For an explanation of the Plan of Salvation directly from the official church websites, click here or here.
We lived as spirit children of our Heavenly Father in the Pre-Mortal Existence before this life. The reason that we are on the Earth is first, to gain a physical body; and second, we are being tested. We learn, progress, and experience how we would act away from our Heavenly Father. That's why this earth life is sometimes called the "test."
Before coming to Earth, we were told what we would face on the Earth, and then as we went through the veil and were born, we had no recollection of the Pre-Mortal Existence while in this life. I can only wonder what I was thinking when I was told what I'd face. I'm ready, get me down there! or I don't know about this. I want to say that I thought Well, it's sure not going to be easy. But as long as I'm faithful it will all be worth it in the end!
While going through certain trials I have, I realize that this is the plan for me all along. But Heavenly Father didn't allow me to have cancer just to "make things interesting." He allowed me to have cancer because He knew the growth that I could potentially have, and how much it really would bless my life. It's all part of the test. I'm growing from the test, and hopefully by the time I die of extremely old age, I plan to live to about 150 :), I can say that I worked hard throughout the test and know the "grade" I'm getting will definitely be worth it.
Another thing I've kind of had a hard time with is watching my friends leave on missions. It's been really hard to see them go, not because I'll miss them (don't get me wrong, I will), but because if I hadn't had a relapse, I would be out in the mission field right now. I want to go, but I can't because I'm not healthy enough right now. But I've had testament after testament that I will serve a mission. Maybe not a full time mission like everyone else, but somehow I will serve the Lord. It's not Heavenly Father's plan for me to be out in the field right now. Dealing with this, and realizing that Heavenly Father knows what He's doing is part of the test.
Sometimes I fight with my brother. I love the heck out of him, and I'm learning more and more about unconditional love, Christ's love, for everyone. That's part of the test.
A partially new jawbone, missing teeth, scars, a dry mouth and speech is all part of the test.
Like any test, there are super hard parts. There are kind of hard parts. And there are easy parts. But throughout the whole thing, we need to remember one thing:
It's an OPEN BOOK test!
(and this isn't it!)
If you'd like a copy of any of these, please let me know. I'd be more than happy to get one for you.
If you remember one of my previous posts, I told about how reading the Book of Mormon seriously, every day, made a difference in my life for the better. So I encourage you to read these open books everyday. EVERY day. It will make the test easier, I promise you. It's made parts of my test easier!
Until next week, keep running!
-and keep reading, too! :)
another one i'm sending to Connor! I love the open book test!!! He will too! Our hearts ache for you....We know exactly where you want to be...and that you would give anything to be out serving the Lord right now your mission!!!! We do not take this service lightly it is a privilege and I know as Connor serves he is ever mindful of you, his brother! He serves on your behalf, he tries to be more positive because of your example and he gains much strength to serve from your testimony! Thank you for your unending friendship and love for him! Others should know that the only question about home he asked last month as we skyped him was "HOW IS ERICK DOING?" he loves you, we all pray daily for you, still!! We know someday You will serve as a missionary and I know our Heavenly Father has more miracles to work through you!
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