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“My mother passed away in 2006. She was a marvelous woman. I am reminded of Lincoln’s words: ‘All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.’”

Like birth, death is a necessary and essential part of the plan of salvation (see Moses 6:59–62)—which Jacob and Alma both called the “great plan of happiness” (2 Nephi 9:6; Alma 42:8). Facing death can be one of the most fearful experiences of mortality. For the righteous, though, death can be sweet and need not be feared (see Alma 27:28). Indeed, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that “those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:46). On the other hand, for people who die not in Christ, death can be a bitter experience (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:47), and the thought of an approaching death can create foreboding, trepidation, and fear. Dreams regarding death can serve as a powerful reminder that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God (see Alma 12:24; 34:32). . . .

There’s one teaching of Jesus Christ that author Emily Belle Freeman thinks about regularly.

“Every blessing of the gospel won’t do the people of the world one bit of good until they are gathered to the Church where they can become the Lord’s true covenant people.”

President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a historic policy change Wednesday morning allowing women and children to serve as witnesses during sacred ordinances. For baptisms outside the temple, any baptized member of the Church can serve as a witness. For baptisms for the dead, any member of the Church, including women and young Church members, holding a limited-use temple recommend can serve as a witness. For sealing ordinances, any endowed member of the Church with a current temple recommend can serve as a witness.

Emily Hill would go through more challenges than her 20-year-old self setting sail to join the Saints ever thought she would. But those experiences helped her write prose that would inspire millions.

With over 90,000 subscribers, the “Don’t Miss This” YouTube channel has helped families and individuals worldwide apply the teachings of the new Come, Follow Me curriculum.

This excerpt originally ran on LDS Living in June 2016.

Editor's Note: The views, information, or opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author. Readers should consider each unique situation. This content is not meant to be a substitute for individual, professional advice.