Families Are Forever!!

My joy is bubbling over and my heart is so full!! This morning, as we were waiting and preparing for Church we were listening to the Mormon Channel. We love the spirit that the messages shared bring into our home. As we listened, one particular line stood out to me,

"Whatever the outcome 

and no matter how difficult your experience,

 you have the promise that you will not be denied 

the blessings of eternal family relationships 

if you love the Lord, 

keep His commandments, 

and just do the best you can." 

Elder Dallin H. Oakes

The joy this line, from a message I had heard many times before brought to my heart today! My heart has been so heavy for 2 years worried about the eternities, aching to know those I love will be part of my family. No small secret that my hopes  to be married by now and be being sealed shortly for time and all eternity and have Kaelani sealed to us, won't be happening. My heart has been heavy with concern, what will happen to my sweet girl. Will she be adrift for all eternity? Will she only be sealed to her spouse? Will our bond only last for this life? I want desperately for her to have an eternal family. I have been praying and concerned for so long, the urgency peaking during her blessing, and recently over the past 2 years has been a constant cause of thought and worry. 

I am so grateful to know that the Lord will provide for our relationship to continue into the eternities, and that as I strive to love the Lord, keep His commandments, and do the best I can . . . our relationship will last for the eternities. It was healing balm to my soul this day to hear those words, and then to look for the talk to be sure I did hear what I thought I heard. I called my bishop to have my understanding confirmed!! 

I am so grateful for the atonement. I am grateful for the opportunity to be forgiven, and to be extended again a chance for the blessings of an eternal family. I am grateful for the Savior, for His sacrifice and willingness to do all so that we can live again, can be forgiven, and most importantly can be with our family forever!!