Good Things

Saturday was a good day. It started with me seeing Jack speak at a youth conference. They were running late so when we got there, there was still a speaker before him. I sat on the couch with him in the hallway listening to this other guy's talk and thought, how great would a life be just surrounded by things of the gospel. I would be happy. Listening to uplifting talks, being with people you love, having the spirit with you-it’s a good feeling. Jack did an amazing job and has been blessed with the gift to teach.

When we got home we left a few minutes later to go to the temple. I was able to witness a family in our ward be sealed for time and eternity. It was beautiful. A few times while sitting in the sealing room I felt overcome with feelings of happiness-just pure joy. The sealing room was adjoined to the celestial room, so when the doors were open you can see people coming into the celestial room. I watched loved ones meet together. Hug. It was just a happy sight. You could feel what it would be like to be reunited with our loved ones after we die and enter into our Heavenly Father’s presence. It will be a very happy time.

Then I looked around the room we sat in. People in our ward, all there to support a family we loved. That touched me. That we can share in happy moments with other people. Yesterday during testimony meeting so many people shared their feelings and testimony of being there. How wonderful that our testimonies can grow from other people's experiences. We can all learn and grow together.

Then of course when the family was being sealed it was perfect. I loved when their children walked in. They have a daughter who is in primary (I serve in the presidency so work closely with her) and she looked so beautiful. It was like an angel walking into the room, dressed in all white and looked so innocent and happy. To hear them be sealed for time and all eternity is such a wonderful blessing. This family is changed forever. They have been together for 20 years, but not until now can they be together after they die. It was such a sweet spirit testifying that families are eternal and I couldn’t have been more happy for them.

Lastly I was able to go to the baptism of 2 kids in our primary. It was fun to see this first saving ordinance performed that allows them to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and receive eternal salvation. Afterwards they were confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Little children are adorable. They are so excited and it is neat to see that even though they are so young, they know and are excited that they are making a good choice and becoming more like their Savior Jesus Christ by doing so.

Overall, it was such a sweet day. Witnessing these ordinances and watching people come unto Christ. A constant witness of the Holy Ghost testifying of truths. It really does want you to have that become a part of you, to see that and to feel that all the time. I have a testimony that living the gospel brings happiness. As we surround ourselves with good things, leave behind things that distract us, or keep us from better things, and work to fulfill our role, we will have the spirit with us more. We are better people and we are happier when we have the Holy Ghost with us. In Moroni 10:5 we are taught, "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Doing what you Do

Sometimes people do things, good things, and don't get credit for it. That's okay. That's not why they do it. They don't do it to get praise, but for the benefit of others. I know this, but sometimes it is harder when not only do you not get credit, but others think you're the problem, or share with you 'their' something, when actually it was yours...

Oh, you think I'm talking about myself? Well, yeah. kinda.

There have been several situations lately where I, or someone I know, have done something or maybe said something, and then somebody else takes credit for it. Most of those times I want to shout out, "Hey! I'm the one that said that!" or "That wasn't your idea, it was so and so's" But I think of the scripture where the pharisees do their prayers to be seen, don't want to be that person, and realize I didn't say that or whoever didn't do that to get praise. It doesn't matter whose idea it was, it was put into force, or you shared something to help others, and that is what matters. So I sit quietly, then go to my husband to complain. :) That's a little better than being a pharisee right? ;)

But he said something to me the other day after another one of these occurrences. There was something we suggested and somebody else came to me, as if it was their idea, and suggested I do it. I of course wanted to say, "Um, actually that was me who did that. We did it 6 months ago, so I don't know what you're talking about." Jack seeing I was getting frustrated with this happening, instead of reminding me it doesn't matter (which I know), he said something else that I hadn't really thought of.

Maybe you need to learn it doesn't matter who thinks what of you. People are going to have their opinions on what you're doing wrong or what you should be doing better. And you can't let that bother you.

