The Divine Design - Why Are We Here?

The Great Plan Of Happiness~

OK, we had a great life in the premortal sphere; we just didn't have a body and we could not progress without one. I believe there were many teaching moments with our Heavenly parents and our Savior, Jesus Christ. We learned that we would receive a body and life experiences that would help us choose our path back to our Heavenly Father. We knew that our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ would come to earth to live and be our example to follow. He would give His life for us through the  Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane and finally His death on the Cross of Calvary. His ultimate sacrifice would bring us back to Him and our Heavenly Father on the condition that we obeyed the Savior's commandments and did all that we can do to follow the plan. We shouted for joy at the opportunity to come here and waited patiently for our turn on earth. So here we all are in this second estate. Yes, it is miserable at times and happiness eludes us.
However, we knew the plan.We are here experiencing mortal life with all of it's frailties. None will escape the trials and troubles of life. On the flip side; we will find some of our greatest happiness and joys during this brief span of existence.


Just think your life has a plan.What is very sad is that not everybody know this!

I love this thought by Elder Richard G. Scott; " You are not able to remember one of the most exhilarating moment of your life, when you were filled with anticipation, excitement  and gratitude. That experience occurred in the premortal life when you were informed that at last your time had come to leave the spirit world to dwell on earth with a mortal body. You knew you could finally learn through personal experience on earth the lessons that would bring greater happiness -lessons that would eventually lead you to exaltation and eternal life as a glorified, celestial being in the presence of your Holy Father and His Beloved son. You understood that there would be challenges, for you would live in an environment of both righteous and evil influences. Yet surely you resolved that no matter what the cost, no matter what the effort, suffering, and testing, you would return victorious....You anticipated being born into a home where parents would love, nurture, strengthen, and teach you truths. You knew that in time you would have the opportunity to form your own eternal family. Oh, how you must have rejoiced at that prospect!"


"He further asked a question to ponder. How are you using that opportunity you were so anxious to receive? Do daily decisions lead you toward those goals you so eagerly anticipated as a spirit in the premortal life?" (Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy by Richard G. Scott, pg.10)
So where does this thought lead us. We know that life was never intended to be easy. We have challenges and experiences that test our soul; but with these challenges and experiences we have growth. I believe that we have a loving, patient, understanding Heavenly Father who cares deeply for us as individuals and families. He wants us to be happy. His plan is The Plan of Happiness and Joy.
Remember the wonderful gift of agency that we came to earth with to choose the path we will take. Here is a statement In the Book Of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:27 on agency:
"Men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death,...for the devil seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
Elder Scott states the following in his book on (pg.16-17);  "An axiom we all understand is that you get what you pay for. That is true for spiritual matters as well. You get what you pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths you learn. What you get is the molding of character, the growth in capacity, and the successful completion of our mortal purpose to be proven and to have joy."
"You can wisely use your agency to follow the teachings of the Savior....Each of us need to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course. Take a personal inventory in a quiet place, noting how well you know and are following the will of the Lord in your life."
A visit to the temple is one of my favorite places to ponder on some of these thoughts.
Just a few statements from a pamphlet by Toni Sorenson entitled: "Finding Peace and Happiness".
"It is clear to me now that God has a plan for us and that peace and happiness come only when we are absolutely confident that God is our caring Father, that Jesus is our every-vigilant Shepherd, and that we are their sheep, numbered, named, and nurtured......

"You and I are part of that vision and promise. Long ago we made sacred vows to do just what we are doing -live in mortality, struggle to make right choices, take advantage of Christ's gift to us, and help each other along the way."
I know that Our Father and Heaven, our Mediator, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are only a prayer away to help us through our turn on earth as we experience our own plan specialized happiness.

