Alan and I were able to take some quiet moments together and write our testimonies down. This is by far one of my most FAVORITE traditions that we do. I can not wait for our children to join in!
Alan's Testimony:
Another year that went by quicker than I could possibly
imagine. Where do I begin?? We were blessed with another little spirit to
enter into our family. Little Thomas is
a beautiful addition to the family and there’s no mistake that he fills the
role of child #4 VERY well. Welcoming a
4th child into this world from Heavenly Father’s loving arms has
deepened my testimony of the eternal nature of families. It is entirely obvious that we came from the
literal presence of God. We learned
there and prepared there to be born on this earth. I have a testimony that we learned of the
many sacred responsibilities we would be given while on this earth. We would be charged with the responsibility
to help others, both strangers, our friends and our families. There have been MANY times this year that I
have looked at my children and have seen their eternal significance. I know that it is my responsibility to help
raise and teach them as a loving father, just like our Heavenly Father raises
and teaches us.
I’ve learned much more about how we are not perfect as human
beings and we aren’t expected to be!
Where would the adventure of life be if we were ALWAYS caught up in
being the perfect person?? Or, expecting
our spouses, families or children to be perfect?? I admit times this year where I have put
perfection WAY too much into focus, especially with my children. The outcome was detrimental, the lesson I was
trying so desperately to teach wasn’t received at all and it was as if they
felt sore in their hearts that they couldn’t get it right! Whatever the silly, stupid, waste of time
thing that “daddy” was trying to achieve.
I know that we are on this earth to prepare, in all ways, to meet God
again. I know that there is hardly any
time to get caught up in the ridiculous and unnecessary “tasks” that we build
up in our own minds.
I’ve learned that no matter what the circumstances, the
world is still turning. As our level of
responsibility grows in more diverse ways we still need to do our best. I know that God wants us to continue,
progress, rise above and move forward.
As a father and husband it was very easy for me to get bogged down this
year. Whether I regretted some mean
words said or getting harrowed up in the thought that unkind actions couldn’t
be reversed I let these instances act as “dust storms” to cloud my vision of
what life is really about. I have had
many many miracles in my life this year to help me clear these storms, allow
the dust to settle and truly see clear once again! I know that when we are in the presence of
any one of Heavenly Father’s children, we can be given strength, instruction
and encouragement that we never would’ve found ourselves.
I know that God lives.
I know that when I pray, my prayers are heard by Him. I know that, since we are all spiritual sons
and daughters of God, Jesus Christ is our older brother. He too lives.
He was born in this world to save all of us, He left this world as our
Savior and Redeemer and still works to this day to bring all of us back to our
Heavenly home.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Brittney's Testimony:
2016 what a year! Lots of things happened this year. My grandpa passed away. Thomas joined our family. We enjoyed lots of family time. Halle started school. We celebrated 9 years of marriage. And I finished my masters degree. It was a busy, but great year. This year I feel that my testimony in our Heavenly Father grew immensely as I relied on him more and more. It seemed that there were miracles performed for our family daily that helped me to understand his power and also that he is very much aware of me, of us, and of our situation.
One miracle that happened was that Thomas was born. This was a difficult end of the pregnancy and Thomas was breech for the most part of the third trimester. After much prayer, fasting, and medical intervention is seemed that Thomas would be born via c-section, but Heavenly Father had a different plan and about 3 days before I was supposed to go to the hospital Thomas flipped himself the right way. It was miracle. I know that it was Heavenly Father aware of me, aware of my family, and very aware of the situation.
I also felt his presence more as our family pledged to read our scriptures daily together. I have never doubted that the scriptures were true and that they are important, but it sometimes seemed impossible to add one more thing to our list of tasks to complete each day. I had a strong impression at the beginning of August that I needed to make this a regular part of our day. As we have done this, I have felt Heavenly Father's presence more in our life. I have felt the spirit stronger in our home. I have felt spiritually stronger and ready to conquer what life gives me each day. And I have seen the difference that is makes in our children. Though rarely reverent during our scripture time, I know that they hear the words, feel the spirit, and hear our testimony at the end of the reading. I know that this was direct guidance from our Heavenly Father.
I was able to finish graduate school this December. It was a crazy and quick 18 months and for sure felt Heavenly Father’s guiding, loving, and nurturing hand through it all. From the beginning of just applying to the program all the way through the program, He was aware of me, of my family, and of our situation. Many miracles made this degree possible and I will forever be grateful for Heavenly Father’s guiding hand with this decision. He held my hand through it all. I felt his presence many times when working through the course work. He allowed my mind to be clear. He allowed me extra time, or at least it seemed to be extra, to complete the tasks that I needed to complete. He allowed me the support of a loving and kind husband. Without Heavenly Father's constant support and guidance I would have not been able to complete this degree.
Heavenly Father is real. He is there for us ALWAYS. He wants to have a relationship with us. It is important that we reach out to him. That we talk with him. That we develop a trusting relationship with him.
Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is our brother. He is our friend. He walked on this earth. He was our perfect example. We need to heed his example and be like him. He atoned for our sins and trials and all the sadness that we will face on this earth so that we will never feel alone. Then he paid the ultimate price for us. He died for us. But then he did what no other person had done and he conquered death. He was resurrected. Because of this I know that we will be able to live again with our Heavenly Father and also our families that we are sealed too. I know that Alan and our family will be together forever because of the decision that we made in the temple and because of the covenants that we keep daily.
I am grateful to know about the plan of happiness, the plan that we all agreed to in our premortal existence. I know that when we follow the plan that we will be happy. That we will be blessed beyond our comprehension.
The Gospel is true. Stay strong and stay true. Our life is blessed. Heavenly Father is so very kind, honest, and loving.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
