How Do We Know We Are Spiritually Born of God?

As a woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), I am a member of the largest women’s organization in the world. This group is called the Relief Society. Several years ago, a declaration was written for the Relief Society and the posts in this series are an attempt to apply this declaration to my life more. In this attempt I will be breaking down the parts of it into questions that I would like to try to answer through study. To view other posts related to this declaration, go here: Relief Society Declaration.

The declaration begins “we are beloved spirit daughters of God”. As I reflect on that line, I wonder how I know that I am spiritually born of God. I think there are two ways to look answer this question. First, I believe that we are literal children of God. I believe that he is the Father of our spirits because he created us spiritually before we were physically created on this earth. In Acts 17:28 we read, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” To take that even further, God created our first father, Adam, both spiritually in heaven and physically on the earth. All of us our the descendants of Adam, who was created in all ways by the hand of God. In the Bible Dictionary it says, “Latter-day revelation confirms the biblical account of God as the literal father of the human family; as a being who is concerned for the welfare of mankind, and a Personage who hears and answers prayers.” I have a testimony of the truth in this latter-day revelation, and therefore I feel strongly that we must be children of God (See Bible Dictionary, God). Also in the Bible Dictionary we read, “Every person is literally a son or a daughter of God, having been born as a spirit to Heavenly Parents previous to being born to mortal parents on the earth (cf. Heb. 12:9). Thus each one of us is a dual being: an immortal spirit body, clothed with a body of flesh and bone. (See Bible Dictionary, Spirit)”

We are taught throughout the scriptures that mankind are children of God, born spiritually. The scriptures are written for all mankind, not just those who believe in them, and therefore they apply to all of us. In Malachi 2:10 we read, “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? . . .”. Ephesians 4:6 reads, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Psalms 82:6 says, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” In 1 Nephi 17:36 we read, “Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it.” Doctrine and Covenants 84:83 reads, “For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things.” Moses 3:5 reads, “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;”. And again in Moses 6:51 we read, “And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying: I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh.”

Our modern prophets and apostles have also shared there own witness to the knowledge that we are all children of God. In The Family:A Proclamation to the World they write, “ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” I believe we were part of the spiritual family of Heavenly Father, just as surely as we are a part of a physical family here.

Even the Savior himself, taught us that He was not alone in being a child of God. In the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew, we read the following in 5:48:

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Then later we can read the Lord’s Prayer in 6:9, where he teaches us the proper way to pray. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” The Savior did not single Himself out in this. God is our Father in Heaven, because He is the Father of our spirits.

I have experienced sweet moments of confirmation in this fact. I know that I am a child of God and that He loves me, personally, as His daughter. I know this because the spirit, or the Holy Ghost, as born witness to me of these things. In Romans 8:16-17 we read the following:

16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

One of my favorite songs as a child, which remains a favorite even now, is “I Am a Child of God”.

I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
(Chorus)

I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows to late.
(Chorus)

I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will
I’ll live with hime once more.
(Chorus)

I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.
(Chorus)

Chorus:
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

When I sing it with my daughters today, I feel the spirit testify to me that what it teaches is true. I know that I am a spiritual daughter of God.

The second answer to this question, has to do with the choices we make in this life. All of mankind are the literal sons and daughters of God, but the scriptures teach us of becoming children of God, or being born of God, in this life. In The Guide to the Scriptures under “Born Again, Born of God” we read the following:

“To have the Spirit of the Lord cause a mighty change in a person’s heart so that he has no more desire to do evil, but rather desires to seek the things of God.” – Whosoever is born of God does not continue in sin, JST, 1 Jn. 3:9

We are born of God when we seek after Him, have a change of heart, repent of our wrongs, and live according to His will for us. In the October 1999 session of General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, James E. Faust said the following:

To be a daughter of God means that you are the offspring of Deity, literal descendants of a Divine Father, inheriting godly attributes and potential. To be a daughter of God also means that you have been born again, changed from a “carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness.”

In Mosiah 27:25-26 we read the following:

25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

Our natural state is that which was brought about by the fall of Adam. We tend to think of our immediate wants and desires, which seem more often then not, to be selfish and lean towards immediate satisfaction. The natural man is not able to become like God or dwell in heaven with him. The nature of God is eternal righteousness and happiness. To be that kind of person, we have to be willing to work harder to make better choices and change our wills to be like His. We should want this because we have the ability to become like Him. Not only do we have that ability, but it is exactly what He wants for us.

