HAVE I DONE ANY GOOD TODAY?

IT'S THE POWER OF LOVE


Need a hand? In life all of us will be surrounded by people who are at some point going through a hard time. Let us reach out and follow the example of the Savior. Let us lift each others burdens and make them a little lighter.

STORY OF LOVE

Let me share a story with you. Some couple of years ago my family was on vacation. I was with my mom and my sister. Our family wasn't with much to do with money at the time. Our house had lots of wear and tear on it and my mom so badly wanted to fix it up, but couldn't because of the burdens of money. We returned home and as we drove up to the house I noticed(much later than I should have) that the house was coated with fresh new paint. Everything to the garage door, the and other doors, and all the trim was done for us to enjoy. Some neighbors and other family members decided to help out as a service project while we were gone away. They loved my mom and our family and wanted to show that by their deed of helping fixing up the house. My mom was in tears and we were just awed of how much love and the hours it took to finish that project. Those individuals demonstrated love of the Savior.

HELPING HANDS

Our beloved prophet Thomas S. Monson was asked what the church members worldwide could do for him on his birthday once, and he responded, "find someone who is having a hard time, and do something for them." In life we all need a hand. We are all part of the family of God. We are His children which makes us all brothers and sisters. Let us not turn another away who is in need. Or even better let us look for opportunities to serve like President Monson prays. In the Book of Mormon there is a scripture that describes serving others, "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) I have been blessed by helping hands in my life and most importantly I have been blessed by the love and the support of the Saviors hands. He truly has "raised me up, to more than I can be"


Watch this video of President Thomas S. Monson addressing the importance of service.



I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK WITH YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES

TENDER MERCIES OF THE LORD

THE TENDER MERCIES OF THE LORD ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF US


From the Book of Mormon in the first chapter even, the Lord explains part of His nature and love, "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20).

BLESSINGS FROM ON HIGH

What are the tender mercies of the Lord? An apostle of the Lord describes them as such, " the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ" (www.lds.org).

I have come to see with SPIRITUAL EYES that the Lord loves me individually and knows what I need. He has given me so many wonderful tender mercies such as my loving FAMILY, and the MIRACLES that happen in the family. As I've done my best to live faithful to His commandments and endure the the end He has blessed me. There has been times in my life where I've needed deliverance and freedom from bondage figuratively speaking, and I have received such blessings from God. I KNOW THAT HE LOVES HIS CHILDREN!


Watch a video of Elder Bednar, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, explain the importance of "tender mercies of the Lord"



I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES!

THE INFINITE POWER OF HOPE

THE SAVIOR IS THE RESCUER


In life we are sometimes feel tossed about in the waves of uncertainty. We feel like the forces of nature are tearing us apart and we don't know how much more we can take before we are lost in the depths of the sea. We define trials as just that, trials.

HOPE FOR A NEW DAY

The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that hope is present and ever so clear because of the Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Rescuer of all mankind. He is the One who will see us in the stormy sea and will save us. He will come to our aid no matter what the conditions look like, no matter how bad it looks. He will rescue you and all those who seek Him.

Even the apostles of the Lord once asked in a stormy sea, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38) The Master responded with love saying, " Peace, be still." I have seen the Lord's hand aid me in so many difficult times. I have seen the light that has come when I saw only darkness. I know that He will save and will bless those who ask and seek Him, the Prince of Peace. The story sea can be made calm and a new horizon can set in.

We develop hope just as we learn to walk, one step at a time. We grow in our ability to have hope and have faith that things will work out as we more perfectly live the gospel. God hears our prayers! He will answer with love. He will help you as you strive to do all you can to come unto Him and believe His words.

Watch one of my favorite messages, from an apostle, about how important hope is and powerful it can be.



I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK WITH YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES

SECOND WITNESS OF JESUS CHRIST

TO KNOW THE...


In a court case it is common knowledge that two witnesses is better than one. The second witness gives confirmation of what actually took place and convincing evidence of the truth. God knows how to establish truth. He uses multiple witness in all He does to show the way. He knew that a second witness of His Son, Jesus Christ would go among other people and teach them and bless them in other lands. The Book of Mormon is that second witness and record of Jesus Christ and His divinity. God has said that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established" (Matthew 18:16).


