Yep!
^_^ When I go on my mission, I might put that as my favorite scripture on my little plaque thing.
24/7, obey 24:7
In other words,
I have discovered (credit to workdog. Thank you so much!) a great new band, named The Lower Lights. ^_^ I love 'em. They have a great, happy, upbeat version of Count Your Blessings that is just so GREAT!
I was just dancing in the Kitchen, very close to my computer room, to the song while I fixed breakfast for my 5 year old sister.
thelowerlights.bandcamp.com/album/the-lower-lights-a-hymn-revival that's the URL if you want to hear some of them.
Click on the white logo on the side of the screen for 2 more songs, including Calling You which is another one of my favorites!
So, I went on Trek last summer. Basically my ward took sleeping bags, food, water, supplies, handcarts, etc. and hiked in the mountains for 4 days. It was AMAZING how spiritually uplifting and wonderful it was!
I loved it. Anyways, there was a part where a guy on a horse rode up and delivered letters. From the Pony Express. It was cool. Most people got letters thier parents had written earlier, but my parents had been sick and were just too sick to write them. So, my sister and I instead each got a letter marked with our names on the outside. This letter has been very important in my life since then, and i would like to share it with you. Whenever you'd like, you can borrow this letter and let it be addressed to you. So, go on. Borrow the letter:
"Dear Child,
I rememeber well the day you left my side, wandered through the veil and ventureed forth to fulfill your earthly mission. I had a tear in my eye as I clothed your spirit in a cloak of love and sent you off to school. Be asured that my thoughts are with you now, as always.
I love you with all of my heart. I know your life, the good, the bad, your grief, your disappointments, your unrewarded efforts, your frustration. But always remember - all that I have is yours if you will only come home again.
Child, realize that in you I have placed a bit of heaven. No one was exempt. I love all of my children. You have some blessed gift, some talent, some little part of me in you. Search for it, develop it, use it, and most importantly, share it with others. If you really love me, then help others find themselves and lead them there to me. Show your love by serving others.
Repent of your failings and humble yourself. Make yourself ever teachable and continually strive to improve. I have you weakness to help you be humble. Don't condemn me for that. I did it because I love you. Be full of hope. Don't let discouragement engulf you. I'll come if you need me.
Child, cease your idle contentions. Be a peacemakers, for it breaks my heart to see so many of my children fighting. If they could only see what I have hoped, planned and desired for them. My heart breaks as I watch them. But you, faithful child, are my hope. It is through you that my work must proceed. You haven't much time and there is so much work to be done. I beg you to get started. Accomplish the mission I gave to you before you left me. I'll help you. I'll never be too busy or too far away to come to you. I'm nearer to you always than you might suspect. I have so much I would like to tell you, but I can't here.
Come to me often in prayer. I love to talk to you, my beloved child. Be diligent in my work and my kingdom shall be yours. I'd love to take you in my arms, but I too, must wait patienly: that time will come. Till then I leave you my peace, my blessing, my loce, and never forget I am nearby whenever you need me.
I love you and miss you so very much and, oh, how I am looking forward to your return to me.
All my love,
Your Heavenly Father"
It is a very good letter, one that I am eternally thankful for. ^_^
I've framed this letter with a drawing my sister did when she was 3 or 4 of my scriptures, a little BARF (Be A Real Friend) Week note from my friend, and a program from Sacrament with a quote from Gordon B. Hinkley on the front. This picture frame, because of that, is one of my most precious possesions.