Because next week is Stake Conference, we had our fast and testimony meeting this week. For those that don't know what this is let me explain.

The first Sunday of the month, we fast for two meals if we are able. While we fast, we are urged to pray for whatever we need or just to give thanks. Also, we are asked to give an offering to help those in need in the area equaling the amount of money that would have been spent for those two meals.

When we have Stake Conference and General Conference, those occur on the first Sunday of the month. In these cases, we move fast and testimony meeting to the last Sunday of the month before the conference. For example, the last General Conference was the first Sunday of October, so we held fast and testimony meeting on the last Sunday of September.

It is also a time during Sacrament meeting to bear our testimonies of the gospel or whatever we feel prompted to share. It is an amazing experience and is something I personally look forward to each month. It is so great to hear from others and how their testimonies have been strengthened by experiences and to see how resilient they are.

I would like to take this time to share my testimony that I know this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith, Jr. was sent by God to restore the Gospel. I have a strong testimony that the proper priesthood authority has been restored to the earth. I know this because of my daughter's birth. While I was in the hospital, my sister-in-law suggested that I get a blessing to help me through my first childbirth experience. I had been so worried about possibly having a C-section that I agreed. My brother-in-law and a good family friend both have the priesthood and gave me a blessing.

In my blessing, I was told to have strength and patience; this would be one of the hardest things I was doing in my life, and if I could have these tools everything would be fine. I was also told, "Your Heavenly Father wants you to know that He has heard your prayers and He will not forsake you." I was very comforted. After my daughter was born, my doctor told me I was very lucky because there was no tearing, no complications and I never had to have a C-section. In fact, I never worried about having a C-section once I heard those words because I already knew that He would keep His word.

My brothers and sisters, I know the Book of Mormon and the Bible are the words of God and if we study them, follow Jesus's example and do our best to live righteously, we will be blessed. We will receive exaltation in the afterlife and we will be with our families forever.

I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I urge any members to bear their testimonies of the church and for investigators or non-members to ask questions they have and to receive their answers with an open heart.

~Krono