President Gordon B. Hinckey said the following in the October 1991 session of conference (LDS):

I wish to affirm also at the outset . . ., that you are very precious, each of you, regardless of your circumstances. You occupy a high and sacred place in the eternal plan of God, our Father in Heaven. You are His daughters, precious to Him, loved by Him, and very important to Him. His grand design cannot succeed without you.

God’s work is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). His grand design is fulfilled when we choose to become born of him in this life, and receive the gifts of immortality and eternal life as our reward after this life. We cannot be born of God in this life, unless we follow his commandments and make and keep sacred covenants with him. When we are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost we are spiritually born of God. In Alma 36:23-24 we read the following related verses:

23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God.
24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

I have been baptized and received the gift of the Spirit. I know that through this act I was and have since become a spiritual daughter of God in the sense that although I was spiritually born of him before this life, I naturally have been separated from him in this life. Through receiving His gift of the spirit in my life, I have the ability to return as part of his spiritual family after this life, if I will remain true and faithful to his commandments. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for the gospel in my life. I don’t know what kind of person I would have chosen to be without the influence of the gospel. I believe that knowing I am a daughter of God has given me the reason for living a good life and being a good person. I want to live worthy of the spirit, so that I can return to live with God again someday.

The First Article of Faith

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

This is the heart of everything that we do in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It pushes us to do what we know to be right. It gives us hope in a glorious future. It gives us purpose and comfort in this life. There are three separate members of the Godhead.

First of all, we believe in God, the Eternal Father. We believe that there is a God, or a supreme being, who watches over all of us. We believe that he created each of us. In Mosiah 4:9 we read, “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth…”. We believe that he is the Father of our spirits. We believe that we are His children. We believe that as God, he is all-knowing and all-powerful. We believe that he is perfect and as His spiritual offspring, we too can become perfect. Throughout the scriptures we have witnesses which teach us of God. Even the Savior, often referred to His Father, who sent Him. In John 17:3 we read, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Because of the witness of the prophet, Joseph Smith, we believe that we are created in His image. We believe that He also has a body, and that because of that he is more than a spiritual being or some unknown entity. Something that I have not felt the need to question in my life, is where I came from. I have felt this in my heart and mind. I am a daughter of God and I came from His presence to live on this earth.

Second, we believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is the spiritual and physical Son of God the Father. In 1 John we read the following:

20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

We believe that he is the Only Begotten Son of God. He did not have an earthly father as the rest of us do. In Luke 1:35 we read, “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” He is not one in being with God, but he is one in purpose with Him. We believe that he was chosen before this life, to be the Savior and redeemer of all mankind. We believe that because of His divinity, He was the only person who ever lived, who could experience the atonement and therefore make it possible for all of us to return to live with God again. In 1 Peter 3:18 we read, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit”. Also, in Hebrews 2:9 we read, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” We believe that he was resurrected, and that because of Him, we all will be resurrected some day. We believe that he also has a body of flesh and blood, just as the Father. As a resurrected being he appeared to his disciples and said, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have (Luke 24:39).” We believe that he is perfect, and that he lived a perfect life. We believe that in His perfection, He has been completely obedient to the will of God. We believe that he created all things physically, under the direction of God the Father. In Doctrine and Covenants 14:9 we read, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness”. He lived his life as an example to each of us, of how we should live. He is loving and kind, merciful and charitable, forgiving and always waiting for us. We believe that He is our spirit brother. He led the way for us and we believe that he has a desire for us to return to live with Him. I have turned to Christ for many things in my life, most especially for forgiveness of my sins. I am so grateful for the atonement and for his never-ending love for me.

Third, we believe in the Holy Ghost. We believe that He is also a separate being without a body of flesh and bone, and that He has the power to influence each and every one of us if we are trying to live a good life. We believe that He is also one in purpose with God and Jesus Christ. He has the power to influence each of us for good. We believe that He inspires all people to choose the right. We believe that He is the eternal witness of truth. In John 15:26 we read, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me”. We believe that He is the teacher to our spirits, and that it is through Him, that we can gain a testimony of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 2:13 we read, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” We believe that when we are baptized, we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion in our lives. In Acts 2:38 we read, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” We believe that He will help us to stay on the path that leads us back to God. We believe that he can only do this, if we are living righteously, because as a member of the Godhead, He cannot dwell in unholy places. This gives us a greater purpose for doing those things that we know are right. When we are worthy of Him, he can warn us of the dangers that are coming our way. We believe that we can receive gifts from him. These gifts are to be used for good and righteous purposes. These gifts include things like the gift of tongues and the gift of healing. In Acts 19:6 we read, “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” We believe that he can give us comfort at all times in our lives. I have had experiences with this in my life, at times when I needed comfort the most. I have prayed for help and have felt as if arms were wrapped around me with love and support. The Holy Ghost has been so important to me in my life and I am so grateful that I have been baptized and given this gift to bless my life.

