What if I...

I am venturing into a what if post and at the risk of sounding morbid the what if question on my mind is what if I died tomorrow?  It must have been in Gospel Principles today when in conversing about the blessings of Heavenly Father on our families as we remain faithful to our covenants I made a comment about what I do when my kids are up in Alaska.  I visit the Temple each week and put their names and their moms name in the prayer rolls, I serve faithfully in my calling and as a home teacher with the hope that by doing these things I can call upon the Lord to be with and bless the kids while we are apart.  I believe that he does.  Anyhow, that lead to a couple of additional comments and my mind was stirred and I asked myself the question; What if I died tomorrow?  What would happen to my children?  Have I set a strong enough example of righteousness for them to follow?  Have I helped them develop their testimonies to a point that if I were suddenly gone they would remain faithful to the Lord?  I don't know what the answer to these questions is.  My first hope is that we don't have to find that out and my second hope is that Natty, Jack and Andy each have the seed of faith firmly planted within them, that it has taken root and that those roots are healthy and strong.

I believe that I have a lot of work to do and a long way to go.  We do our best to live the gospel basics and to strive to follow the Savior and his living Prophet Thomas S. Monson.  That doesn't happen without struggle and without challenges.  I think the Lord knows that we will have those and that it is okay.  The most important part of it all is that we carry on, we continue to press forward doing the very best that we can do to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Well, what if I die tomorrow?  If I do then I share this message with Natalie, Jackson and Anderson.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and the fullness of the Gospel is found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's Prophet on the earth today and as we follow him, we follow the Lord.  The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ and as you read it along with The Bible and other scriptures they will serve as an anchor to the Savior.  They are the words of God and will safely guide you through this life.  Jesus Christ is your Savior and friend.  He is your brother.  He knows who you are and in your darkest hours He is there.  You are not alone.  He loves you.  Follow Him in faith.  Don't get caught up in what the world says you should do, no, you follow the Lord and His Prophet the very best that you can and you will be doing what is right and that is what really matters in this life.  As your father I invoke my blessing upon each of you, that you will know in your hearts that these things are true and that you will find peace and joy as you adhere to the principles of the Gospel.  Know that I will always be near you, that I will be one of the angels on your right or on your left, round about you to bear you up.  You are children of God and are worthy of his help.  I love you with all of my heart.