[Hemidakota]

Wow! A most impressive OP list Ruthie; not to forget, those who contributed to this thread. Nothing seems to amaze me on the level of Spiritual Maturity these days in the church.

A good friend, previous Mission President, Elder B. Gardner, something we fail to include in our daily lives, besides surrendering our will to GOD, our thoughts.

Let me paraphrase it; "When I left shopping with my wife at the grocery store, I remember after an hour of shopping, my thoughts communicant was not on the Godhead. It was a moment of repentance for me"

Our focus and attention should be on them from when we rise up in the morning until lay down at night. I do know, at times we are distracted by daily activities, we still need to be always in attuned to the Godhead.

Since most of what needs to be accomplished, what I can further add here, in our daily assessment and nightly review, we need to ensure that we at least feel the Spirit somewhere in between. Ruthie, this will be hard at first but overtime, you will know it on a daily basis and when it is missing. It always start with a feeling of emotional joyous rush from the crown of the head to finally; you begin to hear the voice of rushing waters. Later, when you are prepared, you will become a witnessed of Him.

Now, what I am going to say maybe more personally for you and not for all. Ruthie, when you begin to feel this event in your life, noting the collect pattern of those who reached this desire or feelings, you are a step away from that person who will taste the sweet fruit of the Tree of Life. In other words, you will be called and become a member of the Church of the First Born. Now, this is not for all in the church during in mortality and only can be reached when the Holy Ghost prepares you before the Godhead. Does it come at once? No. Looking at the classical model, even Prophet Joseph Smith took more than 12-years to reach this pinnacle level after the first vision, when the Godhead revealed themselves before Joseph and another person in the temple; with the fullness and called them 'friends'. Again, only the Holy Ghost can prepare us and only the Savior can call us in being member of such. We cannot choose it by ourselves; we must be prepared and called to it. All members of the church can achieve this but for one reason or another, whether not spiritual mature enough, or some character flaws, will not be called in this mortality but eventually call later through additional instructions across the veil.

Ruthie, it is the Spirit that is guiding you on this journey in aiding you to move to the next level. As I already stated, not all do receive this in the beginning, or in middle of life, perhaps at the latter portion of mortality. I humbly pray as your brother, when this does happen, there is no turning back and any sins that are committed cannot be washed away by the Atonement of Christ but you must be undergo your own repentance. Be careful when it does happen and be mindful every living moment of your life. Serve GOD to the point of “how can build the Kingdom of Christ in this part of the Vineyard. How can I serve the Master this day to bring souls unto Him? How can be a daily influencer to others that they may seek the living Christ?” I promise you, the peaceful joy will come that cannot be uttered in mere English will be felt. The veil will part and you will know personally the living GOD. You will be instructed on doctrines, principles, and truths that is not had in the church but for those who are of the First Born.

You are indeed a blessed soul and I am grateful to be your servant. God bless my friend.