42 days of 365 days of Solace: Once in a life-time Sabbath Day Miracle!

I practiced many hours to perform in a local LDS tabernacle. I thought that by miracle of God He would grant my voice back, if only for that day. He has blessed me with a soprano voice, which has

for almost my entire life been used to sing His praises.

Oh how I wanted to sing at the tabernacle this beautiful Spring Sabbath day,, but my voice was completely gone- due to laryngitis. I arrived at 8:30 am that morning for our final choir practice- still hoping for a miracle.

There at the start of practice, I silently slipped away from the choir practicing up in the choir platform.. I knelt on the red velvet-like carpet of the coat room, of this old and historic building. Alone in that sacred place I asked for a miracle from God. But as I stood up from kneeling, I knew my voice would not be given back to me, as He had another time, in college, given to me in a miraculous way.

With disappointment, I climbed those beautiful red carpeted stairs upon the glorious stage, which is surrounded by gold organ pipes and marbled beauty. My director paused to pull out the song to sing

Me and my son, after my day of singing in sign language.

next- which included a special part I was to sing. I told her in a hoarse whisper that I had lost my voice. With disappointment, she said, "Well, get it back!" We both knew that wasn't happening.  With that she selected another sister to sing my part.

I told her that I could sing in sign language. Or that I could sit down and watch from the audience.

Please note that the letters for "I," "E" and "Y"
are wrong.  The message is
"I love you" I like this, for that alone! :)

She said that sign language was a great idea, and told me exactly where to stand. I protested...repeatedly. But she insisted I stand there. So there I stood. Several feet to the right of her, and directly in front of the piano! (Though I moved over a foot so people could see her playing) I stopped protesting when a choir friend said, "You have to do what the director demands." So I did.

I had only wanted to join my voice in praise of the Lord. I thought I could be more discreet, and stand intermingled with the sopranos. Clearly, there was nothing discreet about standing before an audience of about a thousand people!

The conference started and I began to sign "Dearest Children God is Near You, watching o'er you day and night....." And there was clearly an energy as the audience watched me, and some of the faces of the stake leaders turned their faces back to watch me (as I stood behind them). As I sang, in voiceless song, I felt the power of the of the God's message.

This was not how I envisioned my singing- nor how I thought I could really praise the . I also didn't think this was the "miracle" the angel song spoke of as I slept! ("There can be miracles...") But, as I

heard comments of friends, and strangers, I began to believe this really was my miracle! I also realize that my fluency of sign was increased as I sang, because I had
"reminders" come to me, on how to better execute specific
lines of the songs.  I am thankful for God's mercy.

I was repeatedly told at the conclusion of that conference words of thanks, and how "it brought a special spirit to the meeting," and "God didn't want you to have your voice. This was His plan."

And today a friend from church emailed me and wrote, "You did a beautiful job!! I think you may have a new calling in life!! It was beautiful to watch you sing your heart out with your hands." Another ward member told my husband "it was so graceful, and almost like watching a hula dance."

I do not take credit for this. My ability to sign is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father. I was prepared

when I was just a youth. At 6 I was memorizing the sign language alphabet. At 15 I was talking to a deaf girl at our LDS youth camp, and at 18 I began spending years learning sign language far better

through deaf friends, college classes, clubs, and deaf branch, interpretting for deaf friends and devotionals, and so many opportunities which were shaping my gift of language. I just thought this was a special part of my life- but over the years I have been able to communicate to people who live in a world of audible silence.

What's so interesting is that the Spirit of God is usually a quiet voice- and while it comes in so many forms- sign language is one of those languages!

I am so thankful to a loving God, for blessing me on this kind of day! I'm thankful He filled my mind with memories of how to express my heart through dance-like hand motions. I am thankful that 20 years of not practicing my signing often, that I had clear ideas on how to express certain phrases to the songs!

I won't completely know the affect I had on this mass audience, but it was a heavenly time for me where I felt my spirit soar, in a way which is hard to compare- even to singing with my voice. Indeed, I was raised on the wings of love as I sang, "....we follow Christ, the Lord, And filled with hope through his pure love, we sing with one accord." (Faith in Every Footstep)

Miracle happen all the time, if you have eyes to see!

What miracles have you had? I'd love to hear!

Philippians 2:11

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 10:32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

 I hope you find ways to confess the hand of the Lord, by first acknowledging his blessings and miracles in your life, and secondly by praising His name! As we do these things we will start taking notices of miracles small and great.  They may not come in the size or shape, or time we hope or expect, but they will come.  Just as mine did!

Christine

P.S. I have to admit something though.  There was a period of time, after my performance, that I
worried what awful things a couple of specific people had thought of me for being so central, and so dance-like. With the email from a friend (an answer to my prayer that someone would say something extra special to me), and the opportunity to speak to another friend and express my concern over what might of been thought of me for being in the middle of attention, I was able to find relief over my concerns.

Let us not be fooled.  Whenever we feel worried, and doubt ourselves, and feel small...those are feeling from the devil.

God does not ever make us feel like we are worthless.  When you feel that pray for Heavenly Father to help you have reminders that He loves you, and is taking care of your life.

Here are things I like to remember, to help me identify when it is, or is not, the voice of God helping us through life. God is light, love, and peace. Period.

Keep a prayer in your heart and move forward through each day.  You will get the help you seek, if you seek it with real intent!

"Meet the Mormons"

I have see a bit of discussion going on around the internet regarding the movie, "Meet the Mormons," as well as the changing of social media icon.  |

As I am Mormon, I would like to share with you my take on things.

Here's the thing.  You may have noticed that some of your social media friends have changed their profile pictures to read "I'm a Mormon."  We are doing this to raise awareness of who we are, and the uniqueness of our personalities.

