Thank You

I just have such a feeling of faith in Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit.

Tonight, I took a neighbor to walmart with Eden in tow. He wasn't listening well and I was flustered. I got into my purse and paid for my goods and then put my card away.

The next thing I knew, I was pulling up into my house and realized I didn't have my purse. (This is not the first time I have done this) I had no idea where to even begin. So, I put the car in park and asked Eden to join me in a prayer for Heavenly Father to help lead me to my purse.

So, I rush back to walmart, check the carts outside, check customer service, check the check out counter I went through. It wasn't there! At this point, my heart is pounding and the tears are being held back.

We get back in the car, say another prayer and shed a few tears. I have this feeling to head back home and call the bank to cancel my card so no one can use it.

As I pull up and start getting my bags out of the van, I notice a vehicle that I don't recognize and two people wandering around the apartment complex. They come up and ask if I am Staci. And of course, I say yes. The woman (and her husband) held up my purse.

I was speechless and just started crying. I was so worried about my purse. It had my id, debit cards, personal info, pay stubs, etc in it. And, this amazing family recognized it sitting in a cart and were kind enough to search on their phone for my information to find me and return it. They tried calling but I wasn't home and so they came to the house they said. After a second I was able to compose myself and explained we had just moved to Twin Falls about 6 weeks ago and I had no idea where to start looking for my wallet. Sarah (the lady) said that when they stumbled up on my wallet, they said a prayer to Heavenly Father to ask if they should return it to walmart or to my home.

How truly awesome is that?

And guess what............ They are LDS and live in our stake! Tony and Sarah go to 4th ward. So, I invited them to dinner and they said yes.

I just love Twin Falls. I love being around more LDS people that share the same gospel standards and have faith in Heavenly Father. I'm so thankful for everyone we have met and have taken us as friends. I'm so thankful for the family I have that share the same beliefs and covenants and our children that are being raised with the fullness of the gospel.

A change for our family

Well, we are all settled in Twin Falls. We've been here for about 4 weeks now and enjoying our time so far! We've got all our boxes unpacked and trying to organize now. It's sad to realize the space we took for granted in Saint Regis. This apartment is definitely smaller. But, no complaint. We know this is where Heavenly Father wanted us.

We are also making a few changes already though. We submitted an application to foster care. We will be hearing back within the next 3 weeks if we are approved or not - we have to wait for our fingerprinting to be done and cleared. Then the next step will be PRIDE classes (training) and a home study. Joel and I have talked about gaining a licensure for foster care since before we married. Knowing we couldn't have more children but wanting them in our home, we thought this would be the best. We will also be licensed for adoption but just don't feel that's in our cards right now.

So, even though we only moved 4 short weeks ago...... We are looking for a larger house already. We are going to stay with our property manager and find something with her. She's just been amazing and worked so hard to get us here. She's excited for a bigger place too. (Hey, a girl has got to work to make a living!) She has a few places that we will be looking at this afternoon.

Joel & I have both settled into our work routine. I am working days and Joel works evenings. It's a great option because then we aren't worrying about childcare for our boy. He plays at a new friends house for 30 minutes during shift change, usually 2-3 days a week. Our friends our foster parents as well. They currently have 2 seven year old boys and Eden absolutely loves going over there. We do a lot of play time with both of them.  We've also bought a membership to the local YMCA and usually go to the pool every other day or so. Eden really enjoys this! They have a fun little area with a slide and then it gets deeper. He's really excited about swimming this year, where in the past he has been a scared to even get in.

It's been a lot of fun meeting new members of the ward. It was even more rewarding to move into this complex and have quite a few LDS neighbors and all ages. We have a young newly wed couple that lives down stairs and then the next building has an 74 yrs old lady and a family of 2 above her. Aloha (the 74 yr old) is currently going through radiation treatment and I have been taking her Monday - Friday. And then, we just had a cute little gal move into the complex next door on the other side. Can't remember her name but I will be making it over to talk with her again. I met her just this last Tuesday at our Relief Society meeting but didn't get to stay long and get situated with her much. She doesn't drive and we've offered to start taking her to church and work on the other side of town.

Staci

What's that smell?

