Because He Lives....

I have been thinking alot about my life lately. I have made changes in my life, and gone back to the religion of my youth. The religion that I have always loved and believed in. For a while I lost my faith and hence lost my way. But, because my Heavenly Father loves me, and because he lives there is no task so great that I can not endure. At the age of 52 I am plagued with osteoarthritis, facet disease, spondiliosis and degenerative bone disease. Yet, though I am in pain every single day now I still have hope that one day when I see my Heavenly Father all will be restored and I will walk normally again and will once again be able to run. I believe there is a honest and pure Prophet of God that leads and directs the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints. That there are special wittnesses of this known to many as the Apostles that testify of Jesus Christ. I know there are many that do not believe and to them I am grateful to say that I believe in free agency and if they do not choose to believe that is ok. But, allow me the right to believe as I choose. I do not force anyone to believe as I do, but beleive if they would open their hearts they would see why I believe. It has been a life changing event. Has my life become easier since my return, nope in fact in some ways it has become more difficult but I believe that this life is but a moment and if I can just hang on everything will work out for the best. I believe that I have a Heavenly Father that not only loves me but that he knows me personally by name. I believe that I am a part of something far larger than myself. That I will see my parents again even though they have long since past. And my grandparents and all those that have gone on and are waiting for my return. I have a family an enturnal family. That will go on throughout the eternities. I believe that we are all given opportunities for growth and some of those opportunities are at times difficult. But, that I am not alone. That I can talk to my Heavenly Father any time and he will listen and answer my prayers. I may not recieve the answers that I want but always it will be the right answer for me. Just as with any parent sometimes the answer is no. I believe that through repentance I can become pure before my father. I hope to stand clean and pure before him one day. What a blessing it is to know I just have to do it one day at a time. Prior to my re-baptism I had to quit smoking something I had done for 13 yrs. It has been a difficult task because even now months later I have the desire to pick it up again. But, a couple of days ago I borrowed my granddaughters CTR ring and every time I feel the desire to smoke or curse or even when thoughts that are not right pass into my mind if I turn the ring for a moment I am able to get rid of those thoughts. It seems like a simple thing but it has worked for me. I believe that there are Three distinct personages that make up the GodHead. My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and a special one who is refered to as the comforter or Holy Ghost that make up the trinity. I do not believe that they are one personage. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World and that he died for me and all who would believe in his name. That he took on the sins of the world that caused his such great pain that he blead from every pore. That he rose on the thrid day making it possible for us to live again. It totally amazes me that he loves us so much that he would do such a wonderful and great thing as this. That he did this great thing of his own will and choice that he could have just said no but, he didn't. When I feel alone or afraid now I know that he is near and hears my prayers. Do I make mistakes you bet I do but knowing I can repent and be forgiven if I humble myself and try to never do those things again. What a gift... I believe that life is a gift that each day should be charished. Even the hard days. For with each lies lessons for us if we just open ourselves up to it. I am so grateful to the Lord for all that I have, All of this is made possible because he lives. Because he lives I will find strength to fight against the tempers power. I felt tonight that I needed to share my testimony that I believe.... Because he lives.