"Decisions Determine Destiny" was the message President Monson gave to the youth tonight before the Youth Cultural Celebration. He told them they should make their decisions prayerfully, and the best companion they can have is that of the Holy Ghost. 4,000 youth gathered at the Filer Fairground rodeo arena to perform the dances they had been preparing for 5 months. The amount of youth, the costumes, the dances, just herding that many kids - AMAZING!
President Monson is standing on the right corner of the stage looking out and talking to the youth. Justin is one of the kids in orange. Justin said he was very funny and talking to the kids as he walked up. Darren and I could see Justin, it was neat to watch him watch the prophet.
Each stake had a part showing a section of Idaho history. This is just one of them. They started with a cool dance about the Indians. Then went through the pioneers, the miners, the people who dug the canals, and made the Magic Valley "magic" - They dug 90 miles of canal in 90 days in 1905 so they wouldnt' lose their water rights. Talk about "hard things." They went through the depression, the 50's (cool dance) and on to today.
Our stake's performance was about what things we like to do in Idaho. Justin is the third orange kid up on the end of the "P"in "CAMP". I do not usually cry, at anything, but the tears were streaming as I watched so many kids perform. Watching the boys dance, some of them obviously not coordinated, yet do so well was so cool. The costumes were beautiful, the dances amazing for just regular old kids! Seeing young people do "hard things" is so inspiring! As I watched these kids perform their hearts out with HUGE smiles to the prophet on the front row, I was touched by the amazing opportunities the church gives our kids. The hours of sweat and boredom and frustration all came together to form a meaningful memory that won't soon be forgotten. Darren and I have definitely benefitted from being in the bishopric at this time. Talk about timing. The temple coming has been an amazing experience. We were one of the lucky few who even got tickets to tonight's performance, considering it involved 14 stakes. We were asked to guide tours of the temple during the open house - a task that at first seemed so daunting, yet ended up being such an amazing opportunity for us. The church is definitely made up and carried forth by lay people, because if they wanted "professional" guides they sure didn't have them. But as we learned, and watched our peers do the same, we could see the growth that comes through serving. It is obviously the spirit in the temple that teaches, not the people. Sacrifice is what breeds commitment. Having the temple come here has made us all open our mouths a little more about who we are and what we believe in. These experiences have made me want to "stand little taller" - the Lord knows how to draw out the best in us, we just have to be willing. Almost 170,000 came through the open house! Watching our community support us and come together has been amazing. Twin has been know for its "anti" attitude, the paper and everything. But have you seen the Times-News selling pictures of the temple? I think they finally realized who their audience is. The temple has sparked this here. Amazing.
"Decisions Determine Destiny" was the message President Monson gave to the youth tonight before the Youth Cultural Celebration. He told them they should make their decisions prayerfully, and the best companion they can have is that of the Holy Ghost. 4,000 youth gathered at the Filer Fairground rodeo arena to perform the dances they had been preparing for 5 months. The amount of youth, the costumes, the dances, just herding that many kids - AMAZING!
President Monson is standing on the right corner of the stage looking out and talking to the youth. Justin is one of the kids in orange. Justin said he was very funny and talking to the kids as he walked up. Darren and I could see Justin, it was neat to watch him watch the prophet.
Each stake had a part showing a section of Idaho history. This is just one of them. They started with a cool dance about the Indians. Then went through the pioneers, the miners, the people who dug the canals, and made the Magic Valley "magic" - They dug 90 miles of canal in 90 days in 1905 so they wouldnt' lose their water rights. Talk about "hard things." They went through the depression, the 50's (cool dance) and on to today.
Our stake's performance was about what things we like to do in Idaho. Justin is the third orange kid up on the end of the "P"in "CAMP". I do not usually cry, at anything, but the tears were streaming as I watched so many kids perform. Watching the boys dance, some of them obviously not coordinated, yet do so well was so cool. The costumes were beautiful, the dances amazing for just regular old kids! Seeing young people do "hard things" is so inspiring! As I watched these kids perform their hearts out with HUGE smiles to the prophet on the front row, I was touched by the amazing opportunities the church gives our kids. The hours of sweat and boredom and frustration all came together to form a meaningful memory that won't soon be forgotten. Darren and I have definitely benefitted from being in the bishopric at this time. Talk about timing. The temple coming has been an amazing experience. We were one of the lucky few who even got tickets to tonight's performance, considering it involved 14 stakes. We were asked to guide tours of the temple during the open house - a task that at first seemed so daunting, yet ended up being such an amazing opportunity for us. The church is definitely made up and carried forth by lay people, because if they wanted "professional" guides they sure didn't have them. But as we learned, and watched our peers do the same, we could see the growth that comes through serving. It is obviously the spirit in the temple that teaches, not the people. Sacrifice is what breeds commitment. Having the temple come here has made us all open our mouths a little more about who we are and what we believe in. These experiences have made me want to "stand little taller" - the Lord knows how to draw out the best in us, we just have to be willing. Almost 170,000 came through the open house! Watching our community support us and come together has been amazing. Twin has been know for its "anti" attitude, the paper and everything. But have you seen the Times-News selling pictures of the temple? I think they finally realized who their audience is. The temple has sparked this here. Amazing.
4 comments:
I completely agree with everything you said! I feel like the timing with Adam's calling has been a blessing and the experiences we've had with the temple and preparing for the open house and dedication have just been amazing. You said it all so well--you are a great writer!
Speaking of great...do you have any brilliant ideas for your lesson this month? I am stumped.
Jutin, how wonderful that you were able to be a part of something so amazing. As worldwide as the church is, so very very few have
the opportunity to participate in something so memorable.
this is clay...not lauren. thats all really cool. i have a joke especially for paige. why do sharks live in salt water?
marilyn said....
It is wonderful the opportunities that the church allows us to have and gives us to participate in. I am so happy that your family could have this chance to be involved in these events.
Post a Comment