Temple Square, Cheesecake Factory, and Some Good 'Ole Church

This weekend my wife and I spent some of it down in Utah. It was some crazy fun! We traveled down with her parents initially for the purpose of going to one of Heidi's cousin's farewells. We went to a bunch of stores, did a bunch of shopping, spent a BUNCH of money (every single penny worth it though of course!) and even visited Temple Square to see the lights. If any of you have never seen them...you MUST go at least once in your life! They are so beautiful!! And you can also check out the other things they have to offer you there! ;) Here are some pics!

Anyways, the highlight of the trip was the farewell we were able to attend. As I said before, one of Heidi's cousins is going on a mission and he spoke today. He is going to be serving in the New Hampshire, Manchester mission. Here are some thoughts I had from that sacrament meeting---it was REALLY good. I'm grateful we went.

Sunday Sacrament Thoughts

The sacrament meeting was absolutely wonderful. I felt overwhelmed by the Spirit for much of the meeting. My testimony in the Restoration of the gospel amongst other thins was definitely strengthened today.

Opening Hymn

For the opening Hymn we sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer." While singing the hymn, I felt this overwhelming (you'll find that I use this word a lot in this entry, but all necessarily I promise!) sense of happiness and goodness come over me. I would also describe it as a "warm" feeling. it was in that moment that the Spirit bore testimony to my soul of the truthfulness of the Restoration of the gospel and the divinity of the calling Joseph Smith had as a young boy who assisted in that work---soon to hold the keys of the kingdom as the prophet of God.

Sacrament Meeting

The sacrament Hymn was "God Loved Us So He Sent His Son." It was while we were singing the words of that hymn that I felt an overwhelming sense of "Love" and "Joy" come over me. I knew that it was the Spirit, once again, whispering to me that God IS there and that He DOES love me. My testimony of the pure love of Christ was strengthened as I reflected on the sacred lyrics of that beautiful hymn. I do know that God lives, He is our Father, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Redeemer of the world. Their love never dies. They are Eternal and Everlasting, forever and ever.

The Talks - Talk #1

The talks that were given were about fasting and missionary work. As the first speaker was giving his talk, the Lord revealed to me, once again, through the Holy Spirit the importance of fasting. I have known the power and importance of fasting before, but I will admit that I have gotten away from it because of the lack of participation on my part. I desire in my heart to participate in fasting this week, and thankfully this next Sunday is fast Sunday! I'm very excited! I know there is much for me to learn from the Lord as I show Him my obedience and faith through fasting.

Talk #2

The second speaker, Alec (Heidi's cousin) spoke about missionary work (appropriate to the occasion of course). As he began His talk, I noticed that he had actually prepared all of his talk on paper and was reading through it. He read through the whole thing and got through it in time! I was impressed! Not that him reading through his talk was "off" in any way, it was just interesting to me as i don't know if I have seen someone "pre-mission" give their farewell talk in that way. But again, it doesn't matter because what I felt was and is an indicator of the quality of the talk. It was very uplifting.

Honestly, I don't remember a whole lot of what he said, but I do remember feeling the Spirit bear testimony to my heart that missionary work IS indeed the work of the Lord. I do believe that Alec will be a great missionary.

Closing Hymn

For the closing hymn we sang "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go." Again, the Spirit bore witness to me that the Lord is there and that as I keep His commandments---being obedient in exactly everything He requires of me---He will lead me where He wants me to go, and His love will always abide with me.

Feeling Grateful

I do know that I have some things to change, even some weaknesses to bring before the Lord before they can become strengths, but I also know that He IS there. I cannot show Him to you in person because I myself have not seen Him in person, yet. But I have had many witnesses before me testify of Him, and I have had many instances where He has shown me that He is there as I have called out to Him. That is what I offer those who wish to know the Lord and learn of/from Him: my testimony. My testimony that He lives. He lives and is there to help us, strengthen us, guide us if we will call out to Him in faith and then take His hand. God is our Father and Jesus, the Christ of us all. May we forever invite Them into our homes and lives EVERY day, and especially this holiday season.