Finding Joy - UPDATED

I was told that my initial posting of Cooper's talk had formatting that made it impossible to properly read. I think it's now fixed.

Original Post: Cooper gave his mission farewell talk a week ago. He did a great job and the Spirit was strong while he spoke. Here's the talk he gave:

God loves us, so He sent His son, Jesus Christ to suffer for our sins and pains, die for us as, and be resurrected so that we can all be resurrected. It is through him exclusively that we can experience the greatest amount of joy possible.

In a 2024 General Conference address, Elder Patrick Kearon spoke on how our church is a church of joy, saying:

“We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ. We are members of the church of joy! And nowhere should our joy as a people be more apparent than when we gather together each Sabbath in our sacrament meetings to worship the source of all joy! Here we assemble with our ward and branch families to celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, our deliverance from sin and death, and the Saviour’s powerful grace! Here we come to experience the joy, refuge, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and belonging found through Jesus Christ!”

I feel like we always talk about the hardships of life, about how it’s difficult and it’s meant to be a test. Yes, we can and should grow and reform ourselves through our trials, however, our ultimate focus should be seeking the infinite feeling of joy found only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I like to reflect on my life and the experiences that have caused me to feel the most joy. Some of the most profound examples are times when I am actively involved in something that brings the Spirit. I would like to discuss some ways that we can increase the joy in our lives.

The first is showing up. One highly impactful experience in my life is the For the Strength of Youth conferences I attended as a youth. What was so special about these experiences, and how did they change my life? Every day at FSY, we did daily scripture study in the morning. We focused on likening the scriptures unto ourselves.

As Jeremiah 5:16 says,

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.”

Scripture study is not limited to that week though. As we actively choose to read the scriptures and apply them to our lives, we are more able to receive promptings of guidance from the Holy Ghost, have clarity and protection in life, and ultimately feel a fulfilling sense of joy.

I spent the week feeling a unique sense of peace. The classes taught were more engaging, and the messages from our teachers spoke to me. Some of the classes didn’t seem to have much of an impact, but others did. I think the key for me was showing up. Having the faith to show up to church, to read the scriptures, to do things that are so often talked about is crucial to feeling joy. And it is not only about showing up to attend, but to give praise and thanksgiving to our Father in Heaven for the blessings we have received, and for the joy found through His mercy and Christ’s Atonement.

Simply studying the scriptures every day and listening to the messages being taught helped me to feel joy. I felt more energized, more invigorated and ready for each day. And in my friends and the other youth, I could also see a light shine. Not everyone took FSY seriously but those who did, who committed to studying the gospel daily seemed to thrive.

I’ve had 4 FSY experiences and not all of them have been the same. I have had some where I have focused so much on the people around me, on only trying to be socially engaged that I actually overlooked the gospel principles that I was there to learn. But in my most recent and final FSY this past summer, I decided to focus on the classes, on going where the Lord wanted me to go and not where the people I wanted to be with wanted to go, and honestly, it was infinitely better. Not only did I feel the Spirit more, but I was still able to meet and talk to more people.

Another thing I think of that brings true joy is service. Thomas S. Monson said, “To find real happiness, we must seek it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy.” Service is something that can look very different for different people. I know myself and others here have served in the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter, where we prepared and served food for the shelter guests. Caring for God’s children and trying to love them as much as Heavenly Father does is one of our greatest purposes here on Earth. As the second great commandment says, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Some people may choose to donate to charities or show up to large community events. Serving can also be small. Carrying groceries, opening a door, sitting for someone for comfort, or even a simple smile. Ultimately, it’s not about what we actually do or how big or small our acts of service are, but rather where our hearts are. We as people find joy when doing things that we love or being with friends and family that we love. When we put aside our differences and don’t always try to win or be correct, we can learn to love all of God’s children even more. M Russell Ballard, in an April 2011 General Conference talk, said,

“Our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another.”

This is the reason I am going on a mission, to serve others, to be a friend, to do my part to show people the love that God has for them.

