This is the testimony last of all which we give of him: That he lives

So I finally gave in to making a blog, maybe just because of the hope that my thoughts might mean something to someone as others' words have to me.

As I start this, I know I need to express my enormous gratitude for all that my Heavenly Father has given me. I know that I am only the person that I am today because of the blessings that I have received, blessings which I know are mostly undeserved.

But among all the great blessings I've received, whether they be my amazing family, my friends, the opportunity to study here at BYU, or the abilities that I've been granted, I know that the greatest blessing that I have is the knowledge I have that Christ lives. For many years now, the scripture that has touched me most of any has been D&C 76:22-24. It says,

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

This scripture has remained so powerful to me because it has given me strength to do whatever I need to because I know that my Savior lives. I know it because the Holy Ghost has borne witness of it to my heart. More than any other thought or emotion I have ever felt, the knowledge that the Holy Ghost has given me is something which I hope I will never forget and which I doubt I can.

I am so grateful for the great blessing that we have to communicate with our Heavenly Father. I know that the heavens are open today and that we can receive knowledge and power from heaven in the same way that James taught after the resurrection of Christ.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
-James 1:5-6

I only know these things because I have felt the heavens open with my mind being enlightened and my heart opened to understand the things which I have asked to know.

The power of the Spirit has given me power to add my testimony to that of Joseph Smith. My Savior lives! I know that He does -- I could never deny it. And I know that He has restored the Gospel in its fulness upon the earth again, for which I am eternally grateful.