hymn singing pioneer style

Our ward does not have a lot of musical talent, especially pianists.  I'm the primary pianist and there are very few songs that we sing that do not have at least one mistake in them, especially if we do more than one verse.  They like me anyway.

In our sacrament meeting because of our limited resources, we use a lot of youth.  It has become a great blessing.  We have youth learning to lead the music, play the piano and the organ.  It is a beautiful thing to be part of the preparation of these young people to bless their future wards too.  Today's sacrament hymn was interesting.  We have a board with hymn numbers on it.  It said 173 which is While of These Emblems We Partake but the counselor conducting announced we were singing 171 which happens to be With Humble Heart. We are not as familiar with this hymn.  The congregation turned to this song and we began singing.  Those that can read music got rather confused but the rest just sang the song.  The confusing part was that the organist played 173 while we tried to sing 171.  Luckily it is 3/4 time too.  I don't know how it worked.  I couldn't seem to sing along but the congregation managed to sing 4 verses.  I do remember hearing that in pioneer times they didn't have the music written in the hymnal, just the words.  They would announce the song and then what tune they wanted to sing it with.  I guess that is kind of what we did today.  They actually did pretty good.  One of the blessings of a humble ward that just follows the youth and does their best!

Let the light shine

I enjoy reading a holy experience.  There Ann shares the simple pleasures found each day in life.  I ordered her book One Thousand Gifts and am reading of her sweet journey into eucharisteo - thanksgiving.  As she lists those things she is thankful for and thanks God for them aloud and in writing she has found that darkness is cast out.  Light fills her heart.  I am trying to make that change also.  I want to see the good and thank God for all of it.  Really whether I see it as good or not, God can make it good.  I can trust him, have faith in him.  There is freedom in that.  There is an allowing the light of Christ to cast out the dark, the fear.  It opens the door for trust and faith which grows with the light!

In Alma 19:6

 the dark ^aveil of ^bunbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the ^clight which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, 

 I want this.  I want to be infused with joy.  Light chases away darkness.  As I seek the light of Christ, darkness is dispelled.  When I take time throughout my day to purposefully remember Christ, pray to God with a specific heart of gratitude, seek guidance, direction, submit to his will, I can have this light - this joy infuse my soul.  Why would I ever choose anything else?  As a woman I have the innate desire, need to nurture.  It is a major part of my purpose on earth.  I can do that so much better when I nurture my relationship with my Savior.  Then I can become a conduit of his light.  Then I can nurture my family with his light.  Then I can see the light of Christ in others and help them fan the flame, that light may infuse them with joy also.  It is a choice.  I can choose gratitude and in choosing I can begin to see better the hand of God in all things.

As I continue reading King Lamoni's story he shared the light with his people.

and they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing—that their hearts had been ^achanged; that they had no more desire to do ^bevil.

the chapter in Alma ends with these words of encouragement and hope

 thus the Lord did begin to pour out his ^aSpirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to ^ball people who will repent and believe on his name.

It is up to me to repent, to welcome the spirit into my life, to let that light lead me, guide me and cast our all darkness, all desire to do evil.  The invitation is there for all and it is available to everyone no matter what the past may hold.  I know that my Savior loves me.

This blog post has some great ideas on how bring God into your day more fully
http://www.chatswithanoldlady.com/2010/08/breathe.html

Thankful

• Saturday mornings when the kids sleep in
• fire blazing while I study
• beams of light touching my soul
• quiet mornings with my husband

Sunshine turns 7

 Seven is sure a great age.  This little boy of mine is thoughtful, kind, strong, willing, sweet, helpful.

 We have been enjoying this toothless smile for several years now. This might be the year that he grows some front teeth.

The other day he was having a hard time.  Frustrated with the way he was being treated by his brother and sister, he was wearing a scowl.  I was picking up the room and he just started helping.  He took his sister's shoes and put them where they belong and was very helpful.  We discussed later how very wise he is and how helping out changed his attitude.  He didn't feel so bad after all.  

He is very quick to come when called.  Loves to read Dick and Jane.  He is good at math.  Makes his bed everyday.  Likes bike rides.  Loves to know a parent is close by, just in case.  He is happy to answer questions in primary, take his turn reading scriptures, and says a very sweet prayer in which he remembers Emily, Peter, Neil, Cami, DJ, Whitney, Fale, Grandma and Grandpa Peterson, and the Thomas'.  He is my Sunshine.

