THE PLAN OF SALVATION



Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is? I have. We wonder, were we came from? why we are here? were we are going? I am blessed with the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation which is Heavenly Fathers plan for each of his children here on earth. I cherish this knowledge so much that it is something that I wish to share with the world. Continue reading this post to learn more about the Plan of Salvation and how it can greatly bless your life and everyone around you.

Pre-Mortal Life

Before each of us came to this earth we were spirit children of our Heavenly Father. We were in the presence of God. We knew God and we talked to him. When we were all in the spirit world we were told that there were certain things that we were to do while we were living on earth with physical bodies. Some of those things we may have accomplished and some things we may not have accomplished yet. Because of a veil that was placed in between us, when we were born we are unable to remember the pre-mortal life and what happened there. Heavenly Father presented to us his plan. In the scriptures this plan is known as the plan of salvation, the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of mercy. because we chose to follow his plan we were able to come to earth, gain physical bodies, learn and progress, and continue on the path of righteousness to return back to our Heavenly Father. Satan was opposed to Heavenly Fathers plan. He created his own plan and persuaded some people to follow him instead of Heavenly Father. Those people were not given physical bodies and were unable to come to earth. They will not be given a place in any of the kingdoms of glory.

 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Earth Life

Because we chose to follow Heavenly Fathers plan we were able to come to Earth and gain a physical body. Like Nephi we were all born of goodly parents who love us dearly, who raised us, and dealt with us all. When we were born into this life it was the beginning of our journey back to our Heavenly Father. When we chose to follow his plan we promised that we would live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and certain principles of the gospel. Those principles are,

• Being cleansed from sin- receiving forgiveness from our Heavenly Father
• Having faith in our Savior Jesus Christ- Knowing that he is there and that he loves and cares about each of his children.
• Repenting of sins- Continually repenting of things we have done that aren't pleasing to God.
• Being baptized by someone who holds the priesthood authority of God- Following the example of Jesus Christ by entering into the Covenant of Baptism.
•  Receiving the gift of the holy ghost by the laying on of hands by someone holding the priesthood authority of God- Receiving a gift that is promised to everyone as they follow the example of Jesus Christ and are baptized.
• Enduring to the End- Continually feasting upon the words of Christ, reading the scriptures, attending church each Sunday, prayer.

Along with faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. We have many other commandments that we are asked to follow. we also believe in following the original 10 commandments which are,

1. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me 
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain
4. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy
5. Honour thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor
10. Thou shalt not covet    

Spirit World
once we die are bodies are separated from our spirits. Our bodies go 6 feet under,  pushing up daisies. Our spirits go to what is called the spirit world. "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life." (Alma 40:11) There are two parts to the spirit world the first part is called spirit paradise, this is were those people who excepted the gospel while on earth will go. "And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of  happiness, which is called  paradise, a state of rest, a state of  peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow." (Alma 40:12) as this scripture says we will rest from all our troubles and from all care, and sorrow. The second part to the spirit world is called spirit  prison, a temporary location for those who died without a knowledge of the truth or who lived disobedient lives while on earth. Those who go to the spirit prison will be given a second chance to hear and learn about the gospel and they will be given the chance to accept it to be able to live with Heavenly Father again. God loves his children so much that he will give all his children a second chance to hear his gospel because he wants everyone to live with him again.

Resurrection

Everyone whether they did good or evil while living on earth will be resurrected. Resurrection means that our bodies will gain reunite with our spirits and our bodies will be perfected. We will no longer have sickness, broken bones, missing body parts. "The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and ^eperfect frame." (Alma 40:23)

Judgement

Everyone will be judged according to their works and desires while living on earth. We will all have a perfect remembrance of everything we did. God will judge us and will determine which kingdom we will go to. We will be placed in one of these three kingdoms. Celestial kingdom, Terrestial kingdom, Telestial kingdom. Everyone will be placed in a kingdom. Those who followed Satan will not be allowed in any of these kingdoms.

Celestial Kingdom-This is the kingdom in which Heavenly Father will be in. It should be every ones goal to make it to the Celestial Kingdom. It is the highest of the three kingdoms and is compared to the brightness of the sun. Those who excepted the gospel, were baptized, were sealed in the temple, repented of sins. and just lived good righteous lives will be given a spot in the Celestial Kingdom.