Simple Woman's Daybook ~

Be sure and stop by other Simple Woman's Daybook entries; they are very fun to read. Here is the link:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...is a gray dismal day. I think it might reflect my feelings for the day. I don't have a good reason for feeling down; but I do. Perhaps, I am just really tired. The last two days have been busy coming and going from our mission area and other trips along with I cleaned my upstairs area; which was in need of a good cleaning. This morning during scripture and book reading time; I fell asleep so I don't know what the deal is. I am not even dressed for the day. Yes, this is a very slow day.

I am thinking...how about nothing. Have you ever tried to just think of nothing. My brain doesn't really work that way; however today may be proof it can be done.

I am thankful...for so many things; that I wouldn't know where to begin. My gratitude thoughts at the top of my list would be the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my Heavenly Father, my Savior Jesus Christ, my dearest husband and all of my posterity. I am grateful for wonderful extended family and for many friends. However, right now I am grateful for for being awake and breathing.

In the kitchen...I don't think I will be whipping up anything outstanding tonight. How about scrambled eggs in a tortilla. My sweet sister in law, Amparo made us some homemade tortillas to bring home after my visit with her. My children may want to come down just to have one of her tortillas.

I am wearing...a light green bathrobe and a pair of black house slippers. Ugh!

I am creating...nothing. Wow, I think that is my favorite word for the day.

I am going...maybe back into our mission area to deliver some papers and possibly visit a couple of families we are working with. That should perk me up.

I am wondering...why I am even doing a post today. That is a very good question??

I am reading... in 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. These are the chapters that are on the writings of Isaiah. I am starting to understand some of these important writings; but it is still hard to get through. Perhaps that is the reason I fell asleep this morning; I hope not.

I am also enjoying a book entitled; " Temple Worship" - 20 Truths That Will Bless Your Life by Andrew C. Skinner. I am still working on a historical series book entitled: " Light and Truth" Vol. 3 by Darryl Harris.

I am hoping...to get just a smidgen of ambition to finish the day.

I am looking forward to...nothing today.

I am learning....that it is OK to have a down day once in a while. I think because I tend to always be more on the optimistic side; it just feels worse.

Around the house...I can hear the TV on in the kitchen, cars going by and my husband shuffling papers.

I am pondering...on nothing right now.

A favorite quote for today...my Mother used to tell me when I was complaining of aches, pains, or feeling down. Oh, my finger, oh my thumb, of my belly, oh my bum". I would always laugh at that one. I am smiling.................

One of my favorite things...is to read a good novel. To just sit down and read for as long as I want; I haven't done that for a very long time. I need to make time for that.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Get out of bed tomorrow morning with a renewed spirit - Call a few friends I haven't heard from for a long time - Complete my immediate family pedigree chart on new family search - Prepare my schedule for the temple - Enjoy the weekend activities.

A peek into my day...actually, you won't want to do that one.

The sun is out so that should help me get up and going again!

The Divine Design ~ Where Did We Come From ~

Our Great Granddaughter, Lilly

As you have held a new born baby for the very first time; what were your thoughts? When I have held each of my precious newborn babies; I have felt at awe. They were all so perfect. I counted each of their little fingers and toes and marveled at their tiny little bodies. Are they a miracle; yes, a profound one. These little ones were part of my husband and I. Another marvelous fact is that inside those little bodies is their spirit which was begotten by our Heavenly Parents.
I know that this beautiful earth was provided by a loving Heavenly Father for us to enjoy.  Everything that is part of this earth has been created in an organized manner and there is a delicate and balanced ecosystem. Even the Heavens denote there is a God who planned and organized it all.

I believe this to be true. So would a lovely Father leave the placement of children on this earth by happenstance? I believe with all my heart we came from a pre-existence into the arms of  parents that were chosen to be our parents and we were chosen to be their children. I believe that we lived among the spirits that would be our earthly family, loved ones and friends.

