Gospel Message Day 232

God-given talents

So, I'm not near to my Gospel topic slips, thus I'm winging the topic right now. Today I thought I'd blog on something a little different but I still think is Gospel related. I'm currently at my state's annual library conference. I love attending things like this because it is a great way to re-charge from all that drains me at work and reminds me why I became a librarian in the first place. Today as I was listening and participating, I was reminded not just of where/how I could improve, but of some of the strengths and talents that I began my library career with. They have improved and been strengthened with time, and I have found many ways to use them. Most especially, I have been able to better serve people because of those strengths and talents.

I am a believer that Heavenly Father has blessed us with our strengths and talents, and that with His help we can improve upon them. I believe they are like spiritual gifts, and that we are better able to help, support, and serve others because of those talents. So I am especially grateful that early on in my life, the Lord inspired me to see a possible career path that would allow me to use some of my talents and skills at a great capacity which almost daily lets me help others. There are two "jobs" I would rather have, but they are not available to me at this time. Thus, I'm really glad that the next best option for me was one that truly makes me so happy and fulfilled.

Heavenly Father knows His children. He knows what will make us happy. What will bring us joy. And what will help us help others as well. Never more do I see this than in my job, and in our opportunities as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gospel Message Day 30

Developing Our Talents, Part 3

I know. Technically it is quite early the next day. However, I'm still up, so my day is still going. Yeah. Since it is quite late...or early...I'll continue on a bit more about the topic we've been on. I'm going to list  some of my talents that come to mind right. I don't want to do this to brag. I do it to acknowledge to myself what I perceive I have, as well as to give you an idea that some things not generally considered as a talent really are. So here we go. I have a talent for:

Singing
Playing the Piano
Playing the Organ*
Playing with hair/creating hairstyles
Working with teenagers
Reading out loud
Making faces
Identifying, understanding, & imitating accents*
Multi-tasking
Being organized
Smiling
Goodwill Cosplaying*
Keeping a clean home (except for my one allowed Spot of Mess)
Imagining things
Period Drama discussion
Remembering
Quoting movies
Laughing freely and whole-heartedly
Accepting compliments*
Book talking
Self-control
Enjoying exercise
Writing in excess (especially when getting out thoughts, feelings, etc)

* = more recent ones that I am working on

Believe it or not, but each of these really can be used in helping to build the Lord's kingdom. Some may seem like a stretch to you. But they really be of use there. Sometimes the challenge is trying to see how you can use your talents to help others. It might not be easy, but it will be worth it--especially to those you were able to help.

Gospel Message Day 29

Developing Our Talents, Part 2

In the Book of Matthew in the New Testament, there is the parable of the talents. You can watch the video of it, or read my summary: a man has 3 servants. He gives one 5 talents, one 2 talents, and one 1 talent--"to every man according to his several ability" (v.15). The man with 5 uses them and gains 5 more. The man with 2 uses them and gains 2 more. But the man with one buries it and has no increase. Not only that, when the lord returns, he praises the first two men and makes them ruler over many things. But the lord takes the 3rd man's one talent and gives it to the first man.

For me, this has some of the most obvious lessons in a parable. We receive talents; we are to use them; when we use them they will be increased and we will be greatly blessed. If we don't use them, they will be taken from us and we will not receive the blessings we could have. Some people are given more talents than others. But we are to remember that they are given according to our abilities. Not that one person is better than another and should have more. One person's situation in life may allow them to work with more at that time. Some talents may take more time to work on and develop, and thus the person with that talent may only need just a few more. I don't know what the Lord's reasons are for who gets what talents and how many of them. They are the Lord's reasons and not my concern. All I need be concerned with is what the Lord has given me and what I do with that. I need to know what mine are, focus on and develop them, and use them to serve others. But most importantly, I can't bury any of my talents or I will lose them.

Gospel Message Day 28

Developing Our Talents

I may spend a couple of days on this, because it is a topic I love. And, yes, it is Gospel-related. First, I'll quote from our Gospel Principles manual:

President Joseph F. Smith said, “Every son and every daughter of God has received some talent, and each will be held to strict account for the use or misuse to which it is put” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 370). A talent is one kind of stewardship (responsibility in the kingdom of God). The parable of the talents tells us that when we serve well in our stewardship, we will be given greater responsibilities. If we do not serve well, our stewardship will eventually be taken from us. (See Matthew 25:14–30.)