The final reason I want to speak on how I have felt joy is through bearing my testimony. Serving a mission will allow me to do this on a daily basis, which I am very excited for. But I’ve already had experiences like this in my life. Even when going out with the missionaries before, I have been able to share my testimony and feel joy and fulfilment. Brothers and sisters, a testimony does not have to be long or fancy or complex at all. In fact, sometimes a testimony as simply as that of a child can allow the Spirit to pierce the heart and bring a fullness of joy felt nowhere else. In terms of sharing my testimony, at times it has seemed difficult. When is the right moment, how can we know? Anytime can be the right moment. A testimony is never something we should be ashamed of, or something we should try to hide.

As Matthew 5:16 says, “15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

In a little over a week, I begin my mission, starting with at home training before I travel to the Missionary Training Center, and then leave for the Juiz de Fora, Brazil mission. Recently, I’ve had to tell many people about my mission who may not understand it. While I don’t always go into full detail, being open and willing to talk about it has made me feel so much better than if I were to try and hide it or move past it when it gets brought up. Some people wonder why I’m leaving, some people think 2 years is a crazy long time to devote my life to something like a mission. But I know the plan that God has for me. I know the joy that I can feel through bearing my testimony, through going and teaching others, and devoting my mission and the remainder of my life to service, by studying the gospel of Jesus Christ directly from the scriptures, by doing it daily and intentionally.

For an additional, personal way I find joy, I think of music. It’s so cool to me to think of the power of music, especially when bearing testimony. Another FSY experience I’ve had multiple times is singing the Youth Medley, which combines Daughters of Zion with We’ll Bring the World his Truth, into this beautiful, powerful medley. The young women sing first followed by the young men, and then we all sing together in unity, singing praises to Christ and of sharing his gospel! Of doing missionary work! The last few lines of the song literally say,

“We are as the army of Helaman.

We have been taught in our youth.

And we will be the Lord's missionaries To bring the world his truth.

To bring the world his truth.”

After I sing these words, I feel a rush of the Spirit, an overwhelmiing sensation that I am on the right path. After singing this medley, I walked for the rest of the evening with a smile on my face. I couldn’t hide my joy! We were blessed to have a testimony meeting that night where I was able to bear my testimony, and share the things I knew to be true.

Other experiences I’ve had feeling joy through music have been singing in the ward choir. We are asked to sing praises to God, and what better way than through literal music. The hymns we sing each sacrament meeting are also a reminder of what the focus of our lives should be, which is on Jesus Christ.

D&C 5:15 says, 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!”

This is all we need to do. Be a witness of Him. Bear testimony of Him.

Through these things, I will feel joy. You will feel joy. It’s not just for missionaries, it’s not just for members of the church, but for every single one of God’s children. Yes, life is hard, it is difficult and it is supposed to be. But let us focus on finding joy. The scripture that I chose to include on my missionary plaque, hanging outside, down the hall right now, is Alma 33:11. It reads like this:

“11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.”

We have a loving Father in Heaven. He loves me and he loves you. I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know that this church is true. And I know that in Him, is all of our joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday Night Lights

On Friday night Phoebe, Sophie, and I had the opportunity to hear the Young Men General President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Timothy Farnes, his wife Sister Linsey Farnes, and Area Seventy Elder Michael Brady give a devotional for the youth. The talks were all uplifting and spiritual and I'm so glad we made the hour and a half drive to attend. When it was over, the speakers graciously invited everyone in attendance to come greet them in person and take some pictures. So we did.

For the Strength

Cooper and Phoebe had a fantastic experience at FSY last week! Sophie and I handled Monday drop-off (I drove, she socialized) for our kids and their friends and the other family made the drive to bring them home on Saturday. I took some pictures when we checked them in. As for the week itself, I didn't get many pictures, but the ones I got looked happy.

The hard part about FSY last week? Cooper and Phoebe said goodbye to Peter on Monday morning instead of Wednesday evening. There were big feelings.

The House of the Lord

On Sunday Cooper was ordained an Elder in our church. This is an important step toward being a missionary.

Yesterday, he took another step. He went to the Philadelphia Temple for his own endowment. This is a very big deal. He was excited and a little nervous. Bryan, Peter, and I went with him and were so happy he made this choice.

Traffic was pretty intense. It took us about two hours to get to the temple. Luckily, we left early enough.

The underground parking garage makes it feel like we're not in the middle of a big city, even before we officially enter the building.

We arrived in time to stop at the Distribution Center, then head into the temple itself. I got a few before shots while we waited for the elevator.

