Beginnings

First off, this is a totally new experience for me. I've never been one for writing a whole lot, about me or anything else. But my roommate Luke and a good friend Megan have been my inspiration. So we'll see how this goes.

These last few weeks have honestly been some of the best weeks of my life. I've met so many new people! I actually feel like my roommates and tons of other people here are my surrogate family. There's only one way this time could be better: if I could actually have my family with me too. One of my brothers is in Australia on a mission, one's across the street(!!!!!!!), and the fam is back in good ole Georgia. And I just heard a few days ago that my dad's probably deploying to Afghanistan(maybe Iraq, I forget) in January. It's kinda funny. I used to couldn't wait to get out of Georgia. Now, although I LOVE IT OUT HERE, I find myself missing good ole Southern hospitality, especially my Momma's and Granny's cookin,' peaches, boiled peanuts, knowing everybody and everybody knowing me, etc...

But enough of that! I absolutely love being here at BYU! I love starting every class with a prayer. I love just the atmosphere all over campus. I love my ward! I love our Stake President, our Bishop, and our High Counselor! I love being independent. :) But don't get me wrong, I'm still aprehensive about tons.

I was just made one of the Elder's Quorum Presidents in our ward, so right now I feel a lot of responsibility... But I came to a realization the other day while I was at the temple (It's so great having the temple so close!!). I'm not perfect. I never will be. I have many weaknesses. I've made mistakes. But God's not asking for my capabilities, only my availability. "Peace be unto you my son," comes to mind. Guess this is a good time to end with my testimony and get to bed.

I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that God loves all people so much that He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son, His Firstborn, so that we might all be rescued for the chains of hell and endless misery and woe. I know that Christ willingly, lovingly, perfectly fulfilled His Father's will. I know that He knows my name. I know that He loves me more than I can possibly imagine. So much that He would have endured the Atonement if it meant just me would be saved.  I know that my God is a God of miracles. I know that Joseph Smith was just a young boy with doubts, questions, and concerns about his soul. I've found myself identifying with him a lot lately. But like him, I have a testimony that God answers prayers. I know that Joseph Smith did in fact see God, the Eternal Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. I know that through the prophet Joseph Smith, the true, pure, perfect, amazing, miraculous Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in it's fullness. I know that Joseph Smith translated The Book of Mormon by the power of God. I know that. I just don't believe or think that. I know it beyond a shadow of a doubt. I've felt the Spirit of God, and I will not deny those feelings of joy, peace, and love. I know that we have a living prophet on the Earth today. His name is Thomas S. Monson. I have a testimony of the power of the Priesthood. I have seen it's marvelous power. I know that I have a responsibility to use the Priesthood to bless others' lives. I have taken His Oath and Covenant upon me. I love the temples. I know that each temple is truly the House of the Lord. Whenever I go there, I find it so much easier to feel the Spirit, to experience a little piece of Heaven. I love God with all my heart. I love my Savior. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the pain that I have caused Him through my sins... I could keep going, but I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow.

I'd like to end with a message to all of my friends back home. I know that you too can come to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm sorry for being at times confrontational and even contentious during our religious discussions. Please forgive me. I will never be able to convince you or persuade you or prove to you that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is THE true church. Only God can do that. So take the first step. Please pray and ask God, sincerely, whether or not you should learn more about those things I know to be true and that I hold most dear and precious. If you love me, as I promise I love you, please love me enough to strive to understand those truths that are the center of my life. From the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, I have gained countless blessings. Without God, I would never have been able to do so well in school. I all too often did not give Him the glory immediately, so let me take this opportunity to do so. I am nothing without God. But with him I can be anything.

Night. Love you all.
p.s. My computer messed up last night, so just imagine that this was posted last night. :)