Pioneer Day Reflections

I have been busy preparing the ward YW bulletin board this week as well as preparing for family that is coming to visit for a few short days. We haven't seen them for a couple of years and so we are excited. In the midst of that, I have really not taken time to Think about TODAY.  Those in Utah and members of the LDS Church know that today was Pioneer Day, the day that we commemorate the Saints arriving in the Salt Lake Valley.   While I do not have Pioneer Saint Heritage, my husband does. His ancestors were among those that arrived in the valley, in fact he is a decendent of the first white baby born in the Valley, Elizabeth Young Steele.

I am grateful for those pioneers who came to the Salt Lake Valley. Those who sacrificed all for the liberty and freedom to practice their faith.  I am grateful for my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. of Latter Day Saints. I am grateful to have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for my membership in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

We flew our flag proudly today at our home. We are extremely grateful for those in our family and for all who have served this great country and who have fought for our freedoms and especially for our freedom to practice the religion of our choice. 

I do not have ancestors who walked the plains to Salt Lake, however I do have Pioneer ancestors who fought in many wars and who took a stand for truth. They were devout and loyal to their God. Good God Fearing and God Loving People.  I wonder if they would recognize the United States today. Would they feel that we have lost our way. Would they feel that we have respected their sacrifices. I don't know.  I can't speak for them.  I hope that they know that I remember them and their sacrifices. Both my ancestors and my sweet husbands ancestors.

Today, I am grateful to be a God Loving person, I can't really say that I am a God Fearing person,  I have great respect for the position, and  I regard Him as my Heavenly Father and will not Fear HIM, I only need to fear myself and my own choices, knowing that there are divine laws and with each there is a consequence, good or bad... It's up to me.

I pray that I will be the type of person that will save this country from destruction. It will not come from some great feat that I will accomplish. Perhaps by small acts of kindness and showing respect for myself, my children, my neighbors,  my country. Practicing Christ like behavior.