December 2023, Week 3

 *Today at church my heart was very tender.  I found out just before midnight that my dear friend, former roommate, and Maid of Honor Pat Tejada had passed away from a second fight with thyroid cancer on Friday.  How do you make sense of that??  Cancer is no respecter of persons, but in my world, it has taken the best of the best.  I hadn't had time to process it, as we had to get to church at 8:30 am for choir practice.  Our ward was presenting the two choir numbers a week early, since many of us would be out if town on the following Sunday.  I got to sing for the first number, but had to play the piano for the second ("Oh, Holy Night"), and I needed to be focused for that.  But before that song, we had a speaker.  He started with saying that he needed us to know that we are in the true church of Jesus Christ, that He lives, and that His Atonement is real.  A simple testimony that I've heard countless times, but it meant a lot to me in that moment.  I saw that I needed to hold on to the Atonement as one who is grieving, and to try to find peace to make "sense" of her death.  I didn't see the end of the process, but I remembered there was a path, and Who was on it with me.  

*The speaker also said he was asked to summarize what the gospel of Jesus Christ meant to him.  Before he gave his answer, I thought of one word: peace.  His own answer was hope, and I fully agree with that.  Before the service began, I was thinking that I didn't feel very Christmas-y any more.  But  the hope that came with that baby boy is the reason that there IS Christmas, and this was my unfortunate opportunity to have to reconcile and remember and apply this to my situation.

* I wasn't particularly nervous to play the song, even though in our practice I had not done as well as I would have liked.  My mind was just not engaged enough.  I didn't want to distract from the Spirit,  though, so I prayed for help.  It wasn't perfect, but it was enough.

*I taught our Primary class about Revelation 8-14, but focused on the cloud of darkness from the pit that represents temptations, and the tools we've been given to overcome them.  I shared a video about how sometimes when we're in the deepest darkness, the Lord will send someone with light to help us out.  Sometimes we're the ones being sent to help others out of darkness.  I often feel that's my role.  But I'm grateful for those that come get me, and let me use their light for a bit.

*Caytie and I sang in our Stake Christmas concert in the evening. I love participating in this whenever I can, so the words and music are in my mind all season.  There was a duet presented that I hadn't heard before, and it really touched my heart, especially with Pat on my mind.  I want to share the words here:

Somewhere In Your Silent Night

By Casting Crowns

All is calm and all is bright
Everywhere but in your heart tonight
They're singing carols of joy and peace
But you feel too far gone and too far out of reach

Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night

From heaven's height to manger low
There is no distance the Prince of Peace won't go
From manger low to Calvary's hill
When your pain runs deep
His love runs deeper still
He has always loved you, child
And He always will

Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night

Lift your head
Lift your heart
Emmanuel will meet you where you are
He knows your hurt
He knows your name
And you're the very reason that He came

Somewhere in your silent night
Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried
Hope is here, just lift your head
For love has come to find you
Somewhere in your silent night

Love will find you
Ooh, love will find you
Love will find you

It was a delight.

December 2023, Week 2

 *Today at church during the Sacrament I was thinking of the different names of Christ that we've learned in our New Testament studies this year.  The name Advocate from 1 John 2:1 was at the front of my mind during the prayers.  I'm grateful for that perspective of knowing there is Someone on my side, fighting for my cause.  We had the missionaries over for dinner last week and we talked about what our favorite name of Christ.  That day, for me it was Emmanuel, or God With Us.  Again I am grateful to know that I am known, I am heard, I am loved, and when I repent,  I am forgiven-- by my Savior, who is WITH ME.

It was a delight.

December 2023, Week 1

 *Today at church I had an opportunity to substitute on the organ, which I haven't had to do for a while.  I appreciated the opportunity to sit on the stand for a bit, because I got to see who was there that day.  Our family usually (always) sits on the 4th row, and then I head to Primary, so I don't always see who is at church each Sunday.  I saw friends that I thought might not be coming any more, which was tender, and others were not there, which was also tender.  I love my ward.  I miss being in Relief Society sometimes.  But I do love Primary.

It was a delight.

November 2023, Week 4

 *Today at church we talked about 1st and 2nd Peter in Primary.  Ben gave everyone one of the activity pages, which are generally geared for Junior Primary kids, but they were surprisingly engaged, finding people in the picture who were glorifying God by doing good works, which is tied into 1 Peter 2:9-12.  It was nice to see the very active boys in our class participate.  And then, as soon as we were in Singing Time, the papers were all turned into airplanes and sent across the room, so I had to collect them all.  Baby steps.

November 2023, Week 3

 *Today at church the Primary practiced a new song I hadn't heard before called "Thankful," by Shawna Belt Edwards. It is simple and so sweet.  I noticed it was written in 2020, our pandemic year, so it was extra meaningful to think of being grateful for the hand of God in all parts of our life.

*In my Primary class, we talked about James 1:5 and the impact it had on Joseph Smith, and therefore all of us.  Just like on my mission, testifying of him and the visit he had from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made my heart fill with joy and assurance of the truth.

It was a delight!

November 2023, Week 2

 *Today at church the youth speaker talked about how we can know we are known and loved by God.  She mentioned that this was hard for her to do, which at first I thought, "How could such a sweet, good person not know they are known and loved by God?"  Then I thought back to being a youth, and remembered that yes--it is sometimes HARD to learn how to feel Him and to feel His love.  It's when most of us start to feel alone in the world, for whatever reason, and we have to actually start applying all the things we have been learning up to then.  She shared some sweet examples of when her prayers were answered, and how she felt God's love through that, and I think that is an excellent reminder of looking to see His hand, even when we can't see His face.

*A brother (who is a father of four young girls with an awesome art teacher wife) spoke about President Nelson's talk from conference called "Think Celestial."  He said that most of the time, when people ask how he's doing, he replies with, "I'm surviving."  He said he's trying to change his habits through "thinking celesital" to move from a survival mindset to a thriving mindset.  I thought that was good advice.

*The final speaker is a new sister in our ward, who is pretty quiet, so I haven't even seen her before.  (Being in Primary has a few drawbacks.)  She was very vulnerable about some struggles with depression, and shared how people in her life answered prayers to help her through.  I hope I can be sensitive to the Spirit to help people when needed, and willing to ask for help myself if that need arises.

