Dimanche = Sunday

Being so far from home, in a land that speaks a language I cannot yet understand, and being 100% free to choose how I spend each second of my time, I will admit that my diligence in scripture studying has lagged, especially this past week. I could pull out every excuse under the sun, but I won't. I know what I need to fix and I am so grateful for that opportunity TO repent and improve myself!

I will never let my testimony shrink, but with that said, I was reminded during one of the stake conference addresses today, that we are all on an escalator in life. We have to keep moving forward, putting forth some sort of effort to remain in the same spot, otherwise we are going to move backwards. It will happen. We will fall behind whether we consciously realize this or not. I can see that my effort probably wasn't at par to even remain in the same spot, but after today's addresses in conference, I am refueled and rededicated.

I love church! I am so blessed to not simply know the truth of the restored gospel or be a member of the church, but to have a testimony of the power of righteous living! My friend, Aubrey, in my ward, brought up a funny point that all the other au pairs were probably hung over while we were at church. It's the small and simple choices, good or bad, that add up to habits, then character, then a way of living. Thankfully I had a note pad to write down some thoughts and notes from church today because, let me tell ya, they were directed straight to me. Big flashing, yellow signs were all pointing at Julia Cook in heaven today. I love this church, this gospel, the missionaries that helped me figure out how to pay tithing today, the institute program, the English speaking members in my ward, the technology that allows someone to translate the sacrament meeting for me, and the Holy Ghost that bears witness to it all.

Sundays, I love you. Dimanche, je t'aime.

And remember, we are all on an escalator! Are you going to keep pushing forward, staying at a bare-minimum constant, or let yourself slip behind? I know what direction I'm headed: up.