Querida familia celestial:
We've just come from a new year's resolution meeting, a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting in our local barrio, or ward. We expected to be in an outlying ward this week. Two weeks ago we committed to the area presidency that we would attend a ward or branch as assigned, to help any way we can. So far we are not on that assignment. For me it was a blessing to be in our home barrio. We received a beautifully-prepared accountability sheet, also from the area presidency, about ways we can strengthen ourselves and our families this year. Included are FHE, scripture study, prayer, tithing, fasting and offerings, and temple ordinances performed.
Before I left on this mission, I began taking pictures of things I want to improve with me to church. I pondered them during the sacrament service and made commitments for moving forward. I decided to do that again today. I've been focusing more on knowing the Savior personally, and chose to take a picture of him on my IPad. I intended to take a happy painting of him and went to Greg Olsen's website. To my surprise, the Spirit directed me to one of the Savior sitting on a hill across from Jerusalem. It is a cropped view of a larger painting, where the Savior is pensive. The title is "O Jerusalem"
Here is what Mr. Olsen says about this painting:
“Have you ever sat quietly and pondered, “What has God prepared for me? What blessings are awaiting me as I make room to receive them?” Pondering and quiet meditation can help open our eyes to perspectives that are more positive, more eternal…in short, more Christlike. If we can learn to simply “be still”, push away the world and see things with a Christ consciousness our experience in life will transform. We will see ourselves and others with compassion, love and endless potential. I often use my imagination to play out a little exercise in my mind that has proven to be uplifting and enlightening for me. I imagine myself seated on a rock next to Jesus, perhaps seated on a hill like this watching the sunset. I ponder the things that I might say to Him if I were there. I then sit and quietly and “listen.” I then let my mind fill with words that he might say to me in return. Without fail I come away feeling encouraged and loved. I feel more hopeful and aware. I really feel as though I’ve been gathered under his wing!”
- See more at: https://www.gregolsen.com/gallery/o-jerusalem#sthash.Dxmxme01.dpuf
In this quiet space, before I begin posting photos from the amazing week we spent with the Burks and Shawn's family, I encourage us all to take time for and with the Lord. I just did, and had both a lovely and insightful experience.
Love to all of you,
Hermana Brubaker
Missionary Mom