Written by Carter

We passed last Sunday afternoon, with a missionary (and his wife and their two children) who served with Ashton in Fiji. He told us some experiences involving Ashton. As I see these young men Ashton’s age, I mentally picture what it would be like to have Ashton also married with two children. At times like this, the promise by President Howard W. Hunter brings me indescribable peace: “No blessing, including that of eternal marriage [marriage that exists after death] and an eternal family, will be denied to any worthy individual. While it may take somewhat longer—perhaps even beyond this mortal life—for some to achieve this blessing, it will not be denied.” Only the One Perfect Judge — Jesus Christ — can determine whether Ashton is deemed “worthy,” but I trust His perfect justice and His perfect mercy. It will be OK. There is peace in Christ. True peace is only in Christ. I’m grateful for the opportunity to choose to accept “…the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, [which keeps my heart and mind] through Christ Jesus.”   

I’m reading a book about a father whose 18-year-old son died of a sudden illness in 1991. This quote from his book touched my heart: “Still to this day, people who knew Denny will come up to us and share stories about him. It always warms our hearts when someone takes the time to share a memory about him.” If I could “coach” those who don’t know what to say to a grieving parent, when possible, this is always a “winner” for me. You might see tears from the parent. Some of the tears will be from missing their beloved child…but some of the tears might be of pure gratitude for your Christlike act of helping the parent know that their loved one has not been forgotten. We watched the Pixar movie, “Coco” last week…and I cried…like I did the other two times I watched it. I understand it’s “just a movie,” but it reminded me of the importance of remembering our deceased loved ones. We will see them alive again when they are resurrected…but until we pass from this life, our memories of them can be such a sweet delight!   

At my sister, Janice’s, recommendation, we watched the movie “Out of Liberty,” which depicts the months-long imprisonment of Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail in Missouri. Our 3rd-great-grandfather, Alexander McRae, was in that jail with him. I thought the movie did a good job of depicting the integrity of the jailer and how he protected them from the mobs who wanted to kill the captives. I am grateful to stand (or at least sit) on the shoulders of giants who paved the way so I can enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Now…to stay true so I can pass that torch/baton to the next generation!

Some of the missionaries in the islands have not been able to return home (even when they have completed their assigned time of 18-24 months) because there are no flights leaving those countries and/or they are not allowed to return to their home country. The mission president of three such US missionaries encouraged them to enroll in online BYU classes. They will attend classes in the morning, then proselyte in the afternoon…until they can return home.

I previously mentioned a man in the islands with a benign brain tumor. He was not able to get into New Zealand, but (long story) was able to get into the US. It sounds like they are taking good care of him there.            

In closing, I affirm that, under the direction of the Father and the Son, heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph Smith and re-establish the church of Jesus Christ. The resurrected John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. Three of the original twelve Apostles—Peter, James, and John—restored the apostleship and keys of priesthood authority. Others came as well, including Elijah, who restored the authority to join families together forever in eternal relationships that transcend death. What a blessing to know that these authorities have been restored by God to the earth once more!