We are also told in the scriptures that we will be judged according to our works (seeMatthew 16:27). By developing and using our talents for other people, we perform good works.

In my own words: Heavenly Father has blessed all of us, His children, with talents. We are not blessed with every talent that exists. Some talents are innate, and others can be acquired. Every talent needs to be recognized or discovered. All talents can be developed and improved upon. And all talents can help build Heavenly Father's kingdom as they are used to serve others.

Examples may help. I'll share what I know personally. A few talents I have discovered and worked on developing in my life include singing, playing the piano, playing the organ, and reading. My organ talent is still in very early development. And yet I have been able to use it to serve, including just this past Sunday when I filled in for our ward organist. Music plays a huge role in our worship. I have also been able to help in that area with my piano playing andy my singing. Even my calling draws on my talents. I was never professionally trained in how to conduct music. But I am able to draw on the times I was working on developing my singing talent in the many choirs I was part of, and remember how my choir directors worked with me.

I love to read. Our family often read our scriptures out loud. This helped me develop reading aloud as a talent, and is something I use every week at work for storytime, but can also use in Church classes when things need to be read out loud. If I can't follow along in what is being read, my mind will wander if the reader isn't very good at reading out loud. I don't know why. It's been that way all my life. If there are others like me, hopefully I can read aloud well enough that they can focus, too. Seems a bit of stretch, but one never knows how their talents may affect others.

I Try

Day 148

I got to make magnet boxes and cut out various felt shapes for my summer Toddler Play Hour programs. How much fun is that?! Seriously. All day cutting, tracing, pasting. And I got paid for it. My skills--especially in the cutting and tracing part--are not very good. I often say I'm not creative. The more accurate thing to say would probably be that I'm too lazy and impatient. Which, to me are traits that detract from creativity. Thus, "I'm not creative" seems to fit. But what I love is that the toddlers aren't judging my lack of skills. They're not going to look at my felt mouse and think it looks like a grey glob with a detachable pink squiggle. And if they do, well, it's not as painful to hear from them as it is from older people. These toddlers are going to love what I do with and for them, and many of the parents will appreciate that I provided something outside of the house!

I'm grateful the Lord knows that life doesn't always require specific talents from me, and that appreciation of any of my efforts can be just as uplifting as using the talents I do possess.

Do I Play?

Day 97

I get to play here and there in Institute. Being back in Utah, with many other piano players (and most much better than me!), I don’t often get this chance. Thus, I’m grateful for each time I get to play the piano. Not only for myself, but for others as well.

I’m grateful the Lord brought the piano into my life, reminding me as I was growing up just how much I wanted to play, and giving me now as an adult the opportunities to serve and praise Him with that talent.

Talents...Again

Day 87

Another Talent Show. This time, for the entire Stake. New faces. New talents. New laughs. I thoroughly enjoyed myself...again. And I liked feeling ward pride, even if I’m still learning to fit in to this new ward.

I’m grateful that on occasion the Lord plays His hand in helping me attend such happy socializings.

(And playing with puppets in the morning wasn’t bad either!!)

And More Talent!!

Day 78

Another Jr. High musical performance. And I have to say that this one was better than the other. They performed the full-length of “Scarlet Pimpernel”—a musical I’ve always wanted to see. And they had amazing acting and singing talent. And the costumes and, oh, well, everything. It was not a professional Broadway production, of course. But it had me leaving feeling just as uplifted as I have from some of the Broadway shows I’ve been able to see. It was all a reminder of how much I love (and miss) musical theater. How I’m glad that it is such a prominent thing around here. How I’m grateful that schools and parents support their children in these endeavors.

And I’m grateful the Lord has reminded me just how much musicals mean to my heart and spirit.

More Talents

Day 76

I love St. Patrick’s Day! I love my green. But that is not today’s gratitude. There was no Institute because of the college’s spring break. I look forward very much to my weekly Institute class. It provides the spiritual, mental, and social rejuvenation that I found at our mutual activities when I was in YW. Indeed, Wednesday used to be my favorite day because of that. Now, it is Thursday. (Plus—I get to do storytimes those days—bonus!!)

