KILLER FAITH!

So my initial plan for this blog is to write about our adventures and all the fun things Spencer and I get to do. So with that in mind, I never really intended to post a bunch of thoughts about my religion. But I just came from a religion class that Spencer and I attend once a week, and I would feel completely ungrateful if I didn't write down a few of my thoughts before they run away with me. Please forgive me for my lack eloquency, but I hope this portrays some of my thoughts and feelings as I actually see them.

Here goes... !

So the man who teaches the class is absolutely incredible! His insights and the way he brings the spirit into the classroom every week leaves me completely in awe at the end of every class. Tonight we talked a lot about the protestant reformation and the many inspired people who paved the way for the reformation and eventually the restoration of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). We read journal entries and quotes from many of those people and tried to understand their motivations for going against the papal authority and truly risking and sacrificing their lives for the things they believed.

What amazing faith these men had! It causes much inward reflection, wondering whether I would be willing to give everything I have for my beliefs. I have never been faced with a life and death situation that hangs on the balance of my beliefs. I'd like to think that I'd be brave enough and have the integrity to stick to what I KNOW to be true, but I don't KNOW what'd I'd end up doing. I don't KNOW a lot of things. But the ONE thing I know for certain in this life is that the gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith, IS Jesus Christ's church.

If someone asked me how or why I know it's true, I don't know that I could ever give them a direct answer. I know it with every fiber of my being. I know it when I pray and have feel of the Lord's presence. I knew it every time I saw the light in the eyes of one of my amazing Estonian friends study the Book of Mormon for the first time and feel of it's power. I know it when I read the word of God, whether it be the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon and also the words of our modern prophets and apostles.

It was once said that THE BEST WAY TO LEARN ABOUT A RELIGION AND WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS BY STUDYING THE WORDS AND TEACHINGS OF THEIR LEADERS. I completely, 100% believe in that saying.

We just had the general conference of our church, where our prophet and the church leadership spoke. The spirit I felt when listening to their declarations of belief and their words of caution and guidance was incredible. If anyone here is actually reading this post and happened to miss these amazing talks, or honestly has no idea what I'm talking about, check it out! Here's the link where you can watch conference, listen or read each talk individual... I promise it'll be worth your while! http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-1207,00.html

I feel so blessed and lucky to have this gospel in my life. It is the most prized possession I will ever have, because through it, I KNOW that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, and I KNOW that this is HIS gospel. So, just as those amazing men literally gave their lives for what they knew to be true, I will give my life (most likely in more of a metaphorical way) for what I know to be true. It is truly THAT important to me, and even though I have my flaws and weaknesses, I want to do ALL I can to make my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ proud of me.