So....

So, I guess I forgot to mention, but something happened in my life over the last year.

I found and married a man far better than Henry Tilney himself.

A new direction for my Happily Ever After has come about.

And I am loving every bit of it.

LDS Hymn #57

Hymn #57 - We're Not Ashamed to Own Our Lord

This was another that came to my notice as current ward choir director. One of my more musically inclined brothers--familiar with more of the lesser known hymns than others--mentioned this as a possibility to be sung. So we did. A simple arrangement of a hymn not well know. The tune is very simple, with some movement for the tenors and basses. And the text is about the Millennium (since we are still in that section). But I like that the first verse is our commitment to the Lord--which is required for the other 3 verses to be possible for us.

Favorite line: When he comes down from heav'n to earth...we hope with him to stand

From the history book
Written by our Brother Phelps, this was also included in Emma's first hymnal in 1835. He was influenced by the talented Isaac Watts with his first line, as well as the fourth verse. After 1835, the first 2 lines of verse 2 were revised because they were awkward to sing, as was the first line of verse 3. The tune in the 1950 hymnal was too difficult, even for many choirs. "Only very experienced pianists and organists could play it." So our lovely organist John Longhurst (I kind of miss hearing him play) was invited to write the one that we don't sing today. ;-) The brand of one of the small pipe organs that the Tabernacle organists practice on is called the Austin, and Brother Longhurst composed this tune one day while at that organ.

Lyrics

1. 1. We're not ashamed to own our Lord
   And worship him on earth.
   We love to learn his holy word
   And know what souls are worth.
2. 2. When Jesus comes in burning flame
   To recompense the just,
   The world will know the only name
   In which the Saints can trust.
3. 3. When he comes down from heav'n to earth
   With all his holy band,
   Before creation's second birth,
   We hope with him to stand.
4. 4. He then will give us a new name,
   With robes of righteousness,
   And, in the New Jerusalem,
   Eternal happiness.
5. Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872, alt. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
   Music: John Longhurst, b. 1940. (c) 1985 IRI

LDS Hymn #43

Hymn #43 - Zion Stands with Hills Surrounded

Like the previous hymn this is one that I'm not sure how I am familiar with it, but I am. It's a fairly easy one to play on the piano, except for the two sharps. :-) Actually, two sharps really isn't that bad. This does have the slightest bit of a Utah reference ("stands will hills surrounded"), though one really should choose to see the symbolic part of being surrounded by an Almighty fortress that confounds our foes no matter how awful things could get (friends leaving, mothers abandoning). Which leads to that beautiful line "But no changes Can attend Jehovah's love." Brings to mind the time when Joseph was in Liberty Jail and the Lord tells him that though it seems all have left him, he isn't because the Savior is always there. Verse 3--marvelous!! The best part of the entire song. It is one that could go with a different, slower tune to really draw out its meaning. Looking at the hymn meters, I think Hymn #96 (Dearest Children, God is Near You) would do that. I may have to consider this for the choir!

From the history book
And, like the previous hymn, this was written by a man who likely never heard of the LDS Church in his lifetime. I need to stop being so quick to assume Utah references. ;-) He used scripture references of being protected by surrounding hills, yet was still a bit prophetic that the early Saints literally found that protection. The tune was first combined with the text in a hymnal published in 1883.

Lyrics

1. 1. Zion stands with hill surrounded--
   Zion, kept by pow'r divine.
   All her foes shall be confounded,
   Though the world in arms combine.
   Happy Zion, Happy Zion,
   What a favored lot is thine!
2. 2. Ev'ry human tie may perish,
   Friend to friend unfaithful prove,
   Mothers cease their own to cherish,
   Heav'n and earth at last remove.
   But no changes, But no changes
   Can attend Jehovah's love.
3. 3. In the furnace God may prove thee,
   Thence to bring thee forth more bright,
   But can never cease to love thee;
   Thou art precious in his sight.
   God is with thee, God is with thee;
   Thou shalt triumph in his might.
4. Text: Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854
   Music: A. C. Smyth, 1840-1909

