Yay for Nauvoo!

I want to share something I have written down in my journal. Sadly, I didn't think of it, and unfortunately I can't remember where I heard it... or who said it.... But it goes like this:

     "If it weren't for God, we wouldn't be here. If it weren't for Jesus Christ, it wouldn't matter. If it weren't for Joseph Smith, we wouldn't know."

Cool, right? And so true! With God, we have a purpose, to learn and become more like Him and to one day live with Him. Because Christ atoned for our sins, we can repent and continue to move towards that goal. Because of Joseph Smith, we have the restored gospel and all of the blessings that go with it, including the knowledge of the plan of salvation and that families can be together forever. What a glorious plan our Father has made for us! I'm so grateful that I was raised in the gospel so I could know it, live it, love it, and share it! Hurrah for Israel and yay for Nauvoo! I feel like I learn so much about the gospel and my Savior as I learn about the Saints and Brother Joseph... I tell their stories, I walk where they walked... and they walked with the Savior. It all fits together, hand in hand. There are no such things as coincidences. I love it!

I Almost Forgot

The past three summers, I’ve had at least two friends called to be YPMs. I’d heard nothing but the best about the experience.  When a sister from last year, Megan Knell, posted a link about auditioning for this summer, I thought, “Why not? It’s my turn, right?”

So, I decided to send in a tape. Now, I’m a HUGE procrastinator. I kept saying, “I’ll put it together this weekend.” And then when the weekend came I said, “next weekend, I’ll do it then.” I was depending on other people for help in putting the video together, and things kept falling through.  I became a bit discouraged, and thought that maybe I wasn’t meant to go because nothing was coming together.  However, that was not the case. The week before the video was due, everything fell into place.  There was finally a time that worked out when everyone who I asked to help—an accompanist and a friend to hit the “record” button—could meet. 

Upon arriving to the practice room we were going to use, we found two more friends who happened to be theater people! They gave me pointers and confidence and I was able to quickly record my songs.

The taping of everything else went smoothly as well. I almost forgot to include my scales, but the thought suddenly struck me, “Aren’t you missing something? Something having to do with your range?” I believe it was a nudge from the Spirit. Simple little things came together though the Lord’s hand, the video was quickly assembled—scales included—and sent off to HQ. 

Throughout the whole experience, I kept the attitude, “If I’m meant to go, I’ll go.” It was a blessing to have that knowledge, and my faith kept me strong through the process.  The thought of serving in Nauvoo brings a smile to my face and makes my heart swell with joy. I can’t wait!