Sundays, Patriotism and Callings...

So Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest and most of the time I just sit around, talk, eat, read, listen, nothing too extreme. But, sometimes exercising the gift of the Spirit can be most energy draining of all! Today, Zach and I gave talks in our new ward... Our topic was Pres. Packer's talk last Nov. Conference called "The Test." He retold the story of the Saints being kicked out of Nauvoo by mobs, about the extermination order, and how the US government would do nothing to stop it. Then he told how the first big party the Saints had when they reached Salt Lake and finally were secure there and safe from these mobs had the theme of liberty and freedom, patriotism, of all things. Here is a little quote :

"We may not always agree with the laws or the outcome of an election but that 12th article of faith is still something we follow. Elder Packer quotes “And so on that day of celebration in 1849, ‘Elder Phineas Richards came forward … and read their loyal and patriotic address.” He spoke of the need for them to teach patriotism to their children and to love and honor freedom. “Brethren and friends, we who have lived to three-score years, have beheld the government of the United States in its glory, and know that the outrageous cruelties we have suffered proceeded from a corrupted and degenerate administration, while the pure principles of our boasted Constitution remain unchanged. As we have inherited the spirit of liberty and the fire of patriotism from our fathers, so let them descend (unchanged) to our posterity.” I am touched every time I read this, that someone so persecuted by a government could still be so faithful to that same country because he realizes that it’s men that are corrupt, not the laws and principles."

I thought this was a very profound thought and wanted to share it...



I also got a new calling- Youth Conference committee member. How fun is that? We get to plan Youth Conference and go too. It is in July and we are taking the kids to Camp Williams- the military base where we get to do all the obstacle courses, climbing, falling, swimming, etc. that we want to do. Yea! I am excited! :)