I Believe

THANKSgiving Day 30
Today's day of thankfulness starts off with a throw-back to yesterday: I was on the phone with a friend from Alabama who asked me how my THANKSgiving had been. As soon as I heard that Southern drawl and intonation on the THANKS in THANKSgiving my heart was so full of warmth, love, and gratitude for my time in the South. I had the honor and privilege of serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. It was, at the time, the best 18 months of my life. I had the opportunity to talk about my Savior and my faith everyday, and to interact with the amazing God-fearing people of the South. I met some of the most inspirational people while serving in Alabama and Mississippi. My life is forever changed because of the people I met and the experiences that I had. I am grateful everyday for the chance that I had to serve as a missionary.
Right now there is a lot of controversy surrounding the gospel that I love. Many people are quick to judge and unwilling to accept the faith of those who believe. I am one who believes. I believe in a loving God who is merciful, loving, kind, and generous. I believe in a God who hears and answers prayers, and who wants the best for me. I believe in a God who loves us perfectly, despite our imperfections. I believe in a God who still speaks through a living prophet, to lead and guide His children. I believe in a God who is very much aware of our needs today, this hour, this minute, and who is in the details. I believe in God, and I know that He believes in me. He has made me who I am today, and He is shaping me into the person I am working to become. I am thankful to have these beliefs, and to have grown up in a gospel that I love.
I am thankful for the chance to spend 30 days sharing my thankfulness with you. It's been a fun adventure! And thanks to the South for putting the THANKS in my GIVING!