That's a great question, Carole, and I agree with Paula that it is from all of the above.  I feel we make the most progress via the categories that God has pre-planned out for us to fulfill.  In these categories there are numerous ways in which to fulfill our own goals plus expand our minds and hearts in a conscious way to complete ourselves in areas that most benefits us and others.  The article on our side-bar column entitled "Categories of Spiritual Growth" have these definitive levels in which we can grow and become that which is our true selves. After we have fulfilled and mastered these levels of growth we become what is called an "Ascended Master", and we no longer need to live here on Earth with further incarnations unless we ourselves wish to or volunteer doing "mission work" for the Lord.  The higher we go, the more free will we attain, much like children growing into adulthood.

 

(see "Enlightenment")

 

Love & Light,

 

Lilly