I could have enjoyed an evening at home. But I decided to use this time to start making some connections with schools, which is important for a librarian who serves all youth under age 19. I decided to go to a local Jr. High’s musical performance. I was back and forth on what to expect, as I know many areas of Utah provide amazing musical and theatrical talent, but was still wary as to what a Jr. High could offer at that growing and developing age of talent (among other things). So, I was pleasantly surprised at the talent I was presented with. And I thoroughly enjoyed myself for the entire performance. It made me so happy to be in an area where even the young teens can provide such talent and entertainment.

One more thing to add to the always-growing list of how the Lord forever and always will know what is best for me—what I need, when I need, and how I need it all.

Talents Abound

Day 75

I went to a Stake art show this evening. I don’t think I will ever get over just how talented so many people are in so many ways. At one time in my life, it would have daunted me and maybe even had its moments of making me feel less of a person because I could never offer such amazing results.

But one thing I have learned in the last couple of years is not to compare, and to be happy with who I am. I have also learned that even if I can’t draw or photograph or write or crochet or whatever as well as what I see, I know that of what I try and do, I am trying and doing my best. And I like comparing myself with myself and seeing my growth. I don’t think I’ll ever be of the caliber to display for others. But I can be grateful of the flecks of talent that I see improving of a pace, and be happy to have something to occupy myself and bring me happiness. I am also reminded that the Lord has given me great talents somewhere. It is just up to me to find them, develop them, and share them.

I am grateful that the Lord provided this show to help me remember or learn these things.

Sharing

Day 59

Non-stop, busy day! One of those days that feels like you were at work for 2 hours because you were so involved you didn't realize time had passed. One of those days that you just cannot get away for lunch until your stomach absolutely insists and you squeeze in 15 minutes to eat (while still doing work). I like those days. Especially when you are so tired because you can't get a complete night's rest because of the brace on your sprained wrist, and you know you're fighting yet another illness. 

But what was even more nice was that because I had a morning meeting, my work shift was moved earlier so that I had the evening off. Which meant I was able to attend the much-anticipated Ward Talent Show! And let me tell you, nothing compares to Ward Talent Shows like a Young Single Adult Ward Talent Show. Especially out here in Utah (SO much better than the ones in the east). 

First, it had me thinking (and cringing) of all the talent shows I've participated in--both school and Church.

-My first debut: a duet with my sister at the Ward Talent Show. I was 8. We sang "Love is Spoken Here." My I remember rehearsing for that. And feeling like I would just never get it, considering my sister's voice and talent.

-Very shortly after my debut (as in a few minutes later), I had a 2nd performance. 5 of us kids singing "I Point to Myself."

-A YW in Excellence Talent Show-like activity had me singing a duet with my friend Amy. We sang "Because I Have Been Given Much."

-Possibly at the same YW thing, I sang "Angel Lullaby" as a solo. 

-Junior High Talent Show. I auditioned a duet in 7th grade. Elizabeth and I tried "Right Here Waiting." With a dance during the instrumental. We didn't make it. Still embarrassing to remember the audition. 

-Either the same year or the year following, I also auditioned for a dance solo. This was hugely monumental (for rarely does ANYONE see my interpretative dancing, as it is personal and sacred to me), and also hugely embarrassing for me. I offered my lack of talent to others. Something so very special to me. And it was not accepted. Probably what kept me from ever wanting to share that again. Too personal to me to handle the rejection. (And the fact that I know I'm not good.)

-9th grade. I finally made it. I sang a solo. "On My Own." I really don't know what people thought of it. I'm not even sure I remember what I think of it. I just know I sang it because I loved it. And it was long before I knew how cliche of a song it was.

-YW talent show (my last) saw me attempting "Moonlight Sonata" at the piano. I worked so hard in preparation for that one. It will never be a beautiful performance, but that song is a part of me.

-same, last YW talent show also had my solo of "To Bring Them to Thee."

-BYU Talent Shows (can't remember which ones where) saw me singing the duet "In His Eyes" twice, once with my good friend Miranda and once with my roommate Dawn. 

