STEP BY STEP

Psalm 46:5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

I really shouldn’t be surprised that the message at the RS activity touched me. The bishop gave a simple yet powerful message about how God is within us always. That he knows our prayers within our heart even before we say them. That he comforts us even when we don’t realize it happening sometimes. God’s love for us can become overwhelming, for me anyways. I always feel his love, especially lately. And he definitely knows that I know this is where I am meant to be in life.

When I arrived at the RS activity, I knew I was going to be welcomed with open arms and many hugs.  This is the ward I grew up in, and I know most of the people. It was nice seeing them again, and even better knowing that I am home. And I realized by talking to a few of them that I was meant to be there. Odd as it may sound; I know that God works through us all. It may be a little conversation, a hug that some may have needed, or even words of encouragement. You never know how powerful you can be for someone.

Then a few weeks later, I finally went to church. I say finally because it was ward conference the Sunday after the RS activity. And the following Sunday was stake conference. I probably should have gone to stake conference because what I heard on Sunday in sacrament, the GA Russell M. Nelson spoke wonderful words of encouragement and love. Sacrament was not overwhelming, but that’s probably because I arrived super late and only listened to the last few speakers. And what I did hear was comforting in knowing people do have similar experiences like mine.

The last two hours were good. It was nice having someone I am close to sit next to me in the class and RS, because the last time I went to church was with my mother. It felt kind of weird not being with her when I was there. But I know most everyone there, and they are like family to me in a way. So going back to church was not hard. It was a whole difference experience than what I remembered. Then again, about a decade makes a difference, and so does growth.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 

Just a thought I had while at the RS activity: I would suggest that if you can't make it to church on Sunday, whether you are sick, just couldn’t make it, or working, to spend whatever time you can spiritually learning. Who knows, that small amount of time may help make your week better and keep your outlook in life more positive. No matter where you are in life though, God is always with you.