Touched by the spirit...

I received an email this morning from a dear friend of mine that lives in West Jordan, Utah. Her family has several connections with the Decker family, and she shared with me the website that was started in memory of Craig.

I was truly touched and moved by the spirit as I read each blog posted on the site. What a wonderful tribute to a man who lived his life being a Christ-like example to all of those around him, and truly a shining light for our Father in Heaven. I was brought to tears several times while reading stories from those that knew him best. I think that we all can only hope to be blessed with a friend like Craig in our lives.

Although I did not have the opportunity to know Craig in this life, I have a great appreciation for the work that he has moved on to do. Our Heavenly Father has called Craig home to assist in the work needing to be done on the other side. That work means a great deal to me in my life as I was the first to join the church in my family, and at this time, I am the only active member.

As I have done research into my family history, and prepared names to be taken to the temple, I have thought frequently of those that Heavenly Father has chosen to teach the souls that are awaiting the work that will be done for them here. As I read about Craig, and what a shining example he was on this earth, I was overwhelmed by the spirit and feeling of great comfort knowing that now he is able to be a shining example to those on the other side.

How blessed I would be if those he reaches out to just happened to be my family that passed on from this life without a knowledge of the gospel and our Heavenly Father’s plan. Regardless if it is my family or someone else’s family that he is able to teach and be an example to, I have a new outlook on Heavenly Father’s plan for each one of us. We will all serve a purpose here on this earth, but those that are taken from this earth go on to serve a great purpose as well. I am thankful to the Decker family for allowing us all to be a part of this tribute to Craig.

--Jen Atkinson