Spirit World

What happens when we die?

I have a new-found understanding of Heavenly Father's love for His children now that I am a mother.  I can't imagine not doing everything possible to give my daughter the best life I can.  I get frustrated with people who insist that this life on this corrupt planet is the only shot we have to do the right things to return to our Heavenly Father and live with Him in his Kingdom.  I believe that Heavenly Father is a great and loving Father who will offer His children every opportunity to return to Him, even if that means after we leave this world.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we believe that after we leave this world (die) we will go to a Spirit World where we will either be teachers or learners.  Those who figured things out in this world and followed the commandments of Heavenly Father will go on to teach those who either didn't have the opportunity or didn't figure things out before they died.  Coming from a Catholic background I imagine the Spirit World to be much like Purgatory, a place of waiting, repenting and learning before we are worthy to enter Heaven.  Then, our spirits will be reunited with our (perfected) bodies and we will be judged and placed in degrees of Heaven depending on our faith and works.

For more information about this topic and Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness click here.

Building a Bridge

"The Lord’s way is not to sit at the side of the stream and wait for the water to pass before we cross. It is to come together, roll up our sleeves, go to work, and build a bridge

or a boat to cross the waters of our challenges."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Learning From the Past

Learning from the Past

"We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes.  And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future." - Jeffrey R. Holland
        

We can learn from the past but then we must look to the future.  Dwelling on the past can be dangerous when we get stuck in the past and don't move on.  The past provides a good learning opportunity and blue print for the future.  We can learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others so that we don't make those same mistakes again.  Ultimately, though, faith is forward moving.  We can best travel through this life if we 'learn from the past, plan for the future and live in the present'.

Word of Wisdom

Word of Wisdom

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints there are a few things that most mainstream people do that I choose not to do.  Our Church has counselled that we should not use tobacco, drink alcohol, coffee or certain kinds of tea (does not include herbal tea).  We are also counselled that all things should be done in moderation.  There are items that we are to use sparingly which include sodas and other less healthy food options.  This counsel is called the Word of Wisdom.  You can read the entire Word of Wisdom in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89.  The summary of the Word of Wisdom can be found below.

• Wine and other alcohol are not allowed for consumption.
• Tobacco, in any form, should not be taken into the body.
• Hot drinks, which include coffee, black tea, green tea and white tea are not healthy.
• Herbs, fruits, meat and grains were created for us to use and are healthy and good in moderation.
• Plants in the form of vegetables, fruits, etc. are to be used with "prudence and thanksgiving".
• Meat is to be eaten sparingly.
• Grain is to be a main staple of the diet.

The Word of Wisdom is followed by a promise for all of those who keep it of health and strength, stamina and protection.

Paul said, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God... If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Cor. 3:15-16)  Our bodies are temples and we must keep them clean because 'no unclean thing can dwell with God'. (1 Nephi 10:21)  When we do all that we can to remain clean, Jesus Christ will make up the difference and wash our stains away.  Then we will be made clean and welcomed back into the fold to be with Heavenly Father.

For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints visit www.mormon.org.