Premortal Life

Have you ever thought about why so many people followed Heavenly Father in Heaven before we came here to earth and now that is not the case. Why? That is something I have thought about a lot over the years and it was finally answered yesterday. Sure there was "The Fall" and we have our agency, but really what it comes down to is our bodies. We didn't know what it would be like to have a body before we got here and the "flesh is weak." We have appetites, passions, and other desires that we have to control now that our spirit and body are combined. We know that this was hard because of Christ's example when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Neal A. Maxwell said that Christ knew intellectually what he was going to experience, but he did not know experientially (I think Elder Maxwell made up that word, but you get the meaning).

I also like this quote..."There were no neutrals in the war in heaven. All took sides either with Christ or with Satan. Every man had his agency there, and men receive rewards here based upon their actions there, just as they will receive receive rewards hereafter for deeds done in the body" (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:65-66).

Amazing Institute

I have not been to an institute class in many years, but recently singles were encouraged by general authorities and my stake president also wanted us to sign up. One such encouragement is from President Monson in April 2009,

"If you are a single college student, I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. Married students and other young adults are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you."

I really like the promises that our prophet has promised us, but I signed up because I wanted more spirituality in my life. The class I am taking is Doctrines of the Restoration and I cannot believe how much I am learning! I don't even know what to share with you because everything and I mean every detail has been so enriching. Preparation helps me glean every detail. Plus I have an amazing teacher who always teaches by the spirit.

Happy Mother's Day!

I am so blessed to have two Mom's! They are both great in many different ways. Without going into a lot of detail...I love them because they have opposite personalities, yet they both are amazing because of the Gospel and the way they were raised. Thanks for being amazing Mother's to me!!!

I like counsel Elder Ballard gave to Mother's and daughters in this last General Conference:

"...My dear young women, with all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not the Lord’s standards and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspective. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. She may not be a whiz at texting; she may not even have a Facebook page. But when it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge. As you approach the time for marriage and young motherhood, she will be your greatest source of wisdom. No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever.

Love your mother, my young sisters. Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. She has your best interests at heart. She cares about your eternal safety and happiness. So be kind to her. Be patient with her imperfections, for she has them. We all do."

In my opinion there is no greater person out there who emulates the Savior more then my Mothers. I love you both!!!