"I am profoundly grateful that all of my life I have had a simple faith that Jesus is the Christ. That witness has been confirmed to me hundreds of times. It is the crowning knowledge of my soul. It is the spiritual light of my being. It is the cornerstone of my life."
One of my first recollections was having a frightening nightmare as a small child. I remember it vividly. My grandmother woke me. She hugged me, comforted me and spoon fed me rice pudding. She told me we were safe because Jesus was watching over us. I felt it was true then and I still believe it now.
My faith continued to grow as building blocks were added to the cornerstone. In my life I have found peace, joy and happiness beyond my wildest dreams. I married an elect daughter of God. "I love her with all my heart and soul. Upon the wind of her spirit have my wings been carried." Another great blessing has been children, and grandchildren.
Along with the blessings, however, there have been challenges. As a young man, I lived through the Great Depression. I served three years in the military in World War II. At times I have been "less than I should have been." All of us face wrenching decisions that move us to higher spirituality. I humbly acknowledge that these experiences "have nurtured a sure knowledge that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer." The power of the Lord is in this work. The strength of the Church comes from collective and individual testimony. The faithfulness of the Saints has permitted this great Conference Center to be built. The acceleration of temple building has been marvelous. All of these exquisite holy edifices are "a testimony of our belief that the Savior broke the bands of death. . ."
"Like Alma, I can testify that 'All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it. . .'My greatest desire is to be true and faithful to the end of my days on this Earth."