It was a delight!

November 2023, Week 1

 *Today at church I enjoyed listening to the testimonies of members of my ward.  Several older siblings helped younger siblings, and it is sweet to see their desire to help and to testify of the Spirit they feel in their lives.  In January our Bishop declared this year the year of miracles, and people have been sharing the miracles they've seen, big and small.  One small miracle I've had is that I finally went to see a chiropractor for my aching tail bone, and I'm able to sit through church (and stand up again) without sharp pains.  The pain is still there, but much, much less intense.

*In Primary, we wrote notes to Kara Webb, a sister in our ward with lung cancer that has spread to the point that she will be entering hospice care this week. I knew Kara when she was the Stake Young Women's President and I was the Stake Primary President, and heard her testify of tender things in our Stake Counsel meetings.  About two years ago she moved with her daughter's family into our ward.  She has been stalwart through her cancer battle, doing her calling even while in a hospital bed, and the last time I visited with her, she wanted all the news of my kids, who she doesn't even really know, instead of talking about herself.  Heaven is about to gain an angel back, but we are about to lose one.  The kids' notes were so sweet.  I hope they bring her a little relief.

It was a delight!

*Update: Kara passed away on Tuesday morning. 💔

October 2023, Week 4

 *Today at church we had the Primary Program!  It miraculously came together (as they always do) for a beautiful program.  Ben and I sat with our class in the pews in front of the podium, since our Primary has been growing.  The talks were sweet and the songs were heartfelt.  They sang Gethsemane, with much of it acapella, and that one really touched me today.  It was a significant program for our family, since it was Benson's last one.  We've had children participate in the program since Scott was a Sunbeam in 2004.  (For those keeping track, that's 19 years.  You know, I knew it was a lot of years, but I didn't realize it was THAT many.)  Our kids may be done as participants, but I think Ben and I may have some more to help out with in our futures.

*Today we had a short lesson in class, due to going over time in Sacrament Meeting.  It was just good to be back with our class, since we had missed for our cruise at the end of September, then General Conference, Stake Conference, and then the program practice.  We talked about Paul's teachings in Thessalonians, particularly about the Second Coming and the falling away and restoration that happened.

It was a delight!

October 2023, Week 3

*Today at church we had some great speakers.  The youth speaker was one of my former preschoolers, and is, what I would consider, one of the "cool" kids at school.  He's also the Deacon Quorum President, and he has a very sweet testimony which he shared.  I look forward to seeing how he continues to grow in his faith.  

*The second speaker gave us a great talk about the covenants we make in the temple, and how she has seen specific miracles in her life by keeping these covenants.  I don't remember all of her examples, but I want to put this here for when I read this in the future, and ponder miracles I've seen in my own life from keeping the covenants.  Here they are, from the church's website: 

• Law of Obedience, which includes striving to keep God’s commandments.

• Law of Sacrifice, which means doing all we can to support the Lord’s work and repenting with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

• Law of the Gospel, which is the higher law that He taught while He was on the earth.

• Law of Chastity, which means that we have sexual relations only with the person to whom we are legally and lawfully wedded according to God’s law.

• Law of Consecration, which means dedicating our time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed us to building up Jesus Christ’s Church on the earth.

*The final speaker shared his thoughts about grace.  He reminded us of Brad Wilcox's talk, where he gave an example from a student that asked him who would cover the gap between what she does and all that she "could" be doing, where Jesus steps in to cover the rest.  Bro. Wilcox helped his student see that there is no gap, because Jesus has already covered everything--we don't have to do anything for salvation, because the price has been paid in full already through His Atonement.  This, however, doesn't mean that there's nothing that we need to do, because it is through keeping the commandments and the covenants and the commitments we have as members of the church that we become who Christ knows we can be.  But the speaker said, which I appreciated, is that these things are not obligations, but opportunities.  It helps me to remember my why.  He also said that it's okay to admit that sometimes you're not okay, and to ask for help whenever you need to.

*The choir sang, and I accompanied.  It was a difficult piece, but I put in a LOT of practice, and thankfully the Lord amplified my efforts.

It was a delight!

October 2023, Week 2

 *Today at church we met together for Stake Conference.  Emma sang in the choir, as her last act before she leaves on Tuesday for a new adventure in Utah.  The theme of the conference seemed to be staying on the covenant path.  At least four speakers quoted Sister Emily Belle Freeman's conference talk from last Sunday, which makes sense since her talk was about the covenant path, but they all reminded us that the point of the path is not to do, but to become.  Also--Jesus is waiting, with His hand outstretched, to guide us along.

It was a delight!

October 2023, Week 1

 (Guess I took a break for September??)

*Today we had General Conference!  Ben and I had just returned home from a cruise at 10 pm the night before, and had to pick up Tessa from a band competition at 4 am, and I seemed to have had a bit of a stomach bug, so I was not on my game as far as preparations, treats, meals, or energy levels, but that helped bring it all back to basics for the main purpose of the day--to feast on the words of God, given through representatives here for us now.

*Sister Emily Belle Freeman gave her first conference talk as the Young Women's General President.  I have listened to her "Don't Miss This" scripture podcast for the last two years, and I am so pleased that more people will get to hear her wisdom and love for the scriptures and for Jesus Christ.  He will walk our trails with us, and pull us along if we let Him.

*Elder Valeri Cordon asked us to increase our efforts to teach the gospel culture in our families.  I liked it, because lately I feel as if many are loosening their standards, because they're just part of our church "culture" instead of our doctrine.  There is a place for culture, because, Elder Cordon said, it's how we can create a fertile environment for faith to flourish.

*President Nelson fell about three weeks ago, just after his 99th birthday, so he recorded his talk, since he can't sit for long periods of time and was at home.  He asked us to "Think Celestial," which will become a commonly used phrase now, I believe.  We already used it in our scripture study tonight, about reaping what you sow.  He also asked us to avoid anything that robs us of our agency, because we start to look for them for solace instead of to God.  He also announced 20 more temples.  The mighty work is going forth.

It was a delight!  (And I look forward to watching Saturday's sessions later.)

