Sacred Music Tour: Day 1-Pocatello

I can't contain my excitement for this tour! As general information, I have the blessed opportunity to travel to Pocatello (tonight) to perform the oratorio "Bring Forth My Zion"! For the next three days (today, Friday, and Saturday) I want to record my personal thoughts about this oratorio and how I've felt it bless me in my own life.

Today in Collegiate, as we sang through some of the songs, I had a thought occur to me as we sang through number eight ("He Lives!"). The lyrics--where I had my thought--are this: "For we saw him, heard him, and we know that He lives! He lives, and we know He lives!" That is repeated several times at the very end! Even as I sang these words, I thought to myself "Well, I haven't seen Him with my physical eyes, nor have I heard His voice physically. So, how do I know that He lives?" Well, after some thought, this is how I've concluded that I know He lives; true, I haven't seen God physically in my life. However, I have seen His hand in my life every day! He has blessed me so much (sometimes more than I think I deserve) with a loving family, wonderful friends, and best of all His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who was willing to die for me so that I may return to my Heavenly Father one day. I also have not heard His physical voice, but I have heard the men that He has called to guide and direct me today. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God! I know that, in the year 1820, God did in fact appear to a young boy who had a question about which church was true. That young boy, Joseph Smith, was then guided and directed by God to restore the true church on the earth! I know that God speaks through His prophets today.

Because of these simple things that I know and believe to be true, I know and believe that He--Jesus Christ--lives! Not only did He live in ancient times, but He lives even today! He died for the sins of every individual on this earth. I don't think saying "He died for the sins of the world" because I feel that is too general. Although it is true, I know that He died for each of us individually!

            Well, day one is over. I can’t believe it! We came to the Stephens Center at Idaho State University. I felt more than excited to get off of the bus and sing! The building was absolutely beautiful! The architecture and the cleanliness was fantastic! I wish I had pictures of it, but I did not. We went into their beautiful auditorium and sang through a few of the rough spots. As we sang through, I couldn’t help but think about my own testimony of this work. I wouldn’t say it is weak, but I didn’t feel it was as strong as I would like it to be.

            We then went for dinner at a nearby Stake center; it was a very quick bite. We were then asked to quickly change and get ready for the concert. I was so excited; I’m surprised I didn’t explode from all of the excitement! We got ready to take the stage, and it got a little hectic. We weren’t lined up, so we decided to just walk on (it wasn’t something that we had really thought of before, because in the BYU-Idaho Center and in Salt Lake, we won’t be entering). I quickly realized how much I appreciated the chairs in the I-Center, we had to stand for the duration of the oratorio. Almost as quickly, I didn’t really care! I could feel the spirit as soon as the music started.

            As we went through, there were a few of the songs that really touched me. The first one was movement 3, “The Love of God”. It had never really touched me as much as it did tonight. I could almost imagine my Heavenly Father sitting in the audience just smiling at the orchestra and choir, Several times through out the piece, I felt like He was hugging me or smiling at me. I truly believe that He was there with us. This performance I completely dedicate to Him, this entire TOUR I dedicate to my loving Heavenly Father!

            The second piece that really touched me was movement 4, “O Ye Fair Ones”. That one has always been really touching, but I did actually cry! Tears were coming out from my eyes! The spirit was so powerful! I couldn’t help but ask myself “How many times have I rejected the Savior, who stood with open arms?” and my heart sank as I realized I have done is several times. I felt horrible and close to nothing as I thought of those times, whether they were intentional or not (there weren’t many intentional). As we moved into the section about Joseph Smith, my heart was overwhelmed with the thought of repentance. I have the wonderful blessing of being able to repent any time of the day! What greater blessing is there? I submit that there isn’t one!

            The other movement that really touched me was movement 8, “He Lives!” As I mentioned earlier, I had a completely different mindset when I sang it this time. Remembering that I have seen Him, I see Him in my life daily. I have heard Him; He has sent prophets and leaders to guide me today! I know that my Redeemer lives!!

