Thanksgiving and #LighttheWorld
I have been mulling this one since Sunday. Not really sure how it will turn out, but here goes.
On Sunday morning, I got to get up early, and head to Independence, MO, to sing with the Stake Choir in their Stake Conference. For those that don't understand that, a Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a collection of smaller units in a geographical area. Twice a year, they have a conference, where the Saints are taught, and the business of the Stake is conducted. While I am not a member of the Independence Stake, I was invited, no doubt because of my neediness to be taught, to sing with the choir. I had mentioned in a previous post that one of the songs was "Oh What Songs of the Heart", arranged by Dr. Mack Wilberg, director of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square (formerly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). I am so grateful the director took pity and invited me, it is my favorite arrangement of my favorite hymn.
It was a wonderful conference, we were well taught. I am so happy that I could be there. And I was glad that Sarah could come with me. One of the things that I thought of during the conference, was that it was 40 years ago that President Spencer W. Kimball, President of the Church came and dedicated that very building. I remember, as I was there, a teenager, sitting on the left facing the podium. Three rows back. My parents were singing in the choir for the dedication. What an opportunity to see and hear the prophet of the Lord speak to us directly. Sorry, like I said, I didn't know where this would go. So it was special to me that I was singing at a conference 40 years later.
As I had to be in Liberty at 5 for a rehearsal for a devotional, it seemed pointless to go home from Independence and then to Liberty, so we went and did some informal ministering to people that needed it. One was a long time friend, and in a weird sense, relative, who is battling serious illness. We didn't see her, as she was sleeping, but we stopped and dropped off some of my peanut butter no bake cookies, and went on our way. The next stop was visiting the person who took care of Sarah's father for the years leading up to his death. She lives alone now, and doesn't have many visits from family. It was fun to visit, and though I may have napped through a goodly amount of time there, it was still a good visit.
As members of the church, we are assigned to minister to specific individuals. While we may not know them, we are to get to know them, and to help address their needs. We are to love them as the Savior loves us, to know them as He knows us, and to help them as He helps us. We are also to help those that need it, regardless of assignment. The Lord wants all of his children to receive the care that they need.
Today was Thanksgiving. As a first, we didn't watch football. How odd was that? (for us, very) We visited, we ate, we took pictures, visited, had dessert, and went home. It was a wonderful time, at least for me. Too often the first Thanksgiving is forgotten in our day, and the many many things for which we should give our thanks. Acknowledging our Father's hand in every thing is the only way that we can in any sense "repay" Him. Of course by being obedient, and having faith in the Savior Jesus Christ is how we demonstrate our love to Him. By demonstrating gratitude, we get the attitude of gratitude, and see so many things that we receive, and then we can pass it on.
Beginning December 1, the #LighttheWorld campaign will begin anew. This year the focus is on service, and how we can serve our fellowman. It is a wonderful program to focus our attention where it needs to be focused. Doing our Savior's work here on earth. It is what He wants us to do. Regardless of what creed, denomination, or faith tradition you may believe. How you do it is up to you, but for some examples on how you can serve, check out the website:
https://www.mormon.org/christmas/day-of-service
Since Thanksgiving is the earliest it can be on the calendar this year, we have nearly an extra week to serve as part of this campaign, to get in the habit of, not only exhibiting gratitude, but demonstrating that gratitude by serving those around us.
On December 23rd, you are invited to a special Sunday service, the focus will be on the Savior, and His birth. As you scroll down on the page above, there is a place you can enter your zip code, to find the closest building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the time for the meeting. I implore you to come and join with us, wherever you are. Never been to one of our meetings? Come and join us! You will be welcomed, and you may find that we share more in common than we have different. If you have attended before, maybe you are a member of the church, or were one, come and see! The Lord loves you as He does all His children. Come and hear the music, and feel of His Spirit. Am I setting a high bar! Probably too high, but this is an invitation that I don't give lightly. So, come and see! And
#LighttheWorld #IluminalMundo
By checking out the website, no missionaries will call, unless you want them to. By showing up at the church, we will not tail you home and write down the address. Will the missionaries at the building greet you? Absolutely. But their contact with you will be on your terms.
