a beautiful testimony

[WillowTheWhisp]

It was Fast Sunday today and as usual people got up in Sacrament meeting to bear their testimony. Some told long involved stories about wonderful things the Holy Spirit had done for them and how they knew the church was true.

One brother stood up and most of us know what challenges he and especially his wife have had just recently with an incredibly debilitating illness she has.

He said simply that he knows the Gospel is true and that whatever Heavenly Father decides is alright by him.

They weren't clever words and it wasn't a long testimony but it was so powerfully sincere and beautiful. I think I could do to take that attitude on board. I'm always telling Heavenly Father what I would like him to do and putting in my 'shopping list' of prayer requests. I really ought to start asking instead what it is that Heavenly Father wants of me.

[Alaskagain]

It is SO easy to fall into that shopping list habit, too!

Yes, I too need to start my day with a prayer that says "What do you want me to do today?" instead of "I need to do this and this and this - will you help me get these things done?"

Thanks, Willow.

[Jenamarie]

It is SO easy to fall into that shopping list habit, too!

Yes, I too need to start my day with a prayer that says "What do you want me to do today?" instead of "I need to do this and this and this - will you help me get these things done?"

Thanks, Willow.

That is so me.

And isn't it amazing that it's usually the short and simple Testimonies that have the greatest impact? Something I need to remember as I sit in the audience on Fast Sunday trying to think of what to say.

[lilered]

Several years ago I used to hate Testimony Meetings because I thought they were so boring.. I finally came to the conclusion that it was really my attitude that needed adjusting and so I made a covenant to start attending Fast & Testimony meeting with a positive attitude and listen more intently to what was being said. The result is now I enjoy listening and growing from those who bear their testimonies and I always leave the meeting with a warm feeling and recommitted spirit.

[MsMagnolia]

Thank you so much for this reminder to me Willowthewhisp. I definately needed it.

[Vanhin]

Good stuff, thank you. Here's what Elder Oaks said at our most recent conference:

A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true. Such facts include the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to its three members, the effectiveness of the Atonement, and the reality of the Restoration.

A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. It is not a sermon. President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended.(Testimony)

I'll never forget when our mission president taught us this. There was a group of us missionaries gathered with the president and his wife, and he wanted us to bear our testimonies. We sat in a big circle.

So we began one after another. Each time it was evident that everyone was trying to come up with something special to say, or some experience, or just thanking everyone. The mission president stopped us about half way, and then taught us the exact thing Elder Oaks said, and then asked us to start again.

Each of us, like witnesses in a court of law, bore witness of the basic truths that we knew. It was quick, and everyone had a turn. The Spirit bore witness of those truths that we testified about. We knew that there was a Heavenly Father, and that Jesus was the Christ. We knew the Book of Mormon was true, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. We knew the priesthood had been restored, and found only in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We professed our testimony that Gordon B. Hinckley (the new living prophet at the time) was a prophet. I'll never forget the lesson learned by the Spirit that day.

It's not Sunday morning at the improv, or alcoholics anonymous, or a confessional. It's a testimony meeting. We bear testimony. :)

Regards,

Vanhin

[Hemidakota]

Yesterday, I had asked the members to bear their testimonies by the Holy Spirit. Then spoke briefly on that very subject.

I am always fascinated with testimonies of those who are meek and humble, the Holy Spirit will fall upon them and it really transformed the room. Surprising, is when you find members who never bore their testimonies, for the first time, unexpectedly, tears would flow.