17. The Gospel of Jesus Christ

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." ~ 2 Nephi 31:20, The Book of Mormon.

Today is the last day of November and officially the final post on my gratitude list. As you can tell, I obviously didn't write everyday (um, not sure what I was thinking when I made that promise), but I think I've covered my "thankful" bases pretty well. It's been a lovely experience and really given me more of an optimistic attitude and a grateful heart. I thought it only appropriate end my list with what I consider the absolute greatest blessing in my life - the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and all it encompasses.

When I mentioned in a previous post about those things that "define me" as a person, living the gospel is definitely at the top of my list. I'm not perfect at it, far from it, but the hope, the joy, the confidence it gives me is unparallelled. I can't imagine my life without it. I believe in absolute truth; the knowledge that there is a supreme being, a creator who knows and cares deeply for us individually, is truly a gift. I am grateful for my testimony, a testimony of the reality of God and my savior Jesus Christ, of the atonement, the restoration, a living prophet, and the scriptures. My life would be empty without the wisdom, guidance, and reassurance I find each day as I read from the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon.

I know that a part of who I am is because of my complete and unwavering faith. It brings me a deep and satisfying happiness that I know cannot be found elsewhere. The message of gospel of Jesus Christ is truly one of love, peace, goodness, and joy. It blesses not only me, but my entire family and I couldn't imagine raising my children without it in their lives. What an amazing blessing.