Becky Watson

The temple is a place that empowers and uplifts; when you enter, the world fades away and you feel divinity coursing through your soul.

We all need healing. This earth is a hospital, not a country club, and we all have need of the healing power of Christ. I testify that turning to the Savior can heal all that is broken in our lives.

I testify that God is not some primordial force of nature that created us only to abandon us. He is intricately involved in the details of our lives… much like my calendar is color coded by child so that I can know where each of my children are at a given time of day, He knows. He knows because He cares. And He cares because He is our Father.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that we can talk to Him anywhere – any time – anyone can pour their hearts out to the Creator. All we have to do is focus our thoughts, and bam! instant divine reception. The signal is never jammed or busy.

He is intimately involved in the details of our lives. He loves us. He did not spin us out of a primordial soup and then leave us be. He cares about us. He is our Father.

They were firm and steadfast through the night. Despite the boredom. Despite the lack of tangible results. Despite the fact that they were most likely very lonely, underappreciated, and unseen. Despite it all, they were loving and protecting and continuing with their little flock. And they got to know Jesus.

Joy is deeper than pleasure or even happiness. It is lasting. It is a knowledge and hope and assurance that there is a God who knows what He’s doing.

He has helped me in my darkest times – times much worse than a mere tantrum. He knows me inside and out, my worst thoughts and actions, and yet He loves me anyway.

The bishop’s talk hit me hard.

He shared a very personal story that has forever helped me understand the meaning of mercy and charity. 

As I apologized once again and hung up the phone, I experienced a totally unexpected swell of warmth and peace. My head was downcast and regretful; my heart was calm and joyful. I knew I had done the right thing. I had borne my testimony that Sundays were special days in our family, and that didn’t change because we were trying to sell our house.

The Lord, in his infinite goodness, would never leave us alone on this earth to fend for ourselves. He knows we need instruction and direction. Throughout the ages He has placed prophets on the earth, to act as his mouthpieces – from Adam to Noah, Moses to Peter. 

It was an anger that consumed me. I had trouble sleeping. Constant stomachaches. I could think of nothing else during the day – just the same dizzying thoughts, shouting circles in my head. It took all of my mental energy to merely function – and frankly I wasn’t doing that very well. 

So what made me decide to be a mother? SIX TIMES, no less. Am I just verifiably insane? It’s debatable, but probably not my main influence.

One thing that sets The Church of Latter-day Saints apart from other houses of worship is our laymen organization. We are asked to serve on a voluntary basis – from bishop all the way down to a nursery leader.