Presentaton on "Women" - "Song of the Heart"
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Marilynn Barnes
Thanks to all of you great sisters who tied to help me find "A Song of the
Heart".
Many wanted me to post it if I found it so here goes:
This is usually done with a 3- part display. I'll try to explain it
without totally confusing you. One part representing the Garden of
Eden (pictures of Adam and Eve, lots of greenery, fruit in baskets.and a
simple shift type dress made of muslin, with a twine belt, etc).
Second part representing the Restoration period: butter churn, spinning wheel,
rag rug, anything that represents 'pioneer' times, indian corn, etc and a
pioneer dress and bonnet, Joseph Smith's picture, rocking chair, etc.
The third part I've done two ways, both work great. The first time
I put it on I had sisters actually wear the dresses and step forward from
in front of their display when the reading mentioned them. For the
last part, I had sisters in the stake that were from many countries wear
their native costumes. This last time, I just had the dresses hanging
and the third display, instead of the 'international approach', was a 'modern'
setting, with Pres. Hinkely's picture, a computer, scriptures opened
with a string of pearls across them, a bulletin board with a typical to do
list, a suit jacket across the back of a chair, toys on the floor near the
desk, etc.
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Am I confusing you? The displays are side by side to give continuity.
All displays have the same general things that are appropriate to the time
they are representing. You can either do it with the clothing hanging
or you can have a sister wear the costumes and stand in front of the display,
standing or stepping forward when the reading mentions her time.
This is the dramatic reading that goes with it (I have done it with musical
back ground and that is nice too). The first time I had a sister play
the harp as I read. Music appropriate to the 'time' I was reading about.
A SONG OF THE HEART (written by Marilynn Barnes, Women's conference 1995)
"FOR MY SOUL DELIGHTETH IN THE SONG OF THE HEART" (D&C 25:12-13)
Sisters, can you see her? It is Eve!
Eve, The Mother of all Living.
She trod the path and led the way, for each woman.
It was Eve who, with Father Adam, was cast from their Eden Home.
To feel pain and temptations.
To experience Joy and Progression.
It was Eve who first felt the mortal pangs of childbirth.
With no other sister there, to empathize and hold her hand.
To share the fear. To share the joy of this miracle, as only another sister
can.
It was she who wept over unbelieving children, until beloved Abel.
It was she who experienced the sorrow that is beyond sorrow,
When one cherished son.... Did that which had never before been done;
took away the life of his brother.
Oh but see!!
What is that song that flows from her soul?
Eve did not stumble, did not falter.
The weight of these experiences was great.
But she did not succumb, her soul did not break.
For through her tears and her grief, she gained righteous relief.
As she listened, as she followed, the SONG in her Heart.
"Look Do you See?
It is the time of the Restoration!
The Saints are blessed beyond measure and tried beyond comprehension.
Each faithful Sister, will carry her share of the trials.
And at times much more, than would seem possible to bear.
She nurses the sick. She comforts the dying.
Delivers the babies soothing their crying.
She feeds her family and mends their clothing.
She helps plant the crops; nurtures and tends them,
Watching with gratitude as they grow healthy and tall.
Then, watches in horror, in sorrow, as they go up in flames, when the mobs
come to call.
She builds and rebuilds every time that she must.
Making a new home each place they are scattered.
Driven at last from the Beautiful City.
She mourns with the righteous, The loss of Joseph and Hyrum.
She pushes, she carries, and drives; with her face turned West, wet, from
tears in her eyes.
She buries children, husbands, parents and friends.
But, She believes beyond doubt that she will see the promised valley.
And each step that she takes, each mile that she walks, she walks to the
rhythm
Of the Song in her heart.
Oh Look, do you see?
The Gospel is spreading!
Sisters of many nations are hearing the song.
Each will confront what life presents to her.
Marriage, children, or maybe none,
temptations, results of agency, perhaps, even being alone.
At times they must strain to hear the music;
for the roar of the world grows louder each day.
Movies, TV, Radio, Crime, Broken Familes,
Wayward Children, Disease and War,
Rumors of War. People without Natural Affection.
These Sisters From many nations
Teaching their families, loving their families, praying for their families
and for each other.
While the Tempest of mortality swirls around them,
They gain courage,
They gain hope,
They gain peace;
from the Celestial Tones of the Song in their Hearts.
**************
Righteous Women of the past
Righteous Women of today.
In the heart of Each Righteous Woman is a universal longing.
A soul-cry.
A continuous prayer, that her family and friends....
And Oh Father, especially her children, will the hear the song, and will
listen.
For:
There is a song sung by Angels,
It comes from the Father.
Can you hear the joy it imparts?
Its a song that sustains you
when life's winds are blowing.
Peace
Be Still Dear Sister,
It's there in your heart.