Quotes and goodness

“My theory is that when a man is conscious or a people are conscious that he or they are in the path of duty, doing that which is right in the sight of God, they should always be happy, no matter what the circumstances may be which surround them. I think that God has created us to be happy, and my belief is that he placed happiness within the reach of all, and it is man’s own fault if he is not happy and does not enjoy himself every day of his life. This is one of my reasons for liking my religion…because it bestows full happiness and joy upon its believers. They can be happy in the midst of the most adverse circumstances; they can rejoice when their lives are imperiled.” -George Q. Cannon

This quote fits my life. I'm choosing to be happy even though inside I'm kind of not. Don't give me pity, I'm not looking for it. I love to be happy. So even though inside I am feeling completely broken, I can still be happy and find happiness. So I wake up put on my best face and live my day. It's been working thus far.

"Don't forget: one of the saddest things in life is wasted talent." -Thomas S. Monson

"Whatever our calling, regardless of our fears or anxieties, let us pray and then go and do." -Thomas S. Monson

I'm on a quote kick tonight. Can you tell? I LOVE quotes! Well, the two quotes above fit me today. You see I have a calling in my stake (10 wards or congregations make up my BYU 1st stake). Have I mentioned that? My calling is of course Music Director Co-Chair with my fellow co chairman Edward! It's thrilling isn't it? Are you surprised by this calling? I certainly was not.

Anyways, you see I am good in the musical area. I love to sing, I love to be apart of the music, I love setting the mood for an activity through music. But, I also hide my talent. Yup, you got me, I hide my musical abilities. Even though I love to sing and do musical things, I hate being that "person." You know the one, the person that thinks they are the most talented singer or musician on the face of the Earth, and they always do everything right, and everybody loves them! Well, I hate those stuck-up and prideful people. So I don't want to be that person, so i just like to let everyone else have the opportunity to shine. Also, I hate being the center of attention (My oh my we are learning so much about me this evening!). 

Well being called a few weeks ago, I was immediately thrown into the midst of things. "Stephanie, stake conference is soon we need you to take care of the music. GREAT! Thanks for helping out." Not that big of a deal. I chose the songs, practiced with the choir, and put it all together. No big deal. Well, then I found out that I was conducting music. YIKES! Also as a side note, may I just mention I haven't even been set apart yet! So I don't even have the extra blessings from that. 

Stake Conference was today and yesterday. It went fine. I hate those conductors with no facial expressions, and don't look happy to be doing this. So I practiced (silly right? It's not hard to lead music-- 1...2....3...4. But I was really practicing on my facial expressions. haha. I know, I'm so silly.) and it went well. I personally loved sitting on the stand watching everyone and being able to play a personal role in stake conference. It was fun. I wasn't even that nervous. This was the first time that I led so many people before. Pretty crazy! There is like at least 100 people per ward, and there is 10 wards, plus leaders and whatnot. So like 1000 people roughly. Probably not that many, not everyone comes. They think it's slack weekend! No church wahoo! Gay. ha. So it went very well. I enjoyed watching everyone. People are entertaining. I also had the thought while on the stand 'This definitely won't be your last time on a stand. You'll be up here many many more times. Good job, you did this guess what's next?' Haha. Who knows what will happen, guess we'll wait and see! 

On another note. Thomas S. Monson's biography book is so dang good! I mean I loved him before (come on he is a Prophet of the Lord) but this book, I have learned so much about him! He's so inspiring. It's really neat to see his background and how many lives he has touched. He was being trained from the beginning to become a Man of God. I love it!

Come on what's not to love about that sweet face? It's full of love and light. So in honor of the good man, and because he says amazing and insightful things, here are some of my favorite words he has spoken:

"The good you have done, the kind words you have spoken, the love you have shown to others, can never be fully measured." 

"Your mind is a cupboard and you stock the shelves." 

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Watch your step." 

"Heavenly Father has a picture of you on His dresser. He loves you and will help you. Call upon Him." 

"In the private sanctuary of one's own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the statue of true potential." 

"The principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility. " 

"Remember who you are and what God expects you to become." 

And my more recent favorite: "Find joy in the journey." 

So kiddies today we have learned: find joy in your own personal journey. Be happy. Use your talents. And most importantly love and serve. There are people that need you out there.

xoxo