Someone forgot to pay the bill!

We got to church today to find we had no electricity.  Someone on the Stake level, forgot to pay the bill.  It was cooler this way but we really didn't need the cool because we haven't made it out of the 60's yet and it is 4 p.m.  I somehow don't think it will get much warmer. 

We had a very spiritual meeting and I was really lifted up.  Both Sacrament Speakers spoke on the scriptures of the first and second greatest commandments - to love our God with all of our heart, might, mind and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  I loved the interpretations today because Anna didn't have the scriptures quick enough to look them up and so she just did them using her words.  Instead of using the words, might, mind and strength, she said with strength of body and mind.  That little twist made me pause for a minute and analyze that.  We need strength of body and mind to serve effectively in the Gospel - or for that matter in any thing we do.  Don't we do everything in our lives for the Lord?  If we truly dedicate ourselves to the Lord then yes, all of our activities - even as mundane as doing the dishes, are for the Lord.  I am sure others have had this epiphany before - but it has made me ponder all day.

The Relief Society and Priesthood lessons were combined so that we could stay in the Chapel.  I learned the Family History activities are 'planted in our hearts' and there they take root.  What an amazing way to look at it.  I also learned that (and I quote) 'people that are attacked by the 'Spirit of Elijah - cannot stop, and will draw closer to the Lord."  I wouldn't have used attacked but it makes sense.  When you start doing Family History, you do it because it is what we are supposed to do.  Then we get to the point where we 'have' to do it.  We are attacked by the genealogy bug. 

The thing that also came out more in these lessons (it was lesson 17 and 18 in the RS/Priesthood manual) was that when we make our covenants with the Father, we must be true to them - otherwise they hold no promise.  We must be willing to give our lives to the Lord and do things in His time.  That is the hardest lesson to learn.  But no matter what we must be faithful to the covenants we have made.  President Joseph Fielding Smith said: "...we cannot be saved and exalted in the kingdom of God unless we have in our hearts the desire to so this work and perform it so far as it is within our power on behalf our dead."

I also learned that 'keeping the commandments is an expression of our love for the Lord.... When we turn from the commandments the Lord has given us for our guidance then we do not have a claim upon His blessings.... but if we do not draw near to Him, we have no promise in our rebellion.'  These are all quotes by Joseph Fielding Smith.  In one of his last General Conference addresses he said, "Keep the commandments.  Walk in the light.  Endure to the end.  Be true to every covenant and obligation, and the Lord will bless you beyond your fondest dreams."  (This is one of Clyde's favorite quotes and one of the many promises we hold dear).

I have a sacred obligation to be the best missionary that I can be.  I also have an obligation to the best wife, mother and grandmother that I can be.  I am a better person in total because I have made covenants and try very hard to keep them.