-As an adult, I actually participated in family Ward Talent Shows. Two of them. One was me singing "Someone Like You." And accompanying myself on it. Those two never go well together.

-The other. Oh. Eek. I have it on tape. And I'm still embarrassed and slightly humiliated about. But I had just seen "Wicked" and HAD to do something! So I sang "Popular."

And that's pretty much why I really didn't want to participate in any more talent shows. Not doing my "real" talents anyhow. They were just, well, too serious. People applauded the talent. But I think they were bored to death. And I'm so critical of myself. Talent shows were not the best medium for me. Singing at other functions deems much more room for lacking and mistakes (in my opinion). Thus, I was determined not to participate in another one again.

But happily, I had fun roommates who were clever and talented and full of enthusiasm. And though my part was pathetic, I got to take part in a humorous and popular talent--that was one of the most fun times I've ever had: The Collegiate Cook-Off Championship!

So it was enjoyable to have those memories. But I was also happy to stay safely in my seat and laugh at what I saw, and admire the more serious talents as well. Too bad the sound system was really off.

Thus, today I am grateful for reflection (and knowing that I have not hid my candle under a bushel even if they were painful experiences that still leave me embarrassed) as well as seeing others' abilities to sing, play, dance, and especially provide an enjoyable evening for the rest of us.

A Glorious Name...and Person

Day 129

It is the Day of Days when we celebrate the moms in our lives. Today, I tried to extend a little and reach out to some of the mothers "in my life" whom I've not really reached out to before. It made the day a little more special for me. It also made it a little easier because--as this was one very hard week to be the one that led up to the annual Mother's Day celebration--it helped me look at different things and in different ways that I would not have normally looked at or thought about.

But, of course, the majority of this day's honor went to my own dear, wonderful, amazing mother. I did so many things to keep her on my mind, remind me of "the little things," and honor the memories I have of her. And, being me, you can count on some of them being odd things.

-I used my special eggnog shower gel, because my mother always had eggnog ("Christmas milk") when I was growing up.

-I pulled out the wispy strands at my hairline and using a little bit of water--Voila! Insta-curls! When I was very young, Mom would often get my hair wet, wind it around her fingers, and let go to ringlets abounding all over my head. Yeah. I was cutie. I was completely fine with having cutesy curls framing my face, because they made me think of Mom. (And heaven help me but occasionally I do like the cute look! How...?!?!)

-I wore my Easter dress. It always reminds me of the little purple dress Mom made for me when I was 3 or 4 (and around Easter, I think). The dress also reminds me of the countless times Mom would dress her "Doll Baby." I exuded cuteness today--all in the name of Mother. And she laughed when I told her.

-I brought frosted mini-wheats as my snack at Church. I gave all but one to my friend who really needed some food, but the cereal (as well as Kix) makes me think of Mom.

-I sang in a musical number. It was a 3-song medley. One of the songs ("Love is Spoken Here") was my first public musical performance that did not involve more than 10 people. In fact, it was a duet with my sister. (I got "the guy's part" of course--but it is one of my favorite parts and was the part the women sang today.) Ward Talent Show. I remember practicing a few times before the actual night. And I had a sense even then that my mother was proud of us. I don't think any of us had any idea how much more my sister and I would give to Mom (and Dad, too!) to be proud of where the singing is concerned. Anyway. The practicing and performing of that song often brings my mother to my thoughts, so I was happy that was one of the songs in the medley. And, as I sang it, I thought of my mother and it made the musical number a completely different piece.

-We're studying Old Testament in Sunday School. Mom not only taught me the scriptures as I grew up, but she was my teacher for that particular work of scripture in Seminary. No one, yet, has been able to top her in teaching it well and interestingly, and helping me learn new things. Every time I crack open the Bible to the Old Testament, I remember my mother as I read the words and think on the lessons and principles.

-I last minute had to teach Relief Society. The topic was on prayer. Mom taught me well about prayer. And the "I see my mother kneeling" of the previously mentioned song was always one I knew to be true in my home. And we covered the scripture Moroni 10:3-5--one of the greatest lessons my mother ever taught me, and I don't think she realizes the huge impact that lesson has had on my entire life.

-I looked over various Primary songs, and thought on my mother.

-I sang on the way home, wishing Mom could hear me. Bet she wishes that, too!

