institute

i have been taking an instute class from our stake president, President Marcum. i have loved it so much. i love being taught and learning and feeling the spirit. the first class we were in the relief society room and this picture was in the room...
i am such a Martha, always busy: not with bad things just sometimes not with the best things-i can't hold still! and i know i need to be more like the Savior said, "...Mary hath chosen the good part." -Luke 10:42
so i have really been trying to know what he wants me to do with my time and not just what i want to get done. i have also really tried to pray more to have the Holy Ghost with me, something that i didn't realize how often i did not have. i am very self sufficient by nature and want to do everything by myself. it's hard to put off the natural man. but i have come to understand that when i try to teach or discipline or act without having the Holy Ghost with me, it is not effective. i need his help!
we are reading the New Testament , it's just been so exciting! i remember as we were discussing the 12 disciples and how they literally followed him, this picture came to mind...

and i thought just like i was sitting in the chapel listening to President Marcum. others sat and listened while Jesus taught them. i have just wished class was longer, the hour goes by way too fast. and just recently someone brought up the question: why we don't have closing prayer after our class? and i just love President Marcums answer-he said we shouldn't close our teaching and learning at the end of a certain time, we should keep pondering and learning. i have enjoyed so much this opportunity :)