He Is My Joy and My Song

We were late. Again. A last minute decision sent us running to another chapel across town. As we stood waiting to enter, we were warned that there were no seats available. I didn't want to make a grand entrance and parade to the front row. The special guest has now arrived! Let the meeting begin! As the doors swung open, three people on the back row made their exit and we quickly squeezed four bodies into the three places. I greeted a familiar face next to me and took a moment to scan the room for more. It felt so familiar. The same families on the same benches; some bigger than before and some smaller. Families have a way of doing that. They grow and then they shrink. A wave of homesickness washed over me as I looked to the front left pew where my own family had always resided. How I miss the Milton Ward. I quickly spotted my special friends and exhaled in relief. Friends have a way of bringing comfort just in knowing that they are nearby.

The meeting proceeded. The first speaker began in a sing-song voice. She spoke with enthusiasm about friends as if we were all five years old. We all need friends. True. I listened with anticipation for the end to come. Not that I didn't enjoy what she was saying, but the purpose for my visit was next. I fidgeted in my seat. It was time. My heart jumped as I watched the two nervous 17-year-olds walk to the pulpit. My best friend followed them and sat at the piano. Her beautiful daughter sat with her. I knew her job would be turning the pages. She spotted me on the back row and gave me her warm, familiar smile. I was glad she knew I was there. The piano began the familiar notes that only weeks before had not existed until I carefully arranged them on the page. The inexperienced boy and girl stood nervously waiting for their entrance. They began. "The Lord is my light. Then why should I fear?" That first phrase brought peace. I relaxed and let the music float toward me and around me and finally into me. "The Lord is my Light! He is my joy and my song!" I thought my heart would literally burst as I felt the reality of those words. Tears streamed down my cheeks. "He is my Redeemer, my Savior and King. This blessed assurance the Spirit doth bring." I was filled with that assurance. "By day and by night, He leads me along." It felt a little like giving birth but without the pain. Joy, joy, joy! That's the only way to describe it. My friend looked for me as she walked back from the piano. Our eyes met for a moment and I knew that it was good.

Whether I share it in word or in song, I must declare that Jesus Christ is my Light! He is my salvation from sorrow and sin. He is my strength. I know in His might I'll conquer at length. He leads me along and I willingly follow.

A Bit Of A Review

My thoughts are not focused in the least this morning, but I miss blogging so I will proceed unprepared. Let's see, I will start with this weekend and work my way backwards. General Conference...AMAZING! We enjoyed the family time and ate too much great food. I was excited to see that Haley and Collin had their favorite talks and are growing in their love for the Gospel. Did I have a favorite? So hard to choose. Elder Bednar's talk on the temple was one of my favorites. Elder Christopherson's talk on covenants was also very meaningful to me. I am so grateful to led by a prophet of God in these troubled times.

I was able to attend the General Auxillary Leadership Training last week with the General Young Women's Presidency. It was just what I needed to hear. I've been feeling a little trunky in my young women's calling, but it was clear to me within the first 5 minutes of Sister Dalton's message that I still have a purpose and a mission to fulfill as a young woman leader. I have found a renewed love for my calling and more specifically for "my" girls.


In connection with this, I decided to work on the Virtue value in personal progress. I have been learning some amazing things connected to virtue such as more about the kind of woman I want to be, the connection between virtue and the Holy Spirit, and where I personally stand on this path of virtue. I intend to complete this project and re-earn my Young Womenhood Recognition. A great project!


From my last post, you can see the fruits of my labors of the past 2 weeks: Haley's prom dress. We had a great time designing and making her dress together. It was a lot more work than I had imagined and made me appreciate my own Mom. She was also a great help with this project. I'm sure I called her at least 2 or 3 times a day. I don't know if we really saved money by making the dress if you include time. But Mom reminded me that as mother's, we don't count our time. It is truly a labor of love. I learned more about sacrifice and motherhood with this project than I have in a long time. What a wonderful blessing to be a mother!

Prior to the prom dress project, Sally asked me to speak at her Relief Society Birthday Pary. Sally is an amazing planner and the party was spectacular! There was a "Zen" theme with bamboo, rocks, sand, and gorgeous fresh flowers. The food was delicious. I spoke about the symbolism of bamboo: it is strong and resilient, it adapts to difficult environments and bends with the wind without breaking. Then I talked about my own life experiences that have required me to bend and adapt and most of all, trust in the Lord with all my heart. I wrote an arrangement of "The Lord Is My Light" for that night and Haley sang it with me. It was a tremendous growing experience for me. I learned so much and realized that I have a message to share. My life experiences have more meaning when they can be of help to someone else. Thank you, Sally, for a life-changing experience.