How did you gain a testimony‪?‬ Emilia Rabe

Today I interview Reagan Lapicola a math education student at BYU and one of my closest friends. Reagan's testimony started with a deep love for her family and a desire for them to be together forever. She comments on her rocky understanding of the scriptures and how she didn't find community with the youth in her ward. Nonetheless, Reagan testifies boldly of Christ's atoning power, that he is always waiting for you to reach out to Him and ask for His help. Reagan shares her testimony of priesthood authority, of keeping the sabbath day holy, and of the salvific nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Today I interview Sky Barkley a chemical engineering student at BYU and a good friend. Sky's childhood was filled with a desire to connect with a higher power and to understand her spirituality, which took her to many different churches and denominations. She was then introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through her future stepdad and began a difficult journey to gain a testimony. Through the guidance of the spirit and through fervent study of the scriptures she came to the decision that the church was true and wanted to enter into the waters of baptism. Since then, Sky has been steadily working to continue to build her testimony and be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Today I interview Kerry Muhlestein a professor of Ancient Scripture at BYU, Director of the BYU Egyptian Excavation Project, and my Old Testament Professor. Kerry talks about how he feels like he's had a testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints his whole life. He discusses how his parents were a great example to him, and how their fervent discipleship paved the way for Kerry to discover his own love for the scriptures. Kerry talks about his hardships reconciling his academic research and faith and advises listeners on his best strategies to use revelation to gain further understanding. I love this episode and I hope you enjoy!

Today I Interview Autumn Stephenson a student at BYU and a good friend of mine. Autumn grew up in Eagle Idaho, a town just outside of Boise. At the beginning of high school, Autumn found herself pushing down her religiosity in order to fit in with friends who disagreed with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Miracles in Autumn's life helped her to reconnect with her love for the Savior and she grew more aware of his love for her. Through going to the temple, making new friends, and feeling the spirit through music Autumn gained a testimony. Autumn tells of her experiences having her dad as her Bishop, having a brother with Down syndrome, and her scholarship at BYU. I hope you enjoy!

Today I interview Emily Taylor! A Ph.D. student studying political and religious differences in families. When Emily was younger, she had to take the initiative to begin growing her testimony in a home where the gospel was often a source of contention. She eventually developed a profound testimony of God the Father through a family she met in France. Still, she struggled to gain a personal testimony of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. This changed when Emily went to study abroad in Jerusalem and later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Emily tells some beautiful stories about her conversion and shares insightful advice about gaining a testimony piece by piece. I hope you enjoy!

Today I interviewed Jonathan Brinley, an instructor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University and my New Testament teacher! Brinley explains that his testimony was shaped by religious speakers and educators that he crossed paths with because of his father's occupation as a religious educator. He describes how he would feel the spirit and a yearning to come closer to Christ through their words. Jonathan's testimony was further strengthened when he moved to Dallas Texas because of his father's calling as a Mission President. Jonathan's testimony was challenged when he encountered other faiths, but he remained faithful to the eternal truths he had grown up with. Brinley shares his experience serving a mission, finding an eternal companion, and sharing general advice about the spirit and testimonies. I hope you enjoy this episode!!