Hearing the familiar "God Bless the USA" as I entered the Tabernacle brought tears as usual, and the beautiful Amazing Grace and a patriotic medley did the same. What a wonderful way to start the Sabbath!
I had overheard someone say that the choir would have an extra rehearsal after the program because of their upcoming European tour, so after walking home with my friend, and getting a little breakfast, I went back to the Tabernacle. Unlike the crowds [many were taken to the Assembly Hall for the broadcast] at the regular program, the Tabernacle was nearly empty. It was quite interesting to observe the rehearsal of a hymn in German with the music from "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" and Deep River, a spiritual. What attention the conductors pay to detail! Quite amazing.
Then it was off to our branch choir practice. One of the young elders is playing a violin accompaniment to My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, so we practiced that first. Again it reminds me of home, as St. Louis South Stake Choir sang this a few years ago. Then we practiced the "If the Savior Stood Beside Me", a sweet song that the Primary children often sing, and which was the selection we sang for today's sacrament meeting.
My Cuban friend had saved a spot for me in the Sunday School room that has a piano, so before class started I enjoyed listening to one of the young elders beautifully play two complicated pieces. I know the one was a classical piece, but I have a feeling that the other was his own composition. So many of the young elders have great musical talent.
Our fifth Sunday combined meeting was held in the Legacy theater. Bishop Causse', the presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife spoke to us. Sister Causse' told us about their family. They are from France, and when he was called eight years ago as a General Authority she was moved out of her comfort zone. However, she knows that this service is what the Lord wants from them, and she has seen blessings result.
Bishop Causse' spoke on service. He talked about two passages from the New Testament where the Savior responded to questions about how to obtain eternal life with a call to service. I had never before thought of the story of the rich young man in that context. I have always focused on the young man's unwillingness to part with his substance, but, indeed, the Savior's more important counsel was "come, take up the cross, and follow me." I appreciate how the Lord's chosen leaders in these latter days give us new insights.
After the meetings I heated up my pot of beans, cut up an avocado, opened a can of lives, and took those things plus strawberries and the cake supplied by me visiting teacher to my Cuban sister's apartment. We had quite a feast, as she insisted on sharing some rib steak, along with saute'ed vegetables, salad and rice. She said the beans I brought reminded her of home! I was glad she told me how she liked them fixed. I enjoyed them, too!
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