More Sunday Thoughts...

In thinking about what to put in my blog this week I have had lots of thoughts come to me.  It has been interesting to me to see how my thoughts have transformed over the last seven months.  When we first arrived and started our service I wrote of places we were able to go and things we did on our days off with a little on our service in the temple.  As of late, the things we do and places we go aren't nearly as important as the things I learn and the spirituality that I feel from week to week.  I love this feeling.  Another epiphany I had today was that throughout my life I have always been active in the church, taught lessons, been in presidencies and casually read my scriptures.  However it was at those crossroads or trials in my life that I took the scriptures seriously-hoping to find the comfort and answers I was looking for.  After Carl's death I remember praying and searching the scriptures to find comfort in God's plan for each of us and I was rewarded with peace, for the most part.  I now appreciate the trials in my life that have driven me deeper into the scriptures.  It seems that the trials never stop and maybe even increase in numbers and severity but I know I can find answers and comfort in reading the scriptures and recognizing Heavenly Father's hand in my life.  I have been thirsting more and more to know more of Christ and His life and teachings.  I love learning of and pondering God's immaculate plan for us if we but just follow His example and hold fast to our convictions and covenants.

Today we experienced another very spiritual Sacrament meeting. The family (the Hikila's) that spoke talked of having the Light of Christ in our lives. They referenced a talk given in General Conference by Elder Vern P. Stanfill titled "Choose the Light". The little girl, almost 8 yrs old talked of her excitement to be baptized and the things she has learned by meeting with the sister missionaries. Her brother talked about a time when the power was out in their home and how afraid he felt. His mother assured him that the power would come back on and he believed her. He related that to how we need to have faith in what we are asked to do and that having the light of Christ is better than living in darkness. Sister Hikila shared her testimony of their being re-activated and being sealed in the temple this past December.The opening song was well chosen, "The Lord Is My Light".  Our Sunday School lesson came from 1 Nephi where Nephi was told by the Lord to build a ship so the family could cross the ocean toward the promised land.  Nephi said  "I will go and do the things the Lord commands..."  The question was posed "What things will we do that are commanded by the Lord?"  It made me think for sure.  I know there is so much more that is expected out of me than I have given over the span of my lifetime.  I hope I can in some way measure up to doing those things asked of me in order to return to Him.  I did feel good in that we are here serving a mission, something that has been asked of senior members when at all possible.

...Until next week.

1.