"If you are not one, you are not mine...."

“In the early years of the Restoration, new members gathered to create Zion. Zion was both a place and purpose—a spirit. We no longer gather in the same way. Our branches and wards are now our Zion. But they take on the spirit of Zion only when members care for one another. Sadly, we sometimes hear of women and men who have had their feelings hurt and become alienated by other Church members. If you are on either side of this dilemma—the offender or the one who has been offended—seek forgiveness; see your own part in the fault. Remember Christ’s admonition to us: “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” D&C 38:27 Kathleen H. Hughes, “What Greater Goodness Can We Know: Christlike Friends,” Ensign, May 2005, 74

I know for me, I feel at home in my own ward and stake. It’s my comfort zone. I feel like we care about each other and watch out for each other. We have moved many times in our married life and I have found this to be true everywhere we have lived. I think that Zion can exist wherever you are. We have chosen to be happy no matter where we are living. We have found that when it’s time to move, we think we will never live in a better ward or love the people as much. But by the time it’s time for the next move, we feel the same way again. I am not one who is easily offended. I know that I am not perfect and might have unknowingly offended someone in the past. When I do hear words that might cause offense, I try to give the person the benefit out the doubt. I would rather get over something, than carry the burden of being offended. I like to say that I live in my own little bubble, where everybody likes me and my family, no one judges anyone else, the sky is always blue and the sun is always shining. :) Having an attitude like this, helps me see the positive in others and feel more love towards others. I think love is the key to feeling “one” with Christ and his purposes.