This is the shift that Peter has been serving in for the last six months or so. Several people, when they realized we were Peter's family, told us how wonderful he is and what a great job he's been doing. That was a lovely, unexpected perk of going on a Thursday evening.

There were several people that came to support Cooper. We use last names at church, but for the sake of privacy, I'll list them my first name here:

• Tina and Richard, dear friends from our old ward, they helped prepare Cooper to go to the temple
• Scott and Robyn, Cooper's seminary teachers from his freshman year, they were in our old ward and they moved into the new ward with us, Scott wrote Cooper's letter of recommendation to get into BYU, and they also helped Cooper prepare for the temple
• Dave and Colleen, friends who are in our old ward, Dave is one of Cooper's biggest cheerleaders
• Kim, a good friend from our old ward, she brought her two sons to do baptisms while we were in the endowment session, just so they could be there to greet Cooper when he came out, that was at least three hours in the car just to give Cooper a hug and show their support (her husband was our Bishop in our old ward and would have been there as well if he'd been in town)
• Spencer, Cooper's good friend who went to the temple on Saturday for the first time to prepare for his own mission, and his dad Joe, both from our old ward
• Michael, a good friend from both the old ward and new ward, he serves in the Bishopric and has been one of Cooper's Young Men leaders
• Graham, another one of Cooper's Young Men leaders in our new ward, and the youth Sunday School teacher

It was really meaningful having these friends join us in the temple. They were all so happy for Cooper!

Cooper had a positive experience. He had so many questions that we couldn't answer them all before we had to leave. In fact, just before we stepped outside to take this picture after the session, the security guard locked the doors. Cooper is eager to go back.

We love you, Cooper!

Say Yes

Our ward got to hear from another member of our family this week. It was my turn this time. The hardest part about writing this talk was in trying not to compare my talk to Bryan's amazing talk from last week. Here's my offering:

In Matthew chapter 22, one of the Pharisees came to Jesus with a question:

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Before moving to Pennsylvania, we lived in Illinois. Shortly after arriving in the Land of Lincoln, the Bishop asked to meet with me. He asked me to serve as the second counselor in the Relief Society presidency. This calling surprised me. We were new to the ward. I hadn’t served in a presidency since my days in Young Women. I had four active, busy kids and my youngest wasn’t even two. And Bryan had an hour and a half commute to and from Chicago each day, so he would rarely be home to take over parenting duties so I could fulfill this role. I felt overwhelmed at the thought. I said all of these things out loud to the Bishop as he sat in my living room. He told me he believed I could do it. Aware of all those concerns, I said yes.

In his April 2026 General Conference talk, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve shared his own experience receiving a calling shortly after joining the church as a young adult. He said, “I was invited to meet with the bishop. He had taken time to get to know me when I was being taught by the missionaries. He rocked back in his chair, thwacking a ruler into his palm, and told me that we were meeting because he had a calling for me. He had prayed—about me—and he told me the calling would be of benefit to me and my future service to the Lord in His Church. He extended the calling of assistant ward clerk. The reaction in my mind was, “Assistant ward clerk? Well, that is not me!” Fortunately, a little grace intervened, and I responded with a “thank you” and that I would endeavour to learn what was involved. I did not have a clue.”

My own role in the Relief Society presidency was difficult. I hoped that I would be in charge of the teachers. Teaching is a calling that makes my heart sing; I felt like I could do a good job there. Instead I was put in charge of the monthly activities. This was definitely outside of my comfort zone. There was a sharp learning curve and there were assignments that I didn’t always fulfill to the level I wanted. I could have ended my time in this calling grumpy and bitter. What made the difference for me was the woman who served as the Relief Society president. Julie was a recent empty nester, a successful corporate lawyer, and a wonderfully nurturing and empowering leader. This was her second time serving in this capacity and she had already been serving for a few years. She trained me and encouraged me. She was supportive and flexible. And when I called her in tears over a major service activity with a community impact that had hit a significant roadblock, she gave comfort and gentle correction over a mistake I had made. She embodied the command to love God and her neighbor through the way she led.

Going back to his talk from April, Elder Kearon said, “I came to understand why everyone serves one another in a ward or branch: it affords us all the opportunity to pursue Christ and His virtues—such as charity, humility, meekness, forgiveness, and love—with people who may be very different to us. I clearly saw how faith is fortified and the body of Christ bonded together.”

