Today, as all Christians know, is the Holy Sabbath, the day of rest. On this Sabbath, "day of rest" is literally the theme of the day. I woke up, prepared my Sunday School lesson, showered and got dressed, ate breakfast, and got hit with the Pregnancy Fatigue Express: that beautiful train that pulls into the station at full speed in the third trimester. My husband encouraged me to make the necessary arrangements for my lesson and stay home. Though disappointed, my body quickly told me that I better agree and hearken to his counsel.
Not only am I disappointed because I won't get to teach my youth today, (I teach the 12 and 13 year olds about the gospel from Come Follow Me, the coolest manual ever) but I won't be able to bear my testimony in Fast and Testimony meeting like I'd planned; I was very excited to share my testimony of the prophet today. I realized I can still do that, just through a different medium.
I want you to know that I know that's President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. He is THE representative of God and leader of Christ's church. Just like how God spoke to Moses, God speaks to President Monson today. President Monson isn't just some wise, grandfather figure giving us good advice; he has been called by God and given God's authority to serve, teach, love, and lead mankind to the Savior at this time. (See Jeremiah 1:5 and Abraham 3:22-23)
I know this to be true because the Holy Spirit has testified it to my heart, and I believe that the communication we receive from the Holy Spirit is stronger and clearer than any other communication. (See Matthew 16:16-17 and 1 Chorinthians 12:3)
A few general conferences ago, I was struggling to know that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God with all the social changes in society and some thoughts and feelings I heard from other members of the church. I believed that it was true, but needed reassurance and confidence in order to be able to stand my ground in this matter. I prayed to Heavenly Father for a boost in my testimony of the sanctity of marriage and the family. When I started watching conference, as the prophet spoke, I felt a firm witness in my heart that President Monson is the prophet today and that he speaks for God. I also received witness that the apostles and other general authorities are called by God and also speak what He wants us to know. Throughout the conference, the brethren testified and taught about the sacred nature of marriage and the intimate relationship between husband and wife. My prayer was answered. I think I needed a sure witness that the prophet speaks for God before I listened to their counsel regarding marriage.
I kknow God lives. He wants us to be happy. He speaks through His prophet on a VERY regular basis. If you want to know what God wants to tell you, then I invite you to listen to or read the words of President Monson. In fact, he will be addressing the world tonight in the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Tune in. Listen. Sing along with the hymns of Christmas. I promise that your heart, if it is soft and open, will be touched. Thoughts will come to your mind, feelings will come to your heart, and overall you will have a good, warm, peaceful feeling.
I say this in Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
