GERMANY and the CHURCH...deep thoughts by me

My in-laws are off to serve a Temple Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They will serve for eighteen months and then return home to the states.

So far they've been in Germany for almost a week. They've found they're way to their apartment, the grocery store, and of course the temple. My father in law speaks German(he served a mission for the church there when he was 19 years old) but my mother in law speaks only some words and phrases.

My thoughts today turn to this simple fact...no matter where you live, or where you come from, what language you speak or what culture you recognize, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the same. The message is the same, the programs inspired for the members are the same, and the feeling of the Holy Spirit is the same. 

Last weekend I attended the Temple in San Diego. I went through a Spanish speaking session.  Yes, I had a head set to translate, but more importantly, YES, I felt the same spirit and received the same information and was rewarded the same blessings. I felt such peace knowing that I am a member of a church that is the same EVERYWHERE.

My in-laws are now serving in a foreign country, with a foreign language, and a foreign culture. But the church is by all means NOT FOREIGN. They too are feeling the same peace of knowing that the church the belong to is the same EVERYWHERE.

To my friends and family - I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is CHRIST's church. He is the head of the church and the God of our world.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith restored the true Gospel of Jesus Christ again to the earth; restoring the priesthood to it's fullest. I know he translated ancient writings of prophets that testified of Jesus Christ and compiled them into a book we know as The Book of Mormon. This book I know in my heart to be true, I have felt the Lord testify to me multiple times of it's truthfulness. When I read it, I feel it. When I pray about it, I know it.

My family alone is proof enough of a loving Heavenly Father. And knowing that because of temple blessings I WILL be with my family for all eternity gives me such strength, hope and happiness as I live day to day.

When I moved to Yuma I was as far out of my comfort zone as I possibly could have been. No friends, no family, a different culture, different life styles, everything was different...except ONE thing. The Church. And just as it should be and always has been, the church was and is my lifeline.

I look forward to hearing about my in-laws experiences in Germany; about the people, the culture, the sights, everything. And I am not one bit worried about them finding familiarity when it comes to the church and its teachings. They are, of course, in good hands.

If ever you have wondered about the church or have questions, please, please ASK. Ask me, ask another member, or more importantly ask Heavenly Father.