We heard such beautiful messages and music at the Women's General Session of Conference and wanted to use those messages to guide us in how our Choir of 364 should prepare ourselves for our turn to sing.
Paraphrasing words and thoughts from Sister Neill F. Marriott, 2nd counselor in the Young Women general presidency, we found what we needed to help our light shine:
“As faithful [choir members] give voice to truth and share our light, we are able to push back the darkness of the world”, In order to do this, “We must go to the source of light — to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; [to] the scriptures,” said “AND to the temple, [because we know] that all things within its walls point to Christ and His great atoning sacrifice.”
“Why do [TEMPLES] beautify and shine? Because as the scriptures say, ‘truth shineth,’ and temples contain truth and eternal purpose; so do you.”
“By the nourishing spirit of the temple we can learn the reality, the power and the hope of the Savior’s Atonement in our personal life.”
In fact, Elder George Q Cannon explained that "every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed according to the order the Lord has revealed for his holy Priesthood, lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness."
Continuing with paraphrasing words and thoughts from Sister Neill F. Marriott's message:
“[Our Choir of 364] may not walk the roads of Palestine healing the sick, but we sing about how the healing love of the Atonement blesses the sick and faint of heart. Though we will not cause the blind to see in the manner of the Savior, we sing and testify of the plan of salvation to the spiritually blind. We sing and touch hearts and open the eyes of their understanding to the necessity of priesthood power in eternal covenants.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf also declared:
“The Infinite and Eternal Creator of LIGHT and life knows you! He is mindful of you,” “Yes, God loves you this very day and always.
“He loves you not only for who you are this very day, but also for the person of glory and LIGHT you have the potential and the desire to become.
“Walking in the path of discipleship does not need to be a bitter experience,” President Uchtdorf said. “It is not a burden that weighs us down. Discipleship lifts our spirits and lightens our hearts. It inspires us with faith, hope, and charity. It fills our spirits with light in times of darkness and serenity during times of sorrow.
“It gives us divine power and lasting joy.”
President Uchtdorf concluded saying “Live the gospel joyful!”
Which is exactly what our Savior taught to the Nephites in a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount in 3 Nephi 12:
14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;
16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;
16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
We will be singing JOYFUL! We will sing that our LIGHT will SHINE, that all may know we love our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son!
