Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba Sithi uhm ingonyama

A week ago today, I went to see The Lion King at the Capitol Theater in SLC with my mom and little sister. It was a wonderful experience!!!! Before going to the play, we went out to dinner and then spent some time on temple square.
During the first song of the play (The Circle of Life), all of these dancers/actors/singers came out with these AMAZING costumes. I cried, it was so beautiful! No, I was not bawling, but my eyes started watering, and I was just so happy. :) It was then that I realized that when I do finally make it to Africa, I am going to cry as soon as I can see the land from my plane window. It will be a blessed experience--one I've been waiting for most of my life. Oh how I loved the play! All of the characters were portrayed so well, and the music was oustanding. Who knew a play based off a cartoon of wild animals could be so amazing?
Thank you Mom for giving me that outstanding experience! It's right up there with Wicked for me :)

the Utah Valley Childrens Choir

In my previous post, I talked about my little sister being in the Utah Valley Childrens Choir. Here are some pictures of her performing with them a couple months ago :) The pictures are a little fuzzy because I was clear in the back of the tabernacle, but they work.

My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee

This song is among my top favorite songs in the whole world. A little over a week ago, I was struggling through a hard time. My heart ached, and I could not hold back tears from my sorrows. Last Sunday, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to my little sisters choir performance with the Utah Valley Childrens Choir (their pre-tour concert). They sang this song, and I wept. It was just what I needed to hear. With my dads arm around me, I felt completely comforted for the first time in days after hearing this song.

This video is an outstanding and miraculous rendition of the song, and I hope you all will listen carefully to words, and let the message sink in. Gods kindness will NEVER depart from us. Fear not man, for he cannot hurt thee. I testify that God lives, and that the Son, Jesus Christ lives. They love us all so dearly. Hold on your way. I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, the one who provided the infinite Atonement for us that we may always be comforted in our trials, Amen.

It's Only the World

I've been goin down memory lane lately, particularly with Ambassadors my junior year of high school. One of the songs we sang that year was "Only the World" by Mandisa (she was on American Idol a few years back). I absolutely love that song! Our soloist was Sheii Preece (what an amazing vocalist!). I'll admit, there are some days--like today--when I'm alone at the house and I just belt that song out, pretending I was as awesome as Sheii ;) Alas, I am not Sheii, but I still love the song anyway. You can find Sheii soloing (is that a word?) for our group here (on youtube). You can also find more of our numbers if you search Ambassadors 2008 Grand Champions on youtube :)

Julie Andrews

I simply love Julie Andrews! After looking outside and the gray sky today, I couldn't help but think of the song My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music.



Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Julie Andrews 1

Julie Andrews 2

Julie Andrews 3
Julie Andrews 4

Julie Andrews 5

Raindrops on Rose(s)

Bright Copper Kettles

Warm Wollen Mittens

Girls in White Dresses with Blue Satin Sashes

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String

Testifying through Music

I love those Sundays where the music sung throughout the day touches your heart and strengthens your testimony. Today was one of those days for me. Although, I admit, I had a difficult time listening to the speakers, the music pierced my heart. One of my all time favorite hymns is I Know that My Redeemer Lives. I love how the song firmly testifies of the existance of Christ and gives such strong confidence to anyone who sings it.
I am so grateful for the power of music. I have truely been blessed with many opportunities to be touched by music, whether it be I am participating in the production or simply listening to it. I pray that we can all learn to appreciate music more, because it truely is a gift from God that we should love and never abuse.

1. Sheet Music

2. Violin

3. Infant Christ

4. Scriptues