Testimonies

For Christmas this year we all decided to give Grandpa and Grandma Southwick a book with all of our testimonies written inside.  We all got our written testimonies to Marci and she made the book.  It turned out great.  I thing Grandpa and Grandma are going to love it.  It was a great thing for us to do and I am so happy that now we have all of our written testimonies written and recorded.  Here is a copy of each.

Chris:

There are occasions in life in which we can share that which is most precious and dear to us.  This is one of those times, and I am honored to share with you my thoughts and my testimony about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As we can all attest, throughout our lives our testimony builds and expands as we exercise faith in our Savior.  Mine is no different.  I can attribute the beginning of my testimony to my early childhood.  Just as Nephi was, so was I “born of goodly parents” who taught me the eternal principles of the Gospel.  From an early age I was assured that if I had faith, all things would be done according to our Father in Heaven’s will.  From that simple teaching and wonderful example, I have found solace and peace as difficulties and trials have entered my life.  There is comfort in knowing that as long as I am faithful and fulfilling my covenants that Father in Heaven will be mindful of me, and my family.  I understand that not everything will be as I wish it to be, but just knowing that Father in Heaven is always mindful of us gives me hope in the future and the outcomes that will follow.

I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who loves me and knows me personally.  I am grateful for the sacrifice that he made in allowing our Savior Jesus Christ to come to earth and save us from both the physical and spiritual deaths that would hinder our ability to return to live with him again.  I am grateful for our brother Jesus Christ and his willingness to descend to mortality and be smitten and scourged, and spit upon as he tried to convey the simple truths of the gospel.  I am grateful for his sacrifice as he suffered in Gethsemane so that all could experience a “mighty change of heart” and turn to him for forgiveness of those sins that plague each of us here in mortality.  I am grateful for his willingness to die a most horrible death to allow everyone the gift of resurrection.  I know that if we will be firm and steadfast in the gospel that these gifts that are given will not be in vain, but will allow us a glorious reunion with all that have passed on before us.

I am grateful for Prophets and Apostles that lead us now, and that have lead Father in Heaven’s people in ages past.  I am grateful for scriptures that allow us to read about covenants that were made in ancient days; the same covenants that are made with us once again in these latter days.  I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, and that through him Father in Heaven restored all the necessary keys to his kingdom.  I know that we live in an age that is fraught with evil and it comforts me to know that the keys of the Gospel are available to all of us that will heed the council of our Prophet.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true scripture from God.  I know that this book was prepared for the coming forth in these latter days to give another testimony of Jesus Christ.  I know, as we have been promised, that if we will read it we will be richly blessed.  I know that it is our responsibility to “flood the earth” with it’s truth.

I am grateful for my family.  Even more grateful am I for the ability that we have, through temple ordinances, to be sealed to our loved ones for all eternity.  I know that this is the great plan of our Father in Heaven.  He desires all of us to be happy and fulfilled, and I cannot see that happening without my beautiful wife and children by my side.  I know that as we live our lives close to the teachings of our Father in Heaven that we will be happy.

I know that Jesus Christ is the head of this church, and that he approves of the organization of it.  I know this as my testimony grows, and as the Holy Ghost confirms it to my soul. 

 Chris Southwick (Dec. 2012)

Michele:

I am grateful for this opportunity to write down and share my testimony.  It is something I don’t ever remember being without but one that has developed and grown over the years and will hopefully continue to do so.  It is my most prized possession.

I am so grateful to know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me personally.  I have felt His hand in the details of my life many times.  I know that I have the great opportunity to pray to Him and receive answers and direction from Him through the Holy Ghost.  I also know that I can return with my family to His presence because of the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World.  He came to earth and lived a perfect life as an example to us.  He atoned for each of our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and made it possible for us to have the gift of repentance and forgiveness.  I am so grateful to Him for making it possible for me to have eternal life and my eternal family.  The Savior is the answer to all of our problems and struggles whatever they might be.

I am grateful for the influence of the Holy Ghost in my life.  I cannot imagine trying to navigate through life without this wonderful gift.  I have felt its influence and comfort abundantly.

