Influence of Light

I think it amazing that one day we can be completely distracted by worldly things and what the world tells us that we should want and then one day the Lord gives us a little wake up call...back to reality and reminds us of all that he wants us to do, for others, for him, and for ourselves so that we can become closer to him. That is the way I have felt the last few days. The Lord has given me some reminders that he is still there always helping me even if it seems like my life is going fine and I "dont need him". Its amazing that when we are blessed the most, that we forget that the origin of those blessings is God. I have had such an enlightening week...I can't explain it. I just feel as though I am on my way to gaining a much stronger relationship with the Savior than I ever have in my life. I had some realizations that brought me to these thoughts. I realized that growing up in the church we have focused on the evil in the world and how to avoid it. "Stay away from the EVIL. There is so much out there." But while that is completely true...I think that its much more motivating and inspiring to emphasize instead, how much good and beauty there is in the world. We should inspire others to seek it out. There are so many good and inspiring things in the world that no one in the world could possibly every see/read/listen to it all in one lifetime. The 13th article of faith really hit home for me after I realized this concept. 'If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we SEEK after these things.' It is true that these things may not always be right in front of us, like the evil of the media and the world but if we SEEK after those things that are good and true, the darkness of the world around us will be blinded by the light. All we do, everything, is to recieve his spirit, to feel closer to Him, that is the ultimate goal, isn't it? 'That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.' (D&C 50:24) That was President Hinckleys favorite and I can understand why...Tonight as a family we were singing around the piano. One song we sang was totally unplanned but still very touching and beautiful. It was really an awesome experience as we sang this song. Here are the lyrics. At first Chandler, Carli, Summer and I sang it and then my parents and Colton joined in when my grandparents made us sing it again. I think you can understand why it was so touching. It seemed to go perfectly with what I had been thinking about.

Keepers of His Light

We were saved for these final days

and He has blessed us with the faith

to follow Him, and remember Him

in a world thats gone astray

To rise above the darkness thats around us

that we might have His holy light surround us

We will stand strong in the presence of our God,

letting virtue garnish every thought.

We will hold on always steadfast in his ways

faithful to the promise we have made.

By the way we live our lives,

we are the keepers of His light.

We believe we're children of a king,

and we will honor him faithfully.

We will lift our minds.

We will choose the light,

living lives of purity.

We can feel his mighty power inside us

we know He is reaching out to guide us

We will stand strong in the presence of our God,

letting virtue garnish every thought.

We will hold on always steadfast in his ways

faithful to the promise we have made.

By the way we live our lives,

we are the keepers of His light.