(Amber Garvin from Provo, Utah served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as 'Mormons') in the Richmond, Virginia area (Now called the "Virginia Chesapeake Mission"). 'Sister' Missionaries are able to serve at age 19 for a period of 18 months. They leave their homes, families and educational pursuits to love and serve their fellowman, and to teach about how families can be together forever. All are invited to follow her missionary experiences.)

*I have now returned home to Utah and will continue to share the experiences of being a returned missionary. :)

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

#becauseofHim

The beginning of this year has been full of landmarks in my life. Two years since feeling the confirmation from the Holy Ghost to serve a mission, two years since being called to serve in the Richmond Virginia Mission, two years since entering the Provo Utah LDS Temple, and the anniversary of two years since I embarked on the most joyful experience thus far in my life by entering the Missionary Training Center as a representative of Jesus Christ.

The greatest season of thanksgiving for me is the time of Easter. Greater than that of the actual holiday of Thanksgiving of Christmas, the season of Easter is a precious and sacred time of year because to me, it symbolizes all of the experiences of my life when I have felt the divine power and strength of my Savior, Jesus Christ, molding my life and changing my heart. It symbolizes the times of sorrow when He is all that I've had left, and the times of joy, when I knew that through Him miracles had occurred.

At this particular moment, it symbolizes to me what incredible things He has done to me, and for me. He has lifted me, changed me, helped me become, strengthened me, brought me peace, made it possible for me to feel joy, cleansed me, and refined me in ways that I never thought were possible.

Because of Him, I am.

Because of Him, I wanted to share something so sacred to my heart that I hardly ever shared it with anyone, and that is my testimony. Because of Him, I chose to serve a mission, and because of Him, I was able to serve Him with faith, and with a capacity that I didn't know I could ever have.

Because of Him I served a mission.

And because of Him, I choose to share my testimony now.

I know that by Jesus Christ, and through Jesus Christ I will never be forsaken, nor forgotten. I know that He is the only way to receive peace in this life. He is the author of hope, love, and second chance.

Truly, through Jesus Christ, "Every day is a new beginning."

I hope that each person will have their heart open to His influence. That His kindness, and mercy, and love with touch their lives so beauty will be found in each and everyday of the year, not the Easter season alone.

And I share these things in the name of Him, Jesus Christ, Amen.


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