THE BOOK OF MORMON: ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

The Book of Mormon works with the Bible to establish truth that Christ is God's divine Son. That He is our personal Savior for all mankind. That He lives and will continue to live and be. The Book of Mormon provides the doctrines and information to know how to gain salvation and eternal life. By reading the Book of Mormon we can gain peace from God, know how to resist evil, and prepare ourselves to meet God in the life to come.




Watch this video of an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ in this day declare God's truth.





I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES

GOD'S PROPHET TODAY!

GOD REVEALS HIS SECRETS TO HIS PROPHETS

God in this day has chosen a prophet who speaks to us and gives us direction. His name is Thomas S. Monson. He is a prophet, seer, and a revelator for God's church. I have heard the sound of his voice and I bear my witness that he is our Heavenly Father's mouthpiece on the earth today.GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

We read in the scriptures that "God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing" (Mormon 9:9). If God has performed miracles in past days, and has called prophets to be His mouthpiece on the earth and lead people closer to Him, then why would God change that pattern? God is a God of miracles and always will be. It is a blessing and a miracle to have a prophet on the earth today. I invite you to hear his voice and feel of his good spirit.



THE CHURCH STRUCTURE TODAY, AND ALSO 2,000 YEARS AGO
God is a God of order. When Jesus Christ was on the earth almost 2,000 years ago He established His church. His church was made up of 12 apostles, Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone. (Mark 3:14). He also called their to be other church leaders to help sustain the church and assist in the work, and to help the church spread throughout the land and sea. (Eph 4:11). Today Christ's church is established the same way. We have a prophet who is lead by revelation from Christ Himself. There today are 12 apostles. They are called by God to teach the gospel. They hold the "keys to the kingdom" or the priesthood authority to preside over and direct the Church of Jesus Christ.

The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I invite you to listen, and to read their inspired messages on www.lds.org. They are called of God. I bear you my witness that God lives! That He has established His church again on the earth because He loves us. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I have seen the "fruits" that flow from him and his messages.

IT'S A CHOICE, IT'S YOUR CHOICE

"LET THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDE"


Every day we are all faced with important decisions, or choices in front of us. I am aware that the world we live in today is a world that is becoming more and more obstructive. It has been said that a moral blackness is settling in. We need a light to guide us and keep us away from danger.

The Holy Ghost is the light which God gives us to help us make right choices. He is God's Messenger, sometimes referred to as the Spirit. God is not a God of confusion or a God of trickery. Our supreme Creator loves you and me and wants us to have peace, joy and safety that comes from making the right choice by and by. If we follow the Spirit we will always be making choices that God wants His children to make.

I would like to give you a few suggestions on how we can know if we are following the Spirit and making the right choice in life.

First Suggestion

What are the feelings of the Spirit? Paul in the Bible said, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Gal 5:22-23). These feelings will come into your heart, and your mind and will prompt you to make a certain choice. For those seeking the light and truth of the gospel, they will feel these feelings and can know of it's truth. We all want an enriching life full of joy and peace. The joy we seek is not meant to be temporary. We all are seeking a lasting joy and comfort in life which comes from trusting God and learning of His ways. Follow those feelings and promptings of the Spirit. Trust in God to help you everyday and pray to Him as if everything in your life depends on it, because in all reality it does. I know that is true because I have experienced this in my own life.


Second Suggestion

We must pay attention. One of Satan's tools as an attack on us is to make us so busy that we can not recognize the Spirit because we are caught up in the obligations of life. Paul said, "There are … so many kinds of voices in the world" (1 Cor 14:10). The Spirit's voice is calm and refreshing. The adversary tries to smoother this voice with loud distractions all around us. He attempts to put too many things on our plate for us to handle. We need to prioritize, and put things that matter most into perspective. "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (Mosiah 4:27). Putting God first in life will bring peace, and strength that is needed throughout the day. For me everyday I wake up and pray first and study the scriptures second before I do anything else. I have seen it's effects and there is blessings that come from putting God first.

Last Suggestion


Know that the teachings of the Savior are always the best yard stick to measure your choices by. Even the Savior Himself said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). We will feel those same positive feelings of peace, and love, and joy as we listen to and follow the teachings of the Savior. He is the light, and the way! In this day we have a prophet of God on the earth who teaches us the peaceable things God wants us to know about and do. I have followed the prophet and am a witness that his fruits bring the feeling of the Spirit, and I know that if we all hearken to his voice, it would be as if we were listening to God Himself speak to us. As a prophet once said, "chose ye this day whom ye will we serve...but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24;15).


