Beautiful Blessings vs. Staying in Bed

I awakened this morning feeling tired and thought seriously about staying in bed with the covers over my head...for maybe 5 minutes.  I really didn't want to be social today.  But I really can't stand to think of missing any of the church meetings.  They are all spiritually and intellectually stimulating, and all come from a strong foundation of faith.  So I crawled out of the warm down comforter, got dressed and went off to church with SK and the young sister missionaries.

Oxford Second Ward this morning held its annual ward conference.  What a treat!  We heard from our Bishop and from our Stake President.  They are both such good men and both incredible speakers.  I've written before about Bishop Bateman's talks.  They touch my heart.

Today he spoke about being intentional about keeping covenants.  He told about a painting he saw in Israel - Magdala.  It is a very large mural and shows a woman on the ground reaching out.  You can only see her hand and the feet of several individuals, but you see her hand touching the hem of Jesus' garment.  It is titled "Encounter" and is in the Encounter Chapel.  It is representative of all of us and we reach out to the Savior for healing.

If you would like to read more about it, here is the link:  https://www.magdala.org/visit/duc-in-altum/encounter-chapel/

And here is a black and white copy so that you can get an idea of what it looks like:


 He talked about covenant relationships...all of them.  He took a few moments to develop our behavior in a covenant relationship, and then spoke about Satan, whose attitude in every relationship is "What do I get out of this?"

Our stake president followed with an equally dynamic talk about "Living After the Manner of Happiness."  He talked about the many trials and difficulties we each face in life, yet with the grounding of the gospel, we find peace and purpose.

First Ward was also excellent.  Once again the Reverend was in attendance.  We greeted him and spoke to him for a few moments.  He just kind of shows up and sits quietly listening.  As it happened, today was 'Youth Day."  Five youth spoke, and every one of them hit a home run in their understanding of the gospel, the application and then their testimonies.  I was so impressed with them, and wondered what our visitor thought.

He is a very kind and thoughtful man, and wants to bring every one(religion) to the table.  He told us that he has 3 Mormons scheduled to give sermons in his church between now and the end of the year.  I have heard him speak about the Book of Mormon and he believes it is true.  He stayed for part of Sunday School before quietly slipping away.  That lesson was excellent.  One thing this ward is not short of is people who can teach!

We were able to visit with quite a few individuals - especially our YSAs.  That got me past my grumpy desire to be a hermit in the warm and cozily dark apartment.  I came home very happy.


I'm missing one missionary picture and about 8 YSA pictures.  I'll take them this week and get them up!



As the gray day began to darken by 3:30, I decorated our tree, our bulletin board, and watched the newest Book of Mormon video with SK.  We planned our week, shopping and a meal tomorrow, two days of apartment inspections, Institute and somewhere in there, I must make something to take to the 8 missionaries whose flats will be inspected.  I like to take something....a treat or a goody of some kind.  I'll have to think on that.  Its getting closer to Christmas, and I want to leave them with the idea that they are loved and valued.

Any ideas out there?



Comments

melissa said…
You have days like that, too?!? I had a hard time getting out of bed, too. As hard as it can be, though, I never regret it. Do you want to know my secret for making myself get out of bed? I never make my bed! It makes me hopeful that I can get back in it soon.🤣 Whether it’s a work out or church we’re just going about my normal day, I’m always glad I made myself do it. As for treats for the missionaries, I don’t think you can go wrong with any homemade treat! Cookies are always a homerun. Plus they travel well. Maybe not brownies as they have those a lot.😉
November 17, 2019 at 1:20 PM
Valerie said…
Oh Janis, Your apartment looks so cozy, and I love your tree--It looks so festive already. I second the cookies idea. Every one you made for our FH meetings was awsome. Speaking of. . . Last Sunday Karen & Co. held a stake FH roundtable, & we had over 55 people there!!! It was awesome!
November 17, 2019 at 11:30 PM
Elder and Sister Madsen said…
Not making your bed is not an option for us sadly. Our mission president has asked us to make our beds as soon as we get out of them! But I do love the cookie suggestions, and the fact that both you and Valerie recommended it makes me think that's what I'll do.

Valerie....so good to hear from you! I can't believe you had that many people. What dynamic work you are both doing! I loved serving with you.
November 18, 2019 at 2:43 PM
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