August 2023, Week 4

*Today in church we had a youth-led Sacrament Meeting.  The youth planned and prepared the speakers and musical numbers, and it turned out beautifully.  Caytie was part of a small group singing "I Believe in Christ," and Tessa transposed and arranged (and played in) a two clarinet and one French horn trio, which played "I Need Thee Every Hour."  They also participated in the Young Women's and the whole group choirs.  I accompanied Tessa's number, as well as a song two brothers sang, called "I Will Go and Do."  The whole thing was so lovely.  The youth know that their Savior loves them, and that will carry them far.  They are also quite talented.  We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us!

It was a delight!

August 2023, Week 3

 *Today in church we had Sister Vasquez and Brother Vasquez (no relation) speak.  Sister Vasquez said something that I've been thinking about.  She said, as an introduction to something else she was speaking about, that "I don't always do things the way other people do them."  I'm glad for her willingness to say that though she may feel she's different, she still belongs and has valuable things to contribute.  I'm glad that we do things differently.  I think we'd be pretty uninteresting if we didn't.  Brother Vasquez is a High Counselor who spoke about sustaining.  It was related to the temple recommend question, but he talked about it more broadly, and I was happy to hear that he included sustaining his wife in his talk.  He shared a sweet story about making breakfast for his young son that morning, and his son was asking him why he had to go to an English ward.  (Brother Vasquez is a native Spanish speaker, and they speak it in their home and attend the Spanish Ward in our stake.)  He said that he was going to give a talk to us.  His son asked if there was anyone else who could do it, and he said that yes, there were other people who could, but he was the one asked by the Stake Presidency to do it, so he was going to do it.  It can be that simple.  You sustain your leaders (or spouse☺), so when they ask you to do something, you do it.  I try to live that way.

*Today was my last time substituting for Primary piano.  The pianist had emergency surgery a few weeks ago, so I stepped in to help, and Gracie was also going to help, but she wanted to finish her temple prep class before leaving for college.  I found out that the pianist wasn't going to be able to come back until November, and the Primary Program is in October.  I really don't mind playing for Primary, but I felt bad that Ben was teaching our class with substitutes each week (well, often with Scott, but this was his last Sunday before returning to college), and I was also asked to play for the choir (which does require a lot of practicing), so I found another sister who could help.  So--back to class for me.

It was a delight!

August 2023, Week 2

 *Today in church my sweet friend Amy spoke.  She and her family have lived in this area longer than just about anybody else in our ward.  Her husband Bill was the first person baptized in the newly created Wylie Ward.  We moved in just after that ward was split into two, and now there are four wards here.  However, this was her very first talk in Sacrament Meeting!  I actually hadn't realized that.  She told some very personal stories of how she has found strength in adversity.  She reminded us to look for the good in the bad.  She gave an example from earlier in the summer when her family was about to leave on vacation.  They decided to get a tire replaced, but while it was being changed, they found there was major problems with something else, so a $100 repair became a $1000 repair--but she was grateful that they found the problem before they were in the middle of their trip in the middle of nowhere with a tire falling off the car.  I am so grateful for Amy and her faith.

It was a delight!

August 2023, Week 1

 *Today at church, I substituted on the organ, so when it was time for bearing testimonies, I was already there and took advantage of being up there already.  It was a good opportunity to say how grateful I was for everyone, especially for my Savior, and I talked about some of my "spiritual touchpoints," that help guide my life, including what my mission president would always say ("The church is still true, isn't it, Sister Danielson?").  I didn't really have anything profound to share, but it was nice to take a minute to be public with my beliefs.  Another brother later got up and shared how he started thinking about his "touchpoints" and why he stays, and shared some tender things with us.

*Today our Young Women's presidency was released and a new one was called.  I'm excited for the new leadership, but I will really, really miss the president that my girls have all had and loved and learned from.  She's truly a treasure.  It's a blessing to be confident that when you send your youth, who are stepping away from you into the world to make their own decisions and create their own opinions, to church classes and you know that they will be taught truth, unapologetically.  I don't think that will be changing, but I know they had it with Sister Taylor.  She bore her testimony today and told the girls to always remember that they are so loved.

It was a delight.

July 2023, Week 5

 *Today in church I accompanied a musical number, which was a quartet singing "Abide With Me."  We had been practicing this song for a couple months, due to changed performance dates and illnesses.  I have lately been having fears of accompanying in church, because of messing up in the past, and I even felt like I'd forget how to read the music once I was in front of everyone.  But since we had so much time to practice I knew that even though I wasn't going to be perfect, I knew it well enough for muscle memory to help, and that I would NOT forget how to read it!  I was the most calm that I've been for a musical number in a while.  I'm grateful for preparation, and I'm grateful for the Spirit that brings peace.

It was a delight!

July 2023, Week 4

 *Today at church a new brother spoke, and he was relating how his mission president (I think) had said that when someone came to him to say they were leaving the church, he would always ask, "When did you stop reading your scriptures?"  This brother said there was always a pause, and then an admission of a long gap.  I think that this might be not always the case, but it does give me a reason to stop and think about what role the scriptures play in my life, and how diligent and sincere I am in my studies.

*In Primary we talked about what it means to be a Christian and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Then we acted out the story of the angel freeing Paul from prison.  I enjoy my class, and especially enjoy teaching with Ben.

It was a delight!

July 2023, Week 3

 *Today at church I appreciated being able to read the words of the Sacrament hymn while it was being administered.  So many of the songs mention Jesus's suffering on the cross, and of his deep love for us.  I am learning better how to use trials to bring love.

*In her talk today, a sister was talking about becoming childlike, which means we adopt attributes that are actually Christlike (meek, humble, loving, patient, kind), so being childlike is to be Christlike.  Obedience is one of the attributes she mentioned, and how being obedient is how we show our love (If ye love me, keep my commandments).  So, she concluded, our motivation for everything is love.  The motivation is love.  I need to look through my motivations and make sure love is at the core.

It was a delight!

July 2023, Week 2

*Today at church I appreciated a youth speaker who compared the tornado at the Nauvoo trip to staying strong in our faith despite storms around us.  I hope we get to keep hearing how they learned and applied lessons from this trip.

