growing testimony (very religious)

Yesterday I went to Young Womens in my new ward. We were talking about the strength of youth packet, and towards the end of the lesson Asia asked a question that had to do with a passage in For the Strength of Youth book that got the group into this HUGE discussion. She asked why is homosexuality such a sin. It affected one of our youth a lot because she was gay, or had family that were gay, but I don't think she is a member yet.

Girls were asking well why can't Heavenly Father just accept and love us for who we are. And we told them that he does. He loves us all UNCONDITIONALLY! But the more we choose to make wrong decisions the further away we are from the lord. So this is what my understanding, or what this discussion helped me realize. (I guess it is somewhat of my testimony)

We are all given certain trails in our lives, weaknesses that we can overcome; whether that is swearing, alcohol, disobeying, and even homosexuality. Given these trials it is our duty to not pursue or give into these weaknesses. Heavenly Father loves us and cares for us. He will NEVER give us anything that we can't handle ourselves. He knows our weaknesses, and he knows what we are going through. One of the most important things to realize is that if continue to given to these weaknesses and continue to do the things which we know is wrong, it will only bring us further apart from our Heavenly father, but it doesn't mean that he still doesn't love us!

We are given these weaknesses, trials, tribulations, or obstacles in our lives to test how strong our faith is in the lord and our Savior! We have to understand that we can overcome ANYTHING that comes our way if we put our faith and trust in the lord! It is also important that we remember that, if we are ever facing something that we feel is too hard to overcome; we don't have to endure it alone. There are people that love us, want to help us, and want what is best for us. The bishop, young men young women leaders, and our parents are all there to help us! Our Heavenly Father is always there when we need him!

There were times in my life where I have done things that I was not proud of, and I knew they were wrong. I felt that Heavenly Father was disappointed in me, and that I didn’t deserve to say a prayer to him. I felt like I would be a hypocrite to get on my knees and talk to my Heavenly Father. But when you’re struggling and you need someone to talk to OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALWAYS BE THERE! That is the best time to talk to our heavenly father. He wants us to come to him when we need help. Never feel that our Heavenly Father doesn’t want to talk to us. He wants us to come to him when we are struggling in our lives!

Our life is not supposed to be perfect! We are all given certain trials. Everyone in the world is given an obstacle that they are supposed to overcome. But we can overcome ANYTHING! . Never give up hope. Never give up faith. And never give up the Lord.

I love my family! I would do anything to live with them for eternity! If heavenly father said not to do something, than I won't do it. I love my family too much to not want to be with them forver! I know it would be hard, but I know I can! If you know it is wrong. If you know that the lord doesn't want you to do it. Than don't do it. If you want to be with your family for all time and eternity, and get the opportunity to live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again, then you would do what it takes for that to happen. If you are sincere about opening your heart and mind to overcoming those weaknesses, and not let it get the best of you, you will blessed with all the wonderful and tremendous things that the lord has to offer! Read your scriptures, talk the bishop, and get down on your knees and pray to our Heavenly Father. These things I know will bring us closer to the lord, and help us overcome our weaknesses so much more.