Yesterday we had Church on a boat out on the Sea of Galilee. We received permission from the first presidency just a week ago. It was a wonderful experience. Kelly (Ogden) gave a sermon on the tempests that arise in our lives, and Christ's ability to calm them.
It was nice to out on the water that Jesus taught from and on so many times, but I am coming to realize that these places don't feel any more sacred to me then any other place I have been. Before everyone freaks out, let me explain.
It's not the places that matter, it's the teachings! I am realizing that it doesn't matter where Christ taught the things He taught. It only matters that we learn it and live it. It is helping me learn many things being in this land and listening to Kelly teach. I am amazed at how profound things I would have always just passed over in the Bible are as we learn the setting in which they were taught and what they would have meant to the people who were actually hearing directly from the Savior.
Most of the places we visit are covered in new churches and souvenir shops that really distract from the spirit of the place but I am loving the scenery for scenery sake and the learning for learning's sake. I really need a bit of this in depth spiritual learning. I have gone a long time without accepting anything new from the Lord. I am ashamed that I have turned my back for so long.
With a new marriage, a new baby, a new business, a new home, and all the duties that come with those things which require the Lord's help the most, I have tried to do it all on my own. I think we all have that tendency sometimes. That's why the scriptures worn against that all the time. I know better but still I say to myself, "I just don't have time to study the scriptures today with all my other duties!" How backwards can I be!!!
I love the gospel and the Lord and I am so thankful to be where He walked during His mortal ministry, and even more to have such a great teacher to bring the Old and New Testament to life in such a powerful way.
I hope you are all enjoying my photos. I welcome your critiques. You can leave a comment below any photo. Please don't feel like you just have to tell me they're great. If you don't tell me what's wrong with them I won't fix it while I'm here and that would be a terrible wast.
Thanks,
I love you all!
Jarem