John- A testimony of...

Agency- Agency is such an important thing for us. I’ve really found that by listening to Conference talks that I found so much more information about agency and the important role it plays in our progression. One of my favorite expressions is that in order to truly use our agency we have to give it back to the Savior. For a while I thought this was interesting but I don’t think I really understood it. After this course I know that by choosing to follow the Savior and obey His commandments that we find the freedom and the joy the Lord wants us to have on earth. Sometimes I think I have taken my agency for granted. I am so grateful that I have been able to study the words of the apostles and prophets on agency.

Atonement- The Atonement has always been a very difficult concept. Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk, “Redemption”, from General Conference last April helped me to get a better grasp on the Atonement and what it means for me. Many prophets have stated that you can study the Atonement all your life and still only have a basic understanding of its magnitude. I am thankful for a stronger testimony that I have received through studying the apostle’s words.

Family- My family is one of the most important blessings in my life. As I proceeded through this assignment, I was overwhelmed with the love that I felt from the apostles and prophets. In my darkest times, it has been my family and the strength and love I receive from them that have brought me back to happiness. I am so thankful that I can be with my family for all eternity and I hope that I can help others find the blessings and joy that come through following the Lord.

Pornography- Pornography is such an evil and damaging vice not only for individuals but for entire families. President Monson once compared it to the destruction of a tree beetle that can wipe out an entire forest. Pornography has the same power. It can wipe out an entire family. By collecting these quotes on pornography, I have been impressed with the message of hope and recovery that our prophet and apostles shared. I am grateful for their plain talk and straight forward messages. We as Latter-day Saints need to stand as a beacon in the dark to show people who are afflicted by this addiction and show them the hope and peace that can be achieved through repentance.

Prayer- Prayer is a powerful tool and blessing that our Heavenly Father has given us. I have had many experiences with the power of prayer. I have been comforted in stressful times, I have been led down the right path, and I had my testimony strengthened; all through the power of prayer. I was thankful years ago to a kind and loving bishop who taught me to make it a priority to have morning and night prayers. By creating that habit, I have been able to strengthen my testimony and my family. I am thankful that Heavenly Father has provided a way in which we can communicate together and know His will.

Trial and Tribulation- This was a difficult topic for me. I know what trials and tribulations are and I have had many in my life, but I was surprised with how uplifted I felt as I read the apostles words on trials and tribulations. As we endure trials and tribulations we are strengthened and we have the opportunity to draw closer to the Lord. I understand that trials and tribulations are important in our lives because they help us to grow and become better people. I grew up in a very tumultuous family and that has given me perspective on the importance of a gospel centered family. I am actually grateful for some of my trials. I know that the Lord loves me and that the only reason we have these trials is so we can become closer to Him and eventually find our way back to His heavenly home.

Temple Blessings- My wife and I were blessed with the opportunity to work in the San Diego temple when we were first married. This wonderful blessing helped cement our love for the temple. We discovered how earnestly Satan was trying to discourage us from going to the temple. As we prepared for our temple assignment, our tempers would flare and small irritations would seem immense. We recognized this as temptation and were able to keep peace and be loving and patient on our journey to the temple.  The moment we walked through those sacred doors we felt all those worries, aggravations, and quibbles gone and we were filled with happiness and love. There have been many times when we have sought answers to troubles in our lives at the temple. We have received answers in troubling times through attendance at the temple. We have been comforted and felt such intense peace.

Faith- We are taught that we learn line upon line and precept upon precept, but in order to take that first step we must have faith. I think faith can be one of the most challenging concepts for anyone to understand. The Savior taught that all we need is the faith of a mustard seed. With that faith we can move mountains. I think it is easy to say you have faith, but it is a lot harder to exercise that faith. I have felt when I have performed blessings for my children or for the sick or afflicted, that my faith and the faith of the person being administered to are important.

Testimony- I chose testimony as one of my topics of research because I wanted to have a testimony as strong and as solid as my wife’s. She has been blessed with an unwavering testimony. I have found that to be a blessing and strength in our marriage and in our family. Over the years I have had to build my testimony and continually fan the flames or I feel the immediate weakening of my testimony. Hearing the apostles and prophet’s testimonies has been incredibly powerful and has enriched my own testimony. Throughout this year in Pathways I have formed habits in my life that bring me closer to the Lord.

Repentance- When I chose this topic, I thought that this would be more about a call to repentance rather than the blessings of repentance. We are submerged in a temporal world, surrounded by sin and temptation, and we are required to live in this world but be not of it. Since we are not perfect that requires us to repent of our sins. I am thankful for the love and joy that I feel when I have achieved repentance.