I don’t know what my life would be like without the knowledge of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for all that they give to me, have done for me, and are to me. I have a knowledge of where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going because of my understanding of the Godhead and their purpose. I hope that more people will be able to come to know God the Father and their Savior, Jesus Christ, through the witness of the Holy Ghost in their own lives.

Joseph Smith-History (Part 1)

This portion of The Pearl of Great Price is part of the History of Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith was the first modern day prophet, and the instrument through which the church and gospel were restored to the earth. I am so glad to have the opportunity to study this history, because it is one of the most important things that has ever occurred in the history of the world. These things can be found also in the History of the Church (Volume 1, Chapters 1 through 5). I believe that these are the words of the prophet, but they may have been partially recorded by some others who were there to assist him in his work. The record starts with the following:

1 Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession.
2 In this history I shall present the various events in relation to this Church, in truth and righteousness, as they have transpired, or as they at present exist, being now [1838] the eighth year since the organization of the said Church.

The prophet begins this record, by giving an explanation for it. Apparently there were people who were putting out false statements or reports to make the church look bad. This doesn’t surprise me at all. Whenever good things are happening, Satan does his best to persuade people to bring it down. There were so many things pushing against the church and its members. Joseph Smith took on this project to help to get rid of some of the wild stories and rumors that were going around. This record was written and I think reviewed and edited a number of times before it came to be a part of The Pearl of Great Price pamphlet, and eventually part of The Pearl of Great Price we have now. This record stands as a witness and a testimony of how the restoration of the church began.

3 I was born in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five, on the twenty-third day of December, in the town of Sharon, Windsor county, State of Vermont … My father, Joseph Smith, Sen., left the State of Vermont, and moved to Palmyra, Ontario (now Wayne) county, in the State of New York, when I was in my tenth year, or thereabouts. In about four years after my father’s arrival in Palmyra, he moved with his family into Manchester in the same county of Ontario—
4 His family consisting of eleven souls, namely, my father, Joseph Smith; my mother, Lucy Smith (whose name, previous to her marriage, was Mack, daughter of Solomon Mack); my brothers, Alvin (who died November 19th, 1823, in the 26th year of his age), Hyrum, myself, Samuel Harrison, William, Don Carlos; and my sisters, Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy.

Joseph Smith Jr., and his family (parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, and himself) had relocated from Sharon, Vermont, to Palmyra, New York. I’ve learned over the years, that Joseph Smith Jr. was a good young man. He was raised to care for his family and with a good religious background. His parents were God-fearing people, who read the bible with their family. He was raised working on the family farm and helping to provide for those he loved. He had high standards from pretty young. I remember hearing the story of when he was in need of leg surgery and he refused any alcohol to take away or dull the pain. He was not able to have much in the way of schooling because of his circumstances, so he was not an extremely knowledgable young man.

5 Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, “Lo, here!” and others, “Lo, there!” Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.
6 For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions.
7 I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father’s family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.
8 During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong.

The different churches were experiences what is now called the second great awakening. There were camp meetings and revivals which were full of excitement and emotions. All the churches in the area were trying to persuade those who had not found religion, to join their sect. The young Joseph Smith, noticed that there was a lot of confusion and contention between the different churches and their leaders. Some of his family members had decided to join one of the churches. Joseph went to several different meetings, but he could not decide who he thought had the true gospel. When he says that they were “more pretended than real”, I think that the churches members and leaders were not living as they preached, and so there was a lot of confusion about what they truly believed. This goes to show the character that Joseph had even as a teenage boy. He did not want to join a church unless he could believe the teachings to be true.

9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.
10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?