-I drink my Kangen water. Every time I drink that water, I think of how much my mother (and father) love me so much to have brought it into my life. I think of how much it has blessed my mother's life and helped with her health. Others see water, maybe even "weird water" or "my water." But it is more to me. It is one more physical manifestation of the love, concern, care, mindfulness, and nurturing that my mom and dad have for me.

-Along with the Kangen water, they have introduced living water in my life. And as I spent this whole day in studying more of the Gospel and renewing covenants that are a part of that Gospel and this Church, I don't think there is any greater reminder of my mother and father, and blessing they could have given to me. Well, aside from my physical, temporal life.

I know. This post was to be about my mother. But even Mom would agree that she's not Mom without Dad. They are sealed into one whole unit. They are me. I am them. Life is, because they are. I'm grateful for their complementing differences, and for the relationships I have with them.

And today, I am so grateful that I am my mother's daughter.

In further honor of my mother, this coming week's posts will be dedicated to Mom and some of my memories of her.

The Blessings of Music

Day 73

I love to sing. One of my favorite of favoritest things ever. Today's singing had me thinking of how I am grateful

for the blessing of music in my life

for the blessing of enjoying good music

for the amazing blessing of being able to make music myself

Today, in many ways (including a talk on the hymns & singing in a duet of "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me") I was reminded of all 3 blessings.

And I am even more grateful for the vital role of music in my life.

The Rising Generation...

...sure knows how to have fun!!! I'm still part of that, right? I mean, I'm only 10 years older. Am I not still rising? :-)

[from my Facebook posting]:

Oh my word--my brother's AWESOME!!!! He SO gets it all from me. This has to be my laugh for the month--Bar None! And what a happy way to recycle old memories for me and my CC days (this was one of "our songs.") P.S. Maybe you should wait to watch it on another day. Not quite the Sunday song, even if they are The Mormon Mafia. :-)

Awesomeness!

[from my online journal today]:

OK, a month ago at Stake Choir practice, I was among the first to learn that for our January 25th Stake Conference, Elder Scott was coming out for it! Can you believe it?! JUST our stake. We are so close to 2 other stakes, and yet they are not combining for this. Just my stake. Wow. I have been anxiously waiting to hear about stake choir and what/when we'll be doing for preparations and such. Not only do I love to serve the Lord in song, it's also always a guaranteed (and great) seat! :-)

It dawned on me this past weekend that if Elder Scott was coming for our Sunday session, then he would also be there for our Sat. evening session for adults, too. I mean, whoa. I already love conferences and such. And apostles. And to get to hear him twice. I'm so anxious for it I can barely contain myself.

Well, tonight the E.s and I were watching the BCS championship bowl game when a phone call comes after 10 pm. Those of you who know me well know that I hold personal opinions about phone calls after 8pm. So I figured it was something important. Especially as he is the branch president. He got off the phone and said (paraphrasing), "Well, Elder Scott wants to have a fireside for the young single adults on Friday." CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?!?!? It makes me feel special and cared for when the Church does things like writes Ensign articles just for our group. And now an apostle is coming to speak to us. (The fireside will be tri-stake, thought.) 

A couple of minutes later, Pres. E. came into the room from whatever he'd been doing and said to me, "Oh, I hate to spring this on you, but would you do the music for this?" (:-0 HUH!? ME?! Oh my word. Well, I...heh heh...uh...of course! I get to pick the hymns. And I may possibly have to put together a special musical number (thankfully something came to mind from which I can pull from both YSA branches that I have connections with). I'll probably play the piano for it, too. Ahhhh! 

OK, I know they are men. Called of God. But still men and not The One whom we worship (namely the Savior). But they are His representatives. And being in their presence is truly awesome in all senses of the word. And to play the piano "for" them--to serve by using a gift Heavenly Father has blessed me with.... This is right up there with the times I have been able to sing for the prophet and the apostles and those blessed, happy occasions and opportunities which I had. But this has never occurred for me in such a "small" setting. I just...I almost can't breathe to think about it. I am in total awe and excitement and humility. 

Does this make sense to any of you? I mean, are you able to see where I'm coming from with all of this? It's so hard for me to explain. But I had to share!!!!