Grandpa's birthday

 Grandpa turned 80.  That's 80 years worth of celebrating.  We had a simple birthday in his home surrounded by family, good food, and fun.  A video of all the grandkids available was shared as well as notes from those not present.

 We played a version of jeopardy that tested us on how well we knew grandpa.  It was a great way to get lots of stories told.  We all love grandpa's stories of when . . .

 A unique birthday cake by the cake maker and banner maker - very nice.

 Doodle spent quite a bit of time making birthday cards for grandpa.  She got very creative with google eyes all over them.  We think Grandpa was properly impressed with her efforts.

 Grandpa with a few of his grandkids.  It is hard to ever get all of them together.  Maybe that will be the requirement for the 90th birthday.

 Five of his six kids were here to celebrate and we had the sixth one on the phone for at least a minute.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

More advice needed.

I have loved blogging.  I was trying to post some pictures of Doodle but I am getting a message that says I have no more free space and will have to start paying a yearly fee for  more space to be shared on gmail, blogspot, and picasa.  I'm wondering if there are other options.  Is there a way to archive older post?  Maybe make pictures small files, change something?  I really hope there is a way to continue.  I'm not real good at computer tech stuff (as you have probably noticed ;)) so any help would be great.

Thank you to all those who indulge me by reading my thoughts and sharing my journey.  Love to you all.

Rebecca

insurance advice

I have always had home insurance but never used it.  Recently we have had several water issues.  We have had an on going issue of water leaking down from the balcony through the wall to our basement ceiling.  We have fixed it a couple of times but it hasn't lasted.  Then our facet in the kitchen wasn't working right.  Leaking water.  We replaced it only to find that there was another leak lower in the pipe that leaked under the sink and warped our wood floors and a different spot in the basement ceiling (2 weeks ago).  Now last night we had an in floor heating pipe break in the apartment and water came bursting through the ceiling in the back hall and on down to the mechanical room.  Luckily Tall One was home and knew how to turn off everything to the house.  Mr. O will not be available to deal with this challenge.  Normally he tries to fix everything himself (and he is good at it) but this time I am looking at options.  How does home owner's insurance work?  Would they take care of this mess or any of the others?  Does it do things to our rate?  Will we be punished in the end for using the service we have been paying for?

We were able to turn off just the water in that part of the house.  We are trying to dry things out and we feel blessed that everything has been taken care of so far.  Just trying to decide the next step.  Thanks for your help.

Salt

Doodle and I walked into a gas station on our latest trip north.    A couple at the register were being greeted by several men.  The jovial greeting included swearing.  As my daughter and I walked in to hear this the man looked at us realizing what he had just said and corrected it, "Excuse me, heck no."  I was honored that he would remember that his language may be offensive to others.

It makes me wonder why it has become so comfortable to swear in front of women.  I was sorry for the woman at the counter that was not shown this same courtesy. Could it be that their language has deteriorated so far?  This was a stranger yet he seemed to sense that I did not  appreciate his words.  Is there something that we as women do that helps men want to be better?  Is there a spirit that we give up when we choose crudeness?  Do our values shine through our countenance?  If more of us work on improving ourselves, could me inspire the better side of others too?

I was recently reading in Matthew 5

13¶Ye are the ^asalt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

 I am using Teachings and Commentaries of the New Testament (p.80) with my studies this year and really liked what Hoyt W. Brewster, Jr. says about being the salt:

Those who are the true "salt of the earth" bring out the wholesome "savor of men".  Webster defines savor as a verb meaning "to have a specified taste or quality; a special flavor or quality."  Faithful members of the Church, the true "salt of the earth," should provide a special quality in whatever social situation they find themselves.  Their presence should be edifyingly savory, bringing out the best in others and adding to the righteous pleasure of all.

What a beautiful idea.  When we salt our food it is to bring out, enhance the natural flavor of the food.  If we put too much salt it defeats the purpose.  If we focus on ourselves to much, it may defeat the purpose but if we allow ourselves to be used to bring out the better in others then we are all glorifying God.