LDS Hymn #201

Hymn #201 - Joy to the World

Yeah, I skipped a few. It is the Christmas season--I should be writing about the Christmas hymns!! Isn't it wonderful that the first Christmas hymn in our Christmas section is "Joy to the World!" When we get to sing glorious praises about the birth of our Redeemer--not just us but everything in the world! Because its Creator has come. The greatest gift to all mankind. Singingly shouting in joy is the perfect response!!!

My favorite lines of this hymn:
-Let ev'ry heart prepare him room
-And Saints and angels sing
-He'll come and make the blessings flow

A note--the LDS hymnal changed two words that I know of. Others sing "Heav'n and nature sing" in the first verse, but William W. Phelps changed it to "Saints and angels."

From the history book
Other changes made for the LDS hymnal (the first one), was "the Lord will come" instead of "is" among others apparently so it would be more of a millennial hymn. But for 1985, the hymn was changed back to "is" to go more with the Christmas message. The composer said he arranged this hymn from Handel. The book points out a couple of parts. I suppose I don't know Handel that well to be able to distinguish those.

Lyrics

1. 1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come;
   Let earth receive her King!
   Let ev'ry heart prepare him room,
   And Saints and angels sing,
   And Saints and angels sing,
   And Saints, and Saints and angels sing.
2. 2. Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns,
   And Saints their songs employ,
   While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
   Repeat the sounding joy,
   Repeat the sounding joy,
   Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3. 3. No more will sin and sorrow grow,
   Nor thorns infest the ground;
   He'll come and make the blessings flow
   Far as the curse was found,
   Far as the curse was found,
   Far as, far as the curse was found.
4. 4. Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,
   While Israel spreads abroad
   Like stars that glitter in the sky,
   And ever worship God,
   And ever worship God,
   And ever, and ever worship God.
5. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748; alt. by William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS Hymnbook, 1835.
   Music: George F. Handel, 1685-1759; arr. by Lowell Mason, 1792-1872

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 #3

Hymn #3 - Now Let Us Rejoice

As a child this song would stand out to me because the chorus was the same the first 2 verses, but different on the 3rd. And that 3rd verse chorus--it's wonderful! It is telling of things still to come for us in our future: we will be crowned with the angels of heaven, and we will be one with Christ forever. Beautiful and hopeful, just like the rest of the hymn.

As the title and first line of the song says, this song is all about reasons to rejoice!
*We have a purpose on earth, and others to be with that know that purpose, too. No more strangers on earth!
*Good tidings--they really are abundant
*Loving each other and with no secrets to tear us apart
*Relying on Christ in (and with) faith
*We will be guided no matter what awful things may come at us in this world
*When we endure it all, we will "rise with the just"
*The Savior is coming!

Every hymn in the 1985 hymnal has a couple of scriptures to enhance the meaning/study of the hymns to us. But they are not the only scriptures that go with those hymns. In this song, especially with the chorus, one of my scripture verses goes with it:

3 Nephi 22: 4-5, 7-17 (especially the last few verses!)

4 Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed; neither be thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame; for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

 5 For thy maker, thy husband, the Lord of Hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel—the God of the whole earth shall he be called.

7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.

 8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.

9 For this, the waters of Noah unto me, for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee.

 10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

 11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

 12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

 14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee.

 15 Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee, not by me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

 16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

 17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

From the history book:
Ironically, this hymn about joy and rejoicing was written after the Saints were persecuted in Missouri, when the lyricist William W. Phelps had his home and printing press destroyed, and then forced to leave the county in November. "In our day...literally millions who derive strength from the words of this hymn. Now Let Us Rejoice recalls the amazing, resilient faith of our pioneers and helps us to strengthen our own. Even in the worst of times, we can still rejoice as we "watch for the day when the Savior will come." Which, of course, puts me in mind of Pres. Nelson's fabulous talk on Joy from last weekend. This has been one of my life goals for much of my life, finding Joy in the Journey. And this song, especially with its origin perfectly exemplifies that.

