In quiet moments I learn about Jesus and see his love pour into my life. One day while walking to campus in 2004 I looked up at the mountains and told my roommate, "We're going to climb that one and camp on the top!" He didn't pay much attention to my idea, and he was right-- the year became very busy and the trip was postponed. Last weekend I finally kept my promise as we packed up and headed to the top of Y mountain, the famous peak overlooking BYU.

After just a few hundred yards I wanted to turn around and camp in the parking lot. My heavy pack made me feel so out of shape, and the winding trail seemed to go on forever. We took many breaks, and I prayed constantly for the Lord to bless me with strength to keeping moving. The trail winded around the mountain and as the sun set we neared the summit. The hike was physically demanding and at one point I fell on the trail with terrible cramps in my feet and legs. We didn't bring enough water, and I was obviously way out of shape! During one of these quiet moments I learned about Jesus Christ and his saving grace because life on earth is so much like climbing a mountain. As I struggle with fears about my future, doubts or inadequacies, his peace fills my heart. When past mistakes weighed me down with guilt and shame, his sweet forgiveness relieved my burdens. I love Jesus Christ because I know that he guides and blesses my life. He watches over me and blesses me with more than I ever deserve.

I didn't always feel so close to Christ. It came when I studied his word each day, prayed from my heart and took more time to help others. I made him my first priority, and I wondered why I felt so much more converted than the year before. The difference was my commitment to him, and I'm trying to maintain that commitment now as a busy student. I hoped I would feel closer to him on the hike. From the top of the mountain we saw thousands of little lights from the city below. It was so quiet up there, but sometimes we heard things from the city below. It was surreal to look down on the cities and all the busy little activities happening among the people. I felt so removed from the world, and I wondered how Christ feels as he sees my choices each day. As we travel through the ups and downs of life Christ is our best guide. My recent camping trip was just one of the many mountains he has helped me climb. I lo ve Jesus Christ. His hands reach out to save me over and over again.

My testimony of Jesus Christ and of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is what has carried me through this life. In the hardest times of life, through death, sorrow, loneliness, and pain, I have taken solace in the Savior. Lately, I have been reading in the book of Matthew about the life of Christ and specifically about the Atonement and His death. The Atonement is more complex than I will ever understand in this mortal life, but it is something that spans all religions. Whether you believe in the same church as I do or not, Christ atoned for you and me. He was no respecter of persons. The Atonement is about more than allowing us to repent for our sins and return to God. It was also about the emotions and trying times of life. Physical pain was not all Christ suffered in those dark and glorious moments. He felt every sorrow, struggle and emotion that every child of God would ever feel in this life. It is absolutely astounding. I am truly in awe when I think of this magnificent act. Nothing in history could ever come close to making a difference in humanity as this one act by one soul did. When no one can understand how I feel, I know I can fall to my knees and find a friend there who truly knows what I am feeling because He felt it too. He can teach me to overcome both the sins and trials of the world. I love my Savior. He is my best friend but most of all He is the one who has made it possible for me to live eternally in the presence of my Father in Heaven. I pray that we can all find peace in our Savior and allow His Atonement to work in our lives.

Jessica

Manti Temple

Here are a few beautiful pictures of the LDS temple in Manti, Utah taken by the Tree family.

Testimony

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Its hard for me to properly express my gratitude towards Him, but I am very thankful for all that He has done for me and for all that He does to aid and support me each day. I love our Savior Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped me to come to understand who He is and what He has done for all of us.

James

A Marvelous Work in Progress

My relationship with Jesus Christ is a work in progress. I guess that is true for anyone. But I get frustrated at times because I struggle to understand the complete power of the Atonement and the force of Christ's redeeming power. It is like knowing your computer works but not understanding all the codes and transmissions that go on behind the screen. Although I get frustrated with how much I don't understand, there are a couple of essential things that I believe:

1. Christ came to Earth, preached the Gospel, gave us the best example of how we can live our lives, and died for our sins.
2. Three days after His death, Christ arose from the tomb and He continues to guide His church today.
3. Through faith in Christ, and because of His grace, we may come to know God and live with Him.

Perhaps all the code and transmissions that go on behind the Atonement ar e irrelevant (at least right now). Just as my understanding of the Gospel and relationship with Christ is a work in progress, so too am I continuing to develop. It doesn't matter if you are just beginning to understand or you have been a Gospel scholar for fifty years, you just need to be progressing towards Christ - in your thoughts, words, and actions.

Jordie