Watch this video of a prophet, several years ago, declaring a lesson he learned to follow the spirit and make the right choice.



I INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE AND TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MISSIONARIES

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, FATHER OF MINE

THE IMPORTANCE OF ETERNAL FATHERS WHO CARE



This is a picture of my dad, Bob Lewis and his father! I looked at this picture and thought, how it is a face that fatherhood is an eternal calling. I love my dad, and I have been blessed by him being a good father and teaching me to follow Christ. He has been such a good example to me. Fathers aren't always perfect, that's why we all need Jesus Christ, so we can all be perfected and made better.
My grandpa passed away while still serving my current mission in New York. It was hard in some ways, but I know that I will see my grandfather again because of Heavenly Fathers plan for families. Following the teachings of the Savior will ensure that I be with him again. That is what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is all about: FAMILY, AND BEING TOGETHER FOREVER!

My dad has been there for me in my life! Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I see my dad with spiritual eyes as well as physical eyes. What I mean by that is, even when my dad has made mistakes, God loves him and and see's him with the potential to become better than he naturally is. We all have this same opportunity to become better, and follow Jesus Christ and be blessed by Him. I believe that is what being a real man/father is all about. Stepping up and changing to be more like Jesus Christ. My dad has been there for me when I ask advice, when I need someone to go play golf with, when I want to grab a bit to eat, or more importantly, my dad has been there for me whenever I was having a hard time and has helped me become more like Christ because of his loving example. I remember as a child my dad, and mom praying for me every night and day, that I would be watched over by Heavenly Father and taken care of by Him. I have seen that prayer answered countless times!

So here's to you dad. Here's to all the fathers in the world that have stepped up and are doing their best to change and be "A Father Indeed". Watch the inspiring story of a father who has blessed his family in many ways.



God is telling us through prophets, and apostles living today, how to better our relationships as fathers and sons, and our families in general. Check out a article that I love about just that. "Father's and Sons: A Remarkable Relationship" by M. Russell Ballard an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"O GOD, WHERE ART THOU?"

Look at this picture. Differences aside, there comes a time when we will all face and feel adversity and tribulation. I call these times "storms". Being tossed in the waves of the sea, we might ask, "What have I done to deserve this?", or we might even ask the more depressed question of all, "Why has God allowed this to happen to me?" No matter the trial, we might declare, "Why me?" Let me assure you that all suffering is not punishment! I bear you my witness that God loves His children! Even you and me!

THE TRIAL AT LIBERTY JAIL

The prophet Joseph Smith, having been wrongly accused, spent 5 months in the worst environment of imprisonment one can imagine. The Prophet and his companions were imprisoned in a rough stone dungeon measuring 14 by 14 feet, with a ceiling just over 6 feet high. They suffered winter weather, hunger, sickness, and the cell they were placed in was a "hell hole" to say the least. Joseph in the gail of bitterness, exclaims, "O God, where art Thou?" A cry from a prophet of the Lord! He receives an answer that is found in modern day scripture, that is personally my favorite revelation he received.

The Lord heard and answered with LOVE.

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." (D&C 121: 7-8)

The Lord answered and said, "MY SON!" We are the sons and daughters of God. He knows us! He is eager to answer our prayers and comfort us! Joseph received more assurance from the Lord.

"...if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122: 7)

I ask you what is the worth of a human soul? God Himself shows us the worth and importance of the entire human race.

" For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39)

God loves us so much, He wants us to become like Him. Think if you are a parent, would you not want your children to become and have more than you? God has all power, and is perfect. He wishes us to become as He is. I know this is true because of the spiritual witness I've received knowing there is a prophet on the earth who declares truth!

COMFORT

Watch this video and I pray you feel the tender feeling of a Parent in Heaven who cares about you more than a human being can imagine.



THE MESSAGE OF THE RESTORED GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IS THAT GOOD THINGS WILL COME!! "JUST HOLD ON A LITTLE LONGER" -President Uchtdorf

CHRIST'S DOCTRINE

CHRIST SAID HIS DOCTRINE IS...


I have wondered what is Christ's doctrine. The only way I know how to show you His doctrine is through His words Himself. We find these words specifically in the Book of Mormon. In 3 Nephi chapter 11 when Jesus appears to the people in the Americas, He tells them what His doctrine is.

"And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me...And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. " (3 Nephi 11:23-24).