Lyrics

1. 1. Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
   No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
   Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation,
   And shortly the hour of redemption will come,
   When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
   And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
   And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
   And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."
2. 2. We'll love one another and never dissemble
   But cease to do evil and ever be one.
   And when the ungodly are fearing and tremble,
   We'll watch for the day when the Savior will come,
   When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
   And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
   And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
   And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."
3. 3. In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah
   To guide thru these last days of trouble and gloom,
   And after the scourges and harvest are over,
   We'll rise with the just when the Savior doth come.
   Then all that was promised the Saints will be given,
   And they will be crown'd with the angels of heav'n,
   And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
   And Christ and his people will ever be one.
4. Text: William W. Phelps, 1792-1872. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
   Music: Henry Tucker, ca. 1863

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 - One Year = Complete!!!!

Jesus - Savior

I thought it very awesome that when I only had 4 topic slips left, one of them had this topic. I felt it would be perfect and fitting to have it as my last topic. Over this last year I have mentioned my Savior quite a bit. It would be silly not to. After all, this is His Gospel. I have been doing this "exercise" to be a better mouthpiece for Him. A better missionary. A better servant. A better disciple of Him. It makes sense that He and His deeds and works and teachings and Atonement and Resurrection and more have come up over and over again.

I've written of how Jesus redeemed us from the Fall. How He has atoned for our sins and pains. All of that is part of how He saved us from the grasp of the devil. Without the Atonement and Resurrection, we would have been lost. We would never have been able to return to Heavenly Father, and we would have been stuck in misery and damnation with no ability to grow or experience more. Christ saved us from such an awful end and gave us the chance to choose a better ending for ourselves--a never ending epilogue full of joy and excitement that will go on in to eternity.

I have spent all my life making sure I refer to my Heavenly Father and to His Son in as reverent ways as possible. About 90% of the time, I will refer to Jesus the Christ as my Savior, because I am forever indebted and forever grateful for that role of His. He saved me. I'm pretty sure I will never deserve such an act. Yet He still did it. For me and for every single one of God's children.

Gospel Message Day 34

Exaltation, Part 2

I feel like I should take a different angle on my topic today, as I don't think it coincidence that my daily Gospel study related to a conversation I saw on Facebook today. So, I'm blogging about it.

I made an acquaintance over the weekend, who posted this video on Sunday. It is excellent, I highly recommend you watch it. Very touching, eye-opening in some ways, and a great reminder that not only are we loved, but we need to show love to others and be there for them.

The video reminded me of the darker times in my life. The suicidal thoughts were in my younger teen years. I look on it now and think it is silly, especially as I wasn't exactly suffering from depression. Like most teens, my emotions where anywhere and everywhere. And where I was in the family line-up, I often felt misunderstood. Perhaps even unwanted. I used to wonder if I would even be missed if I were to die--hence the occasional suicidal thought. I just didn't feel like any one would care if I wasn't around any more. Hindsight, of course, lets me see that it is a silly notion. But to the person suffering through whatever they are suffering, it isn't silly. It's real to them.

It is ironic to me that what finally got me out of that funk--my dreams and desires to marry my best friend and raise our children together--are still not in my life, yet. But I have come to know that that isn't what life is all about. My life is about living as Heavenly Father wants me to. I want to make Him happy, and that makes me happy. And He wants me to live my life to its fullest.

I learned that as a teen. But that doesn't mean the road of my life was free from bumps, pitfalls, detours and such. And a few years ago, I was going through the most difficult time of my life. I don't think I was suffering from depression, but I know I was suffering from depressing things that just kept coming at me one after another, without allowing anything to let up. I was bombarded with trials and and struggles, and trying to deal with all of it while I was significantly tired. I'm almost a lost cause when I don't get enough sleep! I didn't want to get out of bed on some mornings because the thought of facing another day just seemed impossible, unbearable, or not worth it. Some days I needed to take random breaks to go cry. I created an I Need to Cry playlist on my iTunes just for that purpose. I listened to this song on repeat many times a day because it felt like the last strand of hope that I was hanging on to.


