Return: Four Phases of Our Mortal Journey Home

by Robert D. Hales

“Return with honor” is a call that has become familiar to every Latter-day Saint. For Elder Robert D. Hales, this stirring directive was his unit's motto when he served as a jet fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, and he uses it often in his teaching. During his military days, the motto was a constant and powerful reminder to complete each mission honorably — and now it reminds us, the Lord's children, that what we do on earth can make it possible to return with honor to our heavenly home.A beloved member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Hales writes with keen insight and compassion about the orderly preparations we need to make as we travel through mortality. Our journey of life has four vital stages:Decades of PreparationDecade of DecisionDecades of Serving and Pressing ForwardDecades of Serving and Enduring to the End Elder Hales considers each of these essential periods using vivid stories from his own life, compelling scriptural insights, and the wisdom he has gained through a tender relationship with the Savior.Whatever your stage in life, the message Elder Hales offers in Return: Four Phases of Our Moral Journey Home is clear: Keeping sacred covenants, prayerfully making life's important decisions, and embracing the Savior and His Atonement can prepare you for eternal life — the greatest gift of God. This volume is an inspired guide to your journey home.Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction

1. Our Journey Home - DECADES OF PREPARATION

2. Always Preparing

3. Remember Who You Are

4. Faith unto Salvation

5. Forgetting Those Things That Are Left Behind

6. The Gate of Baptism

7. The Gift of the Holy Ghost

8. Personal Revelation

9. Choosing Friends Wisely

10. The Preparatory Priesthood

11. Daughters of God

12. Lacing Up Your Boots

13. Overcoming the Adversary - DECADE OF DECISION

14. Making Life's Most Important Decisions

15. Becoming Fishers of Men

16. Moving On

17. Avoiding Spiritual Shortcuts

18. Education for Life

19. Choosing an Eternal Companion

20. The House of the Lord - DECADES OF SERVING AND PRESSING FORWARD

21. One Church Fits All

22. Fearless Love

23. Building a Sound Financial Foundation

24. True to Ourselves and Our Mission

25. Strengthening Families

26.Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep

27. Feasting upon the Words of Christ

28. Following God's Prophets

29. The Journey of Lifelong Learning - DECADES OF SERVING AND ENDURING TO THE END

30. Learning from Life's Trials

31. Like Simeon and Anna

32. Facing Death

33. The AtonementIndex