A Strengthened Testimony

Today was fast and testimony meeting. It really has been ages since I have publicly born my testimony, although I am usually going over in my mind where my testimony is at during the meeting. There were a lot of testimonies born. I kept thinking about a time in my life a couple of years ago when I was dealing with a lot of despair. I felt an overwhelming assurance that the Savior is very near. I am grateful for the gospel and the blessings and knowledge it brings to my life. As often as I forget and get off track the Savior is always there to remind me of his love and presence. I am grateful for his forgiveness.
One of the sisters in Relief Society shared a Christmas she had had a couple of years ago. They were having financial difficulties and had decided to skip Christmas all together. But on Christmas Eve they broke down and went out to buy some coloring books and crayons and delivered them to a family in their ward who were struggling as much if not more. They decided that they could not let a Christmas go by without an act of service and giving of ones heart. What a great example! That is what the holiday is about. Lifting and strengthening those around us as the Savior would. I know he is near and wants us to share his love in all that we do. This holiday season I am grateful to be reminded of that.