Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 15 - Strength amid Opposition & Lesson 16 - Redemption of the Dead

I was away for this lesson. However, early in the week I felt impressed to visit Amber and Hailey in Rexburg. I knew that Amber was struggling and as I prayed I felt strongly that I needed to go and visit and let her know that I love her. More importantly that the Lord loves her. I was able to talk with her, hug her and let her know that no matter what I love her. I don't know exactly what I accomplished, but I felt at peace. Hailey was so kind to allow me to stay at her apartment and have her bed while she stayed on a air mattress on the floor. I am thankful for her kindness. Caitlynn, Hailey and Amber have taught me so much in my life. It is because of them that I learn more about who I am as a person, and to improve in ways I would not have if I was not their mother. Each of their unique circumstances brings me to my knees to petition my Father in Heaven for guidance. After all, they are His children and has given me this opportunity to be their Mom. Oh how I love the Plan of Salvation that allows us to experience this earth life. To my daughters, I love you and I am so grateful for each of you. Thank-you for the joy you have brought to my life.

I have complete the readings for this lesson and wanted to include some of my favorite quotes from this week's study.

If we are humble, the Lord will lead us and give us answers to our prayers. The Lord requires that we sustain those leaders who hold the keys to preside over the Church.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God. …

“Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened” (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 41–42).

Lesson 16 Redemption of the Dead

What is the provision in God’s plan for those people who died (or die) without the opportunity to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ or the ordinance of baptism? 

All people who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have received this knowledge if they had heard it, will inherit the celestial kingdom.

When have you been comforted by this doctrine? 

When my father passed away, I felt an urgency to get his work completed in the temple, and I know that my father has accepted the gospel. A witness has been given to me too sacred to write in a blog, nevertheless, I have received a witness, and I am grateful to the Lord for providing a way for everyone to accept the gospel.

Read Doctrine & Covenants 127, 128 and 138

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“As members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel. ‘They without us should not be made perfect’ (Hebrews 11:40; see also Teachings: Joseph Smith, 475). And ‘neither can we without our dead be made perfect’ (D&C 128:15)” (“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 25).