I know that Joseph Smith was the chosen Prophet who restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth in these Latter Days.  It is still here in its fullness.  What a great blessing it is to us as we try to live by its principles and again return to our Heavenly Parents.

I know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.  It is the word of God.  How grateful I am for Prophets of old who kept and passed on that sacred record.  It was written for us and for our day.

I know that we belong to a church with a modern day Prophet, even Thomas S. Monson, who currently leads and guides this great Church.  I love him and know that he was called of God and holds all of the keys of the restored gospel.

In more recent times I have felt the power that comes through fasting.  It is a great privilege to fast and pray and call upon our Father in Heaven for His help and direction.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given throughout my life to serve.  I know that the best way to serve and try to show my gratitude to the Savior is through serving others.  It has greatly blessed my own life and that of my family.  A wise Heavenly Father knows this is how we grow and progress.

My testimony would not be complete without expressing my sincere appreciation to my Heavenly Father for my eternal family.  I know that the Covenants I entered into in the Holy Temple binds us together for all eternity.  These saving ordinances are necessary for our Salvation.  My family brings me the greatest joy and happiness.  I cannot imagine mortality or more importantly eternity without my family.  Heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly by giving me a wonderful companion whom I love so very much and the opportunity to be a mother to 5 amazing children.  I love them with all of my heart.  Our blessings have truly been many.

I know these things to be true and share this testimony with you in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Michele Southwick (Dec 2012)

Kylee:

I know that this church is true and that it is led by prophets of God.  I know the book of mormon is true and that Joseph Smith translated it.  I know he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus in the sacred grove.  I have a testimony of the atonement and the power of repentance.  I also have a testimony of the priesthood and the help it can be in my life. I know my family can be together forever and that everything happens for a reason.  I have a very strong testimony about the power of prayer and that our prayers are answered in exactly the way they need to be. I love this gospel and am grateful to have it in my life.
(age 18)

Emilee:

I want to share my testimony that I know the church is true. I know that my heavenly father lives and loves me. I know that we can live forever in Heaven with our families someday if we live righteously and keep the commandments. I know that Jesus Christ is my savior and he died on the cross for us. I know that because Jesus died for us we can repent and Heavenly father will forgive us of our sins. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and teaches us through revelation. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, and am grateful that he restored the church so that we could have it on the earth today. I know that if we read the scriptures diligently we will get the answers we need. I believe in the power of prayer and fasting and know that Heavenly Father will help us if we ask and do our part. I know that my family loves me and I love them. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen. 

(age 15)

Kade:

I want to share my testimony. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true living prophet. I know that joseph smith was a true prophet, and he restored the true church. I know this church is true, and that the scriptures are true. I know my family loves me and I love them to, and I know when we die we can live together again in heaven if we follow Jesus Christ’s plan. I know that Jesus Christ died for us so we could live all together again, and he bled for us so we could repent, and make our sins go away. I know that heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

(age 13)

Quincy:

I’d like to bare my testimony and I know the church is true and I know that my family loves me and I love them, and I know we can be a family forever and that we can live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. I believe that Thomas .S. Monson, and Joseph Smith and all the other prophets are true. I know that my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ lives and loves me. I know that we can always choose the right if we choose to. I also know that we can teach other people about the gospel and we can go on a mission. I know that we can bring others to church or to activity days so they can learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that we can all read the scriptures and have a testimony of our own. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

(age 9)

Brinley:

MY TESTIMONY IS……

-I KNOW MY HEAVENLY FATHER LIVES AND LOVES ME TO.

-I KNOW THAT MY FAMILY LOVES ME.

-I KNOW THAT PROPHETS ARE TRUE.

-I KNOW THAT JESUS DIED FOR US.

-I KNOW THAT THE SCRIPSHERS ARE TRUE.

-I KNOW THAT HEVENLY FATHER LISTENS TO MY ETHER FORPRAYERS.

-I KNOW THAT THOMAS S. MONSON IS A TRUE PROPHET.

-I KNOW THAT ARE FAMILY CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER.

-I KNOW THAT WE CAN LIVE WITH HEVENLY FATHER AGAIN.

(age 6)