That Sunny Day In September.

September 09, 2024

I remember starting the Book of Mormon before my mission. For about 12 months i worked my way through it.

What i didnt know was what i was going to have to work through during those next 12 months.

I would dare say the hardest months of my life.

Sorrow filled my soul.

My faith declined.

The book began collecting dust.

For about 4 of the months i didnt open it.

What changed?

Why did i just pick it up again?

I dont know why.

But, i do know something.

There was a piece of me that missed those words.

The words of answered prayer.

The words that at times brought me comfort.

The words that filled my soul with power.

A small little book.

The words of God to his children.

I remembered hitting that 12th month.

It was a sunny day in September.

A week before i would be leaving.

I made it to Moroni 10.

I drove up to the temple before church.

Layed out a blanket.

And i read.

I read those words as i thought back on those 12 months.

I couldnt believe i had made it.

That i was sitting in front of the temple with that beautiful book in my hands.

It was in that moment i knew.

The quiet assurance of the spirit whispering to me that it was true.

All of it.

I just knew.

And i couldnt deny it.

Tears began to stream down my face.

Tears that for so long had come because of hurt and sadness became tears of joy.

I knew.

I often think about this experience.

I love that sweet girl that sat at the temple on that sunny day. The girl yearning to know. If only she knew what she would experience 12 months later.

Its a beautiful story.

Its a story i have grown to love.

Because its mine and the Saviours.

I now sit here about to finish the book of truth once again.

12 months later.

In my land of change.

The only difference is each day i get to share these words with the world.

And its all because i know.

This joy of knowing was found as we were walking back to our car. These 2 men began walking towards us, one in front of the other. We felt that we needed to talk to the 2nd guy. We started asking him about joy! This 64 year old man from Hong Kong, called Jimmy, finds joy through bringing others joy. Jimmy is full of many talents but one of them being rapping! Yes rapping! He loves making raps about positivity!

If this interaction couldn't get any better he offered to free style rap to Sister Rasmussen and I! IT WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD!

In that moment i felt pure joy.

We began bonding and becoming friends. We then started teaching Jimmy about the gospel. He opened up about how he is battling some struggles at the moment.

"God knew i needed you"

"This is what i have been looking for"

We met with Jimmy 2 days later and taught him about Joseph Smith. He loved it. He knows it is true.

"This is exactly what i need."

"How can i join?"

Joy filled my heart as we watched Jimmy walk into the front doors of the church.

He hasn't been to church since 1978.

And he loved it.

This is joy.

This is the work of the Almighty God.

I often think of young Joseph having this deep desire to know.

Just like i did on that sunny day in September.