The Music of the Gospel

Well, I survived my first week away from home. Sometimes I think it hasn't actually quite hit me that I actually live here. Everything is nothing like I pictured. I forgot how hard it is make new friends again, and to regain what feels like a "place" with those around you. But I met so many new and exciting people, and I'm excited to see where those relationships all go.

Here's a short little synopsis of what I did:

Monday and Tuesday were kind of just "move in" days, and "ball my eyes out" days because I wanted my mom back.

Wednesday was Orientation, or should I say BORIEntation. It was day full of learning lots of logistics about school that honestly probably won't matter. But we did get free lunch, so...

Thursday was the beginning of Thunderbird Academy. It was pretty much Orientation round 2 except with more speakers, more lectures, and more people. However, it was Campus Tie-Dye and so we got shirts to tie dye, and had a dance... all were a blast. And we got even more free food.

Friday was pretty much the EXACT same thing as Thursday, minus the Tie-Dye. So it was just Thursday, with all the fun sucked out of it.

Saturday. Things finally picked up. We had ice cream at the President's house, and met him which was cool. We then had a tailgate party with food, helicopters, and good music. There was a short football scrimmage, and a race between the whole freshman student body versus the football team which was hilarious. And then finally, THE dance. I danced my soul out for like 3 hours and it was beautiful. Saturday was a good day, and might I add the first day, I haven't cried since I have been at school.

I have yet to decide if things are getting easier, and I have no idea where it might be next week. But it was hard, a real hard, and rough week. I cried A LOT. (I think its apart of the "new" me that everyone says you become at college). I miss my home, and coming home to my parents. I miss moms sweet desserts. I miss my bed. I miss Austin and Deb. I miss ME. Because I haven't quite found where I fit, and all the friends I am so used to having. But I know that I will, and all will come. So for now, I am just hanging on.

Okay, well finally to the part that I actually wanted this post to be about, so hopefully you are still reading. Yesterday, being Sunday, I went to church. I don't think I have ever been so excited to go to church, because all week, I knew church would be a place where I could be happy. It's a place where its the same as home, and feels like home. But yesterday, church was for ME. Everyday last week, I was reminded at well the Lord knows me, and yesterday He knew I needed church, and He knew I needed what was shared. Every single minute was absolutely perfect.

In Sacrament, the talks were all about the Atonement, and utilizing the Atonement in our everyday life. I always feel like the Atonement is for only when I have to repent. But its not, not at all. The Atonement is for everyday. It's for when we are alone, when we are happy, when we are sad, and well EVERYTHING. This past week, as I started to feel alone, and when I longed for home so deeply, I would call my mom, or Austin, or just cry it out. But not once, did I think to turn to Him, even though He should be the one that I turn to first. So as I sat there I was reminded of who knows me best. He does. He suffered every pain, so how can I not go to Him? The Atonement is for everyday, and I need Him everyday.

Then Sunday School came and it just kept getting better. We talked about the characteristics of being a disciple of Christ that Paul taught years ago. But more importantly, how it relates to us today. And my friends, it is the same. Whether we lived 2000 years ago, or whether we live today, we are disciples of Christ, and Christ is the same. His gospel, His teachings, and His commandments are the same. The example we are to follow remains the same. Even better, being a disciple will remain the same tomorrow, so I hope we started yesterday.

Lastly, Relief Society. I have to admit, I missed my Primary, and singing time. And, somehow the secret about me knowing how to play the piano got out... Anyways, our teacher was the sweetest, cutest lady, and she was absolutely inspired by the Spirit the whole time. We followed and were taught from a talk given by Wilford W. Andersen titled, The Music of the Gospel. (READ IT if you haven't already). It is so easy to obey the commandments like a to-do list. However, those are just the dance steps. It starts to change our lives, when we are guided and learn to listen to the music. The music is the Spirit. It is the Spirit that guides, comforts, and protects us. It is the burning, undeniable testimony we can build for ourselves. Elder Andersen said, "Even when performed well, the music will not solve all of our problems. There will still be crescendos and decrescendos in our lives, staccatos and legatos. Such is the nature of life on planet earth."

Life may never be easy, in fact it might just get harder, but no matter what, we will be "dancing" our way through it, however it is my hope that we can do so listening to the music. The Lord is one really cool guy. I am grateful for the testimony I have of Him, and for the opportunity I have had to grow closer to Him this past week. I am grateful for the gospel, and blessing it is in my life. I am excited for all the adventures and changes ahead. Life is so SO good.

xoxo,
ellie d.