Just Remember!

Last night Karen asked me to do a family inventory like Elder Ballard asked us to do at the last conference. We incorporated it into a FHE lesson and talked about storms. It came in handy since we had just had that surprise snow in the morning. We talked about being prepared. The storm came a bit unexpected but since we had shovels, heat blankets, coats, and warm clothes it did not affect our lives negatively. In fact, it was quite fun to play in the snow.

From there we went to different types of storms that can happen in our lives. We talked about financial storms and got some ideas from the kids about how we can save a bit more, just incase a storm happens, so we won’t be caught off guard.

Next we talked about Spiritual storms and how to be prepared. The kids gave a couple of good ideas – reading scriptures daily, personal prayer, and just remembering. That last one didn’t make sense to me at first and I had to have Jess explain her comment. It is a good idea that I think a lot of people miss out on and fall away because they have forgotten why they believed in the beginning. Each of us accepted the challenge to write down why we believe, so it will be a reminder to us when a storm hits. So……. Here is mine

I grew up in a great family. I can not remember any real challenges. Sure there were times that I wanted to stay home from church to watch a special football game, but we never did. Mom and Dad set the example and we just followed. We knew nothing different. I never remember questioning the validity of the gospel. It always felt great. I had good examples all around me. All of my brothers served honorable missions and when it was my time, I too left on the mission, just as a matter of fact. When I finally got to the MTC it hit me. What was I doing? I needed to teach people and the best way to teach was by baring testimony. How strong was my testimony? Was it sure? I did not know.

Then one evening in class we were watching the First Vision video. I had seen it many time before. This time was different for me. As Joseph exited the grove he thinks to himself:

“So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.”(J.S. History1:25)

Now, I had not seen a vision, but it hit me that I had felt the spirit testifying of it’s truth many times. I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least by doing so I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

It is simple, but none the less true. I think we all do need to “JUST REMEMBER”. I challenge any reader out there to do the same thing and refresh your memories of why you believe. If you are not sure maybe you better find out. Spiritual storms will come and we all need to be prepared. Thanks for the great idea Jess!