All in the Family...

You realize how much your family means to you when you are away from them for a long period of time. I come from a very large extended family. I have first, second, third, and fourth cousins, Heck probably even fifth cousins back at home. I love it! There is always someone to talk to, to share inside stories with, and there are plenty of people who have your back. I love being able to go to Church on a Sunday morning and see my relatives walk through the doors. I love it when the girls who just turn 14 get to go to Stake Dances. Even though the dances can be lame, it's exciting to see them growing up! It makes me think back to when I turned 14 and started high school. I like to hear what they are doing in school and the "drama" they deal with in school. I think it's important to stay involved in their lives. Family always stays with you no matter where you go or how old you get.


I think that being a member of the Church really helps you to appreciate the importance of families. Knowing that I can be with my family for eternity is such a comfort to me. I know that those relatives of mine who have passed away still live and I know that I will see them again one day. I know they aren't from us and when they are permitted they can watch over us and protect us. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for my family. I am grateful to my parents for their choice to be married in the temple so that I could be sealed to them for eternity. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the knowledge that I have of the restored gospel. I am grateful for a living prophet upon the Earth today who communes with our Heavenly Father and receives undefiled revelation for our day. He is the Prophet of the World, not just of the Church. I know that I am a child of God. I know that I was nurtured in his care before I came to this Earth. I know that He knows me by name. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, and my potential. I love Him. I leave these thoughts with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.