Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Guest Post! There's no place like home

Today the wonderful Sarah is here for another guest post! Her blog is wonderful and inspires me daily! You can feel her testimony through each post, she truly shines with the light of Christ! Pretty please with a cherry on top go check it out! You are missing out if you don't!

Without further ado..... drumroll please....
           
The amazing Sarah!
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Hey there! My name is Sarah and I blog over at The Sprinkles on my Ice Cream. Shelby was kind enough to allow me to do a guest post, so here I am!

First things first, here are three random facts about me:

1. I love ice cream. [Thank you, captain obvious.]
2. My toothbrush is white and green. [Ah, the good old Stake Dance classic question.]
3. I have a pet unicorn. [Just kidding. But I totally wish I did. I would name it Penelope.]

In my Stake we have a fun tradition. In a lot of other areas, a special camp is hosted for the Priests during the summer that is kind of like an intense mission prep class wrapped into one two-day experience. In my neck of the woods we do one for the Laurels, too. I am so thankful that I was able to be there.

Our theme this year comprised of the beloved sentiment from the Wizard of Oz and an LDS twist: "Come Unto Christ for There's No Place like Home". From the moment I heard this announcement I was thrilled. [I mean, who doesn't love blue gingham and red sparkly shoes?]

Image Source
Fastforward six months and there I was, sitting in the lodge, desperately longing for a shower [you know it's bad when you can smell your own feet while standing up...] and feeling quite homesick. Don't get me wrong-- I love me some camping, but I was really missing my nice warm bed and my family. Later, it hit me. In the same way that I desperately wanted to be back at my comfortable house, each of us should want to return to our ultimate home-- eternal life with our Father in Heaven. 

There really is no place like Heavenly Home. No earthly castle, palace, party, popularity gain, achievement, or possession will ever compare to the joy that is offered to us through our Savior Jesus Christ. I started thinking about the times when I felt closest to God, and I noticed that it is always when I feel the Holy Ghost. Things like Temple trips, scripture study, and family time came to mind. Then, an even bigger realization came into view. 

If there really is no place like our Heavenly Home and I truly desire to be there, why do I let things get in the way of that? If I truly love feeling the Holy Ghost, why do I sometimes drive it away through my actions? Is that catchy song, popular movie, or whatever temptation it may be really worth losing the closeness with God I strive for?

I like how Mormon 8:38 puts it:
“Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?”
I've been thinking hard about where I am on my yellow brick road of life and if I'm on track to reaching my Heavenly Home. As hard as the path may sometimes seem, I am so thankful that we don't have to walk it alone. Just like Dorothy had the tinman, scarecrow, and lion at her side, we are not left to complete this journey by ourselves.

Says President Uchtdorf:
I know that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us because we are His children. Because He loves us, He wants each and every one of us to return to Him safely, so He sent His son, Jesus Christ to live and die for us. As we turn to Him, He will help us navigate our journey of life and return to our Heavenly Home.

No matter what the sacrifice may be, there really is not place like Heavenly Home.

Sarah

2 comments:

  1. I would love to use this quote that you have so nicely designed for girls camp. Could you help me to obtain it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love to! If you could shoot me an email at littlelightofmineblog@yahoo.com I would be happy to help! I'm having trouble finding your email!
      Have a great day!

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I'd love to hear from you! Pretty please with a cherry on top :)