Jesus asks us to apply 4 basic principles.

• Have faith in Him, and believe He will do what He has said He will do
• Repent of all sins, and wrongs
• Be baptized by one holding proper authority, for the remission of sins
• Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion with you throughout life. for he will visit him with fire and "with the Holy Ghost." (3 Nephi 11:35)

Jesus even was baptized! He was holy and pure. He walked 30 miles to Galilee to be baptized by John the Baptist. He set the perfect example by being baptized even when He was perfect without sin. How much more in need are we of baptism?







MY TESTIMONY

I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that peace, happiness, and salvation can come by and through Jesus Christ and His doctrine. I know that these 4 Simple Things, are just that simple. They are the first steps, not the last ones. I know that by following the Savior and live all of His commandments we will be able to return home to be with God, and Him.

I remember when I was baptized, how clean and pure I felt. I remember feeling holy because the Holy Ghost was with me. I remember feeling that I was doing something that was pleasing unto my Heavenly Father. That is all that really matters. Live how He would have us live. I bear witness that all of these principles and doctrine is found in the restored church of Jesus Christ, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I urge you to ponder and wonder what would Christ have you do, and then do it! I know that by doing so will bring peace, joy and salvation to you and all those who act on this great doctrine.

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: HEAVEN AND ETERNAL REWAARD

WHAT IS HEAVEN, AND HOW CAN I GET THERE?


Heaven is the place where God, our Heavenly Father resides, and His Son Jesus Christ. It is the future home of those who follow Him. God doesn't intend on saving only a few of His children, but as many as will listen and follow Him.

After you are resurrected you will be judged and rewarded depending on what you have done in your time on Earth. Jesus taught His basic principles on how we can get home to our Heavenly Father. Joseph Smith, a prophet of God, declared that members in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Satins believe we must:

• Have faith in Jesus Christ
• Repent of our wrong doings
• Be baptized for the remission of sins
• Receive the Holy Ghost

These are the basic principles that help us and will lead us back to our Heavenly Father. Truly we must be taught the fullness of the gospel and keep all of His commandments and follow Him with full purpose of heart.

DEGREES OF GLORY

You will live in state of glory after judgment. Because everyone's actions, desires, and deed are different from another, heaven includes kingdoms, or degrees of glory.

• Celestial - Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reside here, the highest kingdom. All those who fully accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ and are cleansed by sin from the Atonement you will receive a place here in God's kingdom. You will become "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8;17). You will receive all the Father has. You will be able to live with your family here forever in the highest degree of glory.
  
• Terrestrial - People who refuse to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, but still lived good honorable lives will reside here.
• Telestial - Those who live in sin, and who have not repented until after they have died, will receive a place here in the lowest kingdom.
  

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: LIFE AFTER DEATH

DEATH IS NOT THE END

Many believe that death is the end of existence. I am glad to declare that this is not true! Death is just another step into the necessary future. Our body consists of a spirit, or sometimes called the soul, and our physical body. Our body will be laid down to rest, and our spirit "will go back to that God who gave us life" (Alma 40:11). This place is called the spirit world. Here you will continue to learn and progress.

WHAT WILL YOU BE LIKE?

You will still be you! Your desires and your personality for good or evil will still be the same. You will have a perfected body, meaning in it's "proper and perfect frame" (Alma 40:23). If you lived a life focused on following the Savior Jesus Christ and did your best to keep His commandments you will be happy and in a state of rest. Those who did not follow Christ, and chose not to repent will be unhappy.

AN OPPORTUNITY

Heavenly Father knew that many of His children would never have an opportunity to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew that many would not follow His teachings and only because they did not know what they did not know. Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He provided a way for His children to learn who never had an opportunity to before. They could hear the plan, have faith in Jesus Christ, and repent. Those who choose this will have peace and happiness.



REUNITED

Sometime after your death, your body will be reunited with your spirit never to separated again. This is called the resurrection. Christ was the first to be Resurrected. Because of Jesus Christ you too will be immortal and you will be judged by Him according to your deeds and the desires of your heart. You will remain in the spirit world until the resurrection.

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: THE ATONEMENT

WHAT IS THE ATONEMENT?

