Ryan's work is going very well. The company he created this past year is doing much better than expected and he set a goal to triple the profits it makes this next year. He still teaches Brevan's Sunday School class, which he enjoys. Tomorrow he is playing a review game with the kids, so he told me I need to buy "a ton" of candy at the store for him to hand out.
Ryan and I went on a date to see the Broadway production of Les Miserables a few weeks ago. It was AMAZING!! I didn't know much about the story of Les Mis, so I called Tiffany the day before the play because I knew it is one of her favorite stories. She teared up many times while talking about it, and then wrote this post about her feelings for Les Mis. I've been listening to the music ever since seeing the play, and often realize deeper meanings the play could be trying to convey. There was an article written in The Mormon Times a couple weeks ago titled, "Success of Les Miserables lies in profound religious message." My favorite part of the article says, "God and his plan for us are supremely lovable, but that has often been obscured by human sin, betrayal and corruption. Still, we humans yearn for him, even if, very frequently, we've forgotten and become distracted. As St. Augustine said, addressing God in his Confessions, 'Our hearts are restless, until they rest in thee.' Les Miserables doesn't preach doctrinal details to us. Rather, it reaches down deep into the souls of its audience, reminding us of our homesickness for God, of our longing for truth, love, beauty, meaning and redemption." My favorite lines from Les Mis are when Jean Valjean sings, "God on high, hear my prayer. Take me now to thy care. Where you are, let me be. Take me now. Take me there. Bring me home." The Fantine enters as an angel and sings, "Come with me where chains will never bind you. All your grief, at last, at last, behind you. Lord in Heaven, look down on him in mercy." I had no idea the play had such wonderful messages! Ryan and I have become quite the Broadway musical lovers this past year. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that this was the fourth Broadway play I've seen this year.
Along with my church calling as the Compassionate Service Leader, which I have loved, I was also called to be the Activity Days Leader for the 10 and 11 year olds (which means I get to be with Brynlie)! I couldn't have hand-picked two callings I would enjoy more. I'm so excited to get started with the Activity Day girls!
I have now memorized EVERY song on the newest Taylor Swift album. Brynlie had the CD for a couple days before I stole it from her and began playing it every time I drove in the van (until Christmas music was on the radio!). I love that my kids and I can listen to Taylor Swift together because it's not only great music, but has fun and clean lyrics.
The wait is almost over!!! Only 3 days and we can finally tell the kids the exciting surprise we've been keeping from them for the past 8 months! I love this time of year!
Some words that are giving me peace after the tragic events of last week are from the popular Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." My favorite version is by a group named Casting Crowns. If you haven't listened to their version before, look it up. Now. I love these words:
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"
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