Meet Janice Jordison

Question: We really enjoy your ministry through music on Sunday mornings. Sometimes it feels like we're all just gathered around your family piano. How did you learn to play piano, and when did you start playing for church.

Answer: My earliest memory of being interested in playing the piano was when I was about 4 years old. I remember crawling up on the piano bench and picking out "Sentimental Journey" using both hands. World War II was going on at this time and our family and neighbor kids would gather around the piano while Mother played all those wonderful songs that were composed during the war. I loved to sing with them. I also loved to listen to the records played on the Victrola. My oldest brother, Ed, decided that I needed to learn how to read music, so he taught me the letters of the lines and spaces on both the treble and bass clef. (F A C E, Every good boy does fine, All cows eat grass and Good boys do fine always.) I took a school music book and wrote in all the letters above the notes and would practice them. Eventually I was able to read the notes without any aid and was able to start playing hymns. I took a few lessons in grade school, then a few after I graduated from high school, then at Graceland . When I was 12 years old, our church in Osawatomie, Kansas, elected me to be the music director and I took it seriously. I remember praying diligently over the hymns that I would use for preludes. Because the ministers handed me the hymns for the service when they came on to the podium, I would go through the hymn book at home, playing 5 or 6 hymns each day several times each, so they would at least be familiar to me. I went through the entire hymnal this way.

Q: Each of your children seem to love music too. Did you come from a musical family?

A: My mother and father both loved music. They both played the violin and mother played the piano and sang. My father's family were very musical and could play many instruments and loved to sing. Two of my brothers played the trumpet. I played clarinet in high school and enjoyed being in band and chorus. I sang solos and was in small and large groups – both vocally and instrumentally. All of my siblings love to sing too. My sisters and I used to sing trios. My brother, Roger, sings for church even now. I also accompanied the choirs in school my last 2 years of high school.

Q: If you were going to advise young musicians in the church how to prepare music for worship, what do you think it would be important for them to know?

A: Of most importance, is praying that God will help you in the selection of the music so that it will bring ministry to those attending and help them to think about the Lord. I believe it's important to select music that carries the mood of the hour—whether it needs to be meditative, arousing, or whatever. I like to play hymns and pick ones with a message and a beautiful tune. When I play for services, I have learned to listen to the spirit that is present with the congregation. Sometimes, that means that I will slow down to the way they are feeling like singing. I try to play so that people can sing with ease and be able to take breaths after phrases. I also try to play so that the congregation can hear not only me, but each other.

Q: We have heard that your great uncle, I.N. White, was an Apostle in the Reorganization. How did your family come into the fullness of the gospel?

A: I really don't know for sure how the White family came into the reorganization. My father had a great deal of respect for Uncle I.N. and he was instrumental in helping my father be strong in the faith. My Mother's family lived in Oklahoma territory and received the ministry of Oscar and Hubert Case while there before moving to Lamoni in 1911.

Q: I understand you are a graduate of Graceland College . Coming from a Kansas farm family, how did you pay your tuition? If you worked, what student jobs did you hold?

A: My parents did not have money to send us to college. My brother, Roger, and sister, Carol, both worked then went to Graceland. I graduated from high school when I was 16 and went to work in Kansas City, living with my sisters. I saved up money to buy a Duroc sow that was pregnant and my father took care of her and her piglets. Since they weren't ready to market when I went to Graceland, Daddy mortgaged them to pay for my tuition. I got student loans for the rest. I lived at Herald Hall my freshman year and worked as a receptionist. My sophomore year I was in charge of 7 freshman girls and lived in a house down town called "Ricker Hall." During that year Tess Morgan Hall was completed and we all moved into the new dorm along with another small group in another house and all of the Herald Hall girls. Mrs. Booth, our dorm mother, asked me to be her assistant in the new dorm, so I had my own private room. I was able to take care of all my needs with the money I received from working. I even had enough to buy clothes.

Q: Your children tell us you were a wonderful mother - that you had a way of making things magical, and that prayer was a significant part of their memories growing up. What are some of the most cherished memories you have of your mother, and your home growing up?

A: My mother was a happy, positive person. I always felt loved and secure. Mother allowed me to be as creative as I wanted to be and was supportive of any endeavor I undertook. Sundays were such a special day. Mother always had our clothes ironed and shoes polished on Saturday night and had food fixed for Sunday. On Sunday morning, I would hear Mother singing or humming hymns. Mother always put herself last, even doing without clothes or shoes that she needed. The farm neighbors loved to come to our home and would sing heartily, as mother played the piano. Mother belonged to the "Ladies Aid" group in the community. They met together at least once a month, taking turns going to different houses. I loved being at home when Mother had it at our home. She scrubbed and polished the furniture and the whole house smelled of furniture polish and everything just sparkled. She also made delicious refreshments. The lady's would always make over me and make me feel special too.

