the doctrines were true, that he was in the right place.

This continued for several years. Finally, the bishop asked him when he was going to be baptized. He met with the missionaries and was baptized by his friend who introduced him to the gospel.

He found out much later that his friend gave up playing on the varsity basketball team his senior year so that he could keep playing on the church team with him, and keep fellowshipping him. Because of that sacrifice, 37 members of his family now enjoy the blessings of the gospel. I love that teenage boy who was willing to sacrifice something that he wanted for something that he thought was more important, something that ultimately impacted so many lives for the better.


A strong, personal testimony is a true and faithful companion during good times and bad. It is reason for hope and happiness, no matter what we encounter in life. It allows us to do things we had no prior experience with, things we didn't think we could do. No one can take it away from us.

I am feeling so motivated to nurture my testimony, to look for ways to serve others, and to be the best me I can be!

p.s. there were two other things I cried over, but they will have to wait for future posts...

3 comments:

Jill said...

I'd like to think it's because you've opened your heart, but who knows? Could it be a softening that comes after turning 40? Let's discuss.

These examples of member missionary work are amazing! I would have been a wreck too.

We found out today that our Bishopric will be released next Sunday so I really need to stock up on tissues before next week!

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Those are sweet stories and they will continue to inspire many of us. I'm glad you shared them with us Michelle. Thank you.

Blessing Sunday is a sweet time, isn't it? I'm so glad we do that as a people.

Charlotte said...

Lately I've also felt an increased motivation to nurture my testimony--it's so invigorated to be filled with such righteous desires.

I'm so grateful for a testimony that has been at my side through good times and bad.

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