I am still here! I know I have not posted in a while, but I am still here :)

So, in the last post I mentioned how I was going to talk about teaching Relief Society. Well, it just so happened that today I had the privilege of teaching the sisters about the "Parable of the Sower."

This Sunday, I was just subbing... yes, we have "substitute teachers" even in the church. If a teacher is not there that day, someone else steps in and teaches the lesson. It happens in every single organization within the church. However, in years past, I actually was called to teach the sisters. And I loved it!

It is always a great experience when I teach because I learn new things. I get to really study a lesson, share it, and learn from my study as well as from the comments the sisters make during the lesson.

As with lessons in the past, today's lesson was eye opening for me. It gave me the opportunity to analyze where I stand. Of the four types of soils (hearts) mentioned in the parable, which one is mine?

I have realized that in our lifetime, we all experience at least three of the four. We all may go from a rich soil to a soil overcome by thorns and then back to a rich soil. We all have times we struggle and the seed (the Word) either shrivels under the hot sun (shallow roots), it's suffocated by thorns (cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches), or is able to produce a bountiful harvest in spite of the struggles.

The most important thing to remember is that wherever we are in our life, we can always do better. Thanks to the Atonement, we can all leave behind our shallow roots and thorns and become the rich, fertile soil that brings forth good fruits.

Another thing I was reminded of today was that we all shake during an earthquake (events within the Church that make waves in the world, such as the last statement that was released about ordinances for children of same sex couples) but that the depth of our foundation is what will either keep us standing after the shaking is over or will allow us to topple over.

How strong is my foundation? How strong is my faith? Do I look at the big, eternal picture? I am glad I can answer that, so far, although I have shaken, I am still standing tall with no cracks on the walls or foundation.

I look to my Heavenly Father and my Savior for guidance, support, and answers. And the Holy Ghost bears witness to me of their teachings.
One never goes wrong when turning to Them.