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)
