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Monday, August 20, 2012

Beautiful blessings

Well if you read my post from last night, then you know I didn't have the picture perfect day I thought I would.
So coming on Sunday I felt a bit of unease.
I knew that I was happy to be able to teach a lesson my last week in the ward, but my normal amount of confidence in how well I might perform the lesson was uncharacteristically lacking.
Right as I was about to leave out the door I realized I had a wardrobe malfunction and had to change.
But enough about that let's get to the good stuff :)

So I came to church and the spirit hit me the second I opened the doors.
The congregation was just beginning the first verse of "The Spirit of God."
 I sang with power and conviction in worshiping my savior and I felt his presence
"Like a fire burning".

Then we had a powerhouse talk by the ward clerk.
Let's just say that I'll be on the lookout for more
"Wholesome recreational activities."

Then if I wasn't already on a high, the intermediate hymn was "Lead Kindly Light"
my all time favorite hymn.
The lyrics are all about trusting the lord blindly and giving in to let him guide your path instead of you guiding it."I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me.
I've been taking a lot of steps.

So 3rd hour came and it was my time to teach about observing and keeping the sabbath day holy.
This was an interesting topic for me, because my mom never really raised me with strict rules about the sabbath, in fact I don't there were any rules.
But I'll tell you that the impact of the spirit teaching the lesson was enough to almost knock you off of your feet.

Hours later my spiritual high was fading, and I was letting things get to me.
I started feeling like I wasn't really that worthwhile.

Then I found two papers taped to the door with my name. They were anonymous thank you notes for my lesson. I felt so grateful.
Then another one appeared on the doorstep with a similar message.

And then I got a text from a long lost married friend of mine just wanting to see how I was doing.

I saw the blessings of the Lord poured upon me in times of need.


Sunday, August 12, 2012

My thoughts during the closing ceremonies

- Pet Shop Boys: Their choice of attire scares me. Between the pointy hats, scaly black outfits, and chariots, I felt like I was seeing a terrible combination of the hunger games and the klu klux klan.

-One direction is British?

- John Lennon <3

- The Salt Lake closing ceremony had so much more of a moral message. "Let Your Light Shine"

- More..music

-Russel Brand, I wonder if Katy Perry is watching.

- Octopus?

- Tell me you didn't just ruin a Bee Gees classic with a featured rap.

-SPICE GIRLS!!!!!!! "If you wanna be my lover" I'm so happppyyyyy.
Wait is that the only Spice Girls song I remember? Oh well that was fun.

-Monty Python is pure joy
     -Nuns on skates flashing their British Drawers aren't bad either.

- How long is the crowd going to repeat everything the Spanish chicken says?

- Brazil knows how to entertain. Not to mention I'd love to take lessons from their soprano superstar.

-Goodbye Olympic torch. I'll miss the Olympics.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Back to my roots

While in Wyoming, I was able to go to Fort Bridger.
If you are LDS, then there is a slight possibility that you
have heard of it (I hadn't). If you aren't then you might
have heard of it for its military camp purposes.

In any event, my designated friend and tour guide
and I walked around the grounds to see what
Fort Bridger was about.

It was fun to see all of the old Army houses
and old buildings.

To my surprise Fort Bridger was a place
the Mormon Pioneers stayed for years
until they were pushed out by the
government. When I read this my
heart just burned for these pioneers.
These were people who were willing
to give up everything to be able to
worship in their religion,
the religion that I am a part of.

My eyes welled up reading the history.
I am forever grateful to these brave souls.
I don't know what I would without the gospel
in my life.
I'm proud to be a Mormon.

How much are you willing to give up
for the things that are most important to you?

What is most important to you?

The cobble stone wall built by the mormons


Saturday, August 4, 2012

Lika a bird

Driving on a dirt road
not a person around.
I roll down my window,
but the birds are the only sound.

I open the sun roof breaking free
as I stand up and throw my arms
behind me.

I close my eyes as the car glides
forward and think
I'm flying.
 
Wyoming was a short but sweet get away.
I suggest you try it.