 I believe that our arrival on this earth was at the precise time that we were scheduled to arrive. I also believe that some of our Heavenly Father's finest and noblest of spirits were reserved to come to earth during this last dispensation.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated the following: "These are your days!" "you are in this time and circumstance by Divine appointment. God knows you and he knows what you have the capacity to achieve." (New Era, Jan. 1985)
Pres. Spencer W. Kimball said to the youth, "The  prophets in this dispensation have taught us that special spirits were reserved to come forth at this time in this last dispensation. You are among those very special spirits!" (New Era, July 1981)
Elder H. Burke Peterson said, "My dear friends, you are a royal generation. You were preserved to come to the earth in this time for a special purpose. Not just a few of you, but all of you." (New Era, October 2001).
Elder Gene R. Cook stated the following, "I salute a royal generation, the greatest generation of youth in  number and quality to ever live on the face of the earth. The amount of good that is being done by you is immeasurable. Your influence will be felt world wide before you have finished your stay on earth." (New Era, 1983).
Many of us will have children that haven't recognized that they have come to earth at this time for a wise purpose. Sometimes they may go off the path that you desire them to follow. However, remember that God, our Heavenly Father knows them and they have been positioned in your family for His reasons. Perhaps, a wayward child is not a parent's failing but your calling to nurture, to be an example, to love and pray for them and to never give up on them.The Lord has promised that He will encircle them in the arms of his love and they will return. You may also see that very valiant spirits are placed with weak parents and again; this is for a divine purpose. You may have children that are disabled and you will wonder why; but the answer is that God knows your child's needs and yours. Lessons will be learned and wisdom obtained through these special spirits which have been sent to your arms.  Heavenly Father knows us perfectly. He knows the choices and experiences that we will have that will help us on a path back to him.
I have had a personal experience in my own family. My Father and Mother were good and righteous parents that tried hard to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My two brothers took wrong paths; but eventually in their 50's and 60's returned to church activity and to the temple to receive the blessings found therein. Their children have been sealed to them and they are now an eternal family.
As each of our children have received their Patriarchal blessings; I marveled at what giant spirits they are. One of my children had been a very big challenge for us and we were  concerned over his choices, conduct and struggles. As the Patriarch placed his hands upon my child's head to pronounce his personal blessing; I was overcome with this one thought; "You are privileged to have this child in your home." Indeed, we were privileged. This child gave us many challenges; but we learned much from him. Now we see him as an outstanding young man and a wonderful father to his spirited children. I love that he has two children just like him. Yes, children are placed in your homes for a wise purpose.
The children of today are amazing. I see their strength as they bare their testimonies, leave for missions and go forth to fight for Zion's cause. You are an wonderful generation and God expects much from you because you were placed for this time and era. I desire that my grandchildren recognize who they truly are and what God expects from them in the hours before the Savior comes again.
President Ezra Taft Benson said: " in all ages prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it - this is a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us. Never before on the fact of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been so well organized. Now is the great day of the devil's power. But now is also the great day of the Lord's power...While our generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time: God has saved for the final inning some of His stronger and most valiant children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly...You are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God...The final outcome is certain - the forces of righteousness will win. (Ensign, April 1987).
Always remember who you are and that you were reserved to be the parents of your children and that your children were chosen for this day and age.They are here now because they were strong and valiant spirits in the pre-existence. I believe that we were strong and valiant spirits too and needed to be inorder to raise our children in this day. We were prepared in the pre-mortal life for this life's experiences by loving Heavenly Parents and our brother Jesus Christ. We are known by Them.  Our Savior has said; " I will not forget thee. Behold, I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:16). Our Savior has his arms stretched out still; reaching to gathers us unto Him. 

Scriptures on Our Premortal Life ~

Jeremiah 1:5

Ephesians 1:4

Job 38:4-7

D&C 138:56

D&C 93:21-23

A Memorable Visit To Las Vegas ~

A Precious Family on a Priceless, Sacred Day ~

This past weekend I flew to Las Vegas, Nevada for an important family event. Having lived in Las Vegas for 7 years, I am very familiar with the area. The weather was rainy of which I like better than intense heat. Las Vegas has grown through the years; but the economy has hit them hard. Housing has dropped considerably. I can't say I miss the climate and area; but I do miss the Las Vegas Nevada Temple and friends and family who live there.

