First Choir Presentation of 'Scripture Power' - Piano Lessons - Becoming closer and closer to Christ - Week of 11/18/13

Every week I feel like I couldn´t be happier, couldn´t learn more, couldn´t feel more. But the Lord proves me wrong every time. I love what I am doing! Sometimes I don´t have the best day...sometimes I totally blank in a lesson, and don´t know what to say...but its such an amazing experience. I love where I am. I am learning more about doing the work of the Lord and not focusing on myself. 

One beautiful thing...we had our first choir presentation EVER in Las Tablas yesterday! Maybe half the choir stayed in their seats because they were too nervous, maybe they started off nearly silent...but it was such a happy experience. They were all smiling, happy, and the congregation kept saying how beautiful it was afterwards...of course it wasn´t perfect. Of course this missionary kept messing up chords on our dusty keyboard. Obviously we didn´t have anything but accidental crescendos...but it was in fact beautiful. The Spirit was so strong, and after church, every one was asking what our next song would be, and the members of the choir were nearly jumping up and down, saying, "We did it! We did it!" Music is such a powerful way to share your feelings, and express praise to the Lord...I am so happy that we have begun the process of really implementing music here in this branch. Our piano class is still doing really well, and I love our students. Its amazing when one of them marches up to the keyboard and plays a song with minimal mistakes, and the look on their face when they have realized it was them that produced that sound...its a blessing to witness. 

We have realized our work here in largely working with less active members of the church. Yesterday we had five! It was so cool to see everyone hugging each other, smiling and laughing, welcoming back siblings that have been missed. The way I felt I imagine was the tiniest portion of how our Heavenly Father and Savior feel when they see us strive to become closer to Them. That truly is a lifetime goal. Become closer to Christ, and help those around you do the same. A friend once told me that its important to stand on solid ground before you can help pull someone out of the hole. Strive, and in the process of striving, share your light with those around you. Love, share, be charitable...reach out to those who can´t quite walk on your own. If you need help, take the help of those around you...lean on the Savior. Pray in His name, asking for guidance and peace. I promise as you do so in faith, you will feel His arms around you, encouraging you to go on. He only wants happiness for you, He and our Father in Heaven don´t want to see us struggle...I know that when our pathway is centered on Christ, we are more at peace and can better see the road ahead. 

Thank you for being there...Mom, thank for you teaching us the basic principles of following Christ at a young age. Thanks primary leaders for teaching me Scripture Power (the song we sang yesterday) that still influences my footsteps today. Remember, little actions turn into your pathway through life. 

I love you all! Have an amazing week! 

Con amor,

She didn't attach an explanation of this picture, but missionaries perform service wherever needed. Tile work of some sort maybe? ;)