Isn't that so true? I think I do care entirely too much what other people think of me. And that is why I get so frustrated when I don't get credit. Because I want people to like me, and so maybe if they know that was mine, or what I am doing right, they'll like me more. Uh, nope. Not true. I need to care about myself. And do the things I do so I can become a stronger, better person. Basically I'm saying the same thing I said I already knew, but for me now it was a different way of looking at it. And it makes me feel better.

And I do have to admit that when people say, "I don't care what other people think of me" I don't believe it, and it makes me mad. Because I think you should care what other people think of you, to an extent. You don't want to have a bad reputation. But I think as long as you're doing what is right, you are going to have some enemies, and that is okay. I'm reading a book about Brigham Young right now, and people misunderstood a lot of the things he did, but he did what he was commanded to do, and that is a good thing, and that is what matters. Nobody is perfect and if some judge unrighteously, or have a misconception about you, you can't change that.

Added Note: I was reading my scriptures yesterday and it reminded me a little of this post. 1 Nephi 19:9 - "And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because or his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men."

Here we are reading about Jesus and it really makes you realize how miniscule the things are that you let bother you (ie, the things I let bother me). Jesus Christ lived a perfect example and was misconceived by so many people. He was convicted to satisfy a mob and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. There is no comparison. But he suffered it, meaning he took it without complaining or saying anything in return, even though they were wrong. And why? Because of his kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men. I hope I can be more like Christ-do the things I do to become like him and at the same time be kind, loving, and friendly to everyone.

Desire

During the last general conference in April there was one talk I knew I wanted to go back and read once it was printed. It was Elder Oaks' entitled Desire.

He started by saying "I hope each of us will search our hearts to determine what we really desire and how we rank our most important desires." It was something that caught my attention upon hearing it, because I think most of us go into general conference desiring to get something out of it. I was curious if the talk was going to answer any of my desires.

His next statement I had to re-read a few times until I could instill it in my memory. "Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving and our becoming." Isn't that perfect?

So his talk mentioned that we have needs/desires, example food and water, shelter, or sleep, but we can gain a greater desire to overcome those. Example, when we fast every month. Read the talk because I think that's all I'm going to say about that.

But I love the idea and though it is so simple and makes sense, it is good to think about. What are my desires, and do I have greater desires. What am I making my priorities? Because those are my greatest desires and do I need to change any of those? They do lead to my choices and then my actions. If you think about it you will see this is true.

Sit down and think about your day-what do you do, what fills your entire day?Because you can trace back your actions to your desires. Do you want to fill your day with more quiet time? Learn something new? If so, think about why you want that and what you might be giving up to get that. Should you be making it a greater desire?

Still easier said than done. Some things will take some thought on how to make it a greater desire. For instance, losing weight a desire. Eating that piece of chocolate is often greater. Have to work on that, but I know it can be done if my desire is great enough. But some things I have really enjoyed in thinking about what I want to be doing, desiring it, then watch how it becomes a priority and wah-la, I get it done. My most successful thing in this is teaching my children. I had to change my daily routine a little but am able to set aside one hour every day to teach Noah and spend quality time with him doing crafts, reading to him, and just building a relationship. I love it.

I look forward to becoming the person I want to be as I contemplate what is most important to me and shape those desires. I was grateful for this talk motivating me that I can change, achieve, and become anything I desire, if I desire it enough.

Priesthood Blessings

My visiting teacher is in charge of the music in sacrament meeting, so she has seen a piano in my house... One day she asked me to share a piano solo in church. I really didn't want to. I know it is good to share my talents, but I prefer to share them in a Relief Society room, primary room, or accompanying a singer where all the focus is at the microphone. In fact, I had never played a solo in sacrament meeting and was more nervous than I should have been.

The night before I was sharing my feelings with Jack and he told me I could ask for a priesthood blessing. I said I wasn't sure what to ask for-that I would play well, or that I wouldn't be nervous? I just didn't know and felt a little silly. He told me of a talk he heard from a general authority saying worthy men should be using their priesthood more and giving a lot more priesthood blessings. That we can ask for a priesthood blessing for anything. After thinking about it I decided I wanted one and Jack agreed to give me one the next morning before church.

