Lifted Up

Today in Institute we talked about the people who will be "caught up together... in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air" from 1 Thessalonians 4:17. 

My Institute teacher shared a dream his father had years ago, we will call him Adam to keep the story clear. Adam is standing in a large field, and he looks around to see hundreds of people in the field with him. Suddenly the skies burst open, and the Lord descends from the clouds. Adam notices the people around him start being lifted up off the ground. He realizes the significance of this, and immediately starts worrying that he's not being lifted. So he starts jumping up and down, hoping that will help him get lifted up. He realizes that no amount of jumping will help him, and he stops in despair. The feeling of guilt and shame overwhelms him, and he starts crying. Then, just as the dream ends, his feet lift off the floor.

After sharing that story, Brother Olsen shares what he learned from Adam's story. His dad told him about that dream a few weeks after he had it... which was, of course, years ago, and Bro. Olsen dwelled on it for a while. He decided he never wanted to do anything that endangered his ability to be lifted up at the last day.

I cried, let me tell you. It hit my heart so hard, and spoke to me so strongly. Am I doing anything that is endangering my ability to be lifted up? Are my friends and family doing anything to endanger their eligibility? 

Unfortunately, I know of a few people who are taking steps off the straight and narrow path, and it hurts my heart. I want them to know how special they are to our Father in Heaven, and that He is mindful of them. I wish I could make these people realize that they can turn to Him in their times of need or trial, and that He listens. 

I hope that I will always have the courage to speak to Heavenly Father when I need him, and that I will be strong enough to make the right decisions when trials are placed before me. I know that God lives, and that He knows who I am. I know he follows me and sees my future. I know He listens when I pray, and I can not wait for the day that I fall at His feet and worship Him.

I love the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with all my heart and soul. It keeps me grounded and on the right path. I love the people in my single's ward here in Price, especially the women. They are wonderful women, and I know they care for me. I hope over time I will be able to express to them how much their concern and compassion has made an influence in my life.

Hold to the rod, I love you all.

~Courtney