I felt like I was drowning and I was never going to make it back on solid ground. But I knew there were friends and loved ones ready to help me. I just didn't know how to reach them. Or I'd reach and feel like I was getting pulled further away. I gained a very great testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and I learned to trust and have hope in Him as well as in the people He was sending my way. Elder Holland was right--there are angels all around us.

Two of my music videos were created as I came to firmly believe that I was loved and life was worth fighting for and living in.



 

I often re-read the blog entries I wrote during that time, because it amazes me how difficult things were. But I also never want to forget how much I felt of His love. How much I fought to find happiness, joy, and gratitude one day at a time. How much those around me reached out to me and finally were able to get a hold. All of those things helped me get back to shore. I've been climbing higher and higher ever since, and trying to remember to help others along the way to climb up high with me. In the end, you can only be responsible for your own exaltation, but you can certainly help a whole lot of others on their way to theirs.

I have loved this song since I was a child, and in 2008, on National Sisters Day, I made a music video tribute to my friends.


The lyrics in the bridge of the song are very applicable for what I've been writing about tonight:

So many lonely souls are calling

And our brightest stars would not be falling

If only they had a friend--

A real friend.

My dark times and the struggles and eventual joy as I pulled through them are what I thought of or remembered as I watched that video that my new friend posted, and then later read his follow up comment. So, when I read these verses tonight, they really struck home with all of this being on my mind. In Alma 56, the army of Antipus--which is tired and worn out and as low as they could get--finds that Helaman's army has come to their aid. In verses 16 and 17 we learn:

16 Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.

17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy.

"Great hopes and much joy." Isn't that so wonderful and beautiful? We can offer others great hopes and much joy. And having been on the receiving side of great hopes and much joy, I definitely want to be a giver of those now.

Gospel Message Day 23

Prayers, Part 7

For my last day on this topic, I just wanted to simply state that I would be lost without prayer. It is my lifeline to my Heavenly Father, made possibly through my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is one of the greatest blessings I have--the opportunity and ability to speak with my Daddy whenever I want, about whatever I want. And even better--I know that He is listening, and that He will answer.

I feel that Elder Scott--for whom I have a tender spot ever since meeting him (twice!)--sums up all I've been trying to say the last few days in absolutely the best way possible when he said the following in General Conference just two weeks ago:

Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often. Make time every day to share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Tell Him everything that concerns you. He is interested in the most important as well as the most mundane facets of your life. Share with Him your full range of feelings and experiences.

Because He respects your agency, Father in Heaven will never force you to pray to Him. But as you exercise that agency and include Him in every aspect of your daily life, your heart will begin to fill with peace, buoyant peace. That peace will focus an eternal light on your struggles. It will help you to manage those challenges from an eternal perspective.

Parents, help safeguard your children by arming them morning and night with the power of family prayer. Children are bombarded every day with the evils of lust, greed, pride, and a host of other sinful behaviors. Protect your children from daily worldly influences by fortifying them with the powerful blessings that result from family prayer. Family prayer should be a nonnegotiable priority in your daily life.

And to end, a slew of prayer songs for you, because I love to share music. :-)






One I just heard tonight at a David Osmond concert.

Sang the following at a stake Relief Society meeting with guest Sister Julie B. Beck, who has blessed my life in ways she will never know from the words she delivered over the 6 years she was one of my YW/RS leaders. A fitting blessing from the Lord was when he had the choir director ask me to sing the opening part as a solo. A small way to say thank you to the woman who told me that every day I could look "forward to new adventures with hope smiling brightly before" me, and that I had a Mother Heart. I had the chance to sing a prayer that is always within my heart.

 

A song many know that is just too beautiful not to share. The feelings I have each time I listen to this song--those of peace, joy, renewal, lifting up, strength, hope, confidence--that is what prayer brings me.

Gospel Message Day 6

Faith, Part 5

So, today's message may be an odd take about the spiritual aspect of Faith. But for me a huge part of my spiritual faith is having faith in myself. Merriam-Webster states faith as "a strong belief or trust in someone or something." I have a strong testimony in knowing who you are. I have spent a lifetime getting to know my changeable, growing self. And I plan on doing so for the rest of my life. I feel it is important that as I know more of who I am, I need to believe in all the many aspects of me. I need to believe in me believing what I believe. Does that make sense?

