He left the 99, to find the 1

i was lost but now i am found.

Painted by: Simon Dewey

Well folks, may i just say i absolutely love church?
I'm not really sure how to start this, so ill just get right to it:
I got to Florida knowing no one, missing my family, starting a stressful new job, and having new roommates...
I felt overwhelmed. I felt alone. And ya know what to be honest, i really just wanted to go home.
It was finally Sunday, I hadn't been to church in three weeks. Lets just say getting off work, showering, jumping on a bus to go somewhere i had never been and hope someone would be there (whom ive never met) and take me to the church building, was stressful.
Anywhoo, i made it to the building and felt a rush of peace. I met so many wonderfully nice girls on the bus, all from BYU-Idaho. The Elders were there welcoming me, the Bishop was there meeting everyone new, etc etc. I was so happy I almost started crying. No really, i was super teary-eyed. I finally felt like i was home. I felt loved, even though i was entering that building with no one i knew, i just felt the love and comfort from all of my "brothers and sisters". I was so happy to find out what was missing. The peace i feel when i go to church, the love i feel being surrounded by people who genuinely care about me.
I partook of the Sacrament and i cannot express the peace and relaxation i finally felt after those stressful weeks. I really felt loved and literally at home.
I have not been the best "mormon". I have not been the best daughter, friend, sibling, roommate, etc. But i know that when i live this gospel to the best of my ability, my Savior will make up the rest. I know that He loves me. I know that my Savior knows me, and understands what i need to do to progress. I know that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God and that it was written for the year 2011 and beyond (buzz lightyear reference?...sorry, that was inappropriate). I love my family so much and i am so grateful for the sacrifices they have made for me and for the love that they always have shown me. I am so incredibly grateful that i can spend eternity with them. I love the Lord and i love being an example of Him. I know that prayers are answered. I have a testimony that my Father in Heaven listens to me, and will bless me if i am obedient. I have faith that He knows what i need to be tried with and that with my Savior's help i will be able to get through it. I am so grateful for the Atonement and for the great sacrifice my Savior made for me. I am thankful for repentance and for the opportunity to become clean again and again. I am not perfect, but through Christ i can become perfect like He is. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church. I know that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and that He loves us more than we can imagine. I thank the Lord that i have been able to see a glimpse of His great plan of salvation today. I know that i am a daughter of God and that i can be a light to the world.
Jesus Christ is my Savior.
Thank you family, friends, roommates, teachers, and all others who have built up my testimony over the years. You have all been amazing examples to me.
-jacquie :)

"Innocence" by: David Bowman

P.S. Quote i heard today:
"The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?"