To my dear children, their husbands, and wives, my grandchildren, their helpmates, and their families--
I love you all so very much. I have a testimony that God the Father, Jesus Christ and our Holy Ghost are very real to me. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us, and that before we were born to parents here on earth, we were spirit children of God our Father in Heaven. He loves us and I know that He sent His Son to save us from our sings. Jesus' suffering upon the cross is only valid to us in our lives if we repent of all our sins and come unto Christ. If we do not, we will have to suffer for our own sins the same pain that Christ suffered.
It is my prayer than when it is time for us to stand before God, He will say to us, "Well done my faithful (son or daughter) enter into my presence."
In these last two and a half years without Grandpa, I have had lots of time to review and recall all my shortcomings and I truly am trying to repent. You know when I was younger, I used to think I would have an eternal life "here after" earned by now. BUT instead I have learned what having to work and live faithfully to the very end really means. I have read and really pondered the Book of Mormon and scriptures many times. I've read books written by the General Authorities. Thus I have learned a lot more about the Gospel and its value and meaning to us than I ever knew before. I have learned to pray to my Heavenly Father for guidance; after trying to solve things as best I could. He has answered my questions through the Holy Ghost. He caused a warm feeling in my heart, letting me know what I need to do. I testify that this has been true many times. He has given me great comfort and taken away loneliness many times. He has given me strength and courage to live alone.
Our past prophet, Ezra Taft Benson, in one of his General Conference addresses, told us that we must beware of pride. The wars in the Book of Mormon between the Nephites and Lamanites are a testimony of this. When the people were humble and trusted the Lord, He helped them to overcome and defeat the Lamanites. But when the Nephites were prospering, they became too prideful and turned from God; then He did not bless and guide them and they were defeated. The history of these wars are recorded for us to show what can happen when we become too prideful and think we can get along without turning to God for his blessings. Oftentimes we turn from God and worship the wrong things in life. Money, fine clothes, homes too grand for our pocket books, jewelry, or even wishing for and seeking greater priestige over others--are some examples of wrong attitudes.
Obedience is the first Law of Heaven. No matter which subject (chastity, word of wisdom, sabbath, etc.), obedience to the law brings happiness and disobedience eventually brings misery.
I have been blessed to have children who honor their parents (Dad and I). I pray this respect for parents will continue down through the generations that follow me.
I feel that I have not always kept the commadment of "charity" as good as I should have. Scriptures tell us that if we keep all the others but have not charity for others, we have nothing. I am really trying to do better and pray that I will be forgiven.
I often give advice to my family; sometimes solicited and some not. I hope none of you will think I am a "crabby old lady." I hope you can overlook my shortcomings and recognize my intent is for love. I do love you all so very much and pray for you all everyday.
My prayer is that you may have peace and comfort in your lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. --Grandma Davis
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