 I had some great family moments with my brother Mac's family. My brother passed away in July of 2010 and this is the first time back there since the funeral. It was such a joy to see my dear sister in law, Amparo and her family. The purpose of this trip was to attend the marriage and sealing of my great niece Misty and her husband Luke. Their two precious children were sealed to them; Bella, age 6 and Wolfe, age 10 months. It was a sweet time.
 One of the lovely moments was when I walked into the Temple Chapel and there was my brother John and his wife Gloria. I hadn't expected seeing them; so it was a tender minute; lots of hugs and tears. Again it has been a while since I have seen them too. My niece Kathy was also there and I was so excited for her to be there with her daughter Misty. The marrige and sealing was so wonderful. It was a very sacred and spiritual experience. I knew that my parents and brother were also present; although unseen. I miss them l so much. You can read more about this special family and event here.

Some Pictures to share~

Bella, Luke, Misty and Wolfe

Luke and Misty

4 Generations - Amparo, Kathy, Misty and Bella

Gloria and John, my brother and sister in law

Great Nephews and Niece, Garren, Jonnie Cherie and Mykel

My sister in law, Amparo and my niece in law, Corinna

My nephew Gabe with Wolfe

Jacobi and Bella

 Mykel and Garren

 Jarret and Tyler

 Mirna and Viviana - Niece in laws

Laurie, my niece in law ( I had to steal this one)

Mark, my favorite driver 

Gus, my Nephew

 Mykel, William, Dylan

While there I shared some fun moments with my great Nephew, Millan. He is such a great young man. He was named after my Dad; so that makes it extra special to share some time with him. He is a very intelligent and at age 12 he loves to look up on the computer genealogy and family histories of our families. I want to get him doing indexing soon.

He shared with me a couple of poems so I told him I would put them in print on my blog. He was so excited.

Here is Millan Gledhill ~

Grandpa

( Mac Millan Gledhill, my brother and his grandpa)

Grandpa, Grandpa I love you and I could not show my feelings in a short hailu

Grandpa, Grandpa you are inspirational,

and always had the occasional joke that would lift our heads high.

 Grandpa, Grandpa, you are so smart, but, my Dad says I'm a dart.

Grandpa, Grandpa, you are so modest,

but I think you need recognition that you're the smartest.

Grandpa, Grandpa Why did you die? I really meant what I said then it was our good byes.

Grandpa, Grandpa, I'll see you standing next to God.

 I promise I will stay clutched to the Iron Rod.

(In the Book of Mormon the Iron Rod is a symbol of the holding on to the word of God.)

He also wrote a poem about his friend who had lost his mother this past week.

My Friend

I came to his doorstep with jumbled thoughts.

He opens the door and says Hi, but in the tone of good-bye.

I gaze into his eyes and I find the weakness in his mask of invisibility.

I see shock, hurt, depression on a motherless child.

What can I do, do I take him to the Park and fly kites, take him on a ride on a bike.

Do I take him to a musical concert, introduce him to  my friend Kurt?

No, I give him a hug.

I think very wise and profound thoughts from this young man.

I Walked Where Jesus Walked ~

Sometimes, I find life to be very hard. Sometimes, I don't feel the spirit in my life. Sometimes, I don't feel like being happy. Sometimes, I don't feel great joy in my assignments. Sometimes, I don't feel good at all about the way I am even thinking. When I feel like this; I really don't want to pray, read scriptures, do service or other important things that I know would help me to feel better. Sometimes, I just want to not think of all the things I should be doing or that I am not doing at all. Sometimes, I am just too tired to care.
I do know that if I pray, read the scriptures, attend my meetings, or do my callings that I will feel better; but sometimes I don't want to do that either.
Luckily for me; these moments usually don't last very long. Usually, I have a sweet angel friend call to uplift me, or I read a blog post that changes my thoughts, or a good friend comes for a visit or my dearest sweetheart captures me with a kiss in the hallway. 
Recently, I was having one of these attitude moments and I diffidently needed what I call an attitude adjustment. There was just too much going on in my life, too many things to do, too many thoughts to think about and too many projects looming in the distance.
However,there was one thing that I couldn't get out of and that was my early morning temple assignment.