I had no idea what was in store. He started the blessing asking that my fingers would work the way they should, my eyes could focus on the music, I would be able to play the way I had practiced, etc. A couple minutes in, the tone and feeling changed. I can't even tell you everything that was said, but it was an amazing experience. I heard my Heavenly Father speaking to me. It wasn't Jack. I could feel so clearly power flowing down from Heaven and an undescribable love. It was love my Father in Heaven had for me, that Jack had for me, and that I had for them in return-just such a strong force of love flowing in all directions. He ended the blessing, and I knew Jack also had a very special experience. He asked if I knew what that was about. Was it an answer to a prayer I had? Did I need anything? I told him no, not that I knew of.

Not that I knew of was right. I was almost 11 weeks pregnant at the time and when I went into my first appointment the next week I found out that I was probably going to miscarry. After my experience the week before my testimony of priesthood blessings grew. It was such a spiritual experience that I loved, but that blessing I realized did so much more. It helped me deal with what was coming, making everything so much easier.

I had zero doubt in my mind and heart that I had a Heavenly Father who knew me, loved me, and had a plan for me. The blessing I had received talked a lot about motherhood and my role. That I was doing a great job and great blessings would come from what I was doing. After learning this very sad news-I was so excited to add to our family,-I still knew I was a mother, I had 2 adorable boys, and I would have more children, when the time was right. My faith was so strong going into this trial, it helped so much. And to think that I received all those things, because I asked for a blessing about playing the piano in church. It is amazing.

My testimony has since grown stronger from the several blessings I received in the following few weeks dealing with the miscarriage. I know that our Heavenly Father knows us and what lies ahead of us. Trials are necessary, but he wants to help us, and priesthood blessings are an amazing gift we have. We need to ask for more of these in our lives and it is a way our Heavenly Father can communicate with us, telling us things we want to hear, and may not know we need to hear. I love my husband who is a worthy priesthood holder and is so willing to use that power daily.

I have recorded several things in my journal about dealing with the miscarriage, but in my last post I mentioned a couple people who have gone through some very difficult things, and that their experiences have helped me. One more of those was Jean Little. She is a friend of a friend, another someone I have never met. On facebook I saw my friend comment on a picture with a tiny, TINY baby. As I clicked on the picture I noticed this baby was born very early, and had just passed away. She too had a blog, and being the way I am, I clicked to read her story.

After finding out about my miscarriage I dealt with some feelings of discouragement. I didn't know why my body did not realize the baby had stopped growing. I took a prescription to put my body into labor and it did nothing. We finally decided on getting the D&C when I was a little over 13 weeks-the baby stopped growth at 7-8 weeks, so I had gone 6 weeks with my body thinking it was growing a baby, but it wasn't. After you've had 2 kids your body knows what to do and I was embarrassed that my belly kept growing and I couldn't tell anyone. I was nervous people were going to start to notice and asking. My desire for a new baby hadn't gone, but you can't try again until 1. you're not pregnant anymore, obviously, and you know things are back to working the way they should. So I wondered, if I was going to miscarry, why didn't it happen earlier, why did it have to take so long.

Then I remembered this girl's story, and became grateful. I was 13 weeks, not 23. It was her first and you could tell in her blog how excited they, and their parents, were for this new baby. I can't imagine all the feelings and emotions of going into labor so early, seeing your sweet, helpless baby, then losing it and needing to plan a funeral? Things weren't so bad. Seeing the way this girl handled her trial, also helped me realize with Heavenly Father's help, we can get through anything and grow from it.

New Insight

I was reading a friend's blog post the other day. She is coming near her 30th birthday and was evaluating her life. She said a few things that got me thinking, one of them being wanting to document things of more importance, in addition to the fun, quirky things her children do on her blog. And I realized I've neglected this blog and want to get back into it-put down the things I'm learning and feeling, because there is a lot. I keep a personal journal, but I'm not the best at putting each entry in a specific book, so my entries end up here and there and I fear I have lost several important events.

