I absolutely love my savior, Jesus Christ so much. He has blessed my life through the Gospel. I truly came to know of Him in 2006 at the Oakland Temple Pageant. I decided to participate at the last minute so I had no idea what the songs were, which was like 40 pages of music. I had no idea what to expect and I had never seen Temple Pageant before. As we arrived to the temple, all my worries disappeared. Just walking on temple grounds I felt comfort and peace. We entered the top balcony in the auditorium and took our seats. We rehearsed several times before the first performance. I looked around and thought there weren't enough people to sing loudly enough to the whole auditorium. As soon as the music started and everyone rose to their feet, all I could do was stand in awe from the powerful feeling that swept over me. Words cannot describe how I felt at that moment. Tears formed in my eyes and I could feel my Savior's love. It was amazing to me that our voices shot through the auditorium because our choir was big but not that big as we sounded like. The curtains opened and as we sang, “Oh look unto me and endure to the end, and ye shall live,” the portrayal of the Savior walked down some steps and showed love and mercy to the people on the stage. The portrayal of the Savior looked so real that it felt like it was really Him. At that moment I knew I was in the right place doing the right thing. Even though I did not know the words I could feel the strength of the words sweeping over me. For the next two weeks, I surprised myself by coming to all the performances. I really had no intention of going all two weeks, but I knew it was the Holy Ghost testifying to me that I needed to go and partake of the love that Heavenly Father and His Son has for me.
How great will be the day when we truly will see Him. When I think of Him, peace and serenity flood my mind, soul, and heart. In the scriptures, we learn of the pure love He has for all His children. What great compassion and mercy he had, even when they spat and mocked Him. They crowned Him with a wreath of thorns and gave Him vinegar to drink. I cannot comprehend the immensity of His suffering in Gethsemani, that He bled from every pore! I am reminded of Him when I go through trials because my trials are nothing compared to His. It's a humbling experience to know that someone else paid for my sins. My soul yearns for that day when He shall come down. But I know I must be on the right side when it is that day. This life is to prepare now and be ready for the coming of the Lord. When I think of how that day might be, all I know is I will fall on my knees out of deep gratitude and love for Him. I know He knows and loves me. I have felt His love. I know He lives and wants us to return to Him. I am so grateful for His Gospel and the Atonement. It is true! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
