Blessings in the Storm

Morning walk and hike up to the 17th hole.

Even though Church has been cancelled due to Coronavirus, we had a sweet church service with our four couples. Daren is actually our newly called bishop and he said he was awake at 3:00 am with thoughts of what we could share during our meeting.

It was good for me to see how he presided and planned the meeting without worrying if that would be weird to assume responsibility. He knew it was his calling and moved forward without hesitation. In addition, everyone else respected his calling and let him assume that role. I'm not sure I'm explaining it well, but it was sweet to me to see this order.

We had an opening song, prayer and sacrament song then took the sacrament. A couple of slices of bread with a napkin to hold it so we could break off our own piece. (Coronavirus protection.) And extra small (red solo game cups) for the water. We're so used to seeing the bread and water in our regular setting and sacrament trays, it was beautiful to see that it didn't matter what plate or tray held the sacrament, it was the setting apart and remembering our Savior's atonement that was important.

We watched President Nelson's short thought on "Hear Him" and Daren, (Bishop Watts) shared how he hears Him then asked us each to take turns sharing our thoughts. It was simple yet profound testimony meeting. Such a sweet break from the fun, the jokes, the teasing and the laughter, to all come together and be serious in sharing spiritual thoughts.

I felt so grateful to have friends who share a love for our Savior and to be comfortable to share those feelings to learn from each other. Who also wanted to take the time on the Sabbath to remember Him. I am grateful for the Priesthood that allowed us to bless and partake of the sacrament in our own home-based sacrament meeting. I was also grateful that even though it seemed like the world was in chaos, we live in a time of technology where we'd been able to talk to our children and loved ones, have news, internet and TV to keep us updated on what was happening and not worry about unknowns. And I was grateful for a few minutes of reverence to reflect on our Savior and fill our souls with his Goodness.

 I love these thoughts that my friend shared (passed along to her from her dad that he got from someone else):

I have felt so grateful to have our kind, calm, sweet prophet sending video messages. I'm glad we live in a country where we have a government that in times of crisis acts in the best interest of the people. But having a prophet in addition to that fills me with peace.

After our meeting we went to lunch, then had a few minutes to relax together in the sun before packing, cleaning our rooms and heading home.

Before we left, Dan called to check in on the boys. They couldn't talk because Marty, Nick and Curtis were holding their own church meeting back at home. Oh, sweet Marty becoming such a leader and example of making time for spiritual things. Made us so happy.