As I thought about how I wanted to begin my testimony in writing, I tried to think back to when I first knew the church was true. It was when I was 8 years old. Growing up, I always knew that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was the Lord's true church, but received my own personal knowledge at my baptism. During my confirmation, as the priesthood holders hands' were placed on my head, and as the words were spoken to give me the gift of the Holy Ghost, I knew without a doubt that my Father in Heaven loved me, knew who I was, and wanted me to be happy. At that moment, I was overcome with a warm feeling: a feeling of peace and joy, a feeling of love, and a sure testimony that I KNEW, without a doubt, that this was the Lord's true church on the earth.

Since my baptism day in March of 1986, my testimony has been strengthened countless times. For me, it is very simple. Our Father in Heaven lives. Our Savior and brother, Jesus Christ, also lives. They both love me (and you), and will lead, guide, and walk beside us if we will put our faith and trust in them to guide us along life's rocky road. One of the greatest things we can learn, is that we are all daughter's and son's of God, and that because of this, we have the divine potential to become like them. We are each of infinite worth! No one knows this better than our loving Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Turn to them! Put your life in their hands, and they will make of it something far greater than we could do on our own. Strive each day to be aware of the Lord's tender mercies and His caring hand in our lives. I often think how certain events, people, or experiences seem to come into our lives at just the moment we need them. For me, that is a sure testimony that the Lord loves us. Although some of life's experiences will be hard, with His love, strength, and guidance, we WILL make it through. A quote I enjoy is, "If God brings you to it, He will guide you through it." The key is to hold to the gospel, no matter how hard the road may be. In the end, you will see the blessings that have come as you have grown closer to the Lord through your trials.

As President Hinckley said, "Be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, be prayerful." I would add, BE STRONG in the gospel. Your life will only be better because of it.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.