My testimony

I went to church today and it was the ward that I havent really gone to. (about twice) They had testimony meeting (I totally forgot it was fast and testimony meeting..whoops) but I didnt get a chance to bear my testimony. I had to leave early because I am not feeling good. I was sitting there thinking if there was some way I could bear my testimony because I really wanted to. So, instead of in church, I will bear it here. :) Bearing a testimony can be kind of scary, escpecially when you have to stand up in front of a million people it seems. Some people take the time to tell stories, be grateful for things, etc etc. But whenever someone really bears their testimony of what they know is true, you really feel the peace of the spirit, the burning inside where you know it is true as well, and you are so glad that someone else feels the same way. I know there were many many people who had strong testimonies that never stood up, and I am grateful for others who also believe in God as I do. (no matter which church or denomination that they adhere to) I am so glad there are those who are kind in the world, those who really try and do what is right (or what they believe is right) and for those who sacrifice their time in order to edify those they care about. I respect all people who truly have testimonies of the Lord. I will never pretend I am any better than anyone else. I know it is a lie, because I know we are all entirely equal, no matter what we decide to do with our lives. Anyways, I would now like to say what I believe in and what I know to be true. I testify of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that he lived many years ago, bled and died for our sins. I know that he rose again in life and is living today with our Heavenly Father. I know that Heavenly Father cares so much about each and everyone one of us. I know that he loves me, and that he is intimatly involved in my life. I know that he listens to our prayers and answers them in ways that we may or may not see. I know that he gave us his words to help nourish us and guide us. I know that the Bible contains his words, that the Book of Mormon contains his words, and any thing that his Prophets have said on his behalf is true. I testify that he has sent us a prophet in these days to help us, to nurture us, and to protect us from our own carnal state. I testify that Joseph Smith was indeed a true prophet and a great man. I testify that Thomas S. Monson is our true prophet now, and that he is a good man and that he will guide us if we listen to his words. I know that the Lord would never ask us to do things that we could not do.
He has saved me, he has saved all of us, and I know this with all of my heart. I testify of Christ, that he lives, that he loves us. I testify of our dear Heavenly Father who loves us so much that he has made it that we can return in his presence once again. I testify, and know because of the Holy Ghost, that we can be forgiven of any sin that we may commit. I cannot deny what I know, and I say it with peace and assurance and with complete joy. I cannot deny it because through all of my hardships it is the Lord that has saved me. I have gone through the worst that I ever thought I could, but it was all because of my own stupidity. I believed I could do it on my own. I believed that God did not want to help me, but he has blessed me so much to show that he truly does love me and that he wants to help me. It was only when I turned to him did I finally become truly happy. I am soo excited to get to know him better. I am so excited to slowly understand his ways (though I know that it will take more than a lifetime) I want to become like him someday, and I want him to be proud of me. I want to show him that I love him, that I am his faithful and humble servant. That whatever he asks of me, that I would do it to the best of my ability. But I know also that I cannot do anything worth anything on my own. I am nothing without God. Life without him is dull and full of disappointment. Life with him is filled with promise, joy, happiness, and peace. This is what I know to be true and that anyone who is wondering can pray to Heavenly Father and he will always tell us what we need and what is true, for he cannot lie, nor would he ever want to, and he will always help us if we ask for it. This I know with all my soul, and I say in Jesus' name, Amen.