LDS Hymn #30

Hymn #30 - Come, Come, Ye Saints

Another well-loved, often sung (at least in July!) hymn with Church History ties. I have heard the story of the writing of this hymn countless times, and yet I still love it. William Clayton was in one of the first groups to cross the Mississippi in the great exodus from Nauvoo. The first week of a frigid (remember--east coast humidity there!) February, William had to leave his very pregnant wife behind. A couple of months after leaving he received word that his wife had delivered and both she and the baby were fine. In the midst of great trial and suffering, he found joy. And if you know my blog, you know that is the theme of my life, so it is no wonder that I have a tender spot for the hymn that he wrote because of that joy in the midst of trial.

It fit so perfectly with what the Saints were just then embarking on--the long journey west. Yet every verse, except for the reference to the west in verse 3, applies perfectly for our personal journeys in life. This song took on greater meaning when my cousin Jordan died about 2 months before his 16th birthday. The weekend of his death, our ward choir was putting on our delayed Pioneer program. I didn't make it through Verse 4. Off and on it has been a difficult one to sing, most recently being last year when my aunt died around Pioneer Day. I stood in front of my ward congregation leading the song, unable to sing as I cried through the verse. With the deaths I have experienced in my life, this verse takes on the meaning not because of the loss I have felt, but because of the truth I can sing of that they "are free from toil and sorrow, too" and believe that "with the just [they] shall dwell."

For my own personal life, that verse is one to sing in the sense that "Thy will be done." "If I perish, I perish." But I would love to live some more days to experience more things in this life--have a chance to grow and learn and serve. So, if I am blessed with a few more days on this earth--how very grateful I will always be for the Lord giving them to me!

From the history book
There was already a hymn called "All is Well" that Clayton wrote new words to. Another Church history anecdote with this hymn was shared. I think there are many. This hymn has been in every LDS hymnal since 1851. I remember once practicing at another religion's church when I lived in West Virginia. Always intrigued by hymnals, I looked inside. And I found this hymn. So apparently it made its way to other hymnals, too!

Lyrics

1. 1. Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;
   But with joy wend your way.
   Though hard to you this journey may appear,
   Grace shall be as your day.
   'Tis better far for us to strive
   Our useless cares from us to drive;
   Do this, and joy your hearts will swell--
   All is well! All is well!
2. 2. Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
   'Tis not so; all is right.
   Why should we think to earn a great reward
   If we now shun the fight?
   Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
   Our God will never us forsake;
   And soon we'll have this tale to tell--
   All is well! All is well!
3. 3. We'll find the place which God for us prepared,
   Far away in the West,
   Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
   There the Saints will be blessed.
   We'll make the air with music ring,
   Shout praises to our God and King;
   Above the rest these words we'll tell--
   All is well! All is well!
4. 4. And should we die before our journey's through,
   Happy day! All is well!
   We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
   With the just we shall dwell!
   But if our lives are spared again
   To see the Saints their rest obtain,
   Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell--
   All is well! All is well!
5. Text: William Clayton, 1814-1879
   Music: English folk song

LDS Hymn #27

Hymn #27 - Praise to the Man

In my opinion, this is one of the most fun songs to sing with its melody, constantly moving parts. I sometimes would get bored by the "chord-chord-chord" nature of most typical hymns. This is may be composed of chords, but it also has so much movement. And I love it! Of course, that credit cannot be given to the early Saints since it is based on a Scottish folk song (yay heritage!) and is one I often hear bagpipe bands play. Then again, the majority of bagpipe bands I listen to are here in Utah. I wonder if ones outside of Utah play this tune as much. Hmmmm... Well, whatever the case, I love this tune.

