Sweet, Splendid Sunday

My Heavenly Father has so graciously blessed me with such a beautiful day. It might not have looked like such a delightful day outside because of the gloomy clouds and light drizzle, but in my heart and in church, my day was as sunny as a mid-summer afternoon. This was a day especially set aside for me. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day (even though I had to work in the morning). It was a day I had been praying for: a day absolutely full of the spirit.

Even at work in the morning, I was happy and cheerful despite the schedule mix-up. In a way, even that was a blessing because I got to cover my friend's shift for the morning instead of working the afternoon as was previously scheduled. So, I was able to go to church. Steve picked me up from work and we headed down to our new building on the 79. What a handsome building! Steven and I enter the building and find a seat to sit down. Steve, in front of me next to our mutual friend Becky, and I next to my friend Aaron. It was a very spiritual testimony meeting as I was surrounded by those who care about me and share the same goals and love for the gospel. I listened intently to the testimony bearers as they sacrificed a bit of their personal life to share with others. And I think that's what testimony meeting is about. Sacrifice. Fasting is a sacrifice, yet we endure. Bearing of testimonies is a sacrifice to some b/c it is hard to share personal information and feelings with a large (or small for my branch) audience, yet we do it in hopes to help build other's testimonies. It is a sacrifice to pay tithing and fast offering, yet we give it up to help the church we so love.

Bearing your testimony is not only a personal sacrifice but it is also a service. It is one of those services not many recognize. Hearing testimonies brings the spirit. What better service is there than to bring a loving and true spirit to others? Isn't that the epitome of service anyway?

Break the Fast was just icing on the cake. I has so much fun indulging in a long awaited meal. And it was delicious!! It is so comforting to be around friends that share the same morals and good clean humor as I do. I am so grateful for such a wonderful day and I know I can have more the more I attend church and to soon enter in the Holy Temple in San Diego. I want to go as much as I can before I leave for my mission. I have a feeling I should wait till January to go through the temple. I don't know exactly why but I know that God knows and will help me through every step of the way.

I can't help to think of the topic discussed today in Gospel Doctrine and a couple of scriptures that were read. At first they were really confusing. But the teacher explained their meanings.

Ezekiel 43:7- And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

This is talking about the temple (place of my throne) and how the Lord's spirit actually dwells in the temple (where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever). He is there with you as you participate in the ordinances inside. I will think of this scripture as I enter into the temple.

Also, Ezekiel 47: 3-6 (You can look it up on your own time b/c it is too long to write) The symbology is explained as the more you attend the temple, the more you will know of the gospel and be immersed in it.

Well, I hope your day was as good as mine. I wish my family good health and the best of luck in whatever endeavors are in pursuit.