What are the purposes of mortal life?

Because they chose to follow Lucifer, the son of the morning, many of God's spirit children will not have the opportunity to receive bodies. We made the best choice to follow Jesus, come to earth to be tested, receive a body, and be part of a family. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “We came to this earth that we might have a body and present it pure before God in the celestial kingdom” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 181).

How then are we to present our bodies pure before God? The purity comes as we pass our tests, strive to live the commandments, and repent of our misdeeds. "And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead." Alma 12:24

My grandmother is 92 and not in good health. Recently, we discussed this very subject. She then related an incident in her young life. At the age of 9 or 10, she was visiting relatives. The pastor happened to be over for supper and discovered that she was an avid reader. He suggested the book In His Steps, which she read within days. Since that time, she always asks herself the question what would Jesus do in this situation. It has made all the difference in her life's happiness.

Yes, the phrase What Would Jesus Do recently became a catch phrase again. But my grandmother has shown that this can prepare us over a lifetime to bring about joy and rejoicing. Surely she has made mistakes, but isn't it wonderful that she can repent. Isn't it wonderful that she can have this idea of what would Jesus do in her mind as a measuring stick to help prevent mistakes and prepare to become like Him.

God sent me here to be a daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, and now grandmother. I love these roles and my job as homemaker. It is true that in these roles I have felt more grief than many can imagine. But the joy I've gained by being part of something grand and beautiful is so worth any pain or fatigue. Knowing what I know now, I would have had a dozen children. They are life's joy even with pp depression, potty training, back talking, teen years, and so forth. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Psalm 127: 3-5

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles proclaimed that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. … The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Like Grandma, understanding of the purposes of mortality makes a difference in my life and influences my decisions. Since reading the book she suggested, more often than not I ask myself what would Jesus do. I want to be like Him and live with Him again someday. I want my family there with me, because I love each and every one of them with a deep, abiding love. It can't be shaken or broken. I want to be good and do good for my family.