A Christ-Centered Concert

Dear friends and family,

It's been another wonderful snow-free week in Susquehanna!

 We were busy trying to teach lessons and trying to find people to teach with whatever time we had.

This cat followed us for 2 hours straight
as we were out knocking on doors!

But all the little struggles this week were well worth it when Friday night came and we were able to have our "Music and the Spoken Word" type performance!

It was the big concert weekend at the site! We were at the site from 2-9 everyday this past week in preparation for the musical event, practicing, perfecting, running dress rehearsals... the whole nine yards!  And the turnout made every minute worth it! We had members from our branch, our investigator, Robin, newly reactivated members, all our friends from the Methodist Bible study group Sister Gomm and I go to, President and Sister Anderson, and even people from neighboring towns about an hour away! It was awesome!! We sang lots of songs, in lots of different arrangements, and I got to play my violin for 3 numbers. It's interesting that when we practice, we could always feel the Spirit because the words we were singing, or the melody I was playing, were always about Jesus Christ, and that's what our event was-- a musical Thanksgiving tribute to our Savior. But I think my favorite part of the event was being able to look out into the audience and see people's countenances change when we began to sing.  At the site we talk about Emma Smith and her call to arrange the first hymnbook for the church, and how she was able to use her talents to spiritually uplift the lives of thousands, and even us today, and that's what we saw on Friday night.

Waiting for the start of the concert

In our last piece, "Savior, Redeemer of my Soul," something changed. I was playing the violin and couldn't see what was going on with the sisters next to me, but felt something that I hadn't felt in our practices. Afterwards, I found out that Sister Simmons had started to cry, but Sister Gomm was on her right and reached down for her hand. Sister Eckman was on her left, and did the same exact thing. Out in the audience people began to cry as well. The spirit was so strong and I know it changed hearts! It doesn't matter what our missionary "numbers" are like, how many tours we give, lessons we teach, people we baptize, etc. because our purpose as missionaries is to invite others to come unto Christ, and I think people saw a little bit of Christ in us and heard a little bit of his words through the thoughts that were given and words that were shared. Testimonies were strengthened that night, and I know mine was one of them!

I was also asked to speak in Sacrament meeting on Sunday, and spoke about becoming truly converted to Jesus Christ. The steps in becoming truly converted are evaluating the condition of our hearts (making our hearts softened and open for the Holy Ghost to dwell and testify), taking Christ's name upon us and always remembering him, and then becoming and actually putting action behind our faith.

I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves each one of us. I love Mosiah 5 when it says in verse 12, "I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts..." It has made me think that every day I put this name tag on and get to wear Christ's name right next to mine, but do I really have his name always written on my heart? Do I have his name written in my actions?  My thoughts?  I know that as I have made more effort to become more like Christ and represent him, I've been able to see him more clearly in my life. Like President Uchtdorf said, "Whatever you focus on expands," if we try to better focus on Jesus Christ, He really will become the center of our lives, and in Him lies true and lasting happiness! His way provides change, clean slates, love, and peace in this life and the life to come.

Have a wonderful week everyone! Turn to Christ in times of hardship and happiness, and life will only be better! Hurrah for Israel!!

Love,
Sister Larsen