The question that was on Joseph’s mind had to do with the fact that all the churches were claiming to be right, while saying that the others were wrong. Joseph wanted to know which was the right church, or which one was teaching the truth. I think that a key to what was to follow for him, was that he had a sincere desire to know. Sometimes, I am a little interested in knowing something, but I don’t think that the desire is quite so great. Answers will not come if we are only mildly interested in understanding them. The Lord knows the intentions of our hearts, and this was a sincere and great desire for Joseph.

11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.

Joseph had been raised with the Bible as scripture, in his life. When he had a question, he turned to what he trusted to be the word of God. In searching the scriptures, he found James 1:5, which after much pondering, taught him that he should ask God. He was touched powerfully by the spirit of God, as he read this verse. This inspiration led him to decide to ask God to get his answer. Joseph was truly an example of how answers to prayers may come to us as well. If we are struggling with understanding, we too can find inspiration in the scriptures. We have plenty of men willing to teach us what the scriptures mean, and it can still be rather confusing. Only the spirit can testify to us of the truth of the gospel. It is important for us to search, ponder and pray about our own questions. If we do these things in faith, our answers will come. Our faith is an important factor in this understanding. If we do not believe the answers will come, there is no promise that the Lord will answer us. Or rather, the answer may come still, but we will not be in the right frame of mind to receive it.

14 So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.
15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

He picked a quiet place to be alone for this prayer. I imagine that he knew he wanted to devote all his attention to this prayer and the answer he would receive, so he did not want to be in a place where he might be interrupted. I think that Joseph was probably also following the example from the scriptures. Throughout the Bible, there are examples of prophets, and even the Savior, going away to the mountains to pray where they could be alone. It would be wise for us to find a quiet place where we can offer up the concerns of our own hearts. This was his first time praying out loud. In my own experience of personal prayers, I find that when I do not pray vocally, my mind wanders and I loose focus. Sometimes, depending on the time of day, I find myself drifting off into sleep. This always results in my apologizing to my Father in Heaven and trying again to pray. However, when I pray vocally, even in a quiet whisper, I am more focused on what I say and I can often feel the spirit stronger.

As a member of the LDS faith, I believe that Joseph was foreordained to bring about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The prophets of old knew about him, and some had prophesied of what he would do, going so far as to know his name. Satan has known the plan, because he was there in that grand council in heaven. He would do anything in his power to stop the work of God from moving forward. Here, Satan tried to stop Joseph from his prayer, with darkness and stopping him from being able to speak. Had his hold been successful, Satan would have been able to keep the light of the gospel from the world for a time, but this was not the case.

16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

Joseph actually felt himself physically being destroyed by the powers of Satan. I cannot say that I recall feeling anything quite like that, but I know how it feels to have a dark feeling around you, which to me felt like something I could not get myself out from under it. Just like Joseph, I had to rely on God to release me from that dark feeling. When Joseph felt like all was lost, he saw a glorious vision.

A great light came down upon him and that light took away the darkness. Darkness cannot continue when there is light. Satan’s powers cannot continue in the presence of the light of the Lord. Joseph was freed from the powers of Satan. It makes perfect sense that the light of heaven would be brighter than the sun. In studying Abraham, I have learned that things become greater, more glorious and brighter when they are nearer to God. Therefore, God is in the brightest light that exists.

I believe that at this point, as soon as the light was upon Joseph, he was transfigured to be able to have this vision. Joseph saw God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, in the air above him. This is a testimony to me that God and Jesus Christ are two separate beings, one in purpose, but not in physical body. God called Joseph by name, which teaches us that God knows us individually and personally. God introduced the Savior to Joseph as His Beloved Son. This is a testimony of the divinity of the Savior, by God himself, and that the Savior has been chosen since the beginning for the greatest purposes. Finally, Joseph was told to listen to Him, the Son of God. I think that this teaches me that God knew His Son would deliver the message just as He had intended it to be. It shows that God is one who delegates His work and allows others to grow from doing things themselves. God would have been able to bring His message to Joseph Himself, but just as all things in the gospel, there is a witness of two or three to establish all things. God and His Son were both there to witness to the young Joseph of the divinity of the Savior, and of the truth of His gospel.

18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, “Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off.” I then said to my mother, “I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true.” It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

As soon as he was able, Joseph got right to asking the question on his mind. The answer he received was that he should not join any of the existing churches, because they were all wrong. The leaders of those churches preached some of the gospel, but they did not live the gospel. They may have had the word of the gospel, but they did not have the power of the gospel, which I think is the priesthood power and authority of God. The churches of this time had been in an apostasy from the true church of God. This is because they had lost the rights to the priesthood and precious truths had been lost or altered to fit the ways of the world. This is not to say that all people were bad. There were many who were living as righteously as they knew how, and they would and will be blessed for their own choices. We can only be judged according to our own individual knowledge. But there were people who had chosen to corrupt righteous things, and they had done a very good job of leading many people astray with false doctrine.

