Day 18 of 365 days of Solace: A song of love

I've loved this songs for years now, but I've always been bothered by the mocking, loud song the men chime in singing when the solo is over.  Why? Why must that song be sung and ruin such beauty as the words, 

"I have dreamed thee too long, Never seen thee or touched thee.
But known thee with all of my heart.
Half a prayer, half a song,
Thou hast always been with me,
Though we have been always apart."  

"....I see heaven when I see thee, Dulcinea,
And thy name is like a prayer
An angel whispers... Dulcinea... Dulcinea! "

Oh, such beautiful sentiments. Representing such true, dedicated love.  Unselfish love, not dependent upon physical gratification, but tenderness and kindness, and self-discipline!  

So why then- why the ugly chorus of men making fun of such a beautiful, even sacred moment of loving expression?!  Well, I think it is what people do, day in and day out.  They make fun of and tease about things, which are far more beautiful, and compassionate, than they can understand in their unenlightened condition.  

There are always going to be onlookers who don't understand the special things happening in our lives.  They may belittle, criticize, or condemn, but we must not take it to heart. It takes constant, prayerful gratitude and searching toward God, to nourish all the good within us. I think of the poem, and know that beauty such as this unselfish love,  which he sings of is truly "a joy forever."

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: 

Its lovliness increases; it will never 

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep ...' 

John Keats

I don't have time to interpret the poetry or deeper meanings, BUT, I hope you will not let the mocking, unkind voices of the world bring you down!!  Trust the beauty that has lit up your mind and heart, and follow such beauty!

John 10:27 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, 

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

 29 My Father, which gave them me,
 is greater than all;
and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Let us follow the Shepherd's voice,
Christine

Day 16 of 365: Tuesday-Songs of the heart

Earlier today, I was moved by the message of a song. This song is about a little angel boy wants to be able to sing for the birth of the Christ child. He goes before the musical tribunal to be judged on his ability to sing. But the sounds that come out are not reflective of musical gift. With a disappointed look, the little angel pleads for another change from the head judge, and says "Oh, if only you could hear the song of my heart."

When the angel boy opens his mouth with a second chance to sing, the song of his heart was revealed to the musical judges- and everyone was in awe of the beauty, which moments before they could not hear--for they only judged him superficially.

I was moved as I considered this concept--especially where I am a singer. Unfortunately, I am not the

most confident of singers. I've spent my life wanting to sing perfectly, or sing with a special style, or sing to be approved of by those listening.

As I listened to this message I was touched and I offered a silent prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father for helping me to be able to sing, and for giving me another reminder that the music of my heart and voice has a value that will not always be understood by those listening.

God has long tried to teach me that I should not be so harsh on myself for not fitting in and being accepted. He's tried to teach me that being beautiful, or singing beautifully is not as important as having clean and crystalline corridors of the heart and mind, to allow for the flow of His divine music through purified hearts and hands.

I know that most people want to feel loved, included, accepted, and validated for being good at something. I think that is only natural to want those things. But somewhere along the line, we really have to take a long hard look inside ourselves and ask if the life choices we are making are leading us in the direction that will bring us peace and happiness.

If we can affirm that they are, then we need to keep diligently moving in that direction of righteousness. If we know and feel we are not doing things to bring us peace and happiness, then it's time to make a quick course correction. Life is too short to delay the important things for "someday."

I hope that we will each do our very best before Heavenly Father. I hope we will worry less about what others think of us, and start worrying most about what Heavenly Father wants us to do and become. Life can be sweeter. I know that no matter what difficult circumstances we may find ourselves we can have peace through Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

I hope you will take the necessary steps that will bring you lasting and eternal joy.
Let us sing praises with our hearts in all we do!
Christine

P.S. Here is a talk about not delaying good life choices. I recommend it all! :) But here's an excerpt and a video. https://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/11/do-not-delay.p1?lang=eng

When responsibility is accepted and the urgency to repent is felt, the question may come, “Where do I start?” Each life is unique. But for all, repentance will surely include passing through the portal of humble prayer. Our Father in Heaven can allow us to feel fully the conviction of our sins. He knows the depths of our remorse. He can then direct what we must do to qualify for forgiveness. For serious sin, we will need to confess to a judge in Israel and accept his guidance. Prayer alone will in that case not be enough. But for all of us, whatever the gravity of our sins, prayer will open the door to repentance and forgiveness. Without earnest prayer, repentance and cleansing are not possible. When the door is opened by prayer, there is possibility for peace. 

One of the questions we must ask of our Heavenly Father in private prayer is this: “What have I done today, or not done, which displeases Thee? If I can only know, I will repent with all my heart without delay.” That humble prayer will be answered. And the answers will surely include the assurance that asking today was better than waiting to ask tomorrow. 

I testify that the words of a servant of God, spoken long ago, are true:

“For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. 

“And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. 

“Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world” (Alma 34:30–34).

