November 2022, Week 2

*Today before church I was getting ready to substitute on the organ, and the chorister was visibly having a bad day, but she smiled and said she at least made it.  Then her husband carried her very upset son, who did NOT want to be at church, to sit next to her.  I was so impressed at how even though she was upset herself, she responded to her son with great patience and helped him through his tantrum.  She got up and lead the music, even though she couldn't sing herself for a good portion of the time, and just displayed such grace.  She probably didn't feel that was what she was doing, but that's what I saw.

*Today after church Ben and I took Caytie to get her Patriarchal Blessing.  This is probably the thing that I enjoy doing with my children the very most.  I know how much I love and desire for my children, but this is a time to see that from Heavenly Father's perspective.  Caytie has such a bright future to look forward to.

It was a delight!

November 2022. Week 1

*Today at church the Bishop asked us to have one prayer a day leading up to Thanksgiving be a thankful prayer--only giving thanks and no asking for anything.  I think that's something I need to do.

*Today I was conducting the music for Sacrament Meeting.  (I haven't done that in a long time.  I had a bit of difficulty seeing the words in the hymnbook while it was on the music stand.  My eyes are aging faster than I am.)  For the closing song, we sang "Lord, I Would Follow Thee" and I was looking out at the congregation of my friends, and as I sang "Who am I to judge another as I walk imperfectly?  In the quiet heart is hidden sorrows that the eye can't see," I thought of the sorrows that I knew about and those that I didn't, and I felt the need to repent for any unfair judgements I have made.  I would hope that others would grant me the same.

It was a...good day for reflection!

October 2022, Week 5

*Today at church we had the pleasure of hearing our daughter Caytie (15) give a talk about testimonies.  She not only taught about the topic, she also shared her own testimony and how she's been able to share it at school.  I'm grateful when I see my children pick up the tools that we've been handing them and start using them for themselves.

*Today we also heard from a friend who gives some of my favorite talks, lessons, and testimonies.  She is gifted in her delivery, even when she doesn't think so.  She shared her own journey in coming to learn and live the gospel, despite lack of support from home.  She said she's grateful now when her own children have questions and have courage to ask them.  She said she thinks of a class where no one asks questions or discusses anything, and how boring that can be.  We learn through the questions and discussions.

*A sweet kid who just started the Home MTC gave a talk and could hardly get through it due to his emotions.  It was clear, though, that he's grateful for the Book of Mormon and for being able to serve.

It was a delight!