Valiant

The young women in our ward went to girl's camp this week. They sang a beautiful song in sacrament meeting with all of the leaders. (A song they learned at camp). And even though I wasn't at their girl's camp, I was brought back to the memories of my own.

I don't remember a lot of specifics. But I do remember the feeling of togetherness. The feeling of being loved, strengthened, and supported by all of the other young women my age, who were striving to do what is right in the midst of all the temptations and trials that come at that time. I remember my incredible leaders, who were the kind of women I wanted to be. I remember the laughter and the fun and the spiritual high that I was on once I came home. I felt renewed and full. My testimony was stronger and I was better, because of the Spirit I felt at camp. Most of all, I remember the music. Those songs that showed me who I was and who I could become.

This song that the young women sang today brought all of that back. It reminded me of myself 15 years ago. Struggling and hoping, making choices and learning from mistakes. Wondering who I really would become and what my life held for me.

My life still holds a lot of unknowns. But I know who I am and who I am becoming. I am a mother, I am a wife, but first and foremost, I am a daughter ~ of a Heavenly Father who knows and loves me. I know there are trials ahead that I will have to have valiant faith to withstand. And I know that I will make it through. Because I have a relationship with my Father and my Savior. I am not perfect, but I am on my way to being that woman that I wondered about and thought of so often.

As I listened to the gorgeous music and inspired lyrics, I realized that it isn't just a song for the young women. It is for all women. And it is just as applicable to my life now as it is for those girls who were standing in front of me.

I want to be that warrior of light. I want to live with honor and faith.
I want to be able to stand in front of my Father in Heaven, knowing that I did not live halfway- I gave everything I had and I followed fearlessly in faith.

It was just the reminder I needed.

Valiant Faith by Jenny Phillips/Tyler Castleton

Too many people are
Just sliding by
Plugged into the world
But missing the meaning of life

But I was born to be
A warrior of light
With faith to move mountains
And the power of God
Filling my life

I want to live my life with honor and faith
I want to return to His arms unashamed
It's not enough for me to live it half way
I'll follow Him fearlessly all of my days
I will live
With valiant faith

I've lived for ages
I prepared for this life
I won't be confused
And cross to the enemy's side

I am girded
With power and truth
I'm siding with God
He's pouring out blessings
In all that I do

Chorus

Valiantly, fearlessly
I am fighting fo the mighty king
Valiantly, fearlessly
I am fighting for the mighty king

Chorus

Private

This is my personal journal. Which I don't mind sharing with some of you.
But I do mind sharing it with strangers who leave weird comments.
Which, honestly, I've been getting a lot of.
Maybe they are nice people. Maybe they are saying something really great.
But I wouldn't know because they are in japanese characters. (or chinese?? I have no clue)
And that is just weird to me.
So I am making this blog private.
Let me know if you want an invite. I won't be offended if you don't.
And I WILL be writing once a week from now on. Hopefully more, but at least once a week.
I'll pick a day.
Hmm, Sundays are nice.
I'll be writing every Sunday evening.
Thanks for keeping up with this sort-of forgotten blog.
See you Sunday.
:)

Sharing songs

I am listening to the sweet, precious sound of my 2 year old singing 'Happy Birthday' to his brother... his brother who happens to be sleeping.
They truly share a room now. And by that I mean, they enjoy each other's company and love going to sleep with their brother in the bed next to theirs.

This wasn't always the case, and it has been a long time coming:

Weston wants to share a room.
They share.
Tave cries and is very loud.
Weston can't sleep.
Weston cries.
This happens over and over and over. Jeff and I want our sleep.
West begs to have his own room.
We move him in his own room.
He hates it and wants to share a room with his brother.
We say no. He chose to have his own room.
He cries. He begs. He asks nicely. He says he'll be good and stay in his room with his brother. Even if Tave cries.
We move Weston back.
Tave cries.
West stays. But he doesn't love it.
Until now.
Now they say goodnight to each other after we have left the room.
Now they laugh and giggle.
Now they sing songs to each other, even when one of them is sleeping.