Mother Eve

I think the veil is placed over our eyes when we come to our earthly estate, but through our faithfulness we're allowed a glimpse of little snippets from the side we came from. I believe this first happened with Adam. We all know the breath of life was first given to Adam and then to Eve. When Heavenly Father came to visit Adam and Eve He asked Adam what name he'd given the woman and Adam answered "Eve." Heavenly Father then asked why he would call her Eve, to which Adam replied, "because she is the mother of all living." Heavenly Father then said that is correct.

There are many people I look forward seeing when I cross the other side of the veil. Some, like my mother, who I knew well here on earth and others, like my aunt Bonnie and grandma, who I only knew in the first estate. Along with family members from a more recent past, I am also greatly looking forward to seeing once again father Adam and mother Eve.

I believe Adam and Eve look down upon our generation with great love as we continue to bring together all of their children through temple work. As this work passes on to our children and future generations it will continue to grow and the love of our first parents will grow with it.

It is a beautiful thing.

There is beauty all around

I can go almost anywhere within two to three hours and see the most incredible scenery. To the northeast is the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. And I travel through gorgeous country just getting to those locations. To the northwest is Sun Valley. To the south is the Wasatch mountains. Well, the idea is that there is beauty all around.

But it is the unknown to the regular tourist locations that are really the best. Places off the beaten path where I can enjoy the beauty in relative solitude. Places like Panther Creek in central Idaho where my grandparents once had a ranch. Or Diamond, McCoy, Deep and Slug Creeks in eastern Idaho near the Wyoming border where I loved working for the Forest Service.

And if you're up for some traveling I would recommend seeing Alaska. If you're a lover of natural beauty you will not be disappointed. I can guarantee it.

Truthfully, right out my front window I enjoy a wonderful view of Mt. Bonneville (and Pebble Creek Ski Area) as well as lava rock outcroppings to my left less than a quarter mile away. But, wherever it may be that you live I believe you won't have to go far to experience incredible beauty. I do believe it was planned that way.

Getting to know Jesus Christ

As I listened to several talks this past weekend I felt of the Spirit. I felt the closeness of the Savior and the love of my Heavenly Father. Then Monday came and I wondered (and worried) about how quickly those things I'd listened to just a few hours before would leave me. Today I read passages from an article in the Church News. It referenced remarks shared by Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture at BYU. The thing he emphasized was getting to better know and understand our Savior. "It is important for individuals to know who they worship," he said. "In the end it matters precious little what we know about a myriad of things, if we have not come to know through the power of the Holy Spirit, the God we worship."

It is only through Jesus Christ, who is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Lord, our Advocate of with Father, that we can return to our Heavenly Father. We can not do this on our own. Without our Lord, Jesus Christ, we have nothing, and with Him we have everything. I ask everyone who reads this blog to know that I always put Jesus Christ first in my life and try to learn more and more about Him with each passing day. I rely on Him to help me battle the evils of mortality. I encourage all of you to follow your Savior, to learn about Him and His mission, and to always remember that only through Jesus Christ can you be saved. As Elder Millet said, "As Latter Day Saints, our religion is life, 24/7."

We must seek out the Savior and live according to His commandments and will at all times. We need to learn more about our Savior so that we can always have His perfect live to guide us.