Faith in Every Footstep

What a beautiful Sunday! This has been the best weather I've seen in Rexburg for several days! The sun was shining, it was warm, the wind was calm, and there was a beautiful spirit! Today I had the blessed opportunity to sing at a CES Fireside. Elder Quinton L. Cook spoke, and something that stood out to me was "What e'er thou art, act well thy part." (Shakespeare) It really made me think about who I want to be and what I am. I love knowing that I'm a daughter of God, and knowing that I really need to go and show that in my countenance.
As a combined choir (the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers, Men's Choir, and Women's Choir) we sang two songs: "Guide Us O, Thou Great Jehovah" and "Faith in Every Footstep" The first piece is an arrangement done by Mack Wilberg and the latter is an arrangement that is part of the oratorio we are singing this semester written by K. Newell Dayley. "Faith in Every Footstep" also had parts of the song "A Marvelous Work" It was fantastic!
I've been thinking about the lyrics to this hymn, "Faith in Every Footstep". I think that, in my life, I need to walk more in faith. During church, I looked up the definition of "faith"and part of the definition included "confidence". Whenever I think of "confidence" I think of a constant trust; I don't think I'm very constant on trusting in the Lord. There are times when I do, but there are times when I don't. I want to trust in the Lord more consistently and have Him be first in my life. I know that, if I do that, I can have the Lord more in my life and feel the spirit more.

Bring Forth My Zion

Oh my goodness, what a great day today has been! Such a tender mercy for me! I went to my classes today and got quite a bit done! At 2:00, my friend Mike had put together a Forum Hour Naptime! It was from 2:00-3:00pm (which is Forum hour here). Not many people actually ended up taking naps, but six people pulled up benches, laid on the floor with blankets and pillows (Mike even had an eye mask thing), and they took a nap for an hour! It was kind of funny to watch them do that! The next hour I got to babysit Tony; it was a blast! We played on the stairs most of the time, but we also played on the elevator, listened to Kameron sing his version of "Book of Mormon Stories" (for our Ed. Psych class), and just played around in the Fishbowl.

However, the greatest thing today had to be studying the Oratorio with Cassandra. We met up at about 6:00pm and started sharing thoughts about the oratorio (it's called "Bring Forth My Zion"). We were supposed to get through Mvts. 1B, 2, 3B, 4, and 7. We only got through 3B! But it was such a good discussion, it wasn't even just about the oratorio; we also talked about life in general and how we are doing. Our stresses, concerns, successes, and so on. It was a powerful discussion. One of the funniest things happened as we were studying. Cassandra was telling me about some things she was struggling with; well, her scriptures were open and the pages slowly started to fall. She made a comment on it and as soon as they fell, she put her hand in to see what scriptures were on those pages. She started moving her finger around the page and told me to say "when". We landed on the scripture Exodus 26:15 that saying:

"And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of Shittim wood standing up."
I then looked at her and said, "Cassandra, we're going to build temples . . . our homes!" She made the most amazed face I had ever seen and then exclaimed, "Out of Shittim wood!" Ha, it was such a riot! But, I am ever so happy for her friendship! I love her to pieces and am so grateful for the wonderful example she is to me!

Tonight I also got my Endorsement (which basically is an interview with the Bishop saying that I will continue to live the Honor Code both here at BYU-Idaho and wherever I go). As we waited for the Bishop, I had a wonderful conversation with one of the girls in my ward about the ward choir (of which I am the conductor) and she even said she would start coming! After I had my interview, we (Cami and I) talked to the executive secretary (Cameron) for a few minutes! It was one of the funniest conversations I've ever had in my life! I'm all done with homework tonight, and I'm trying to decide what to do with myself . . . maybe practice! That's right, 9:38pm and I'm thinking about going and practicing!

I'm on my journey home; so bring on the rain!

Saturday was quite a busy day! I had the blessed opportunity to be a part of my first BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singer's Invitational! We invited two high schools from Utah to come up as well as Rigby, ID high school. Prior to my call time (3:00pm) I focused on getting my brass arrangement done for my Scoring and Arranging class. I was planning on arranging "Before the Parade Passes By" from the musical Hello, Dolly! (that changed a little later, but I'll explain that later). At 2:00 I ended up sitting in on one of the workshops that the high school students got to do. Man, they've got talent! They all had such a mature and blended sound (especially for a high school choir). Brother Kempton was the person in charge of the workshop; as they sang, he talked about telling a story as they sang. He then said this, "If you're not having fun, then you're missing part of the point of music. Music is fun!" I think it's completely true, music is so much fun!

At 3:00, all three high school choirs and the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers got together to practice the two numbers that we did together ("Zion's Walls" by Aaron Copland and "Amazing Grace" arr. by Mack Wilberg). After that rehearsal we had dinner together; I really stepped out of my comfort zone and tried talking to as many of the high school students (and sometimes their parents) as I could. It was a blast! I got fairly close to a particular group from Mapleton High School. Then came time to perform! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself! We listened to all of the high schools sing and then it was our turn! We sang nine songs on our own ("Guide Us O, Thou Great Jehovah", "La Nuit en Mer", "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord", "Vinea Mea Electa", "Chariots", "Crossin' Ovah", "Little Man in a Hurry", "Inward Stillness", and "No Time"). There was one particular song we sang that really stood out to me, it was "No Time".

