Incredible Week

It has been an incredible week once more. Last Sunday, we had the opportunity of attending the Sunday morning conference session, being able to sit on the main floor with the rest of the missionaries. There is just something amazing sitting with them. It is almost "electrifying" to be part of the incredible missionary force of the church. I again couldn't help but feel lucky to be one of a small group of people sitting at the feet of the prophet. I enjoyed the talks given and made a resolve to be a better person. We again went to Pres. and Sister Olson's car between sessions for a 'tailgate" lunch and quick few minutes with other missionaries. I am truly going to miss the association with the missionaries. We then went back up on Main St. by the reflecting pool to see if we could "beg" two more tickets from passers by. As it turned out, this GA looking gentleman came by and gave us 2 extra tickets. These seats were on the main floor again, but this time right in front of the main podium. Incredible to be literally at the feet of the brethren. I think I will always remember my experiences at conference as a missionary the rest of my life.

I thought this week about what I know for sure:
I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves me, and that he is in charge. He is there to help me.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, literally, that he died for me and that if I would weekly repent of my sins, through the sacrament and renew my covenant with Him, that he will provide the way for me to come back to him.
I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that through him, Jesus Christ restored his Gospel to our day and age. The Priesthood Power is again here on the earth. We have been given blessings of the truth and it is up to me to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and build our rock on Him.
I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that it is a book for our life and times. It testifies of Jesus Christ and his gospel. It provides the way to not make the mistakes as has been done previously.
I know that I am very blessed, as is my family, with health, knowledge, and immeasurable blessings from Heavenly Father and Jesus.
I know that I can openly share these things with others.

On this Easter day, I have a strong testimony of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I have had opportunities these last two weeks where the knowledge of a life after this life has been strongly etched on my heart as a dear neighbor passed on at only 52 years, as another dear friend's husband struggles thru pancreatic cancer, as a neighbor's home caught fire, as attacks of out right lies have been launched against Joseph Smith and the church have been launched on national television. I am beginning to see how the line is being drawn in the sand. One person at the mission office said, "as the notoriety of the church increases in intensity, so does the adversary ramp up his work". This office person said, "what will you say and do when they start making false accusations against the prophet?" This took me off guard. I wondered if I would be strong enough to stand up for the prophet, to stand up for truth. Will I be strong enough when they start making fun of Pres. Monsen, or when they mock the church for believing in a prophet, and they do it on CNBC? or CNN? or wherever? And at the same point, this special Easter weekend the church has released a special page on mormon.org about the life and resurrection of Jesus.

I am so incredibly grateful to be serving as a missionary, to have this experience when my testimony is stronger than ever before. It is amazing to testify of Jesus Christ, his life, resurrection, and his gospel. As Elder Lund taught the investigators today in Sunday School, and shared his testimony, I was so grateful for Elder Lund and the strength he too has and is to me. We are incredibly blessed to be working in these efforts together. We are incredibly blessed to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are blessed to have loved ones such as you.