Beneath the Wraps

         The smoke must have cleared out as I was able to see stars above the skylight.  I hope it may remain behind the hills or better yet disappear all together.  Bless the many fire fighters who are battling the flames.          A funeral was held yesterday at the church.  The second I've attended in person rather than virtually since the pandemic made its way to the US.  As with the last funeral, the service did not take place until after the body had been buried - or in yesterday's case, cremated.          Jenna had been asked to sing with her friend, Heather.  They performed two songs: "I am a Child of God" and "Where Love is".  I remember them learning the latter in primary after Jenna had already graduated to Young Women's.  It is one of my favorite primary songs and it makes me feel bad that I somehow missed out on teaching or singing it to Jenna.    ...

             I love to sing but was not blessed with the talent that makes others want to listen nor have not taken the time to develop my vocal ability.   I have joined a number of choirs through the years – well mostly church choirs.   I have joined for more to contribute to body count rather and overall I have enjoyed the company. I know I am not the greatest singer and so it is nice to belong to a body of those who do.           I remember my entire family having joined the stake choir when we lived in Kearns.   We performed twice a year as I recall – once during conference and once the first Sunday in December.   The December performance was always so awesome.   There was always at least one song that would tug at my heartstrings and my eyes would moisten as the male voices would soar behind me.             Our choir director...

           Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have always been referred to as “a strange and peculiar people”. Perhaps one reason is because many members will spend time getting high on life instead of drugs.   We march to the beat of a different drummer in many minds – and while there are many who may find us odd, there are just as many who may admire us because of our values and being able to face challenges with a different perspective.           I remember both Corey and Joh were present when my youngest son got married.  As they waited for us on the outside and walked around temple square (I guess) Joh had many questions and would ask Corey – who by then had not been a member on record due to his excommunication (see here )  It was then that Corey understood why members are often called “a strange and peculiar people”.       ...

               Jenna seemed quite excited when the Young Men and Young Women decided to go “Ding-Dong Ditching” rather than their usual caroling, but still wanted to go caroling.  I have not had much of a singing voice this season and have missed singing along with Christmas songs because I don’t wish to risk making my throat sore.                 Jenna finally found someone willing to go with her.  On Saturday, I picked up her friend.  They caroled to a few houses in her neighborhood.  I then took them to the street where we used to live.  They went to several houses.  Surprised some people.  Uplifted others.  I was happy to see how happy it made them. not your typical caroling attire, but this is what they chose to wear                 On Sun...

          I was really impressed with the primary yesterday listening to their sweet voices sounding more like 30 children and not just less than 10.   The amount of awesome volume has impressed visitors as it often sounds like there are more than there are.           Our pianist teaches a Sunday school class as well as playing piano, and so she is often late getting in.   We chose to sing "I am a Child of God" a cappella.   It was beautiful - especially when Lily started off on her rendition - not taking away from the traditional version - but rather adding more beauty to the song.           Emily was a pill about giving her talk today.   After much prompting and a sad little girl who would not speak, the primary presidency asked the children to stack their chairs.   We still had 40 minutes left.   What?     ...