Fa la la la la, la la la la

As many of you know, singing is one of my absolute favorite activities, so Christmas caroling is my favorite activity at the holidays. I have had the opportunity to sing quite a bit this season so far. My friend Noell and I sang a lovely John Rutter tune, "Angel's Carol," as a duet in sacrament meeting this past Sunday. Monday, my young single adult church group picked a neighborhood and caroled to several families on that street. The best part was when one woman was moved to tears while we sang. It sure wasn't our singing that moved her, but our spirits speaking to one another. I love that the message of Christ is more easily received this time of year, but I also believe that one's testimony can be shared even more poignantly through song.
Saturday night I attended my church Christmas party. We snapped some photos amidst the celebrating including this one of Noell, Me, and Andi. I love how happy Andi looks (and I love my hair!).

Last night a group of us went caroling on 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. My new friend Cortino put together a fun group and books of music. We travelled up and down this shopping district spreading Christmas cheer. In the above photo we had several people join us as well. I'm not sure why I look annoyed, because I wasn't at all.

Singing "Silent Night" complete with Noell's descant.

We ended our time downtown with a trip to Starbucks for peppermint hot cocoa. We had a very successful evening after being videotaped for a church show, inviting others to sing with us, making new friends, and feeling the spirit as we bore our testimonies and spread Christmas cheer.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

What is your favorite Christmas Carol?

Two Year Anniversary!

Today is the anniversary of when I became endowed. I remember the freezing cold weather and the butterflies in my stomach, but that is overshadowed by the overwhelming calm and completeness that I felt upon entering those double doors. There is no other place on earth where I can go for absolute peace and clarity of mind. The Denver Temple is especially meaningful to me because my whole family toured it before it was dedicated and I was able to attend the dedication as well. I was just barely baptized, which made me eligible to go. I was so excited and felt so grown up as I donned my baptismal dress and skipped a day of third grade. My Mom was in the choir and was in a different room than my Dad and me. She was singing behind President Benson and he turned around and spoke to her at one point; cool, huh? While I sat in the endowment room this second time as I was making covenants with Heavenly Father, I remembered this time when I sat there beside my Dad and knew that he was with me this second time too, even when I couldn't see him. I know that the Gospel of Christ is true and that the covenants we make in His Temples are sacred. I am grateful for the blessings of the Gospel and the Temple.