Terrestial Kingdom-This is the middle kingdom of the three kingdoms of glory. It is compared to the brightness of the moon. Those who go here will be in the presence of Jesus Christ the Son of God. They will not be in the presence of Heavenly Father.  Those people who were members of the church but chose not to live good lives and didn't follow the commandments of God the way they should have will go to this kingdom. Also those people who didn't except the gospel while on the earth but excepted it while in the spirit world will be given a place in the Terrestial Kingdom.

Telestial Kingdom-This is were those who didn't accept the gospel of Jesus Christ will go. Those who were redeemed out of spirit prison will be given a spot in the Telestial Kingdom.

I testify that the Plan of Salvation is real. I know that it is Heavenly Fathers plan for each of his children here on this earth. It is a great comfort to me to know that I can be with my family forever because we have been sealed together in the Temple. Anyone can know what their purpose is here on earth as they gain an understanding of the Plan of Salvation and what it can mean for them. It has greatly blessed my life. And I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to share the knowledge that I have of the Plan of Salvation with other people.

"We are not left alone to wander through mortality without knowing of the master plan which the Lord has designed for His children." (L. Tom Perry)

Meekness

Meekness

A Speech by Elder Maxwell





Through the virtues of patience we live out our lives
While not pursuing that which goes out of style
Thus avoiding being like the gaderine swine
Whose appetites go whole hog for the trends of time

Will we be meek and listen to our Savior?
He meekly proffered His life as our ransomer
He did as the Father taught and required
Let's square our shoulders, also, impressed with desire

Our meekness can be an initiator
As it is often a spiritual facilitator
We will do exceedingly well throughout all of our days
If we live with hope in Christ, filled with charity and faith-

Then, we'll have acquired attributes of Deity
To participate in the wind up scenes that are to be
With meekness being the subtraction of self
Reducing the multiplication of our pride's swell

Our meekness is what gospel life is about
Through our meekness God's love goes beyond doubt
This does not mean that we force loved ones to God
But, we can teach the prepared, through virtue of the rod

The scriptures tell us of all we can be
Likened to our Savior...we can say "here I am, send me"
So, in matters little or seemingly too large
Let's emulate our Savior and trust in His charge

Our meekness is vital to become Christ-like
Through our meekness other virtues come unto sight
This does not translate into character weakness
But puts ourselves, purely, in a posture of kindness

We can be meekly drenched in our destiny
Washed in love, peace, and serenity
If we're seeking to do service and giving gently
We'll see love flood the world where lives where was once empty

The Family

A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

President Thomas S. Monson, President Henry B. Eryring, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

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LDS TEMPLES

What is an LDS Temple?

 Is there secret things going on in the Temple?
Why are only some mormons aloud in Temples?
Read below to get an answer to all of these questions




Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple



Nashville, Tennessee Temple









Salt Lake City, Utah Temple



 What is a Mormon Temple?



The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has more than 100 operating temples around the world. Visitors are welcome to visit the temple grounds at all of these temples and attend open houses prior to dedication. However, only baptized members who are qualified and prepared are allowed to enter a temple after it is dedicated.

In temples, Church members participate in ordinances designed to unite their families together forever and help them return to God. In the temple, members:

Receive sacred ordinances, including those that bind husband and wife together for eternity, as well as join children and parents (Malachi 4:5-6).

 Is there secret things that go on in the Temple?

Many people around the world think that Mormon Temples are places were Mormons go and do secret things. This is not the case. All of the things that happen in the Temple are so sacred that it is not apropriate do discuss them outside of the temple.

The Temple like I mentioned above is a place were endowed members go in and recieve sacred ordinances. So sacred that they cannot be discussed outside of the temple.

Why are only some Mormons aloud in the Temple

.You  must be spiritually mature and you must be in good standing with the church, meaning that you must be worthy. Members of the church take the Temples seriously because they are so sacred and there are so many blessing that you can reciece from attending the temple. It is possible for every member to go inside the temple and participate and it is a goal for all of the members. It takes alot of preparation to enter the temple. The Church stongly encourages every member to do everything they can to be able to enter the Temple.