The Atonement by definition is this: "As used in the scriptures, to atone is to suffer the penalty for an act of sin, thereby removing the effects of sin from the repentant sinners and allowing them to be reconciled to God. Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and on the cross. He was the only one capable of making a perfect Atonement for all mankind. He suffered the penalty for our sins in Gethsemane and died on the cross. He took upon Himself the pains, sicknesses, temptations, afflictions, and infirmities of us all" (Preach My Gospel Pg 58)

From this definition we see that the Atonement is the single most important principle and event in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It applies to you and to me. It is so personal and yet so universal. Let's explore this for a moment.

MORE THAN JUST SIN

Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever felt heartache? Have you ever felt like you were tossed upon the waves of uncertainty? Have you ever had an infirmity that caused you to be brought down low? Have you ever felt sorrow, or loss?...I know that all of us have felt either some or all of these feelings at some point or another in life. The Atonement covers and is for all of these feelings and acts. A prophet in the Book of Mormon addresses this by saying:


"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people..."(Alma 7:11-13)

Check out this video about the importance of the Atonement



How has the Atonement lifted your burdens?

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: LIFE ON EARTH

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION - WHAT IS MY PURPOSE IN LIFE?


Each of us will wonder in life at times why we are here? What am I supposed to do with my life? What is God's plan for me here?

I have asked myself these questions and have found the answers in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. In the Book of Mormon a great missionary answers so clearly what the purpose of life is. He states " For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors" (Alma 34:32).

So the real question is how can we prepare to meet God? I believe there are things we can do everyday and every week in our lives that will help prepare us to meet God and be in His presence.

• Pray - I know that Prayer will help you in all aspects of your life as you talk to God who loves you and cares about you and wants you to have peace and return to Him again.
• Read the Scriptures! - Reading from the Scriptures is how we can hear Heavenly Fathers voice to you and me each day. The Scriptures will teach us as we apply what we have read into our lives and the situations we face.
  
• Attend Church on Sunday - This is the place where we can worship God whom we love and His Son Jesus Christ. We will feel the spirit and be strengthened for the upcoming week.
• Believe Christ and have faith in Him - Believing that Christ is the Savior, and believing what he says will impact your life in ways that noting else will. As we show our faith in Christ and strive to live the way He did will do more to have us return to Heavenly Father than any other principle.
  
• Repent - After we believe in Christ and trust Him, we will want to repent and change those things in our lives that are not in harmony with God's teachings. We confess our sins to God, ask forgiveness, and stop doing what is wrong and strive to do what is right.
• Be Baptized by proper priesthood authority - This act is the first covenant, or promise we can make with Heavenly Father that we will live a life that is pleasing to Him, and be forgiven of all our sins and start a new life.
  
• Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost - When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost we are sanctified and will have the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in our lives. We can be directed and will be able to receive significant communications through the Holy Ghost that will lead us back to Heavenly Father.
• Endure to the End - We must never give up! We must keep the commandments of God, and do the best we can each day in order to truly be happy. If we endure to the end and live worthily we will be able to return and live in God's presence.

These are just examples of basic things each of us can do. Following these principles will bring happiness, peace, and protection in life. I testify that is true! I have seen it in my own life!

Let me know what you think...

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: OPPOSITION IN ALL THINGS

WHY DO WE NEED OPPOSITION, AND WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Lets start with where did opposition come from?
Adam and Eve were our first parents here on Earth. God created them and gave them commandments. One commandment He gave them was to"populate and replenish the Earth", or in other words have children. The other was to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil because in so doing would lead to death. It is important to know a scripture from the Book of Mormon, "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." (2 Nephi 2:24). God is in control of all things. He does have a plan for you and me.



It was necessary that Adam and Eve partook of the fruit in so doing would give us an "opposition in all things." We will all go through trials, and sweet times in life. God himself told Joseph Smith that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." The thing that really matters is what will you chose each and every day? Will you chose God and His plan of Salvation for you, or will you chose to follow the Satan and his plan for your misery?

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: THE CREATION

WHO CREATED THE EARTH?

Under the direction of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created the Earth for us.  It was created for us so you and I could gain experience and be tested.  To progress and to eventually become like God, you and I needed to obtain a physical body.  God did not only create the Earth, but also He created man and woman physically.  We are created in the image of God.  We know this because of prophets who were told about the creation of the earth and also man.  A scripture form the Old Testament states "Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness"  (Genesis 1:26).  God created us all, and he started this with our first parents here on Earth, who were Adam and Eve.

THE PLAN OF HAPPINESS: PRE EARTH LIFE

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED...

WHERE DID WE COME FROM?

