Editor's note: We’ve all heard it said, “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” But in his 2010 release, Divine Signatures, Elder Gerald N. Lund wrote that “sometimes, the Lord sends His blessings in such a highly unusual, dramatic, or precisely timed manner, that it might be likened to a 'divine signature.'”

This is the first in a series of articles from Sister Wendy Watson Nelson's new book, The Heavens Are Open.Check back next week for more powerful insights.

Why did Joseph Smith become a Freemason? What is the relationship between Masonic lodge rites and Latter-day Saint temple ordinances? Here are 5 fascinating facts about Latter-day Saints and Masons.

When I was just a baby, my father, because of concerns in his own life and challenges that he was having, left our family. Our mother alone, therefore, raised my sisters and me, and as I was growing up, my father had very little to do with us as children. I realize he was working with things in his own life, but his decisions created certain challenges and hardships for my mother, my sisters, and for me. At age fourteen or fifteen, if you were in my situation, and you knelt down and said: “Father in Heaven, help me find peace concerning my father leaving us and really having nothing to do with us for all these years. Help me forgive my father,” would you not think that was an appropriate prayer, one that deserved an answer? But no answer came at age fourteen and fifteen. Twenty, twenty-one comes, same prayers, still no answer. Twenty-five, twenty-six passes, same prayers, yet still no answer. Thirty, thirty-one, thirty-three, thirty-four all come and go. Surely I’m in the fourth watch by now, would you not agree?

How do I accept the power to define myself according to God’s view? The answer is simple.

As Latter-day Saints, we have access to so many inspiring and comforting accounts of what awaits us after death. And sprinkled among our Church doctrine are many personal accounts of people who have actually seen and experienced that other world.

INTRODUCTION: I almost always commence teaching the Old Testament in the same way. I bring in a box of odds and ends and place them on my desk. I ask for two volunteers, and when they come to the front, I show them the box, tell them they have two minutes, and sit down. The responses vary. Nearly all ask what they are supposed to do. I never respond. Some then stand and wait, others begin to remove items from the box and make an attempt to build something—anything—with the materials that are there.

What is it like to be on the gospel path with your spouse—attending church together, serving faithfully in your callings, and raising your children with the gospel as your guide—only to have them announce abruptly, or over time, that he or she no longer believes?

“Major events in the nation, and within the Church, have necessitated honest examinations of our past, and of our hearts.”

This article is republished with permission from Book of Mormon Central. For more inspiring and instructive content on the Book of Mormon visit Book of Mormon Central, subscribe to our mailing list, see our YouTube videos, and follow us on Facebook.