My "Soap Box"

I love Sundays and I love them even more since our Church time is now 9:00 am instead of 1:00 pm.  I feel refreshed and ready for inspiration in the mornings.  Today I felt the Spirit more than once and got my own personal revelation.  I love recognizing and feeling the Spirit.  It's not that I didn't feel the spirit when we had late church it's just that I prefer mornings.

When we were on our Cruise a comedian that we were listening to made a statement about being spiritual but not believing in organized religion.  I have heard many people say that and it got me thinking.  Belonging to a Church and attending often is essential to growing closer to Heavenly Father in my opinion.  I study more and serve others that I am certain I wouldn't if I was left on my own.  Organized religion guides and directs us and helps us get our own personal revelation from Heavenly Father and His plan for us.  We are given many opportunities to serve and I truly believe that serving others is part of the Great Plan of Happiness and what this life is all about.

I am a people watcher and notice what others do.  There are many who do good things for people that don't go to church but I don't think it is as consistent as those that attend often.  The Comedian sells his CD's and takes that money and buys pizza for the homeless.  That is such a wonderful act of love and kindness but there is so much more that he could share if he attended a Church regularly.  He is on his own path though and doing wonderful things with the talents he has been blessed with.  We all have different paths and just because they are not the same doesn't mean one is wrong. (I really do believe that)

Attending Church regularly takes commitment and a lot of time.  It's not easy all the time that's for sure.  Preparing lessons or attending classes makes us think deeper.  We read His Word during those times and learn of His ways better.  We are prepared for personal inspiration.

Having Faith and Believing in Jesus Christ and Following His Example is Most Important but helping our neighbors and friends along the journey is very important too.  Helping our neighbors and friends is way easier when we know them and their needs.  Going to Church often and participating is how that happens.

Today the message that I heard was being prepared and listening to the Holy Ghost.  This life is where we prepare ourselves to meet Heavenly Father again.  When we are prepared things go smoother.  Preparation is essential in most everything we do.  Following the promptings of the Spirit will put us on the path that Heavenly Father has for us.

I'm thankful that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I believe there is good in all churches but I do believe ours is complete with nothing missing.  I know that the powers of the Temple are real!  The ordinances in the Temple are essential for us to have eternal families.  We are the only church that has the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion.  I think we might take this wonderful gift for granted since we really don't know what it feels like not to have him with us.  We are blessed and The Church is True and Complete.

I have good friends that don't believe like I do and that's okay.  I don't mind living a stricter life and not experiencing the ways of the world because I feel peace and power by restricting things from my life that the worlds says is okay.  Everything The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches us is for own safety and good.  I want to be safe and feel healthy and happy and that's what God wants for us too.  His guidelines are blessings and because He cares.  I had restrictions and guidelines for my kids as well because I wanted them to be safe and happy because I love them and care about them so much.....God Loves and Cares About Us More!

We had cake and ice cream to celebrate Mya turning 8!