There is another temptation to be resisted. It is to yield to the despairing thought that it is too hard and too late to repent. I knew a man once who could have thought that and given up. When he was 12 he was ordained a deacon. Some of his friends tempted him to begin to smoke. He began to feel uncomfortable in church. He left his little town, not finishing high school, to begin a life following construction jobs across the United States. He was a heavy-equipment operator. He married. They had children. The marriage ended in a bitter divorce. He lost his children. He lost an eye in an accident. He lived alone in boardinghouses. He lost everything he owned except what he could carry in a trunk. 

One night, as he prepared to move yet again, he decided to lighten the load of that trunk. Beneath the junk of years, he found a book. He never knew how it got there. It was the Book of Mormon. He read it through, and the Spirit told him it was true. He knew then that all those years ago he had walked away from the true Church of Jesus Christ and from the happiness which could have been his. 

Later, he was my more-than-70-year-old district missionary companion. I asked the people we were teaching, as I testified of the power of the Savior’s Atonement, to look at him. He had been washed clean and given a new heart, and I knew they would see that in his face. I told the people that what they saw was evidence that the Atonement of Jesus Christ could wash away all the corrosive effects of sin. 

That was the only time he ever rebuked me. He told me in the darkness outside the trailer where we had been teaching that I should have told the people that while God was able to give him a new heart, He had not been able to give him back his wife and his children and what he might have done for them. But he had not looked back in sorrow and regret for what might have been. He moved forward, lifted by faith, to what yet might be. 

One day he told me that in a dream the night before, the sight in his blind eye was restored. He realized that the dream was a glimpse of a future day, walking among loving people in the light of a glorious resurrection. Tears of joy ran down the deeply lined face of that towering, raw-boned man. He spoke to me quietly, with a radiant smile. I don’t remember what he said he saw, but I remember that his face shone with happy anticipation as he described the view. With the Lord’s help and the miracle of that book in the bottom of a trunk, it had not for him been too late nor the way too hard. 

I testify that God the Father lives. I know that. And He loves us. His Only Begotten Son lives. Because He was resurrected, we too will live again. We will see then those we have loved and who have loved us. We can through faith and obedience have family associations forever. Those in our families who love us, on both sides of the veil, would say as we consider whether to humble our hearts and repent, “Please, do not delay.” That is the Savior’s invitation and His plea. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Day 15 of 365 days of solace: Monday- Insights into Ether 3- glowing stones and journey to promised land

Tonight, during our family scripture study, we were reading in The Book of Mormon- in the book of Ether Ether 6:2-17  to be exact.  I was very surprised at some some symbolic insight I gained. This is a story about a family traveling toward their promised land, and the Lord helps to prepare them for their journey, and also helps to ensure all the little details of safety and well being are first worked out--- Just like he did for us, before we began our journey here to earth!!

I have bolded and highlighted scriptural points. The regular formatting are some of my feeling and personal insights of the scriptures.  This is not interpretive law- these insights are merely my understanding of God's blessings, but I leave the potential open that you may take away a different perspective.  Read it with a prayer in your heart, to get insights to help you in your life. :)

 2 For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give light unto the vessels

3 And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness.

Heavenly father gives us stones of truth to our light our way through the darkness of this world. We read and hear this truth through scriptures, prayer, Prophets, apostles, and sources of righteousness.

4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God. 

5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind. 

6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind. 

7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

Buried, to me, is symbolic of baptism! Baptism is a covenant-- a promise from God to His children. I love that it says that "no water....could hurt them" for their vessels were waterproof, because of appropriate preparedness! When we are sufficiently prepared, we are shielded and defended against the power of the adversary, and God will protect us. It doesn't matter how we are encompassed about by the waters (trials) of life, Heavenly Father will "bring (us) forth again upon the top of the waters." These are promises of God! He will deliver us to safety!

8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.

Waters of faith!

As we remain faithful to Heavenly Father, and place our lives in his hands, and literally and figuratively allow him to encompass us in his vessel of safety, he will direct us toward our promised land. If the people hadn't of gotten in the boat, they would have shown their lack of trust- BUT, they prepared, they entered into the boat (compared to how we enter into covenants with Heavenly Father). They turned their life over to God, and showed Heavenly Father complete trust!

9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.

I love to read that they sang! I know that singing can mean to pray...but I think this was literal singing! And those songs were beautiful songs of praise to Heavenly Father. Songs which were always in their hearts!

I think there is a correlation of song and righteousness...that might be partial, because I love music, and song! But I do know there is music in heaven, because the angels sing to me daily! Of course, scriptures say "a prayer of the heart is a song unto the Lord." I hope that, even in my darkest hours of life, that I will have the voice to sing praises to the Lord.

10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

I love this! I love seeing how "no monster of the sea could break them." I love reading that they had "light continually (even when things were going well- they still had revelation)!" The light of the Spirit can be our constant companion, as we are righteous. It doesn't matter how dark our lives, or how overshadowed by grief, worry, or pain-- we have access to the light of God continually, and he will protect us from any monsters that would seek to destroy. I am thankful for that blessing. Even at this time of sadness in my life, I feel those promises fulfilled, and I TRUST Heavenly Father. I will be protected, and brought forth to my promised land!

11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water. 

12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord,  because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

Humble before God

I love that as soon as "had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them."

