So why?

So why continue??? Because although it's difficult, we believe it is also worth it in the end. I can't speak for members of other churches (nor can I speak for my own, in fact, but only for myself)and why they continue, but I have a lot of reason's to believe after 15 years as a Latter Day Saint. Here is a perpetual list of reason's why:

1) Baptism - I'm grateful that baptism is done by immersion as it was long ago. It kind of makes things come to life as you see things done in like fashion and with proper authority. I don't understand it all, but I know that when Jesus Christ was baptized, he was baptized in the River Jordon by John the baptist. The idea is to be buried and then to rise again to life eternal in it's symbology. Jesus was actually baptized just before beginning His earthly ministry at around 30 years old. As Latter Day Saints, we get baptized at age 8 as that is what we consider to be the age of accountability where, hopefully, right and wrong have been established and encouraged in the child and the child is ready and willing to commit to what they have already been taught. Our authority comes from the visits of Peter, James, and John who conferred the Priesthood Authority once again to the earth through Joseph Smith. Every priesthood member can trace his authority back to Peter, James, and John and thus also to Jesus Christ.

Our daughter.

Just came from the school. Although a memorial article was done on our daughter shortly after the accident, some aspiring journalist at the school thought it might be a good idea to do an article as well. The idea was nixt by the principle, but I understand why. It is an emotional thing for many in the valley and would probably interfere with school for that reason. I will be sent a copy of what they had submitted to the principle anyway so I can see what they would have submitted if it were approved. It's funny, but some call a spiritual life binding and restrictive, but I am grateful for the life my daughter lived. She wasn't perfect, of course, but I truly am amazed at how far-reaching the effects of her life have been. How grateful I am for her and for those who loved her because a life without love is no life at all.

My journal of faith

Oh, my daughter, how I miss thee
In the evening hours I cry
But I have faith that thou art with me
In my heart as in the sky
Oh how lonely is my life
without you by my side
How I miss your smile, your laughter
Now that you are up on high
But it is joy I have, not sorrow
For in the end I know
That you will be there on the morrow
When we meet you in mansions on high

I'll have to think of a better way to end that poem, but oh, how I miss my dear Allison. I am grateful for my faith, however, which has sustained me through so much. After my daughters funeral I thought of a thousand more things that I could have or should have said. The Lord gave me strength, however, to speak words of comfort and encouragement despite the trial. I had often thought of the serenity prayer during this time, which goes:

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
And wisdom to know the differance

My comforts are many. I have comfort in my knowledge of a divine Redeemer who came to rescue us from ourselves. I have comfort in the way she lived her life, which was with zest and happiness and without addiction or regret. I have comfort in the friendships she kept as she had many friends. I'm comforted that so many loved her and have supported our family during this trial. I am comforted in the way our Father in Heaven had sustained our entire family and in the many blessings that came as He knew what we would endure, because He once lost a child too. I look forward, in faith, to seeing her again. We must have faith, otherwise, all would be lost.