Looking back

So last weekend, an old friend from Highschool came into town and I was able to spend a little time with her.  On my way over to visit her at the house she was staying in, I started thinking.... What would have happened to our friendship had I not joined the church?  She was not a member and I had joined the church a year after highschool.  After I had joined, unforunately, I had to break away from the group because the lifestyle I once led, was too tempting to follow.  So I started thinking, I wonder if we would have been closer had I not broke away.  Had I not decided to move out of the apartment, would I have been invited to their bachlorette parties and their weddings?  Would I have received their baby announcements?  Would we still be good friends to this day? I started feeling sad that I was the only one in our group of friends that was not invited to those things.  As I shared this with Brian, he said, "you can't look at it that way though, Shara. Think of all the good friends and blessings you have now because you DID move out.  I just shrugged my shoulders and said, "I guess."  Having friends is important to me and knowing that I'm not close with them anymore...hurts.
I ended up having a great time with them and am glad we were able to talk. However, I still left that night wondering.

Then Sunday came - Thanks goodness for Sundays!! Two of my friends sang this BEAUTIFUL song.  They are my 2 favorite female voices (other than my moms) that I LOVE to hear sing together. The spirit is always so strong when they sing and....I don't even know how to describe it. It's just beautiful.  Anyhow - the song they sang was, Power of Heaven.

These are the lyrics they sang:
Heaven's light flows through the windows
Warming even walls of stone
In the refuge of the temple
I find strength beyond my own

I can feel the power of heaven
As I stand on holy ground
And the spirit whispers what I long to learn
Eyes are touched with understanding
I can see beyond this world
Its the place I reach for heaven
And it reaches in return

Filled with purpose, filled with power
Granted gifts to lift the world
In Gods house and in His presence
I am filled with strength to serve

It's the place I reach for heaven
And it reaches in return


This was a testimony and an answer to me.  This is why I broke away.  Although I still hurt at times because of lost friendships, the blessings of the temple strongly outweigh anything and everything. I am grateful for the membership I have in my church and the many blessings it brings me.  Yes - there are things that I sacrifice but....sacrifice brings greater blessings.