During our trip during Spring Break, my daughter and I listened to most of the last book of The Saints (Vol. 4). The stories were so moving and touching. So many of the events reported in this volume were from my lifetime. Many I remembered. And some I was even witness to. I only spent 6 years singing with the Tabernacle Choir, but so many thrilling events were announced or took place during General Conferences where I was singing in the loft of the Conference Center. It brought back such impactful personal memories.
Most of the stories were about people in parts of the world where the presence of the Church is still very new. Most of the people were new converts who had such struggles building the kingdom in their part of the world. They were and are such pioneers! I marvel at their faith and perseverance.
When I think of my pioneer ancestry, I marvel at what they gave up for membership in the Church and how they stayed faithful even in their storms of life. Many pushed on even after they lost loved ones crossing the plains. They homesteaded in the deserts of Utah and Idaho. They served missions and helped make the desert blossom as a rose. Many of my ancestors were musicians and loved singing praises to God even in their trials.
I like to think that we are all pioneers in our own ways. When we accept callings and raise faithful families we are doing our part in building up of the kingdom of God on the earth. When we share our testimonies of the Savior it helps strengthen others. We can each do our part.
Sermons and testimonies can also be shared through song. Occasionally I have been surprised when visiting Sacrament Meetings when I'll hear one of my songs being performed by a choir or group. Once when my husband and I were serving in a singles stake at BYU, I was in the hallway and heard a song being performed that I recognized.
When I think of my pioneer ancestry, I marvel at what they gave up for membership in the Church and how they stayed faithful even in their storms of life. Many pushed on even after they lost loved ones crossing the plains. They homesteaded in the deserts of Utah and Idaho. They served missions and helped make the desert blossom as a rose. Many of my ancestors were musicians and loved singing praises to God even in their trials.
I like to think that we are all pioneers in our own ways. When we accept callings and raise faithful families we are doing our part in building up of the kingdom of God on the earth. When we share our testimonies of the Savior it helps strengthen others. We can each do our part.
Sermons and testimonies can also be shared through song. Occasionally I have been surprised when visiting Sacrament Meetings when I'll hear one of my songs being performed by a choir or group. Once when my husband and I were serving in a singles stake at BYU, I was in the hallway and heard a song being performed that I recognized.
A friend had asked me once to write a flute part to "There Is a Green Hill Far Away" for her Ward Choir to sing for Easter. She didn't want any embellishment to the vocal parts. They had to stay the same as in the hymnbook. I put it together and gave it to her thinking that it was not that unusual, but she liked it all right.
So, I went ahead and included it on my website. That's why I was so surprised when I heard it sung by that BYU ward choir. Sometimes the simplest additions are just perfect. A simple testimony of Jesus Christ for Easter. Emjoy
So, I went ahead and included it on my website. That's why I was so surprised when I heard it sung by that BYU ward choir. Sometimes the simplest additions are just perfect. A simple testimony of Jesus Christ for Easter. Emjoy
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