I also love the words. This hymn shows how we praise and honor Joseph Smith, but we do not worship him. We acknowledge what amazing things he did as an instrument in God's hands to restore the fulness of the Gospel, the priesthood keys, and enable salvation for the living and the dead. To have endured so much suffering and do so overall with an optimistic, upbeat attitude about life. His cheerful disposition. His love for people and life. His tireless work ethic. As a man, he was pretty amazing. And then to be the main instrument to help us--the world!--again fully access the Lord's Atonement and promised blessings of exaltation, my joy is great that Joseph the Prophet sacrificed so much for me and all of mankind. So I find the greatest joy in singing his praises with this song--in the most fun, upbeat way possible!

I am excited for this coming Sunday because this year the Primary (the children's organization) learned two of the verses to sing in their program. I actually was substituting as the Primary chorister during the month they were to learn it. Teaching it to them was interesting and hilarious. I always like to teach actions in songs to little kids, which the majority of our Primary is quite young. And we came up with the actions on the spot. Absolutely hilarious. I think the adult leaders' favorite was the action for "mingling with gods." I aim to please. :-)

Favorite line: "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." I remember a talk given on that and it really resonated with me.

From the history book
Another hymn by the talented William W. Phelps, a close friend of the Prophet Joseph--who had his own forgiveness story with him which has always touched me. Phelps wrote this to express grief and admiration for his lost prophet and friend. This song is described as having a "joyful sadness." Agreed. For it has always been a huge sorrow to me for how Joseph Smith died, yet it set him free from the mobs and hypocrites.

The second verse originally was more specific to where he was martyred, but in 1927 they changed the wording to fir the "good neighbor" policy of the Church. The original text was first printed in 1844. Though it was Brother Phelps hymn, the first verse seems to be based on Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake. They think it was likely that in the early days of the hymn, it was sung to the "Hail to the Chief" tune, and moved to the current "Scotland the Brave" tune after they moved to Utah. And thank goodness for that!!!

Lyrics

1. 1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
   Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
   Blessed to open the last dispensation,
   Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.
2. (Chorus]
   Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
   Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
   Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
   Death cannot conquer the hero again.
3. 2. Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
   Honored and blest be his ever great name!
   Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
   Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.
4. 3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
   Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
   Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
   Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
5. 4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
   Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
   Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
   Millions shall know "Brother Joseph" again.
6. Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872
   Music: Scottish folk song

LDS Hymn #14

Hymn #14 - Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings

This was one of the "we need a short hymn because there isn't much time left in a meeting" hymns. That is until I, as music director with my co-goal (with the organist) to sing all verses, noticed that this hymn has 7 verses! Being an only 2 line song, this is the equivalent of a regular 3 verse (slightly more I suppose) hymn that we always sing. However, I don't think I have picked this hymn, yet, because there is something about their faces when they sing verses "outside of the lines." Especially if it is more than 1 or 2. Their eyes seem to bug out and they start to get antsy. It's ridiculous really--especially with a short hymn like this. But since I already ask my ward to sing many of the "lesser known" hymns (at least to them), and I have them stand for the intermediate hymns, I pick my battles. :-)

Regardless of the number of verses, I am quite familiar with the tune of this song, which I have always liked. A fairly easy one for me to play. Looking closer at the words, I like those, too. Like the title, they bring a sweet message. And a hopeful one, too. The hymn talks about how the Gospel brings peace, ability to resist temptation, hope in the Savior's coming, and strength to endure until then.

From the history book
The passage points out how much thought, seeking, and reason are an important part of the hymn, and how Latter-day Saints resonate well with that because it is a part of our doctrine. We must "seek things out" for ourselves and work out our own salvation. Many other religions don't like that aspect. The book also points out that the text was part of LDS tradition since it was printed in 1852, but the first time the tune appeared was not until 1948. The name of the tune is Cache, after Cache Valley where the composer was from. A fun thing about now living in Utah (and having traveled throughout it) is that I am so much more familiar with the geography, so I can appreciate tidbits like that, having been there a few times myself.

