Yesterday I got to hike with the youth in our ward up to the "G" in Pleasant Grove. (The picture to the left is actually from Zion's National Park) It was a tough hike, quite steep in parts. But the view was breath taking. There are so many analogies you can give to hiking up a mountain. How much life feels like climbing the mountain. It can be challenging at times but the view is well worth it. At one point of the hike I found myself at a view point alone. I took a few minutes to soak in the beauty of the view. It was in these few minutes that I realized how important it is for us to get up into the high mountain. I felt my smallness, in the sense that in this big world fully of all of God's children I was dependent on Heavenly Father for everything. All the buildings, cars, houses, all of it was so small up there and I realized how much that "stuff" doesn't matter. I also saw the beauty of the earth and how it is a great testimony of Heavenly Father's love for us to give us this beautiful world to live in.
Throughout the scriptures the Lord has commanded his servants to get up into the mountain. It is when they are on these mountains that they receive the revelation and perspective necessary to help lead and guide God's children back into his presence. Moses received the 10 commandments, Peter, James and John saw the transfiguration of Christ, Nephi received council to build the ship that took his family to the promised land, the Brother of Jared saw the Lord, and the list goes on. Last night I was reminded of how important it is to get to the mountain of the Lord--the temple. It's in the temple that we gain perspective of what matters. It's in the temple that we feel our Heavenly Father's love for us, and it's in the temple where we can receive insight on how best to guide and lead those in our care back to Heavenly Father.
I am so grateful for the hike last night and the opportunity it gave me to remember the importance of getting up into the high mountain.
Above is a picture with Grandma and Grandpa Pitt! They came down for dinner and cake for her b-day. Below is her cake. I love decorating birthday cakes, and this was fun and easy!
Above is a picture of Sarah having her traditional breakfast in bed. We let our kids choose what they want for their birthday breakfast and then they get to have it in bed! They love it! Below is Sarah with her birthday present! A new bike! She loves it!--Notice no training wheels!
Sarah had her first official birthday party! She had a princess beach party with 10 of her friends. The slide into the Barbie pool was the biggest hit. Happy 5th birthday princess!