After receiving this vision, Joseph was left drained of energy, lying on the ground. I know that things of the spirit can drain us emotionally, mentally and physically. I am most tired after attending the temple and going to specially conferences where I can feel the spirit very strong. I think that this is a lesson to me that I need to have my body physically prepared with rest and good food when I want to be spiritually fed. Otherwise, I may wear myself down and be unable to function properly, which does not promote acting on the things we learn. After he got his energy back, Joseph returned home and told his mother that he learned her church was not true. I love that he had the kind of relationship with his mother, where he could openly tell her things that touched him spiritually. We do not all have that kind of relationship. I love coming home from church and being able to share the things I have learned with my own husband and children. It has been such a blessing to me and has strengthened my testimony even more. Joseph also came to the realization that he knew he was going to do work for the Lord, because that would explain why Satan and other things in opposition would fight against him so hard. When we are trying to do what is right, life does not get easier. There will be great opposition and trials when we are standing up for truth and righteousness, but at the same time, the Lord can give us strength to endure all of it.

I am so grateful for Joseph Smith. I believe that he truly did see God and Jesus Christ, and that they told him not to join any church at the time. I believe that Joseph was called to be a prophet of God, and that he restored the gospel of Christ to the earth once more. I am so grateful for his righteous service, and that he had the desire to know what was true, because it led eventually to me having this truth in my own life. I am so grateful that the gospel has been restored to the earth, and that I have the privilege of being a member of the true church of God. I encourage anyone who is not sure if this is true, to sincerely ponder over these scriptures, and to ask God for themselves. I have received my own witness of the spirit and I know that anyone else can as well.

O That I Were an Angel

I’ve been doing some personal study the last few days, while I wait for my next study manual to arrive in the mail. One of the most common messages to me throughout the scriptures that I have studied so far since I began this blog in 2008, has been the importance of missionary work. I think that I have been trying to do my own part in sharing the gospel, through these posts. I didn’t want to go without some posting, so I figured I would share my feelings right now — my testimony. I want to share some of the simple truths that I know to be true to the center of my being.

I know that there is a God. He is our supreme being, our creator and more importantly our loving Father in Heaven. I believe that I am literally a daughter of God. I know that there is a bigger plan for us than just this life. In fact, I feel in my heart that this life is really just a small portion of the life we will have in eternity. The scriptures teach about the great plan of salvation, where we have an existence before we were born here, and where we will continue on to gain glories after we die. I cannot deny the personal declaration of the spirit, which I have received about this. I know with a sureness, that I was there in heaven before being born, and that I made the choice to follow the Lord, Jesus Christ, and come to earth to gain a body and experience. I have had personal witness to me that relationships existed before this life. I believe that the relationships we form in this life, can continue after if we live worthy of it. This gives me the greatest reason for living a righteous life. I know that it can be easy to live in the moment, and to have the desire to experience immediate gratification. Knowing that I can be with my loved ones, and that the relationship that I am forming with my Savior and my Heavenly Father can continue to progress and grow, is amazing. This gives purpose to my life.

There is a song, which says “There’s a right way to live and be happy”. I believe in something that I know is not a common belief among all people. There is a right way to live and a wrong way to live. We know what the right way is because of the scriptures and because of revelations to prophets of God. I believe that not only were there prophets in ancient times, but that there are prophets on the earth now. I believe the God has placed great men on the earth, to be his mouthpiece, and that he still communicates with a prophet today. I believe that Thomas S. Monson, is the current prophet of the Lord and the president of His church. I have received a personal witness of this fact as well. I believe that Joseph Smith was the prophet of God, called to restore the truth and fullness of the gospel to the earth. That gospel is the pure gospel of Christ. In that gospel, we have been given commandments and consequences. They are written plainly to me, which I understand may not be the case for everyone. I believe that when we live these commandments through faithful actions, the spirit has the power to make these things plain. What I mean by plain, is that they make perfect sense to me. I have had to walk by faith to learn these principles. I have experienced the negative and positive consequences and have learned a lot in the process. I understand that this is a life-long process and that we must continually be moving forward with faith and trying to live by God’s laws.

