Testimony Tuesday

Each Tuesday a sister from our ward will share a part of her testimony. This may be part of her conversion (perhaps a story or principle that helped start or build her testimony), a specific gospel principle they've learned through the years, or a missionary experience. This is a way for us to connect with members of our relief society on a more spiritual basis.  

Kristen Bateman shares the following:

Recently many of my thoughts have been focused on my gratitude for the gift of the Holy Ghost.  I am so grateful for a constant companion to lead us through this life. It is such a comfort to feel peace and confidence regarding the direction one’s life is heading.  To feel the Lord’s approval, provides strength to meet daily challenges. Aligning our will with the Lord’s will for us, may not always seem logical or be our first choice. Being willing to take the leap of faith required to follow the Lord’s path for our life, takes courage.  In the last two years I have really come to understand that just because a path to follow in our life is right, it does not mean that the path will be easy.  I have come to have a greater testimony of the scripture found in Mosiah 24:15:  And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.  I have found that as I try to be cheerful and patient, the Lord truly does strengthen me.  I have also been more observant of others and their trials.  I have seen how the tender mercies of the Lord, talked about in Nephi, truly are over all those who seek him. I am finding as I put my trust in the Lord and do as much as I can to follow the path that he shows me, I am amazed to see how his hand miraculously alters circumstances to bring about his will for me.  It probably won’t be on the timeline that I would like it to be, but I am learning to trust that there is a purpose for His timeline.  My father has been struggling with some severe health problems recently.  As I sat by him one night last month, he said to me, “I don’t know why the Lord wants me to live.  I do not fear death and there have been days that I would like to move on.  I keep feeling like He wants me to live and that gets me through each day.”  The strength from personal revelation and the peace and hope of the gospel are priceless.  I am truly grateful for them.