*In Primary we started learning a new song called "The Miracle."  Our song leader started by asking what a miracle is.  The kids had some great answers, including one of my boys who said, "It's like you're playing a game, and there's, like, no way that you would be able to win, but then...you do."    One of the Junior Primary kids said that a miracle is "something with Jesus"--so simply true.  I really enjoyed the song, because it lays out so many of the things that Jesus did while here on the earth, but with a reminder that the greatest miracle for me is that he saved me.  Global and individual, which is the way he served.

It was a delight!

July 2023, Week 1

*Today at church we were treated during the Fast and Testimony meeting to witnesses from the youth who had just returned from a trip to Nauvoo.  My Gracie started them out, and after that, we had youth after youth share how the trip had impacted them in such positive ways.  Something unique about their time in Nauvoo is that there was a tornado that came through, so they all had to seek shelter in the basements of the buildings (Gracie was in Brigham Young's home, Caytie was in the print shop, and Tessa was in the perfomance hall with the summer performing missionaires who kept them singing songs the whole time), and some who were already at Carthage had to wait in the jail cell until the storm was over.  The youth then all got to participate in impromptu service projects, which was mostly cleaning debris from trees.  (Gracie cleaned up water that leaked through the windows in the Young's house.)  Many of the youth were touched by their trip to the temple to do baptisms, and with the fact that the temple (and its trees) suffered no damage.  They were grateful to help their ancestors.  They were grateful for learning about the Saints and their suffering.  They were grateful for Joseph Smith.  They (the youth) found peace in a place of sadness because they knew the Saints had been able to do the same with their faith in God.  I hope they hold these experiences as a touchstone for their future testimonies, and remember what this trip meant to them.

*The Bishopric counselor started the meeting by sharing an experience of visiting his old mission president and hearing his advice, which he knew would be the same as the advice that he shared when he was a missionary.  That made me think about my sweet President Markus, and about things he always said.  One of them was, "Sister Danielson, the church is still true, isn't it?"  He said that a couple times to me, especially after a couple months of transfers that were a little chaotic, in that I'd be told one thing and then another would happen.  (I found out later that behind the scenes, they were working to get my papers approved so I could serve in Namibia, but the process was taking much longer than they anticipated--and so I was never able to serve there.)  I mentioned this phrase to some others who had served with me, after we had returned home, and found out that it was just me that he would say it to, ad not to everyone as I had thought.  But I still think of him with his winky smile, shaking my hand, and asking me if, despite surprises or chaos or uncertainty, the church is still true.  And it is.  His question and my answer are one of my own touchstones of my testimony.

It was a delight!

June 2023, Week 4

*Confession time: I forgot to write, and now I forgot what happened.  I'm kind of bummed. 

June 2023, Week 3

*Today at church a brother spoke about fathers (as it is Father's Day), and how he had many father figures in his life to fill in for his missing father, and he honored all of them.  He also spoke about the Priesthood.  He is an adult convert to the church, and told of when he was asked to give his first Priesthood blessing.  He was extremely nervous, but had support of the other brothers, and was able to give a blessing to a man who was very sick.  The next day the man died!  He was so apologetic to everyone,  feeling as if he had caused the death somehow.  The sweet new widow assured him that he had not failed, but that he had put her husband in a place where he could pass comfortably into the next life.  Sometimes life gives us challenges and we don't always understand how these are opportunities to bless us and others.  We just need to ask for the Spirit to guide us, and to help us say and do what we need to say and do.

*Today at church I taught my Primary class about Jesus's suffering in Gethsemane.  This is a story they are very familiar with, but I think the part that's new is learning what it means for them in their own trials.  We also talked about, "Not my will, but thine be done."  In our own lives, we may think we're sacrificing something when we're asked to do hard things, but in every case, the blessings that come from the "sacrifice" outweigh the loss.  It is not easy.  It is worth it.

*After Sacrament Meeting, despite it being Father's Day, Ben, Caytie, Tessa, and Benson left for Scout Camp.  I'm going to miss them this week.  We're going to have a quiet house with my older three working during the day.  I'm grateful, though, for all they'll get to learn and experience, and that they get to have their dad with them.

It was a delight!

June 2023, Week 2

 *Today at church I had no major responsibilities--which these days means no music substitutions and no Primary lesson due to some training the Presidency was doing with teachers.  I was heading to the car about to announce how great it was, but changed my mind, because I didn't want my kids to think that I'm not excited when I do get the chance to serve.  I realized that I do prefer to have something to do at church.  I'm grateful for the speakers (who were great) and the hymns and the prayers and the training, and yes, a day of lighter responsibilities, but I want my hands to be used as much as they can be in the service of the Lord.  It is beautiful and rewarding.

It was a delight!

June 2023, Week 1

 *Today at church was Fast and Testimony Meeting. We had a steady stream of awesome people share their testimonies of Christ.  I had been thinking that I might share something, but I didn't make it happen, as there were not really any lulls in the meeting.  I know you don't have to have a plan about what to speak on, or a memorable story or anything beyond a simple witness of faith in our Savior, but thinking of speaking without a plan kind of disables me, so I usually try to think of something to say before testifying.  I didn't get to share it with my congregation, but here's what I was thinking about...

In a long-ago Sacrament Meeting, probably when I was still in Primary, a speaker told of a code he and his wife used while holding hands.  One of them would squeeze the other three times, which meant, "I love you!"  The other would respond with four squeezes, which meant, "I love you, too!"  Then the first would squeeze twice, meaning, "How much?" and the other would respond with a tight, long squeeze.  My siblings and I liked that, and we would do it to each other now and then, and then I taught it to Ben when we were married, though we usually shorten it to just the final long tight squeeze.  

The day before, I had been driving home from a campout our family went on in Tool, TX, which is pretty rural.  The weather had been perfect and the fields were so full of wildflowers, and it was just so beautiful.  Late at night I was thinking about church today, and what I may say if I got the chance, and I thought I'd like to testify of how much I love my Heavenly Father.  Then I thought of the hand squeezing code, and thought I could feel Heavenly Father say, "I love you, too!"  And I thought, "How much?"  And he gave me the memory of driving through the wildflowers, with my sweet family together, and my heart felt like it was being squeezed long and tight.  Then I thought of Him saying, "I love you!"  And I replied, "I love You, too!"  And He asked, "How much?"  And I thought of how I could show my love for Him, and thinking that I try to show that by keeping the commandments and serving His children.  I'm so grateful for Him and His love.