Q: Tell us a little about your parents and siblings; where were your parents from, where did you live growing up, and what was life like in your youth?

A: My Dad was born in Independence; mother in Oklahoma Territory the same year it became a state. Mother grew up in Lamoni and went to Independence between her junior and senior years to work in a tile factory. While there, she attended the Liberty Street church. My Dad was there and when he saw her, he told his friends that Mother was the girl he was going to marry (he had seen her in a dream). They married right after graduation and moved to Independence . They lost their first baby to Crib death and had 5 more children, me being the youngest. When oldest brother, Bob, was about 14, he brought a friend home whose parents were dead, and Ed became a member of our family. Ed was the same age as the baby they lost. When I was six, we moved from Independence to a farm in Kansas. It was 1947 and electricity had not found it's way to that part of the state yet. So from modern conveniences, we found ourselves in the middle of winter (January) with a wood heating stove, a wood cook stove and an outhouse. We had coal-oil lamps and slept in freezing cold rooms. When it was bedtime, we made a mad dash up the stairs and jumped into bed (all three of us girls slept together). I loved everything about the farm – the cows, chickens, putting up hay, riding in the combine and letting the wheat or oats stream down on my legs, walking on the cow paths in the pasture and imagining that I was a cowboy or an Indian. I often got up at 4:00 a.m. on summer mornings just to go out and watch the cows on a distant hill and to listen to the mocking bird that perched on our chimney. I felt very close to God.

Q: Do you remember your baptism? If so, tell us about it.

A: I remember it just as though it were yesterday. It was early July, 8 months after I turned 8. I remember getting dressed at home in my white baptismal dress. Mother had put my hair into long curls. I remember the beauty of the earth on the long ride to a church member's farm and the gathering of the whole congregation on the bank of the sheep's pond, as 5 of us (about the same ages) made our covenant. I especially remember them singing "Ye Must Be Born Again" at the water's edge. After the baptism, we had a basket dinner and I remember the feed sack dress that had purple and white flowers on it and having my hair braided and sitting in a tree and thinking that I never wanted to do anything wrong ever again! That afternoon, chairs were brought outside and put under a shade tree and we were confirmed.

Q: What two influences would you say may have had the greatest impact in leading you to seek out a relationship with Christ?

A: When a child, I remember the adults sitting around the table at our house, talking about the gospel and the signs of the times. It made an impression on me and I knew that I wanted to be on the winning side. I also remember the missionaries that came to spend a week in our congregation, preaching every night and visiting in as many homes as they could during the day. The testimonies they shared of miracles that took place made me desire to live so that I could experience them too. World Conference Youth prayer services and the testimonies that I heard were wonderful too! I believe that by going to church regularly and paying attention to what was said impacted me a lot.

Q: Your husband died a couple of years ago. How did you and he face the possibility of his death? Were there any particular scriptures you found to be of comfort?

A: We knew he was in God's hands. We knew that if God didn't intervene, his time would be limited. We just took it one day at a time and depended upon our family, church family and friends for their prayers and support. That meant so much!! I don't recall any particular scriptures at that time, but I just had faith that God was mindful of us and everything would be okay – whatever His will was for Merle. There was a victory and a marvelous healing at his passing. God is good!

Q: What districts and/or stakes of Zion have you been a member of?

A: Kaw Valley District (in Kansas) for 15 years, Central Missouri Stake (in Warrensburg MO ) for 17 years and Lamoni Stake for nearly 20 years.

Q: Have you ever been a conference delegate? If yes, which conferences were the most memorable and why?

A: I believe I was a delegate two different times at the RLDS church. I was a delegate the year that women in the priesthood was introduced. My most memorable conference was in April 2008, when a General Conference convened and the presidents of seventy were set apart and more seventy were called. The spirit that was present there was tremendous and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it.

Q: Our congregation has recently voted to join the conference of restoration branches in an effort to more closely align with those of like faith, and protect the distinctives unique to the restored gospel. What opportunities and pitfalls do you see before the church throughout the world at this juncture in our history?

