Saturday, June 14, 2014

         Thunder rolled, the clouds broke, and rain nourished the thirsty hills and valleys.  There is just something so nostalgic about thunderstorms.  I only wish we had a better view from our apartment of the rain and cloudy “gloom” that I love, but we can feel the “aura” anyway.

         At one point during the session today I was lost in thought and feeling a little low about some minor discomforts when I noticed a sweet lady participant.  Suddenly, I became aware that the fingers on both of her hands were crippled; but there she was, in the temple doing service for others.  I quickly repented and counted my blessings while appreciating the courageous example of this faithful sister. 

         While reading the Conference Issue of the Ensign, I came to Elder Zivic’s talk about not losing sight of the way that will lead us to Heaven.  Perhaps you remember his “hiking” story. 

         “Several years ago I went to Arches National Park with my wife; our daughter, Evelin; and a family friend.  One of the most famous arches there is called Delicate Arch.  We decided to walk about 1.5 miles . . ., climbing the mountain in order to reach the arch.

            “We started off on our pathway with great enthusiasm, but after walking a short stretch, the others needed to rest.  Because of my desire to get there, I decided to continue on alone.  Without paying attention to the path I ought to take, I followed a man in front of me who seemed to be moving forward with great surety.  The pathway became more and more difficult, and I had to jump from one rock to another.  Because of the difficulty, I was sure the women in my group would never make it.  Suddenly I saw Delicate Arch, but to my great surprise, I saw that it was in an area inaccessible to me.

            “With great frustration, I decided to go back.  I waited impatiently until we met up again.  My immediate question was ‘Did you reach Delicate Arch?’  They happily told me that they had.  They explained that they had followed the signs showing the way, and with care and effort, they had reached their destination.

            “Unfortunately, I had taken the wrong way.  What a great lesson I learned that day!

            “How often do we make a mistake about the right way, letting ourselves be led along by the trends of the world?  We need to continually ask ourselves if we are being doers of the words of Jesus Christ.”

         Elder Anderson said that “The only safety we have as members of this church is to . . . give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet;” . . . embrace the powerful protection of the Book of Mormon, and “Stand . . . in holy places, and be not moved.”

         I was impressed with these words as I read them again and just wanted to share.  Hope you all have a spiritually renewing Sabbath Day. 

Love to everyone! 

Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 70 degrees and wonderfully rainy