But it's more than that. If I didn't believe in myself, then I wouldn't have much joy or direction or confidence in anything. I would flounder in life. I would have beliefs, but I don't think I would be as committed to them. The "difficult" thing for me is to know what the starting point is in this circle: because of my faith in myself, I have a stronger faith in my religious beliefs (especially my Savior); but it is because of my spiritual faiths that I have been able to build and strengthen faith in myself.

I have faith that I am a child of God.

I have faith that I am of infinite worth.

I have faith that I am beautiful in my Heavenly Father's eyes.

I have faith that I am smart, talented, (mostly) organized, loyal, loving.

I have faith that I am loved.

Gospel Message Day 2

Today's random pick (because, yes, I will be picking these by drawing from a dog. He's a really cute dog. See him in the background here:

(That's me on the left in case you didn't know or remember what I look like...after a long day at work.)

So today is 

FAITH

I picked a HUGE one. I think for the huge ones I might break them down over the course of a few days. Because there is so much that can be said. And I don't want to cheat you out of awesome stuff that can be said. :-)

I guess to get it started, I'll quote  one of my favorite songs on faith. (I have quite a few.)

I will not doubt, I will not fear;

God's love and strength are always near.

His promised gift helps me to find

An inner strength and peace of mind.

I give the Father willingly

My trust, my prayers, humility.

His Spirit guides; His love assures

That fear departs when faith endures.

Text: Naomi W. Randall

Music: Stephen M. Jones

(To hear the tune, you can go here.)

This song is not necessarily what faith is as what it does for me and what I do to strengthen it. With faith, one can never fear. "Inner strength and peace of mind"--I know it has brought me that. Countless times. If I did not have faith that the Lord would help me, see me through things, and make sure that all will be for my good whether immediately or eventually, I don't think I could have made it through the tough times. Or rejoiced as much during the joyful times. Faith can be applied to so many things, spiritual or not. Which is why it is the first principle of the Gospel. The beginning one. 

Faith is needed for belief. For any one to live what ever religion they choose, they must have faith in its precepts, principles, leaders, teachings, and more. For any one to grow plants, you must have faith that the seed, from the work you put into nurturing it, will grow. (Excellent scripture using that analogy here, verse 28-33.) When you drive, you have faith that you will be safe--you'll make smart decisions and other drivers will do the same. You have faith in your family and friends. Faith that the recipe you try will turn out. Faith--in all things. 

And true, sometimes something happens to shake your faith. Maybe even shatter it. But the most important thing is that you hold to your faith of what is true and right. What brings you true joy and peace. If necessary, gain back the faith that may have been lost. Build up your faith so it is stronger. So that a bad driver or a failed recipe or an abusive loved one or a dying plant do not squelch your faith. Shake it maybe. But just a movement in the breeze. That in spite of what may happen in life, your faith stays strong and firm amongst the winds and turmoils and remains rooted in that which brings light and truth and joy. For me, the latter comes most from my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Down, but not really

I am not having an easy time of things right now. It's my own fault. I allowed things to happen, knowing they would most likely lead to emotional upset. But the last week+, I felt happiness I don't believe I've ever experienced before. It was the most soaring, uplifting feeling. I guess I knew it would be worth the pain that would follow afterwards. And though today is certainly rough, and while I'm sure there will be difficult moments for a bit, I will cherish the feelings and memories of last week for a very long time.

I still took sick leave today to help myself recover emotionally and mentally. To feel the Lord's love and understanding and know I will be all right. And what else am I doing to take my mind off some things and remind me how much my life is blessed and how much I love it? Why, by cleaning the house, watching a Period Drama, and reading an action-survival-adventure-escape-the-bad-guys-trying-to-kill-you book. Of course!

