"In the past two years, I have waited upon the Lord for mortal lessons to be taught me through periods of physical pain, mental anguish, and pondering. I learned that constant, intense pain is a great consecrating purifier that humbles us and draws us closer to God's Spirit."
Jesus did not ask to be released from Earth until he had completed his mission for mankind. On the cross, he commended his spirit to his Father with the words, "It is finished." (John 19:30)
"The experiences of the last two years have made me stronger in spirit and have given me courage to testify more boldly to the world the deep feelings of my heart."
A mortal existence is essential to fulfill the plan of salvation. We must live in the word, but resist worldly influences. When we are baptized, we are welcomed into the Savior's kingdom. But do we really know what that means?
"Do you understand and do your children understand that when they are baptized they are changed forever? Adult converts to the Church often have a better understanding of this transformation because they feel the contrast as they come out of the world into the kingdom of God."
At baptism, we take the name of Jesus Christ, but we also accept the law of obedience. We promise to do as the Savior did.
"The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us."