Work.

work = stink

 I've  been able to be a stay at home mom &  homeschool the past year and absolutely loved it. Today, I had to work my first Sunday. I know I'm feeling sorry for myself but it's not fair. Sundays are a special day to celebrate the sabbath and be with your family while devoted to Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ.

It wasn't a terrible day but all I could think about was Joel & Eden being at sacrament without me. I would have done anything to switch my shift. I've talked with my supervisor and asked for Sundays off from now on. We will see what happens......

Procrastination

Yes, that is me.

I should be packing right now.

But, after 27 boxes and 17 buckets of our food storage early this morning. - I'm taking a break.

My back was sore by then.

I still have a to-do list:

Fix hole in Eden's room & paint

Stain the back patio

Shampoo rugs downstairs

Scrub down the entire house

Mow the yard

Finish laundry from yesterday

Keep packing

I know it doesn't seem like much, but I am overwhelmed at the moment & want to just run away from it all. I'm considering paying someone to come finish all my chores & magically put my new house all together for me!

Wake Up Call

I woke up at 4am today......

In excruisiating (sp?) pain......

My mind is saying to the the ER and get checked out.......

My neighbor drives me the 15 minutes......

 4 hours later.......

IV fluids..............

Fenagrin................

Morphine...............

Lab Draw................

X rays & CT scan..................

The pain finally goes away and I get a diagnois of...............

Multiple kidney stones. Some already in my bladder but most still up in my kidneys..................

Yay for me! NOT!!! Definitely something I could have lived without experiencing in my lifetime. But, this too shall pass.

Sealed for Eternity

June 1, 2012

This will forever be a special day in my family's life.

Joel, me & Eden were able to be sealed as a family for all eternity in the Spokane Washington Temple. We had my sister (Emiley), JoAnn & Jerry Wolcott, John & Donna Rios, Justin Leonard, Mark & Amy Farris, and Rick & Judy Seemann attend with us. We also had Amy (Judy's daughter) waiting outside to take some photos for us.

Joel & I had to arrive at the temple at 3:30pm. We were even 15 minutes early bc I wanted to be able to say hi to the Wolcotts - they had a nephew getting sealed at 3:30 also. So, after we left Eden with Aunt Emiley in the waiting room, we began our journey in the temple.

To begin, our recommends would not enter into the computer system. We both were denied access and had to wait for the temple president to come speak with us. So, while we're waiting 3 more people were denied access and they relized the internet was down and let us go in anyways. We were ushered to wait in the lobby area until the President could meet with us.

After about 15 minutes, we were lead into the President's office for our meeting. We reviewed our family member & group records as well as a few other minor details. We discussed our sealing and what was about to happen to our family. It was a great conversation and really got to know our temple president on a personal level.

We were then ushered to our separate changing areas - I got the bridal suite! We changed and met in the celestrial room. We were able to start our sealing in a sacret manner & learn more of ourselves. We proceeded then to go into the sealing room and sit with our family & friends until our sealing actually took place. After a few minutes, our sealer came in and gave a wonderful sealing service to us. I remember, just holding Joel's hand and knowing I could feel all the love he truly holds for me at the very second. He just kept looking in my eyes, I saw the unspoken promises he was speaking to me while listening and covenanting with me, as his wife in the ceremony.

Then, Eden came in. He was quite dashing in his white suit - thanks Grandma Bev for that very special gift he will have forever. I've never seen him so handsome before and all smiles! He was determined to know what type of treasure was hidden at the alter. (He still thinks he missed out on the gold, lol.)

When our sealing was completed, I could't help but realize the power of the priesthood that was performed through Heavenly Father's plan. The Spirit was definitely with us that Friday.

I loved being able to visit with and hug the Rios & Wolcott family. It has been a few months since seeing both of their families. I was overwhelmed with the love and support that my sister, Emiley, showed by coming on our special day. My dear friend Judy traveled with her husband 2 hours to come with us. As well did the Farris'. Justin came from the Seattle area and followed us home after a delightful dinner at Tomato Street with John, Donna & Emiley.