Some of the greatest and most important things I have learned from my trials are that
1) My Heavenly Father and my Savior love me.
2) My life is wonderful and I love every part, including the difficult times.
3) Because of the Atonement, and applying it in my life, I will always pull through.

And from this trial in particular?
I am not dead inside.

Joy & Gratitude

Day 360

It has been a very, very snowy day.

I've been loving it! Lots of snow, and barely anyone going out to mar it by driving or anything. The back lot behind the apartments is off limits to anyone, so it is still completely untouched.

And absolutely, gorgeously breath-taking!

I love it. I love new-fallen snow. Lots of it.

The world covered in white always makes me think of the Savior.

Which right now reminds me of my birthday gift (aka promise) to Him. I've been thinking throughout the day on what mine should be for this upcoming year. But it also put me in mind of what it has been this past year--writing down a joy/gratitude every day. I think my original intention was that I believed doing so would help me in recounting the Lord's tender mercies, cultivating a more positive attitude, and not just being more grateful but also acknowledging my gratitude and for what I the gratitude was for.

I was not wrong, and because of that I know even more that this promise was inspired by the Lord. This was one of the most uplifting, best kept, and most obviously rewarding promise I have yet given my Savior. Months ago I thought about continuing on. I've tried this recording in my gratitude journal, and was successful in spurts at various times. But something about putting it here--where any one could read it and thus making me more accountable in completing the task. It has made so many differences in my life.

And the promise overall has been one immense Joy and Gratitude for the entire year.

Introducing...

Joy and Gratitude Every Day!

I am going to try every day to focus on something that gives me joy and/or that I want to express my gratitude for. It's to go along with having more of the Attitude of Gratitude as well as help this wonderful, newfound happiness abiding within me become a lasting joy.

Day 1

I ran a race today. My first race in the winter, and a great way to start the new year. It wasn't too cold, which was nice. It was a lovely race in terms of weather and the cloud-watching I was able to do. Having not run in 2 months, you can guess that my lungs were in a lot of pain as I ran, and have been a bit sore since. And being a street race, my knees are in a little pain, too. But I am so grateful for every morning I wake up. When I can stand on my own. Walk without help.

And run. Run because my physical disabilities are not enough to stop me. Run because I love the feelings of accomplishment, ability, strength, and peace. Run simply because I want to, and because I can. It does not matter that I am not good at it. What matters is that it's something that gives me enjoyment and that I am blessed to be able to do.

I love it!

Even More to be Thankful For!

Laura at Heavenly Homemakers made mention of her Gratituesday today. I'm fairly new to her blog, and I enjoy reading it. But I'd forgotten about her Gratituesday. I love the idea! And with how wonderful everything has been, I definitely wanted to participate. Especially as it's great preparation for my next year's Joy and Gratitude Every Day. I had planned it as part of my online journal, which has only a few readers. But perhaps I should have it on this blog. It would reach more people, n'est-ce pas? Plus, it's all in relation to the ever wonderful Time Out for Women.

Anywho. This was from my online journal yesterday, and I thought it was perfect for Gratituesday!

I've had so much I've wanted to say, and yet I don't write because I've been so short on time, and current lack of easy Internet access at home. It's just that busy time of year--throwing in two classes of subbing as Institute teacher and preparing for a vacation. Many thanks that this year does not involve a move. Many thanks.

But I'm happy. So, so happy and at peace and filled with joy. Prayers are truly answered and I haven't felt this good in about 3 years. It has been the most wonderful thing. I've wanted to share, but I wanted to give it full attention and focus. I don't think I'm going to find it. But I wanted you to know that I'm being blessed with a happy happiness. And I'm so grateful!

My other news had been health-related. Great discoveries and the use of the tool that has been making things go so well. I guess with financial matters doing well in being taken care of, it was time to turn to the physical. And it has been exciting as well as fun to work with this.

