When the Lights Go Out

" This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends..." John 15-12-14

I love it here when Jesus Christ calls us his friends. Can we call Jesus Christ our friend? Do we have this relationship of love with him? I was studying about love the other day and the infinite love that our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. I have found that as I have served God's children I have had a greater love for them and I felt closer to my Heavenly Father. Charity in the Bible Dictionary is defined as the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love. I am really striving to have more charity. I am trying to see everyone through the eyes of Heavenly Father. I think when we give of ourselves that is when we truly find out who we are. There is a quote....don't know who it is from, but it says "nothing is truly yours until you give it away". Look for opportunities to lighten the load of another. Jesus Christ was the perfect example. Maybe then we will know what it is like to call Jesus Christ our friend. Because we would then have a glimpse of the love that he has for us. The same love that brought him to suffer for our sins, pains, and sorrows. The same love that can make us whole.

The temple was so great! I sat in the waiting room area and just looked at this picture of Christ with outstretched arms. I knew that I was in the house of the Lord. There is just a special feeling of peace and love that cannot be found anywhere else. It was in the temple that I opened the Bible and read those verses in John. It was just a great time to talk with my Heavenly Father and to feel of His love for me. The temple is a healing place! I took pictures and am going to try and send them this week.

On Tuesday night we had a lesson with this family. We have just recently started teaching them. We arrived at their house and she told me that the lights had been turned off because they couldn't pay the bill. She felt really bad and felt stupid for having to tell me that. I looked at her and said no problem, I have a light. I then took out the little flashlight that you gave me for my birthday and read the scripture to myself written on it- "Let your light so shine". We ended up lighting candles and passing my flashlight around to read the scriptures. It reminded me of the talk by President Monson at conference. I just sat there in the candle light and looked into these peoples eyes. I feel like I saw a glimpse of heaven when looking at there two sons smile when talking about "Jesus". We end the lesson with a kneeling prayer. There is something amazing about kneeling in prayer with a family who has never prayed together before. Juan, the father's voice shook because this was his first prayer, ever. I prayed fervently to my Heavenly Father that he would help them feel of his love. It was an amazing lesson. I walked out and felt like I had to catch my breath. When the lights go out miracles happen.

We stopped by to visit Carlos. He is so amazing. But his wife is really shy and timid. She is afraid of change. So she didn't want to come out of her room to listen to the message. I saw the pain in Carlos's eyes because he wants this for both of them. He has come to Church a few times now and has LOVED every minute of it. He even tries to sing the hymns with full voice even though he doesn't have a clue what they sound like. LOL. We taught him about forever families on Saturday night. The poor man started to cry. He just really wants it for his family and he has been through a lot in his life. He said that this knowledge gives him hope and the reason to press on. Please pray for Carlos. He is one strong, humble man who I know can change and one day be sealed to his family.

The primary program is next week so the primary president asked if me and my comp would go to primary to help the kids learn the songs better. It ended up being so much fun! I LOVE primary. Kids just have a special spirit about them. I love it.

I hope you all have wonderful week! I love you!
Sarbear ;)