We only lived in Illinois for a year. When we left, the whole presidency was released. Julie went from serving as the Relief Society president to being a nursery leader. And she was thrilled.

Elder Kearon said, “Some callings are highly stretching, while others may leave us wondering, “Isn’t there more I could be asked to do?” You might serve in a very visible role for a time, only later to be called to quiet, unseen service—or to support those with less experience. When callings change in ways that deeply impact you or your family, it can require great faith and trust in the Lord while you adjust.”

I’ve had many opportunities over the years to love God and my neighbors through serving in callings at church. Some of those have fed my soul. I loved teaching youth Sunday School, doing singing time in Primary, and directing the ward choir. Others have been really hard. I was never very good at calling women to get their Visiting Teaching reports, nor was I a standout secretary. Cub scouts tapped into my creativity which I enjoyed, but it also drained my energy. But I learned from each of those responsibilities, even the ones I didn’t particularly enjoy.

From Elder Kearon said, “Our service is a choice, an offering to God, and a blessing. We all know that prayer, study of scripture, and worship at church and in the temple are critical to the development of our faith. Have we also come to see our callings as having a foundational role in the expansion of our faith? Callings from the Lord are tailor-made for our growth, as we humble ourselves, look outward, and learn that, indeed, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in fact in the service of our God. It really isn’t where we serve but how that matters to the Lord.”

So, if the how of service is more important than the where, how should we serve? Mother Thereas taught, “I never look at the masses as my responsibility. I look at the individual. I can love only one person at a time. I can feed only one person at a time. Just one, one, one.” I saw an example of this last Sunday. Our family was sitting in the Relief Society room after church, waiting for the baptism to start. I was tired, sitting in the back, kind of in my own head. While the prelude music was playing, my daughter Sophie turned to me and said, “We need to go help Sister Gerber.” I looked over and saw her sitting at the piano, playing the music I was listening to and trying to patiently wrangle her two boys at the same time. Sophie had noticed and felt inspired to act. I responded, “Oh, yes we do.” I followed her lead and we crossed the room and each entertained one of the boys so their mom could play the piano. Now, I’ve been talking about serving in callings in the church, this story might feel like a departure from that. But it’s not. It’s at the heart of every calling we have. Service in the church is about seeing the needs of those around us, and acting through inspiration. 

This is how the Savior operated. His life was dedicated to seeing needs and then meeting them. He turned water into wine when His mother asked him to. He healed the son of the man who plead “Help thou mine unbelief.” He comforted Mary and Martha and raised Lazarus from the tomb. He washed the feet of his disciples, knowing that His time in the Garden and on the cross was imminent. He served, even when He was tired, even when He was weary. Remember, He was the one that taught “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” And then He lived what He taught.

We’ve talked about how to serve when we’re called to, but what if we’re not the one called? Many Sundays we sit in these pews and listen while the name of someone in the congregation is called to a new role in the ward or stake. Then we’re invited to raise our arms, showing that we agree to support this person in their service. What does that mean? To support them in their service? And what if we don’t like the way they serve? What if we feel someone else could do a better job? 

In April 2013 President Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “Be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work. As one gifted writer has suggested, when the infinite fulness is poured forth, it is not the oil’s fault if there is some loss because finite vessels can’t quite contain it all. Those finite vessels include you and me, so be patient and kind and forgiving“ (“Lord, I Believe,” Liahona, May 2013, 94).

I chatted with my parents about this topic during our weekly call a few days ago. My dad shared that when he served in the Bishopric when I was a teenager he would often look out at the congregation from his seat on the stand and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for those members that were serving in callings. He was very aware that the ward wouldn’t function without all of those people who said yes when they were asked to serve and then showed up on a regular basis to fulfill their responsibilities. I feel the same way about everyone who serves in primary. Whenever someone says yes to serving in primary, my heart feels like it’s going to explode with joy.

