Feels Like Home

Randy and I often joke that the only reason why we go to church each Sunday is because of our stake callings. We go to sacrament meeting, Randy leaves right after the sacrament is passed so he can get his calling done before I drop Josh off to him so I can go to my meeting. We both usually miss Sunday School and Relief Society/Elder's Quorum and then we go home...and sometimes we ask, "What's the point?!" There have also been times where I've had more than one meeting and I miss taking the sacrament altogether. Yes, I could wait until the last ward meets at 1 PM, but I'm just not that righteous, there's no way I'm staying at church for more than 5 hours!

When I drive down Foothill, I look at the big Lutheran church with the pretty stained-glass windows, and think, "I bet the people there are very nice, too. They pay their clergy; all I'd have to do is show up! I wonder if I'd feel the Spirit there, too. I bet I would! No more pressure to do family history work, visiting teaching, missionary work, going to Institute or Enrichment Night or the temple, or reading my Ensign from cover to cover."

Are you worried about me yet? Well, here is why I love the LDS church:

It doesn't matter what building of our church you go into, they all smell the same, I can't even describe it, it smells like family if that makes any sense; it's a comforting feeling every time I enter the building.

I love the sounds-of children crying or throwing tantrums, of laughter, of well-wishers, of uplifting messages; it feels like home. When my mom was baptized, she was all glowing and happy; this made the biggest impression on me-to see my mom happy. I went to church with her one day, and to be honest, I wasn't too impressed. I remember sitting in sacrament meeting-there was a guy sitting a few rows ahead of me who was reading a lesson manual, obviously making last-minute preparations, a woman flipping through her planner, and the noise! How could anyone concentrate will all those kids! It seemed like noone was paying attention to the speakers. But now, almost 10 years later, I love the sweet buzz you hear during sacrament meeting-it reminds me that life is full and good. I have a very hard time concentrating and listening to the speakers when I'm wrestling with two kids, but I feel the Spirit every time.

I love seeing families together at church, and this is where I get a lot of my education on how to be a mom. I love how the church encourages us to accept our God-given roles: Women are to nurture their children; Men preside in love and righteousness, provide, and protect.

And I love my calling. I am surrounded by amazing people that truly live by the Spirit each and every day. I've seen many tiny, little miracles happen in our stake, by small and simple ways.

Now, can I count this as family history work because this is kind of a journal entry, and as missionary work because my blog is available for the world to see? Thanks.