It was a delight!

May 2023, Week 4

 *Today before church I was laying in bed thinking that I was excited for church, but my tail bone wasn't.   I've been having trouble sitting for long periods of time because of pain in my tail bone, and for some reason, church seats are some of the most difficult for me, even with padded pews.  We had spent a wonderful (but long) evening at Gracie's high school graduation the night before, and my tail bone was still in a bit of pain from that.  I prayed that it wouldn't be an issue for me today.  Very soon after my prayer, I got a text from our organist asking if I could be her last minute substitute due to her sick children.  I'm always happy to help her out, and was grateful there was time to review the hymns before getting to church.  Things went well (though not perfect-- it's never perfect! 🙂) and after Sacrament Meeting I was heading to Primary with Ben and remarked that my prayer had been answered in an unexpected way.  Since I was getting up and down from sitting at the organ several times, I wasn't still for a long period of time, and my tail bone didn't have a chance to get sore!  An unexpected and tender mercy.

*Our Young Women's President spoke today.  I love her thoughtful comments and humility mixed with boldness.  My girls have been truly blessed under her leadership, and I pray often in gratitude for that.

*One of my "more active" Primary boys made a comment that surprised me with its thoughtfulness., because I'm never quite sure if he's paying attention to anything that's being said.  Our music leader was reviewing the song "Come, Follow Me" and asked, "What does 'And let us in his footsteps tread' mean?"  He answered, "So we don't have to come up with a new way to do things.  He already made a path, and we just follow Him so we will go the right place and not have to make up something new."  Well done. 

May 2023, Week 3

*Today at church I was reminded by a newly returned missionary of how blessed we are to have the Book of Mormon.  It has only been on earth in the form it is now for 200 years.  I personally get so much strength and information and comfort and moments of spiritual awareness from it.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to know more about Jesus Christ from it.  What am I doing to let others have the same gift?

It was a delight.

May 2023, Week 2

*Today at church we celebrated Mother's Day.  I'm grateful that I've never had negative feelings about this day, as many other sisters do, but I do understand why it's hard for some.  I am grateful for the desire and ability to mother, for both my own children and for others I associate with, and for all those that step up to mother my children, too, as their teachers, advisors, and mentors.  Benson sang "I Often Go Walking" with the Primary for the last time--it's the last time I'll have one of my children singing on Mother's Day as a Primary kid.  After the first half of Primary (when I taught my class), we ladies were excused to the Relief Society Room for fruit, cupcakes, and visiting.  (Ben and Scott covered Primary music time. ☺)  It was a nice morning.

*A couple sisters after church gave me Mother's Day hugs, and they were very appreciated.

It was a delight!

May 2023, Week 1

*Today in church we had Fast and Testimony Meeting.  It was SO GOOD.  Scott was with us for his first Sunday back from college, and it was his birthday (yay!), and I had a new hair cut (finally!).  I had a few moments of a mini pity party, but was able to talk myself out of it.  Our Bishopric does a great job of reminding us each week that the main reason we are at church is to take the Sacrament, and that was a highlight.

*Today one sister shared a story that happened with her kids.  Her daughter (7) asked if she could have a protein shake.  My friend was hesitant to give one to her, since the protein powder is expensive, and the daughter has a history of not liking the taste of it.  Her daughter really, really wanted one, though, so she promised that if she didn't drink it all, she wouldn't listen to audio books for a week.  Apparently she listens to the books non-stop almost all day, and they're really important to her.  So her mom agreed and fixed her a shake.  A couple hours later, her mom found the shake on the kitchen counter, barely touched.  She was upset about the waste, but more upset that she was now going to have to follow through with the no audio book arrangement, which would be very hard for both of them.  She left to do something else, and a little while later came back to find her son (one of my 4 year old preschoolers) chugging down the now warm protein shake.  She was surprised, because she knew her son didn't like the taste of protein shakes either, so she asked him what he was doing.  He said, "I didn't want (sister) to have to give up her audio books, so I'm drinking the shake for her."  He is the sweetest kid.  My friend said that her husband pointed out that this is how it works with our Savior.  He gives us the mercy in the justice situation.  He covers for us when we lack.  He shows us love when we have chosen another path.  He gives us the way back.  It is the sweetest.

*Two or three people shared how they were protected this week from harm, even in potentially life-threatening situations.  God's hand was over them in these miracles.  One of the final sisters to talk shared how even when the protection doesn't come in the way we think it should, God IS the miracle in every situation.  He IS there.  He lifts, He guides, He loves, He does protect and He does provide a way out, and He gives us comfort for those left after He calls His children home.

*As we were singing our closing hymn, I was thinking about my Primary class that I was about to go teach.  They are an energetic bunch and I was preparing myself to be positive so that we could stay on track to try to bring the Spirit to the lesson.  The song was "Be Thou Humble," and the second verse says, "Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee to serve his children gladly with a pure and gentle love."  That was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment, and honestly, it would be a good reminder every Sunday before going to class.  These kids need structure and some redirection at times, but it needs to be with pure and gentle love--and God will teach me to do it gladly when I'm humble.  I am glad to be a Primary teacher, especially with Ben as my co-teacher.

It was a delight!

April 2023, Week 4

*Today at church, perhaps because I attended two baptisms yesterday, I really enjoyed listening to the Sacrament prayers.  I didn't get any new insight or deep spiritual connection because of them, but I find comfort in the repetitive prayers, and the sincerity of the boys performing the ordinances was obvious and sweet.  I'm grateful for this weekly opportunity to remember and recommit.

*Our organist was back after her maternity leave!  Hooray!  But during the intermediate hymn (Is that what it's called?  I suddenly can't remember what we call the hymn in the middle of the meeting), she had stepped out to care for her upset toddler, and the Bishop caught my eye and invited me up to play.  I had already told everyone that I'd be willing to do that if the need came up, and here it was.  The hymn was #305--"The Light Divine," which I now officially do NOT recommend playing cold!  It was tricky!  But we powered through.  Again, I'm grateful for the chance to serve, even when I get to make mistakes in front of everyone--loudly.

*I got to teach Primary with Ben.  He has been travelling a lot, but is almost always home on the weekends, which is why I really appreciate having this calling with him.  He did have to leave to catch a plane after our class.  I'll miss him.

