Homeward Bound

Life goes on...constant change. I find that change doesn't stress me out or scare me as much as it used to. Interesting isn't it? Mission will do that for you I guess. I think about the old me and and I look at who I am now, there are things that would terrify me that now I look at as hmmm sounds good. I still get sad when I miss things but...I don't hold onto them like I used to.

I really don't really know what to blog about anymore...

I'm going to school for a few weeks. I need to take a biology class this summer and an intro to OTA. Except for the fact I'm broke, I'm kind of excited for it. It will be pretty intense three hours a day and its only about three and a half weeks. I'm hoping that since I've taken MAP three other times it won't be too hard. The OTA class is online so I'm not too worried about that. If its like any of the other introductory classes, it will be easy.

Anybody want to go to Colorado/Illinois this summer? I'm leaving about July 10th. Give me a holler! I'm really excited for it.

I went to the Saturday night session of stake conference. Sister Sybrowski spoke of how as members of the church we are a covenant people, and that the Lord will use you and expect you to serve. I really liked that. We have made covenants with the Lord. If we want Him to bless us, we must fulfill our end of the covenant. The Lord needs us to serve so He can build up His kingdom on earth. But more importantly we need to serve the Lord. I believe it is when we are in His service that we can find the greatest peace. It does not mean things will be easy, perhaps in some ways they will be harder. The Lord wants us to grow and it can be painful. But in the end it is the greatest thing. Then Elder Keyes from the fifth quorum of the 70 spoke today of the Martin Handcart company and of the story of the gentleman in Cedar City who shared his testimony of the blessings that came from their trials by coming to Zion. He shared how he became acquainted with God and shared this quote: "The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company" (http://www.handcarttreks.com/General/History/Martin-Willie%20Personal%20Stories/FRANCISWEBSTER.pdf )

I have been thinking about that... I reflected on times that when I was serving the Lord, both in Colorado and here, that is when I could draw nearer unto Him. The Lord expects us to serve him and as we sacrifice in our service, then we can gain the privilege of drawing near unto him. I am reminded of a quote that my aunt sent me when in Colorado. It had become one of my favorites.

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life." Ezra Taft Benson

Its so true. As we do turn our lives over to Him, there will be so much given to us. Why is it we must be so selfish and keep so much 'for me' 'I need this' or 'I derseve that' It is the natural man within us all. I do hope someday to root out that. As hard as it is to turn my life over to him, I know there is a way and I do want to strive for it. There is perhaps much to lose, but yet so much more to gain. The promises are in the Holy Scriptures, that whatsoever we may lose for the sake of the Lord shall be multiplied in blessings. What a glorious gospel we have, to have truths such as these in our lives!

I have a new favorite song. I know its mo-tab, but it is beautiful. I want to get the sheet music soon. When I have money...

here is the youtube...its someones family video but listen to the song. I'll put the lyrics as well for translation :o)

HOMEWARD BOUND

Words and Music by Marta Keen

In the quiet misty morning, when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red,
When the summer's ceased its gleaming, when the corn is past its prime,
When adventure's lost its meaning, I'll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture. Chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.

If you find it's me you're missing, if you're hoping I'll return,
To your thought I'll soon be list'ning; in the road I'll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end,
And the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again.

Bind me not to the pasture. Chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.