Anyway I just was so happy to be there and it was/is such a refuge and I'm so grateful for the gospel and it's structure, people's kindness. To really sum it all up just the tender mercies of the Lord are everywhere and I am so GLAD! (don't get mad, get glad!) Really though the power of the spirit is so encompassing and has such an effect on every aspect of our lives. I was yet again impressed with how in each meeting today things were reassured to me of what I need to do. And there were multiple moments where I'm just thinking "O wow the spirit is speaking to me through you right now". Love it.
In particular today more than normal I found myself loving the Hymns. It's been awhile since I have enjoyed singing that much! I couldn't stop smiling, the words of the Hymns have so much power! We were singing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer"(26) and as we did I was flooded with memories and emotion from my experiences with The Day of Celebration a few years ago. Any of you who participated in that will remember the amazing spirit that constantly accompanied that event. That song in particular was so great for me in the Day of Celebration. If you were in the choir you'll remember how in the last verse as it says "Joseph, this is my beloved" that in the arrangement that gigantic choir did there was a complete silent pause after "Joseph". It was so powerful as it emphasized the sacredness and significance of the Father - this great and wonderful exalted being, who is calling this young farm boy by name. Just as a Father would. I am so grateful for the way I was able to recall such a great experience and for the testimony I have of the truthfulness of that event. It is amazing how music has that kind of power.
The speaker made an interesting point about the hymns. He said how really the Hymns are a form of prayer. And I just love the thought of feeling like you are offering a prayer as you worship, singing with all your soul.
5 comments:
Thanks for your testimony ellen:). never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
Tell me right now if you are at ISU or Boise State.
Please.
Either way I'll be excited.
I was just in Boise yesterday (well- more like the Boise airport, and then we drove back home)
And I live in Idaho Falls right now.
Tell me Ellen!
Well that's great news :)
We are going back to BYU in 2 weeks.
But if you would like a nice Sunday dinner sometime- let me know! And guess what, If you don't have a car- we make quite a few weekend trips to Utah if you ever want a ride.
:)
Great post. Nothing beats the peace & power of the Spirit. And it's so neat that we got to participate in "Day of Celebration" -- I remember the overwhelming feeling of the Spirit. It was like a blanket that just covered the entire audience. The Gospel's so wonderful. And I'm glad you're enjoying college life! It's so fun!! Live it up! :)
Ellen, I love you. I miss you like no other! But really, more than anything I'm grateful that I have a friend as amazing as you. You are such an incredible example to me and everyone else. I know exactly what you are talking about with the Spirit and hymns and just the beauty of the entire gospel. It's wonderful how powerful everything can be when you just take the time to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit. I love you Ellen. :)
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