It was a delight!

April 2023, Week 3

*Today at church, the organ was set to play prelude by itself.  As the meeting was about to begin, I noticed that there wasn't an organist ready to go. Our usual organist had had a baby almost three months ago, and hadn't been back to play yet.  A substitute had been playing for her, but had been asked to cover up to April.  With General Conference and Easter, and with our ward music chairperson moving away, I guess the fact that no one had been asked to play was overlooked.  I caught the eye of the bishopric member (who is in his first month of conducting, since our previous counselor is the husband of the afore-mentioned ward music chairperson who moved away), and I asked if he needed me and he nodded.  So I got to play the hymns, sight unseen.  It went better than expected.

About two weeks ago, I was talking with a friend who used to be a piano teacher.  I asked her if she was taking students, because while I can teach my own children, things are more consistent when I have them take from another teacher.  Unfortunately she is not taking students, but we reflected about our piano experiences, and she said people often say to her that they regret not taking lessons, but no one has told her that they regret learning to play the piano.  I kind of joked that sometimes I regret it, especially since I had my Easter Sunday choir piece looming, along with another song I've been asked to accompany.  But I have thought about that conversation, and I know that I don't regret learning, because it gives me a way to serve that is often really needed.  It also gives me a chance to be vulnerable in front of my peers.  I think this is something that brings people closer and gives them empathy for each other.  It gives me something to work on.  It gives me a goal.  As a stay-at-home mom, I don't have a boss giving me assignments, and the household work is often routine and mindless.  Even though the challenge is often beyond my abilities, I am grateful for the opportunity to try.  And, like for today, I get to play the hymns of Zion, which bring me peace.

It was a delight.

April 2023, Week 2

*It's Easter Sunday!  Gracie and Ben provided the prelude music, I was the organist, and accompanied the choir, which Gracie, Caytie, and Tessa sang in, Benson sang in the Primary music number, and Gracie gave a talk.  (Gracie's talk was awesome.  She focused on how we receive grace through His Atonement.)  All of these things helped us to make our church worship focused on Christ.  It was interesting, though, that for the first time, church was only one hour on Easter, so that we could continue our worship at home with our families.  We have all relied on our time at church to fill our Easter needs, but we were reminded and invited to make it more than that.  At our home, we have been talking each night about things that Jesus experienced during the week before his death and resurrection.  We culminated our discussion in the evening, and watched several of the church videos about those events, like the Last Supper, the experiences in the Garden of Gethsemane, His trials and tortures, His crucifixion, His death, being taken to the tomb, finding the tomb empty, and His visit to Mary.  We plan to read 3 Nephi 11 tomorrow to continue.  He is the Resurrection and the Life.  He who believes in Him, though he were dead, yet shall he live!  I believe.

*Small note on accompanying the choir: I had two weeks to learn the piece, and two practices with the choir.  I did not really feel prepared, though I practiced as often as I could.  I knew I would mess up somewhere; it was just a matter of how bad it would be.  I prayed a lot.  I played it pretty well that morning.  I didn't do as well for the performance.  After the meeting, as I was playing the postlude on the organ, I wasn't feeling great about how I did, but three people came up and hugged me from behind or patted me on the shoulder to wish me a happy Easter and thank me for playing.  I thought they were comforting me for messing up, and it was actually a comfort.  Then when I was done, a few others thanked me for playing.  (I usually don't get so many people acknowledging me when I play.)  I mentioned how I wish I had done better, but they said they didn't notice any of my mistakes.  I am thinking that the Lord magnified my efforts and buffered away the mistakes in people's ears so they didn't really hear them.  I am blessed to have kind and forgiving friends, and to know that my offering is enough.

*I invited my new-member ministering sister to Easter dinner.  She said she wasn't sure if she would come, but that day she said she would.  But then she didn't.  So we had a quiet family dinner together.  I needed it.

It was a delight!

April 2023, Week 1

*Today was General Conference!  Some key themes I heard were: To be like Christ, you need to be a peacemaker; the Holy Week and celebration of the resurrection, including the account of Jesus's visit in 3 Nephi 11, should be an important part of Easter celebrations; develop attributes found in the 13th Article of Faith; and Jesus is ready to provide relief--and we should be, too.  Dive in deep.  Exercise faith in Jesus Christ.  Minister and care as the Savior would.  Love, share, invite.  Trust the council of the living prophet.  Offer the gift of peace to others.  Contention does not bring unity.  End conflicts.  Enter into a covenant relationship with Christ (yoke).  The Savior will use us to accomplish His work.  Following Him is the only way to enduring happiness.

*Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife were sick with Covid, so he wasn't in attendance.  He put a note on social media that he was sorry to not be there, but for the first time since he was called as a General Authority, he was excited to be able to sit on the couch and hold hands with his wife while they watched together.  So sweet. 💓

March 2023, Week 4

*Today in church we had another testimony meeting, since next week is General Conference.  Sweet Gracie bore her testimony, relating it to a calculus concept of the polar axis and coordinates when graphing.  I didn't understand the reference, having never taken calculus, but she described it enough that I understood: when you start along the path, you will find the way.  She is at the beginning of her adulting, with a lot of decisions to make, and she recognizes that when she finds the path, she should stick to it, even if she doesn't see the outcome , and she knows she will find her way.  She is insightful.

*A few days ago I heard of an old friend who left the Church and is praying for the day that it will "catch up."  Sometimes when I hear news like this, along with great sadness, I feel nigglings of "Are you really doing the right thing here?  Is this really truth you are devoting your life to?  Is the 'Church' drifting from the doctrine of Christ?"  I think it is natural and normal to question, and even doubt sometimes.  I don't like to, but it causes me to stop and ponder, and pray, and to recommit.  I sometimes feel, and I did today during our meeting, like the man pleading with Jesus, "Lord, I believe.  Help thou my unbelief!"  I know it.  I live it.  I am committed.  But sometimes I need help with my unbelief.  President Uchdorf reminds me to "Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."  That is a very good place to start.

It was a delight!

March 2023, Week 3

*Today in church we had Stake Conference.  I was able to bring my ministering sister with us, who is a fairly new convert and single mom with some tough challenges and perspectives in life.  Her faith is so strong, though.