The minute I stepped into the temple that day, I was filled with the peace I was seeking. It was early in the morning and a beautiful one at that and it just felt so good to be home in my Heavenly Father's house. In that moment of time, I knew I was His daughter and that He loves me with an infinite love even in my bad moments. I felt like a warm blanket was wrapped around me. I felt the love of the Savior as I met with my fellow sisters in a preparation meeting for the day.

The the following quote from the dedicatory prayer given by the Prophet Joseph Smith found in D&C 109: 12-13. 

"That thy glory may rest down upon thy people, and upon this thy house...that it may be sanctified and consecrated to be holy, and that thy holy presence may be continually in this house; And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness."

The Kirkland Temple dedicated in March of 1836

The Prophet Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirkland temple and
a short time after this the saints were driven from Ohio.

I Walked Where Jesus Walked ~ by Carma Salveson

If I could go to Galilee and walk where Jesus walked and sit in tender grasses on the hillside where he taught.
If I could feel a gentle breeze that lifted from the sea where he chose the humble fishermen, how full my heart could be.
If I could sit and ponder on a rock that knew his hand, or walk along the seashore where his feet had touched the sand.
My spirit yearns within me, but it doesn't seem my fate, I'll never walk where Jesus walked, I'll never see......but wait,
I've worshipped in His temple where I know He's walked before.
Have His feet been down this hallway?
Have His fingers touched this door?
Has He stood here in this very room and looked at what I see?
I close my eyes and picture Him, my worries melt away.
I don't need to go to Galilee or travel far away.
For my tender heart is filled with what He wants me to be taught.
And my testimony burns within...I've walked where Jesus walked.

With all my heart I know that the Temple Is The House of The Lord. I know that when I am in the temple I am protected from the world and worldly cares. I can go and feel the peace flow into me and receive the Living Waters that I seek.

A Side Note~

Kansas City Temple

The Open house for the Kansas City Temple is being held now. My daughter and two of my grand daughters will be serving as hosts for the open house.

Las Vegas Nevada Temple

We were hosts during the temple open house of the Las Vegas Nevada Temple in 1989.

I am going to Las Vegas this weekend to attend the sealing of my great Niece to her husband and children.

We loved going to the Las Vegas Nevada Temple and I am excited to go there to be with family and feel the spirit within those sacred walls.

On This Glorious Easter Morn ~

As All Christians Are Worshipping The Risen Lord may you know that I too Believe In Christ. I know that He Suffered for our sins in Gethsemane and on the Cross. His Atonement is real. The Savior has Risen and He will return again.

A Celebration of the Restoration and Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 6th 1830 ~

"The Mission of the Church is glorious - to invite all of us to come unto Christ through proclaiming the Gospel, perfecting our lives, redeeming the dead. As we come unto Christ, we bless our own lives, those of our families, and our Father in Heaven's children, both living and dead" -President Ezra Taft Benson.
"The True Church is built upon the rock of his gospel, upon the rock of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, upon the rock of personal revelation, which , coming by the power of the Holy Ghost, reveals that he is the Son of the Living God, who was crucified for the sins of the world. - Apostle, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, (The Millennial Messiah, 127).
I know that the Restoration and the Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was accomplished. The work has gone forward with great zeal. On that memorable day just a few individuals were present in that small cabin as the church was organized. Today we have 14 plus million members spread throughout the world.  
We Celebrate the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6th 1830. Today it has been 182 years since it's restoration and organization.
If you want to learn more about the organization of the church in Joseph Smith's time the link is here.