Temples

There are temples all over the world. Here are the places of the temples owned by THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

134 operating  ·  10 under construction  ·  16 announced

Aba Nigeria Temple Accra Ghana Temple Adelaide Australia Temple Albuquerque New Mexico Temple Anchorage Alaska Temple Apia Samoa Temple Asunción Paraguay Temple Atlanta Georgia Temple Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple Bern Switzerland Temple Billings Montana Temple Birmingham Alabama Temple Bismarck North Dakota Temple Bogotá Colombia Temple Boise Idaho Temple Boston Massachusetts Temple Bountiful Utah Temple Brigham City Utah Temple†Brisbane Australia Temple Buenos Aires Argentina Temple Calgary Alberta Temple†Campinas Brazil Temple Caracas Venezuela Temple Cardston Alberta Temple Cebu City Philippines Temple Chicago Illinois Temple Ciudad Juárez México Temple Cochabamba Bolivia Temple Colonia Juárez Chihuahua México Temple Columbia River Washington Temple Columbia South Carolina Temple Columbus Ohio Temple Concepción Chile Temple†Copenhagen Denmark Temple Córdoba Argentina Temple†Curitiba Brazil Temple Dallas Texas Temple Denver Colorado Temple Detroit Michigan Temple Draper Utah Temple Edmonton Alberta Temple Fort Collins Colorado Temple†Fort Lauderdale Florida Temple†Fortaleza Brazil Temple†Frankfurt Germany Temple Freiberg Germany Temple Fresno California Temple Fukuoka Japan Temple The Gila Valley Arizona Temple Gilbert Arizona Temple†Guadalajara México Temple Guatemala City Guatemala Temple Guayaquil Ecuador Temple The Hague Netherlands Temple Halifax Nova Scotia Temple Hamilton New Zealand Temple Hartford Connecticut Temple†Helsinki Finland Temple Hermosillo Sonora México Temple Hong Kong China Temple Houston Texas Temple Idaho Falls Idaho Temple Indianapolis Indiana Temple† Jordan River Utah Temple Kansas City Missouri Temple†Kona Hawaii Temple Kyiv Ukraine Temple Laie Hawaii Temple Las Vegas Nevada Temple Lima Perú Temple Lisbon Portugal Temple†Logan Utah Temple London England Temple Los Angeles California Temple Louisville Kentucky Temple Lubbock Texas Temple Johannesburg South Africa Temple

Madrid Spain Temple Manaus Brazil Temple†Manhattan New York Temple Manila Philippines Temple Manti Utah Temple Medford Oregon Temple Melbourne Australia Temple Memphis Tennessee Temple Mérida México Temple Meridian Idaho Temple†Mesa Arizona Temple México City México Temple Monterrey México Temple Montevideo Uruguay Temple Monticello Utah Temple Montréal Québec Temple Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple Nashville Tennessee Temple Nauvoo Illinois Temple Newport Beach California Temple Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple Oakland California Temple Oaxaca México Temple Ogden Utah Temple Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple Orlando Florida Temple Palmyra New York Temple Panamá City Panamá Temple Papeete Tahiti Temple Payson Utah Temple†Perth Australia Temple Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple†Phoenix Arizona Temple†Portland Oregon Temple Porto Alegre Brazil Temple Preston England Temple Provo Utah Temple Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple† Recife Brazil Temple Redlands California Temple Regina Saskatchewan Temple Reno Nevada Temple Rexburg Idaho Temple Rome Italy Temple† St. George Utah Temple St. Louis Missouri Temple St. Paul Minnesota Temple Salt Lake Temple San Antonio Texas Temple San Diego California Temple San José Costa Rica Temple San Salvador El Salvador Temple†Santiago Chile Temple Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Temple São Paulo Brazil Temple Sapporo Japan Temple†Seattle Washington Temple Seoul Korea Temple Snowflake Arizona Temple Spokane Washington Temple Stockholm Sweden Temple Suva Fiji Temple Sydney Australia Temple Taipei Taiwan Temple Tampico México Temple Tegucigalpa Honduras Temple†Tijuana México Temple†Tokyo Japan Temple Toronto Ontario Temple Trujillo Perú Temple†Tuxtla Gutiérrez México Temple Twin Falls Idaho Temple Urdaneta Philippines Temple† Veracruz México Temple Vernal Utah Temple Villahermosa México Temple Washington D.C. Temple Winnipeg Manitoba Temple†Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple Vancouver British Columbia TempleSacramento California TempleRaleigh North Carolina Temple

For viewing pictures of these Temples go to www.temples.lds.org. To learn more contact your local missionaries at 1 (800) 438 7557.



THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST

 

What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Have you ever just sat down and really thought about what the Atonement really is and what it means for us? As a missionary I do this quite a bit. Especially for my investigators as well as for myself. Nobody in this life is perfect, we all make mistakes and we all come short of the glory of God that we all strive for. For one to fully understand the Atonement one must understand our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. The Atonement was created specifically for us so we could all repent and be forgiven of our sins and wrong doings.

What is the Atonement?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is recognizing that we have done wrong and doing everything in our power to fix it and asking Heavenly Father for forgiveness. For the Atonement to fully take place in our lives we must repent. We repent by going before God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit asking him for forgiveness. We pray with a sincere heart with real intent, meaning we are willing to turn away from sin and do everything possible to be forgiven. 

When Jesus Christ was on the earth he did a lot of great things. He performed many miracles, healed the sick, taught the people. He created his church on the earth as well. While he was doing all of this some of the people didn't agree with what he was doing. They didn't believe that he could perform miracles and heal the sick. As a result of this Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. Jesus Christ had the power to stop them from doing such horrible things but because Jesus Christ loves each and everyone of his children so much, he let them crucify him. So we could all be happy. Along with that Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane there he felt every pain, sickness, and guilt more then anyone could physically do themselves. 3 days after being crucified Jesus Christ was resurrected and rose from the tomb and lives today. Once this happened the Atonement was complete. 

He did this for me and he did it for you to. As we strive to become better people and repent of our sins we will feel the love that our savior has for us. I have felt it in my life and I know you can feel it in yours.

                                                                                       

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!

The Waltman Family At my Sisters Wedding Reception

Above is an amazing picture of my family. The main reason for that is because I'm not in it. ha ha! Families are ordained of God. We were all sent to this earth to gain a body. When we came to this earth we were all born in to families. God gives us our families so we can learn and grow from each other through this difficult journey back to our heavenly father. It is not easy, it is important that we have a close relationship with our families so when times get hard then we will have someone to turn to. One of Satan's number one goals is to destroy happy families. As you grow closer together with your family then it will be much harder for Satan to come in and ruin everything. With our families we can create a safe home environment were we can all learn and grow from each other. Homes should be a place were the spirit can be present.



 My Nephew Dylan looking at a picture of Jesus



Families are so important to God that he has created a plan were we can be sealed together forever with our own families. We do that by entering the Temples and being sealed together forever by someone who holds the priesthood authority. When families are sealed together forever then we will be able to be with each other forever.

 "What matters most is what lasts the longest and families are forever."
— M. Russell Ballard

I love my family so much. They mean a lot to me. I'm grateful that my parents made the choice to be sealed in the temple so our family could be together forever. Since I have been on my mission I have realized how important they really are. It only took me being 2000 miles away from home to realize that. But sometimes we have to learn the hard way. My family has been through some ruff stages in our lives but I know it is because of the gospel that we were able to make it through those hard times. Another way we can grow closer together as a family is by dedicating one night a week to family home evening. A time were we can have wholesome family activities that help us strengthen or relationships with our families. It is a perfect time for us to grow spiritually with our families. They can consist of many different types of activities such as. Sports, watching church movies, scripture reading, games, making treats etc


We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere. The lessons learned in the home are those that last the longest.” Ensign, May 2005

My Sister Cylista and her family







                                   






Mormons: Mothers Day

“I love you, Mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
And left her the water and wood to bring.
“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell—
“I love you better than tongue can tell”;
Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.
“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan;
“Today I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”
So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep.
Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom,
And swept the floor and tidied the room;
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and happy as a child could be.
“I love you, Mother,” again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think that Mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?

Mothers are great! I'm greatful for my mom and everything she has done for me throughout my life. She has always been there when times were hard. She was patiant with not just me but all 5 of us. That in my opinion is hard to do. She still loves us even though we may not make the best choices in life. The sacrifices she makes so we can all be happy are incredible. I know I don't say this nearly enough but to you, Mom, Thanks for everything. I really do appreciate you. I love you