*Today we heard such uplifting messages.  Our Stake President always has a story from his life that teaches gospel principles powerfully.  Today he shared how when he was young and helping move cattle, and he was sore and tired and wanted to stop, his dad would encourage him to keep on going until they reached the white fence.  "Keep going!  You're almost there!  You can do this!"  He related it to us enduring to the end, and how our Heavenly Father is there, always encouraging us: "Keep going!  You're almost there!  You can do this!"  Elder Tommy Haws from the Seventy was also there.  He talked about how we often give Primary answers, but that they really are THE PRIMARY answers we need in life, but that we often don't take them quite far enough--we miss the mark, because we forget to tie them all the way back to Jesus Christ.  We read the scriptures because they teach us of Christ and how to be like Him.  We pray because we want to talk with Him and have Him as our advocate.  We go to church to take the sacrament and covenant again to take His name upon us.  We go to the temple to make the covenants that will bring our lives as close as they can be to be like Him.  We love because He loved.

It was a delight!

March 2023, Week 2

*Today in church a newish sister spoke about how she came to our ward from California with her son, soon after her son's dad had passed away from cancer, and also soon after she had regained her own testimony of the Church.  She said she felt that she had come right into a new family and mentioned several ways that people had lifted and supported her, including temple trips with friends.  Several months ago, I had made a goal to go to the temple on a regular, calendared basis, and twice I let my Relief Society know through our Facebook page when I was going and invited people along.  She had responded both times I did this, and I was so pleased that she considered me a friend and that our trips to the temple were meaningful to her.  Right after church we set up our next trip together.

It was a delight!

March 2023, Week 1

*Today in church was Fast and Testimony meeting.  I keep thinking that it has been a while since I have borne my testimony in that setting, and I keep thinking of excuses of why I don't need to do it.  It mainly ends up with me deciding that I don't really have anything noteworthy to share.  That's not true, though.  I can always testify of my faith in Jesus Christ.  Thankfully I had the opportunity to do that in my Primary class, as we talked about Jesus calming the storm.  We all wrote different trials that people might have on paper rainclouds that we used to cover a picture of Jesus.  Then we took them off as we suggested ways we could help someone with the trial.  I was able to testify that the Savior has the power to calm the storms in our lives.  He truly brings peace to me.

It was a delight!

February 2023, Week 4

*Today at church a young man spoke about miracles.  He shared some miracles that Jesus performed, and then shared a miracle of finding a flashlight while camping so he could participate in a Capture the Flag game, to show that miracles don't have to be big to be important to us.  He also said how it's a miracle that we all get to feel the Spirit.  He's right.  (I find this young man extra impressive because his mom is not active, his dad is not a member, but his own faith is very strong.)

*Today at church Ben was back in town (he had been gone for almost two weeks) and gave our Primary lesson about prayer, as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.  Prayer, like bread, needs to be partaken of daily--multiple times.  Our class is getting comfortable with us, which is good and also tricky.  They're quite chatty and wiggly.  But when you ask a question, it's amazing to see who has actually been listening and processing what's being taught.  He had them memorize Matthew 7:7.  That's a good one to have on hand.

It was a delight!

February 2023, Week 3

*Today at church one of my Primary students asked me repeatedly for a snack.  I didn't have any food with me, due to the fact that I haven't needed to bring snacks to church for about seven years or so, since my youngest is now almost 11.  A sister who has four young kids, with the oldest being seven, said she and her husband were talking about my family and wondering if their kids would ever be as good as ours at church.  These things made me reflect on all the tricky church years that we have gone through.  She just hadn't seen it when our kids were her kids' ages.  We also spent plenty of time out in the hall with wigglers and kept a pretty good supply of snacks (except when we lived in Plano due to a rat problem in the building) to help with "hanger" and also just for a moment of distraction so I could look up and appreciate what was being said for a minute.  It has really only been the last year or so that I feel we're in a place where most of my family can feel a sense of peace (and hopefully the Spirit) during Sacrament Meeting.  It is a good place to be.

*I've been thinking of the "Good, Better, Best" talk given last week all week long.  It's helping me to make better choices with my time.

It's a delight!

February 2023, Week 2

 *Today at church I pondered the words in the Sacrament hymn ("There is a Green Hill Far Away") because we had talked about it earlier in the week in our Come, Follow Me family discussions.  We were listing hymns that helped us feel the Spirit during the meeting, and one of my children mentioned this one.  I hope they were also able to ponder on the words, remembering "how dearly, dearly has He loved" and to "trust in His redeeming love and try His works to do."

*Today we had excellent talks.  The young man taught about how to handle doubts.  He's one of those youth that I wonder if he is listening or happy to be there at church, but his talk made me repent of that opinion, and he taught me what he knows about faith in Christ.  A sister gave a beautiful talk about trusting in the Lord and in his loving kindness in the midst of trials.  She also reminded us, as Pres. Uchtdorf did, to doubt our doubts and trust our faith.  The closing talk was from a brother that was giving his second talk as a member.  He and his wife and baby are new in our ward, and he was self-admittedly super nervous, but that didn't stop him from giving a well-thought out talk about "Good, Better, Best," and how he's seen examples of choosing the best things in life has blessed his.

*Today I saw a younger brother (about 12) comforting an older brother (about 16).  It was the sweetest thing.

It was a delight!

February 2023, Week 1

 *Today at church we had Fast and Testimony meeting.  We have some amazing people in this ward.  They keep inspiring me.  I guess that's why we keep gathering. ☺

*Today we had our whole Primary class, plus a visitor.  They certainly have a lot of energy.  I think, though, that they like to be in Primary, and that's a big thing.  We'll keep gathering there, too.  And singing, playing games, telling scripture stories, and testifying--when they let us get a few words in, too. ☺

It was a delight!

January 2023, Week 5

*Today at church the talks were about forgiveness and conversion.  It's amazing to me that topics that I have been taught since I was in Primary are still so relevant and essential for me to still learn about.  It's not that I haven't learned my lessons yet; it's that I am constantly developing.  Life happens every day.  Challenging people and situations and ideas present themselves every day, and every day I get to decide how to react to them.  I am an agent in my choices.  I don't always get it right, but I know how to fix it when I get it wrong.  I am grateful for both forgiveness and conversion and to know these are not one time events but lifelong experiences.  (Made possible, of course, by my Savior Jesus Christ.)

