a carol of joy

dear family and friends,

it's coming closer to christmas!

i wanted to share this song that a friend shared with me. it is sung by the byu choirs at their christmas concert. it is a beautiful piece that really helps me to find the spirit of christmas that's everlasting and full of joy.

my recommendation: listen and read, you won't regret it :)

listen (mp3 coming soon!)

A CAROL OF JOY
Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky.
Lengthening shadows,
Dark closing in...

Then, through the stillness, carols begin!

Oh fallen world, to you is the song--
Death holds you fast and night tarries long.

Jesus is born, your curse to destroy!
Sweet to your ears, a carol of Joy!

Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold barren hillside, shrouded in snow;
Deep, empty valley veiled by the night;
Hear angel music--hopeful and bright!

Oh fearful world, to you is the song--
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong!
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound--

A carol of joy!

A Saviour is found!

Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies!
Look up sad hearted--witness God's love!
Join in the carol swelling above!

Oh friendless world, to you is the song!
All Heaven's joy to you may belong!
You who are lonely, laden, forlorn--
Oh fallen world!
Oh friendless world!

To you,

A Saviour is born!

share your love and your heart will be full. i love you; my sincerest prayers are with you!

feeling so grateful

so i've just realized that i mostly end up writing on my blog at night time, which is one of the times when i feel most at peace with things. it's been a good day, and i'm realizing more and more how grateful i am for the gospel that brings the most joy and freedom to our lives.

a few things i learned during finals, which of course, have absolutely nothing to do with school :)

• maybe christmas doesn't come from a store (what am i talking about?)
• my shephered will (and does) supply our need, my needs
• i have sometimes not been as Christ was and is to the Church, but i want to be--Christ is the greatest and the least of us all--He is the servant to all man--how i want to be the same!
• power in photography (reflections of christ, please visit!)
• when you forget about yourself, the lord doesn't forget about you :)
• if ye are prepared ye shall not fear
• the Savior said, "A new comandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 13: 34)--seems simple enough, right? :)
  

Merry, merry Christmas dear friends :)

recognizing what's really important

"When we yield our hearts to the Lord, the attractions of the world simply lose their luster." (read more)

I'm grateful for the little reminders I get every so often of what's really important. So often I feel easily distracted by "shiny things," but as life goes on I think I'm getting better at focusing on what I really want and letting everything else go. happy day. :)