On Sunday morning, I got to get up early, and head to Independence, MO, to sing with the Stake Choir in their Stake Conference. For those that don't understand that, a Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a collection of smaller units in a geographical area. Twice a year, they have a conference, where the Saints are taught, and the business of the Stake is conducted. While I am not a member of the Independence Stake, I was invited, no doubt because of my neediness to be taught, to sing with the choir. I had mentioned in a previous post that one of the songs was "Oh What Songs of the Heart", arranged by Dr. Mack Wilberg, director of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square (formerly the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). I am so grateful the director took pity and invited me, it is my favorite arrangement of my favorite hymn.
It was a wonderful conference, we were well taught. I am so happy that I could be there. And I was glad that Sarah could come with me. One of the things that I thought of during the conference, was that it was 40 years ago that President Spencer W. Kimball, President of the Church came and dedicated that very building. I remember, as I was there, a teenager, sitting on the left facing the podium. Three rows back. My parents were singing in the choir for the dedication. What an opportunity to see and hear the prophet of the Lord speak to us directly. Sorry, like I said, I didn't know where this would go. So it was special to me that I was singing at a conference 40 years later.
As I had to be in Liberty at 5 for a rehearsal for a devotional, it seemed pointless to go home from Independence and then to Liberty, so we went and did some informal ministering to people that needed it. One was a long time friend, and in a weird sense, relative, who is battling serious illness. We didn't see her, as she was sleeping, but we stopped and dropped off some of my peanut butter no bake cookies, and went on our way. The next stop was visiting the person who took care of Sarah's father for the years leading up to his death. She lives alone now, and doesn't have many visits from family. It was fun to visit, and though I may have napped through a goodly amount of time there, it was still a good visit.
As members of the church, we are assigned to minister to specific individuals. While we may not know them, we are to get to know them, and to help address their needs. We are to love them as the Savior loves us, to know them as He knows us, and to help them as He helps us. We are also to help those that need it, regardless of assignment. The Lord wants all of his children to receive the care that they need.
Today was Thanksgiving. As a first, we didn't watch football. How odd was that? (for us, very) We visited, we ate, we took pictures, visited, had dessert, and went home. It was a wonderful time, at least for me. Too often the first Thanksgiving is forgotten in our day, and the many many things for which we should give our thanks. Acknowledging our Father's hand in every thing is the only way that we can in any sense "repay" Him. Of course by being obedient, and having faith in the Savior Jesus Christ is how we demonstrate our love to Him. By demonstrating gratitude, we get the attitude of gratitude, and see so many things that we receive, and then we can pass it on.
Beginning December 1, the #LighttheWorld campaign will begin anew. This year the focus is on service, and how we can serve our fellowman. It is a wonderful program to focus our attention where it needs to be focused. Doing our Savior's work here on earth. It is what He wants us to do. Regardless of what creed, denomination, or faith tradition you may believe. How you do it is up to you, but for some examples on how you can serve, check out the website:
https://www.mormon.org/christmas/day-of-service
Since Thanksgiving is the earliest it can be on the calendar this year, we have nearly an extra week to serve as part of this campaign, to get in the habit of, not only exhibiting gratitude, but demonstrating that gratitude by serving those around us.
On December 23rd, you are invited to a special Sunday service, the focus will be on the Savior, and His birth. As you scroll down on the page above, there is a place you can enter your zip code, to find the closest building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the time for the meeting. I implore you to come and join with us, wherever you are. Never been to one of our meetings? Come and join us! You will be welcomed, and you may find that we share more in common than we have different. If you have attended before, maybe you are a member of the church, or were one, come and see! The Lord loves you as He does all His children. Come and hear the music, and feel of His Spirit. Am I setting a high bar! Probably too high, but this is an invitation that I don't give lightly. So, come and see! And
#LighttheWorld #IluminalMundo
By checking out the website, no missionaries will call, unless you want them to. By showing up at the church, we will not tail you home and write down the address. Will the missionaries at the building greet you? Absolutely. But their contact with you will be on your terms.
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