We just got a new computer last month and I’ve had fun finding new things to do on it. I was exploring I tunes radio stations and found one called Gospel Twang and I liked it. I was trying to figure out why. I decided there are two reasons. First it reminded me of Elvis singing gospel songs. Secondly, we use to have a trio of guys In Mutual (my day’s YMYW). they played guitar, banjo, and fiddle for our meetings.
I guess that even though I had a rather boring youth, I had a pretty good time. At least there were things to look back on fondly. Listening to “Gospel Twang” reminds me of it, and recharges my batteries.

Elder Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us, “Spiritual nourishment is just as important as a balanced diet to keep us strong and healthy. We nourish ourselves spiritually by partaking of the sacrament weekly, reading the scriptures daily, and praying daily in personal and family prayer. Our spiritual strengths are like batteries; they need to be charged and frequently recharged.” So how are you charging your batteries?

I like to listen to Gospel music, whether it’s the Tabernacle Choir or Elvis. I like reading Gerald Lund novels. I like taking hot bubble baths and writing Sacrament meeting talks in my head in case I’m ever asked. I’ve been doing it for ten years and finally got asked in August. And I was prepared!

One of the songs on the Gospel Twang station was “In The Garden”. I’ve loved that song since I was young. I had a sister in the ward play it on her violin, for my husband’s funeral in 1976. In 1991, on his birthday, another sister in another ward played it for my son’s funeral. I can picture them walking away together in Heaven’s garden whenever I hear that song.

My mom, an avid gardener, use to quote, “You’re closer to God in a garden, than any place else on earth.” I will always have a garden to work in, even if it’s only a potted plant on the balcony, or a piece of bamboo wedged into a container of water with small black river rocks.
I hope you have a good month and find some soul charging experiences. I’m heading out to San Francisco to see my cousin that I only remember meeting three times, and then back to New Mexico to see my daughter and dad.