It's rather late though, and I've had a full day of cleanings, more cleaning, and still more cleaning!.( trust me....that happens more often that I'd like, because my 5 children (particularly my 2 youngest boys) are very active!!)  so I am going to paste here a comment I have made elsewhere on the internet.  I think it sums up most of my feelings pretty well.  


Tangent: Don't worry, I also played play dough, cars, and found patterns and fabric to make a Halloween costume (fairy) that my 9 year old designed. I have also read, weeded, done too many dishes to count! ;) ,cleaned toilets (etc.), made meals, and even rested a little bit.  We also had family scripture and prayer.  I visited with my sweet neighbor, and she shared some garden produce with me. I particularly enjoyed the fresh basil and tomatoes---It's been a rewarding day.

Okay, hopefully you don't mind hearing that little bit about my day. I sometimes feel some concern that my readers think there isn't substance to me-- but as I have stated elsewhere--  My goal and aim for this blog is to increase spiritual awareness in the chaotic world we live, and also to encourage and support YOU-- in whatever circumstance you find yourself.

There is hope and healing.  I know, I have been recipient to God's many miracles!  You can change who you are for the better.  You can improve whatever circumstance you find yourself.  Keep trying!!

=====Okay..without further ado... Here is a comment I wrote earlier today on other social media forums.
====
(This reply was in response to two different people, who won't change their profile picture. ---Which
I don't have any deep seeded issue with... BUT I needed/wanted to make my position clear for why I chose to post this photo!)

"I took your points into consideration, but I decided that I want to be a missionary. You see, after reading your article-and those of commenter's, I felt a bit embarrassed that I might possibly put the "I'm a Mormon" icon on my Facebook page. I didn't like that feeling!! I should never be ashamed by the potentially fallible points brought up. We aren't sharing it to show we are some elite social club, or showing high school snobbery, or any number of reasons people expressed herein.

The claim that "I'm a Mormon" and come watch "Meet the Mormon's" is a worthy goal, and aim, with several purposes. (Here's just 5 reasons to consider--Not mentioning the beautiful music by David Archuleta!:)



1. We want to inspire others to do good in whatever place they stand, or circumstance they find themselves. No matter what their religious preference of beliefs. This movie will do just that! (And there will be no missionaries standing at the doors to pass out fliers. The movie is not only intended to inspire, but it is also intended to help promote dialogue, acceptance, and understanding for the people we really are--and not the mistaken identity some people would try to apply to "Mormon's" or member's of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.

2. We want them to understand who we are and what we stand for. And yes, to feel free to ask us questions they may have. Some of our friends may not know we are Mormon. It is also intended to help promote dialogue, acceptance, and understanding for the people we really are--and not the mistaken identity some people would try to apply to "Mormon's" or member's of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints.

3. If you are a person, worthy of representing the name of "Mormon" of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints--- it could be a great missionary tool! So beautifully put by Elder Bednar during this recent conference:

https://www.lds.org/general.../2014/10/come-and-see...

"Devoted disciples of Jesus Christ always have been and always will be valiant missionaries. A missionary is a follower of Christ who testifies of Him as the Redeemer and proclaims the truths of His gospel.

"The Church of Jesus Christ always has been and always will be a missionary church. The individual members of the Savior’s Church have accepted the solemn obligation to assist in fulfilling the divine commission given by the Lord to His Apostles, as recorded in the New Testament:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19–20).

"Latter-day Saints take seriously this responsibility to teach all people in all nations about the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We believe the same Church founded by the Savior anciently has been reestablished on the earth by Him in the latter days. The doctrine, principles, priesthood authority, ordinances, and covenants of His gospel are found today in His Church."

"When we invite you to attend church with us or to learn with the full-time missionaries, we are not trying to sell you a product. As members of the Church, we do not receive prizes or bonus points in a heavenly contest. We are not seeking simply to increase the numerical size of the Church. And most importantly, we are not attempting to coerce you to believe as we do. We are inviting you to hear the restored truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ so you can study, ponder, pray, and come to know for yourself if the things we are sharing with you are true."

"Some of you may respond, “But I already believe in Jesus and follow His teachings,” or “I am not sure if God really exists.” Our invitations to you are not an attempt to diminish your religious tradition or life experience. Bring all that you know is true, good, and praiseworthy—and test our message. Just as Jesus beckoned two of His disciples to “come and see” (John 1:39), so we urge you to come and see if the restored gospel of Jesus Christ enlarges and enriches that which you already believe to be true."

Elder Bednar continues by sharing a very true and funny story, and then makes a PROFOUND point:

"....What happened next is most important. The injured brother gathered up the remaining bandages and the almost empty tube of ointment, and he went back outside. He quickly sought out his friends and began to put ointment and bandages on their arms. Susan and I both were struck by the sincerity, enthusiasm, and rapidity of his response."

"Why did that little boy do what he did? Please note that he immediately and intuitively wanted to give to his friends the very thing that had helped him when he was hurt. That little boy did not have to be urged, challenged, prompted, or goaded to act. His desire to share was the natural consequence of a most helpful and beneficial personal experience."

"Many of us as adults behave in precisely the same way when we find a treatment or medication that alleviates pain with which we have long suffered, or we receive counsel that enables us to face challenges with courage and perplexities with patience. Sharing with other people things that are most meaningful to us or have helped us is not unusual at all."

5. 100% of the net profit from the movie "Meet the Mormons" goes to the Red Cross. Talk

about a tremendous humanitarian effort!  I am sure the victims, from any given disaster type, will feel grateful for the comforts and blessings that brings! (What a wonderful way for each of us to make a difference in our world!)

I wish you the best,
Christine"

P.S. I hope you will go and see this movie!!!  :)