Almost everyone knows how musically talented my mother, Kathryn, is. She has a beautiful talent that enables her to take almost any group of people, young & small or old & large, and turn their voices into an angelic-like sound. Yes, it's one of those talents that if I even got just 1/4 of it, I too could be set for life. As hard as I may try, I just know I will never measure up to her :)
I recently had the opportunity to sing with one of her choirs. It was a Stake Conference choir, but specifically filled with ages 11-25. Granted, I felt like I was the oldest person there (I probably was close), I looked like I fit right in with those little 14 year olds that surrounded me.
If I could pin point one topic that was talked about this stake conference, I would say Missionary Work, of course.
We are still working through the big wave of missionaries entering the field day after day. With the lowered age, it changed a lot of peoples plans. And it has been amazing to see. Being able to witness this huge group of God's children prepare to serve, and eventually enter in the field to bring many people a message of Happiness is incredible. And I am just happy to be a part of all this history making, probably record breaking, change.
One of the songs we sang was the EFY Medley. You know that fan favorite, 'As Sisters in Zion' & 'We'll Bring the World His Truth 'combo that we used to sing at the many EFY's we attended. Back then it was already a touching song. For me, it was always touching because to hear all those voices basically singing their hearts out to our Heavenly Father as {one} was incredible. The song brings me chills. But knowing my mother, it wasn't going to be that easy, or that simple. She of course had something new to bring to the table. And I cannot thank her enough for that.
I want to share with you the lyrics of the song. The lyrics, that as I sang, gave me chills and gave me tears [happy ones!]. Because as I sang them, I was given a little boost of confirmation to my entire mission decision. It was confirmed to me, again, that choosing to serve a mission has so far been the smartest decision I've made.
[[Girls Verse]]
"The Sisters in Zion are called to God's labor
We willingly serve Him in spirit and might.
We go to the Nations with truth everlasting
We teach of the Savior the Lord, Jesus Christ.
...
We thank thee O God for a prophet to guide us
We trust in His words and our purpose is clear.
The angels of Heaven are walking beside us.
We'll share our glad message with all who will hear.
...
[[Both Boys & Girls]]
{WE} go forth enlisted with Helaman's army,
In numbers much greater than ever before.
With power and spirit we'll faithfully witness
The Heavens have spoken and truth is restored.
..."
I guess it was an incredible experience to sing that song because the lyrics actually included the sisters in Helaman's army. It's not that I've ever felt exclusion from the men of the church, but this song makes me (a girl) feel a little bit more strength in the power of missionary work. I felt as though, yes, someday I will be a wife and supporter of a priesthood holder, but as of now, I am on my own and I can do hard things. I am part of Helaman's Army in this day. It was a testament that I have a purpose in this mission, and I feel the power of this purpose, and the strength/importance it is in life.
I know that this Gospel is true. And through this knowledge I see the happiness it brings to me daily through little tender mercies. That is why I chose to go on a mission. I want others to feel this way I am feeling. There isn't another way to feel like this, because it is brought to us by being a member of this church, and through the Spirit. It's an honest gift to be a member of this church. To know the people I know through church has been one of the biggest impacts on my life. And to be cliche in every way possible, I wouldn't be the young lady that is standing right in front of you if it weren't for this Gospel.
And now again--let me touch base on one line.
"The angels of Heaven are walking beside us."
TRUTH.
Honest.
Whether you believe in an after life or not, there is no denying that angels walk with each of us daily. Somehow guiding us, sometimes literally--other times, metaphorically. Either way they are with us. That just makes me feel...special.
That's all.
Just remember that angels are with you daily. You may not see them, but they are there. Laughing, crying, talking... with (or to?...) you, because they care.
We willingly serve Him in spirit and might.
We go to the Nations with truth everlasting
We teach of the Savior the Lord, Jesus Christ.
...
We thank thee O God for a prophet to guide us
We trust in His words and our purpose is clear.
The angels of Heaven are walking beside us.
We'll share our glad message with all who will hear.
...
[[Both Boys & Girls]]
{WE} go forth enlisted with Helaman's army,
In numbers much greater than ever before.
With power and spirit we'll faithfully witness
The Heavens have spoken and truth is restored.
..."
I guess it was an incredible experience to sing that song because the lyrics actually included the sisters in Helaman's army. It's not that I've ever felt exclusion from the men of the church, but this song makes me (a girl) feel a little bit more strength in the power of missionary work. I felt as though, yes, someday I will be a wife and supporter of a priesthood holder, but as of now, I am on my own and I can do hard things. I am part of Helaman's Army in this day. It was a testament that I have a purpose in this mission, and I feel the power of this purpose, and the strength/importance it is in life.
I know that this Gospel is true. And through this knowledge I see the happiness it brings to me daily through little tender mercies. That is why I chose to go on a mission. I want others to feel this way I am feeling. There isn't another way to feel like this, because it is brought to us by being a member of this church, and through the Spirit. It's an honest gift to be a member of this church. To know the people I know through church has been one of the biggest impacts on my life. And to be cliche in every way possible, I wouldn't be the young lady that is standing right in front of you if it weren't for this Gospel.
And now again--let me touch base on one line.
"The angels of Heaven are walking beside us."
TRUTH.
Honest.
Whether you believe in an after life or not, there is no denying that angels walk with each of us daily. Somehow guiding us, sometimes literally--other times, metaphorically. Either way they are with us. That just makes me feel...special.
That's all.
Just remember that angels are with you daily. You may not see them, but they are there. Laughing, crying, talking... with (or to?...) you, because they care.
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