So just in quick summary (since I really need to get back to work!):

1. PCOS is very often caused by Insulin Resistance. That news has literally changed my life and perspective.
2. www.sparkpeople.com is exactly what the Lord knew I needed to get me the kick start and desire and support I've been wanting for years.
3. I go home in 3 days!
4. Despite the snow, I still made it to the temple and not only was able to join an endowment session, but also got to be present as my great-grandmother's 3 brothers were baptized and confirmed by proxy. I hadn't expected to experience what I did, but it was wonderful.
5. I was part of 3 different choirs for the Christmas season. Two of which I was able to sing in and not play the piano. While I love to serve as a piano player (even with my flaws), I love celebrating the Christmas season with singing. And the music we sang was wonderful.
6. I managed to get Christmas presents for family, branch, and co-workers all within the budget I set for it.
7. The credit card I thought I could pay off in 7-8 months may take less since there is $1000 less that I owe on it!!!!
8. I've watched some wonderful Christmas movies this season and it has made me so happy.
9. Last Christmas being my worst Christmas ever only makes this Christmas-Full-of-Happiness even more wonderful!
10. I've lost 7 pounds in 11 days!

Renewing and Reinforcing My Focus

There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us—to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: 'The best is yet to be' ("Rabbi Ben Ezra," in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909–10], 42:1103).”

L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity", Ensign, Nov. 2008, 7

That is certainly my challenge in life right now. "Remaining positive, even optimistic" in spite of the roller coaster of life. And trust me, my roller coaster has been rough. This year hasn't been as many ups and downs. Rather it has been many, many lows. And if any of you are enjoyers of roller coasters as I am, you know that a roller coaster of all lows is very depressing, boring, and even a bit suffocating. Why wouldn't you want that rush of wind and excitement that you get with all the highs and even the loops?

Every time I try to make that roller coaster go higher, I get shoved back down. Often it is my own self doing the shoving. I believe it is because I've been focusing on the wrong things. While the Savior is ever at my side and I try hard to rely on Him, it is the particular things that I'm trying to change that I'm wrong about. I don't change myself. The Savior changes me, through His Atonement. All I can truly change is my attitude and how I choose to let the down times affect me. I've been trying for happiness. But I don't think I've been trying hard enough. I am determined to find a truer, more lasting happiness that can be felt by anyone around me.

And I really do think that I can bring that happiness and turn it into joy by continuing to focus on the Savior and following His commandments, and remembering that the best really is yet to be. So much has been promised me. I'm just in the preparation stages so I can handle all of that wonderfulness. Plus, it will mean more to me when it does come having gone through what I've had to.

Yes!

" 'My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord' (2 Nephi 4:16)—His law, His life, His love. To delight in Him is to acknowledge His hand in our lives. Our gospel duty is to do what is right and to love and delight in what is right. When we delight to serve Him, our Father in Heaven delights to bless us. 'I, the Lord, . . . delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end' (D&C 76:5). I want to be worthy always of His delight."

Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," Ensign, May 2008, 83

Absolutely--AMEN!

"Finding Joy in Life"

This talk was brought to my attention. As typical, it came at a perfect time. And it is just so good, I had to post the text for the entire talk by Elder Scott and not just a link to it. (I apologize for not taking the time to link all of the scriptures and quotes. But I left in the footnotes in case you choose to look them up yourself.) I highly recommend it. We all can relate to it no matter how we are feeling at any particular moment. I love happiness. I love smiling. And yet I've found both difficult of late. I've improved a lot in the last couple of days. I feel I'm finally pulling out on top of this horrible trial I have been experiencing. And this talk was such an uplifting, reassuring thing. It helped me see that I'm on the right track. And I can stay on that track. I will do whatever it takes to stay or get back on that track. Happiness and Joy or worth it.

Recently I stood on the north shore of a beautiful Pacific island gazing out to sea at daybreak. I was fascinated by the regularity with which the gigantic waves consistently moved forward to break on the shoreline. It reminded me of the constancy of the plan of the Lord, with its fixed, eternal law, and the security of enduring justice and the tenderness of mercy when earned by obedience. I noticed that each wave would crest at a different point on the horizon to find its unique path to shore. Some cascaded over rocks, leaving rivulets of foaming, white water. Others burst on the shore in individual patterns. They slid up the moistened sand with playful frothy edges, then bubbled and swirled as they receded.