Lyrics

1. 1. Sweet is the peace the gospel brings
   To seeking minds and true.
   With light refulgent on its wings,
   It clears the human view.
2. 2. Its laws and precepts are divine
   And show a Father's care.
   Transcendent love and mercy shine
   In each injunction there.
3. 3. Faithless tradition flees its pow'r,
   And unbelief gives way.
   The gloomy clouds, which used to low'r,
   Submit to reason's sway.
4. 4. May we who know the sacred Name
   From every sin depart.
   Then will the Spirit's constant flame
   Preserve us pure in heart.
5. 5. Ere long the tempter's power will cease,
   And sin no more annoy,
   No wrangling sects disturb our peace,
   Or mar our heartfelt joy.
6. 6. That which we have in part received
   Will be in part no more,
   For he in whom we all believe
   To us will all restore.
7. 7. In patience, then, let us possess
   Our souls till he appear.
   On to our mark of calling press;
   Redemption draweth near.
8. Text: Mary Ann Morton Durham, 1826-1897
   Music: Alfred M. Durham, 1872-1957. (c) 1948 IRI

Reflection: My Life as Great-Aunt Rose

My Conference talk today was Pres. Uchtdorf's "A Summer with Great-Aunt Rose." I had to share the talk, and then my response in my Gospel Study journal. It was too wonderful not to share.



This talk is PERCECT! I was getting ready for my bday party at the time. I was listening, but the karaoke guy wouldn't stop talking. Pretty much missed it all. So this was entirely new to me; and it didn't hit close to home. It hit home. When Aunt Rose tells Eva of her dark days, of the realization that her dreams would not come true as she'd hoped and the despair which followed--I know those feelings. That was me. It happened in small pieces here and there after I finished undergraduate school until a huge wave crashed into me one day after finishing graduate school and I'd moved to a new state and begun my first "professional" job. I sat on the floor of my own apartment, weeping into my unfinished baby Superman quilt as every unfulfilled dream burned into ashes. I spent a couple of years trying to deal with the disenchantment as even more things crumbled around me. The negativity from hopelessness and sorrow started to affect every aspect of my life. I am grateful for my church leaders, my best friend, co-workers, and my long-distance mother and close friends for buoying me up during what has been the darkest abyss of my life.

And in that time, like Rose, I realized I needed to rely on faith again. I needed to build it up. As I did, it built the hope. I started to focus on the bright, happy things in life. I tried to be more obedient and focus on what I could change in life: me!

Exactly as Rose said: "God didn't design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life. And sure enough, the world will become brighter. No, it doesn't happen instantly, but honestly how many good things do? Seems to me that the best things...take patience and work."

And I can testify of that. It took me about 3 years of work and patience. Like Rose, "I had some dark days.... Faith in the Savior taught me that no matter what happened in the past, my story could have a happy ending." But one day I looked at my life and realized I wasn't just happy. I was full of joy! My life was amazing and I loved it.

No, I haven't reached my ending. But Rose said, "Now is part of eternity." And I am living happiness in my eternity now for "faith and hope will open your eyes to the happiness that is placed before you.... Faith gave me the hope I needed to live joyfully now!"

Why do I like to be in musicals?
Why do I dance and sing around my house?
Why did I start to learn West Coast Swing?
Why will I be starting up Pottery classes?
Why do I love to dress up for formal balls?
Why do I love to dance even if I'm terrible at it?
Why did I sing in Sterling Singers for the last 2 years?
Why did I go to Harry Potter World, and swim with dolphins?
Why did I travel so much in the last couple of years to see family and the beautiful country we are blessed with?
Why do I get blamed for being "over-dressed" at church and sometimes work?
Why do I love to attend temples?
Why do I read?
Why do I create costumes?
Why do I love my job?
Why do I work so hard at the dating/social life?
Why do I participate in service projects?
WHY?
Because "I could have a little faith, put on a bright dress, slip on my dancing shoes, and skip down the path of life, singing as I went" (emphasis added). I can have "a spring in [my] step" because I am "moving forward and upward."

What a perfect talk for me, because I can testify with my entire being that I know it teaches truths. I have experienced and now live those truths. And I love it!

