Songs of the heart!

Hi Landon and Mason!  

We are excited to hear from you every week, but this week I am extra anxious to hear from both of you.  To hear about Landon's possible new companion and how Mason is doing in Wailengren with Elder Hansen.  Plus, hopefully we can get a time for a skype call on Christmas too from both of you.  

If we can skype all together that would be nice but if not then it's ok too.  It can be complicated with your schedules and also the time differences.  

This past week we have done a lot of things pertaining to music.  Music is sure a big part of Christmas.  Could you imagine Christmas with out music?  I can't!  It reminds me of the following scripture: 

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads

Do you get to listen to Christmas music often?  Are there Christmas songs pertaining to the country you are in that you hear a lot?  Maybe a song you never hear at home?  I know when Christmas time comes around music reminds me of Christmas's of past.  The other day I put in the "Savior of the World" CD and boy did that bring back a flood of memories of that neat Christmas season.  Jacob was just a baby then so it as 10 years ago, but listening to it felt like it was last year.  I could even picture going to the Auburn Stake Center that night and seeing the pretty lit trees in the foyer and President and Sister Miles greeting everyone.  I can remember where I sat and how proud I was to see both of you up there singing beautiful words that I didn't know, but that touched my heart.  I can remember how Dad and Grandpa had beards and it was fun to see them in make-up, but most of all up there by you.  I remember listening to that music for weeks after and wishing that experience never ended.  All these memories triggered by the sounds of "Come Lord Jesus to the manger......"  Savor the songs of the seasons, particularly the German and Spanish songs you may be hearing.  It will be those songs that take you back to this years Christmas on you mission and it will flood your mind and heart with sweet memories of the season you spent serving the Savior full time. 

Some of the music outings this week were the following.....

Jacob's final piano recital with his "retiring" teacher.  

(I mentioned in my letter last week about this but had already done the blog so here is the picture)

Lydia's voice recital at a retirement home!  

She sang the First Noel to Pacabell Cannon.  It was beautiful! 

Then after she sang, we dashed out of there to her choir concert at MMHS. 

Then on the weekend, dad and I enjoyed going to the Tabernacle Choir concert.  

It was so beautiful and nice.  We felt blessed that we got tickets this year.  

Then with this little girl she is learning some of the Christmas songs.  Her favorites are "Jingle Bells" 

"We Wish you a Merry Christmas"

"Santa Claus is coming to Town" 

(you better watch out, you better not cry.... (we sing it to her often;))

Plus this is her Santa dress, she insists on wearing it every Sunday!  She loves it, and loves to show everyone.  Gonna have to hide it after Christmas;)

Finally, I wanted to share with you one more song.  I also pulled out the "Liken's" First Christmas CD the other day and even though I've heard this song before it really touched me this time, so I found the words to it and want to share them with you.  I'm sure you remember it.  It's the song Mary sings called "Handmaid of the Lord"  As I listened to it, it reminded me of what a blessing it is to put our whole trust in the Lord.  I reflected on what Mary might have felt when she was told she was with child, and that He would be the Savior to the world.  She had to feel great love but also have great faith.  It's how I feel as your mother, knowing you are serving the Lord.  Your absence at home is felt but it's amazing how the Lord makes up the difference and blesses us with peace and the rewards will be great from doing what the Lord needs of us.  And even though it's a woman "Handmaid" singing I think it can be replaced with "Elder" on a mission. 

Why would Our Father choose me 
To bring to the world His Son? 
I feel so blessed he would use me 
For anything He needs done 

I may not know what's before me
Who knows who I'll be when I'm through?
But I feel my spirit soaring
And there's nothing I'd rather do

I am the Handmaid of the Lord
I'll do do what I can and pray for more
Oh, how great must be the joy in store
For the Handmaid of the Lord

I'm sure there will be opposition
There has to be dark to know light
But I will complete my mission
I will stand up and choose the right.
I am the Handmaid of the Lord
I'll do do what I can and pray for more
Oh, how great must be the joy in store
For the Handmaid of the Lord
Oh, how great must be the joy in store
For the Handmaid of the Lord

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!  Talk to you on Christmas!!!