            After the Savior’s atonement, crucifixion, and resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples. He gave them instructions while they were fishing, then they gathered with Him on the beach to eat. John chapter 21 tells us about the conversation that followed. Starting with verse 15:

15 ¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

This year in primary we learned a song called Choose to Serve the Lord. Listen to the words of the chorus: “I will choose to serve the Lord like my scripture heroes of old. I will learn and grow in faith. God will be my strength with every step I take, I will choose to serve the Lord.” The scriptures that we study are full of people who said yes to doing hard things to serve God and their neighbors. Nephi said he would “go and do” when asked to get the brass plates. Abinadi and Samuel the Lamanite said yes to teaching groups of people that wanted to cause them great harm. Noah built an ark. Moses stood up to a Pharaoh. Esther spoke on behalf of her people and saved a nation. The Savior Himself said “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” in Gethsemane, before the greatest act of love that we know of. 

This is a church built largely on the service of its members. Our wards and stakes could not function without the people that have been willing to say yes to organizing, teaching, supporting, and showing up. At the heart of every calling in the church is the admonition to love God and love our neighbors. Callings are love in action. Pope Francis said, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them.” We can feed them literally, and we can feed them figuratively through our love and attention and service. We have not been asked to build an ark or face a horde with bows and arrows. But we have been asked to love God and our neighbors. We can follow the example of the Savior and love and serve those around us.

What will you do this week to love God and your neighbor?

I bear my testimony that what I’ve said today is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Plant the Seed

We're all running on fumes at our house. We've had too many rehearsals/meets/performances/school assignments and not enough time for chores/rest/calm. It's showing up in how we talk to each other. Too much grumpiness and contention, not enough kindness.

 This is one of the things I was pondering on Sunday before church. I was praying about what we need to do differently. Specifically, I was praying about what I could do differently as the mom.

As the first members of our ward stood to give their testimonies in sacrament meeting, Topher leaned over and told me that he had a new testimony to share. I grabbed a tiny notebook out of my purse and started writing down everything he dictated into my ear. As soon as he finished whispering to me, Cooper stood up to share a lovely testimony about sustaining President Oaks as the new president of our church. Then Topher shared his testimony that we'd written down. I was so moved by what they both said that I decided I would speak too. Sophie and I stood at the same moment. I motioned for her to go first. She and I both spoke about General Conference. The first thing I said when I got to the microphone was, "I promise I didn't know we were all going to speak today."

We still need to make changes at home, we still need to be kinder, we still need less contention. But hearing my kids bear their testimonies on Sunday was a tender mercy. They're growing their faith, and they're not afraid to share it. We may not be doing everything perfectly, but what we are doing seems to be producing positive fruit.

I needed that reminder.

This is the testimony that Topher had me write down, I didn't correct anything:

A few days ago, my prayers have changed a lot. And I know how they changed. It is by the power of Jesus Christ and my family. It started at my brother's birthday. I was thinking if I could be kinder. And then I thought that my prayers could change. And then, a few later, after Easter, I said the longest prayer that I've ever said. It was about Easter, General Conference, and the Holy Ghost. Since I've been praying more I've been kinder. I bear my testimony that I know that Jesus's love is eternal and that whenever we pray the Holy Ghost always answers. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Where Can I Turn for Peace?

I always look forward to General Conference weekend. This year, in preparation for the Solemn Assembly we were having to sustain our new prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks, I listened to the talks he's given for the last six years. I also listened to his biography. Well, most of it, I finished it yesterday. I feel like that extra time and attention beforehand helped me get more out of the talks.

Here are the messages that spoke to my soul:

About His Business by Elder Patrick Kearon

Ministering—“That Ye Love One Another; as I Have Loved You” by Sister Kristin M. Yee

Come Home by Elder Clark G. Gilbert

All Who Have Endured Valiantly by Elder David A. Bednar

Love All; Love Each by Elder Gérald Caussé

He Knows You by Name by Elder Clement M. Matswagothata

Best Days and Worst Days by President Emily Belle Freeman

The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God by Elder Thierry K. Mutombo

Alive in Christ by President Dallin H. Oaks

Come unto Christ—Together by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

’Tis Eastertide: No One Walks Alone by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Easter Conference Sunday

We enjoyed General Conference this weekend. Sophie documented me making our traditional Conference breakfast of waffles.

Our cold and rainy Easter Sunday started with Resurrection Rolls, then we had a quick, indoor Easter egg hunt. 