In this life-long process, I know that none of us will be perfect. I know that God provided a merciful option in His plan for us. This option, meant that someone had to live a perfect life and suffer for us all to pay the price for these sins, because justice is an eternal principle. A consequence and price had to be paid for all the sins of the world. I believe that Jesus Christ chose to be that individual. I believe that he was the only person who was born of direct divine lineage. He is the only begotten of the Father. He lived a perfect life. He showed us a perfect example of how to live. He was perfectly obedient and loving. He prayed and suffered for all of our sins. He died for us, and made it possible for us all live again through the great resurrection. He gave us the choice to repent of our sins. Basically, we have the option to give our sins to him, through humbling and changing our hearts for the better. He has already paid for them, so once we repent, justice has been met. When we choose to hold on to our sins, I believe we will carry them with us after this life, and then we will have to satisfy justice ourselves through our own suffering.

I believe many things about life after we die, some are very personal and sacred to me. I know that life does not end with our death here, but that is just part of what we must go through in our path to becoming more like God. I believe that we need to make covenants with God in this life, in order to gain the blessings that he promises us in the scriptures. These covenants start first with baptism. I believe that baptism is the ordinance which prepares us to make greater covenants with greater promises. I believe that baptism and a life of righteousness will earn us great rewards in this life and after it. I believe that after baptism we are worthy to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is given only through the proper authority of God, which is the priesthood. The Holy Ghost is a teacher, comforter and guide, which I am so eternally grateful for. Furthermore, I believe that through the covenants that we can make in the temples of the Lord, we can receive all the blessings that God has promised His people. Included in those, is the blessing of being able to live with our families forever. This comes through being married and sealed in the temple. I was married and sealed to my sweetheart almost ten years ago, and my sweet children are consequently sealed to me as well. I am so grateful for this and for all the temples around the world.

There is so much more that I can say, but in short, I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love my family. I love the gospel. These things give me purpose and direction. These make life worth every moment, good or bad, easy or difficult. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have gained and for the revelation and inspiration that has come from studying the scriptures. I hope that my testimony can touch someone who is searching for the truth. “O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! (Alma 29:1)”

Alma, Chapter 18

What did the Lamanites believe about God?

God is our eternal Father in Heaven.  He is all-knowing and all-powerful.  He loves me and wants me to be able to live with Him again, so much so that he allowed his Son, Jesus Christ, to come and be sacrificed to save us all.  He knows what is the best thing for me.  He can allow miracles to happen and can give man the power to do anything.  He wants me to be like him.  He looks just like we look and is a living God.  In D&C 130:22 we read, “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”  I think other churches believe that God, His Son, and the Holy Ghost are one being.  I think that they believe that this being is a spirit of sorts, or some unknown power.  I’m glad that I know what God is because I don’t think I would know how to believe or pray to some unknown being or anything other than what He is.

“And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his servants should stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen concerning the matter (v. 1).  And when they had all testified to the things which they had seen, and he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders (v. 2)?  And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain (v. 3).  And now, when the king heard these words, he said unto them: Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at this time to preserve your lives, that I might not slay you as I did your brethren. Now this is the Great Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken (v. 4).  Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants (v. 5);”

The Lamanites called God, the Great Spirit.  King Lamoni thought that Ammon was the Great Spirit (or God) because of his power.  He thought the Great Spirit was mad at him for killing the servants who had not been able to protect his sheep.  Lamoni’s ideas came from the traditions of his ancestors, who had thought that everything they did was right.  When we do not know truly who God is, we cannot truly know who we are.  We cannot possible know the meaning of our lives, without understanding true principals about God.  If I just felt that God was something that had created me, but not my Heavenly Father, I don’t think I would try very hard to please him.  If I did not believe that I could ever become like him, I would probably never think about trying to be “God-like” because it would be an impossible thing that would probably just make me feel inadequate all the time.  I am very grateful for the testimonies in the scriptures, that bear witness of who God is.  I am so glad that Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son and that he shared what he witnessed with so many.  I love my Father in Heaven and am so grateful to Him for this opportunity to prove myself worthy to return and be with Him again.

I’ll listen to you when I know I can trust you

It is easier to trust people we know rather than those we do not.  We live with our family members every day and know them so well, that we develop either a great trust in them, or not.  We build relationships of trust when we allow others to get to know us and we serve them and show them that we love them.

