I love the gospel!

I grew up thinking I would know the church was true because of some miracle or vision like Alma the Younger. I would pray that I would believe if I could walk on water or I would pray for an angel to come fix my broken bracelet. I obviously grew out of that as my testimony increased and was strengthened, but I still hadn't received the confirmation that I thought I needed to know that I have an unwavering testimony. There was a talk in conference by Douglas L. Callister. He said that as long as you casually pray and study the gospel, you will not know that you know. This struck me so hard. I have been slacking in my personal prayers and scripture study...no excuse, but this is just the talk I needed. I can't expect to be strong in my testimony or have the companionship of the spirit if I don't put forth the effort every second of every day. I know I need to be on my knees every morning and every night and things will be so much better. I know that the church is true and the fullness of the gospel has been restored to the earth. I am so excited about next year's Relief Society manual on the Teachings of Joseph Smith. I have so much appreciation for the strength that he had and his devotion to the Lord.
One more thing...I fasted last fast Sunday...September 30...that I would be able to love others and feel the love that Christ has for others. I have been struggling with getting easily frustrated with my roommates etc. I fasted, but I hadn't really done any personal study to find an answer. Sometimes we just fast and think the Lord will do all the work, but we really need to do our part. Anyway, today in Relief Society as I was reading in the manual and it says "Regardless of your particular circumstances, as you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scruptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself." It is crazy how the Lord answers your questions and prayers. I wasn't expecting this answer at all. I guess I was just expecting an overnight change of heart, but that just shows that our Heavenly Father knows more than we do. Not only did I need help loving others more, but also in reading my scriptures. I am so grateful for the sweet reassurances that I am loved and that I am a child of God with capabilities and opportunities beyond anything I could imagine or hope for.





I attached these pictures from today's dinner at our good neighbor's/friend's apartment as proof that I am not completely anti-social. Everyone always wants to know what I am doing so here it is...
I have been studying for my Civ test ALL week. I took the test on Friday and it went okay...
Saturday I slept in for the first time in forever and then got up and cleaned, did laundry, and went to campus. I was supposed to go to a study group, but I decided I didn't want to study and just needed some downtime so I watched tv on my computer and then came home. Don't judge me...it has been a long week. Once home we (Amy, Nicole, and I) loaded up in the car and drove to Salt Lake where we went to the Gateway and ate Coast Vida then saw "Across the Universe". The music in the movie is great and the storyline is pretty cool...it is based around the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement along with the Civil Rights movement. There are some weird parts where the people are on drugs so you see lots of weird things that they apparently are seeing. Weird, but overall quite good. Anyway, I love you all. I wish you would put up more pictures of your kids. I am beginning to forget their faces.