Things are doing quite alright here in good ole England. So many good memories and adventures to be had. Great people to meet, and fun, little surprises are always around the corner. I can't even begin to describe how great it was to see my family yesterday. Words will never give justice how much my family means to me, nor how much I love them. Even my little niece, little Ella Mae! Boy was that great! She is the cutest! Always brings a smile to my face knowing that I am an uncle.
First, I would like to share some lyrics from an English hymn we sung a couple weeks ago. I loved it very much. I believe this is the second verse, but feel free to look it up and listen to it. "Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Til we have built Jerusalem In England's green and pleasant land." My sources tell me this was comprised by William Blake around 1804? Can you just hear that enthusiasm and determination? I love it!
This week, I noticed a compass on my journal and thought how we are all much like that. It is so hard to stay focused on what really matters. To maintain that eternal perspective of what the eternities behold, not what occurs in the world. Say one is only 2 degrees off
course, but that course is miles away. Given time, that person is going to be miles and miles way from where the intended destination was supposed to have been. Thank goodness we get reminders from our Heavenly Father to make course corrections, no matter how small they may seem.
Some may think, well gee, I don't do anything really wrong.. Yep, most of us don't! Satan can't get us to go directly to breaking a commandment like that. Little by little, that deceiver may get one to not pray as fervently, or merely read their scriptures instead of studying them. Distraction is enough for the devil when it comes to returning to our Father in Heaven. We must not forget to do the necessary good that is asked of us. The sin of omission can easily be overlooked by us who think life is oh so peachy. Reflect on these things we are asked to do that we may not be. Are we doing our family history? Do we have family home evening? Do we pray for missionary opportunities? How much are we really magnifying our calling that God has entrusted us with? How can you best serve those you home or visit teach? I strongly believe so many lives would be changed if we turned outward more than inward. Forget yourself, and show your love for God and appreciation for our Saviour. This is not an easy task, to deny oneself. However, it is the course of discipleship, and most of us have made those covenants with God. Align your will with God, and the blessings you seek will not be deflected.
Now to end with one of my new, most favourite quote. (excuse that grammar please?)
"Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life." - Elder Richard G. Scott
Your dear missionary,
- Elder Bennett
Keaton did not send any photos this week but thought you would enjoy his first glimpse of his niece, Little Ella Mae