So... there is so much I don't know where to begin. I think just mentioning some of the things that have recently happened that have caused me to re-evaluate my life. And none of these things have happened to me, I just read about them, but they have such a big effect on me. The first two I have mentioned before-

Ashley and Robert were friends of mine growing up. They began dating after he served a mission and were married in July 2006. In November 2007 he was first diagnosed with leukemia and beat 2 battles of cancer before passing in December 2009. When I was home visiting my parents last month I saw a wedding invitation for Ashley and was so, SO happy she was able to find someone else to share in this life journey with her. I went back to read the blog sharing her story with Robert's battle and each time I read I sit in awe at the courage and faith she had.

I learned about Stephanie Nielson, a burned victim survivor, from a mormon messages that touched me. She now has become 'famous' in the blogging world and there was a 20/20 recently done with her. We don't have television right now, but I browsed her blog and came across this post that I also loved. She is an incredibly strong person as well, and I just love what she has to say about motherhood. I am a queen, look what I just did. That is so beautiful, and so true.

Lastly, a friend of mine on facebook posted that a lady in her ward passed away unexpectedly. It caught my interest because she was so young with children. She was 8 months pregnant at the time, and though they were able to deliver the baby, it did not live long. I followed her page, noticed she had a blog, then read a post her husband did that day. Wow. Jack makes fun of me because he says it is my life-changing blog because I am constantly thinking about it and talking about it. I've gone back to it, and it must have had quite an effect on several people since it now has over 300 comments.

You may see future posts with more specific things that stuck out to me with each of these people, but right now I'll just say how grateful I am. These are tragic things these people go through. It makes you appreciate everything you have. And I feel so grateful that I can learn so much from other people. I mean, Jack doesn't like to read things like that. It just makes him sad. I read it and feel so inspired. I want to be better at everything I do and who I'll become. I'm glad it does that to me. It makes me hope and pray I never have to face something like that personally. I learn so much from other people's trials. I know I have my own, but I really hope I never have to go through anything like that. I thought that probably sounds bad, but realize no, it doesn't. I don't think anyone ever hopes for something like that.

I don't know if it's weird that I'm like this, but I am so glad other people are able to share their stories, despite how difficult they are, so I can better appreciate what I have, put my life in clearer perspective, and help me strive to be who our Heavenly Father wants me to be.

Sabbath Day

We have been commanded to keep the sabbath day holy. It's in the Bible, it's in the Book of Mormon. People are very familiar with this commandment.

But as I was reading a post on a friend's facebook page, it brought a feeling of sadness that this commandment seems to be so misunderstood. A Christmas parade was being held on Sunday and she wondered if appropriate to go. She added how could she resist (posting a link to a picture)-an old man in a Cat in the Hat costume riding a silly bike

The responses-

- We would. Mormon Tabernacle Choir has concerts on Sunday

- We would consider it. If we were in the mood, then sure.

- absolutely!

- We would, as long as it wasn't during church. Sounds like fun!

- go for it! Good times with the family, right?

- neat experience and a good family time!

- Go! Sunday is a time to be with family. I think it would be a blast!

- I'd go!

- Heck yes! Yea for family activities on Sundays! :)

-UH YEAH! We go to the beach sometimes. It's free and we would just be home watching TV anyway

- Yes to family events like parades. Kids love them!

Her response- "Good to know everyone! Sometimes we get so caught up in the 'keeping the sabbath day holy' that we forget that the biggest part of that is being together as a family. ...

Sunday is the only day we have together for more than a couple hours and usually ends up being in our pajamas doing nothing all day. ... Glad to know I wouldn't get the snooty nose in Utah for doing something on the 'sabbath!' ... And to rub it in your faces I will be in my shorts and flip flops in 65 degree weather"

Over 10 responses and not a single 'no.' I like to think the people that thought no just didn't respond so they weren't considered a 'snooty nose' Utah mormon. But why is it that someone who doesn't think wearing shorts and flip flops while watching a bunch of silly dressed people singing and dancing is keeping the sabbath day holy.

I think the overwhelming attitude of people in favor made it seem they were doing it as a family so it was okay. That is obviously what she felt from their responses by admitting that 'we forget the biggest part [of keeping the sabbath day holy] is being together as a family.'