(Adding this here, since I can't in my study journal):

Gospel Message Day 231

Personal Reflection on Today's Gospel Study

I know. It's early in the day for me to be blogging here. But work and hours of driving will keep me from having personal internet access until tomorrow. So hereth I blog in the earlieth morning of hours.

I read the Nephite Christmas story in my daily Book of Mormon reading today. I know I blogged a bit about it during our Christmas Scripture Advent messages in December, and how it is one of my favorite pieces of of the Christmas story throughout all of scripture.

The Savior reassured a faithful servant of God: "Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand" (3 Nephi 1:13). And this is still His message today. His second coming is at hand. It is coming. We see the signs of it every day. The Lord is coming again, and just as it did before, it will "fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets." We have had prophets for centuries foretell of Christ coming to earth again, including Isaiah and John the Revelator, but also by the Savior Himself.

For those who are keeping His commandments and striving to live righteously, this Second Coming is always a reason for us to lift up our head and be of good cheer. The world is full of scary, frightening, despicable things. So many of mankind are sowing wickedness everywhere. Thus we see wickedness and destruction are now being reaped, and not just by mankind. Nature's destructive forces are also lending a hand. It is part of the prophecy, and part of the Lord's promise that if the wicked do not repent, punishment ensues. It is punishment for their benefit if only they will grasp that what they're doing is wrong and they are again being offered a chance to believe in Christ, repent, and be made whole.

But in spite of all the darkness and wickedness that abound and surround us in this world, we can be of good cheer. We can lift up our heads. We can walk in confidence. Because the Savior is with us, and He has promised the righteous peace and joy not just at the end of this journey, but during it as well. This goes hand-in-hand with one of my favorite quotes of all time has hung on the wall by my bed ever since I first read it 12 years ago:

"you can wake up every day looking forward to new adventures with hope smiling brightly before you because you have a Savior. You are baptized in His Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You just need to stay in, pressing forward with a brightness of hope to your heavenly home." -Julie B. Beck

Gospel Message Day 227

Rough Journeys

Some days are just rough. Some times it is weeks. Or longer. For me, it is often an accumulation of many small, rough things that lead to a very rocky road. Those small things by themselves seem silly that they should be causing any trouble. But it you put enough small rocks in the road, that road will be bumpy and difficult to pass. But pass it I will because the Lord has reassured me that there will be smoother spots along the way, and that the rough spots will be worth it, and that the end of the road will be a most glorious and joyful destination. In the mean time, how my spiritual vehicle is doing on that rough road is up to me. Am I giving it the fuel, care, and maintenance it needs? Do I have spiritual spare tires available to use if those rough patches cause a moment of flat tire?

I'm used to this road of mine. I love the smooth patches. I've gotten used to the fact that there are rough patches. Though I'll admit that there are occasions when I cry or complain over those rough patches. Yet I know it's a part of my road and I'll get through.

But today I was reminded of something that is absolutely wonderful about this trip along my journey on this road. I am not alone. I know that Christ is my navigator--holding the map and telling me the directions. But there are others. Brothers and sisters (physically and spiritually) who are with me. And once in a while I remember that they can help. And that help, support, kindness, reassurance, and encouragement along the road--both in the smooth and in the rough places--is one of the best parts about the journey.

Gospel Message Day 200

General Conference Insights, Part 7

I love when the speakers in conference repeat their own words multiple times within their talks. It truly drives their message home. Elder Nelson did this a couple of years ago with his "Ask the Missionaries!" talk.

Elder Pearson did the same thing. He spoke on how Lehi's dream shows us how to Endure to the End. His list (I love when they give lists!):
1. Don't forget to pray
2. Come unto christ and be perfected in Him
3. Press forward with faith
4. Book of Mormon is key to spiritual survival
5. Don't be distracted and deceived
6. Stay by the tree.