 

WHY ARE WE HERE?

               WHERE WE ARE GOING?

The answers are here now!  They have been restored by a loving God through a living prophet.  In the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we know that we lived before this life.  We lived with our Heavenly Father.  He created us as spirit children.  He made us in likeness of His image, male and female.  He knew us and loved us, and we knew and loved Him.  It would be necessary for us for a short period of time to be separated from His presence.  We could only progress and learn so much as spirits.

It is important to know what God's purpose is.  “God’s whole purpose, His work and His glory, is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings (Preach My Gospel pg.48).”  We needed a body of flesh and bone like He has.  The Plan of Salvation or The Plan of Happiness was presented by Jesus Christ.  We elected Jesus Christ to be our Savior and knew we would make mistakes that would cut us off from God's presence.  We knew we could trust our Brother, Jesus, to suffer for us and pay the penalty for sin.  This plan was made so we could eventually return to live with God again.  We accepted the plan and chose to come to the place made for us, Earth.

I will be posting in the next week more information about our Heavenly Father's Plan for us!   If you have any questions let me know and I will try my best to answer them in my next blog post.

QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED

DO YOU EVER ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS OF THE SOUL?

• Is there a God? (Alma 22)
• What does Jesus Christ expect of me? (2 Nephi 9)
• How can a belief in Jesus Christ help me? (Alma 36)
• Is there life after death? (Alma 40)
• What is the purpose of life? (Alma 34)
• Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur? (2 Nephi 2; Alma 14:9–11; 60:13)
• Does my infant need to be baptized? (Moroni 8)
• Does God know me? (Alma 5:38, 58)
• Does God answer prayers? (Enos 1)
• How can I find peace and joy? (Mosiah 2, 4)
• How can my family be happier and more united? (Mosiah 2)
• How can I balance my family and career? (3 Nephi 13)
• How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse? (3 Nephi 14)
• How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family? (Alma 39)
• How can I avoid sin? (Helaman 5)

The Book of Mormon can answer these questions and more. If we read the Book of Mormon with the companionship of the Holy Spirit we will have faith that God answers prayers and that prayer and revelation are the key to solving particular problems we all face. The Book of Mormon is for you and me. It is part of God's Plan!

THE BOOK OF MORMON: ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

WITNESSES THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST

SACRED SCRIPTURES FROM GOD

The Book of Mormon is Holy Scripture that witnesses that Jesus is the Christ! It is an account of the Lord and His dealings with the people in ancient America. Jesus is the Savior for all the world and has told us in the New Testament that He has "other sheep" whom He will visit also and bring so that there is one Shepard and one fold. In court we see clearly that you need 2 witnesses to establish your case to make it strong. The Lord has said “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (2 Corinthians 13:1) The Lord knew that in these last days people would be confused and mislead about the teachings of God. In a segment we have two points. If there was only one point we could draw lines through it an infinite number of times. God gave us the Bible and the Book of Mormon to understand more clearly His doctrine.

WHERE DID THE BOOK OF MORMON COME FROM?

The Book of Mormon is a record of people who lived in the ancient American Continent. This record started with a prophet named Lehi living in Jerusalem in about 600 B.C. Lehi and his family left Jerusalem to obey the commandments of the Lord and eventually came to the Americas. Records were kept as commanded by the Lord. It is called the Book of Mormon because of the prophet historian named Mormon who abridged the records into the Book of Mormon. A prophet named Moroni hid the record to preserve the sacred scriptures and commandments of God. When the time was right God would uncover this record into the hands of a prophet who could bring forth the record to all the world. This prophet's name was Joseph Smith. He was called to translate this ancient record. Moroni appeared to Joseph one night, and showed him where the record was hid. Joseph went to the place called the Hill Cumorah which we now know is in Palmyra New York. He translated the record with the gift and power of God. It is now known today as the Book of Mormon. It contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, and will bring more peace, joy, and protection to your life than anything else.

HOW CAN YOU KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE?

A modern day Apostle said "Either the Book of Mormon is true, or it is false; either it came from God, or it was spawned in the infernal realms..." Moroni tells us in his last words before hiding the record what we can do to find out the truth. "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost" (Moroni 10:4) There are feelings of The Holy Ghost listed in Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith"
You will come to know that the Book of Mormon is true and His church is restored on the earth today if you ask in faith as I did.

Watch this video of a powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon by a modern day apostle



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