*Today at church our Primary class was a little more...comfortable with us, so it was a bit of a challenge to get them to listen.  I think I was able to get their attention by the end, as I testified about the Holy Ghost working in my life.  I need to remember that the most important thing that I do with those eight-turning-nine-year-olds is to testify.  I also gave them chocolate bears to remind them of the "Three Bears" of  their baptismal covenants (Bear His Name, Bear One Another's Burdens, and Bear Witness).  That gets attention, too.

It was a delight!

January 2023, Week 4

*Today at church  I appreciated the speakers' invitations to "Love, Share, and Invite," as the Stake and General Church leaders have asked us to do.  I think I'm decent at the loving part, and sometimes it leads to sharing, but very rarely do I extend invitations.  I feel I need to expand my circle again to meet more people outside of church.  But there are those in the church who need loving, sharing, and inviting, too.  I just need to stay ready.

*We sang "The Lord is My Light," which was the "Come, Follow Me" song for this week, and the kids recognized that.  Have I mentioned lately how much I love the "Come, Follow Me" program?  I love it so much.  Our scripture study together at home is so much more productive and insightful, and I'm glad that everything is reinforced in Seminary, youth classes, and Primary.  This is the first year that we've repeated a volume of scripture since we started this four years ago, and I had to get the book out to see what we were talking about then, and I was so surprised when I saw that the lessons were exactly the same as this year.  It felt as though we had been doing different topics then.  I'm grateful for those who have created these lessons that still feel fresh four years later.

It was a delight!

January 2023, Week 3

*Today at church I was there with only Caytie and Tessa, since Ben had Benson and Gracie with him at the Frozen Foot campout.  (They did try to get home in time for the 1:30 church session, but they just missed it.)  Emma was at her singles ward, as usual, so the three of us had the big ol' bench to ourselves.  One of my preschoolers usually sits behind us, and I wore a flower clip from Hawaii in my hair that he had given me for Christmas.  He was appreciative. ☺

*Today was our Ward Conference, so our Bishop and Stake President spoke to us about sharing the light of Christ with others.  Light brings warmth, safety, comfort, hope, perspective, certainty...  How can I not want others to have that, too?  I pray to recognize how I can give it to others.

*Today my friend substituted for Ben in our Primary class.  She was a great help, and I appreciated her insights in our shortened lesson.  We talked about Matthew 2 and Luke 2, so we reviewed the Christmas story (and now Christmas can be officially done for the season!) as well as Jesus's childhood.  I let them choose a challenge to increase in wisdom (a riddle), stature (jumping jacks), in favor with God (share a favorite scripture story) and with man (give a compliment).  All but one chose a riddle, so we had fun trying to figure those out.  (One of my favorites for the day-- What invention lets you look through walls?  A window.)

It was a delight!

January 2023, Week 2

*Today we had Fast Sunday, due to last Sunday being the first day of the year.  Our testimony meeting was particularly beautiful, I thought.  We had joined in fasting for a family that is unemployed.  The father is in the Bishopric, and he bore his testimony of the blessings of having two missionaries serving together now.  The opportunities to speak of spiritual things is multiplied.  He invited everyone to share their Christ-centered testimonies, and so many people did.  A sister who is a nurse shared about a scared patient, who was afraid she was disappointing God by being sick.  My friend was able to help her see the miracle of even just believing in Christ, and how that can change her life.  Another sister/friend who is dealing with a mom with cancer and a dad who committed suicide testified how Jesus fights her battles with her.  Another sister had to cut off communication with abusive family members, and had a lot of hurt and mental health strain from that, but has been able to turn it over to Christ, and through Him she can find joy.  A brother shared some of the names of Christ that mean a lot to him and why.  Others shared some tender mercies they had experienced recently.  We are studying the New Testament in "Come, Follow Me" this year, and I am so excited to review and recognize how I find Christ in my own story.  For now I'll say what a lady in Walmart told me when she helped me get an extra good deal on a camera for Scott's mission--"God is good."  He is.  I see it every day.

*Ben and I started co-teaching in Primary today!  We have the Valiant 8 class (those who were baptized last year), and there are seven boys and two girls.  We know most of the kids pretty well already, and I think it will be really fun to be with them with Ben.  (I already miss my Sunbeams and teaching with Cecilia, though!)

It was a delight!

January 2023, Week 1

*It's New Year's Day!  Today at church we started this brand new year away from home.  We took a little trip to San Antonio to use our Six Flags passes one more time on the last day of December.  (Ben's brother Devan and his family were there, too!)  We found out that our nephew Drew (Elder Parker) had church at noon in the suburbs of Austin, so we drove up and joined him.  The church building was so cute, with a stone exterior and all decorated for Christmas, but of course it's what was inside that matters.  We took the Sacrament and listened to the speakers and felt the hope that comes with a new year.  This is the third time we've seen Elder Parker on his mission, which is three times more than I thought we would!  He's headed home next month, though.  It's fun to have connections with family, even out here away from the Utah hub.  "Life is good.  Life in the service of the Lord is good.  It is beautiful; it is rewarding." --President Gordon B. Hinckley

It was a delight!

December 2022. Week 4

*Today is Christmas Day, and we got to celebrate at church!  It is really the best place to go on Christmas.  My girls and I sang in the choir (we are not a professional bunch, but I believe we were able to help the Spirit be there), and we enjoyed other musical numbers and thoughts.  My family is together, my brother Joseph and his family and my nephew Jarret and his wife and baby are coming for dinner, and everyone is happy.  Well, almost everyone.  My friend Amy was alone on her bench.  It took her some time to come back after COVID restrictions, and none of her family joins her on Sundays, besides her husband when he's not at work.  I see she has some pain from that.  Our choir director wasn't very pleased that we messed up the ending on the last song.  She covered it well, but I felt bad that she looked disappointed.  There are heavy hearts and hurts.  But isn't that the message of Christmas, too?  That He came to save us, to lift us up, to comfort those in need of comfort and to fill in all the gaps?  Joy to the world--the Lord is come!

It is a delight.