The kids munched on candy during the Sunday sessions of Conference. We joined some friends for a short potluck in between sessions and got home just in time to watch the closing session. Bryan and I cooked while we listened and we sat down to eat our Easter dinner around 6:30.

I love that so many of the talks we listened to this weekend were about following the example of the Savior. Those messages helped focus my thoughts on Jesus this Easter.

A Place of Love and Beauty

On Saturday I was one of the drivers for our youth temple trip. Phoebe had to stay home for a rehearsal, but Cooper and Sophie were able to go. It was a long day with a lot of crazy Philadelphia driving, but I'm always happy to be in the temple with my kids.

Photo credit goes to a member of our Bishopric who brought his nice camera and took pictures of all the families that attended.

Daily Updates

Part of Peter's time as a missionary is spent doing service. He works at food bank, a Habitat for Humanity store, and the temple. The rest of his time is spent serving with the teaching missionaries in our area. An unanticipated benefit of him serving his mission from home is that we've gotten to see him interact with the Elders. He loves finding people to teach. He loves coming home and telling us about the lessons they had that day. He loves the companionship of teaching the gospel with his peers. I'm sure that we could hear all of these stories in letters or over video calls, but it's pretty cool to watch it happening in real time.

O Holy Night

On Saturday morning the four younger kids and I had our regular 8:30 kid choir practice, except this time it lasted for two hours because it was our final rehearsal before our concert on Sunday. 

That was followed by a combination of chores and focused preparation for the rest of the obligations that day. 

I had a ukulele performance in the afternoon, then headed directly over to our old church building to run our only rehearsal for the nativity program that I helped put together for our old ward's Christmas party.

That was a confusing sentence.

As soon as the hour and a half rehearsal was over, we had to shift gears for the Christmas party itself. That's right, the one rehearsal took place right before the performance. Each musical number had rehearsed separately, but this was the only practice all together.

And you know what? They did a pretty good job.

The cast was all youth and primary kids. Two of the young men were the narrators, four others were innkeepers (who were joined by their leaders and sang O Little Town of Bethlehem), and three more (including Cooper as a bonus member of their YM) played the Wise Men (their three-part harmony of We Three Kings was amazing). 

The oldest primary boys were the shepherds and they sang The First Noel.

Phoebe and Sophie helped out as angels and were joined by one of the older primary girls. The YW leaders and a few other YW came and sang Angels We Have Heard on High with them.

One YW was Mary and one YM was Joseph. We turned Mary's Lullaby into a duet and it sounded so good!

Everyone eight and younger was an animal around the manger. We had them sit with their families until their cue line, then they all crawled in from the audience to gather around Mary holding a baby doll Jesus. The kids (and several of their moms sitting on the floor facing them, including me) sang The Friendly Beasts. The kids all had animal masks on. Topher was a sheep.

The audience joined at the end to sing Joy to the World.

Was it chaotic? Yes.

Did Mary ride into Bethlehem on a pink stick pony? Yes.

Did one of the shepherds decide he was tired of standing so he walked into the audience and pulled a chair on stage? Yes.

Was it still touching and spiritual and great? Yes.

I love that I got to write and direct this simple play about the birth of the Savior.

Heaven on Earth

Bryan and I spent part of Saturday in the Philadelphia Temple. A sweet family that joined the church about two years ago was sealed together. The sealing room was full of some of my favorite people. I'm sure it was a little glimpse of heaven.

I'll Go Inside Someday

Another exceptional evening took place last Thursday. Peter attended the Philadelphia Temple and made sacred covenants. Bryan and I accompanied him. It was a beautiful and profound experience for all of us.

The Spirit of God

Last weekend was our semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As always, we tuned in for nearly ten hours of uplifting messages and gorgeous music. These eight talks especially spoke to my soul. I recommend all of them.

Tune Your Heart to Jesus Christ: The Sacred Gift of Primary Music by Sister Tracy Y. Browning

Do Your Part with All Your Heart by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Eternal Gift of Testimony y Elder Kevin G. Brown

No One Sits Alone by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Cheering Each Other On by Sister J. Anette Dennis

The Power of Ministering to the One by Elder Peter M. Johnson

Smiling Faces and Grateful Hearts by Elder Carlos A. Godoy

The Good News Recipe by Elder John D. Amos