Reason #23 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ

   Today I was sitting in church feeling tired partly because I stayed up late, and also because of the time change. In the beginning of our services, we have a thing called 'sacrament.' The closest thing I can relate it to would be communion. It is when we partake of bread to remember the body of Christ, and water to remember the blood. During this time it is quiet and we have time to think about our Savior. I found myself people watching a little. In the pew behind me was a lovely older couple who have been in the area for decades. They know everyone and greet you with such a warm welcome that makes you feel like family. Across from me was a young couple with their first little baby. The way the proud parents look at their sweet little boy could end wars. To my left were missionaries who have left their families, friends, jobs, and education to come to a foreign place to teach truth to the people who seek it. As I was looking at the congregation I felt love for them. I found it amazing that these people of all ages and from all different backgrounds come together once a week for the same reason.

   Last year at this time I was not attending church. I couldn't get out of bed to go and to be honest, I did not want to be there. Looking back, I wish I had never stopped going because it wasn't until I started going regularly again that my true happiness came back and my depression was placed on the backburner. Now, I see Christ's love everywhere. I see it in the people that he has put in my life. I don't believe that we end up meeting specific people just by coincidence. I have too many experiences where people have helped me when they did not even know I needed help or have encouraged me when they did not know I needed encouragement. The Lord works through his children and I can see that now more than ever.

   I can see His love in nature. The way the sky looks during a sunrise. The way the snow lays perfect and quiet. The way a tree shades you on a sunny day. The way a flower starts from a little seed and grows straight and tall. All for a purpose. All for us.

   I see our Savior's love through His gospel and His teachings. He loves us so much that he created a plan for us. He sent a Prophet to lead and guide us. He did not leave us to figure everything out for ourselves. He provided teachings and a WAY we can learn those teachings. Our Lord knows each and every one of us personally. He knows our struggles, our worries, and the demons that we never let anyone else see. He wants us to be happy and he wants us to return to him someday. Both of these things are possible through Him. He promises that if we love Him and follow Him, we WILL be happy. I know that this is true. I am so thankful I have finally realized this. I am so thankful for the people in my life and the fellowship in my church. It's so comforting knowing that I have people to lean on when I need it. Most of all, I am thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love that he shows me. I am one lucky girl.

- B
p.s. If you want to know more about what I believe, feel free to visit http://mormon.org/. :)