They had not lost their vision of God's goodness and mercy. They prioritized their life and made sure that Heavenly Father came first. If we would do more of this, we would grow in our capacity to hear the word of the Lord.

17 And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord; and they were also taught from on high. 

I hope to teach my children to "walk humbly before the Lord," so that they too maybe "taught from on high." Revelation from on high is a gift from God, and is far greater than any earthly source of truth!

I am thankful for the blessings of gospel covenants, righteous examples of men and women of faith, and music. I am thankful that I have the gift of life, so that I can sing to the Lord.  I am praying that I will grow in my trust of God, and learn how to sing songs of praise- even in my darkest hours of life.

I hope you will join me in songs of praise!
Christine.

GET YOUR FREE BOOK OF MORMON HERE- SO YOU CAN READ THIS STORY, and OTHER AMAZING STORIES OF GODS LOVE. 

https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon 

Day 14 of 365 days of Solace: Sunday-

When church services were over, the children got into casual clothes.  We made "Pigs in a blanket" for lunch-- (this is a hotdog wrapped in bread dough.) We made our dough from scratch.  Our 8 year old is obsessed with pigs, and he was so excited for these.

They were suppose to save their piggies for the playground, but the boys couldn't wait! I found them eating in the van!

My husband is so fun with the children, and here a a few of the great action shots of him being a wonderful Dad!

After our teenager came to the picnic tables to eat, he snuck off to the van to finish reading his online book.  My teenagers are big readers, and they will read for days on end- If I let them!

Little M climbs atop the van, shortly before leaving!

I love the friendship 
my little girls have. 
They are best friends, 
even though they are 
4 years apart in age.

As for how I'm doing' emotionally,today was more of a challenge,
because of factors relating to my heart.  But, true to my goal to not allow myself to get depressed, I got out in the fresh air, got sunshine, and did everything in my power to find joy amid the sorrow.  I am not succeeding at this on my own, of course! I know I have been attended to by angels.  I say this, because as I fell to sleep last night, I had a lullaby of sorts. These words played into my thoughts, so sweetly,

"You are loved in ways that can't be shown.

Your needs are known.

You're not alone."

I fell asleep with a tearful, but grateful smile. You can read all the words below:



Here's a little song to help you get along.
It will see you through when you're feeling blue.
And though it's not profound, when you're feeling down, so down,
Sing this little tune, and you'll feel better soon.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You're not alone,
even tho' right now you're on your own.
You are loved in ways that can't be shown;
You're needs are known;
You're not alone

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And when you cry,
You're just letting go a heartache deep inside.
So tomorrow there'll be sunshine and sky -
and love close by;
You're not alone

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And I know that it's not easy,
but I know that it won't last.
'Cause one who loves you more than I
is sending blessings fast.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You're not alone,
say it one more time.
"I'm not alone."
And even when it's hard to find the words.
Your prayers are heard
You're not alone.
You're not alone.


I hope that you know you are not alone. I hope you know that angels attend to you.
May you find the beauty in your life, in whatever form it comes.  God will place tender mercies in your life- you just have to notice them.

Christine

Day 13 of 365 days of solace: Saturday- Dryer un-repair!

Today, my neighbor and I went to a stake talent show. Hmmm...how to explain that to non-Mormons..Well, think of it as a lot of smaller churches (LDS wards) in a community meeting together for a gathering of all the churches...hence a "stake." (If that doesn't make sense, ask. I'll find a better explanation!)


Anyhow...the talent show was a pleasant experience.  Some funny performances...some serious. I had a lot of people say I should have sung, or displayed art... but I have been busy with school, and concerned over what has been bothering me (see day 1).

We had a yummy lunch of chicken salad, cookies, carrots, chips, and water.  They were in cute red checker boxes. They had a lot of left over lunches from the lunch, and I got some food for my family. My 6 year old LOVED the box, and felt so special with it.

After the lunch I went home we all went up into the canyon for a picnic.  It was one day before Spring, and it is now beautifully sunny, but there it is still colder up in the mountains!  My children didn't believe me when I said to take warm clothing and a coat....fortunately Mama thought ahead! When they began shivering, I produced some warmth for them! It felt good to be prepared.

Snow in the upper canyon.

When we got home, the children played, AS USUAL, with the neighbor kids. I gave them a great idea!  Take apart our broken dryer so we could put it in the recycle bin.  They kept the parts, in a plan to build a robot!!

It was so much fun for them-- until they had to clean up! The only problem is that it really is empowering to teach them these kinds of skills, and they then tried going around the house with my tools- unscrewing light switch plates and door knobs! You might want to think twice before giving children tools and free range to explore!

I loved seeing the curiosity
and wonder of the children.
It brought joy to my heart to watch them. I'm thankful to have their beautiful faces in my life.

 I think of a beautiful scripture about children (and everyone in general!)

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

2 Nephi 25:26 Book of Mormon 

 (Get your free copy here: https://www.mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon)

May we also teach our children, and anyone else within our sphere of influence, the source of happiness--which only comes through Jesus Christ!

All the best,
Christine