Born of Goodly Parents

The first verse of the first chapter of the first book of the Book of Mormon starts out with the author, Nephi, saying: "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents..."

22 years ago today I was born of goodly parents.  I came into this world with one of my best friends, my twin sister Alexa.  I was born into a family where I had a big brother and a big sister who would become some of my greatest examples and sources of support.  Two little sisters and two little brothers, who I utterly adore, would join our family.  And one of the first people to greet me into this world, aside from my parents, was my Aunt Debi, who would become one of my role models.


 

In reflecting on all of this, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for God's great plan of happiness.  I can see so clearly how my Father in Heaven has a specific plan for me.  And I know that an essential part of that plan is my family.  I love knowing that I can be with my family forever.

God is our Heavenly Father and He has a plan for His children.  Part of that plan includes the opportunity to live with our families forever.  Our Heavenly Father has so many blessings in store for us and the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us how to live so we can claim those blessings and have peace and happiness in this life and eternal life with our families in the next.

Today on my birthday, I am grateful for my life here on earth.  I am grateful for the family I am a part of and I'm grateful to know that we were all born of Goodly Parents.  I love my Heavenly Father and I love the plan of salvation that He has provided for each one of us.  And I'm especially grateful that this is the message I get to share as a full-time missionary.