With the Book of Mormon he told us to search. "Every Day! Every Day! Every Day!" I love that. He repeated it twice. Would make a great cross-stitch to put on the wall. :-)

I also love that he said there is no room for average or complacent disciples. We must be active. To be about and doing. No one is saved by just sitting there. Just sitting there leads to you wasting away. Even if you have no control over your situation, you can still have control how you act and what you do in that situation. So we may be in situations in life that aren't fabulous. Stuck in a place that is upsetting. In a job that is difficult. In a marital status that is not one's first choice. But I still have control over how I live the Gospel, and how I endure to the end.

Gospel Message Day 179

Sacrifice, Part 6

I was going to move on to a new topic, but this morning I read the Relief Society Visiting Message and it put in mind what I was saying yesterday. I highlighted the passages that really stood out to me, the one in purple tying in to the current topic. And I love that one of my favorite stories during Christ's life on Earth is shared.

Patience is often thought of as a quiet, passive trait, but as President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, said, “Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something … even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!”

In our premortal life, our Heavenly Father prepared a plan for us—His spirit children—and we shouted for joy at the opportunity to come to earth (see Job 38:7). As we choose to align our will with His during our earthly life, He “will make an instrument of [us] in [His] hands unto the salvation of many souls” (Alma 17:11).

President Uchtdorf continued, “Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it with courage, grace, and faith. It means being ‘willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to his father’ [Mosiah 3:19]. Ultimately, patience means being ‘firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord’ [1 Nephi 2:10] every hour of every day, even when it is hard to do so.”¹

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 40:1; Galatians 5:22–23; 2 Peter 1:6; Alma 17:11

From the Scriptures

The scriptures tell us that in our earthly life, we should “be patient in afflictions, for [we shall] have many.” God then gives us this comforting promise, “Endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (D&C 24:8).

The following Bible story is an example of patience and faith.

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years … touched the border of [Christ’s] garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched [stopped].

“And Jesus said, … Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

“And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

“And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace” (Luke 8:43–48).

Like her, we can find blessings and comfort, and even healing, as we reach out to Jesus Christ—whose Atonement can heal us.

With Heavenly Father knowing best, and me trying to sacrifice my will as I work towards aligning it with His, it takes a lot of patience--"active waiting and enduring"--on my part. 

Gospel Message Day 155

Atonement - Pains & Afflictions, Part 2

So, here is the scripture that I love which relates to the topic. Alma 7:11-13:

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

 I'm pretty sure I talked about this subject during my Christmas Advent. I think I shared some past experiences. Today I have a current experience to share. I learned some wonderful, fabulous news today. News that I've been preparing myself for the last couple of years, and which I actually expected within the last couple of weeks. And even though I am thrilled and excited and full of joy and have been trying to prepare myself for the last few years, this was not something I ever expected in my life. Or, at least for the last 22 years. Tears from such feelings that I'm experiencing are very confused, but I know they are not long lasting. They'll pass after a couple of times. And life will move on and have added awesomeness to it.

Now, I don't think my Savior ever went through anything exactly like this situation. But I believe He might understand some disappointment in self. When He was growing up, maybe He experienced what it was like to not have things turn out the way He hoped. There were possibly times He felt left behind. I know that there were times He felt alone. And with that, He probably often felt like no one fully understood what He was going through. And yet, I'm sure Jesus also knew that He wasn't truly alone. His Father was behind Him, supporting Him, loving Him. So I know that because of His experiences, He really does know how to help me find peace and move on from the pain--if only I'll do my part to use the power of the Atonement to access His help.

(And for immediate help, in case you're worried about me, tonight He sent along a friend who listened. I'm going to be just fine.)

Gospel Message Day 130

Healing

Ooh. I think I'm going to like talking about this one. Because I've experienced a ton of this, both spiritually as well as physically. And a song I was listening to on my iPod on my walk to Church today--and the part that stood out the most to me, goes perfectly with the theme. Both the spiritual and the physical aspect as well.