Amy (Judy's daughter) was waiting outside the temple for us. She had brought her daughters along and kept them entertained outside. She shared with me that Zoey was so excited to come to the temple that evening. It's such a blessing to see the happiness that the temple brings to everyone. Amy was so sweet & patient with us. Eden was in his usual mood of trying to show off and wanting only to show off his muscles or make an awful face in all the pictures. But, she was able to convince him to give a few smiles and sit up straight. I look forward to seeing her photos and enjoying them for years to come.

As most know, my mom is not a member of the church. But, it was so sweet of her to leave the message she did on my phone. I didn't save it (should have) but said that she had thought of us and wanted us to have a great time at the temple that day. - It's those bittersweet moments that you treasure forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope these memories will last with me this entire lifetime. I don't want to forget any of them.

On a side note, June 1st is also the anniversary of John & Donna. It was a great day to celebrate their special day too!



It's official.... We're a family!

On May 14, 2012, a dream came true for our family.

Joel was granted by the Judge to legally adopt Eden. Everything is set in stone and we couldn't be happier. Seriously, it was an amazing day.

It was just Joel, Eden & I in the court room on Monday, but it was ok. We know that our family was there in spirit supporting us.

And, just two days ago, we were able to become an eternal family.

Twin Falls, Idaho

We can say it offically.................

We are moving to Twin Falls, Idaho.

Home of the Shoshone Falls

And the Twin Falls Idaho Temple

While Joel & I were in Twin Falls, we were able to find an apartmennt for us to rent. We were really scared of what we would get for our budget. Remember, our current home is over 2000 sq feet/4 bedrooms and we are downsizing to half of that. Literally, 1000 sq ft and two bedrooms. That is a whole story all in itself for Joel, lol.

Our rental manager, Shelley, is amazing and worked super hard on making sure we found the best place for our family. She was able to give us every things we had listed and in the school boundary we want Eden to attend.

We also were able to meet with our employer. Initally, we were actually hired over the phone and they said to just come in and sign the paperwork when we came to town and tell them our start date. Yeah, that definitely does not happen everyday! But, after looking around and speaking with other employees, we feel it's a great place to work. We are scheduled to start by the beginning of July. We've planned our moving date for June 19th.

But, I won't even get into how I feel about packing........

Just Taking Note

So, I've decided that I need to be more diligent with my writing. I've been writing in a personal journal and blogging online but decided it is time to combine for the most part. I will keep my very personal entries in my private journal, but will keep most updates on my blog and just print off regularly to keep in a journal.

This entry doesn't have a lot of explanation but wanted to keep track of the last couple weeks. We've accomplished a lot and don't want to miss anything as I expell on them later.

Our last 12 days:

Wednesday, May 23rd - Eden went to visit Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Devin. He stayed 7 days!

Thursday, May 24th - Sheetrock, plaster & taped our downstairs bedroom and did laundry. 

Friday, May 25th - Mowed the yard (3 hours), organized the garage and stacked wood.

Saturday, May 26th - First day of Joel's 10 vacation from work! Worked outside on the garage again, attended the local flea market & had dinner with our neighbors. Packed for our "mini-vacation".

Sunday, May 27th - Enjoyed our Sabbath with church & some quiet time.

Monday, May 28th - Started on our journey to Twin Falls. It took us 8 hours in the car and a TERRIBLE pass. (Not looking forward to taking the U-haul over HWY 93.) Checked into Motel 8 about 6pm, went to Shoshone Falls for a picnic dinner.

Tuesday, May 29th - A busy day! We met our rental manager and saw 5 different homes/apartments in Twin Falls. We also met with our employer and did all of the basis paperwork. Went to dinner at Golden Corral.

Wednesday, May 30th - Time to pack up and head back home. It took us about 9 hours to get home this time. We stopped and enjoyed a burger at a local stop on the way and also Lowe's. Got home about 5pm and immediately started staining the back patio a dark walnut color.

Thursday, May 31st - Woke up at 6am to get on the road and pick up Eden in Plains. So excited to have him back with us. (It was lonely without the little guy!) We continued staining the deck, finishing the inside stairwell (stain & edging) and painting the ceiling of the downstairs bedroom.

Friday, June 1st - Sealed as a family for all eternity. Had dinner with John, Donna & Emiley Rios and Justin Leonard at Tomato Street. (It was John & Donna's anniversary too!)

Life Is Wonderful

My goodness what a great weekend we had at the Nelson landing!

We've been so lucky to receive all the great news lately. So, in case you're wondering; here it is...............

We ArE gEtTiNg SeAlEd!!!!!!

Yep, that's right! I am one of the luckiest girls alive. Then even more blessings came! Saturday, I went to check the mail and we received a mailing that had been notarized & approved by the courts to have permission for Joel to adopt Eden!!! We hadn't told many people because the process was taking so long and didn't want to jinx ourselves with telling people what we were doing. But, it finally came - YAY!

How do I even express how I am feeling right now? Overjoyed, elated, thankful - so many words could be used right now. But ultimately, I feel so thankful to Heavenly Father for the blessings he has given my family the past two years. He has brought Joel & I together as one. 

So, to top today off Joel & I were able to submit the adoption paperwork for Joel to legally adopt Eden as his own son. Eden is SO excited. His only silly question about the entire thing was now that he is getting Dad is he losing me. My heart just melted when he asked & I started crying. (I'm a cry baby) and told him no, he was just now getting everything that Heavenly Father wants him to have. Eden got so excited, he started crying too! I just love these special moments. We were able to set a court date for May 14th @ 9am!

YeS, oNlY 3 mOrE wEeKs AnD wE wIlL bE aN "oFfIcIaL" fAmIlY!

Heavenly Father has been so amazing to my family.  I am so thankful for them that has been given to me on this earth and will remain with for eternity. I cannot wait to set our date and be sealed as not only husband & wife but a complete eternal family.

Things I Should Be Doing

I should be doing more than just sitting at the computer typing my blog

Like..............

washing & folding laundry

doing dishes

moving the lawn

making beds

scrubbing the toilet

take a shower - don't worry I took one yesterday!

painting the downstairs bedroom

but, like I said; instead, I am here on my computer.

It's a quiet day. Eden has went to Devin's house to celebrate his birthday this weekend. This is two week in a row he has went away for a few days. Mommy is definitely not liking this.

Love, Staci

Time 4 Learning

A few weeks ago, I came across a great site: www.time4learning.com. Didn't think much of it besides that I realized it was a fun site for kids to do activities and get some help with their learning. I wasn't amazed that it was $19.95/month. Don't get me wrong! There is nothing wrong with paying money to help your kids learn, but there are so many free sites I thought I could find a better one.

But, I have to admit I was wrong. I enrolled Eden just last week for Time 4 Learning. After a lot of researching the site and reading "pros" and "cons" about the site, I thought this could really be for us. So I enrolled Eden and away we went.

I had him work on 5 lessons on Saturday. He was really enjoying it and actually starting getting upset when I said we needed to go outside and water the garden! Man, that really impressed me. Then today, we began our 1st real day of T4L. It went amazingly well. Since we have been homeschooling this year anyways, I wasn't sure where to start. So why not the beginning? I've figured it out to where he will do 5 lessons in Language Arts & Extension Language Arts, 2 in Math every week. 1 Science, 1 Social Studies and Art every week, as well as his daily independent reading, Music, Scriptures, and outside play. Then he doesn't have a chance to have missed anything.

And, I love the way that they implent their curriculum. It's all narriated nicely and very clear to understand. If you have questions, you jump on the forum page - free with enrollment and ask your questions. They get answered quickly and very throughly - I've already asked a few. Also, they have great ladies that work up in their office and have answered my questions quickly and precisely. None of that sales stuff like "since your a member, you are eligable for....." I hate dealing with that garbage.

The other great thing about T4L is it's not just for homeschooling. It's used an an after school program, extra learning, or just plain fun gaming for children up to 8th grade! All in one site! I've already recommended it to my sister and a very good friend thinking of homeschooling in the coming years! Check it out.

www.time4learning.com

or

http://www.facebook.com/#!/Time4Learning

Happy Autism Awareness Month!

So, if you haven't guessed.... April is Autism Awareness Month. The official day is the 2nd where national "Autism Walks" are hosted and millions of dollars are donated for the very cause. It's such a heartfelt month for me. Eden has Asbergers aka Autism Spectrum Disorder and it's been a blessing! Once we found out what was going on in that big beautiful brain of his, we knew how to handle it.

So, to show my support for Autism Awareness, I wore my blue yesterday. Today, I headed down to our public library and read with children. This month the library is sponsoring children with (all) disabilities with a free boook if they attend a reading session. Eden wasn't able to attend because he is visiting grandma and grandpa this week. We will take him next week!

So, I've decided to celebrate the month by posting a new picture and fun fact about Autism Spectrum Disorder on my facebook page for everyone to learn something!

~*Lovely*Saturday*~

{I LOVE SATURDAYS}

Can't say enough about them! It's so nice to just have a relaxing day at home and not have any week long commitments anymore.

Our usual Saturday:

1. Wake up & visit with my hubby (He works night shift).
2. Lead Eden in his chores - Laundry pickup, feed dogs, garbage, make bed, brush teeth, etc.
3. Breakfast Pancake Party - yep, every Saturday!
4. Play imaginary ninjas or police officer.
5. Clean up the house for for Sunday.
6. Make Lunch.
7. Prepare & study our lessons for sunday school, primary & rs/priesthood the following day.
8. Eden picks a flick for family movie night!
9. 30 minutes of reading for Eden.
10. Clean house for a lady that has hired my assistance.
11. Water my indoor plants. Prepare outside soil for planting.
12. Make Dinner - usually pizza, tacos, burgers, etc. - We lay a blanket out downstairs and enjoy dinner with a movie every Saturday.
13. Bath/Shower.
14. Family Scripture study/prayer.
15. Bed!

Wow, it's amazing how I said before that I don't have a committed schedule for Saturday. I guess I fibbed! It's amazing all the "little" things we do and I never realized it before.

Well, here is to a productive day!

Our Meeting

Well, it was another great weekend in Missoula. We were able to attend our stake conference. Saturday was filled with a lot of convert testimonies. I really enjoyed this and the conference last fall was the same thing. I came out with a great view of the Gospel to add to my testimony.

After conference, we met with President Tree. Yep, the Stake President. We had an appt to meet with him the week before but he got super busy and we had to reschedule. So, we had our meeting and discussed our temple sealing! How exciting, right?!?! President Tree is in complete agreement of our sealing and is recommending us!

I don't think there are words to neccessarily describe the excitement of knowing you will be sealing to your companion for eternity.

I sure love him.

Which path do we follow?

Uhhhhhh, it's just one of those days. Well... maybe weeks. Joel and I have been really working on what it is we want for our family. Obviously, we want our entire family to be together for an eternity. But how do we prepare for that? It's been hard to make the decision and know at that time that it is the right one.
So, comes our newest challenge. What are we going to do with our careers? Do we stay in St Regis and know we won't excell anymore than what we have? Do we move to a big city and start over from scratch? Do we keep the house or sell? What is it that we are meant to do.
I have to say, I am so thankful for Heavenly Father and the ability to lay it all before him in prayer and journaling. I think I've filled over 100 pages within just the last few weeks with ideas and strategies as to how our lives will take course - AND HOPEFULLY SUCCEED!
Joel & I have decided we are both going to go into nursing. We are looking for associate programs and then work towards getting our bachelors. We've come to realize we need to do it this way so we can get our licenses and get to work to keep our income steady. But what do we do from this decision?
I guess we continue our prayers and working hard, resource, etc. I know Heavenly Father will answer our prayers when he feels it is time. Until then.......
Do we put Eden back in public school? I've so enjoyed this year of homeschooling and know we have formed a much stronger bond and both mom/son and teacher/student. He is so excited to attend class everyday. I don't want him to lose that feeling and education. The 1:1 has been so great for him and given him the opportunity to build on his education.

Talk from 1.29.2012

Joel & I were asked to give talks about temple marriage for church. We felt honored to give talks about such a special event. We are working very hard on getting to the temple to be sealed and I wanted to share my talk. Joel had a great talk but more was just form the spirit and not written down.

{My Talk}

Joel & I were married by President Farris. We had our closest friends and family in attendance. Most from our local branch. It was a special day for our family. But, to be honest, I can't truly remember what President Farris said except to always talk through thing. NO MATTER WHAT! A few months ago before he was released, President Farris stood and was talking about how hard it is to marry a couple only until death. I knew he had said this in our vows but never had it dawned on me until that moment.

Ever since being baptized, I have always wanted to do the "mormon things". I was sad to realize I missed out on Young Women, Seminary and a mission. But, I have had the privilege to work beside these organizations and see others grow through the teachings. But, one thing I don't have to miss out on is the blessings of the temple.

I was baptized a few years ago but did not attend baptisms for the dead when our ward would go because I was a single mom and worked a huge amount - or so I thought was the excuse. Going to church was a blessing. Just to get from the world for a few hours. In Libby, Bishop Wolcott's wife, Joanne, was a teacher at the preschool that Eden attended and took us in under her wing. She loved us from day one and hasn't stopped yet. Not having any family except my sister over 1,000 miles away belonging to the church, the Wolcott's were my family. I approached Bishop Wolcott about my patriartical blessing and he asked about receiving my personal endowments. I immediately put my guard up and said I only wanted my patriatrical and would take my time. It wasn't but a few months weeks later and I was in his office again, this time for my temple recommend.

Reality started to hit when I met with the Stake President. I knew I was making the right choices by planning to attend the temple but wasn't sure how things would work out. President Hyatt was very open and discussed a lot of different things with me. After our interview he shook my hand and said, "You are an amazing woman and enduring motherhood to the fullest. You will be meet your mate soon and continue into eternity." Hadn't I heard something similar from Bishop Wolcott just last week?

The hardest part that I had when preparing for the temple was buying my temple clothing. And, I'm ever so thankful that my sister was willing to help. Looking back I have no idea why I was so scared. Because now, I love my dress. I love that I have a special outfit just for the temple. And it's not only important to me, but everyone that enters The House of the Lord, and He himself, Heavenly Father. It makes me thing of Revelation 19:8 "And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

In May 2010, I was able to receive my endowment and start the same for my family. I was both scared and joyed. My sister, Emiley, was with me along with the Wolcott's, Emiley's in-laws and a few other church members. Of course, I knew not a lot but as it went I was amazed with what I learned and felt that day. The first thought that came to my mind after the session was to read my patriartical blessing. So, while sitting in the temple, I did just that. And again, my eyes were drawn to where it discussed finding a partner in marriage.

In August, I met the man I now call my husband. We knew almost immediately that we wanted to get married and planned our marriage. We initially planned for a temple marriage but circumstances and we were married civilly, January 29, 2011. Yes, today is our 1 year anniversary. It has been the best year - with some trials that we endured but I wouldn't change it. It's made us an inseparable pair.

Joel is the father that President Hyatt talked about in our meeting that would come into our lives. He has loved Eden since day one and wanted to be his dad. Together as a couple and family we do our daily scripture study, FHE, attend church and council regularly. Joel is always willing to uphold his priesthood duties with good example, blessings, attend meetings and provide service to our family as well as others in the community.We have come to realize we are missing something though; our sealed marriage for eternity.

We have been able to attend the temple together. We call it our date night. I have been working on my own family names in the temple. And in November, I was able to do my Grandmother's endowment. This is the woman that I spend every summer with. This is the woman I would spend all my change on to buy a card and mail it, just to say "I love you Grandma". She is the one that taught me there is a Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And, that it's OK to pray no matter where or what is going on - this all happening before I was baptized in the Church. It's beyond words to describe how I felt knowing that I did her work. To know I will see her again and for all eternity. Some may ask, why do you attend the temple. I just told you about MY reasons. This is why the temple is so important to me.

The gospel offers many great and wonderful promises, such as happiness, peace and a deeper understanding of God and His works. Perhaps the greatest promise is embodied in the doctrine of celestrial marriage.

