Day 93 -- The Spirit of Music

Day 93:

-Read: Ether 4-7

-Mark: Ether 6:9

"Sometimes.....we get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing than prayer."

~President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

"Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind and spirit of man."

~President Boyd K. Packer

Something to think about: In what ways do you use music in your personal worship? How do you use music to help others feel the Lord's influence?

For those of you that know me and my family very well, you know that music is a big thing in our home and in our lives. I grew up listening to it! My dad is a musician so ever since I can remember he's composed songs, songs for me even! (Jonah and I have our very own lullabies that our parents wrote together for us.)

I really believe that music can bring the spirit in a way that nothing else can. Beautiful music has a way of touching my heart and bringing peace and comfort when I need it. I don't necessarily know why this is, but I am grateful it does.

I'm so grateful for my musically-talented family and their willingness to share their talents with others. I'm grateful my parents raised me with music in the home so I could develop the love I now have for it. It's great!

Here is a normal Sunday at the Hadlock home: game of Ticket to Ride in progress, impromptu music being played by the Hadlock men....I just had to video to give you a little taste of my world (and they didn't even know I was recording! haha)
~~Oh, my dad started playing this song cuz my mama was starting to get impatient waiting to play the game!~~

And lastly, on a more serious note, here is some of my dad's music that the man who does his website put together in a video:

Make good music a part of your life!!!! :)

Day 92 ~

Day 92:

GET BACK ON SCHEDULE!

-Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still

need to read to be caught up through: Ether 3

or

If you’re up to date with your reading,

take time to study: 3 Nephi 27

Something to think about: What did the Lord teach His disciples about the name of His

church? What is the gospel, or good news, that He has given us.

What things did Jesus say we must do in His church?

Day 91!

Day 91:

-Read: Ether 1-3

-Mark: Ether 3:4-5

"What ever Jesus lays his hand upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands upon the family, it lives."

~President Howard W. Hunter

Something to think about: Look at the symbolism in the account of the Savior touching the stones that lit the way for the Jaredites. What does the account teach you about the touch of the Savior's hand? How have you felt the Lord's hand in your life?

I love this story, personally. It makes me wonder were I in this situation, would I have this same faith and courage that the brother of Jared has? Something to think about, eh!? But this is proof that with God, nothing is impossible. He made STONES have LIGHT! Now that's somethin! Seriously.

I love the quote from today. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands upon the family, it lives. Such a beautiful thought. We need God in our lives. Without him we will be a mess, I've seen that firsthand. This gospel has all the answers. We just need to go forward with faith each day that this is the case and that God really does hear us.

Let us work on turning our lives over to God, after we do our part, and have the faith that He is capable of doing the rest when we honestly cannot. In Psalms 55:22 it reads, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." And of course, the famous scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

100-10 = 90!

Day 90:

-Read: Mormon 8-9

-Mark: Mormon 9:11-12, 21

"The Lord will never forsake or abandon anyone. You may abandon him, but he will never abandon you. You never need to feel that you are alone."

~Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Something to think about: Mormon's ministry ends in these chapters. Pay attention to Moroni's warnings for our day. Righteousness sometimes seems to bring loneliness? Why are we not really as alone as we sometimes feel? In chapter 9, look for reasons why you can rely on the Lord.

I found this interesting that today's topic was what it was. I had kind of a rough, emotional weekend. I was feeling alone and homesick. I know I am never really alone, but it's hard not to conform to those feelings at times....it's what Satan wants us to do, and when we are feeling weak--he's the strongest. But what I realize is, the power of God is so much greater, and if we turn to Him in those moments of weakness: He can make them strengths! (See Ether 12:27).

Don't allow Satan to seep into your thoughts and destroy your self worth. You are a child of God and He loves you. He will never leave you alone, just like a good earthly father won't leave you alone. Just put your trust in Him and allow Him to do the rest (of what you can't do.)

Day 89 ~ The Light of Christ in Me

Day 89:

-Read: Mormon 5-7

-Mark: Mormon 6:16-20

"The tragedy of the Book of Mormon is not what became of the Nephites but what the Nephites became."

~Hugh Nibley

Something to think about: What led to the fall of the Nephites? What things do you do each day to stay strong?

It's not just about reading the Book of Mormon. It's about the person you become while reading it. I know for me, by doing this challenge, there has been a new light and spirit about me. I can honestly say I am happier. I don't stress out as much like I used to.

When I was home over Christmas break, I saw a friend I haven't seen for a while. He said there was something that seemed different about me, that I just had "a glow about [me]." That was really neat to hear, especially coming from him. He said my eyes just were so bright and happy.

Now, I wouldn't classify myself as an unhappy person before, but I wasn't up to where I should be with my daily prayers and scripture study--so this definitely makes a difference.

I love this gospel with all of my heart. I'm so grateful for the light of Christ in my life, and for good examples around me, keeping me motivated and wanting to be better.