Monday, December 8, 2008

Snow...Christmas Devotional...

Well, today it has officially snowed. Or last night I guess. Rexburg is frosted white. It is always so pretty the first few days...then after a week or so- I'm pretty sick of it. But I will soak up the awesomeness of it for the time being. YET- the first days are always the most dangerous. We passed like 3 cars on our way up the hill today that couldn't move becuase it was so slick. We were barely moving ourselves. You probably could've walked faster than we were going. BUT- we made it! That is the important thing. We were walking to class, and I was holding on to Clay's arm...and I said, "Man, a lot of people's bums are going to be soar today" and I kid you not within 2 minutes I fell on my bum. Thank GOODNESS I had my strapping husband to hold on to. Otherwise it would've hurt! I really only felt wetness...rather than hurt. Anyway, I thought maybe Heavenly Father thought it'd be funny to have me slip right after I say that...give me a hint of irony.

Side note- I am in a computer lab, and the classroom next to us has a bunch of men singing at the top of thier lungs with not much musical prettiness- "NOEL, NOEL, NOEL, NOEL....BORN IS THE KING OF ISRAEL!!!" Random. People are always singing around here, but usually people try to sound pretty...

Well, I got myself, Clay, Patty, Paul and Makayla tickets to see the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional last night. I've never been to live general conference or anything like that, so I really wanted to go to something- so I tried for the devotional. We go the tickets, and went! It was so wonderful. All of us, when we walked in the conference center were in awe, and literally were saying things like, "wow...". It was HUGE! It seemed way bigger in person than on the TV, and as a result, made the tabernacle choir seem rather small. We were in the second row of the very middle of the balcony. We loved it. I seriously recommend going if any of you get the chance. The sound and power that comes when the entire congregation sings is amazing. We were just sitting there you know, and then everyone began, "Joy to the World!" and it was amazing! It gave me chills. All of us turned and looked at each other because we weren't expecting such a sound. I couldn't help but smile, and I turned to Makayla and she was smiling too. It was wonderful. Then, when the choir closed with "Silent Night" with the congregation joining with the last verse, that was quite wonderful. That brought the tears on. You could tell the spirit was present when the prayer was said, as there were many many sniffles, if you know what I mean:). I loved it, it was so worth the hours we drove to get there. Then of course, they decorate temple square so beautifully. I felt so blessed to have been there. I couldn't stop thinking, "I'm so grateful for the gospel. I'm so grateful that Jesus Christ was born." Everytime I thought those thoughts I got watery eyes. It was just a powerful thing. It's true that you should get the same spirit and message whether you're there or not- depending on your spiritual preparedness, but I truly think there is power where some 20,000 odd people are gathered together to celebrate the Lord through song and prayer. And then the talks were wonderful. I loved Elder Eyrings stories about their Christmas pageants, and how they eventually had Samuel the lamanite preaching, with mobs throwing foil ball weapons at him...and him having to remind them that Samuel couldn't be touched, and that it took courage for someone to step up to the part of Samuel. I loved that. I also loved President Monson's stories of the widows he visited. They are such good men. I love to hear them speak.

Well, this weekend I got my hair done by Stephanie. It is AWESOME! Clay and I LOVE IT! We tried to go for the same color as Rory, and Anne Hathaway...she did perfectly. Then I also got front bangs and a little trim with the front a little longer than the back. I love it! I would have a pic, but I forgot to have Patty take it...Anyway. It will come soon enough.

Well, that's it for now. Merry Christmas!

6 comments:

Lizzie said...

Wow. The devotional sounds wonderful in the conference center. I bet it was so fun to go to with family as well. I've never been to any sort of live conference. I've always wanted to though. I can't wait to see your hair! And the snow sounds pretty. Part of me always wishes it would get a bit colder and snowy here for Christmas. But I would only want it for a week or so and then back to the warm. But I suppose it doesn't work that way.

Cara_Cude said...

It does sound AWESOME!!! I love you girly sorry it has been so long....i wrote a new blog!!! LOVE YOU!!!

AMY AND MIKEY said...

That sounded so wonderful! I've only been there for Chior practice- watching the tabernacle practice- it was really fun- we were in the 10th row of teh first section on teh floor- so it was really powerful! I remember thinking- this would be awesome with EVERYONE singing! So cool! I'm so glad you did that! I coudln't imagine with a room full of people and the christmas music and everything- so awesome! You are such a good example to me. We watched the devotional online- and I fell asleep- after I had chastised mike for not wanting to watch it- while he stayed up the whole time while I slept! Uhhhhhh - Amy why do you do these things?! Your hair sounds so fun! I'm so excited to see it! I love you!!!!

Grandma, Nonnie said...

What a wonderful blessing to be able to hear that music. We are so blessed in the church to be able to have so many talented people. I love the prophets, and I love hearing them speak. I bet your hair looks great, and I sometimes miss the snow, but not for long. I used to enjoy watching it snow outside when the guys were skiing and I sat in the motorhome and only skied in the morning. The afternoons I spent reading,cooking, or getting mail ready to go. I too am excited to see you and I am glad you didn't hurt yourself, not much fun falling on your bum! I love you sooooooooo much OOOXXXX

Sharon/Mom/ Grandma said...

I turned to dad during the devotional and said Danielle and Clay are there!! That is always a neat thought. I am so glad you got to do that, I haven't ever done it either. I can't wait to see your hair and the rest of you with it! :-) that is so funny about you falling. I am glad Clay was there too! Falling on your bum can sometimes leave lifetime problems ask rebecca about her tailbone!

love you!

Patty said...

Danielle thank you thank you thank you for getting the tickets to see the Christmas Devotional. It was amazing. I felt that the spirit was very strong. The choir also gave me the goose bumps and then when everyone sang it was so powerful. Happy to hear that you did not hurt yourself in the fall. love you see you later this week. bye now.