As we sang, I had a chance to look out at the audience and see the girls from Mapleton High School, that I had become so close to, crying. I assumed it was because they were Seniors and "No Time" is kind of a farewell song. I was able to smile at them and continue to sing. It wasn't until after the concert that I found out the real reason for their tears. At the beginning of the school year, Oct. 2011, three of their friends were taking pictures on train tracks. They heard a train coming and moved to avoid it, however they didn't realize that another train was coming from the opposite direction. All three girls were hit by the train, but only two died (as far as I know). The choir, at the girls' funeral, sang "No Time". I am so grateful I got to connect with them through that song and to provide a little bit of comfort for them. 

Sunday was also fairly busy; I had a ward choir practice, church (I taught Relief Society), I had to finish my brass arrangement, and then a Chamber Choir practice. While I was working on my brass arrangement, I had reached a dead end. I went through my music again to see if there was anything else I could do; there was! I ended up changing it to "Til There Was You" from The Music Man. As I arranged it, I realized that "What a Wonderful World" fit in perfectly with it, so I put it in there! It ended up being one of my better arrangements I believe. Then Monday was insane! I had classes from 7:45am-2:00, but I didn't get a break until about 11:00pm! I was asked if I would sing in Master Class about an hour before class; my voice wasn't doing too well, but I decided to do it anyway. Then, the Chamber Choir sang in the STAR Recital (we sang "Kyrie", from Mass in G Minor by R. Vaughan Williams and "Ubi caritas", by Durufle). I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed and stressed (because of that, I've decided that I need to start meditating more frequently). The only homework I did on Monday was writing my Music Literature III paper; it took me from 6:30pm-10:30pm to write it. Fortunately, I had all of the research done, so I just needed to compile that information with what I learned. But it was still insane! As soon as I submitted my paper, I felt a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders; two of my huge projects were done! Again, I feel so blessed for the Lord's help in keeping me at least semi-sane for all of that.

The past two days, however, I've had close melt-downs. Yesterday the Collegiate Singers sang in Devotional; we sang "Blessed Are They/Bring Forth My Zion" from the oratorio we are doing this semester! I am so grateful for that opportunity I had to share my testimony with students at BYU-Idaho that, "If they endure unto the end, they shall be lifted up at the last day." I needed to hear that; with the Lord, all things are possible! I need to remember to trust in Him and He will guide me, I just need to endure. Today was another "melt-down" day though; it was my busy day in terms of classes, but I also had clean-checks and another performance with the Chamber choir. Right before the Chamber choir sang, I was speaking with my friend Cassandra. We both are going through some tough times and it was nice to feel her love and support! I'm so grateful for the friends I have, both here and in other places in the world. As I walked home, I was setting goals in my mind about how I was going to overcome this overwhelmed feeling. Ultimately I've concluded to two things I'd like to do:

1. Put the Lord first in my life, and

2. Meditate at least twice a day (morning and night)

I'm praying that all goes well with the meditation, I know I can't go wrong with having the Lord first in my life.  "Tomorrow is another day, and I'm thirsty anyway; so bring on the rain!" (It's from some song, but I don't know which one).

Forget Not that the Lord loves you!

I'm taking time to write about the past week of my life. I'll start on Thursday, Feb. 16th, when I was convinced that I was going to stay up until 3:00am just to get my homework done. As Cami and I were preparing dinner for our roommates, at about 5:30pm, I receive a phone call from an 801 number. I didn't recognize it, but I answered anyway. It was my friend Cody! He asked me if I would like to go see Phedre with him that night. Within three seconds I had two thoughts run through my head:

1. Are you serious? Man, come look at my schedule and see all of the stuff I need to do! You're crazy!
2. But, it would be fun! And, my parents probably had a special fast for me to get a date anyway, so I would be denying that special prayer.

I did end up going and it was a much needed break! Phedre is a Greek tragedy, however I laughed incredibly hard during the first act! I hadn't laughed that hard for a little while, and it felt really good to laugh like that! During the intermission, Cody made one of the coolest noises I've ever heard anybody do with their mouth; he sounded like a cricket!! Like, the cricket noises in movies when somebody tells a joke, but either nobody gets it or it isn't funny! It was awesome! During the second act, it was a little heavier (this was where the real "tragedy" stuff started to happen). There's a scene where Theseus yells at his son, and then there was an awkward silence while the actors voice rang in the black-box. Cody then leaned over to me and quietly made the cricket noise! I let out a laugh; I'm hoping nobody heard me . . . if they did, I hope they knew why I was laughing. All-in-all it was an awesome date! I went home and was immediately snapped back into reality when I realized how much I needed to do. But, I didn't care! I was--and am--so grateful for that date!

