Today Sis. Natalie Moody taught the Lesson out of the Gospel Principles book, chapter 25. Sister Moody had us read some paragraphs from the manual. She talked about the importance of prayer in our fasting and how this pleading draws us closer to our Heavenly Father, the people, or reason we are fasting. We talked about always having a purpose in fasting, and then Sister Moody asked us the question, "How have you benefited from sharing your testimony in fast and testimony meeting? Or from hearing others bear their testimonies?" Some sisters mentioned the importance of bearing a testimony of the simple truths of the gospel and how that is truly important and for praying for each other in fast and testimony meeting for the truths truly will ring true in our hearts as we listen and pray for the spirit to be with us.
Afterward, Sis. Moody talked about fast offerings and the importance of giving. She mentioned that the Bishop in tithing settlement talked about that the Dollar amount is never asked, just if you give fast offerings. Through prayer, each family can determine what is appropriate to give and to remember to give what you can. Sis. Merket shared how her family a long time ago was blessed by fast offerings when their family did not have a place to live for about 2 months and how fast offerings truly blessed those around us and the blessings of giving an honest and generous fast offering as you can, truly brings heaven's blessings upon your home.
In the closing of the Lesson, Sister Albretsen asked for a few moments to share her testimony of Fasting. She mentioned a time in her life when she was student teaching and she got diagnosed with Mono and then in that same week, got strep throat. She was afraid since she didn't know how she would complete her student teaching and graduate. She talked with her family about these concerns, and all her family and extended family held a fast for her. Miraculously, Sis. Albretsen got over Mono in a WEEK! She was able to get a teaching position here in Logan after she graduated and bore her personal testimony of the benefits and miracles that happen from fasting.
I know that fasting truly brings our hearts and spirits closer to our Heavenly Father and that miracles happen. I know that Heavenly Father can help us in our fast. If we are not sure what to fast for, pray to him and he will guide you because he loves you. Fasting is a sacrifice that not only shows our self control but our devotion to our Heavenly Father. Through fasting (as we physically are able to) we can draw closer to our Father in Heaven and more readily have His spirit with us. I know that Fasting does bring upon us blessing and power. I know that our testimonies can be strengthened by fasting, and that as we honestly seek to do good and do the Lord's will, he will guide us and direct us in His work.
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