A: I believe that by coming together with many branches, the missionary effort is going to blossom, as the saints make their financial accounting and pay their tithing. I believe that when I voted to support the work of the Joint Conference of Restoration Branches, I made a commitment to change my life by striving to more fully be obedient to the commandments of God. I knew I had to be even more prayerful, keep the Word of Wisdom, sanctify my home, keep the financial law and more. The only pitfall I can see is IF we do not change our lives, thus hindering the work we are called to do. It is an exciting time, if we will rise to the challenge!!

Q: It is said by some that God places unique desires within each of us - that if followed, they will lead us to greater joy and fulfillment in our lives. Are there inner desires you have acted on that have led you to find that joy? Are there others you would like to act on?

A: When I was about 13 years old, I wanted to be close to the Lord. I allowed him to mold my every thought and deed. In everything, I could feel his presence and it brought me such joy. This lasted for several months. Unfortunately, I did not keep it up and I have desired that I might attain it once again. I have a desire to help people and to organize a group of people to move out and do for people what they are not able or can't afford to do for themselves. I hope to be able to do that in the years ahead.

Q: What are you favorite past-times? What lead you to an interest in those things?

A: I love the old Broadway musicals. I saw "South Pacific" at Starlight when I was 16 and fell in love with them. I was able to see many musicals there. I love music (particularly enjoy directing choirs). I like to sew, which allows me to be creative. I find entertaining people in my home makes me happy. I also love to cook - but only if there are people who like to eat what I cook. I also enjoy traveling around this great country of ours.

Q: Many people say that no one makes biscuits like you do. What is your secret?

A: I think you just have to practice. The secret is not to handle the dough very much and to make sure there is enough moisture so they aren't stiff to handle (nor too wet).

Q: You live in a designated stake of Zion . Do you feel more of a desire to remain here and help strengthen/build-up this stake, or gather to Independence ( Missouri ) and help in the work there?

A: I am feeling that I need to move to Independence. I am hoping to be there to assist others when they want to come and to help with the work of the church in any way that I can. I hope to be a positive, non-back-biting influence.

Q: What was your chosen career? Did you find it fulfilling?

A: I always wanted to be a Mother above all!! I thought of teaching music but was afraid I wouldn't be able to do the theory, so didn't pursue it even though music is still a great love. After we had four children, I went to school to become a Cosmetologist (hair stylist). In the 38 years of one-on-one association with hair clients, I have formed many close friendships and had wonderful conversations, often being able to share my beliefs in the Lord with them. I must say that I DO find styling hair very fulfilling.

Q: How many children do you have? What is one of the best things you have found about being a mother?

A: I have 5 wonderful children: Rachel, Barbra, Richard, Diane and Michael. The most fulfilling thing about being their mother, is that they all love the Lord and most of them are active in going to church and striving to live good lives. It makes me happy when they share their musical talents in service to the Lord. My greatest desire is that we all make it to the Kingdom.

Q: Looking back over the accomplishments of your life, with what are you most pleased?

A: My children.

Q: If you were going to sing a duet with Jesus and He asked you to pick the music, what would you choose?

A: O How Blessed are the Poor in Spirit (a hymn):

O how blessed are the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven
And how blessed are the sad and mournful; they'll be consoled by God

(CHORUS)
Blessed and happy we shall be. Listen to the Master's word!
Soon the Kingdom's coming watch and see; the Kingdom of the Lord!

O how blessed are the meek and humble; they will inherit the earth.
And how blessed those who hunger for goodness; they all will feast with God.

O how blessed are the mercy givers; such mercy they will receive.
And how blessed are the pure in heart; they surely will see God.

O how blessed are the true peacemakers; they will be known as God's children.
And how blessed those who suffer for justice; they will be honored by God.

Q: Did you have any pets growing up? If so, how did you decide what to name them

A: We had a pony, several dogs (at different times) and lots of cats. I wasn't very creative with names so just named them whatever came to mind.

Q: If you could ask God any two questions and get a straight answer, what would they be?

A: (Knowing my limited abilities), what am I able to do for furthering the work to build up Zion? How and when is the work of sharing the Gospel with the Lamanites in this country going to take place?

Q: If you were to come into a large sum of cash, what would you do with it?

A: First I would pay the tithing, then I would look to see the needs around and make an effort to help others.

Q: Upon entering the gates of heaven, who are some of the first souls you'd like to have greet you?

A: My three grandparents that I never knew/remembered, my sister who died at 7 months, my Aunt who was killed by a train at age 13, my Mom and Dad, my two brothers, my friend Valerie and Merle.