Enjoy listening to the famous  MormonTabernacle Choir~

A Wonderful Weekend ~

Our Sweet Alyssa

 Here we are in South Dakota enjoying lovely weather, wonderful moments with our sweet daughter Jenni, awesome son in law, Michael and our adorable grandchildren; Alyssa, Emma, and Benjamin. Also, Michael's Mom, Irene came too.  She is such good friend. It is a joy to have some great moments with her, also.

We started our LDS General Conference weekend with the baptism of Alyssa, our darling little eight year old grand daughter. It was such a special day for us. Alyssa was so excited to be baptized. My husband and I gave the talks for the baptismal service. My husband's message was on Baptism and my message was on the Holy Ghost. Alyssa's Grandmother, Irene

sang the hymn, "Come Follow Me." It was a wonderful baptismal service. Several members from their ward attended. 

We believe that Baptism is the first step back to our Heavenly Father's kingdom. Alyssa was also confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she received the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost as a guide and comfort throughout her life. Michael, her father baptized and confirmed her. He holds the Melchizedek priesthood and has the authority to perform this ordinance. She also received a lovely priesthood blessing from her father.

Alyssa

Jenni, Michael and Alyssa

Michael and Benjamin, Grandma LeAnn, Grandpa Roger with Emma and Alyssa

Jenni and Alyssa

Emma

Benjamin

Birthday Girl ~

Benjamin

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have the privilege of attending or watching our Semi Annual General Conference on TV, Internet and satellite broadcast in Stake Centers throughout the world. The conference is held in Salt Lake City each April and October in the 21,000 seat Conference center. Once the conference center is full; the members quickly fill the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall on Temple Square.

 The famous Tabernacle on Temple Square

 The Assembly Hall on Temple Square

 It was announced that we have 14,400,000 members of the church spread across the world.

During this two day conference we hear messages from our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, his two counselors; President Henry B. Eyring, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. We also hear messages from the twelve apostles and other church leaders. We enjoy the music of the Tabernacle Choir and other choirs as assigned during these proceedings.

Pres. Henry B. Eyring, Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Pres. Thomas S. Monson

The word's of this hymn are very poignant. "Come Listen To The Prophet's Voice" and Hear the Word of God;" (pg. 21 of the LDS Hymns book). We believe that the many messages given are revelations for our day. 

During the Saturday afternoon session our General Relief Society Presidency was released and three new sisters were put in as the General Relief Society Presidency.

General Relief Society Presidency: Sister Linda K. Burton, center, Sister Carole M. Stephens, left, 

and Sister Linda S. Reeves, right

 These sisters are the presidency over 6,000,000 sisters throughout the world. We are the largest women's organization in the world today. The Relief Society has been established by our Heavenly Father to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters and prepare them for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need. Here is the internet site on the  Relief Society. The Relief Society motto is "Charity Never Faileth."

The messages have all been so wonderful. I have been enlightened and have received living waters throughout this weekend that will lift me in times of need. One of my favorite messages was by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He started his talk by saying that he had a sister in the church write him a note asking him to address the issue of straining relationships in families. OK, to my children I will say that I was not the sister that wrote that. However, there have been a few moments that I would have wanted to write a letter just like that. His message was wonderful and we have been taught well by him to love one another, and forgive one another. Satan is masterfully working to create chaos in our families.

Our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson closed the conference with a stirring testimony of families and left a blessing on the membership of the church. He also spoke of the need to remove contention from our homes. He further said that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ will bless our lives; I know this to be true. May we read the messages given and follow the counsel in our individual lives and within our families.  Choose each day to not judge, forgive easily and love mightily. This is one of the main goals for me.

Here is the link to conference messages - Come Listen to A Prophet's voice.