Food for Thought

I had a conversation with a friend not to long ago. I am not going to mention names, but this person may know who I am referring to. I don't mean any offence, so please don't take it that way none is intended, but what was said has been bothering me a little bit and I haven't been able to sleep all that well lately anyways, so I decided to go ahead and get up and start writing what some of my thoughts are.

The conversation that came up was on religion. I respect those that believe in other things, but what was said has really got me thinking. The comment that got to me was something like it's what I want or what fits in my life. I may be taking this the wrong way or misconstrued what was meant, but I feel that I need to bear my testimony to this person.

To me religion isn't what "fits" with my lifestyle. Being a member of a church should be because you know in your heart it is absolutly true. Not because it's simply what I want or what I think it should be. It should be because I want Christ in my life and it's what He wants for me. I've had quite a few people tell me that being Mormon is to hard. Yes, this is true. It can be hard, but the Church is true. Christ said that it wouldn't be easy. He only said it would be worth it.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one and only true church on this earth today. I know that we are led by living prophets today that President Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet and was called of God. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and through him His church was restored to it's fullness. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and it has brought so much peace and happiness in my life. I also believe the Bible to be the word of God. The Book of Mormon fills in so many gaps that are left wide open in the Bible. I know His Plan. I know that Christ lives and through Him I can return to my Heavenly Father. I am going to share one of my favorite hymns that we sing in church sometimes, it's called "I know That My Redeemer Lives."

"I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives who once was dead. He lives my everlasting head. He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above. He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply. He lives to guide me with his eye. He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my souls complaint. He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears. He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind wise heavenly friend. He lives and loves me to the end. He lives, and while he lives I'll sing. He lives, my prophet, Priest and King. He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives and I shall conquer death. He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to His name! He lives, my Savior still the same. Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives! All glory to His name! He lives my Savior still the same. Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives!"

I leave you with these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.