So, the song was "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." All 7 verses. Yep. Rarely is there a recording of all 7. Rarely do we sing all 7 even though they are so good. Here are the 7 for you to read and immerse yourself in the beauty of them all.

1. 1. A poor, wayfaring Man of grief
   Hath often crossed me on my way,
   Who sued so humbly for relief
   That I could never answer nay.
   I had not pow'r to ask his name,
   Whereto he went, or whence he came;
   Yet there was something in his eye
   That won my love; I knew not why.
2. 2. Once, when my scanty meal was spread,
   He entered; not a word he spake,
   Just perishing for want of bread.
   I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
   And ate, but gave me part again.
   Mine was an angel's portion then,
   For while I fed with eager haste,
   The crust was manna to my taste.
3. 3. I spied him where a fountain burst
   Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
   The heedless water mocked his thirst;
   He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
   I ran and raised the suff'rer up;
   Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
   Dipped and returned it running o'er;
   I drank and never thirsted more.
4. 4. 'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew
   A winter hurricane aloof.
   I heard his voice abroad and flew
   To bid him welcome to my roof.
   I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest
   And laid him on my couch to rest,
   Then made the earth my bed and seemed
   In Eden's garden while I dreamed.
5. 5. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
   I found him by the highway side.
   I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
   Revived his spirit, and supplied
   Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed.
   I had myself a wound concealed,
   But from that hour forgot the smart,
   And peace bound up my broken heart.
6. 6. In pris'n I saw him next, condemned
   To meet a traitor's doom at morn.
   The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
   And honored him 'mid shame and scorn.
   My friendship's utmost zeal to try,
   He asked if I for him would die.
   The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
   But my free spirit cried, "I will!"
7. 7. Then in a moment to my view
   The stranger started from disguise.
   The tokens in his hands I knew;
   The Savior stood before mine eyes.
   He spake, and my poor name he named,
   "Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
   These deeds shall thy memorial be;
   Fear not, thou didst them unto me."
8. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854
   Music: George Coles, 1792-1858, alt.
   Hymn sung prior to the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. See History of the Church, 6:614-15.

What stood out to me this time as I listened to it was Verse 5. The "wound concealed" today I saw in the emotional (and hence, for me, usually the spiritual) sense. I remember as I heard the words, I thought, "I could sure use some binding up for my broken heart today." Not that it is a severe break. I've had that. I've had it broken. I've had it completely shattered. I've even had it be completely gone and have to grow an entirely new one. Today, it's more like it is bruised. And all of my own fault, my own doing. But still, even when the culprit of the heart hurting is me (which it often is), I still need the Savior's help to heal it. Because the Savior knows best about how it got that way. And what I'm feeling and what kind and degree of pain I'm in. And He also knows how to help me fix it. Because He experienced it all before. No one knows better than He.

But I know that the "wound concealed" also refers to the temporal. The Savior experienced other pain besides that of the soul and the emotions. Some of the wounds are internal or personal, and some are ones that others can see. Some are mental, some are physical. Some times there is complete healing that takes place. He always heals me of the more immediate, short-lived ailments. He helps me know what to do to take care of myself when I have a cold or the flu, my headaches, or my stomach episodes.

Other times the healing is Christ's sustaining power of the Atonement to help us pull through life under the weight of the wound. In those cases, the healing is more a strengthening of the mind, body, and will power to keep pressing forward. In this life, I don't think I will ever be healed of my PCOS, or my crooked knees, or my psoriasis. One may limit a few things I can do. And usually two of them cause me great embarrassment. And one may keep me from having my own children. They're tough wounds to carry in this life, some days tougher than others. But the Savior supports me. He encourages me to deal with them as I can, and to do everything that I possibly can to live with, around, and through them.

He truly is the great Healer. Hilary Weeks definitely gets this aspect of the Savior. So many of her songs talk about Him healing us.

Here are two that come to mind for me. The first is so perfect with the lyrics:



The second is my own video. Yeah, I know. I share it so often. But there is a reason I made the video. A reason it reaches me every time: