LaRee Lunt Bluth (McRae/Shaw)

My mother's life story begins with:

 "If I include my family as I tell you about my life, it's because my family is my life!  Where I lie down worn out, my children will stand young and fresh.  By the steps I have cut, they will climb.  By the stairs I have built, they will mount.  At my clumsy work they will laugh, but they will mount, and on my work they will climb, and by my stairs ... for no man liveth unto himself, and no man dieth unto himself."

If I could use one word to describe her (which is impossible) is would be JOY.  Each time I speak with her or call her on the phone and say "Hola mamacita" she laughs.  Her laughter will ring in my ears long after she leaves this mortal sphere - and I'm sure it is the "magic" of her happy life (thus our happy lives)!

My mother knows the value of FAMILY.  She knows that this world was created (organized) for the creation  (organization) of families.  She taught us from infancy of God's plan for his family (we are His spirit children).  She learned the value of ROOTS and WINGS from the restored gospel of Jesus Christ - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

God, our Father in Heaven, made a perfect plan for His children.  He taught us in our premortal lives (Roots) - and then He sent us here to Earth to receive a body of flesh and blood (Wings).  Our mortal bodies are subject to temptations of every kind, but we must allow our spirits to learn to manage our bodies.  He knew we would make mistakes - - thus He sent His "only begotten in-the-flesh" Son, Jesus Christ - - to atone for us (which means that Christ's atonement will bring MERCY to help overcome God's Laws that would condemn us).  Our Father knew that we would need to be able to CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES - thus when two of His most glorious sons presented their plans for helping us (Jesus and Lucifer) - he chose the plan of CHOICE (Jesus'), because Lucifer's plan was to force us to do right.

This is called the "Plan of Happiness", or "Plan of Salvation", and even the "Plan of Exaltation".  It is based on the Law of Obedience.  Even God obeys laws.  When He says He will bless us, He will!  When Christ created (organized) this world He commanded all things to obey - the rocks, plants, animals, stars - - everything except us!  We were given the privilege of CHOICE!.  But the blessings, promises, and true happiness come from obedience to God's eternal laws and also to commandments given through Prophets.

So, getting back to FAMILY.  Family gives us ROOTS!  Mothers teach us and nurture us.  Fathers provide, protect and preside.  It's a perfect plan!  When mothers and fathers fulfill their roles for raising healthy and happy children, and when parents honor marriage covenants of fidelity and love - - then children are given WINGS.  Children can fly - - they have confidence - - they can do great things in their lives and bless the world!

Thank you, mother, for teaching us that we are children of a loving and perfect God, Elohim - - our Father in Heaven.  Thank you for teaching us of the great heritage of hard-working, faithful and kind people that we come from!  Thank you for sharing the journals and stories of those who came before us.  Our feet are planted firmly in our earthly lives, and we are working towards earning a glorious estate in our next life!