What death means to Mormons

This last week, I've learned of the deaths of two dear friends. One was a family member and the second was a wonderful sister of our previous ward. I am taking this opportunity to share how I as a member of the LDS Church feels about death and the wonderful blessings these people will receive. 

Of course, at this time, the families are understandably sad and feeling lonely. A son of God is gone before his time, and a mother, wife, sister, and daughter of God has been taken from the family. They both suffered the effects of cancer, a devilish disease that I wish could be taken from the earth. I know that Heavenly Father no longer wanted them to suffer and also for their families to suffer either. He has promised us that we will be able to see our friends and family in the here after, to be able to see them whole and healthy and happy. We know that they will be continuing the Lord's work in eternity. With the number of members growing here in earth, it is essential to teach our families and friends about the Gospel and to show them the blessings that will flow forth in these the latter days.

In D&C 132, "Latter-day revelation confirms that the Bible teaches about the family and adds the most important truth that through thr gospel of Jesus Christ the family can be sealed together in a permanent relationship for time and all eternity". Isn't that a wonderful promise? I know for me, I look forward to seeing my family again. Oh how I miss my parents and other precious family members. I know that we can be there with them if we endure to the end and share our lives with our Heavenly Father and all those with whom we come in contact..

Learning Patience...

I've been one who doesn't have much patience. Sometimes I frustrate myself and have to mentally bite my tongue to keep from saying anything. I used to just say what ever was on my mind but as of late, I've been keeping things in check. I know that walking helps me to relax and maintain a since of calm, though I still get anxious a lot of the time. I can't lie, I do have a constant feeling of inadequacy that makes me feel as if people are against me. It's wrong but I've had it most of my life. I know that Jesus and Heavenly Father loves me as do my family and friends. I still seem to let Satan get to me to convince me that people are either talking about me or just pretend to like and tolerate me. I know it's not true, so I keep praying for patience. It's one test that I take every day and one test I seem to fail on a regular basis. 

I know that sometimes, I tend to bring the problem on myself. I have a concept of who I am and how much I am loved...I know that it's wrong and most of the time, I can ignore it, but when things go south I have to dig in and trust in God to help me settle things down. In the topical guide, in James, chapter three the headline reads: "by governing the tongue, we gain perfection--Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable and full of mercy"  in verses 3 thru 10 it reads: 

3. "Behold, we put bits in horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great,and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: soils the tongue among our members that it defileth the whole body, and set teeth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things aught not so to be."

In conclusion, know for yourselves that patience is important. The tongue is as a sharp sword, bringing cutting remarks and feelings to those of whom it speaks evil of. Heavenly Fathers allows us to chose how we act. We need to chose to act wisely, and keep out mouths and tongues in check...