Today is my favorite day of the week. It is the Sabbath, the Lord's day of reflection and rest. It is the day I renew my sacred covenants with Him and promise in my heart to try harder in the coming week. When I was a very little girl I was aware of the Sabbath. My parents taught us that this day was different. My mother would play recordings of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to set the mood. Back then, Dad would go to Priesthood Mtg. in the morning, then return and take our family to Sunday School which was 1 1/2 hours. Later in the afternoon or evening we would return for Sacrament Mtg. which was also 1 1/2 hours. We did not play outside on the Sabbath. My sister and I would change from our 'Sunday-go-to-meeting' dresses into school dresses. We did not wear play clothes in respect for the Holy Day. I loved hearing the organ play in church, the soft quiet whispers of parents settling their children. We had tall gold colored glass windows in our chapel. The effect of sunlight streaming through them forever touched my soul. My best memory is of my family. My Harper grandparents, and all of their children and their grandchildren lived in the same ward in Bellflower, Calif. Sunday Meeting meant seeing and worshipping with beloved grandparents, loving aunts and uncles and cousins. I became friends with Robin Eggleston Shaker in 1953 and we remain friends to this day. Last Sunday afternoon she called from her home in San Clemente, CA. and we laughed and talked for 2 hours. I count that conversation as a bonus blessing. I needed it and Heavenly Father knew it.
Today was our last day to attend our ward block. We had a beautiful testimony meeting. The last 20 minutes Pres. Clark (BYUI) and Pres. Hallstrom (Pres. of the 70) spoke. Their talks were amazing and a perfect ending to a beautiful meeting. Pres. Clark spoke about the eternal worth of each soul and Pres. Hallstrom spoke about the symbiotic relationship of the church and the gospel. In R.S. we had a testimony mtg. instead of a lesson. I will always remember Pearl Davenport's (Rod's mother's cousin) remarks. Rodney gave a lesson in High Priests and then our sweet experience in 4th ward ended. I will be visiting teaching tomorrow & Tuesday as I continue to pack boxes. It is a rare privilege to attend church in the chapel on temple grounds. My Sabbaths here in this congregation of saints have been incredibly special. Blessings, Linda
2 comments:
It sounds like it was a perfect Saunday before your move.
I adore Pearl! I have always called her 'Aunt Pearl' and we enjoyed so many wonderful times just laughing and loving with her. (She must live in her Dad's home) Once her daughters Jonie and Becky and I helped clean the temple and folded tons of white laundry and then we went out to eat. I was probably 13-14 and was staying in their home. I wish I knew you were in her ward and I would have had you give her a HUGE hug for me.
Your memories of the Sabbath are so much like mine and how we were raised to hoor the day as a HOLY day as it is..
Good luck moving back to the farm!
~♥
Glad you had that time in your ward! Always great to enjoy the members everywhere.
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