Celestrial marriage refers to a type of marriage which we as members believe is intended to last beyond the grave and through eternity. Celestrial means heavenly and indeed, a celestrial marriage is a heavenly marriage. This does not indicate a marriage that takes place in heaven, but rather a kind of marriage that is heavenly in nature; it's divine in its origin and potential.

We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assert that for a celestrial marriage to occur, several key steps must be followed. First, the man and woman must be sealed, or bound by one holding the authority of God to perform such sealings, which can only take place in the temple. Second, the couple must seek, with all their hearts, to individually and jointly follow Jesus Christ. Third, the sealing must be confirmed by God through his spirit.

During Christ's life on earth, He passed His authority on to chosen individuals who acted in His name. The bible records, for example, that He ordained his apostles and gave them the "power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils" (Mark 3:14-15). To his apostle, Pater, he gave an even greater power: "whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven: (Matthew 16:19").

This authority to bind both on earth and in heaven is referred to as the sealing power. It is part of the full authority of God, or the priesthood. Lost to the earth after the death of the early apostles, the priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith. By heavenly decree the priesthood and sealing power were passed from Joseph to others, including the apostles, in the Church. The divine power is used to seal marriages in the temple, and establishing the foundation for eternal families - the type of families that God wants His children to have.

If a man and woman have been married only by a civilly recognized authority their marriage will end at death. They can, however, work towards gaining permission to enter a temple and be sealed together so that their marriage will be "bound" on both earth and heaven. Couples are encouraged to be married and sealed together in the temple all at once. A temple sealing is one of the highest ordinances that we can receive.

Eternal marriages do not just happen. Faithful members do not consider eternal marriage a checklist item that can be performed at a specific place and time and then be forever done. Rather, a constant work in progress. Although, the start of the eternal marriage may be dated from the point at which the sealing was done with proper authority, the couple must live their lives in a way worthy of the blessings of eternal marriage.

A couple can show their continued desire for their marriage to be eternal by following Christ in their daily lives. Faithful members who have been sealed together strive to understand and keep God's commandments. They continually try to be like Christ, seeking to be humble, patient, honest, obedient, loving, forgiving and kind. These are but a few of the godly attributes which they try to instill in their lives and in their relationship.

After a couple has been sealed together, and after they have proven their commitment to an eternal marriage, they have the opportunity to have their sealing confirmed by God's Holy Spirit. This is not an earthly ordinance, it only comes through revelation from God directly to the individuals in the marriage. Such a divine confirmation may occur in this life or in the next.

The confirmation of a couple's sealing is given by God, a divine recognition that their union will be eternal. This is the true definition of a celestrial marriage - one that has been ratified by God as being in full force for the eternities.

The sealing power that is to create a celestrial marriage also has a role in the rest of the family. Children can be sealed to their parents by the same authority, with the expectation that the entire family structure can endure through this life and extend into the hereafter. If a couple was sealed together prior to the birth of their children, then those children are born in the covenant, and partakers of the divine promise possible through the sealing of their parents. If a couple is sealed after their children are born, then the children can be sealed to the parents in a special ceremony that takes place in the holy temple.

To build an eternal family is not easy. It requires faith, commitment and a lot of hard work. Not everyone is successful, but thanks to a merciful Heavenly Father, we can have confidence that the intentions and honorable desires of our hearts will be given full consideration on Judgement Day. Faithful members have the God-given hope that through the 3 elements previously discussed they can come as close to the ideal as possible and take part, through God's grace, in the celestrial family they desire.

Such an inspiration might not have ever been conceived if it not for the revelations granted from God in the form of the Gospel. Truly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the very restoration of the full gospel of Jesus Christ in these modern times. And, I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

A day in my scripture study.

Some call the fourth chapter of 2 Nephi a psalm. Some call it a hymn. I call it a testimony. I find absolute beauty in any man that can testify of his love for Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ. To have a love for teh scriptures and revelation like no other. Nephi was a forced to be a warrior in his own family, because he believed what Heavenly Father told him to do. He never waivered when his brothers told him of falsehoods of the world. For this, Nephi is a Saint, and will always be in my heart.

{2 Nephi 4:15-35 reads}

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.
I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.
Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.
And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.
And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.
O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?
And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.
Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?
May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!
O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.
O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.