I thought of the unending variety of possibilities the Lord has provided for us. We have so much freedom, so many opportunities to develop our unique personalities and talents, our individual memories, our personalized contributions. Since there would be no further opportunity to observe the majestic sea, I tried to imagine the glorious panorama the brilliant sun would later create. As I watched this magnificent scene in reverence, a window formed in the clouds; the glistening rays of the rising sun broke through the overcast sky, transforming everything with its luminescence, its color, its life. It was as if the Lord wanted to share an additional blessing, a symbol of the light of His teachings that gives brilliance and hope to everyone it touches. Tears of gratitude formed for this wondrous world in which we live, for the extraordinary beauty our Heavenly Father so freely shares with all who are willing to see. Truly, life is beautiful.

Do you take time to discover each day how beautiful your life can be? How long has it been since you watched the sun set? The departing rays kissing the clouds, trees, hills, and lowlands good night, sometimes tranquilly, sometimes with exuberant bursts of color and form. What of the wonder of a cloudless night when the Lord unveils the marvels of His heavens—the twinkling stars, the moonlight rays—to ignite our imagination with His greatness and glory? How captivating to watch a seed planted in fertile soil germinate, gather strength, and send forth a tiny, seemingly insignificant sprout. Patiently it begins to grow and develop its own character led by the genetic code the Lord has provided to guide its development. With care it surely will become what it is destined to be: a lily, crowned with grace and beauty; a fragrant spearmint plant; a peach; an avocado; or a beautiful blossom with unique delicacy, hue, and fragrance. When last did you observe a tiny rosebud form? Each day it develops new and impressive character, more promise of beauty until it becomes a majestic rose. You are one of the noblest of God’s creations. His intent is that your life be gloriously beautiful regardless of your circumstances. As you are grateful and obedient, you can become all that God intends you to be.

Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. I do not minimize how hard some of these events are. They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. The Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, “Men are, that they might have joy.” 1 That is a conditional statement: “they might have joy.” It is not conditional for the Lord. His intent is that each of us finds joy. It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth.

Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy. Pondering their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationships with others. It will lead you to the comforting, strengthening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return.

A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth. Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness.

You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you. 2 The tempering effect of patience is required. 3 Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you. 4

Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want. This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you. That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be. 5 That path leads to glorious joy and happiness.

Learn from inspiring individuals who have made peace with their challenges and live with joy amid adversity. A lovely woman with an aggressive terminal disease consistently found joy in life. She understood the plan of happiness, had received the temple ordinances, and was doing her best to qualify for the promised blessings. Her personal journal records: “It is a beautiful fall day. I picked up the mail and sat down on the swing. I was so happy and content in the warm sun, the sweet smell of nature and the trees around me. I just sat and gloried in the fact that I am still alive on this beautiful earth. … The Lord is so good to me. How I thank him that I am still here and feeling so good. I am soooooo happy I just want to shout and dance through this beautiful house as the sun streams into the big windows. I love being alive.”

A valiant mother courageously fighting a debilitating illness spent untold hours laboriously completing a large, challenging needlepoint work of art. It was a gift to a couple experiencing trials. For the couple it is a priceless treasure, a constant reminder of the precious fruits of resolute effort in the face of adversity, an enduring message of hope bound in the bonds of pure love and willing sacrifice.

Children teach us how to find joy even under the most challenging circumstances. Children haven’t yet learned to be depressed by concentrating on the things they don’t have. They find joy in what is available to them. I remember a small boy playing along a riverbank. He had tied a piece of fishing line to the ends of two discarded soft-drink cans. He threw one can over a limb, then filled it with water. He would pull on the other can, then let it go. The weight of the first can would draw the second one up as it fell. He laughed and danced with glee.

Simple, rejuvenating experiences surround us. They can be safety valves to keep the tension down and the spirit up. Don’t concentrate on what you don’t have or have lost. The Lord promised the obedient to share all that He possesses with them. You may temporarily lack here, but in the next life, if you prove yourself worthy by living valiantly, a fulness will be your blessing.