“And the king answered him, and said: Yea, I will believe all thy words. And thus he was caught with guile.”  Lamoni said that he would believe all of Ammon’s words, which showed that he trusted Ammon.  Ammon had earned his trust by protecting his sheep and shepherds.  If more missionaries could gain this trust from those they try to serve, so many more would be willing to listen to their testimonies of the gospel.  Trust is a barrier that missionaries have to break in order to be able to teach people.  It is one reason why member missionaries are so important.  Because our families and neighbors have already learned to trust us and will be more willing to hear us.

“And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying: Where is this man that has such great power (v. 8 )?  And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy horses. Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land (v. 9).  Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them (v. 10).”  Here Ammon has earned an even greater trust from King Lamoni.  Ammon could have done anything at this time, because He had shown such great power, but he continued on working and serving the King.

“Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not (v. 11).  And it came to pass that when Ammon had made ready the horses and the chariots for the king and his servants, he went in unto the king, and he saw that the countenance of the king was changed; therefore he was about to return out of his presence (v. 12).  And one of the king’s servants said unto him, Rabbanah, which is, being interpreted, powerful or great king, considering their kings to be powerful; and thus he said unto him: Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to stay (v. 13).  Therefore Ammon turned himself unto the king, and said unto him: What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king? And the king answered him not for the space of an hour, according to their time, for he knew not what he should say unto him (v. 14).  And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again: What desirest thou of me? But the king answered him not (v. 15).  And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. And he said unto him: Is it because thou hast heard that I defended thy servants and thy flocks, and slew seven of their brethren with the sling and with the sword, and smote off the arms of others, in order to defend thy flocks and thy servants; behold, is it this that causeth thy marvelings (v. 16)?  I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings are so great? Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do (v. 17).  Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts (v. 18 )…”.  This again increased King Lamoni’s trust in Him, because Ammon could tell what he was thinking.

“… but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things (v. 18 )?  Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not (v. 19).  And the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart? Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my flocks (v. 20)—And now, if thou wilt tell me concerning these things, whatsoever thou desirest I will give unto thee; and if it were needed, I would guard thee with my armies; but I know that thou art more powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest of me I will grant it unto thee (v. 21).  Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee (v. 22).”

We can teach the principals of the gospel to those around us, when we gain their trust, just as Ammon did.  If we trust in the Lord and use the power of the priesthood to bear witness of God and Jesus Christ, anything is possible.  When we truly love and serve others, they will see the light of Christ in us and want to know what it is.

How to be a great missionary

President Hinckley said the following to those who were not members of the church, “To these we say in a spirit of love, bring with you all that you have of good and truth which you have received from whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add to it.”  There are many good people out there who are living good lives because of what they have learned, but have not been introduced to the fullness of the gospel.  Most other religions have some or even a lot of truth in their teachings, but not all of the truth.  Our church and the gospel that we have can fill the gaps they may have in the truth.  What these souls can bring with them to us, can be a great blessing in our lives as well.  As a good missionary, it is important to use these true beliefs and build upon them.  If they believe in the resurrection, as many do, explaining that there is more details in the plan of salvation about what happens after we die that we believe, is just taking their belief one step further.  At times they may believe in something that is not true, such as the trinity.  In these cases, it is important to teach what we know to be true because the false teachings can lead people away from God.

“And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God (v. 24)?  And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that meaneth (v. 25).  And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit (v. 26)?  And he said, Yea (v. 27).  And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth (v. 28 )?”  Lamoni and Ammon both believe in God.

“And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens (v. 29).  And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angels (v. 30).”  Ammon taught Lamoni that God created all things which are in heaven where God lives.

“And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth (v. 31)?  And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning (v. 32).”  We learn precept upon precept, so because he already believe in God and that God had created everything on the earth, it was just the next step to believing that God had created everything in heaven and man also.

“And king Lamoni said: I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God (v. 33)?  Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true (v. 34);  And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God (v. 35).”  Next Ammon taught him that man is created in God’s image and can have the spirit of God in them.

“Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the creation of the world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father, Lehi, left Jerusalem (v. 36).  And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king and to his servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travail, and so forth (v. 37).  And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them; and he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time (v. 38 ).”  Ammon taught Lamoni that Laman and Lemuel who were the ancestors of the Lamanites, had rebelled.  The Lamanites had believed that they had done nothing wrong, and this was just one false teaching that Ammon corrected with his teachings.

