Comments on: Ward Choir Director

By: Pepper

Pepper — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 19:12:22 +0000

In reply to caliblack25. I have continued to think about this throughout the week. Maybe it is the fact that there is an effort to fulfill the calling or commitment to attend church meetings that is the “good intent” we are needing to provide that brings the blessings, even when our heart isn’t always in it all the way. And that desire to obey even when we can’t muster a sincerely positive attitude is enough to bring blessings, even if we know that a positive attitude may bring more blessings.

By: caliblack25

caliblack25 — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 07:12:41 +0000

In reply to Doris. Thank you for your insight. There certainly is power in doing.

By: Doris

Doris — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:03:59 +0000

I think one also has to do the “do” part or intent can stay intent. Yes, it is resolve. You did that when you accepted the calling and went forward with action. I kind of agree with Pepper. — we have to make a “decision” and then “do” the thing/event we want to have in our life. The same is true for attending meetings. Once one decides they don’t need attendance or to be spiritual, they are no longer are being “taught” weekly and no longer receiving the sacrament. Intent is being insistent, fixed, resolved, or it can be a noun — purpose, aim, goal, etc. If one handles a calling in a manner that just is intent, somewhere a decision has to be made to “move” on that intent — to “do.” Sister Black, I think that was what you decided to do — to “do” the calling even though you were hesitant. Having “intent” never moved anyone to move off the spot they currently occupy.

Love your articles and admire that you have so much of your history that you can recall — to help us see the why and the how! Thank you so much!

By: caliblack25

caliblack25 — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 01:55:21 +0000

In reply to Pamela Jean Harris. Haha he certainly does! And bummer, I hope your ward is able to organize one soon - they are the best! <3

By: caliblack25

caliblack25 — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 01:54:37 +0000

In reply to Pepper. I love that, and thank you so much for adding. I agree that going through the actions is better than not doing anything at all! And the Lord knows when that's the best we can do with our intent! <3

By: caliblack25

caliblack25 — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 01:52:47 +0000

In reply to Thomas. Awesome! Yeah, it can certainly be applied to any calling!

By: caliblack25

caliblack25 — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 01:52:24 +0000

In reply to Gail Jarrard.

Oh so cool! Way to go! It’s a fun calling – I’ve learned 😉

By: Pamela Jean Harris

Pamela Jean Harris — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:23:11 +0000

Well Heavenly Father has a sense of Humor. But truly singing in choirs was so fun for me in our Ward in California. Sadly our Ward here in Utah doesn’t have a choir and I really miss singing in a choir. You must have amazing talent and know that music is a way I feel the spirit the most.

By: Pepper

Pepper — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:54:45 +0000

“But nothing counts as much as the intent.”
I love everything you write, but for some reason today while I read this phrase, I had to disagree. I have recently been reflecting on a comment my dad made several years ago to a young adult in our stake who had been baptized one year prior and still had the new member enthusiasm and fire. He was giddy because of the gospel. My dad asked him a sobering question that took the young man by surprise. My dad asked, “What will you do when you don’t want to go to church anymore?”. The young man said that was impossible, he would ALWAYS want to go to church. And my dad responded, “But what about when you don’t want to go?” Then my dad suggested that maybe he would benefit from something my dad had done years ago… My dad promised (maybe even covenanted with) the Lord that he would always go to his church meetings. I had never known about that promise, but I instantly saw how it played out and impacted my life as I grew up in his home. We always went to church, even when we traveled. He always went to his meetings even when he was really busy, or tired, or frustrated.
I think my point is that although I totally understand that intent is always important and very helpful in finding higher meaning in our actions, sometimes just doing the minimum is enough to get you through to a point where you can offer more. So sometimes depending on where you are, the minimum counts just as much. If you “do”, even begrudgingly, but that is all you can do right then, that is enough.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 22:42:51 +0000

Good story. The lord truly knows where we can best serve
I’ve had some of the same experiences as a building rep