That just isn't true. The biggest part of keeping the sabbath day holy is remembering our Savior Jesus Christ. Mormon Tabernacle choir singing songs that invite the Holy Ghost to testify of Him helps to do this. Very different from a parade. I don't think you're going to be getting the Holy Ghost to testify of eternal truths watching Cat in the Hat ride a bike.

I'd also like to add that I think we should dress to keep the sabbath day holy. Maybe we don't need to stay in our church clothes the whole day, but we should stay away from things that bring a sense of lounging and not setting the day apart as a sacred, special day.

Okay, I'm off my soap box and would like to share a few scriptures and quotes from prophets on the matter. :)

Isaiah 58:13 - If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the ^asabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

President Spencer W. Kimball cautioned, however, that if we merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath, we are not keeping the day holy. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 170.)

Finally, Ezra Taft Benson said “The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for rest, for prayer. It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves unspotted from the world by obeying God’s command” (“Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy,” Ensign, May 1971, 6)

Knowing

Last week the brother of one of my husband's friends took his life. Though I did not know the individual, it is tragic news that leaves you with sadness for all who knew him. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and wife he left behind. I pray for them and that they will feel peace in their hearts and a deeper testimony of the reality of our Savior's atonement.

I have thought a lot since hearing this news- we do not know what happens to individuals who make that decision, and can be very thankful we are not the judge of such things. We have no idea what that person was going through and what led to that action, but one thing we do know, that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who lived and died for us. Our omnipotent Father in Heaven has a plan, a Plan of Happiness, that allows us to live again after we have died. Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, then gave his life to atone for the sins of all mankind. The atonement is for all.

In Mosiah 3:11 we read, "For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned."

Given this individual's circumstance, the line 'who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them' sticks out. And it made me realize how important it is for us to know the will of God for us. He has a plan for us, we are his children, he wants us to be happy and return to him. I am so very grateful that I can go to the temple to learn of that plan and get a deeper understanding of it. It brings such a peace and joy to have that knowledge. I wish everyone could have that feeling and I want to do more to let others know how much they are loved and how important they are.

So on this post, I testify that I know these things are true and make it a goal to be better at serving, reaching out, and showing love to others.

Growing Alligators

My son got a little toy for his birthday. An alligator. You put it in the water and it grows. Before his bath I got my camera ready to see his reaction when we put it in the water. He's excited, I'm excited, then I drop it in! ...nothing happened.

I was disappointed as you can imagine so sent my husband to go look at the box. It said you need to leave it in the water for at least 3 days. My thinking was it was like a sponge and would grow instantaneous, instead, it grows very slowly, taking in the water little by little. We filled a pan with water and it has been sitting on the counter for a week now.

Sure enough, it has gotten bigger, but I've been amazed how I haven't really been able to tell. The only way I can tell is when I compare it to something that hasn't changed size, and when next to each other, the change is obvious. My son has no interest and when we show him that it is bigger, it is like it was that big all along. This got me thinking and reminded me of a scripture that was shared at a recent devotional I heard.

Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us. And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines... - 2 Nephi 28:7-9

I see every day that this is true. So many in the world believe life is about having fun, so party it up. They have no concern for life after death, and if they do, their belief is God is loving and he will forgive us. He knows we were just trying to have fun and didn't know any better. But we are told these are false, and vain, and foolish thoughts.

How do people come up with these thoughts? It is Satan, getting into the hearts of men. But people will not believe they are being controlled by Satan. They are making their own choices. If someone wants to try drugs or have a drink, they will. They are in control, they are just having fun, "all is well." But then something happens without them knowing it. They become addicted and it has a grasp on them. This is the way Satan works. Little by little, pulling you carefully down to hell and because the change is so subtle it is unnoticeable. We are warned in the scriptures of this very thing-

For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefullydown to hell. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according totheir works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment. -2 Nephi 28: 20-23

Can you see the comparison with our little toy alligator? A small, harmless little thing that grows into a large monster that you can no longer control, and it did it all without you noticing. We need to watch out for those absorbing alligators in our lives.