“But this is not all; for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them (v. 39).”  Ammon had already taught about the beginning of man on the earth and then he taught him about Christ and the plan of redemption.  I think it is easier for people to hear the parts of the plan of salvation that are to come, after they understand what has already happened.  A lot of religious people believe in Adam and that he transgressed, so teaching that Christ would bring about the ability for even Adam to be forgiven for what he had done against God, is important.

“And it came to pass that after he had said all these things, and expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his words (v. 40).”  Lamoni believed the words of Ammon, because Ammon was being led by the spirit and understood how these things needed to be taught.

At this point, king Lamoni pleaded to God for his sins and he was overcome by the spirit and fell to the earth.  His servants believing he was dead, took him to the queen and everyone began to mourn for 2 days and 2 nights (v. 41-43).

Ammon had been a great missionary and had taught king Lamoni true principles of the gospel through the spirit of God.  We can all be as great a missionary as Ammon, if we prepare ourselves and then seek for those who are ready.  The Lord will guide us, because he wants all people to have the opportunity to hear the gospel.  We need to have faith and courage to go outside of whatever comfort zones we may have.  In Ether 12: 27 we read, “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”  The Lord will make up the difference if we teach others with a willing and a humble heart.

And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his aservants should stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen concerning the matter.

2 And when they had all testified to the things which they had seen, and he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also of his agreat power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders?

3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he acannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they bscatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and cgreat strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.

4 And now, when the king heard these words, he said unto them: Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at this time to preserve your lives, that I might not aslay you as I did your brethren. Now this is the Great Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken.

5 Now this was the atradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his father, that there was a bGreat Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that cwhatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants;

1 Nephi, Chapter 8

What are some ways Heavenly Father talks to His children?

There are many ways that Heavenly Father talks to us.  The Lord chose to speak to Nephi through a dream or vision.  He has spoken to prophets face to face, as with Joseph Smith.  He has sent messengers or angels to give his messages.  Plus, we each have the personal revelation of the spirit, which is also a way that our Father in Heaven speaks to us.

What is the meaning of Lehi’s dream of the tree?

We can follow the Savior’s example and with the help of the scriptures and gospel truths we can make our way through the darkness of the world toward the Love of God and Everlasting Life.  The scriptures contain the ways that we can gain Eternal Life.  If we hold to the words of the prophets, we will find our way.

Prayer delivers us from darkness

Lehi found himself lost in darkness.  He prayed and found his way.  When I am in total darkness, I first feel a sense of panic knowing I cannot see my way.  Prayer gives me comfort that I will get through it and find some source of light, just as Lehi was able to see the field once he prayed.

Can you find yourself in Lehi’s dream?

The people in verses 21 to 23 wanted to find the path, which led to the tree.  Then ended up finding the path, but lost their way in the mist of darkness.  Their goal was only to find the path.

The people in verses 24 to 25 and 28 pressed forward, clinging to the rod until they made it to the tree, but were ashamed once they ate the fruit.  They thought much about what others might think.

The people in verses 26 and 27 were already in the building, mocking at those eating the fruit.  They are those people  of the world who laugh at those of us who believe in the Love of God.

The people in verse 30 held fast to the rod until they partook of the fruit, because it means everything to them.

The people in verses 31 to 33 were searching for the building and those that did not get lost on the way, made it and then mocked those eating the fruit.

Lehi wanted to get to the tree because he knew the fruit was desirable (as an answer to his prayer). The tree represents the gospel and through the gospel we gain Eternal Life.  

The rod of iron is the scriptures and other words of the prophets and apostles that keeps us following the path.  If I “cling” or “hold fast” to those teachings, I’m sure to find my way, but when I casually use them or forget them all together, I am sure to follow some other path that does not lead the right way. 

Sometimes we think too much about what others think and that if we are too religious we are silly or will offend.  This makes us ashamed and willing to deny our beliefs.  Lehi was not ashamed because he understood the value of the fruit.  Sometimes we don’t quite understand how precious the blessing of Eternal Life is and will be for us.

I am working on being in Lehi’s group of people, but I know there have been times when I may have lost my way a little.  It’s a battle that I must work on every day.  The less I am around people who make fun of my beliefs or treat me different because of them, the happier I am as a person.  Most of my acquaintances now are people who have the same or pretty similar values.  I hope that my children can follow the same ideas and choose friends that are good kids with good values.