Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Lord Is My Shepherd

I play my grandmother's cello in an orchestra named "String Harmony". Currently we are practicing for an Easter program at the Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility. One of the numbers we are rehearsing is Todd McCabe and April Moriarty's version of "The Lord Is My Shepherd". I have played this before with my mother and older sister. It is my mom's favorite hymn. As I was practicing tonight, I thought of my mom and all the amazing qualities she has that she has passed on to me. She has an undeniable testimony and love of the Savior that radiates in everything she does. She taught me how to gain a testimony of my own and to trust in the Lord and let Him guide me through life. She has a passion for music which she (and my dad) passed onto all their children. Most have carried it into their adult lives. My mom let me take Grandma Bateman's cello to BYU-Idaho with me and even paid for me to take private lessons. Since then, this cello has gone everywhere I have. It is one of my most prized possessions and I will always be grateful to have music in my blood. I am grateful for my mom. I hope she knows I love her and is proud of who I have become. Whenever I hear or play "The Lord Is My Shepherd" I think of my mom and know that I have a place for her in my heart, and take her wherever I go.

Friday, April 8, 2011

I'm Not Feeling The Itch

Two days ago, Josh and I celebrated our 7th anniversary. I've heard the expression "7 year itch", meaning that after 7 years people tend to re-evaluate their relationship. To be honest I've been afraid of this anniversary. I was afraid feelings would change, minds would be changed, and our eternal family would change. I am very happy to report that the only change I feel for my sweet, loving husband is a deeper respect and a love more meaningful than anything I could have ever hoped for. Josh is my soul-mate, my eternal companion. He makes me want to be better, to keep myself worthy to be his wife forever. When we were sealed, I remember thinking that I couldn't possibly love him more. Throughout the challenges we've faced and overcome I have found a love greater than I imagined existed. I know that our trials are far from over. But I also know that we make a great team and will continue to deal with life - together.