Through the eyes of Megan Hartley

As I look back on my life I see how many different experiences have served to strengthen my testimony and mold my view of life.

I'll begin with my testimony, even though my view of life and my testimony are so closely knit that it's hard to describe one without it pertaining to the other. This is what I know to be true. I know God lives! I know he created us in spirit and provided us with this awesome plan so that we could have bodies. I know the power of the atonement is real, that Christ really did take upon him all the weakness of man in our fallen nature and suffered the consequences of it. I know He loves me. The more I ponder and learn about his merciful atonement the more I realize I'm not deserving of that great gift, but He offers it anyways, and I can access it so freely. That is so powerful. I love him with all that I am. This gospel is so full of hope, faith, and love, and it makes me happy. I know the power of prayer is real. God answers my prayers on a daily basis, I just have to notice his hand in my life. I know the reality of the power of the priesthood. It has been such a wonderful blessing in my life. I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and my love and respect for him has grown immensely as of lately. I know the Book of Mormon is true. It has taught me to come unto Christ and it has literally changed my life. I know this gospel is true and living and is led by a prophet of God, President Monson. I love my Savior and I love this gospel.

Now my view of life. I'd say some of the greatest lessons I've learned over the past 3 or 4 years is that #1 I CHOOSE to be happy. I've learned the power of thought and of agency even though things may be hard I can choose to be optimistic. #2 I've learned to be proactive, to make things happen. And if something goes wrong in my life to just take responsibility, instead of pushing it under the rug. Life is a precious gift from God, I want to make the most of it so why not choose to be happy through this gospel, which brings me my greatest joys. I want to give my time on earth to my Heavenly Father, I want to serve him till I die. I don't want to waste an eternity on a lifetime. I want to continually be learning. I want to be better every day. I want to be an instrument in the Lord's hands, whether I'm serving or raising his spirit children. Life is just awesome, I've learned to love it, and I truly believe that that love comes through the hope of the gospel because of what Christ has done for me. In Him is my greatest peace and happiness.