Praying for Others

Life is hard, but it seems to be especially hard on a lot of families I know recently.

In my own family my aunt was diagnosed with alzheimers very young and my grandma has been taking care of her. She continues to take care of her, but has decided to move closer to my mom and somewhere she can get a little extra help when she needs it. I've been amazed at my grandma's strength and everything my mom has done the last couple of months to make it all happen so quickly. It continues to be a daunting task, a messy, exhausting, and yucky one.

There are two separate families I have connections with that have recently lost their dads/husbands, not to death, but them being unfaithful in their marriage. I think that is such a tragic thing to deal with. One of the girls said, "my dad doesn't want to be part of our family anymore." How heart-breaking is that for little children to feel that way. I can't imagine the feelings you encounter to lose your partner who you love and become the sole provider, protector, and nurturer because of their unfaithfulness.

My childhood best friend's mom passed away this weekend from a long fight against breast cancer. There is a peace that comes from knowing she is no longer suffering and they will see her again, but to leave your children who are still so young, her son serving a mission, and her dear husband who has been a huge love and support is very saddening. Again, I can't imagine the pain and loss they must be feeling at this time.

As I was saying my evening prayer the other night I felt myself praying for each individual, one after another after another. It seemed the list kept growing on who I felt needed a little extra help. I don't know the best way I can help all these people, I've never had to deal with those things, but I know we have a Heavenly Father who does. I know the power of the Holy Ghost is real and can bring comfort, strength, and direction.

As I prayed for others I felt such a strength growing within me. I felt empowered to be better, that I could do so much more. I want to serve others, show love, live the commandments more fully, and be a better example. I was amazed at doing something so simple as thinking of others, instead of all things I wanted help with at this time, made me feel like I could get through everything on my plate. I can be a better wife and mother, simply by praying and thinking of others.

I posted last December when a friend passed away from leukemia who left behind another friend of mine, his beautiful 24 year old wife. I was looking back on their blog as it always amazes me and makes me feel gratitude. But I wanted to share her last post- All is Well

I remember the night Robert passed away, the peace I felt. I wouldn't even say it was necessarily bittersweet, because it was mostly sweet. I've thought a lot about the events, played them in my mind, over and over. When I think about it now, I see angels. I know they were everywhere, all around me, Robert, our families, in the halls. I've never felt peace like that, like tons of beautiful whispers of love right into my spirit, comforting me, letting me know everything was going to be okay. I felt their joy, for Robert, a valiant son of God was coming back to them, clean, and as pure as a person can be in this life. He served his mission here, with help from many of the angels that attended us, I believe. I remember making the decisions about letting him go, to take him off his life support. It's those moments that I had clarity like I have never felt before in my life, I had never felt that kind of peace that comes with it. All worry and fear clears out completely, and I knew what was needed, what was right in Heavenly Father's eyes. I imagine that night now with angels, clothed in brilliant white, joy emanating from them. I imagine they were laying comforting, loving hands on all of us, and especially Robert, to give him strength, to let him know we would all be okay. I remember how we sang to Robert as he passed away, and I now hear it with the voices of angels harmonizing with everyone's voices, welcoming Robert home. We were all saying goodbye, but all those angels were rejoicing in his return, they were welcoming him back. It brings me comfort, that I can see that night this way. I see Robert in those brilliant white robes, pure joy on his face, looking more healthy than he ever has, healed perfectly, and knowing that he felt relief, that it had been enough, that he had served in every way he had been asked. "All is well"... I heard it whispered much that night through the spirit, and I hear it often now. Even though I am hurting, I know that it will all be okay, Robert and I will be reunited for eternity, of this, I am sure. All is well.

I love that. Our prayers are answered. For someone that had to deal with something so difficult, there is a peace I feel from reading that everyone's prayers were being answered. She had the Holy Ghost with her. It is a marvelous blessing to be able to feel our Savior's love, peace and clarity. I hope we can pray for others more often and live in harmony with the gospel that we can have the spirit with us always.