Find the compensatory blessings in your life when, in the wisdom of the Lord, He deprives you of something you very much want. To the sightless or hearing impaired, He sharpens the other senses. To the ill, He gives patience, understanding, and increased appreciation for others’ kindness. With the loss of a dear one, He deepens the bonds of love, enriches memories, and kindles hope in a future reunion. You will discover compensatory blessings when you willingly accept the will of the Lord and exercise faith in Him. 6

To the afflicted people of Alma, the Lord said: “I will also ease the burdens … that even you cannot feel them upon your backs … ; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

“And … the burdens … were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord” (Mosiah 24:13–15).

Attempt to be creative for the joy it brings. After their noble husbands were called home, Sisters Camilla Kimball, Amelia McConkie, and Helen Richards learned to paint. They not only leave legacies of art, but they will never see a sunset, a face, or a tree the same again. They now perceive subtle nuances of color and form and rejoice in the abounding beauty around them.

Select something like music, dance, sculpture, or poetry. Being creative will help you enjoy life. It engenders a spirit of gratitude. It develops latent talent, sharpens your capacity to reason, to act, and to find purpose in life. It dispels loneliness and heartache. It gives a renewal, a spark of enthusiasm, and zest for life.

Willing service to others is a key to enduring happiness. President Kimball said: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another mortal that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” 7

I know of a woman who was joyously happy. Each morning she would ask her Father in Heaven to lead her to someone she could help. That sincere prayer was answered time and again. The burdens of many were eased and their lives brightened. She was blessed continually for being an instrument directed by the Lord.

I know that every difficulty we face in life, even those that come from our own negligence or even transgression, can be turned by the Lord into growth experiences, a virtual ladder upward. 8 I certainly do not recommend transgression as a path to growth. It is painful, difficult, and so totally unnecessary. It is far wiser and so much easier to move forward in righteousness. But through proper repentance, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments, even the disappointment that comes from transgression can be converted into a return to happiness.

Make a list of things you can do for happiness, such as:
• Ponder the scriptures to understand the plan of happiness.
• Pray with faith in Jesus Christ.
• Love and serve others.
• Receive the temple ordinances. Return to bless others.
• Listen to the prophet and obey his counsel.
• Be grateful for what you have.
• Smile more.

Your list will provide keys to contentment and joy.

A famous Brazilian song repeats a falsehood many believe: Sadness never ends, but happiness does. I witness that with faith in the Savior and obedience to His teachings, happiness never ends, but sadness does.

No matter how difficult something you or a loved one faces, it should not take over your life and be the center of all your interest. Challenges are growth experiences, temporary scenes to be played out on the background of a pleasant life. Don’t become so absorbed in a single event that you can’t think of anything else or care for yourself or for those who depend upon you. Remember, much like the mending of the body, the healing of some spiritual and emotional challenges takes time.

The Lord has said, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.” 9 As you are patient, you will come to understand what the statement “I am with thee” means. God’s love brings peace and joy.

Your faith in Jesus Christ gives life enduring meaning. Remember you are on a journey to exaltation. Sometimes you have experiences that yield more happiness than others, but it all has purpose with the Lord. 10

As a witness of the Savior, I exhort you to forgive any you feel may have offended you. If there is transgression, repent of it, that the Master may heal you.

Thank your Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son for the plan of happiness and the gospel principles upon which it is based. Be grateful for the ordinances and the covenants they have provided. I solemnly testify they have power to crown your life with peace and joy, to give it purpose and meaning. You will learn that sadness and disappointment are temporary. Happiness is everlastingly eternal because of Jesus Christ. I solemnly witness that He lives, that He loves you, and that He will help you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes

1. 2 Ne. 2:25.

2. See Abr. 3:25.

3. See Mosiah 3:19.

4. See 1 Ne. 3:7.

5. See D&C 58:26–32.

6. See Orson F. Whitney quotation in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 98.

7. The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 252.

8. See Isa. 40:31.

9. D&C 24:8.

10. See Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 177.