Today we had stake conference. That’s a meeting where a stake, or a group of about 2000-3000 members in the same geographical area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather for sermons and strengthening from fellow Saints. This meeting is held twice a year. All the other Sunday meetings are with a much smaller unit. I enjoyed hearing from the local mission leader couple. They are from Australia. The wife spoke about how Australian English sometimes has different spellings than American English. She said she’s still getting used to it. She prefers the Australian spelling of “Savior” which is “Saviour.” She said that the “-our” at the end reminds her that Jesus Christ is “our” older brother. I love that. Think of the ideal older brother, always kind, patient, fun to play games with, fun to talk to, always handy, always helpful, always wanting the best for you. Never mean. Then multiply that infinite times and you have our ideal older spiritual brother, the Firstborn, the Only Begotten of Heavenly Father, our Savior/Saviour, Jesus Christ.

That’s the Jesus I believe in, a loving brother who loves us all so much that He willingly atoned for our sins. Because He did that, he knows how I feel during this trial. He is walking with me through this. I was assured more than once today at stake conference that Jesus walks with us, as we walk with Him. I’m so grateful to feel the Savior spiritually walking with me. One thing He gives all of us to feel Him walking with us is inspired music. I have been enjoying some spiritual music lately to help me through the deepest, hardest, most heartbreaking trial of my life.

Another thing that is helping me is nature. As I walked by the flowers above at the top of this post after church last week I had an impression from the Holy Ghost. Later on I prayed about that impression and felt more of its truth. That truth is helping me hugely through the trial.

Here is some of the music I’ve been especially enjoying lately.

First, songs from the Scriptures Scouts. Decades ago I got the sheet music from one of the composers, Melanie Hoffman. I finally got the music better organized to be more easily played. Last Sunday I came home from church and sat down and played so many of the songs. It felt so good, it was balm to my soul. Tears flowed from my eyes as my fingers ran over the keys and I sang the gentle songs of faith in Jesus Christ.

Some of the music is above and below.

Next, “The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus”

I fell in love with this song when I sang it in my church choir a few months ago. Then just last Saturday night, right before bed, I had just read about it in a novel, as a song the characters in the novel sing in church. Then the next day, in my very own church service, we sang it as our opening hymn! I felt God was winking at me, saying, “I know how much you love this song, so I made it pop up in your life twice within 12 hours without you searching for it. You’re welcome!

Then some music from the Readers’ Digest Songs of Faith and Joy Songbook which I found when thrifting in May. This book is a goldmine of spiritual gems!

“Whither Thou Goest” a song about Ruth and Naomi. Perry Como sings it in the version below.

“Somebody Bigger Than You and I”

“I Found the Answer”

Then I just love, love this song from the Osmonds. When you first hear it, you might think it’s about romantic love. It’s actually about letting Jesus into your life. I put an older version with much younger Osmonds from the 70s and then a later version when they are decades older.

This trial has made sleep difficult. I prayed and asked my close friends to pray for me. After that request, the nights I have had since then have been much better. One of the nights I prayed and asked for delicious sleep. God answered my prayer! That night I had a very hopeful dream about this trial resolving. What a tender mercy which I’m so grateful for!

I’m so grateful for good friends, for prayer, for music, for nature, for family, and most of all for Jesus who makes it all possible.