Praise of the World

Ok, well, I better begin. First off, yesterday was our last lesson with N, because she informed us that she is moving to Idaho this week and will be getting baptized this coming Saturday when she gets there. Ha, so bitter-sweet. She is so excited for her baptism and she is ready. But I wish I could be there! But that will be happening this weekend on Saturday. 

Another neat experience I had this week was the opportunity to attend a funeral and sing a musical number at it with Sister Heintz. This funeral was for a member of the church who had not been active for over 40 years but for some reason he still wanted his funeral in the church building. I have been to quite a few funerals on my mission but this one was quite different. Interestingly enough, the spirit taught me some powerful lessons as I sat through this funeral. This man was involved heavily in politics in Wyoming, and held many offices over the years. He was a prominent member of society. Each person who spoke was also a very prominent member of society, who had served with him for years. Each held high titles. They spoke of his earthly accomplishments, his honors, his awards, his highly esteemed name in the community, his career, but there was hardly a mention of some of the things that matter most. I sat there as each person spoke and thought, "What do I want said about me at my funeral?" After their remarks, we got up and sang, "Where Can I Turn for Peace," The spirit filled the room and was powerful. Then a member of the church got up and also shared his experiences with this man but also the Plan of Salvation. As I looked up at the stand there was such a distinct difference between the men and women of God on the stand and the "prominent" members of society. The spirit testified to me that, "The praise of the world, pales in comparison to the blessings of eternity." While this man had been praised so much for the things he had done here, I knew none of that would matter. What matters is who we become and how we prepare to make it back to the presence of our Heavenly Father. Because of those powerful lessons that I was taught by the spirit, I have resolved even more to not seek out the praise of the world, but to seek after the blessings of eternity, by focusing on my relationship with my Heavenly Father and my Savior now. Following His commandments. It will all be worth it. 

Well, I am out of time. I hope some of my deep contemplation of the week have helped inspire and bless in some way. I love you each so much! Have a wonderful week:)

Love,

Sister Young