Reaching Your Potential Is Life Eternal

Right now I'm on exchanges with Sister Cottle and she asked me to blog about something I have learned or put into effect in my life. As I was thinking this week of what I wanted to share, I couldn't help but to reflect upon our lives here on earth and our eternal goal that lies ahead. Something that I have always struggled with is why people say they only hope to make it to the Celestial Kingdom if they are deemed worthy of such great a blessing. Growing up I looked to my father's example of having faith enough in yourself and in the Lord that he would go to the Celestial Kingdom to live with our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ and be together as a family forever. What a great man of faith to not only know that it is achievable, but to live in such a way that eternal life is the only thing you want. He was not a man of preaching but a man of example, who emulated the Savior in all he did. The Celestial Kingdom is not a fleeting dream or just something to hope, but a reality. Heavenly Father has prepared a place for each of us, but only if we are willing to pay the price and turn to the Savior.
    This morning I was reading the talk "The Atonement: All for All" by Elder Bruce C. Hafen. He says, "We can have eternal life if we want it, but only if there is nothing else we want more". This is so true. If we want to become fully converted to this gospel we have to give all of ourselves, "all that [we] have", to the Lord. Alma 22:15, ". . . I will give up all I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy".. We must give our hearts, our pains, our weaknesses, and all the things that distance us and so easily beset us from God (2 Nephi 4:18).

     I've learned a great deal from the scriptures on this matter. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:22 it reads, "For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory". I testify to you that that is true. We start abiding by that law here and now. I always have to remember the writings of Nephi when he said in 1 Nephi 3:7, ". . .for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. The Lord will provide the way as long as we turn to Him and give everything to Him.

     How great my joy is that I have the Savior Jesus Christ, who gave his life, for me. You and I will reach the Celestial Kingdom after all that I can do. I see myself standing in front of the Lord, being judged for the things I have done in this life and how I have used the Savior's atonement. I have called upon the Him many times to forgive me and to make up for what I lack. He has the power to cleanse and heal us, He is the advocate with the Father, and when we truly humble ourselves and submit we are blessed by His sacrifice. D&C 60:7 ". . .For I am able to make you holy, and your sins are forgiven you." I love the Lord, I can never repay Him for all he has done for me, but I can become who He wants me to be and that is the greatest gift we can ever give. We all have a divine potential here in this life. We all struggle, we all need a Savior. Let Him touch your life as He has mine and give everything to Him. I am so grateful for my mission. Nothing brings me more joy then to see people come to a knowledge of their Redeemer. I love you all, emulate Him in all you do and say and you will truly see the power and authority of your call.

All my love,

Sister Simnitt