My Testimony

I finished posting the last commentary to the blog last night on October 9, 2007. The commentary and insights have come a long way since December 12, 1996 in Coban Guatemala. It has taken me many tries to complete this little project to my liking. And I'm sure that I will continue to revise it through the years. To me, it is a treasure and will help me more easily remember all that the Lord has taught me while I've read this sacred book.

Today was a beautiful north Texas fall day. I had to work the night shift last night and so when I came home from work, I fell asleep and then got up around 1:00pm. By then, it was clear and dry and 80 degrees outside. As usual, I went on my run … today's route would be four miles.

I hadn't had much time to myself, so I was looking forward to spending my time in prayer while I ran. As I started to run, my thoughts turned to my family. I began to say a prayer in my head. I thanked our Heavenly Father for my beautiful children and my lovely wife. I let my mind wander thinking of all the blessings we have received. Indeed I feel so blessed and sometimes wonder why I should deserve those blessings.

I asked for forgiveness of my sins and shortcomings. I expressed my gratitude for the feelings of goodness within my heart and how I wish I always had them with me to help me resist temptations. I asked for strength to always choose the right.

Then I began to pray about the Book of Mormon. I told Heavenly Father that I love the book and how it has brought me joy in my life. I told Him that I know that by reading the Book of Mormon and following its teachings, I have learned the true way to happiness. And then something extraordinary happened. I told our Father in Heaven that even if all the evidence in the world came out against the Book of Mormon and that it were proven to not be true without any doubt, I would still believe in the Book of Mormon … I would still read it and I would still love it; I would still follow the teachings found therein. I would never "trample" on (see 1 Nephi 19:7) the Book of Mormon. I simply could not do it; I love the book too much to ever turn my back to it.

Unexpectedly, while I was running, tears welled up in my eyes and my heart began to thump a little harder. It was if a curtain was lifted and I could see. I began to cry out loud. I felt the Holy Ghost tell me that what I had determined in my heart was what Heavenly Father desired of me. Immediately, the words of Mormon in 3 Nephi 6:14 came to my mind, "They were firm, and steadfast, and immovable." I felt at that moment that Heavenly Father was pleased with me and He told me that I was on the right path. It was such a peaceful and powerful feeling. It was real to me and I shall never forget it.

I know the Book of Mormon is true. I love it dearly. Because I know the Book of Mormon is from God, I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today. I also know the prophet who leads the Church is a prophet of God. I know these things are true and knowing that makes me happy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.