I ended up staying up until about 2:00am and planning to get up at 4:30am to finish said homework. Well, I ended up sleeping through my alarm until about 6:15am. As soon as I woke up, I knelt down and prayed that Heavenly Father would help me feel His spirit that day and that I would have energy to go throughout the entire day! I had a class at 7:45am so I knew I wouldn't be able to get too much done. I went to class and ended up skipping my next class to finish some other homework. That ended up being a huge tender mercy for me though! In the class I skipped, I didn't miss anything; it was all review for a test we had coming up. At the "end of the day" (being about 3:00pm) I suddenly felt most, if not all, of my energy leave me! The Lord blessed me with energy to go to all of my classes! What another wonderful tender mercy!

I then got to go home for the weekend which was another blessing in my life! I loved spending time with the fam and seeing a few old friends! On Sunday, as I left one of the most amazing sacrament meetings I had ever been to, I ran into Devin (King). He greeted me quite enthusiastically and gave me a hug--a hug that, I admit, I needed! Those few days reminded me that the Lord loves me; just by those small and simple things, I was reminded that God cares about me! Not only does He care about me, but He wants me to be happy. Yes, there are going to be times when I go through a hard time, but He is always there walking beside me. I listened to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk called "Forget Me Not" and I just couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of love enveloping me! Despite my trials and tribulations, I know that God loves me with all of His heart and I refuse to forget it!

"If You're Not Enjoying the Journey . . ."

There are days in my life when I feel really crumby . . . there are also days in my life where I can't contain what joy I'm feeling. Today is neither one of those days; I'm feeling quite neutral and just content. Honestly, that feeling scares me a little bit. That feeling doesn't accompany some people that I'm around . . . but I think I'm letting it influence me far too much. I stumbled upon this quote by Joe Tye (CEO and head coach of Values Coach Inc.) that says: "If you're not enjoying the journey, you probably won't enjoy the destination." I thought about that and how I've been feeling that past few days. There are times when I'm really frustrated and I don't enjoy the journey or everything that is going on in my life. I'm trying to change that . . . and it's difficult sometimes! But, I'm going to enjoy the journey, because I ultimately know that my destination is going to bring me ultimate happiness!
Today has been a crazy day! I woke up at about 4:45am so that my roommate and I could go to the gym at 5:00am. We went for about 45mins-1hr. and it felt so good! After that, I had classes from 7:45am-3:00pm--at least, that would have been the normal schedule. Instead, my 11:30 (Preparation for Eternal Marriage) was cancelled! However, I quickly filled that hour with practice for Collegiate. Then I had a break from 3:00-4:30 where I attempted to do some homework. I actually got quite a bit done . . . but not nearly as much as I had hoped! Then from 4:30-6:00 I went to one of the greatest Master Classes' I've ever been to!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love!

This semester has been such a fun one thus far. I haven't written in a little while, so I have some catching up to do. A few weeks ago I had my first official performance with the BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers. We sang at the Gem State Honor Choir performance and it was a blast! We sang "Chariots", "Vinea Mea Electa" and "Zion's Walls". There were different high schools that came around from all over Idaho that shared the experience with us; they were phenomenal!!! We got to speak to some of them afterward and they were so much fun to interact with and talk to them about our choir experiences both in high school and here at school.
The following weekend (last weekend), I had the Barbershop Festival. I was so sad that my quartet couldn't participate, but I had been asked to help the BYU-Idaho Women's Choir in the concert. That entire week was very difficult for me because of the time that was required. I had to learn my songs for Collegiate, my solo music, as well as the songs for Barbershop. However, it was worth every second of it! The quartet Crossroads came and performed, and it was the funniest thing I've ever seen/heard in my life! The Men's Choir was also a highlight of the concert . . . then again, they typically are. My favorite song that they sang was "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".
This past week has been quite fun as well! I have been up late and trying to get all of my homework done, but it has been quite difficult. However, I was reminded how much the Lord's hand is truly in my life. I had a continuous feeling that I was in a "fillers" position and that people only "loved me for a price". It was one of the worst feelings I've had in a little while. I hate the feeling of people loving me, but only when it is convenient for them. However, throughout the week, people have been telling me that they love me. Not only did they say that, but they didn't have a music question or a problem or anything; they just wanted to express their love for me. I absolutely love tender mercies and the Lord in my life.