I am Christian

I am Christian. Many people of other religions say that Mormons aren't Christians. How they come to that conclusion I have no idea. For everything within our faith denotes that we are indeed Christian, that we believe that God the Father and his son Jesus Christ live. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 15 and I have remained faithful for 35 + years. I love this gospel and know that it is true. At this Christmas time I wish to share my testimony. This has been a year of great challenge and at times I have felt very weak; not just physically but even spiritually as well. I have asked God many times why I needed to go through this and why and I believe that he has told me. I have learned that we need to love each other as neighbors and friends and serve each other. That's why we are here on this earth; to be like him and to do what he would have us to. I have learned that we need to stop decorating our windows and start looking out of them. Who is in need around us and what can I do to help. We don't always need an invitation to pay a visit or to help one in need. Even when we are the ones being served, we are giving service by allowing others to be Christlike towards us. Another thing I have learned is that we need balance in our lives. I don't think the Savior spent his time running around like a chicken with his head cut off. He took time to be with others and to visit and to comfort. We need to have temperance in our lives and find balance and be grateful for all things we have. The last thing I have learned is that it is important to find out why we are here on this earth. What is my mission? What is it that Heavenly Father wants me to specifically accomplish with my time here? I would hate to enter Heaven only to find out that I somehow missed the boat  of what I needed to do. Did I use my gifts as Heavenly Father wanted me to? To all my friends and loved ones. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. The Book of Mormon stands with the Bible as another testament of Jesus Christ. It is the record of the ancient American people who lived on the American continent before the coming of Christ. And they are some of the "other sheep he had which were not of the fold of those in Jerusalem." He lives today as a glorified being, and stands at the head of church guiding and directing our prophet today, Thomas S. Monson.  May this Christmas be a meaningful one filled with family and friends, and may next year bring you all joy and happiness.