Pearls & Perfection Pending

Living the Gospel Joyful by Dieter F. Uchtdorf I have set a goal to read and reflect on the 39 addresses given at the general conference sessions of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints between now and Christmas.  So, here goes #1. Elder Uchtdorf talks about the women who have influenced him most in his life.  His wife, he says, "...has been the strength in [their] home during both good times and bad.  She brings sunshine into the lives of all who know her." I don't know if David could say any of those things about me.  I feel like I have really turned into more of a burden than a blessing to him.  I constantly feel anxious and am frequently in pain.  I have a strong desire to figure out how to cope better with my physical and mental turmoil.  I was to be a ray of sunshine, not a gloomy cloud. I love the idea that "God knows something we don't."  I've always thought that, especially when it comes to obeying commandments that ...

I found this tender song a few weeks ago, which I have become obsessed with.  I love the melody line in the chorus, but more, I love the message that we all need each other to make any sense of the world around us.  What would an orchestra of only tubas or cellos be like?  Life is difficult and chaotic most of the time, like (at least in my experience) many musical ensemble rehersals are.  Growing up, I always participated in piano and choirs, and dabbled a little bit with flute and violin.  Most of my choir directors were fabulous.  Mr. Wenz, one of my favorite choir directors led us win the state choir competition every year I sang in his choir, Symphonic, and we knew he meant business.   He demanded excellence, and we gave it to him...most of the time. I still think of the quote he had posted on the door often: But, we were still high school students, and getting the dozens of us to get and remain on the same page was no small task, I a...