What an Awesome Sunday!

What an awesome Sunday! The sun is bright and cheerful and the church service was something that I really needed to hear as a mother and as a child of God. 

A brother gave a talk about how the Japanese people celebrate New Years. At first I thought it was odd. But after I listened better he was explaining the culture and it was very interesting. I could hear a sweet Japanese sister sitting behind me, explaining things in greater detail to one of our missionaries. New Years is a cleansing time. They clean their homes and cars squeaky clean and set goals that they then set out to accomplish. It was amazing how they follow through with each goal and then celebrate those accomplishments. Kind of like positive reinforcement. I was wondering how to incorporate that into my own family. We have many goals to set for our next son to go on his mission. I also want to read my scriptures every day and pray more often too.

We have such a kind spirit that abides within our congregation. There are many good people who always seem concerned about the well being of their brothers and sisters. 

One of the things I like best about the congregation is that all ages are represented. There are several generations of families present. For those of us not blessed to attend with our extended families--we are adopted into several. It's very heartwarming.

Our teenage son is nearly 19 and has had several men in the ward befriend him. They have taken him fishing, and cooked fish together. A couple of them have even let him hunt on their property so he can train our Golden/Lab to hunt pheasant. One adorable older brother had him out to target shoot on his property with him. He had the best time.

Many youth go astray at this age. As a church we encourage our kids at 19 to go out into the world as full time missionaries and serve their fellow man. It is a wonderful blessing for them and their families as they grow both spiritually and emotionally over the two years they are gone. I'm amazed at the change we have seen in our two sons serving missions. They seem more confident and independent. They have a wisdom now they didn't have before they left. They say that a missionary gains 20 years of leadership ability in two short years as a missionary. I believe that to be true!

I have chicken-wild rice soup simmering on the stove. It smells so good! I always make too much. I'm wondering which neighbor could use some soup today. Guess I'll have to pray about it. I hope that all of you out there in cyberspace are having a restful Sabbath day.