The Purpose and Plan of Life

With Guest Peter

Welcome back to the podcast, friends! In Episode 13, we dive into one of life’s most universal and profound topics: Why are we here? What happens after we die? What is the purpose of life?

These aren’t just philosophical questions—they are spiritual questions that connect each of us to God’s eternal plan. Today, I’m joined by my awesome neighbor Peter, and together we unpack these questions and the comforting truths that come through the Plan of Salvation, also known as the Plan of Happiness.

🎧 Listen to Episode 13 here (insert actual podcast episode link)

A Spiritual Reminder: You Are Not Alone

This week, while praying to feel whole in Christ, I felt that familiar, sacred Spirit that I’ve felt at my baptism, during my patriarchal blessing, and every time I’ve been in the temple. That deep assurance whispered: “You are a daughter of God. Christ is your partner in life.” These simple truths bring peace, direction, and purpose.

One talk that inspired me this week was “Spiritually Whole in Christ” from General Conference. It’s a must-read if you want to better understand how Christ makes us whole.

Why Are We Here?

We kicked off our discussion with Peter by exploring the three big questions many of us have:

1. Where did I come from?

2. Why am I here?

3. Where will I go when I die?

These questions were also asked by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, which led to the vision in Doctrine and Covenants 76—a powerful revelation that taught the world about the three degrees of glory and God’s inclusive plan of salvation for all His children.

The Plan of Happiness: A Simple Summary

From the resource Preach My Gospel, we learn that:

• Before this life, we lived with Heavenly Father. We chose to follow Jesus Christ’s plan of agency and growth.

• During this life, we are here to receive a body, make choices, grow in faith, and prepare to return to God.

• After this life, our spirits go to the spirit world, where we continue learning and progressing until the Resurrection and Final Judgment.

A Story Worth Sharing: Brother Johnny’s 3 Little Questions

We shared an incredible story from John Bytheway about a man named Brother Johnny who, at 75 years old, had been searching for answers to life’s great questions for over 40 years. When missionaries shared the Plan of Salvation with him, he wept as he realized that the gospel had the answers he’d been seeking.

Later, after Johnny passed away, his temple work was done by Brother Bytheway himself—fulfilling God’s promise that all His children will have a chance to hear the gospel, in this life or the next.

Quick Recap: The 3 Big Questions Answered

Let’s summarize these truths from Peter and Brother Bytheway:

• Where did I come from?You lived with God as His spirit child before coming to earth.

• Why am I here?You are here to receive a body, gain experience, and choose to follow Christ.

• Where will I go when I die?Your spirit will go to the spirit world, a place of peace or learning, until the Resurrection and Judgment.

What Happens After We Die?

Alma 40:11–14 teaches that:

• The righteous enter a state of peace and rest in spirit paradise.

• Those who did not accept the gospel enter spirit prison, where they will be taught and given the opportunity to accept Christ.

• Missionary work continues on the other side of the veil!

Read more in Alma 40:11–14.

The Resurrection and Judgment

Eventually, we’ll all be resurrected and judged. According to Preach My Gospel:

• Everyone receives salvation through Jesus Christ.

• Those who remain faithful to Christ’s gospel can receive exaltation—eternal life with God and our families in the Celestial Kingdom.

There are three degrees of glory we can inherit:

• Celestial

• Terrestrial

• Telestial

Each person will receive what is just and merciful, based on their desires and choices.

A Quick Laugh: Plan of Happiness... and a Little Humor

Let’s not forget the happy in the Plan of Happiness!Here are a few jokes we shared on the episode:

• Where is happiness made? At the satisfactory. 😄

• How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Ten-tickles. 🐙

• My wife said nothing would make her happier than a diamond necklace… So I bought her nothing. 💍😉

Your Weekly Challenge: Draw the Plan

This week’s challenge is simple and fun:👉 Draw out the Plan of Salvation.

You can use this LDS Plan of Salvation Diagram as a reference or search for "LDS Plan of Happiness chart" on Google Images. Then, write your own notes and questions to study further.

This activity will strengthen your testimony and help prepare you to share the gospel with others!

Final Thoughts

As we explored today, God’s plan is a plan of mercy, love, and hope. Whether you're learning this for the first time or deepening your understanding, these truths are simple and profound.

If you ever wonder about life’s purpose, remember:

“You are so young, and you’ve come from so far to teach me these things.” – Brother Johnny

Let’s never take these truths for granted.

💬 Have thoughts on this episode? Share them with us on Instagram (insert your Instagram handle/link)!📷 We’ve posted the Plan of Salvation diagram there too!

📖 Resources Mentioned:

• Preach My Gospel: Chapter 6 – The Plan of Happiness

• D&C 76

• Alma 40:11–14

• Talk: Spiritually Whole in Christ

🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast for more gospel-centered episodes.Thanks for listening and keep the faith simple and strong.Until next time—doubt not, fear not—He is the light of the world. 💡