Reflections on Mortality. 13 June 2016

The video Gregory sent me of "I Stand All Amazed" touched me so much that I reposted it on Facebook.  The hymn and the visuals remind us of the love our Savior, Jesus Christ, has for each one of us.  His death and resurrection make possible our eternal life.  I do not thank Him often enough for His great gifts to me.

During the very early morning our choir practice of "Oh, My Father", set to a Stephen Foster melody "Gentle Annie", brought me to tears, making singing nearly impossible.  The hymn reminded me of the celestial homesickness I experienced as a small child, although I did not recognize it as such at the time.  I just remember thinking that it felt like I was not with the right family, or did not have the right parents.  Not knowing then that I came from the "royal courts on high" led me into a lot of confusion, and false paths.  I am just now beginning to feel a great desire to complete "all I was sent here to do" so that I can  return to my Heavenly Parents with honor.

Lest I create the wrong impression, my earthly parents were very good people, and did the very best they could with the knowledge and tools that they had.  I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to be sealed to them.  I know our reunion will be joyful when my journey is completed, for they also came from those royal courts, and are my celestial siblings, as well as my dear parents. Our relationship began long before this life, and will continue throughout eternity.

Today after the mission devotional, I did two loads of laundry and then went on several shopping trips. There were intermittent thunderstorms, and reports of hail, but I just got a little damp at times.  I stocked up on items that were in the ads, being especially glad to get flax seeds for $1.29 a pound.  I think I now have enough to make crackers every two weeks until time to go back to Missouri.

Speaking of which--it is nearly the middle of June!  Time surely seems to be flying as I look back.

A dear Missouri friend called today and we will get together next Monday before her daughter does a tour of the University of Utah campus.  I actually know how to get there, as the Botanical Gardens are part of U of U!  Every time I drive I seem to find a new street to explore.  For instance, today I thought I would travel up 200 West, instead of 300 West to get to the warehouse stores.  Now I know why that is not a good idea, as that street stops at a rail crossing. I am becoming pretty good at U-turns!  The rail tracks had stopped me earlier in the day after leaving Welfare Square, as a long, slow-moving train blocked my passage back to 300 West.  The cloudiness and coolness of the day was quite a blessing as I sat for a good five minutes waiting.

This evening for Family Home Evening I listened to a Roots Tech 2016 class about doing more Advanced Searches in FamilySearch.  This will help me here with guests at the Library, and also when I get back home.  There are many videos from the Conference accessible at  http://www.rootstech.org/video2/4741844756001